Discussion Groups / English Usage / November 2006

[Not OT 'cause it's about food]

    The World Pie Eating Championship -- not previously known for
    its adherence to the principles of healthy eating -- has been
    rocked by new rules designed to help the fight against
    obesity.
   
    In a break with tradition, contestants in the Wigan-based
    competition will no longer have to eat as many meat and potato
    pies as possible in three minutes.
   
    [...]

    Tony Callaghan, owner of Harry's Bar in Wigan, where the
    competition will be held next month, said: "I realise it may
    be controversial, but this is the way forward for pie eating
    at this level.

    "We will be inviting challengers to consume relatively small
    quantities -- just one regulation pie -- in as short a time as
    possible.

    "It will make for an exciting sporting spectacle, whilst also
    doffing its cap to government-inspired guidelines on obesity."

www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1955143,00.html?gusrc=ticker-103704

"The way forward for pie-eating at this level"? Not even Vinny the
Missing could make this stuff up.