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Deficient Bridges in Pennsylvania (Update)
2007-09-07 21:12:00
The Morning Call published an article today about the Thomas J. McCall Memorial Bridge, which allows traffic to cross the Lehigh River and connects Lehighton and Weissport in Carbon County. This bridge is just one of 54 in Pennsylvania that was ordered for inspection by the Federal Government in attempts of avoiding another fatal collapse.The article included more details about how deficient bridges are scored. Below are a couple of paragraphs from the article:"Bridges with ratings of 0 to 49 are eligible for federal funding to replace them, and those with ratings of 50 to 79 are eligible for money for renovations."The Thomas J. McCall Memorial Bridge scored a 29.1 out of a possible 100 in August, 2006. The score has remained the same."Bridge components are also rated on a separate scale of 0-9, with 0 being the worst. The [Thomas J. McCall Memorial Bridge] deck and superstructure are rated ''fair,'' with a 5, and the substructure is rated at 4, or ''poor,'' with advanced de...
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Bombs Over... America?
2007-09-06 06:02:00
This isn't going to be a long post about how our military forces have been basically on a downfall since W. took over as President of the United States. Instead, I'm just gonna ask one question. But before my question, read the opening paragraph from this AP article by Pauline Jelinek:"WASHINGTON - A B-52 bomber was mistakenly armed with six nuclear warheads and flown for more than three hours across several states last week, prompting an Air Force investigation and the firing of one commander, Pentagon officials said Wednesday."All I want to know is how often this type of accident actually happens without the media's attention?And to think, our government has the nerve to try and control the nuclear programs of other nations when they can't even control our own!Click here for the article in its entirety.
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FOX News: Are They Really Racist, Or Just A Bunch Of Idiots? Or Both? (Vide
2007-09-04 06:10:00
I watch a ton of videos on YouTube that show how FOX News is bias in favor of anything pro-Republican. They constantly attack Democrats, such as they did here against Congressman Robert Wexler, who was running unopposed in the November election. (I strongly suggest you all watch that video.)I've stayed away from posting negatives about FOX News for nearly two years now. However, I came across a video that I thought deserved some attention. And even more-so, I am curious to know what other people think of it.Check it out:
More About: Idiots , Fox News , Racist , Ally

Vick Is Guilty - Opinions & Comments
2007-09-01 20:42:00
My apologies for the lack of updates. I've been working extended hours (thankfully) and classes have resumed for the fall. I'll do my best to get some more posts up in the coming week. I just need some time to adjust again...I have, however, opinionated on the Vick circus over at my Sports Blog. Basically, Vick's mother is an idiot and his father is a douche bag. I posted my thoughts on some comments they have both made, as well as Vick himself. Below is a paragraph from the blog:"But the biggest disappointment is none other than Michael Vick. Yes, he has apologized, but does he really understand what he is apologizing for? He claimed his innocence and insisted that his "good name" was not involved with dogfighting. But immediately after he finally admitted his guilt - after he realized that there was nothing else he could do to avoid prosecution - he apologizes and finds God?"You can read the post in its entirety by clicking here. Comments can also be posted there.
More About: Opinions , Guilty

PETA Wants To Euthanize Vick's Dogs
2007-08-23 03:16:00
I received a bunch of hate mail the last time I blogged about PETA. I can only imagine what is about to come...It was reported in a recent article that none of the 53 pit bulls taken from Michael Vick's house have been adopted. What is PETA's solution? Euthanize them!"These dogs are a ticking time bomb," Daphna Nachminovitch, a spokeswoman for PETA, told reporters. "Rehabilitating fighting dogs is not in the cards. It's widely accepted that euthanasia is the most humane thing for them."So let me get this straight... this organization, in recent weeks, has extensively protested against Michael Vick and the NFL for subjecting animals to such violence and torture. They completely disagree with Vick's actions, and although he is going to admit his guilt, the organization is continuing their fight with the NFL to have stricter animal abuse policies. Yet, the only solution they can come up with on what to do with the victimized dogs is to murder them!?Well listen here Nachminovitch: Y...
More About: Dogs , Peta

Beware Americans: The Chinese Continue Their Progrss Towards World Dominati
2007-08-21 16:38:00
Over a year ago, I wrote of a theory I had about the Chinese planning world domination. I came up with the theory after I received a fortune cookie that read "A good way to keep healthy is to eat more Chinese food." It was my belief that the Chinese, and the kin of Chinese, were planning some type of economic take-over in order to buy "some type of super nuclear bomb that will give us aids and turn us into Muppets!"Some called me an idiot. Others ran for the hills. But today, I believe my theory is holding truth...A recent fortune cookie I had read "Attend to business today. Leave that street-side flower alone." What the hell does that mean!?Here are two possibilities: That "fortune" was some type of secret communication. The fortune cookie was meant for someone else, but lucky us, I received it instead.This "fortune" was meant to confuse the hell out of us so that the Chinese could move forward with their plans of a super bomb without being noticed.Well, people, I'm not taking any...
More About: World , Americans , Beware , Mina

Deficient Bridges - We're Doomed! (Update)
2007-08-19 22:33:00
Bridges are apparently scored on a scale of 0-100. The Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge scores a 2, which is obviously not very good! So what is being done to improve it? Well, let's just say those efforts also score a 2...According to an article recently published by The Morning Call, state officials released a report that rated the Hokendauqua bridge one of the worst in Pennsylvania! By the way, this bridge also mirrors the one that collapsed in Minneapolis.But instead of working to improve its condition, or even replace it, Lehigh County has decided to fund the Linden St. bridge instead. Below are a few sentences from the article, written by Dan Hartzell: "Commissioner Chairman Percy H. Dougherty, the only board member to vote no [on providing $5.5 million to repair the Linden Street Bridge], said recently he stands by that decision."Though reduced from two lanes of traffic to one, the Linden bridge is in better shape than others -- Hokendauqua, for example -- and there's an...
More About: Bridges , Update , Doomed

Illegal Immigration - Can It Be Stopped?
2007-08-15 00:15:00
The Associated Press reported today that former New York City mayor and Presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani has vowed "to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States by closely tracking visitors to the country and beefing up border security."In this day and age, is that even possible? It seems like such a lost cause, but I believe it can be done!I hate that people have to migrate here illegally. I'll admit that I don't quite understand why people can't join our nation legally. Is it difficult? Do people just not know how to do so?I agree that we should have a top-notch tracking system for all immigrants, especially those visiting. However, I believe we should find the reasons for the illegal immigration first, and try to correct them. (Note: If anyone has info on this, please comment or e-mail me. I haven't been able to find much yet.)For the article on Giuliani's illegal immigration solution, click here.(Image found here through a Google Image search.)
More About: Illegal Immigration , Immigration , Illegal

Make It A Law...
2007-08-14 01:55:00
I thought I would post a quick opinion/rant of a law that I believe should be...While at the pumps today - paying $33 to fill-up my 4 cylinder - I had to wait in a line that shouldn't have been. It never fails to amaze me how people can be so inconsiderate.I'm sure everyone has witnessed it on more than one occasion. Someone fills-up their tank and proceeds to use the filling space as a parking space, not allowing anyone else to fill-up until the douche bag finishes their shopping.I think it should be against the law to use the fill-up space as a parking space, especially when there are plenty of other parking spaces available! Apply the same set of fines and consequences that currently apply to parking in a handicap space. These types of people need to realize that the world doesn't revolve around them.Feel free to post your own opinions or experiences. I think this is something we will likely all agree on to some degree.
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Goodbye Bad Cop, Hello Kitty
2007-08-07 06:07:00
Should embarrassing punishments be considered ethical?In Bangkok, Thailand, police officers who break the rules will be forced to wear Hello Kitty armbands as punishment.The AP reports that cops caught breaking rules, such as littering or illegally parking, will be forced to stay in the office and wear the armband all day!"Simple warnings no longer work. This new twist is expected to make them feel guilt and shame and prevent them from repeating the offense, no matter how minor. ... (Hello) Kitty is a cute icon for young girls. It's not something macho police officers want covering their biceps," Col. Pongpat Chayaphan, acting chief of the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok, told reporters.Perhaps embarrassment is the last line of defense against law breakers. But is it ethical? Should it be allowed? Is it a type of punishment we should definitely adapt here in the United States?Perhaps we already have...One judge in Attalla, Alabama ordered two convicted shoplifters who stole f...
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Pennsylvania Has More Than 5,900 Deficient Bridges, and Does Gov. Rendell C
2007-08-03 11:16:00
If this bridge collapse isn't proof enough that something bad has to happen before any action is taken, then I don't know what is.Reports have been continuous on this horrific incident. One of the latest reports is that there are more than 70,000 bridges rated deficient in the United States! Pennsylvania is among the leaders with more than 5,900 classified as deficient! The Lehigh Valley accounts for a bunch, including three (of 30 state-wide) that mirror the bridge in Minnesota. Below is what was published by The Morning Call (the source being PennDOT):The five-year-old Route 33 bridge that spans the Lehigh River near Interstate 78.The 50-year-old Pennsylvania Turnpike bridge over Mud Run in Carbon County.The 54-year-old Delaware River bridge connecting Milford, Pike County, with Montague Township, N.J.Despite recent happenings, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell was hesitant to order bridge inspections throughout the state, claiming it isn't worth inspecting since it is not yet k...
More About: Bridges , Sylva

SteelStax To Host Musikfest in 2009
2007-08-03 08:46:00
On July 26, The Morning Call published an article about LANTA not honoring the popular unlimited ride pin that is usually issued during Musikfest, a yearly music festival held in historic downtown Bethlehem.On the article's comment forum, conversation erupted more about the actual festival than LANTA's decision to drop the pin. User "Batman" from Sellersville, PA posted the following:"Soon you all will have another complaint about Musikfest,it's where it will be held,at Steel Stax inside the old Bethlehem steel land. Fenced in so they get your $$$$ before you spend a fortune on beer and food. The first 5 years of the fest was perfect not too crowded and only the locals went,no beer lines or bathroom lines. Those were the good old days,they even sold pitchers of beer. Believe me you wont have to complain too much longer,SteelStax and the casino's will see to that. Till then see you all there,I'll be the one with Whiskey in my snapple ice tea:)"It didn't generate much attention, ...
More About: Host , Eels

Who's To Blame: Pedestrians or Drivers?
2007-07-29 20:02:00
News Over Coffee, the Nazareth based media blog, recently reported on the Morning Call article on the safety of of pedestrians in Bethlehem. I couldn't help it; I had to throw in my two cents: "It's great that they are (for the time being) cracking down on not yielding in Bethlehem. BUT, when are they going to start issuing tickets for people who carelessly walk into the street and nearly cause an accident? That seems more the problem..."Perhaps it isn't more the problem, but it is at least 50/50.Go here to read the original blog post, check out the comments, and even leave your own opinion.
More About: Drivers , Blame , Lame

Man Involved In Police Chase Could Be Charged With Deaths In Chopper Collis
2007-07-28 06:01:00
A horrible accident happened Friday in Phoenix, Arizona. Two news helicopters collided while covering a police chase. All four people on board the choppers died. The man involved in the police chase was striking several cars while fleeing, and even driving on the sidewalk at times. During the chase, he carjacked another vehicle after police damaged the one he was driving to its maximum. From there, he barricaded himself inside a house. It took SWAT's involvement in order to capture him.But here's the part I'm not sure is right...The police are suggesting that the man (who's name, by the way, hasn't been released yet) be held responsible for the 4 deaths involved in the chopper collision. Poli ce Chief Jack Harris made the suggestion, and will likely be promoting the idea to investigators."...I think he will be held responsible for any of the deaths from this tragedy," Harris told reporters.I'm no lawyer, but I don't see how the man in the chase had anything to do with the chop...
More About: Deaths , Chase , Chopper

Does President Bush Have A Vendetta With The Lehigh Valley? (Update)
2007-07-27 21:18:00
A couple days ago, it was made public that President Bush plans to veto Charlie Dent's safety proposals. Now, we find out that Bush plans to deny the Valley some other opportunities as well.Bernie O'Hare posted the following on his blog of what Bush plans to do away with:$500,000 to Bethlehem for the construction of a garage and bus terminal along East Third Street in South Side Bethlehem$250,000 for the SteelStax Performing Arts Center.$500,000 for the upgrade of Allentown traffic signals.$250,000 for the expansion of the Allentown Art Museum.Go here for links and to post comments on this subject.
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MySpace: Meet A Sex Offender Today!
2007-07-25 22:26:00
It's no secret that children using MySpace is a dangerously risky activity. But the recent numbers are high enough to scare just about anyone, even those who aren't parents (like myself).AP writer Gary Robertson reported today that MySpace has found more than 29,000 registered sex offenders using the popular network. "I'm absolutely astonished and appalled because the number has grown so exponentially over so short of time with no explanation," Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal told reporters.However, the MySpace chief security officer says that they are "pleased that we've successfully identified and removed registered sex offenders from our site and hope that other social networking sites follow our lead." Isn't it amazing how MySpace has so quickly and proudly mutated themselves from providing hosting and networking services for thousands of sexual predators to being the leading role model for all networking sites alike?For the news article, click here.
More About: Myspace , Today , Offender , Meet , Ender

Lehigh Valley Safety Unimportant To Bush
2007-07-25 21:58:00
Want some proof that President Bush doesn't care about us here in the Lehigh Valley ? Check out the following by Bill Cahir of the Express-Times: "President Bush would veto a spending bill for the U.S. Justice Department and other agencies that would provide $500,000 to purchase 300 secure in-car digital video camera systems for police in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton."U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent released a statement to boast of $1.75 million he obtained for the Lehigh Valley in a bill that would fund anti-crime, U.S. State Department and U.S. Commerce Department programs next year."However, President Bush threatened to kill the bill, and any measure that exceeds his budget request for next year. The Commerce-State-Justice spending plan, worth $53.6 billion overall, surpasses Bush's proposal for fiscal 2008 by 5 percent."Dent, R-Lehigh Valley, did not let the likelihood of a presidential veto dampen his enthusiasm. He said police in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and in 32 cooperating l...
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Impeach Dick Cheney (Video)
2007-07-25 05:28:00
I've had a semi-logical theory (for a while now) that the only reason President Bush has not been impeached, or the target of an assassination attempt, is because nobody wants to see Vice President Dick Cheney in charge. And let's face it, the two times Cheney has been in charge were scary enough!So how do we fix this problem? Impeach Cheney!
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A Domestic Partnership Is Not Marriage...
2007-07-23 19:59:00
An Orange County, Ca. Judge ruled that a registered domestic partnership is not considered marriage and ordered a man to pay alimony to his ex-wife, even though she is involved in one.The Associated Press reported:"California marriage laws say alimony ends when a former spouse remarries, and Ron Garber thought that meant he was off the hook when he learned his ex-wife had registered her new relationship under the state's domestic partnership law."An Orange County judge didn't see it that way."The judge ruled that a registered partnership is cohabitation, not marriage, and that Garber must keep writing the checks, $1,250 a month, to his ex-wife, Melinda Kirkwood. Gerber plans to appeal."The case highlights questions about the legal status of domestic partnerships, an issue the California Supreme Court is weighing as it considers whether same-sex marriage is legal. An appeals court upheld the state's ban on same-sex marriage last year, citing the state's domestic partners law and ...
More About: Marriage , Domestic , Ship , Dome , Domestic Partnership

Lehigh Valley Gas Prices (Update)
2007-07-22 07:54:00
I don't have much to add - I just want to quick share what I've seen on the news today, and in person. Contrary to what I've been questioning of our gas prices in the Lehigh Valley , it turns out there is indeed a price war occuring. Schoenersville Rd. has been the battle ground.With the three big chains (WaWa, Hess, & Sheetz) all within a 1-mile stretch, motorists began forming endless lines to get fuel at what is now (sadly) considered an incredible price.When I went to work today, gas was about $2.54. At night when I was driving home, it was at $2.34. One local news station (I forget which one) showed footage when the price dropped down to $2.04! It seems as though the average price for gas throughout the Valley, excluding those stations on Schoenersville Rd., is ranging between $2.75 and $2.95.I love this price war and encourage it to the max and beyond! If anyone has anything to add, please post a comment below.
More About: Gas Prices , Update , Prices

PETA Goes After Michael Vick
2007-07-21 04:21:00
As I was eating a thick and juicy steak while surfing the web, I came across an article about PETA protesting against Michael Vick .Well, it was only a matter of time...Let it be known that I hate the PETA organization. The people involved are nothing but a bunch of lying douche bags and I wish nothing but insect bites and bee stings upon them. My dislike for them goes back to when I was about 16-years-old. I was working at a Wendy's fast food restaurant (while in high school) when a bunch of PETA members began causing a huge traffic problem while handing out fliers with completely false information. But that's a post in it's own...On Friday, about 50 members of PETA protested outside the NFL Headquarters in New York. The chant was "sack Vick." They, along with Sen. John Kerry, have demanded the immediate suspension of Michael Vick . But what right did they have to do so?This is not like the Imus & McGuirk Chronicles. First off, Vick hasn't even been proven guilty yet, so PETA rea...
More About: Peta , Goes

Lehigh Valley Gas Prices
2007-07-18 16:55:00
I still can't figure out why one station only costs $1.479/gallon and another one only a few miles away costs over $3.00!On July 3, The Morning Call reported that AAA expected gas prices to even out over the summer. I know it's only been a couple of weeks, but the prices aren't evening at all. A huge gap still exists.It was also reported in the article that, according to Theresa Podguski, director of public affairs for AAA East Penn, a reason for the cheaper gas at stations such as Wawa, Hess and Sheetz is because they're not dependent on gas to make profits.Well, if that's the case, why would prices ever even out?I'm not saying that Podguski's statement is wrong, but it would seem to prove incorrect the next time Wawa is charging the same amount for gas as Sunoco. I also have to debate her statement because an Exxon/Mobil station on Rt. 191 has been charging $2.919 consistently for quite some time now. They have a full mini-mart w/deli (similar to a Wawa). Why haven't they ...
More About: Gas Prices , Valley , Prices

Bethlehem Police Officer Sues City, Department & Union 6 Days After Lopez
2007-07-17 07:27:00
As if it wasn't bad enough that a paralyzed man, represented by lawyer John P. Karoly Jr., is suing the Bethlehem Police Department , Bethlehem City Police Officer Russell Lande has jumped on the bandwagon. Lande was present during Reynaldo Lopez's beating but did nothing to stop it, except say "tone it down" to an officer allegedly dragging Lopez to the back of a police cruiser.Lande is suing the City of Bethlehem, the Bethlehem City Police Department and its union on nine different counts, including a violation to the Pennsylvania Whistleblowers Law, which allows employees of a public sector to file a civil action against an employer without being discharged, threatened, discriminated, etc.But the reporting by The Morning Call is anything but complete.Though the article says that Lande was subject to "an increasingly hostile work environment," it doesn't specify how or by whom. Though, Commissioner Randall Miller and Lt. David Strawn have been named as defendants in the suit.Lan...
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Woman Faces 12 Years In Prison For Shoplifting & Corrupting Her Children
2007-07-17 03:45:00
I am a bit opinionated about an article I recently read on The Morning Call's website. It's about a woman who could face up to 12 years in prison for shoplifting, among other offenses.Tyra Braden of The Morning Call reported part of the court records:"[Marianne] Mehalshick and two of her children were in the store. Mehalshick held her purse open, and one of the children placed two sodas inside it. Police said Mehalshick and the children picked out and bought "ice[d] tea and slippers and other junk" totaling about $100. Once outside the store, Mehalshick put the sodas in the back seat of her sport utility vehicle."First, who really spends $100 at a Turkey Hill mini mart? And, why steal two sodas after a purchase already worth $100? I'm not saying this isn't legit, but it just seems odd. I understand that stealing is stealing, and stealing isn't right, but this just doesn't equal out.Mehalshick is now facing up to 12 years in jail, which seems a bit extreme. She does have previo...
More About: Children , Faces , Woman , Prison , Years

My Take On Sam Bennett
2007-07-13 03:58:00
Sam Bennett 's salary at Properties of Merit, a non-profit organization, has been cut in half to $55,000 a year. Her original salary was nearly 1/3 of the organizations budget! Whether or not Bennett actually requested the pay cut (which I find hard to believe), here's my take on some recent comments, reporting and blog posts: The latest article by The Morning Call reports that Bennett is "very concerned that this situation might put a cloud over Properties of Merit at this important time when [the organization] is expanding statewide."OK, I don't wanna sound like a jack-ass here, but give me a break! The expense budget of this non-profit organization, that is expanding state-wide, is about $351,000. Bennett was grossing a $110,000 salary! Not only that, I'm not even sure of what this organization does!The only thing Bennett is concerned about is blowing her chances at Congress. And, judging by some of the comments posted on the article, I think it's safe to say her ship has alr...

George W. Bush - American Idiot (Video)
2007-07-11 18:23:00
Here's a video I found on a28.org:
More About: Video , Bush , George W Bush , George W , American

Lawyer John P. Karoly Jr. Sues Again
2007-07-11 10:49:00
Nicole Radzievich of The Morning Call writes:"Lawyer John P. Karo ly Jr., who won a $7.89 million federal court case against Bethlehem three years ago, has filed another civil rights lawsuit against city police, claiming they used excessive force against a paralyzed man during a traffic stop."The $7.89 million resulted from the Hirko settlement, which caused the City of Bethlehem to borrow money and raise taxes in order to pay. (I'll admit, I jumped around on that page and may have missed some details here and there. If I did, correct me.)Karoly's latest claim is that the Bethlehem Police Department used excessive force during a routine traffic stop on a paralyzed man who was caught driving with a suspended license.Reynaldo Lopez, the victim, was not cooperating with police and when he did not follow orders to remain in his vehicle, police used force against him. Lopez was then treated for arm and head injuries.There are 15 total charges being brought against the department, includ...

Buzz Cola A Reality!
2007-07-08 04:46:00
I decided to take a break from criticizing Bush and current events to post about something Jesse will be interested in... Buzz Cola from The Simpsons!I decided to stop at the 7-11 tonight, on Linden St. in Bethlehem, PA, and to my amazement they actually had Buzz Cola! I couldn't believe it! The can pictured is almost exact to the one shown on The Simpsons! On the back of the can, there is even an advertisement for The Simpsons Movie releasing on July 27th!The cola doesn't taste that bad, either. It's not as carbonated as Coke and Pepsi, and it goes down smooth!If anyone knows anywhere else this can be purchased besides 7-11, please post a comment! Also, if anyone finds Duff Beer, please contact me immediately!(Photo credit to Wikipedia. That is not my hand in the picture.)UPDATE: The above mentioned 7-11 now carries Squishees! The photograph to the left is of my most recent purchase. They are also selling tons of Simpsons' merchandise!
More About: Reality , Ality

Bush's Cost of Admission...
2007-07-06 04:37:00
President Bush?s attendance at the Washington Nationals baseball game tonight was symbolic of his presidency: One of the worst presidents ever attending a game of one of the worst baseball teams ever. The two were definitely made for each other.I can?t help it ? every time I see Bush enjoying any recreational activity with a smile on his face, it makes me want to puke and begin punching the wall as if it were his face. The second I saw Bush smiling at the baseball game tonight, I began thinking about the price of his admission ticket, if what Bush speaks of the cost of freedom is true:? 3,589 U.S. soldier?s lives (as of 7/5/07).? Countless psychological problems for soldiers fighting a useless battle, with not enough help or health care being provided to those who need it most.? An increasing U.S. financial debt.? A more-destroyed and victimized United States of America and Iraqi nation.? Diminishing foreign relations.? Et cetera...So, President Bush, did you enjoy the game?
More About: Cost , Missi

Happy 4th of July - Eat Those Dogs!
2007-07-04 16:23:00
It's the 4th of July again. You know what that means -- the 2007 Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest!Takeru Kobayashi has won the contest for the past six years. This year, he has an injured jaw and could fall second to American contestant, Joey Chestnut, who ate 59 1/2 hot dogs about five weeks ago!The contest goes live on ESPN at 11 am EST.Happy Fourth of July Everyone!For the news article on Kobayashi, click here.UPDATE: Chestnut Wins! Record Breaking 66 Dogs ! Click here!