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Notorious B.O.B. Shoudt
Major League Eater and IFOCE Member
Notorious B.O.B. Thoughts
Copyright © 2009 by
Notorious B.O.B. Shoudt
All Rights reserved
Notorious B.O.B. Shoudt
All Rights reserved
Current World Ranking - # 4
6/29/11
Nathan's is finally almost here. This is the main event on our contest schedule and all of the top eaters will be there. I was fortunate enough to qualify this year, just barely. I had the highest non winning total so I got in as the wildcard. Look for me at noon on ESPN with some new bling.
11/2/10
Another contest this weekend. This is the final contest for 2010 on the Isle of Capri circuit. You can check out the whole contest schedule here. Saturdays contest will be the Isle Casino Bettendorf Maid-Rite Sandwich Eating World Championship. The contest goes for 10 minutes in Bettendorf, Iowa at the casino and starts at 2 pm CST. We will be eating Maid-Rite loose meat sandwiches. With $7,500 on the line, the field is going to be packed with eaters from all over. I can't wait as I know that it will be an exciting day for sure.
After this whirlwind day, I get to relax at the Isle Casino Bettendorf. In case you don't know this, on Friday nights from 4 pm - 9 pm their famous Calypso Buffet is only $9.99 (with your players card). Yes $9.99. This is the best buffet deal on the circuit. Choice-cut strip loin and crab legs are headliners, but the the homemade banana cream pie steals the show. If you are looking for me on Friday night, just go to the dessert section. On Saturday, I am going to have to get up early to do extra crunches, but it will be so worth it.
9/2/10
Here is an update to the Nathan's contest. These are just some things that I thought were amusing and/or interesting. The first one is that I was instantly granted the spot as the challenger to Joey, after it came out that Takeru would not be competing. Because of this I was asked to do some things that I normally wouldn't do before Nathan's. I did the hotdog stare down, which is really quite funny. Having to stand there holding a hotdog, staring at Joey, trying to look tough and waiting for about 25 different news people to get the picture really is silly.
After we got off of the stage, my favorite moment happened next. I was standing near the food table that was full of hotdogs and water that was being given out to those in attendance. I was next to Gersh Kuntzman, the orignal competitve eating reporter and probably still the most prominent CE reporter today (after Ken Hoffman from the Houston Chronicle). I realized I was watching what may be the origin of George Shea's quote "Like a jackal on the Serengeti". Gersh was tearing into those free hotdogs. Go Gersh! Next year you should enter a qualifier.
As I was watching this hotdog demolition with amusement, Gersh asked me a question. This question actually threw me for a loop. Here is a reporter that is at a press conference in New York City, asking a question to the person who was just center stage, in the hotdog stare down. The question he asked in a short break between hotdogs was "Could I take a picture of him and his family?" Really? Seriously? Does he want me to take a picture of him and his family so he can remember covering a press conference where I was being promoted or because he was able to get unlimited free hotdogs?
I quickly imagined Gersh to be the sports reporter covering the Yankees. Immediately after Derek Jeter gets off the stage Gersh comes up and says "Derek, do you mind taking a picture of my family?" Or maybe he is covering Mayor Bloomberg talk about the pressing issues in the city. "Mayor Bloomberg, can you take a picture for me?"
Now I know what you are thinking, he just got caught up in the moment and wanted a picture of me with his family. No this wasn't the case. He literally wanted me to take a picture of his family. Just his family. Not me with his family. Not Joey with his family. Not Mayor Bloomberg with his family. Just his family.
It was then I knew I hit the big time. I am such a huge star that reporters sent to cover me are asking me to take their family photos. Classic.
The next day Pat and I did a live interview on MSNBC at 30 Rock. The interview went well but the best part was the behind the scenes private tour that we got. W e got to walk on the set of Saturday Night Live and Jimmy Fallon. We also got to see Dr Oz's set who has a very interesting rotating stage. While I may seem to be skipping over this tour a little, this is one of the perks that I absolutely love. Many of the eaters would kill to get in front of the camera. They live to be on TV and in the papers. To be honest, that is a lot of fun. Going to the green room. Then going to makeup. Then going on the air. Pretty cool for sure. However the part I enjoy most is all of the things we get to do because we eat a lot of food. This private tour was so cool. It was awesome.
When contest day finally came, I was able to show off my bling that I got from Russo Jewelers. My big B.O.B. bling totally rocked and I think it came across great on TV. I probably should have worn it during the contest as I am sure it couldn't have lowered my anemic totals any. I loved the part where we walked through the crowd. That was new this year and was a great addition.
As far as the contest goes, well it went. All I could think off was "I hope I remembered to pack my Pepto Bismol." Everytime I overdo it I reach for the Pepto as it always has me covered.
8/4/10
Wow. Sometimes I am so impressed with a person or a company that I just have to share my story. Here we go. Few people have known that since the beginning of May, I have had a highly infected tooth that already went through the root canal process twice. It hurt whenever I applied pressure to the tooth, like when eating, and it also hurt just from the cheek touching it. Several Doctors wanted me to get it pulled as they feared that the infection would continue to eat away at the bone and it would get to the point where I would not have enough left to be a candidate for an implant. I was holding off for as long as I could, as I did not want to go without a tooth during the eating season.
Up until Memorial Day weekend I was able to deal with the problem during contests and still have some success. Come 4th of July, I thought I was getting tortured like in the movie The Marathon Man. During the contest I thought that this may be it, my career may be over. I had peeked without making the Nathan's Wall of Fame. So close, yet so far.
After the contest I knew I needed to get this addressed ASAP. However I needed to have a professional Doctor see me and have them understand how important it is for me to be able to use my teeth. Sure everyone needs to eat, but my teeth help me earn a living. I researched all of the local practices and started to make a list of things that seemed to indicate they were a good practice for me. One practice kept coming up over and over.
Pennsylvania Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, LTD
What was even better was that they had four locations, two of which were convenient for me. I choose the one in Collegeville (where I went to college and met the girl of my dreams - married twenty years in October, thank you). Anyway I made an appointment with Dr Kanter. From the moment I walked in, the whole staff was very attentive and concerned for my needs. I have to admit when you tell someone that you are a professional eater, you usually get some giggles. Not here. Actually one of the ladies recognized me as the office is located next to where my son goes for his braces and we seem to be there all of the time.
I digress. Dr. Kanter totally listened to my plight and he mapped out a treatment plan for me. I am early in the process right now. So far I have had my tooth pulled and I had a bone graft. Both procedures went very quickly and very easily. Of course when you become accustomed to a high level of pain, getting a tooth pulled actually feels good.
Dr. Kanter now has me waiting for the bone graft to heel. After that comes the implant, then the crown. I am so happy about how I was treated by this practice, that I want to make sure that everyone in the area knows. They also have locations in Bryn Mawr, Philadelphia, and King of Prussia. Their practice covers a whole lot more then just extractions and implants. Check their site out.
I can honestly say that I am feeling improvement every day. Without a doubt I feel that Dr. Kanter saved my eating career. Once the treatment plan is complete, I will be a new and improved eater. Thanks Dr. Kanter and the staff at Pennsylvania Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, LTD. I dedicate my next contest to you!
6/22/10
Notorious B.O.B. was officially elected to office! Democratic Committeeperson in Limerick 4! That's right. B.O.B. is the Committeeperson!
6/14/10
There has been a lot of talk about the new "Wall of Fame" at the Nathan's store in Coney Island. There is a huge sign with the pictures of several eaters on it. The following is a quote from an AOLNews story:
' "What's being questioned right now is the definition of the 'Wall of Fame,'" said Shea. "Is it a 'Hall of Fame' to honor those of the past, or is it a 'Wall of Fame' to honor those who are currently at the top of the game?"
Shea adamantly believes it to be the latter.'
Since I am not on the new sign and since I am ranked #2 in the World, is there an 8 way tie for #1? I guess I have a ways to go before I reach "the top of the game". I guess this answers a lot of questions as to where I "fit" and do not "fit" in the CE world.
6/7/10
Notorious B.O.B. has been too busy winning to have time to think. I think that B.O.B. will think soon.
4/14/10
Tax time for the U.S., not for Notorious B.O.B. though. The only thing that Notorious B.O.B. is going to tax is the Isle of Capri Lula Casinos ability to make vast quantities of ribs. Start making them now, I will be there Saturday. Make sure you don't run out because I am hungry.
1/10/10
A fantastic start to the 2010 CE season. No not because I won, you all knew that would happen before we started. It was fantastic because the contest was at a great site filled with great people. The Isle Biloxi put on a top-notch event and it was their first one they ever had. All of the employees from the valet, to the top were very supportive and enthusiastic. Thanks for a nice contest. Can't wait to defend my title next year.
As far as the contest went, the sandwiches had peanut butter that was measured on each slice of bread and 6 slices of banana in the middle. No dunking allowed. Needless to say this led to some slow eating. I was able to get 36 down. I was able to keep a good rythm through about 8 minutes when I slowed down some. I was surprised at the good numbers so many eaters were able to put up. Before the contest I thought for sure 20 would win. Tim, Badlands and Erik all got over 20 and Micah was at 19.5. To me these are all very good numbers, impressive. Adrian a first timer put up a huge 18.5. Unbelieveable! Reeves, Conti, Biller, Barlow, Boykin and Seiken rounded out the packed field.
I will see you in Atlantic City on 2/10/10. If anyone has Takeru's number, please make sure he knows that he is allowed to come to the contests that I am in. Second is nothing to be ashamed of Takeru.
12/5/09
Getting tons of calls lately. I guess that is to be expected after I ate the largest volume and the most weight ever in an eating contest. Plus I did it in 6 minutes. Eating from a spoon. Yes a regular spoon. I knew there was No Doubt going in but Oh My!
Seriously, the contest was a good one in many ways. First it was relatively close. No trips to the airport, no going through security and having to explain why I smell like an enormous Salmon. I got to meet the guys from Broken Lizard, the people behind movies such as Super Troopers, Beerfest, Club Dread... That was pretty cool. I also got to meet Michael Clarke Duncan who has been in a ton of films but probably best known for his part in The Green Mile. A bunch of the other actors from Slammin' Salmon were there as well. Each and everyone of them was very down to Earth and very approachable.
Of course you know Notorious B.O.B. had to play it all off. When Michael Clarke Duncan came up and asked for an autograph before the contest I had to have my peeps set him straight. I think I heard one of my crew yelling something like "Does Notorious B.O.B. come down to the set and bother you when you are shooting a movie? I don't think so! Why do you think it is OK for you to bother him when he is working? Get lost you stalker." I was kind of bummed my crew was so tough with him but if you sign one autograph then when would it ever stop? Come on, show some respect to the B.O.B.
Aside from incidents like that, the contest went fairly well, at least through two bowls. Then the flavor got old very quickly. It had a really strong flavor and it was super rich. I was glad when it was over so I could get a drink to clear the flavor out of my mouth.
Afterwards I got to hang out with Senor Badlands and Rick the Manager for a little while. Then we caught up with Crazy Legs Conti who took us on a whirlwind tour of the City. I had no idea people wore bikinis in winter in NYC. We even got to see where Beautiful Brian works although we did not get to see him. He works in some huge building on the west side of Manhattan.
After that, I got to enjoy listening to my stomach rumble driving all of the way home. That contest was brutal after the fact. Good thing I didn't eat that much.
If anyone who reads this actually knows Mr. Duncan please tell him that the above story may not have happened exactly the way I recall. It is entirely possible that he is not stalking me and that he did not ask for my autograph and that I don't actually have a crew and if I did have a crew they may not have actually said anything to Mr. Duncan.
"Humble" Bob R.I.P. 6/2002 - 8/15/2009
2/17/08
I believe in taking care of myself, in a balanced diet, in a rigorous exercise routine. In the morning, if my face is a little puffy, I'll put on an ice pack while doing my stomach crunches. I can do a thousand now. After I remove the icepack, I use a deep pore-cleanser lotion. In the shower, I use a water-activated gel cleanser, then a honey-almond body scrub, and on the face an exfoliating gel scrub. Then I apply an herb mint facial masque which I leave on for ten minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an after-shave lotion with little or no alcohol because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm, followed by a final moisturizing "protective" lotion..
Nathan's is finally almost here. This is the main event on our contest schedule and all of the top eaters will be there. I was fortunate enough to qualify this year, just barely. I had the highest non winning total so I got in as the wildcard. Look for me at noon on ESPN with some new bling.
11/2/10
Another contest this weekend. This is the final contest for 2010 on the Isle of Capri circuit. You can check out the whole contest schedule here. Saturdays contest will be the Isle Casino Bettendorf Maid-Rite Sandwich Eating World Championship. The contest goes for 10 minutes in Bettendorf, Iowa at the casino and starts at 2 pm CST. We will be eating Maid-Rite loose meat sandwiches. With $7,500 on the line, the field is going to be packed with eaters from all over. I can't wait as I know that it will be an exciting day for sure.
After this whirlwind day, I get to relax at the Isle Casino Bettendorf. In case you don't know this, on Friday nights from 4 pm - 9 pm their famous Calypso Buffet is only $9.99 (with your players card). Yes $9.99. This is the best buffet deal on the circuit. Choice-cut strip loin and crab legs are headliners, but the the homemade banana cream pie steals the show. If you are looking for me on Friday night, just go to the dessert section. On Saturday, I am going to have to get up early to do extra crunches, but it will be so worth it.
9/2/10
Here is an update to the Nathan's contest. These are just some things that I thought were amusing and/or interesting. The first one is that I was instantly granted the spot as the challenger to Joey, after it came out that Takeru would not be competing. Because of this I was asked to do some things that I normally wouldn't do before Nathan's. I did the hotdog stare down, which is really quite funny. Having to stand there holding a hotdog, staring at Joey, trying to look tough and waiting for about 25 different news people to get the picture really is silly.
After we got off of the stage, my favorite moment happened next. I was standing near the food table that was full of hotdogs and water that was being given out to those in attendance. I was next to Gersh Kuntzman, the orignal competitve eating reporter and probably still the most prominent CE reporter today (after Ken Hoffman from the Houston Chronicle). I realized I was watching what may be the origin of George Shea's quote "Like a jackal on the Serengeti". Gersh was tearing into those free hotdogs. Go Gersh! Next year you should enter a qualifier.
As I was watching this hotdog demolition with amusement, Gersh asked me a question. This question actually threw me for a loop. Here is a reporter that is at a press conference in New York City, asking a question to the person who was just center stage, in the hotdog stare down. The question he asked in a short break between hotdogs was "Could I take a picture of him and his family?" Really? Seriously? Does he want me to take a picture of him and his family so he can remember covering a press conference where I was being promoted or because he was able to get unlimited free hotdogs?
I quickly imagined Gersh to be the sports reporter covering the Yankees. Immediately after Derek Jeter gets off the stage Gersh comes up and says "Derek, do you mind taking a picture of my family?" Or maybe he is covering Mayor Bloomberg talk about the pressing issues in the city. "Mayor Bloomberg, can you take a picture for me?"
Now I know what you are thinking, he just got caught up in the moment and wanted a picture of me with his family. No this wasn't the case. He literally wanted me to take a picture of his family. Just his family. Not me with his family. Not Joey with his family. Not Mayor Bloomberg with his family. Just his family.
It was then I knew I hit the big time. I am such a huge star that reporters sent to cover me are asking me to take their family photos. Classic.
The next day Pat and I did a live interview on MSNBC at 30 Rock. The interview went well but the best part was the behind the scenes private tour that we got. W e got to walk on the set of Saturday Night Live and Jimmy Fallon. We also got to see Dr Oz's set who has a very interesting rotating stage. While I may seem to be skipping over this tour a little, this is one of the perks that I absolutely love. Many of the eaters would kill to get in front of the camera. They live to be on TV and in the papers. To be honest, that is a lot of fun. Going to the green room. Then going to makeup. Then going on the air. Pretty cool for sure. However the part I enjoy most is all of the things we get to do because we eat a lot of food. This private tour was so cool. It was awesome.
When contest day finally came, I was able to show off my bling that I got from Russo Jewelers. My big B.O.B. bling totally rocked and I think it came across great on TV. I probably should have worn it during the contest as I am sure it couldn't have lowered my anemic totals any. I loved the part where we walked through the crowd. That was new this year and was a great addition.
As far as the contest goes, well it went. All I could think off was "I hope I remembered to pack my Pepto Bismol." Everytime I overdo it I reach for the Pepto as it always has me covered.
8/4/10
Wow. Sometimes I am so impressed with a person or a company that I just have to share my story. Here we go. Few people have known that since the beginning of May, I have had a highly infected tooth that already went through the root canal process twice. It hurt whenever I applied pressure to the tooth, like when eating, and it also hurt just from the cheek touching it. Several Doctors wanted me to get it pulled as they feared that the infection would continue to eat away at the bone and it would get to the point where I would not have enough left to be a candidate for an implant. I was holding off for as long as I could, as I did not want to go without a tooth during the eating season.
Up until Memorial Day weekend I was able to deal with the problem during contests and still have some success. Come 4th of July, I thought I was getting tortured like in the movie The Marathon Man. During the contest I thought that this may be it, my career may be over. I had peeked without making the Nathan's Wall of Fame. So close, yet so far.
After the contest I knew I needed to get this addressed ASAP. However I needed to have a professional Doctor see me and have them understand how important it is for me to be able to use my teeth. Sure everyone needs to eat, but my teeth help me earn a living. I researched all of the local practices and started to make a list of things that seemed to indicate they were a good practice for me. One practice kept coming up over and over.
Pennsylvania Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, LTD
What was even better was that they had four locations, two of which were convenient for me. I choose the one in Collegeville (where I went to college and met the girl of my dreams - married twenty years in October, thank you). Anyway I made an appointment with Dr Kanter. From the moment I walked in, the whole staff was very attentive and concerned for my needs. I have to admit when you tell someone that you are a professional eater, you usually get some giggles. Not here. Actually one of the ladies recognized me as the office is located next to where my son goes for his braces and we seem to be there all of the time.
I digress. Dr. Kanter totally listened to my plight and he mapped out a treatment plan for me. I am early in the process right now. So far I have had my tooth pulled and I had a bone graft. Both procedures went very quickly and very easily. Of course when you become accustomed to a high level of pain, getting a tooth pulled actually feels good.
Dr. Kanter now has me waiting for the bone graft to heel. After that comes the implant, then the crown. I am so happy about how I was treated by this practice, that I want to make sure that everyone in the area knows. They also have locations in Bryn Mawr, Philadelphia, and King of Prussia. Their practice covers a whole lot more then just extractions and implants. Check their site out.
I can honestly say that I am feeling improvement every day. Without a doubt I feel that Dr. Kanter saved my eating career. Once the treatment plan is complete, I will be a new and improved eater. Thanks Dr. Kanter and the staff at Pennsylvania Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, LTD. I dedicate my next contest to you!
6/22/10
Notorious B.O.B. was officially elected to office! Democratic Committeeperson in Limerick 4! That's right. B.O.B. is the Committeeperson!
6/14/10
There has been a lot of talk about the new "Wall of Fame" at the Nathan's store in Coney Island. There is a huge sign with the pictures of several eaters on it. The following is a quote from an AOLNews story:
' "What's being questioned right now is the definition of the 'Wall of Fame,'" said Shea. "Is it a 'Hall of Fame' to honor those of the past, or is it a 'Wall of Fame' to honor those who are currently at the top of the game?"
Shea adamantly believes it to be the latter.'
Since I am not on the new sign and since I am ranked #2 in the World, is there an 8 way tie for #1? I guess I have a ways to go before I reach "the top of the game". I guess this answers a lot of questions as to where I "fit" and do not "fit" in the CE world.
6/7/10
Notorious B.O.B. has been too busy winning to have time to think. I think that B.O.B. will think soon.
4/14/10
Tax time for the U.S., not for Notorious B.O.B. though. The only thing that Notorious B.O.B. is going to tax is the Isle of Capri Lula Casinos ability to make vast quantities of ribs. Start making them now, I will be there Saturday. Make sure you don't run out because I am hungry.
1/10/10
A fantastic start to the 2010 CE season. No not because I won, you all knew that would happen before we started. It was fantastic because the contest was at a great site filled with great people. The Isle Biloxi put on a top-notch event and it was their first one they ever had. All of the employees from the valet, to the top were very supportive and enthusiastic. Thanks for a nice contest. Can't wait to defend my title next year.
As far as the contest went, the sandwiches had peanut butter that was measured on each slice of bread and 6 slices of banana in the middle. No dunking allowed. Needless to say this led to some slow eating. I was able to get 36 down. I was able to keep a good rythm through about 8 minutes when I slowed down some. I was surprised at the good numbers so many eaters were able to put up. Before the contest I thought for sure 20 would win. Tim, Badlands and Erik all got over 20 and Micah was at 19.5. To me these are all very good numbers, impressive. Adrian a first timer put up a huge 18.5. Unbelieveable! Reeves, Conti, Biller, Barlow, Boykin and Seiken rounded out the packed field.
I will see you in Atlantic City on 2/10/10. If anyone has Takeru's number, please make sure he knows that he is allowed to come to the contests that I am in. Second is nothing to be ashamed of Takeru.
12/5/09
Getting tons of calls lately. I guess that is to be expected after I ate the largest volume and the most weight ever in an eating contest. Plus I did it in 6 minutes. Eating from a spoon. Yes a regular spoon. I knew there was No Doubt going in but Oh My!
Seriously, the contest was a good one in many ways. First it was relatively close. No trips to the airport, no going through security and having to explain why I smell like an enormous Salmon. I got to meet the guys from Broken Lizard, the people behind movies such as Super Troopers, Beerfest, Club Dread... That was pretty cool. I also got to meet Michael Clarke Duncan who has been in a ton of films but probably best known for his part in The Green Mile. A bunch of the other actors from Slammin' Salmon were there as well. Each and everyone of them was very down to Earth and very approachable.
Of course you know Notorious B.O.B. had to play it all off. When Michael Clarke Duncan came up and asked for an autograph before the contest I had to have my peeps set him straight. I think I heard one of my crew yelling something like "Does Notorious B.O.B. come down to the set and bother you when you are shooting a movie? I don't think so! Why do you think it is OK for you to bother him when he is working? Get lost you stalker." I was kind of bummed my crew was so tough with him but if you sign one autograph then when would it ever stop? Come on, show some respect to the B.O.B.
Aside from incidents like that, the contest went fairly well, at least through two bowls. Then the flavor got old very quickly. It had a really strong flavor and it was super rich. I was glad when it was over so I could get a drink to clear the flavor out of my mouth.
Afterwards I got to hang out with Senor Badlands and Rick the Manager for a little while. Then we caught up with Crazy Legs Conti who took us on a whirlwind tour of the City. I had no idea people wore bikinis in winter in NYC. We even got to see where Beautiful Brian works although we did not get to see him. He works in some huge building on the west side of Manhattan.
After that, I got to enjoy listening to my stomach rumble driving all of the way home. That contest was brutal after the fact. Good thing I didn't eat that much.
If anyone who reads this actually knows Mr. Duncan please tell him that the above story may not have happened exactly the way I recall. It is entirely possible that he is not stalking me and that he did not ask for my autograph and that I don't actually have a crew and if I did have a crew they may not have actually said anything to Mr. Duncan.
"Humble" Bob R.I.P. 6/2002 - 8/15/2009
2/17/08
I believe in taking care of myself, in a balanced diet, in a rigorous exercise routine. In the morning, if my face is a little puffy, I'll put on an ice pack while doing my stomach crunches. I can do a thousand now. After I remove the icepack, I use a deep pore-cleanser lotion. In the shower, I use a water-activated gel cleanser, then a honey-almond body scrub, and on the face an exfoliating gel scrub. Then I apply an herb mint facial masque which I leave on for ten minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an after-shave lotion with little or no alcohol because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm, followed by a final moisturizing "protective" lotion..