November 10 2007
Well gang, there’s interesting news this week. It seems that a bunch of our members decided to have a bean cook-off to celebrate Election Day.
Apparently, the idea was to honor politicians for being a bunch of gas bags and to get in a little competition at the same time.
The afternoon started off much like any other cook-off, with serious faces and the quiet concentration of people who take pride in what they are doing.
But as the day wore on, and folks left to vote and then come back, and everybody was tasting everybody else’s beans, the effect that the noble bean has on human gastronomy began to make itself felt.
For some reason a great percentage of the contestants chose to compliment their beans with hard-boiled eggs, roasted garlic, onion rings, and of course, beer. A breathtaking combination if ever there was one.
The dogs in attendance were the first ones to notice the change in the atmosphere. They sort of perked up a little. They would suddenly lift their noses in the air and turn on a dime, with a "Whoa that’s interesting!" look on their face.
As evening fell, so did the breeze. And some of the fairer sex, were well, aghast at what was happening to their environment.
The men folk however seemed to revert to being little boys again, and the shadows of the night were punctuated by little blue flames of various shapes and sizes.
The quiet of the night was rent with sounds that on another occasion would have been attributed to frogs, or maybe alligators.
"I wish it were alligators!" one sweet young thing complained, waiving her hands in the air. "At least I can deal with alligators."
A blue haired old lady said shyly, "Why this is the most fun I’ve had in years. I certainly hope that I can make it next year."
Well, it all finally came to an end, and the judges gave first prize to a three man team who called themselves "The Finger Pullers". It was comprised of the three Methany brothers, and as the first place trophy was presented, two of the brothers pulled hard on each others index fingers and held the pose as the third brother ripped in half a three foot length of heavy canvas.
To think that the humble bean could cause strong men to fall to the ground with tears in their eyes, knees weak with laughter.
It’s just amazing.
Just amazing.

Till next week
Helga Biermeister
Secretary