Dan Gross: Cataldi bowled over by human piranha

"IT'S ALMOST SURREAL to me that he is part of our stupid wing-eating contest," said Sportsradio 94 WIP's Angelo Cataldi about Japanese eating machine Takeru Kobayashi's participation in Wing Bowl XX on Feb. 3 at Wells Fargo Center.

Kobayashi, a longtime champion of the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, had been Cataldi's white whale. "For the last 10 years I've wanted Kobayashi in the event," Cataldi said yesterday.

Cataldi saw Kobayashi inhale Twinkies on the "Wendy Williams Show" but does question his endurance. "I don't know. He's never eaten for this long in his great career," Cataldi said.

"From what I understand he is intensely training on it. It would bring shame to him if he would lose," Cataldi said, noting that the Japanese love the pro eater.

Cataldi's co-host and Wing Bowl creator Al Morganti says that the girls are usually more interesting than the eating but that Kobayashi has reinvigorated Cataldi's interest in the outcome. He's looking forward to seeing Jonathan "Super" Squibb take on Kobi and also five-time Wing Bowl champion Bill "El Wingador" Simmons.

Said co-host Rhea Hughes: "I want to see if Kobayashi can eat wings. I'm curious to see if the crowd reacts to him as a villain or a superstar because they love El Wingador."

Three-time Wing Bowl champion Joey Chestnut, a longtime rival of Kobi's, asked, "Is he a Wingette?" when we told him of Kobayashi's Wing Bowl debut. He was referring to the scantily clad cheerleaders who escort the eaters.

Help a vet

Liberties Bar (705 N. 2nd) will host a fundraiser for Vietnam veteran Edward Schaefer, who was savagely beaten by teen thugs last week in Olney. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 1 and costs $30 at the door. Proceeds benefit Schaefer's medical bills. For info, call Joe Eastman 609-290-8803

'Otis! My man'

"Animal House" party band Otis Day & the Knights perform Feb. 18 at a Toga Party at the Blockley (38th & Chestnut). The group will, of course, perform "Shout" and "Shama Lama Ding Dong." Patrons, who are strongly encouraged to wear togas, can take advantage of drink specials and of contests offering copies of "Animal House" on DVD.

DJs Adrian Hardy and Outlaw Booker will spin Motown/funk and soul before and after the group's set. The show starts at 9. Tickets are $15 and are available in advance at TheBlockley.com.

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