Kelly Says

A major topic in the news and numerous talk shows for the past several years has been global warming. The first time I heard that term used, I got pretty excited! I hate the cold, and the idea of an endless summer really turned me on. But further research on my part revealed the global warming might not be a good thing on a worldwide level.

I was watching a very disturbing documentary on TV recently, and it got me to thinking how our hobby of competition cooking was abusing the environment. Most of the cookers I know use a pit that has the capacity to cook much more food than they typically cook for a competition. As a rule, the same amount of fuel will be used to cook one brisket as would be used to cook ten – and that is a waste! The Lone Star Barbecue Society does try to help the ozone by allowing more than one person to cook on a pit (a practice that is a rules violation with another BBQ group)! From now on, when I get ready to go to a cookoff, I’m just going to load my meat in a cooler and take it to Harvey to cook – and I’ll pat myself on the back all weekend for the polar ice cap I’m helping to save.

Speaking of ice – here are my thoughts. Most people who take a weekend to go cooking are going to have an adult beverage (BEER) or two. We could all do our part to decrease global warming by leaving our cooler lids propped open just a little bit. The escaping cold air can only aid in lowering the average temperature of the globe. (I DO NOT NEED ANY PHYSICS LESSONS ON HOW HOT AIR RISES AND COLD AIR DROPS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE COOLER, SO JUST KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!) It will also aid the local economy in the town where the cookoff is, because there is no way that an open cooler will keep ice all weekend in Tahoka in July, so you will have to buy some while you’re there.

My final thought on the matter concerns greenhouse gases – a major contributor to global warming. I think that we, as a group, should strongly reconsider BEANS as a sanctioned category in a cookoff. If you need further clarification on the matter contact Kelly. There is some subject matter we just don’t need to go too deep into here.

Ya’ll get out there, build a nice nesting spot on your pit for the Spotted Owl, and cook something good. I hope to see you on the trail!

The opinions listed here are those of Kelly Draper, and may not reflect the opinions of any other LSBS officers or members.