For the first year on the chili trail, my show was the World's MINIest Disco and I had a 18" x 18" dance floor, stanchions, disco music, and a tiny mirror ball. As near as I can figure, at the 2003 Terlingua cookoff, I got sixth place. They only announce the top five places, so I have to assume that I got sixth.
In 2004, I started shooting mini marshmallows (get it? Mini Cooper--Mini marshmallows?) through one of those PVC guns. People could win fantastic prizes if they could hit the target. Needless to say, a lot of moistened towelettes were given away and again--sixth place.
In 2005, I joined the venerable show team South Side Foggy Mountain Chili (left) and we got third in Division I (large show). I was camping with them and they really wanted me to help them. It seems the most decorated show team in CASI history was afraid to compete without me. We got third in 2005 -- not bad considering first place did a whole tribute to armed forces (as a judge can you vote against that?) and the second place Red Robin Road Show featuring Boadie Powell (he used to play with Johnny Cash) had entertained the masses for three nights. I guess we will have to try harder.
In 2006, CASI started a One-Man-Show Division so I entered it. I played what I call Assault With a Deadly Pepper which are little catapults (dare I say MINI?) and contestants shoot different colored rubber peppers into varying sized pots. The smaller the pot, the higher the points. Winners got "fantastic" prizes (see previous years for details). The photo on the left is my daughter with the catapults at the Texas State Fair.
I was the 26th show team to qualify in 2006, and beat South Side by like 100. So I went to Terlingua with my peppers and gave away some top-notch ChiliPodCast.com swag as prizes (and moistened towelettes). I had a bad location as the official Terlingua photographer didn't even see me, I have to assume that the judges didn't either. Anyway, they give top three trophies so logic would dictate...I have to assume I got fourth
In 2007, I debuted my game show: Chili, Chilly, Chile! The World's Hottest Game Show...About Chili! Almost all of the answers were either chili, chilly, chile, or pepper. A surprising number of people think the Chilean flag is that of Texas? Anyway, it got me one of the great trophies--second place does not suck! I also won the best pod newsletter award. My buddies at South Side Foggy Mountain Chili got second that year in the Small Show category. I'd tell you more about it but this is my web site.
In 2008 I won the One-Person Show! I will be on the poster next year! I did a talk show called Terlingua Talk and I guess it impressed the judges, or they were getting tired of me trying and are hoping I quit after this win. They may be on to something?
Since the One-Man show division has only been around for three years and I have gotten a second and a first, I am now the most winning One-Man show team in the history of world.
Ultimately, history belongs to those who write it...
