Early Arrivals Seen on Queen Mary

Reliable reports now confirm that IFOCE eaters have begun to gather aboard the historic Queen Mary - former transatlantic ocean liner - in Long Beach, CA. These individuals are arriving in California in order to compete in tomorrow's World Chili Cheese Fries Eating Championship.

Local favorite Jalapeno Jed Donahue was the first to arrive and sources also confirm the presence of El Toro and Erik the Red. Tim "Eater X" Janus, who has performed well in the cheese fry discipline before, has yet to be seen.

"It's anyone's ballgame over at the Queen Mary tomorrow," said George Shea. "But I am confident X will show and put up a big number."

According to global tracking devices, the Whaler set sail for the Pacific Ocean from the port of Gloucester, MA earlier today in anticipation of attending tomorrow's event. Sailing experts, using the most liberal interpretation of nautical charts, say it is impossible to place the Whaler in Long Beach sooner than late February or early March.