The 14th annual World Pork Expo

June 6, 2002 1:42 PM

The 14th annual World Pork Expo starts today in Des Moines. 50,000 visitors and people from 50 countries are expected to be in attendance this weekend. Also in attendance will be George W. Bush.
posted by Kevin Sanders (15 comments total)

Pork the one you love.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 1:58 PM on June 6, 2002

"We're thrilled to host President Bush and discuss issues important to our industry," says NPPC President Dave Roper.

Hmm, like these issues?
posted by mathowie at 2:18 PM on June 6, 2002

There's a joke in here somewhere.
posted by laz-e-boy at 2:35 PM on June 6, 2002

It is appropriate that the king of pork barrell politics would be on his way to the World Pork expo. Where is Tip Oniel when you need him.
posted by MaddCutty at 2:48 PM on June 6, 2002

He'll need a Field Guide.
posted by y2karl at 3:11 PM on June 6, 2002

The swine!
posted by rushmc at 3:22 PM on June 6, 2002

Although I live in Des Moines I, for one reason or another, never went to the Pork Expo until I turned vegetarian. Now, the only occasion I allow bacon to touch my hand is when I get the chance to hand feed it to pigs at the Iowa Fairgrounds.
posted by Homeskillet Freshy Fresh at 3:47 PM on June 6, 2002

How nice for you, Homeskillet.

Funny how turning vegetarian is like findin' Jesus or quitting smoking. People are just compelled to share their conversion experience.

Mmmmm....soylent sausage.....
posted by BitterOldPunk at 3:59 PM on June 6, 2002

There's a joke in here somewhere.

If it isn't here, it's at the Iowa State Fair, where the Pork Queen is crowned.
posted by SiW at 4:01 PM on June 6, 2002

I have the solution to pork's image problem, here 'tis:

The Gray Matter From The Other White Meat...
posted by jonmc at 8:29 PM on June 6, 2002

People are just compelled to share their conversion experience.

I wasn't sharing my conversion experience, BOP. I turned vegetarian well before I went to my first Expo. The image the Expo has, unfortunately, as being "off-limits" to vegetarians was more my topic.

If you want to stereotype, we could discuss the ever-so-witty responses omnivores have. They're all variances on "Shut up meat good."
posted by Homeskillet Freshy Fresh at 3:06 AM on June 7, 2002

Although I live in Des Moines I, for one reason or another, never went to the Pork Expo until I turned vegetarian.

I turned vegetarian well before I went to my first Expo.

Forgive my confusion. I was syntactically discombobulated. I was under the false impression that you were seeking vegan hazardous duty cred for handling bacon to show that us omnivores have turned those helpless little piggies into cannibals.

I stand corrected.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 7:32 AM on June 7, 2002

Goddamn Americans. They call it the World Pork Expo, but do you see any international pork featured? No.

OTOH, I'm crushed that I missed this session:

Swine Welfare – What are the Issues? What are the Expectations?
Dr. Anna Johnson, National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa

I bet the pig has a whole different set of expectations from Dr. Johnson.

posted by ClydeCrashcup at 11:25 AM on June 7, 2002

Forgive my confusion... I stand corrected.

Just don't let it happen again. And also let me know where I can sign up for some "vegan hazardous duty cred."
posted by Homeskillet Freshy Fresh at 5:20 PM on June 7, 2002

You can only earn that particular merit badge by working the pit at a barbecue joint, I think....
posted by BitterOldPunk at 9:32 AM on June 8, 2002