Molly Sullivan

This ain't your grandpa's arm wrestling. And thanks to "The Enforcer" there are no more unfair starts, lefty versus righty disputes or the occasional eye gouging, either.

The Rail plays host on Saturday night to an all-out arm-wrestling competition with the WCA and D & D Sports Entertainment. "The Enforcer," the newest technology in arm wrestling, welcomes the audience with glittering lights and wailing sirens. Many shy away, but a select few make their way to partake in the man versus machine battle.

"What's your stage name?" Dan Bersie, one of the hosts, asks contestants as they sign up. "The Artist" and "Pressure" fill out their waivers, a necessity with this new and improved style. The machine can play lefty or righty and accommodate couples competitions, but sadly eliminates the hand-to-hand combat factor.

"A lot of ladies get addicted to [arm wrestling]," co-host Dan Collins claims, and it is easy to see why: A crowd of strangers cheering you on, a free trip if you beat the machine and a bell just waiting to ring proclaiming your victory.

With drinks spurring on the overly confident competitors, the challenge begins--ladies first. "How do I get points?" one woman asks as she figures out where to stand at "The Enforcer," being the sole lefty of the bunch. The wrestlers lean their bodies into the stand and bend their wrists, all on their tiptoes.

And as the tournament continues, as some arms go down and some celebrate high in the air, reality sinks in when Bersie announces that everyone's "arms are going to be sore tomorrow."

(2006-11-07)

Also by Molly Sullivan

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An underwhelming applause makes its way halfway down the street as the doors to the controversially renamed Macy's on State Street open to a crowd that stretches around the block
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