It is a contest in which "entrants are challenged to submit bad opening sentences to imaginary novels." (from the website http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/english/2006.htm)

It seems it is based on a Victorian author who had a knack for such sentences. From the examples on the site, they are convoluted, wordy, and over-the-top!

Hope that helps!

--WD

"He's a man. I'm a woman. Do you want me to draw you a diagram?" -Lois Lane, I've Got a Crush on You.