Apparently Snow Makes People Crazy!

Courtesy of CNN.COM...

Police check whether officer drew gun during snowball fight December 20, 2009 8:58 p.m. EST

About 200 people were in a snowball fight in Washington when a plainclothes officer is alleged to have drawn a gun.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Plainclothes police officer accused of drawing gun at snowball fight in Washington, D.C.
"Images and statements ... would seem to support the allegation," police say

About 200 people were in snowball fight when officer's vehicle was hit, police say
Separate, uniformed officer held a gun while checking report of armed person
Washington (CNN) -- Washington police were investigating on Sunday whether an off-duty officer drew his gun in the midst of a snowball fight involving a couple hundred people.

The Metropolitan Police Department said video from a local media outlet at the scene Saturday did not show the officer with his weapon drawn. However, authorities have since received "additional images and statements that would seem to support the allegation that the off-duty member did pull a gun," a police statement said.

About 200 people from a D.C. neighborhood had gathered Saturday to brave a snowstorm for a massive snowball fight, CNN affiliate WJLA reported.

"It was pretty fun," one unidentified participant told WJLA. "And then, you know, when the gun came out, uh, it just changed the tone of the thing a little bit."

The off-duty, plainclothes officer was driving in the area of the snowball fight when several snowballs hit his vehicle, police said. The officer exited the vehicle and yelled at the crowd, WJLA reported; witnesses accused that officer of drawing his gun.


The uniformed officer holstered his weapon when he recognized the plainclothes officer, Newsham said, according to WJLA.

The police statement said "there is no evidence that [officers] pointed any weapons in the direction of the crowd or at any individuals."

Ben's Chili Bowl Founder Dies At 82

RIP Ben! Everytime I eat a turkey chilli dog I will think of you!!

FAMILY STATEMENT ON benschilibowl.com

Dear family and friends:

We would like to thank you for your incredible outpouring of love and support. Your expressions have truly touched us. We appreciate you now as we have over the past 51 years.

With love and thanks,
The Ali Family


Ben Ali, founder of the world famous Ben’s Chili Bowl, passed away on Wednesday, October 7th at 10:15pm. He was at home with his wife, Virginia, and died peacefully of natural causes. He was 82.

Family, friends, and countless fans of Ben’s will sorely miss the energetic and unforgettable personality of Ben Ali. He was a true hero of the people and a great example of someone who actually epitomized the American dream. He and his loving wife Virginia created a landmark institution in D.C., tantalizing generations of residents and visitors with their spicy chili dogs and half smokes, but more importantly touching people of all walks of life with their exemplary dedication to the D.C. community.

Although Ben has moved on, his legacy continues with his family at the Chili Bowl helm. After surviving the 1968 riots and other challenges over the past 51 years, Ben has made sure that the Bowl will continue to serve its loyal customers for many years to come. Ben and the entire Ali family have given us something that is rare these days: a continued sense of family and community that only seems to get bigger and better. Ben Ali, we will miss you!

Who's the Donkey? Is it really Kanye West?

Audience,

I received this via e mail and thought you may find it interesting.... I did. Feel free to share your thoughts.... ~Keo


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Going Against the Grain Group www.iamgoingagainstthegrain.com~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Greetings!

Who's the Donkey?

On Sunday September 13th, 2009, Rapper Kanye West found himself metaphorically looking down the barrel of a loaded gun! All of the guns owned by the fans, bloggers and media were aimed and cocked ready to kill his career. Being an intelligent man and entertainer, Kanye quickly jumped into a campaign of remorse to recant his statements and behavior towards country singer Taylor Swift. Here's the breakdown.
Taylor Swift won the category for best female video on the MTV Awards. Kanye West didn't like this for two reasons. 1. He didn't like the fact that a country singer won an award on a pop -driven network. 2. His mentor's wife was nominated for the same award in which she lost to none other than, Taylor Swift.
In his drunken stupor, Kayne decided to take his confused self onstage, removed the mic out of teen sensation Taylor Swift's hands and expressed his preference for Beyonce winning the award. He was rightfully booed, so he shrugged his shoulders dismissing what he did and handed her the mic to return to his seat. He stole Taylor's moment and left her in a daze. But it's not finished there.
The President of the United States decided to call Kanye West a "Jackass" for his actions. In this case, is Kanye the Donkey or is the President? Representative Joe Wilson, a man who has far more influence of the trajectory of this country, was far more disrespectful to the him, the leader of the free world and he never publicly and disrespectfully express his disdain for what he did. I am in no way defending Kanye West but what I am saying is the response to Kanye's ignorant behavior should've never come in the form of name calling from a person who claims to bring people together rather than split them apart. While this issue may not seem like a political issue, indirectly and subliminally, it is!
You see, with the historical election of the first Black President comes prestige AND pressures. All of his actions will be scrutinized and challenged. He decided to have a beer summit over the racially divisive event that took place between his pal Professor Skip Gates and Officer James Crowley, why not try to repair the potentially racist campaign that could be wedged between the two musicians, their fans and possibly their music genres. This would send a message that all people should be brought together instead of only a selected few. The alternative to that is to stay removed from it.
Calling him a Jackass for the incident, which by the way is true, can actually sabotage his own current topic of importance, the Healthcare Reform Bill. As America now closely judge the actions of Black Men, it is equally important for us to watch our reactions too. While Kanye's actions were Jackass driven, the reactions of the President can also be classified as such. As the leader of the free world who has changed the face of a nation, knowing who the donkey is and not becoming its kin can be as simple as the old adage, "If you have nothing good to say, say nothing." If not, the President can easily kiss the hopes of any of his proposed bills being passed, goodbye!
What do you think?
Devin Robinson is a professor at Oglethorpe University and 6-time best-selling author.

Updates
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Catch me every 8pm Mon-Fri on WKZK 103.7FM for my "What's the Bottom Line" commentary.


Upcoming Dates:
September 21, 2009
Atlanta Intercontinental UniversityBusiness and ResearchGuest Lecturer
Atlanta, GA

OCTOBER 2009Oct 3, 2009
Taking Responsibility of the Community ConferenceNation of IslamGuest Speaker
Marietta, GA

Oct 7, 2009
Consequences of Thug Life
Clark Atlanta UniversityPanelist
Atlanta, GA


October 17th
Book SigningLouisiana Literary Festival
Baton Rouge, LA

October 25-27
Youth Revival ConferenceLecturerBroadway Baptist Church
Augusta, GA

Fourth Printing
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My book Changing Your Mind: One Degree at a Time is headed for its 4th printing... Can you believe it? If you still haven't received a copy of any of my books, you are missing great reading. I am soliciting opinions before we actually print. Read the preview of it on my website and let me know your thoughts...

Get a complimentary "I AM GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN" wristband at www.devinrobinson.com

Going Against the Grain Group
Professor Devin
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Atlanta, GA 30336
www.devinrobinson.com
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Mayweather pummels Marquez in ring return

Mayweather pummels Marquez in ring return
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer 14 hours, 46 minutes ago

LAS VEGAS (AP)—Money came back with a guarantee. Floyd Mayweather Jr. told the world he was still its best boxer despite taking 21 months off, and he backed up every boast with every jab in an impressive victory.

Although next time out, hopefully he’ll pick on somebody his own size.

Mayweather overpowered the smaller, lighter Juan Manuel Marquez for an unanimous decision Saturday night, maintaining his perfect record in his comeback from retirement.
Mayweather knocked down Marquez in the second round and then peppered him with countless damaging shots to remain unbeaten (40-0, 25 KOs). Still, his impressive effort couldn’t be viewed without weighing the obvious disadvantages in height and strength faced by the talented Marquez, a 130-pounder just 18 months ago who moved up two weight classes for this once-in-a-career payday at the MGM Grand Garden.

“Marquez is tough as nails,” Mayweather said. “He’s a great little man. He was really hard to fight, and he kept taking some unbelievable shots.”

At Friday’s weigh-in, Marquez (50-5-1) was four pounds lighter than Mayweather, who paid a $600,000 penalty for missing the bout weight of 144 pounds. Simple physics took over from there. Though Marquez stayed on his feet for 12 one-sided rounds, Money Mayweather’s win was never in doubt.

“He’s a great small man,” Mayweather said. “Don’t forget, I came from a small weight class too, so I know when you’re in front of a great fighter. I think he brought his best tonight.”
Mayweather had an astonishing edge in punch stats, landing 290 of his 493 blows (59 percent) while allowing just 12 percent of Marquez’s 583 punches to land. Mayweather landed more jabs in each round than Marquez landed total punches, and just 16 percent of Marquez’s power shots even got to Mayweather.

Mayweather often appeared to be toying with Marquez, who’s generally considered among the world’s top handful of fighters. Just 18 months ago, Marquez lost a narrow decision to unofficial pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao—another mighty mite who’s likely Mayweather’s top choice for his next bout.

Pacquiao accepted a similarly mismatched challenge last year when he demolished Oscar De La Hoya, but the Golden Boy acknowledges his skills have diminished. Mayweather clearly is still at the top of his game.

“I’ve been off for two years, so I felt like it took me a couple of rounds to really know I was back in the ring again,” Mayweather said. “I know I’ll get better.”
Mayweather dominated his undersized Mexican opponent in his first fight since stopping Ricky Hatton in December 2007. He then took a lengthy break from the sport that’s dominated his life since he was a toddler, but returned for another eight-figure payday that should assuage the IRS while setting up another megafight.

Mayweather refused to re-weigh himself Saturday night, so the true size of his advantage might never be known. Fighters often gain several pounds between the weigh-in and their bouts.
But his size advantage was obvious from the opening bell, when it became clear Marquez would struggle just to get close enough to throw good combinations.
“He surprised me with the first knockdown,” Marquez said. “He hurt me in that round, but not any other time. I don’t want to make any excuses, but the weight was the problem. He’s too fast.”

Judge Burt Clements gave every round to Mayweather, 120-107. Dave Moretti threw the eighth round to Marquez for a 119-108 total, while William Lerch gave two rounds to Marquez, 118-109. The Associated Press had a whitewash, 120-107.
Mayweather abruptly knocked down Marquez midway through the second round when Marquez walked into a left hook, but Mayweather largely stuck to his jab, leaned back in his familiar defensive posture and picked apart another opponent.

Marquez had a bloody nose by the bout’s midway point, and Mayweather landed several hard shots late in the sixth. Whenever Marquez appeared to land a combination, Mayweather invariably backed away with a grin.
“When I hit him, he laughed, but I knew he felt my punches,” Marquez said. “We tried to work the speed, but the difference was the weight.”
Marquez added a brave defeat to a career noted for its disappointments as much as its triumphs. Marquez still seethes over his 0-1-1 record in two fights against Pacquiao, and he followed Pacquiao’s path up in weight in search of bigger bouts, which he got in recent wins over Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz.

Mayweather chose Marquez for his return bout after flirting with Pacquiao, who will fight Miguel Cotto in the same arena less than two months from now.
A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be the biggest in the sport, but a more natural opponent also wants a little Money. Sugar Shane Mosley called out Mayweather in the ring immediately after the fight, with Golden Boy representatives forced to separate the two.

The lukewarm public response to the bout underlined industry concerns Mayweather can’t sell a pay-per-view on his own. The Grand Garden wasn’t sold out just a few days before the fight, and large swaths of empty seats greeted the undercard fighters, though they were mostly filled before Mayweather entered the ring.

FBI: Beating at Cracker Barrel may be hate crime

Story Highlights

NEW: Woman: I'm still in pain a week after attack
The FBI is investigating to see whether "a civil rights violation occurred"

Police report says "West punched [Hill] in the left cheek, forehead"
Troy Dale West said Tashawnea Hill spit upon him; Hill denies it
document.

updated 5:42 p.m. EDT, Wed September 16, 2009
By Craig JohnsonSpecial to CNN

(CNN) -- The FBI is investigating as a possible hate crime an incident in which a woman was beaten to the ground in front of her child at the entrance to a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Morrow, Georgia, south of Atlanta.

Troy Dale West, of Poulan, Georgia, is facing battery and cruelty to children charges after the incident.

Troy Dale West Jr., of Poulan, Georgia, is facing charges including misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct after allegedly beating Army reservist Tashawnea Hill, 35, after the two had words at the entrance of the Morrow, Georgia, restaurant the evening of September 9.

Hill, an African-American, told police that West, 47, yelled racial epithets at her as the attack took place.

"He did punch me with a closed fist repeated times. My head is still hurting today. I have knots on my head," Hill told CNN Wednesday night, adding she also was kicked.

Police said witnesses confirmed her account.

The FBI has "initiated an investigation in the matter to determine if a civil rights violation occurred," the agency said in a statement.

Because the alleged incident happened in full view of Hill's 7-year-old daughter, the Clayton County district attorney's office added a felony charge of cruelty to children.
"[The woman's daughter] was visibly upset the night of the attack," according to Capt. James Callaway of the Morrow Police Department, who said he was on the scene shortly after the alleged attack.

A police report of the incident said Hill's daughter was "crying uncontrollably and her body [was] shaking/trembling" from witnessing the attack.

Hill told police the incident started when she and her daughter were entering the restaurant at the same time West and his wife were exiting.

"The man slung open the door pretty hard and fast and I had to push my daughter out of the way," Hill told CNN affiliate WSB-TV. "I turned to the man and I just said, 'Excuse me sir, you need to watch yourself; you almost hit my daughter in the face.' And from there it just went downhill."

West, according to the police report, admitted striking Hill "after she spit on me and accused me of trying to hit her daughter with a door."
Appearing on CNN Wednesday night, Hill and her attorney, Kip Jones, denied that she spat on West. Jones said he saw surveillance video of the incident.

"At no point did Ms. Hill do anything to provoke the attack. She did not spit on Mr. West. She spoke to him. He attacked her," Jones said.

Police say Hill stated that "West punched her in the left cheek, forehead, kicked her body in several places, and punched her head in many areas several times."

The Cracker Barrel's manager told police he stepped between West and Hill to stop the alleged assault.
Cracker Barrel spokeswoman Julie Davis said Wednesday that the restaurant was cooperating fully in the police investigation.

"It's just terrible when something like this happens anywhere, let alone in one of our stores," Davis said. "It's worth noting that Cracker Barrel employees did their best to assist Hill as soon as they became aware of the situation."

Jones said he was "convinced this was a hateful, racist attack ... based on the N-word, the B-word, etc."
"The language was vile. It was racist. It was sexist. It was completely offensive, completely unprovoked," Jones said.

CNN's efforts to reach West at his home and business were unsuccessful. Police said they had no indication West had an attorney. He is free on bond awaiting a hearing in the incident, the Clayton County jail said.

Hill was treated at a hospital after the attack and released.

The Clayton County district attorney has forwarded surveillance video of the incident to the FBI.

Who is in control, you or media?

Do you control media or do media control you?

Long gone are the days where media are searching for stories to broadcast or print. Today, news is everywhere. But in an age of the “I report” and other avenues where audiences can send in late breaking news videos and more from a mobile device…. Do you think audiences control what’s on TV? Or are we still victims clinging to media by the horn to see what’s next?

Thoughts anyone….

South African teen wins 800 amid gender-test flap

South African teen wins 800 amid gender-test flap
By RYAN LUCAS (AP) – 4 hours ago

BERLIN — Facing questions about her gender, South African teenager Caster Semenya easily won the 800-meter gold medal Wednesday at the world championships.

Her dominating run came on the same day track and field's ruling body said she was undergoing a gender test because of concerns she does not meet requirements to compete as a woman.

Semenya took the lead at the halfway mark and opened a commanding lead in the last 400 meters to win by a massive 2.45 seconds in a world-leading 1 minute, 55.45 seconds. Defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei was second and Jennifer Meadows of Britain was third in 1:57.93.
After crossing the line, Semenya dusted her shoulders with her hands. Semenya did not speak to reporters after the race or attend a news conference.

About three weeks ago, the international federation asked South African track and field authorities to conduct the verification test. Semenya had burst onto the scene by posting a world-leading time of 1:56.72 at the African junior championships in Maruitius.

Her dramatic improvement in times, muscular build and deep voice sparked speculation about her gender. Ideally, any dispute surrounding an athlete is dealt with before a major competition. But Semenya's stunning rise from unknown teenage runner to the favorite in the 800 happened almost overnight. That meant the gender test — which takes several weeks — could not be completed in time.

Before the race, IAAF spokesman Nick Davies stressed this is a "medical issue, not an issue of cheating." He said the "extremely complex" testing has begun. The process requires a physical medical evaluation and includes reports from a gynecologist, endocrinologist, psychologist, internal medicine specialist and gender expert.

South Africa team manager Phiwe Mlangeni-Tsholetsane would not confirm or deny that Semenya was having such a test.

"We entered Caster as a woman and we want to keep it that way," Mlangeni-Tsholetsane said. "Our conscience is clear in terms of Caster. We have no reservations at all about that."
Although medals will be awarded for the 800, the race remains under a cloud until the investigation is closed, and Semenya could be stripped of the gold depending on the test results, IAAF general secretary Pierre Weiss said.

"But today there is no proof and the benefit of doubt must always be in favor of the athlete," Weiss said.

Semenya's rivals said they tried not to dwell on the issue before the race.
"I've heard a lot of speculation, but all I could do was just keep a level head and go about my business," Meadows said. "If none of it's true, I feel very sorry for her."

One thing not in doubt was Semenya's outstanding run.

"Nobody else in the world can do that sort of time at the moment," Meadows said. "She obviously took the race by storm."

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.