Chili Cook Off

Recently, at my work, we had a great Chili Cook-off. Co-workers brought in various styles of chili for the judges and the eater's (like me) to sample and enjoy at lunch time. After the 'official' judging was concluded we were allowed into the area to graze, er sample away. We each got a sample of every chili with a corresponding color cup. We placed our token in the colored cup at the main table for the one we enjoyed the most. Some cooks also indulged us with other tasty treats such as Jalapeno Corn Bread. A favorite I might add. Others brought in homemade chip dip and others brought in their Lemonade concoctions.

All-in-all everyone was polite and everything went pleasantly smooth. To include good food with good conversation. I am thinking in this following piece, something went haywire at this chili cook off.

Houston Off-Duty Cop Allegedly Tossed Tear Gas at Rodeo Chili Cook-off

HOUSTON - A Houston police officer was suspended after he allegedly threw a tear gas canister at rivals during a chili cook-off competition on Friday.

Senior Officer Mike Hamby, 51, is suspended with pay during an internal affairs investigation for "criminal allegations," according to The Houston Chronicle. 
Hamby was off-duty and part of a cook-off team when the incident happened, an unidentified co-worker told the paper.
The annual chili cook-off is traditionally a huge event with hundreds of teams. The three-day competition kicks off two weeks of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. 
The organizer of a neighboring tent, sponsored by the USO, says her guests were overcome by the noxious gas.
"We were devastated by it," Susie Barlow told the Chronicle. "We have elderly people, and I have two folks that night who were a double and triple amputee in wheelchairs."
Rodeo officials say 117,000 people attended the cook-off on its final day this year.

My thoughts, I love the word Allegedly - "Allegedly" he threw a tear gas canister. And "Allegedly" people were devastated by it. I am not sure why or how the double and triple amputees play into the story? Where they overcome from the gas, gasping for air as snot flew from their faces and their eyes burned? Just to qualify, I have been through several gas chambers, so I know the feeling well. Also, for something as serious as a tear gas canister being tossed into a crowd of people or chili tent, wouldn't there be more meat, excuse the pun, in this story? I guess that is why I blog and not write professionally!!!!  Have fun peeps!