Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
CON ARTIST ALERT ON THE INSITE!
YEAH BUDDY, YOU GOT ME BUT I'M MOVING ON TO THE NEXT SUCKA!
I knew exactly what was happening as this man and little boy quickly slipped out of an older model Lincoln Continental at the Shell on I-45 in Spring. The man quickly dragged the kid in a bee line to many of the unsuspecting customers pumping gas. His game? He told each person he and his son had run out of gas and they needed a way to get back to Conroe. They went from person to person until they got to me. I asked him didn't they just get out of that Lincoln that went behind the building. I told him it didn't appear to be out out of gas. He then tried to explain to me they were just dropped off. But I told him the female driver was standing in front of the Shell with a red shirt on. He looked back at the woman then at me again. He had that look like "yeah buddy you got me but I'm moving on to the next sucka." I felt really bad for the child who was apparently being used for this scam to hustle money. Make sure you just say no. The quicker you do, the faster that kid will be taken home out of the streets begging for money!
PREPARE FOR THE THIEVES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
SAFE SHOPPING STARTS WITH YOU IN HOUSTON!
Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt is sending a warning this holiday season: Be careful out there. This is the time of the year thieves are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting Houstonians. I know from experience. It was back in 2005 when someone broke into my vehicle and stole hundreds of dollars worth of stuff. So, if you don't want to be victimized make sure you pay close attention to your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and those material things you love so much. HPD even went out to local grocery stores and checked some empty vehicles where the driver was shopping. They found several examples where people left their valuables in clear view. Make sure you heed the warning and place all of your valuables out of sight. With that said, be very careful this holiday season because the thieves will try to take advantage of you!
IT WAS A MIXED MESSAGE AT FOX 26!
SHOULD I GO TO THE GYM OR SIT DOWN TO A PIZZA WITH EVERYTHING ON IT?I was in the break room at FOX 26 and was thrown for a loop. As I was walking out to the atrium I saw several coupons on a table. When I took a closer look it sent mixed messages to me. It was a coupon for a free 7 day membership at 24 Hour Fitness. The other coupons - discounts to Pizza Hut and Quiznos. So I'm not sure if someone wants me to loose weight or picking up the old pounds I lost. What message would you take away from that encounter?
HUNDREDS GET A BASKET FOR SURVIVAL!
JUST IN TIME DURING VERY TOUGH TIMES IN HOUSTON!
It has become a monthly tradition for Pastor James Nash and his wife Stella. The couple and first family of Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church handed out hundreds of food baskets Thursday morning. Mrs. Nash says because of the economy and holidays it was a must to provide for those who don't have. Nash says most of those attending the food giveaway are senior citizens who might not otherwise have a hot meal. Hundreds of people walked away with boxes and crates full of food. Also attending the event was the wife of Mayoral candidate Gene Locke. Aubrey stood at the end of the line shaking hands and urging those attending the event to support her husband in the big December race. Thanks to Pastor Nash for the tip call to cover the event in Sunnyside!
SUPER PROMOTER BIG CHAD CHIZZLE CELEBRATES HIS BIRTHDAY!
THE HAPPY HOUR AT CARRINGTON'S IN HIS HONOR!
If you've ever been to a party in a Houston nightclub you've probably ran into him. He's Big Chad. Chizzle to those who know him. The Super Party, Event, and Venue promoter celebrated his birthday Monday night. It was held at the very familiar spot called Carrington's. The Insite made a stop by the happy hour event where Chad was surrounded by friends. I never did quite get his age but happy birthday young fella!
THE OWNER OF CHI WANTS TO BE GOVERNOR OF TEXAS!
IS HE THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB: SAY HELLO TO FAROUK SHAMI!By: Ford Atkinson
KRIV-TV
The founder of Chi USA wants to be the next governor of Texas.
Palestinian-born Farouk Shami, who made a fortune producing hair products for women, announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination Thursday afternoon.
Speaking at his company's north Houston manufacturing plant, Shami said he has lived the American dream.
"I am running for governor of Texas to restore the American dream for all Texans by becoming the jobs governor," Shami said.
Shami said he has already created thousands of jobs at his Houston facility.
He will face at least three other announced candidates in the March primary.
The winner of the democratic primary will face either incumbent republican Governor Rick Perry or Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in next November's general election.
INSITE EXCLUSIVE: THE HEAD OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE UNDER INVESTIGATION!
DEAN GOODRICK RELIEVED OF DUTY WITH PAY!
The Insite has learned the local President of the Fraternal Order of Police has been relieved of duty from the Houston Police Department. He's identified as Dean Goodrick. HPD spokesperson John Cannon confirms Goodrick is under investigation and is off the job with pay. The Insite hears the probe stems from Goodrick's conduct. Exactly what the veteran of the force since 1993 did the department is not releasing at this time. The Insite will keep you updated!
Photo from: http://www.houstonfop.com/
HOUSTON FIREFIGHTERS STICK WITH GENE LOCKE AND OTHER CANDIDATES THROUGH RUNOFF!
FROM THE DESK OF JEFF CAYNON!Press Release: The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association (HPFFA), IAFF Local 341 today announced support for Jack Christie in the Houston City Council At Large Position 5 and for Stephen Costello in the At Large Position 1 runoff races.
The members of Local 341 determined in candidate screenings that Christie and Costello are best prepared to provide sensible, responsible service as city council members, according to Jeff Caynon, president of the HPFFA. He said, The nearly 4,000 men and women of our organization believe that Jack Christie and Stephen Costello are committed to addressing our city's public safety issues and will be supportive of our first responders.
Other previously endorsed candidates in the upcoming runoff are Gene Locke for mayor, Ronald Green for controller, Sue Lovell for City Council At Large Position 2, Lane Lewis for City Council District A, and Mike Laster for City Council District F.
LOCAL 341 ENDORSED CANDIDATES 2009
Mayor
GENE LOCKE
Controller
RONALD GREEN
City Council - At-Large Races
1 STEPHEN COSTELLO
2 SUE LOVELL
3 - * Melissa Noriega
4 - * C.O. Bradford
5 - Jack Christie (Runoff)
City Council - District Races
A LANE LEWIS
B - * Jarvis Johnson
C - * Anne Clutterbuck
D - * Wanda Adams
E - * Mike Sullivan
F MIKE LASTER
G - * Oliver Pennington
H - * Ed Gonzalez
I * James Rodriguez
* - Won on Nov. 3
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
IS YOUR VEHICLE ON THE MOST STOLEN LIST?
MAKE SURE YOU LOCK YOUR DOORS!The following is a rundown of the “Top 10” makes of vehicles stolen during the month of October 2009.
1. Chevrolet Trucks 154 2. Honda Cars 141 3. Ford Truck 134 4. Dodge Trucks 85 5. Toyota Cars 49 6. Chevrolet Cars 45 GMC Trucks 45 7. Dodge Cars 38 8. Ford Cars 34 9. Acura Cars 26 Buick Cars 26 10. Chrysler Cars 19
FREE VACCINATIONS FOR YOUR CHILDREN!
SPONSORED BY THE HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT!Here are the details if you want your kid to get their shots free of charge:
WHAT:The BlueCross BlueShield Care Van is giving free childhood vaccinations to children, birth to 18 years.
WHEN: Thursday, November 19, 2009, from 4pm to 7pm
WHERE: Fire Station 32 - 8614 Tidwell, 77028
DETAILS: Since 2005, more than 3,500 children have been vaccinated through this program in participation with HFD. The parent or guardian will need to provide all prior immunization shot records. These are for required vaccinations only. Please note, that NO flu shots will be given.
HARRIS COUNTY WOMAN TRIED TO HIRE HITMAN TO KILL HER HUSBAND!
SHE WAS ALLEGEDLY WILLING TO PAY $20,000 TO HAVE HIM SNUFFED OUT!Here are the details from the harris County Sheriff's Office: On November 16, 2009 the Harris County Sheriff's Office was notified by a Confidential Informant (CI) who advised he had been approached by Catherine Shamp, a 38 year old white female who stated she wanted her husband murdered. The CI relayed this information to patrol deputies who contacted the Sheriff's Homicide Unit.
On November 17, 2009 at approximately 9:30 p.m., the CI met with Catherine Shamp at the request of Homicide Investigators and was provided with recording equipment. The CI recorded Catherine Shamp stating she wanted her husband murdered and would be willing to pay the "Hit Man" approximately $20,000.00 dollars.
On November 18, 2009 Catherine Shamp was arrested for Solicitation of Capital Murder and placed in the Harris County Jail.
HOUSTON POLICE OFFICERS STAND AGAINST ANNISE PARKER!
BLANKENSHIP: ANNISE IS SOFT ON CRIME!Press Release: The Houston Police Officers' Union (HPOU) today criticized mayoral candidate Annise Parker and reiterated their support of Gene Locke, saying that Locke is the one who will be tough on crime and has a real plan to make Houston's neighborhoods safer.
Gary Blankinship, president of the 5,000-plus member Houston Police Officers' Union stated, "Our organization screened all the candidates and found Gene Locke to be, without equivocation, the only candidate to make the commitment to increase officers on the streets of our city and in the investigative divisions so that HPD officers can do a better job of protecting the people of Houston.
"By comparison, Annise Parker supports status quo. Her ill-advised positions on public safety embrace the kind of soft-on-crime approach that poses a threat to our families and neighborhoods," continued Blankinship. "Now is not the time to turn back the clock to the 1980s, when police academies were halted and crime began to skyrocket, and our officers battled not just criminals, but a staffing shortage and lack of support from City Hall."
Although HPOU has endorsed Parker in her previous campaigns, she has on several occasions been on the opposite side of Houston Police.
As a member of the City Council, Parker voted against adding a permanent anti-gang task force in every HPD substation[i].
In addition, Parker has publicly stated that if elected mayor she will "take apart the police department"[ii] and that Houston police officers are merely "report-takers and ticket-writers....not crime-solvers."[iii] The irony of her position is that if we follow her plan and do nothing, there won't be enough officers to take the reports much less conduct follow-up investigations.
Finally, during the endorsement screening process for the mayor's race earlier this year, Parker made it clear that if elected mayor she would not work with HPD to put a halt to the current staffing shortage, thereby creating a dangerous public safety climate in Houston. Ms. Parker erroneously believes HPD has adequate staffing and ignores the fact that by best accounts of the administration of HPD we are 1,400 officers understaffed.
HPD is a proud organization with men and women who are dedicated to laying down their lives for their community. Our department would take great exception to being taken apart rather than doing what Houstonians want, which is to make our department effectively expand so that we can do the job that the citizens of our city expect and need.
"Sitting idle and not expanding the department to meet our citizens' needs to be safe is a recipe for disaster. It is the equivalent of doing nothing," said Blankinship.
Locke has repeatedly affirmed his support for increasing Houston's police ranks through hiring of new cadets and adding experienced officers through lateral entry, which allows officers from other departments to bring their years of expertise to support public safety in Houston while reducing the city's training burden. He has also advocated putting more police officers on the streets, equipping officers with advanced technology and placing more civilians in roles that do not require police officers' extensive training and skills.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
LESTER ROSS CELEBRATES HIS BIRTHDAY AT GROOVES!
FRIENDS AND COWORKERS COME TOGETHER!
The Insite was on hand as Lester Ross (white shirt) celebrated his day of birth at Grooves in Houston Saturday night. Several of his friends and co-workers showed up for the event. It was a night of dancing, partying, libations and a live band at the venue. Some of the people attending the celebration were: Torrey T-Dub Walker, Lester Ross, Don Williams, and many others. Here are some of the shots I captured while roving around the place!
HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICANS SAY IT'S TIME TO STOP OBAMA AND THE LIBERALS!
A LETTER FROM HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN CHAIR JARED WOODFILL!It appears that President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and the entire list of liberal Democrats are determined to ram government-run health care down the throats of the American public, despite widespread opposition.
Last week, the Democrats passed the Obama Health Care Bill, which advances it for Senate consideration. The House action and now the Senate consideration of this government takeover of our entire health care system place all of us at a critical juncture in our nation's history. Now is the time to act and make our voices heard! As Sir Edmund Burke said, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
For all of you willing to join with me and take a stand against the next step toward socialism and socialized medicine, I invite you to join me at the next in our series of Health Care Town Hall meetings scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2009. The meeting will take place at the HCC Auditorium on the West Loop Campus located at 5601 West Loop South in Houston (map); doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Please join us at this meeting to learn more details and the implications of the Obama Health Care plan, along with Republican alternatives and actions you can take now to help stop this catastrophic legislation.
For more information and resources about this issue, please visit the Health Care page on our website.
Please join us in our fight against Barack Obama and the liberal Democrats by getting involved today.
LOCKE GOES AFTER ANNISE PARKER ON THE HIGH TAX ISSUE!
WHO ARE YOU SUPPORTING IN THE BIG RACE?Yesterday Annise Parker attacked Gene Locke for his commitment to 'make decisions solely on what’s best for Houstonians,' saying "that’s not good enough."
But Parker’s baseless attack is merely an attempt to deflect attention away from her record of bad decisions, particularly on property tax relief.
According to her voting record on Houston City Council, Parker apparently believes higher taxes are ‘what’s best for Houstonians.’ She voted to increase our property taxes in 2001 and opposed reducing property taxes in 2003 and 2004. She’s also voted twice against measures that would have capped the amount property taxes could increase in a year.
“Ms. Parker would rather spend more time talking about some imagined conflicts of interest, than discussing her very real record of raising taxes,” said Locke. “It is essential that the mayor appreciates the impact of high taxes on our city’s well-being.”
Locke is the only mayoral candidate who has never voted for a tax increase. He understands the extreme burden carried by homeowners with escalating property taxes, and has pledged not to raise property taxes when he is mayor. Locke is the most qualified and experienced candidate to lead Houston’s future. His broad experience with the City of Houston, METRO, the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority and the Port Authority of Houston has uniquely prepared him to be Houston’s next mayor.
It is time to ask some very important questions of Parker. If what’s best for Houstonians isn’t good enough, then what is? Is it more tax increases? Parker’s record certainly suggests that her answer would be yes.
Annise Parker needs to explain why higher taxes are best for Houstonians.
PARKER AND TAXES: THE FACTS
- Parker Opposed Property Tax Decrease in 2004. Annise Parker opposed Bill White’s half-cent decrease in the property tax rate. (Houston Chronicle, Jun. 16, 2004)
- Parker Opposed Capping Homestead Values in 2003. Annise Parker voted against measures that barred residential homestead assessments from increasing by more than 5 percent in one year. (Houston Chronicle, Jun. 19, 2003)
- Parker Opposed Property Tax Decrease in 2003. Annise Parker opposed a 1-cent property tax rollback. (Houston Chronicle, Oct. 1, 2003)
- Parker Supported Property Tax Increase in 2001. Annise Parker supported a proposed 1-cent tax rate increase despite predictions of surging property taxes. (Houston Chronicle, May 17, 2001)
- Parker Opposed Reducing Property Taxes in 2000. Annise Parker voted against an 8-cent ad valorem tax rollback. (Council Minutes, Oct. 9, 2000)
- Parker Opposed Capping Homestead Values in 2000. Annise Parker voted against measures that barred residential homestead assessments from increasing by more than 5 percent in one year. (Houston Chronicle, Oct. 27, 2000)
- Parker Opposed Reducing Property Taxes in 1999. Annise Parker voted against a 6.5-cent property tax rollback. (Council Minutes, Jun. 29, 1999)
ANNISE PARKER SAYS SHE'S ON TOP IN THE BIG POLL!
WHO ARE YOU VOTING FOR IN THE BIG RACE!The Annise Parker for Mayor campaign released the results of a new poll that shows Parker leading her opponent Gene Locke by a margin of 47 percent to 34 percent.
The poll was conducted November 11-15.
“We’ve got a long way to go to Election Day,“ said Parker’s campaign manager Adam Harris. “But the message of this survey is that more and more voters are learning that Annise Parker is the one candidate in this race they can trust to keep our government focused on the basics, so we can hang on to more of our hard-earned tax dollars.“
HE'S HIT TWO BANKS IN FOUR DAYS - DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?
TAKE A GOOD LOOK - IT COULD BE WORTH A LOT OF MONEY TO YOU!The FBI Houston Bank Robbery Task Force is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man believed responsible for robbing two area banks within four days.
The most recent robbery occurred on Saturday, at the Chase Bank located at 12214 Jones Road in Houston. At approximately noon, a lone black male entered the bank and approached the teller counter. He presented a note announcing that he was committing a robbery and then displayed a handgun to the teller. Once he obtained the cash, he fled the bank in an unknown direction.
Witnesses describe the robber as a black male, 25-30 years old, 5’05”-5’08” tall, 150-170 pounds, with a dark complexion. He was wearing a New York Yankees baseball cap, a gray sweatshirt with a hood, and a distinctive black tee shirt with writing on the front.
The same man is believed responsible for the robbery of the Chase Bank at 1490 Eldridge Parkway on November 10. He also wore a very distinctive tee shirt during that robbery. Witnesses to the November 10 robbery saw the man fleeing the scene in an older model white Dodge Durango SUV.
Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000.00 for information leading to the charging and arrest of this suspect, or any felony suspect. If you have information about either of these two bank robberies, please call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
JANET BLAMES MICHAEL'S DOCTOR FOR THE DEATH!
A DAY DOESN'T GO BY THAT SHE DOESN'T THINK OF HER BROTHER!Janet Jackson blames Dr. Conrad Murray for her brother Michael's death. She told ABC News in an interview to air Wednesday that Murray should no longer be allowed to practice medicine. "He was the one that was administering," Jackson said. "I think he is responsible."
Prosecutors in Los Angeles are weighing charges against Murray in the pop singer's death. Murray told police he administered a powerful anesthetic to the singer shortly before Jackson died June 25.
A spokeswoman for the doctor, Miranda Sevcik, said Monday he continues to maintain he neither prescribed or administered anything to Jackson that should have killed him.
Jackson told ABC's Robin Roberts that she was at her home in New York on June 25 when her assistant called to say Michael had been taken to the hospital. She told relatives to call her when they got to the hospital and grew concerned when she wasn't getting any calls back.
She says that a day doesn't go by when she doesn't think of Michael. "It just didn't ring true to me. It felt like a dream," she said. "It's still so difficult for me to believe.
Associated Press
BILL COSBY SAYS HE NEVER OFFERED TO PAY FOR THAT SCHOLARSHIP AT TSU!
LETTER FROM BILL COSBY ON THE SCHOLARSHIP ISSUE:
October 2, 2009
Dr. John M. Rudley
Texas Southern University
3100 Cleburne Street
Houston, Texas 77004
Dear President Rudley:
This is in response to your E-mail to Darrell Bruines. I want it understood that I never offered to pay for this young man’s scholarship. Former TSU President, Priscilla Slade, stood and offered Mr. Bruines the scholarship as well as to a woman who is a recovering drug addict and her four daughters from four different men. Many in the audience heard her make these offers. Again, I never offered to pay.
I do not think it is fair what has happened to Mr. Bruines and everything he has been put through. All due to the offer made by Dr. Slade.
I hope this clears up any confusion.
Regards,
William H. Cosby, Jr.
cc: Jeanette Oliver
Willie Marshall
William SaundersMonday, November 16, 2009
SARAH FINALLY GETS ON OPRAH!
DO YOU EVEN REMEMBER WHAT THE BIG FUSS WAS ABOUT?Sarah Palin said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that it's heartbreaking to see the road that Levi Johnston, the father of her grandson, has taken and that the soon-to-be Playgirl model hasn't seen his baby in awhile.
In an episode that aired Monday, the two women also talked about the controversy surrounding
Palin's possible appearance on the show last year and touched on whether the former Alaska governor planned to run for president in 2012.
Palin and Winfrey embraced as the one-time Republican vice presidential candidate walked onto the talk show stage.
Palin's 413-page book, "Going Rogue," will be released Tuesday and she begins a book tour Wednesday in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The new memoir doesn't mention Johnston, who has sparred repeatedly with his former mother-in-law-to-be. Johnston and Palin's daughter Bristol Palin are parents to son, Tripp.
Associated Press
Sunday, November 15, 2009
IT'S BEEN A YEAR SINCE STRUT OPEN ITS DOORS!
NNETE'S BIG CELEBRATION AT THE GALLERIA!
Congratulations to my good friend Nnete. Her store Strut in the Galleria has endured the recession and continues to thrive. She celebrated with lots of friends and customers at her business on Westheimer Saturday afternoon. Even some big name comedians showed up to show her support. Make sure if you're looking for something to wear stop by Strut and support Nnete!
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA RAISES MONEY FOR THE STUDENTS IN HOUSTON!
PEARLS, JEANS AND BLING SCHOLARSHIP EVENT!
Hundreds of people poured into the Crown Plaza on Saturday night for a major celebration thrown by the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha. It was there annual scholarship fundraiser. FOX 26's own Duarte Geraldino served as an honorary chair at the event. He even invited the Insite to come hang out at the event. I also had a chance to see Yolanda Green, Jarvis Johnson, Brandi Garcia, Kandi Eastman, Amie Francis and the list goes on. Here's more about the organization and the event:
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has been of service to its communities for more than one hundred years. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by Black college-educated women. With service as the focus of its programs, Alpha Kappa Alpha is committed to improving the quality of life for area high school students.
In keeping with this goal, Xi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated will host its Annual Scholarship Fundraiser on November 14, 2009, 8:00 pm at the Crown Plaza Hotel located at 8686 Kirby Drive in Houston, Texas. The theme for the evening is “Pearls, Jeans, and Bling Scholarship Gala.” The fundraiser is designed to aide in providing funds to promote excellence in education.
Xi Alpha Omega Chapter is committed to quality education and believes that quality includes balance.THE WING CAFE CELEBRATES A YEAR OF BUSINESS ON THE NORTH SIDE!
I'VE FOUND A NEW SPOT CLOSE TO HOME!
If you're looking for a place to eat and have a good time in North Houston then the Insite has found just the spot for you. The Wing Cafe. The venue has great wings, music, lots of televisions and a live band. I met several friends there Saturday night where they celebrated the 1 year anniversary with the owner Quentin Hollis. I also ran into queen jaguar Millette Clayton Scott, Roger Hickson, Dawn Mopkins, and Carl Daniel. The Wing Cafe' is located at 5200 Louetta. Make sure you drop by and tell them The Insite sent you!
