THE DELTAS CELEBRATE FOR A GOOD CAUSE: EDUCATING THE YOUTH!

FIRST ANNUAL LEGEND AWARDS!

The Delta Artistic Academic and Philanthropic Foundation (DAAP), in conjunction with the Suburban Houston Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held the Delta Legend Awards on Saturday at The Power Center.

The Delta Legend Awards featured the Delta May Week Program during the event. The 2007 DLA Honorees: are Chevron Oil (Corporate Award); Actor Christopher Scott from the recently released movie “My Brothers” (Artistic Achievement Award) and Barbara Joseph, Executive Director of Positive Efforts Foundation which is devoted to addressing HIV/AIDS Awareness (Humanitarian Award). DLA was developed to provide recognition to individuals, organizations, corporations and youth who deserve accolades for their accomplishments. The Delta May Week Program will highlight winners from an Essay Contest, Scholarship Recipients and special recognition of the Delta Gems and Delta Academy Programs. This program was established to emphasize scholastic achievement, educational opportunities and the encouragement of higher learning. The Entertainment was provided by the Madison HS Jazz Ensemble directed by Samuel Jackson. Carlos Lewis, former NAACP-ACTSO performer, was the featured singer.

Isiah Carey, Fox Channel 26 news reporter, served as Master of Ceremonies. This year’s guest speaker was, Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, the National First Vice President of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in addition to serving as the National Chair of the Scholarship Committee. Gwendolyn K. Grant, the Southwest Regional Director and an employee of AT&T Southwest, will also participate.

DAAP was established in 1996 to contribute to diverse populations with a primary focus on youth. It has provided over $200,000 in scholarships and educational programs.

HARRIS COUNTY JAIL GETS A POSITIVE REVIEW!

THE JAIL HAS BEEN INSPECTED!

On Friday, May 04, 2007, inspectors with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards completed their five-day inspection of the Harris County Jail System. Jail administrators described the recent inspection as the “most thorough” jail inspection in recent memory. During the post-inspection briefing that took place Friday afternoon, inspectors said that they found the Harris County Jail System to be in compliance with all applicable jail standards. Further, inspectors made a number of reassuring comments regarding their observations within the jails. At least one inspector said that he was impressed with the level of positive interaction between staff members and inmates, and commented that such interaction is the “cornerstone” of a well-run detention facility.

Following the briefing with inspectors, Jail Administrators praised the efforts of staff members and the support of Commissioner’s Court. Chief Deputy Mike Smith maintained that staff members have worked diligently for several months to ensure, as best as possible, that the facilities stayed in compliance with all applicable standards, especially on such matters as staff-to-inmate ratios and facility cleanliness. He also expressed appreciation for the continued support and understanding of Commissioner’s Court as the Sheriff’s Office sought solutions to a number of issues impacting the jails, including issues related to the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel.

In acknowledging the positive response from the Jail Commission, Sheriff Tommy Thomas asserted that a finding of compliance is not an indication that our work is complete. Sheriff Thomas said that the Sheriff’s Office will continue to strive towards improving all aspects of inmate housing to provide professional, humane services to all inmates entrusted to our care. The official acknowledgment of the inspectors’ findings is expected to be delivered next Thursday.

R&B SINGER SLAPPED WITH LAWSUIT!

THE LATEST IN THE BRANDY CAR CRASH SAGA!

Singer-actor Brandy was sued for negligence and wrongful death by the husband of a waitress who was killed in a freeway crash involving the entertainer.
Marouane Hdidou filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. He seeks unspecified damages.
His wife, 38-year-old Awatef Aboudihaj, died on Dec. 30 in a crash on the San Diego Freeway.
A California Highway Patrol report said a Land Rover driven by 28-year-old Brandy (full name: Brandy Norwood) failed to slow in traffic and was going 65 mph when it struck the back of a Honda driven by Aboudihaj.
The Honda hit another vehicle, slid sideways and struck a center divider, then was hit by a car driven by 50-year-old Mallory Ham of Simi Valley, the report said.
The lawsuit names both Brandy and Ham and contends both were driving recklessly.
Aboudihaj's parents and her two children earlier filed separate lawsuits against Brandy.

IT'S NOT IMUS' FAULT - THE NETWORKS COULD'VE PREVENTED IT!

HERE COMES THE LAWSUIT!

A lawyer for Don Imus said Friday that the former radio host's bosses could have edited the on-air comments that got him fired -- and that the fact that they didn't meant they saw his remarks as routine for his often-provocative show. Attorney Martin Garbus told ABC-TV's "Good Morning America" that CBS Radio and MSNBC had delay buttons but didn't use them when
Imus made racist and sexist comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team last month.
"That means CBS and MSNBC both knew the language that was going
out, and both knew the language complied with (Imus') contract. ...
It was consistent with many of the things he had done," Garbus
said.
CBS Radio owns Imus' former home radio station, WFAN-AM, and
MSNBC simulcast the program on cable television.
An MSNBC spokeswoman contradicted Garbus' claim, saying that the
broadcast aired without a delay and that there was no opportunity
to delete his comments. Allison Gollust said MSNBC would not
respond to any of Garbus' other remarks.
A CBS Radio spokeswoman, Karen Mateo, said Friday she would not
respond to Garbus' comments.

PARIS HILTON IS HEADED TO JAIL!

SHE VIOLATED HER PAROLE!

A judge sentenced Paris Hilton to 45 days in jail Friday for violating her probation, putting the brakes on the hotel heiress' famous high life.
Hilton, who parlayed her name and relentless partying into worldwide notoriety, must go to jail on June 5 and she will not be allowed any work release, furloughs, use of an alternative jail or
any electronic monitoring in lieu of jail, Superior Court Judge Michael T. Sauer ruled after a hearing.
The judge ruled that she was in violation of the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.
"I'm very sorry and from now on I'm going to pay complete attention to everything. I'm sorry and I did not do it on purpose at all," she told the judge before announced the sentence.
She was then ordered to report to women's jail in suburban Lynwood.

DAVID WALLACE PERFORMS ON FOX ROX!

THE SUGAR LAND MAYOR SHOWS YOU WHAT HE HAS LIVE ON TELEVISION!


Way to go Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace. He performed live on FOX ROX Friday morning. Wallace was backed by a full band and back up singers. He sang the song 'I Pray' written by Debbie Fancher who also performed with him on FOX. The performance was a fundraising mechanism to get donations to Child Advocates. If you missed the performance go to MYFOXHOUSTON.COM and view it. If you click it Texas State Bank will also make a donation to Child Advocates!

link: myfoxhouston.com

ALEXIS GRANT EXAMINES HIGH PRICED CITY HALL DESK!

Debate on $37,000 desk is front, center at City Hall

By ALEXIS GRANT

Most everyone who passes through the City Hall rotunda agrees the new reception desk is beautiful, with its imported marble and shiny trim, and spacious enough for both police and city security officers to monitor the building.

With a price tag of nearly $37,000, it also was expensive.

The desk was custom-made for the city by a local company that used marble from Italy to match the building's 1930s-style architecture. It made its debut in the lobby of City Hall several months ago, where it serves not only as a sign-in desk for visitors and a security station but also as a topic of conversation.

Though the city paid only half the cost of the large, L-shaped desk — a private donor contributed the other half — some taxpayers say even $19,000 is too much to spend on city furniture.

"It's just ridiculous," said Drake Townsend, of Spring, who visited City Hall on Thursday. "What's wrong with the regular old desk?"

The old desk "looked like World War II surplus," said William Hill, who paid for half of the new one out of his own pocket. For a time, the old desk was replaced by a folding table.

As part of a larger effort to preserve City Hall and other historical buildings, the city's Preservation Committee, which Hill chairs, recommended in 2005 the purchase of a desk that matched the lobby's art-deco style. A private company drew up the construction plans for free, and once Hill offered to pay half, the council unanimously approved the purchase. Houston-based Four Seasons Development Co. Inc. built it.

"It's a lot of money," agreed Issa Dadoush, director of the Building Services Department, which buys furniture for the city. "At the same time, this is a desk that was designed to meet the 1930s architectural style of the building."

full report: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4774100.html

INSITE TESTING HIS PHOTOGENIC EYE!

HOUSTON HAS A GREAT SKYLINE!




I was on the 14th floor of the Harris County Criminal Justice building on Thursday and decided to snap some photos from the windows. I captured several skyline scenes that I will place in The Insite archives. Please let me know if the pictures are cool or if they suck!

DON'T COUNT HIM OUT OF POLITICS JUST YET!

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE - J. SMOKIE PHILLIPS?

The Insite has been told by Precinct 7 Deputy Constable Captain J. 'Smokie' Phillips that he is now considering a run for Justice of the Peace. It's the seat that was formerly held by Betty Brock Bell. Phillips says he hasn't made his mind up quite yet but he has formed an exploratory committee to determine if it's a position he should seek. Phillips has also considered a run for the Houston City council seat being vacated by Ada Edwards but decided against the run. If you think Phillips should seek the bench seat please let him know here on The Insite!

HARRIS COUNTY DEPUTIES PREVENT A DEADLY OFFICE SHOOTING!

INVESTIGATORS SAY HE HAD PLANS TO KILL EVERYONE IN THE OFFICE!

On Thursday, May 03, 2007, at approximately 8:15 a.m., Deputy R. C. Johnson was flagged down in the 15,000 block of Mason Rd. The reportee told Deputy Johnson that he had fired an employee the previous day. The ex-employee’s wife called the reportee this morning and said that her husband was on his way to the office with a gun, and that he intended to kill other employees. The reportee said that there were no other employees in the office at the time.

Deputy Johnson requested an additional unit to the scene, and Deputy L. Stover arrived a short time later. As Deputy Johnson was advising Deputy Stover of the situation, they observed a green four-door vehicle driving into the business parking lot at a high rate of speed. The reportee informed the Deputies that it was, in fact, the suspect’s vehicle. As the Deputies began running toward the suspect vehicle, the suspect suddenly turned around and sped towards the freeway. Deputies returned to their vehicles and gave chase.

The suspect fled eastbound on 290, and the Deputies caught up with him near Mueschke Rd. When the Deputies caught up with the suspect, he pulled over and was taken into custody without incident. An inventory of the vehicle discovered a shotgun and shells. The suspect has been identified as 31 year old Michael Landefeld. Charges of Attempted Aggravated Assault are pending at this time. The suspect also had three outstanding traffic warrants at the time of his arrest.

CHIVAS REGAL TASTING IN SOUTHWEST HOUSTON!

...AND THE PARTY KING MEETS THE BELLY DANCER!













The Insite made a quick run through the Chivas Regal drink tasting event in southwest Houston. Despite the weather, there were dozens of people who turned out for the event where
the participants had a chance to sample the best of Chivas. The event was planned by Houston promoter and event planner The Candy Girl of Project Zero Entertainment. The Insite actually ran into several Insite readers who were nice enough to pose for the camera. Representing The Insite was VIP Street Team Member Kalele 'Party King' Thumbutu. He even hit the dance floor with the belly dancer who entertained the guests at the event. Here are the pictures I snapped and if you recognize someone
please say hello to them in the comment section!

ARE WE REALLY READY FOR HIS VOCAL SKILLS?

IS HE THE NEXT SUGAR LAND IDOL?

Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace will take to the big stage this Friday in a big way. The Insite hears Wallace will be singing on the FOX music segment FOX ROX. The Mayor singing? I will definitely get up early Friday morning @ 8 am to hear this. But there is a method to Wallace's madness...He is singing in hopes of raising money for his favorite charity Child Advocates. Wallace says the only place he really sings is in the shower but he feels this is a worthy cause for a television debut of his vocal skills. I definitely will tune in tomorrow morning to hear what the Mayor's got!

INSITE JUDGE OF THE WEEK: DAVID HITTNER!

HE SENDS A PIMP TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES!

Houston federal judge David Hittner is getting a lot of praise this week. He is one of the first judges according to some to take pimping as a serious crime. Just ask 30 year old George Anderson. The Beaumont native who called Houston home went by the name 'Unique' on the streets. His crime: Unique pimped young girls - girls as young as 14 years old. Anderson according to court records made anywhere from $400 to $700 a day off of his minor streetwalkers who called him Daddy. So when Judge Hittner had a chance to send 'Unique' to prison for a long time, the judge spared no expense Wednesday. Federal sentencing guidelines gave the pimp a maximum of 15 and a half years for trafficking in young girls - Hittner went a step further and tacked on additional 6.8 years because Anderson was a convicted bank robber who was on probation when he turned young girls into hookers. So Anderson aka Unique will be spending nearly 22 years behind bars. It's hard in federal court for a pimp. And with that Judge David Hittner becomes the Insite's Judge of the week!

Note: Thanks to Ellen Alexander in Judge Hittner's court for helping the Insite get all the information needed to get you the details of this post and television report!

Video report on FOX 26: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=3095076&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.2.1

THE CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT THE INSITE WITNESSED!

WHITE MANAGER WHO WANTED TO PROMOTE AFRICAN AMERICAN EMPLOYEE GETS FIRED!


It's likely one of those agreements General Nutrition Corporation (GNC) didn't want disclosed to the public - but The Insite was in a federal courtroom when the details were released. The national chain of health stores settled a racial discrimination lawsuit for $375,000 in Houston Wednesday. The attorneys involved called it a confidential settlement. So what happened? Well according to court records, it was back in 2003 when a white high ranking manager, Tony Pittman, then division sales director was scheduled to be promoted to Vice President over Division II in Florida. While working here in Houston Pittman said he wondered why his regional sales director, Al Demeke - an African American, had never been promoted by the company to the position of division sales director. So Pittman, who's white, said when he gets his expected promotion to Vice President of GNC he was going to promote
Demeke to his old position of regional sales director. Pittman says when he was flown to Pittsburgh back in 2003 by GNC to officially accept the promotion of Vice President, he would inform his managers that he was going to promote Demeke. So, during that promotion meeting Pittman said everything went fine. He was told he was GNC's next Vice President by company executives. But Pittman says once he made it known he was going to promote Demeke, an African American, to regional sales director things began to change. He says by the time he made it back to Houston executives from GNC informed him his promotion as Vice President was rescinded. He was told GNC decided to go in a different direction and Pittman was eventually fired. Pittman in a lawsuit he filed with Demeke claims GNC had a history of not having any high ranking African American managers. According to the lawsuit, when Pittman informed company execs he was promoting a black his career came to a screeching halt. According to court records GNC has no black managers as of 2004. Now back to 2007. In federal Judge David Hittner's courtroom today, the two sides came to an agreement after a 4 year legal battle. GNC decided to settle the case for $375,000 plus legal fees. However, this doesn't mean GNC admits any guilt in the case. The Insite called the company for a comment on Wednesday afternoon and a company spokesperson told me to present the questions in writing and he would get back to me. As of this posting I have not heard back from GNC. The Insite would like to hear your opinion on this. Please leave your comments below!

IS LEGAL COCAINE COMING OFF THE MARKET!

COCAINE IN A CAN MAY SOON GO AWAY!

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today filed a legal action against a Nevada company and its three Texas distributors for the marketing and selling of an energy drink as an unapproved drug, claiming it is a "legal alternative" to illicit street drugs.

The Dallas County District Court issued a temporary restraining order halting all Texas marketing and distribution of the drink, "Cocaine." Redux Beverages touts the canned drink as "speed in a can" and "liquid cocaine," with "warnings" that consumers who drink the product may succumb to "excess excitement, stamina, fun and possible feelings of euphoria."

"Texans will not tolerate the peddling of unapproved drugs," said Attorney General Abbott. "This advertising campaign entices young people with illegal drug references and false claims of health benefits. The Office of Attorney General will continue to aggressively enforce this state's consumer protection laws to ensure that Texans will not be deceived by the marketing of unapproved drugs."

A temporary injunction hearing in the case is set for Wednesday, May 16, at 9:30 a.m. in the 44th District Court of Dallas County.

The Texas Department of State Health Services recently detained a large quantity of the drink, valued at almost $200,000, at several warehouse locations in the Dallas area. The agency then referred the case to the Office of Attorney General for legal action.

HOUSTONIAN ISAIAH WASHINGTON KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN FOR GAY GROUP!

HAS HE DONE ENOUGH TO APOLOGIZE ALREADY OR IS THIS AD CAMPAIGN NECESSARY?

Isaiah Washington, who came under fire after using an anti-gay slur, will appear in a public service announcement on behalf of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.
"We're gonna have -- I want to say at least two versions of it at this point. We may broaden our message a little," the actor's publicist, Howard Bragman, told The Associated Press in a phone interview Wednesday.
Washington ran into trouble at the Golden Globe Awards in January after he used an anti-gay slur during a backstage press conference while denying he'd used it previously against "Grey's
Anatomy" castmate T.R. Knight.
People magazine reported last October that Washington had allegedly used the slur during an on-set dustup with co-star Patrick Dempsey.
Knight said soon after the incident that he was gay. After being criticized by GLAAD, a gay and lesbian advocacy group, and the ABC network, Washington issued an apology and sought
counseling.

Note: The Insite question is has he done enough already to apologize or is this latest ad campaign needed to seal the deal?

FORGET SELLING THOSE ALUMINUM CANS - THE COACKROACH IS THE NEW BIG MONEY MAKER!

BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

If you think you've heard it all - think again. The Insite hears the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences is now paying people for their cockroaches. That's right, cockroaches. They will be used for an exhibit at the museum so if you can come up with the big pesk critters they could be worth at least a quarter each. Here are the details:

CLAIM YOUR COCKROACH LOOT
Houstonians may contribute cockroaches by coming to the entrance of the Cockrell Butterfly Center on the following Saturdays and Tuesdays, and asking for a museum entomologist:

When to go

• Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, May 12 and May 19

• 4-7 p.m. May 8 and May 15

What you'll get

• Reward: $0.25 per cockroach for the first 1,000 received; after that, donors will be given passes to return and visit their friends when the redesigned Cockrell Butterfly Center opens May 25.

CAPITOL ONE MIXER AT THE RED CAT JAZZ CAFE!

...AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!












The Insite served as emcee at the Capitol One Mixer Tuesday evening at the Red Cat Jazz Cafe. It was a chance for members of the business community to come together and unwind with some jazz, food, drinks and lots of prizes. The event was also sponsored be Neos Architects, The Greater Houston Partnership and YMCA played a big role in the program. Dozens of people turned out for the mixer that even pulled in council member Jarvis Johnson for a cameo appearance. There are at least 8 more events planned throughout the remainder of the year. Some of the people present at the event: David Jones, Chante Tousant, Laquita Cyprian, Craig Grassle, James Robertson, Shannon Broussard, Shelly Koether, Stephanie Garcia, Jay Perez, Enrique Lau, Maco Faniel, Olaide Banks, Trisha Ahlman, Rodney Wade and the list goes on. Here are some of the pictures The Insite snapped at the event!

SHAFT AND VIVICA FOX AT CITY HALL!

THE CELEBRITIES CAUSE QUITE A STIR AT CITY HALL!






It was like a mad house behind Houston city council chambers Tuesday afternoon. The buzz - two Hollywood celebrities were in town for a play and both were being honored by the city council. Vivica A. Fox (Independence Day, Batman, Set It Off) and Richard Roundtree (Shaft) were presented with proclamations by Council members Jarvis Johnson and Peter Brown. Dozens of council workers scrambled to the back of council chambers to get photos taken with the celebrities. Even council members Michael Berry and Peter Brown made bee lines to get their pictures taken with the legend and starlet. Here are some of the photos snapped at city hall during the event Tuesday!



Note: Special thanks to Johnson's chief of staff Previn Jones. He set up an exclusive interview for the Insite with the celebrities before all hell broke loose in council chambers!

BORRIS MILES TO FOCUS ON THE HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC IN HOUSTON!

MILES: TOO MANY OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE HAVING UNPROTECTED SEX!

State Representative Borris Miles has kicked off a new campaign to help the constituents of his district. In an early Tuesday morning interview the newly elected official said he wants to address the HIV/AIDS disaster that's hitting the African American community in Houston. Miles says out the 800 diagnosed HIV cases in Harris County in 2006 - 500 were in his district. The Houston businessman turned politician says he wants to send a strong message that unprotected sex is killing the community. Miles says too many young people are going around having unsafe sex and they're paying the cost with their lives. He's also kicked off a campaign with 97.9 The Boxx. They've joined forces to have a free concert at Reliant for those young people who submit to a HIV test on June 30th. What do you think about Representative Miles' campaign for public awareness of HIV?

GOVERNOR PERRY: THERE SOULD BE A CONCEALED GUN ON EVERY CORNER AND IN EVERY POCKET!

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE GOVERNOR'S POSITION ABOUT FIREARMS?

Gov. Rick Perry said Monday that Texans who are legally licensed should be able to carry their concealed handguns anywhere, including churches, bars, courthouses and college campuses.

"I think it makes sense for Texans to be able to protect themselves from deranged individuals, whether they're in church, or whether on a college campus or wherever they are," he said.

"The idea that you're going to exempt them from a particular place is nonsense to me."

Perry commented to reporters after he and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt had met privately with educators, mental health experts and law enforcement officials to discuss the recent shootings at Virginia Tech University. Leavitt and other Cabinet officials are traveling around the country to discuss school and community safety practices in preparation for a report to President Bush.

The governor's remarks aren't likely to result in widespread changes in Texas gun laws, particularly this late in a legislative session that must adjourn by May 28.

Full Report: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4763469.html

ALASKA RESIDENT BECOMES MISS TSU!

Isis Alliniece crowned Miss TSU 2007-2008

On Friday, April 27, Isis Ivory Alliniece was crowned Miss Texas Southern University 2007-2008. Alliniece, a native of Anchorage, Alaska, is a junior majoring in business marketing. She's also a member of the TSU Tigers Cheerleaders squad, Deans List, Honor Roll and Who’s Who Among African American College Students.

Alliniece is the daughter of Manger and Debbie Alliniece. Ashley Bingham served as Miss Texas Southern University 2006-2007.

THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT SAYS THIS IS THE MAN WHO PUT HIS GIRLFRIEND IN THE CLOTHES DRYER!

Suspect Arrested After Putting Ex-girlfriend in Dryer

On Thursday, April 26, 2007, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to 2218 Place Rebecca regarding a Disturbance. Upon arrival, Deputies met with the reportee, who said she was concerned about her friend who lived at that town home. The reportee had received text messages from her friend’s ex-boyfriend saying that the complainant was in the garage, and telling her to “figure out a way to get her out.” The reportee believed that her friend was being held in the town home against her will.

After making entry into the town home to check on the complainant’s welfare, Deputies eventually found the complainant unconscious in the clothes dryer in the garage. The complainant regained consciousness while at the scene, and was transported to Houston Northwest Medical Center for assessment and treatment of her injuries. Before being transported, however, the complainant was asked who assaulted her, and she replied that it was her ex-boyfriend, Adrian Williams.

On Friday, April 27, 2007, Deputies charged Adrian Williams with one count of Aggravated Kidnapping. (The kidnapping charge was due to the fact that the suspect had imprisoned the complainant in the dryer against her will.) Williams was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail early Sunday morning. On Monday, April 30, 2007, bond was set at $75,000. This charge is out of the 209^th District Court.

WALTER DUMAS DROPS OFF A BIG CHECK AT SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY IN BATON ROUGE!

GIVING BACK TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS!

Southern University hosted the presentations of major contributions today made to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Baton Rouge Community College, Louisiana State University and Southern University. These four recipients will share the remaining settlement funds of a class action lawsuit arising from a March 17, 1997, barge accident which occurred on the Mississippi River.

Attorney Walter Dumas led the presentations saying, In every case we [Class Counsel] keep a reserve for contingencies that may arise. And, in this case we had funds left over. We looked around the community to see who could benefit, and these four recipients got unanimous support from all of the lawyers involved.

Joining Dumas today were representatives of Liskow and Lewis and each of the recipient organizations. The Baton Rouge Area Foundation received $68,944.41, accepted by John Spain, Baton Rouge Community College received $344,724.54, accepted by Chancellor Myrtle Dorsey, Louisiana State University received $689,449.05, accepted by Vice Chancellor for University Relations Michael Ruffner, and Southern University received $2,344,126.85, accepted by Southern University System President, Dr. Ralph Slaughter.

We touch a number of lives across the state and this contribution will help us help many people around Louisiana, said John Spain.

While expressing his gratitude, Dr. Slaughter stated, On behalf of Southern University, we want to thank you and that we have a lot of needs and much work to be done at the University. This will go a long way towards making that happen

MAYOR BILL WHITE WANTS YOU TO GET MOVING IN HOUSTON!

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?


The Mayor wants to keep Houston from being one of the fattest cities in America again. He's sending out a challenge to you all to see if he can get you moving. Are you up for the challenge? Here's the press release sent out by the Mayor's office:

Mayor Bill White invites Houstonians to lace up their tennis shoes and join him for at least 15 minutes of exercise on International Challenge Day, May 23, and to report their results. The International Challenge Day is a competition that takes place simultaneously in different cities around the world. It requires groups, couples or individuals to record that they have exercised for 15 minutes or more on one given day. In 2006, there were 2,867 cities from 24 countries that participated in Challenge Day, and the City of Houston has been involved since 2005.

SHOULD SHE STAY OR SHOULD SHE GO?

GRIFFIN: 'AND I'M TELLING YOU I'M NOT GOING..."

The head of the Texas Southern University's board today said she's obligated by law to carry out her duties -- until she's replaced.
Regents chairwoman Belinda Griffin says she'll continue -- despite Governor Rick Perry's request that the board resign and cease activity. T-S-U has been rocked by financial scandal over the past year.
Perry in mid-April called for the board's resignation and proposed installing a conservatorship at the historically black school in Houston. Griffin says some T-S-U regents may have been confused about their role after she submitted their resignations to Perry on Friday.

INSITE QUESTION: Should Belinda Griffin stay at TSU or leave now and save face?

IF YOU HAD C. JOHN WILDER'S SALARY WHAT WOULD YOU BUY?

$17.2 MILLION FOR HIS WORK ON THE JOB!

The chief executive of electric utility T-X-U Corporation received compensation last year valued at 17-point-12 (M) million dollars.
Most of that was in stock awards, according to an analysis of a regulatory filing today.
T-X-U, which has agreed to a record 32 (B) billion dollar sale to private investors, gave C. John Wilder stock awards in 2006 that were valued at 13-point-68 (M) million dollars on the date they
were granted, T-X-U said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Wilder, who is also chairman of the Dallas-based company, got a salary of 1-point-25 (M) million, a nonstock incentive payment of 1-point-65 (M) million, and $564,056 in other compensation.

Insite Question of The Day: What would you buy or do if you had a salary like that?

A FUNERAL FOR THE 'N' WORD: WHAT DO YOU THINK? WILL IT HELP THE CAUSE OR BE ONE BIG JOKE?

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE NAACP'S IDEA?

It hasn't been officially declared dead. But the N-double-A-C-P says it's planning a symbolic funeral for the "n-word." The head of the civil rights group's Detroit branch
says the "services" will be held this summer, when the N-double-A-C-P holds its national convention in Detroit. As part of the mock event, there will even be a "eulogy" for the word. The
symbolic funeral will be similar to one held in Detroit 63 years for Jim Crow, the term used to describe the series of laws in many parts of the South and elsewhere that segregated blacks from white society and, in effect, made African-Americans second-class citizens.

REMAKING THE BIRTHDAY DELUXE EDITION AFTER A LAWSUIT!

LEGAL BATTLE SPARKS SOME CHANGES TO THE RELEASE!

When Beyonce's record label decided to re-release her hit album "B'Day" as a "deluxe" offering, they were no doubt hoping to cash in on the project's success. Now it appears the release is becoming more known for controversy. The "B'Day Deluxe Edition" is getting a makeover. New shipments of the project will not include a remake of the song "I'm Kissing You" until a spat over legal clearances for the song can be cleared up. The decision by Music World Entertainment comes after a copyright infringement suit was filed against Beyonce and her record label on behalf of the song's writers: Des'ree Weeks and Timothy Atack. At issue is whether the song was cleared for release in the U-S. While the album is being re-cut without the disputed track, versions of the album released internationally won't be affected by the change because they didn't include the remake.

LIFE IS IMITATING ART IN TEXAS VIA WLD HOGS!

LIKE THE MOVIE - RUSTY BIKERS ARE GETTING GET BACK ON THE ROAD TO DANGEROUS RESULTS!

It appears the movie 'Wild Hogs' is becoming a problem for state police in Texas. The Insite received a press release that indicates after watching the movie starring John Travolta some rusty bikers are trying to get back on the road. Rusty bikers whose skills are not what they used to be. Here's a look at the press release from the state and you draw your own conclusions:

Born to be Wild, but not a Wild Hog

With May as Motorcycle Safety Month and the movie, “Wild Hogs,” playing in theatres, DPS wants to remind motorcyclists to think safety first. The movie accurately portrays a trend in motorcycle riding nationwide: unprepared riders are hitting the roads in increasing numbers. Returning riders are getting back on their motorcycles without brushing up on their skills.

“We’ve noticed an increase in wrecks involving returning riders — those who have not ridden recently but have previously,” said Clifton Burdette, coordinator of the DPS Motorcycle Safety Unit. “Their skills are a little rusty, but they think they can ride now with no problems. We encourage them to take an operator training course. They can brush up on their skills and increase their safety on the road.”

An advertisement for “Wild Hogs” says, “When they hit the road, they had no idea the road would hit back.” Unfortunately, that is true for many motorcyclists who haven’t taken the time to brush up on their riding skills. Last year, 32,267 Texans took either the basic or advanced course, setting an all-time record number of students taking advantage of the courses, but there are 803,116 licensed motorcyclists in Texas. Many of those drivers could benefit from taking a safety course. The basic course may be used to waive the licensing road test, and both of the courses may qualify for ticket dismissal and insurance discounts.

The DPS Motorcycle Safety Unit offers basic and advanced motorcycle operator training in 69 permanent locations and nine mobile sites. Motorcycle riders can locate the course nearest to them by visiting the DPS Web site www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/.

In 2005 (latest statistics available), 360 people in Texas died as a result of motorcycle crashes, with 59.3 percent of those not wearing a helmet. While Texas does not require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, the DPS strongly encourages riders to wear helmets to increase safety and save lives. Texas law states that in order to be exempt from wearing a helmet, a person must be at least 21 years of age. In addition, they must successfully complete a motorcycle safety course or be covered by a health insurance plan providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits for motorcycle-related injuries.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

FORMER HOUSTON PERSONALITIES MARIA TODD AND JAMES IRBY!

Someone recently left a comment asking where in the world is Maria Todd? She was the morning announcer on KRBE a year or so ago. Also someone wanted to know what became of KTRK-TV 13 reporter James Irby. The Insite did some research and now I have answers. Maria Todd is now doing morning radio (prime spot) in San Francisco. She's now apart of the Baltazar and Maria show on Movin 99.7 FM. As for James Irby, he has landed an anchor spot at FOX news in Austin. Irby serves as the weekend anchor at the Capitol station and it appears he's having a good time there. All questions answered?

HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY FOR...

BIKING WITH BILL OR MUNCHIES WITH MIKE!

The local organization Crime Stoppers is hoping to raise some money for their effort to stomp out crime. They're kicking off an online auction to raise money for the group and there's quite a few items to bid on. For exanple: You can bid on a bike ride with Mayor Bill White, there's a wine tasting party for a group of 20 and you can even have lunch with the head of the department of Public Works - Michael Marcotte. So if you want to help crime stoppers by getting something back you may want to check out the auction. The Insite has his eye on a GPS system and a Sprint Blackberry!

Link: http://www.cmarket.com/catalog/browseCatalog.do?ID=78a4203954a4a58212833474663630f3&sortby=Title&cate=All

SAY IT AIN'T SO: KATIE COURIC DOESN'T WRITE HER OWN BLOG!

THE GHOST WRITER GETS INTO TROUBLE!

I was a bit shocked when I read CBS multi-million dollar news anchor Katie Couric didn't write her own blog. The shame of it all. Just for the record The Insite doesn't have a ghost writer. And I can't seem to get Insite staffers to help me out on the blog when it comes to writing. Here's an excerpt of Couric report:

The reference is to serious CBS news icon Katie Couric, who was ensnared recently in yet another embarrassing brouhaha. One of her producers was fired for plagiarizing a Wall Street Journal story on libraries, which Couric used in a video blog. Although coverage focused on the act of plagiarism, the real revelation was that Couric, who makes something like $15 million a year, doesn't even write her own blog. Even worse, the offending "video notebook" item was framed in the style of a personal remembrance, beginning with, "I still remember when I first got my library card." In other words, not only was Couric okeydokey with someone else writing her personal journal, she was equally okeydokey with the writer making up her childhood memories.

MOTHER OF SUSPECTED MASS MURDERER: I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DID WRONG!

HE WOULDN'T TALK, HE DIDN'T HAVE ANY FRIENDS. HE FAILED N SCHOOL, NOW HE'S ACCUSED OF KILLING FOUR PEOPLE...

Trucko Stampley of Baton Rouge was a quiet child.

He was a poor student, who throughout his school years, puzzled teachers with his cold silence. He could hardly read, write or hold down a job.

And the 19-year-old had a history of odd behavior, his parents added Saturday — most notably pounding his head aggressively and frequently — against the walls of the family’s Cherry Street house.

On Monday he was unknown.

But by Friday, he was behind bars with Baton Rouge Police Chief Jeff LeDuff dubbing Stampley a “mass murderer,” accusing him of killing four people in two double slayings.

In an eruption of violence, police say, Stampley shot and killed Marie Pedescleaux, 80, her daughter, Denise Pedescleaux, 46, and Charles and Ann Lynn Colvin, both 73.

It is still a mystery to police who was struck first, but the shootings happened during home-invasion robberies. And investigators haven’t ruled out that more bodies could surface. They urged residents to check in on their elderly neighbors.

“He always isolated himself, he didn’t talk to anybody,” said Sheila Stampley, the teen’s 51-year-old mother. “Not at home, not at school. He was always by himself. And when he would talk, he mumbled. I don’t know what I did wrong.”

A troubled teen
With limited resources, she tried to get her son help through teachers and friends. But nothing worked and he became even more distant.

“His brain is dead, he is gone,” she said. “He didn’t want to be nobody. He’s just gone.”

As some of their grandchildren played in the front yard Saturday afternoon, Sheila and Larry Stampley tearfully described their son as a troubled kid who just couldn’t find his niche in life.

Trucko was born in Baton Rouge and was brought up in a family of six boys and three girls.

“When he was 2 years old his head swelled and we had to drain fluids from his brain,” Sheila Stampley said. “I always wondered about that.”

Nevertheless, the boy went to Greenville Elementary, and although he often got failing grades and sat in special-education classes, Stampley was promoted — first to Prescott Middle and then Lee High School, the family said.

He finally dropped out.

Trucko Stampley had no hobbies, didn’t play sports and by all accounts didn’t have many friends — if any.

“But he would get mad, mad, mad,” Larry Stampley, 55, said. “He’d stand by the wall in this home and bang his head over and over and over. He put a hole in my wall. I’d ask him what’s the matter and he would just stare at me. He’d get hot.”

FINISH THIS STATEMENT: THE PERSON MAY BE DRUNK IN FRONT OF YOU IF...

...they stop for a red light at 1 in the morning - under the intersection - in the middle of the street - blocking all other traffic and they just sit there for a while...asleep!