THE NEW INSITE-CAM IS IN BUSINESS!

READY TO COVER ALL THE NEWS, PARTIES AND IMPORTANT EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY!

As time progresses the Insite must upgrade from time to time. My latest upgrade is the new Sony A200. It will officially serve as the new Insite-cam. The old Fuji will serve as the back up and video camera for emergency situations...unless one of you Insite readers want to take it off my hands...Price: negotiable...But welcome the new Insite-cam to the fold!

Old Insite-cam: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NOUP0S?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&tag=tanis010108%5F344522-20

HAS AN ARMY OF HATE MONGERS BEEN CREATED?

An Open Letter to the HLSR Board

by Liz on Mar.09, 2009, under Leadership Moments

I was so excited last year when I became a lifetime member to the HLSR, paid my Coral Club dues, and joined one of the hard working committees as a Rookie for the 2009 Rodeo. I am a third generation Texan, second generation Houstonian and I happen to be of Mexican descent. I grew up attending the rodeo each year and remember Elvis Presley, cotton candy and my boots with fond memories.

I have met some of the most wonderful and hardest working people in my first year and I hope they become long-standing friendships. I believe in learning the process and earning my stripes, moving up the chain of commitment and believe me it is a commitment of time and money.

It is unfortunate that the dark side of the recent controversy has appeared and has moved down to the rank and file volunteers of the rodeo. The emails sent to the 21,000 volunteers from Butch Robinson, HLSR Chairman along with other HLSR notifications attempting to set the record straight has only sparked inflammatory and venomous responses from rodeo volunteers and non-volunteers.

Hallway discussions at Reliant Park range from “Which side are you on?” to comments like “What is the penalty for hitting a protester?” The emails and blogs that have been circulated depict such hatred for “Mexicans” that I am just blown away. What did Butch Robinson think he was doing by sending out emails with Senator Mario Gallegos and Ben Mendez’s name under the title “A Public Message from HLSR”. What it created was an army of hate mongers who believe they are right and that “Mexicans should go home.”

I have never been one to shy away from a fight and I am ready to stand up for my rights; however this controversy has nothing to do with the rank and file volunteers and everything to do the decision makers in the HLSR boardroom. This matter should have been settled at the board level and not driven down to the volunteers in this manner. When I signed up as a volunteer it was not to fight the battles created, it was to raise scholarship money.

The only message that the HLSR leadership should have communicated to the 21,000 volunteers is be the best Ambassadors for the HLSR. This role includes greeting attendees, encouraging participation, and adhering to the mission of the Rodeo, because at the end of the day it is about scholarships for deserving kids.

My message to Butch Robinson and the HLSR Board is if you can’t resolve this situation at your level, then maybe we need to clean the boardroom and bring in people who will. The HLSR Board needs to be open and above reproach, not acting disrespectful of elected officials and dismissive of a community that accounts for over 40% of the regional population. I plan to continue my volunteer services for as long as I am alive, for I believe in the mission of the HLSR.

Sincerely,

Liz Lara-Carreño

Lifetime Member HLSR

GAYS ALLEGEDLY BANNED FROM HOUSTON BAR!

IS IT DISCRIMINATION OR THE OWNERS PREROGATIVE!

Press Release: Nearly 100 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people were refused entry to Union Bar and Lounge in Midtown Friday while others were welcomed.

Patrons started lining up at about 9:40 p.m. and were told to wait in line and not allowed inside, even as straight-appearing people were waved through. As the line grew and patrons waited in the rain, employees at the door told those who were that they were maintaining a “ratio.” Later, the bar employees simply indicated they had the right to refuse anyone.

“I was shocked to be a victim of that kind of discrimination in a city like Houston in 2009,” said Neal Falgoust, a Houston law student. “I have never experienced anything like that before in my life.”

A patron who arrived at the bar early reported that the bar was nearly empty at about 9:40 p.m., when gay people started arriving and were stopped at the door.

Gay people continued to line up to the street and around the corner as people who appeared to be straight went to the front and were ushered in. Kris Banks, who stood at the front of the line, said the bar employees were asking the women who were entering with men if the men were accompanying them. If the men were with the women, they were allowed in.

“I arrived and heard that they were not allowing gay men in, so when I got to the door with three women I asked if we would be allowed in, and the door employee said ‘I was told to keep you out,’ ” said Lindsey Dionne. “This was supposed to be a social event, but now it’s political.”

That this kind of discrimination is still legal in Houston makes it more outrageous. A coalition of GLBT rights groups, including the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, the Houston Stonewall Young Democrats, the Harris County Impact Houston and Amicus at South Texas College of Law said Saturday that the incident is proof of the necessity of legal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity for public accommodations.

“Houston is the only major city in Texas without a law that prevents this kind of discrimination,” said Jerry Simoneaux, GLBT civil rights lawyer. “This incident is exactly the reason Houston should implement such an ordinance.”

The event was organized as Houston’s first “Guerilla Gay Bar,” a tongue-in-cheek event that has been popular in other cities in which GLBT individuals come to traditionally straight bars to interact with other communities. Though Guerilla Gay Bars are usually a surprise event in other cities, Houston organizers informed the bar owner in advance out of courtesy and were told they would be welcomed.

MICHAEL JACKSON SELLS OUT 40 SHOWS IN 5 HOURS!

STILL THE KING OF CONCERT TICKET SALES!

All 50 shows in Michael Jackson’s comeback series of concerts in London sold out in five hours, Reuters reported on Friday. Mr. Jackson, below, whose last concert tour was 12 years ago, initially committed to 10 shows at London’s O2 Arena but added another 40 that will extend the run to Feb. 24, 2010. The first concert is scheduled for July 8. Mr. Jackson’s last album of new music was “Invincible” in 2001. He has all but withdrawn from public life since his acquittal on sexual abuse charges in 2005 and has been struggling with debts that contributed to the loss of his Neverland ranch last year.

BABS IS BACK AT HOME!

SHE'S DOING EXTREMELY WELL AND THAT'S GOOD NEWS!

Former First Lady Barbara Bush is out of the hospital, nine days after undergoing successful open heart surgery.

Bush, 83, was admitted to The Methodist Hospital on Feb. 25 after experiencing shortness of breath.

Dr. Gerald Lawrie, a heart surgeon at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, replaced the valve with a biologic valve, which is made of natural living tissue, the hospital said in a
statement. Lawrie said the surgery went "extremely well."

Former President George H.W. Bush was at the hospital with his Wife.

"I am very impressed with and grateful to the wonderful team of doctors and nurses at The Methodist Hospital who have helped Barbara," the former president said. "We have every confidence she is in the best hands."

The former Barbara Pierce, daughter of the publisher of McCall's magazine, married George H.W. Bush in 1945 when he returned a hero from World War II.

They had their first child, George, while still at Yale in 1946. A daughter, Robin, died in 1953 of leukemia a few weeks before her 4th birthday.

Barbara Bush disclosed she was suffering from an overactive thyroid ailment known as Graves' disease when she lived at the White House. The disease causes teary eyes and double vision,
according to her doctors.

INVESTIGATORS IN BRAZORIA COUNTY ARREST 2ND SUSPECT IN DE JESUS CASE!

WALLER COUNTY DEPUTY ARRESTED!

THE LATEST ON ROBERT YOUNG!

Investigators with the Texas Attorney General's Office have arrested a Waller County Sheriff's Deputy for tampering with a governmental record.

Robert Young, a deputy assigned to the Special Investigation Unit, was arrested Wednesday. He has worked for Waller County since Jan. 19.

Before starting his newest job with Waller County, Young was a member of the Hempstead Police Department.

The warrant for Young was issued in Travis County District Court and the charge against him is a state jail felony.

Young is out of jail on after posting a $5,000 bond.

Waller County Sheriff R. Glenn Smith's office says that the arrest is the result of personal documents that Young allegedly filed in a claim against the Texas Attorney General's Office in April 2007.

The claim was not filed while Young worked for Waller County. Young has been reassigned to non-law enforcement duties pending any further action by Travis County law enforcement.

PARKER TO PERRY: WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!

OUR CITY NEEDS THAT STIMULUS MONEY TO HELP FAMILIES!

Houston City Controller Annise Parker sharply criticized Texas Governor Rick Perry today for rejecting $555 million in federal stimulus money that would have funded unemployment benefits for out-of-work Texans.

“In January alone, more than 65,000 Houstonians were unemployed – the most since 2004 – and our economy is slowing,” said Parker. “While the Governor makes his political point, our local economy is losing out on millions of dollars in stimulus funds – and Houstonians are hurting.”

In a statement released yesterday, State Representative Garnet Coleman, a member of the Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding, said: “by September 2009, the state's Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund will have a deficit of at least $800 million, triggering the implementation of a deficit tax on Texas employers. This deficit tax will likely double the overall unemployment tax burden on the average Texas employer.”Parker said: “The Governor’s actions are wrong for Houston businesses, wrong for Houston workers and wrong for Texas.”

Parker recently called on Perry to allow more transparency and local input into decisions about allocating stimulus dollars, to ensure that Houston receives its fair share of funds. She also met with local legislators in Austin to discuss the use of stimulus funds.“I support the efforts of our local representatives to bypass the Governor’s rejection of these funds and bring more stimulus dollars to Texas and to Houston,” said Parker.“As the impact of the national economic crisis hits home in Houston, our leaders should be doing everything they can to keep our economy growing,” she said. “The Governor’s rejection of these badly needed funds is a failure of leadership.”

FROM OUR FRIEND ROYKO: GUN SALES THROUGH THE ROOF IN HOUSTON!

CAN YOU SAY AFRAID OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S POSSIBLE LEGISLATION!


Four months after the election of President Barack Obama, firearms and ammunition sales in Tulsa remain at a fever pitch. Popular self-protection ammunition is often sold out at local stores, weapons are flying off shelves and the state reports an 87 percent increase in concealed carry permit applications for February 2008 over February 2009.



"People are hoarding. They're creating a shortage," Jim Prall at Sports World on 41st Street said of ammunition sales. "We've sold more ammunition in the last three months than we sold last year." Gun sales spiked in November with the election of Barack Obama and Democrats adding to their majority in Congress. But local gun dealers say the spike is turning into a steady climb with political worries about gun rights as well as worries about the economy and potential for increased crime.



Prall said his store planned ahead for the increase, having seen a similar spike after Bill Clinton was elected, but the previous jump in sales pales in comparison to what's happening now. "Most we're selling now we got back in September, but we bought pallets then where normally we wouldn't have ordered that much."



Concealed-carry classes at the academy are booked through April. "We used to do 15-person classes, and now we do 24 because of the demand," he said. Mathews believes that politics are partly to blame, but the economy also has people worried. "It's 50/50, I think" he said. "When people lose jobs and get desperate, good people can sometimes do bad things. People hear more about home invasions, robberies, and they think it will only get worse. Then they're afraid they might lose their guns or ammo, so they stock up."



Sales are so intense that Stone has limited sales of .380 ammo to one box per customer at Dong's. He has .380-caliber handguns for sale, and likes to be able to sell ammunition to whoever buys a gun, he said. A shipment of 10 Ruger .380 LCP handguns was sold in 24 hours this week — seven the first day, three the next. "Last week I had 28 boxes of .380, rationed to one per person, and it was gone in three days," Stone said.



Academy Sporting Goods stores also are low on .380 ammo. "The other day we got 16 boxes of .380 and a guy came in first thing and bought all 16," said Jon Ide, hunting and fishing sales associate at the 41st Street store. "A few people are doing all the buying, and it's the people who are trying to just get a box or two that can't find any."



The increased sales comes with an increase in Oklahomans seeking concealed-carry permits. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation pulled in additional help last month so it could process concealed-carry permit applications within the required 90 days, according to the supervisor of the self-defense licensing unit. Unit workers do not release their names.

The 87.2 percent increase for February 2009 over the same month last year was partially due to renewal applications for permits issued three and five years ago. But new applications have steadily risen in the past three years, and increased markedly since November, she said. She couldn't share the monthly breakdown on numbers, but as an indication of the volume said the state issued a total of 18,510 permits in 2008.



The bureau's annual reports show the state issued 16,426 permits in 2007 and 9,529 in 2006. There are 75,525 valid active concealed-carry permits in Oklahoma, she said.

Note: Royko didn't write this but he did provide this article for you all to read...Thanks guy!

Footnote: The Insite once owned a gun back in 1996. It was this cool silver shiny pistol (don't remember the type at this point) but my Mom Dollie learned I bought it and immediately took it away from me. I was a grown man who's Mother took away my gun. I haven't seen the pretty shiny pistol since!

WOMEN PROFESSIONALS IN GOVERNMENT!

THE SCHOLARSHIP HUNT YOU CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF!

Women Professionals in Government proudly announces a $1,500 scholarship award to be given to an outstanding woman who is currently pursuing studies toward a career in public service. The award is open to those pursuing future careers or furthering their education to enhance her existing public administration position. The primary objective of the WPG Scholarship is to assist exceptional women who are dedicated to becoming public servants.

Full-time or part-time graduate and undergraduate students are eligible. In addition, the winner of the scholarship will receive a complimentary one-year membership to WPG, affording excellent networking opportunities with established professionals in government and professionals from government affiliated companies and organizations.

Candidates must be female residents of the Greater Houston area and students in good standing at an accredited university. Graduate applicants must have completed at least 12 graduate hours, and undergraduate applicants must have completed at least 30 undergraduate hours. Determination of the award will depend on the applicant’s professional and scholastic achievements, demonstrated community service, reasons for pursuing a public service career, challenges to future professional and scholastic achievement, and scholarship need.

MORE STANFORD ACCOUNTS RELEASED!

THE LATEST ON THE CASE THAT COST INVESTORS $8 BILLION DOLLARS!

Another 16,000 Stanford Financial Group accounts with $4.1 billion in assets should be free of a court-ordered freeze following a ruling Thursday by a federal judge in Dallas.

U.S. District Judge David Godbey approved a motion by the court-appointed receiver, Ralph Janvey, for the third release of accounts from a freeze that went into effect Feb. 17. That was the day the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil fraud complaint naming three Stanford Group companies and three top executives.

The receiver previously released accounts not managed by Stanford affiliates. The judge later released those with less than $250,000 that were not tied to certificates of deposit offered by Stanford International Bank in Antigua, which the SEC believes were part of a Ponzi scheme, or to a particular Stanford mutual fund product.

The latest release includes accounts over $250,000 and the mutual fund products, but the restrictions remain for any accounts with ties to CDs or to certain company executives.

Before the release Thursday, 20,000 accounts worth $5.9 billion were being held by Pershing and J.P. Morgan, clearing banks that executed securities trades for Stanford.

Several billion more in CDs are unaccounted for.

MORE AT WWW.CHRON.COM

I FELT REALLY BAD FOR MR. BERING!

HE SHOULD'VE BEEN GIVEN THE INFORMATION NEEDED TO DEFEND HIS DECISION!

The Governor's office chose Augie Bering's high end hardware store (Bering's) as a place to announce his opposition to President Barack Obama's stimulus package. At least the unemployment benefits portion.

Governor Rick Perry's office picked the Houston store as an example of a small business that would be affected if the package is accepted by the state. Perry said Bering's would face higher taxes when the federal dollars to extend unemployment benefits run out.

When it was time for Bering to be interviewed by the news media it was pretty sad. The hard working business owner said he had no clue about the details of the stimulus package. He said he didn't know how it would affect him but he 'was told' by the Governor's staff it would hurt him.

When asked how much it (stimulus package) would cost him after the federal dollars ended he told a reporter about $12,000 a year "he thinks." Then when the reporter probed further he said we would have to ask his human resources department for more details. When the reporter asked another question he said again we would have to ask his human resources staff. Bering then went on to say again he didn't understand the unemployment compensation portion of the stimulus package at all.

I felt bad for Mr. Bering because all the reporters felt he may have been used by the Governor's office. Why? Because Perry's staff didn't take the time to educate the Houstonian on the details of the package and then they just left him to a half dozen reporters to be grilled about his position.

When Augie was being questioned by members of the press, Governor Perry and his key staffers were already gone out the back door of the Westheimer hardware store. I respect Bering's position that he has taken as a small business owner but I think it was unfair for the Governor's office not to fully educate him before he was thrown to the wolves. What do you think?

INSITE PICTURE OF THE DAY: THE TRUCK OF A SERIAL KILLER!

SIGNS OF A FUTURE MASS MURDERER?

I snapped this picture in the parking lot of the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. There was a skull in the back of some kind of animal. Who do you think this truck belongs to? The Insite would like some good answers!

THE GOVERNOR HAS REJECTED A HALF BILLION DOLLARS FROM PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!

GOVERNOR PERRY SAYS IT WILL HURT SMALL BUSINESSES WITH HIGHER TAXES WHILE THE AFL-CIO SAYS TEXAS IS BEING FOOLISH!

Augie Bering employs 175 people at his upscale hardware stores in Houston.

But don't think he hasn't felt the pinch of the tough economy.

"We're budgeting for less sales which means we are not hiring anyone at this point and time," the store owner says.

Bering says he doesn't quite understand president Obama's stimulus package, but he's been told it won't be good for him.

That's why he stood side by side with Gov. Rick Perry in Houston Thursday.

Perry announced he wouldn't accept a half billion dollars from the stimulus package that would've extended unemployment benefits to those without jobs and part time workers in Texas.

"The idea of what Washington is trying to do is force their philosophical idea on the people of the state of Texas," Perry says.

Perry joins a growing list of republican governors who say accepting federal dollars for unemployment benefits would require a law change and mean bad news for the state because the state would have to pick up the tab when the federal dollars run out. Perry says that burden would then be passed on to small business owners.

But everyone is not supporting Perry's move; they're calling it political grand standing and partisan politics.

"If Texas does not get its share of that stimulus money, then Texas is going to be a fool and in the end it's going to hurt working families," Richard Shaw with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations says.

THE FOX NEWS-INSITE VIDEO REPORT: PERRY REJECTS PORTION OF THE STIMULUS PACKAGE!

WOULD YOU TAKE AN 'I' BIBLE TO CHURCH?

EVERY CHAPTER IS JUST A CLICK AWAY FROM GENESIS TO REVELATIONS!

For those of you who don't have an Ipod Touch or an Iphone then you may not know about this. But on those devices you can download an electronic bible application. At your finger tips you can have every word of the Holy Bible for free. I thought I was the only person in Houston who downloaded it from the Apple website. But when I got to work I noticed it on a coworkers phone. She didn't want her identity revealed but she tells the Insite she uses her I-Bible in church. I was shocked that she would actually use it in church. But it's a sign of the times and how technology is making our lives easier. The question is would you use an I-Bible in church or would you stick with the old tried and true book version? The Insite would like to hear your opinion on this issue!

ARE YOU READY FOR NEW JACK CITY 2?

CAN BOW WOW'S PROJECT COMPARE TO WESLEY SNIPES'?

There are certain thing you just don't touch like the formula to Coca Cola, the bible, the recipe to Popeye's Chicken, and for God's sake don't do a sequel to New Jack City. Apparently, that's what tween rapper Bow Wow has done. I haven't done any research but on Wednesday I saw a big tour bus leaving the southwest Houston area with a huge banner on it. It was Bow Wow advertising the release of the new New Jack City 2 on March 31. I'm not quite sure if it's a movie he's marketing or an album. Whatever it is, it won't likely be able to touch so he's looking for failure on this one. What do you think? Can Bow Wow do better than the Wesley Snipes original? The Insite would like to hear your opinion!

MAVERICK WELSH RECEIVES TWO MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS!

HBAD AND HSYD ALL ARE BEHIND WELSH!

Two major Democratic groups have endorsed Maverick Welsh this week for Houston City Council District H in the May 9th Special Election.

The Houston Black American Democrats (HBAD) gave their endorsement at their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 12, making HBAD the latest major Democratic group to endorse Maverick Welsh for District H. The Houston Stonewall Young Democrats (HSYD) also endorsed Maverick at their monthly meeting on March 10th.

“I’m honored to accept the endorsement of these diverse organizations,” Maverick said. “Receiving the support of these two groups emphasizes my ability to reach out to everyone in District H. I appreciate their confidence in my commitment to make everyone’s voice heard in City Hall.”

HBAD cited Maverick’s experience as a teacher and public servant in making their decision. “Mr. Welsh’s career as a public school teacher, community leader, and public servant makes him the most qualified and capable candidate in this race," said Wanda Frederick, member of the HBAD screening committee. "Our community needs a City Council Member who has the experience to start working for us from day one.”

Brandon Webb, President of the HSYD, said “The Houston Stonewall Young Democrats are certain that Mr. Welsh’s deep understanding of city affairs, along with his passion for the needs of the district’s constituents, more than qualify him” to represent District H.

Find out more in both English and Spanish at www.MaverickWelsh.com, including a chance to tell Maverick what's on your mind in the new Maverick Listens section.

THE RADIO SHOW I HAVE TO HEAR EVERYDAY!

DEMOCRACY NOW: THE WAR AND PEACE REPORT RIGHT IN YOUR CAR!

I don't know where I've been for the last few years but I've really missed out. One day I was driving to work and got tired of the same old AM talk shows. So I decided to see what the FM dial had to offer in the way of information and news. I landed on 90.1 or KPFT and discovered Democracy Now a few months ago. It's hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. It is a wonderful program that I can't live without now. It gives you all of the national and international headlines first and then it takes an indepth look into at least two or three subjects a day. This is the premiere show for news junkies who are stuck in their cars during rush hour. DN gives you true Insite into an issue. It goes well beyond the headlines and tackles subject matter from a non-biased perspective and that's refreshing on the radio. If you're in your car at 9am or 6pm make sure you turn it on Democracy Now. You can also see the television version at www.democracynow.org. I live by it!

MEET AND GREET CHOICES - TIME TO VOTE!

LOTS OF GREAT CHOICES NOW WE MUST PICK ONE!

As many of you know we're trying to decide on a location for the 1st annual Insite Meet and Greet. The options have been submitted so now it's time for to vote. The poll is to the left side of the blog and it closes on Sunday. get your vote in!

THE WEATHER POSTPONES THE PROTEST AT THE HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO!

THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE RECEIVED BY THE INSITE!

The protest of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo has been postponed to Sunday, March 22, at 1:00 pm due to weather. As always, parking is an issue at the Reliant Center. We ask all protesters to be dropped off at the corner of Kirby and Old Spanish Trail.

I applaud the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo volunteers for giving up their precious time to volunteer at the rodeo to benefit our youth. Their efforts have made it possible for many students to attend college via scholarships. We hope that these same volunteers will join us in trying to make the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo even bigger and better by making the rodeo transparent and inclusive.

Our questions of the rodeo are simple. Of the $85 million, only $12 million will be used for scholarships. What are the other $73 million being used for? There are millions of dollars given in contracts for the rodeo that are never publicized. Who is currently getting these contracts? How do businesses participate in the bidding process to obtain these contracts?

Transparency and inclusivity will ensure public faith in Houston’s largest non-profit organization. This, in turn, will benefit everyone by providing more scholarships for our youth and contract opportunities for anyone interested in doing business with the rodeo.

T.I. KICKS OFF GIVE BACK YOUR GUN DAY IN HOUSTON!

WOULD YOU HAND OVER YOUR GUN TO RAPPER T.I.?

Rapper T.I. will be at Texas Southern this weekend to get you gangstas on the right path. He's sponsoring the first annual 'Give Back Your Gun Day' at the university. I assume it's part of T.I.'s community service as he approaches sentencing for his weapons charge last year. Anyway, the event is scheduled Saturday, March 14th from 11am to 4pm at Granville Sawyer Auditorium at TSU. If you have a gun you want to get rid of T.I. will be there to take it away from you. Would you give your gun to T.I.? The Insite would like to know!

DUARTE GERALDINO SAYS YOUR APPEARANCE COULD REFLECT YOUR CREDIT WORTHINESS!

CASE SOLVED NOW THERE MAY BE ANOTHER ACCOMPLICE OUT THERE!

NICHOLAS JEAN ARRESTED - ACCUSED IN THE DEATH OF MISSING WOMAN!

Officials say greed appears to be the motive behind the abduction and murder of a Pearland woman. And although a suspect is behind bars, detectives said there may be an accomplice still on the streets.

Nicolas Michael Jean faces a capital murder charge after he allegedly confessed to partaking in the February abduction of Susana DeJesus.

The 37-year-old was kidnapped at gunpoint as she was walking to her car in a Pearland shopping center. Officials had no leads in the case until a failed aggravated carjacking in Pearland led to the arrest of Jean Monday night.

Officials said Jean then led investigators the whereabouts of DeJesus' body, which was found decomposed in a trailer in southwest Houston early Tuesday morning.

The Harris County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the identity of DeJesus Wednesday mornin. An autopsy revealed she had died from a gunshot wound.

Officials said Jean also confessed to being present during her murder, but he stopped short of saying he pulled the trigger.

And detectives don't think that Jean acted alone.

Detectives said he was dropped off at that shopping center by someone driving a black Ford F-150 extended cab pickup truck with three blue decals on the rear window. They believe that truck is still in the Pearland area.

Jean also is charged with attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery and burglary and theft of a fireman in connection to the Monday carjacking attempt in Pearland that led to his arrest.

Officials said Jean allegedly shot at the carjacking victim and later at police who responded to the scene. The incident also led to the lock down of a Pearland ISD elementary school Monday.

Detectives said they think Jean may be linked to other crimes in the Pearland area dating back to 2006.

WHERE SHOULD THE FIRST INSITE MEET AND GREET BE?

WHERE AND WHEN? THEN WE WILL VOTE!

Okay, for years several people have suggested it and I've entertained the idea but haven't really pursued it. But now, after more than 1 million hits and 3 full years - it's time for an Insite Meet and Greet. My question to all the readers out there is where do you think it should be and when? The Insite is completely open to suggestions. Hopefully, we can get the Party King, T-Dub, Mary Benton, Royko, USA1, Steve, Jolo, Accountant to the Stars, and many others to come. Give a suggestion and we'll put it to a vote here on the blog. Suggest the place and the day of the week. If we don't get a lot of responses I'll assume no one is interested. Show your support and your willingness to Meet and Greet!

I WONDER IF THEY WANT BLACK BEACH WEEK BACK?

GALVESTON IS BEGGING FOR VISITORS NOW!

After Hurricane Ike tore through Galveston it left the thriving beach city on the skids. City leaders have found it hard to attract conventions and visitors back to the island that seems far from recovered. I recently heard a rep for the island essentially begging people and groups to come to visit and spend on the island. I wondered if that offer is extended to those thousands of African American college students who used to converge on the island annually for the so called 'Black Beach Week.' I can recall in its hey day BBW was considered a closer for many of the businesses on the island. In fact, many store owners on the beach in Galveston said they closed their stores because they didn't want the business of the African American college students. Some claimed the young people weren't spending money as their excuse for closing shop that weekend. After years of rejection and what some call blatant racism Black Beach Week slowly faded with only a hand full of people eventually showing up. I wonder if the businesses in Galveston are so desperate now that they would welcome those rejected beach partiers back in 2009? The Insite would like to hear your opinion on this issue!

TWO SUSPECTED CRIMINAL JOINED AT THE HIP ACCORDING TO POLICE!

ROSENBERG INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING FOR THE DUO!

Rosenberg Police are in search of a suspect wanted for a burglary of a habitation that occurred along Miles Street. The suspect has been identified as Bernardo “Tito Perez” Perez-Vega(DOB 4/10/77). He is a Hispanic male approximately 5 feet 11 inches and is believed to weigh about 230 pounds.

The suspect entered the home Tuesday, March 10, and took two pairs of boots, a pellet gun and an undisclosed amount of cash. On Tuesday, March 10, a warrant was issued by Judge Bielstein in Fort Bend County Court No. 4 for the arrest of Perez-Vega.

The suspect is known to be is friends with Enrique Aguayo (DOB 6/17/88). The two can often be found together.

Anyone with information about the crime or the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to call Det. Randall Leonhardt at 832.595.3724.

MORE THAN $2 MILLION IN COUNTERFEIT SUN SHADES IN HOUSTON?

WOULD YOU SPORT THEM IF THEY WEREN'T ILLEGAL?

Counterfeiters were not counting on U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers identifying their products as fakes when they attempted to import their goods to Houston.

Customs and Border Protection officers seized a shipment of counterfeit and confusingly similar sunglasses with a domestic value of about $42,000. If the goods had been authentic products sold by the trademark owners, the estimated manufacture suggested retail price would be about $2.3 million. The officers seized the shipment March 9 after import specialists confirmed the merchandise violated trademark laws.

“Customs and Border Protection officers are actively enforcing trade laws and protecting legitimate business owners and consumers from copyright and trademark infringements,” said Jeffrey O. Baldwin Sr., CBP’s Houston director of field operations. “When we identify products that violate trademarks or trade name rights, we seize the shipment and assess fines and penalties.”

Customs and Border Protection officers targeted the container for inspection in early February. The importer described the container’s shipment as sunglasses with a value of about $30,000; however, when officers inspected the shipment they found sunglasses with designer brands including Puma, Coach, Ray-Ban and Locs affixed to the shades. Import specialists collected samples of the sunglasses and confirmed that both counterfeit and confusingly similar sunglasses were included in the shipment.

Seized property specialists will take possession of the sunglasses. Customs and Border Protection could assess fines and penalties to the importer that is equal to the MSRP value.

In fiscal year 2008, nationwide the domestic value of counterfeit and pirated goods seized for intellectual property rights violations was up 38.6 percent to $272.7 million, an increase of almost $76 million from fiscal year 2007.

Imported counterfeit sunglasses and or their parts reached an domestic value of $7,919,375 in fiscal year 2008 that was nearly double the estimated value $ 3,967,617 from fiscal year 2007.

LOOK WHO'S BACK ON TELEVISION IN HOUSTON!

FROM THE WINDY CITY TO THE BAYOU CITY!

It was back in June 2006 when Katie McCall left the Bayou City for the Windy City. Fast forward three years and you can find your favorite former CW39 reporter now on KTRK-TV 13 in Houston. McCall initially left for CBS Television in Chicago. The lure of Houston apparently was so great that she came back. Not sure of her exact duties at KTRK but I've seen her reporting from the field. Welcome back Katie!

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA GIVES A SHOUT OUT TO HOUSTON SCHOOLS!

HISD IS APPARENTLY DOING IT RIGHT IN THE PREZ'S EYE!

In a speech today President Barack Obama recognized Houston's schools for doing it the right way. Here's an excerpt from his speech with the details explained by HISD spokesperson Norm Uhl:

President Obama: “Of course, raising standards alone will not make much of a difference unless we provide teachers and principals with the information they need to make sure students are prepared to meet those standards. Far too few states have data systems like the one in Florida that keep track of a student’s education from childhood through college. And far too few districts are emulating the example of Houston and Long Beach, and using data to track how much progress a student is making and where that student is struggling – a resource that can help us improve student achievement, and tell us which students had which teachers so we can assess what’s working and what’s not.”

The Houston Independent School District uses a growth model to determine how much growth each student makes from year to year to identify strengths and weaknesses, so that our teachers can build on strengths and intervene early on to turn weaknesses into strengths. We also use this measurement to determine teacher performance pay. I’ve included a press release below from January when employees received their bonuses. If you like more information or would like to do a story on the growth model that has captured the attention of President Obama feel free to contact me.

MAJOR MILESTONE FOR THE INSITE!

THANKS BUT NO AUTOGRAPHS PLEASE NOW THAT I'M PLATINUM!

Hey Guys,


just wanted to thank all of you readers out there. I forgot to mention this back in December (actually I didn't notice) but the Insite hit a major milestone. We surpassed the 1 millionth significant reader here on the blog. Significant means they spent actual time on the site rather than just clicking on it and logging off. Once again, this wouldn't have been possible without all of you and I thank you again and keep reading the Insite. Thanks but no autographs please now that I'm a platinum blogger!

The Insite

THE INSITE CONFIRMED: JOEL ALFARO WAS IN THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY!

WE NEED HELP FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM!

Rodney Johnson was killed 3 years ago. The shooter: a man in the country illegally. Last week, Officer Rick Slater was shot in the face while serving a warrant. Police say the shooter was in this country illegally. Now Houston city leaders are at a tipping point--they've had enough.

"The federal government has let us down," Mayor Bill White said.

White is sending a 6-point letter to the Department of Homeland Security. It's demanding more federal dollars and aid in dealing with illegal immigrants who are deported and return to Houston and later commit crimes.

"A local law enforcement agency under the law we can not deport people that is the job of the federal government and we're calling on the federal government to do that job," White said.

This sternness comes after a drug raid last week that left Houston Police Department’s Salter fighting for his life. Investigators say he was shot by 29-year-old Wilfido Joel Alfaro, an El Salvadorian in the country illegally.

Councilman Mike Sullivan says it took immigration 4 days to determine his status.

"They had to go back through the archives dig through paper files to find out this guy had been deported and should not be in the country," Sullivan said.

White says the answer lies in federal dollars and the sharing of up-to-date intelligence with local police departments.

White flanked by Police Chief Harold Hurtt says Houston is not a sanctuary city and they need the help to get the illegal criminals out!

CITY LEADERS: WE NEED SOME FEDERAL DOLLARS TO DEAL WITH ILLEGALS IN HOUSTON!

WILL EXTRA MONEY SOLVE THE PROBLEM?

The City of Houston has sent out a press release (Tuesday) today that indicates Mayor Bill White and Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt will demand federal funds to address illegal immigrants who commit crimes in the city. The press conference is scheduled for 1pm at HPD headquarters in downtown Houston. This is likely tied to an earlier post here on the Insite involving the shooting of a Houston police officer just last week. I won't jump the gun so I will wait and see if it is directly tied to the Joel Alfaro case. See below for earlier post. Will more federal dollars help stop illegals who are deported and return to this country and commit violent crimes? The Insite would like to hear your opinion on this issue!

THE DEMOCRATS PLAN TO ERECT A BILLBOARD IN RUSH'S HOMETOWN!

WILL THIS BACKFIRE ON THE DEMOCRATS?

Here's the email spreading around the net from the Democratic Party. Will this publicity stunt work or will it backfire? You tell The Insite:

Last week, I asked if you had a message you'd like to send Rush Limbaugh. The response was overwhelming. We received tens of thousands of submissions, and we picked the top five:

"Americans didn't vote for a Rush to failure"
"Hope and change cannot be Rush'd"
"Failure is not an option for America's future"
"We can fix America, just don't Rush it"
"Rush: Say yes to America"

Now, we're putting it up for a vote. Decide which slogan Rush will see in his home town. The slogan with the most votes will be put on a billboard where Rush can't miss it.It's up to you to let Rush know that Americans reject his desire to see President Obama -- and our country -- fail.Vote for your favorite slogan now:http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboard

Thanks,

JenJen O'Malley Dillon

Executive DirectorDemocratic National Committee

THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO STANFORD HAS BEGUN!

THE FBI IS LOOKING FOR VICTIMS AND THOSE WITH INSIDER INFORMATION!

The Houston Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking information from individuals who have invested in the Stanford Financial Group (SFG) or its affiliated companies-Stanford Capital Management, the Stanford Group Company, the Stanford International Bank, the Stanford Trust Company, or the Bank of Antigua. To facilitate information gathering, the FBI has established a dedicated investor email address Stanford.group@ic.fbi.gov, and an informational telephone line (713) 693-5699.

The SFG, which provides wealth management services to customers in some 140 countries, is under FBI investigation. On February 26, 2009, its Chief Investment Officer was charged with obstructing a separate investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Details of the FBI investigation cannot be discussed at this time, as the investigation is ongoing. However, the FBI is seeking to gather additional information from investors in order to identify victims and determine the extent of any potential fraud.

In an effort to determine the scope of this matter and the amount of losses that may be involved, the Houston FBI is requesting that investors provide

• Basic contact information (name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail address)
• Amount of investments/losses with Stanford Financial Group or affiliates
• Whether you can verify your investments by providing the most recent statements
• Any additional information that may be helpful
  

The information may be provided via a dedicated e-mail address, Stanford.group@ic.fbi.gov. If you have investigative information that may aid the criminal investigation, you may submit it by using the electronic tips form at https://tips.fbi.gov. Investors may also call (713) 693-5699 for recorded information from the Houston Victim Assistance Program. This line is for information only and at this time is unable to accept messages due to the expected call volume.

Hard copy documentation may be mailed to

FBI Victim Assistance Program

Post Office Box 924427

Houston, Texas 77292-4427

If it is determined that you are a victim, the FBI will be in touch with you. Please note that due to the expected number of responses, it may be several weeks before you are contacted.

THE DRUG SUSPECT WHO SHOT A HOUSTON COP - IS HE ILLEGAL?

IMMIGRATION SERVICES HAD A HOLD ON HIM IN 2000, HIS PRE-TRIAL SERVICES PAPERWORK INDICATES HE WASN'T A CITIZEN OF THE U.S. AND WAS BORN IN EL SALVADOR!

FOX 26 News has learned there is a multi-agency investigation into the legal status of a man who allegedly shot a police officer during a drug raid.

That man is 29-year-old Joel Alfaro. Investigators were serving a warrant on his home in east Houston when detectives say he opened fire hitting officer Rick Salter in the face.

Salter remains hospitalized in critical condition. Alfaro was killed in the shootout with officers who were serving a drug warrant on his home.

Now FOX 26 has learned Alfaro was investigated by the federal immigration service for his legal status several years ago. Court records show back in 2000 Alfaro indicated he was not a US Citizen and was born in El Salavador when he was facing charges for possession of marijuana. He was denied bond in the case because there was also a hold placed on him by then INS. The case was handled by former Judge now Congressman Ted Poe.

A spokesperson for Immigration services, Gregory Palmore, also tells FOX 26 News a deportation order was filed on Alfaro that same year. However, Palmore says immigration must now do an archive search to determine Alfaro's exact status at the time of his death.

Frank Michel with the Mayor's office says there will be a press conference later this week addressing this issue among others.

Meanwhile, sources tell The Insite Officer Salter is fighting for his life in the hospital and is no where near out of the woods when it comes to the injuries he sustained in the shooting.

I also had a chance to speak with a young woman who identified herself as Alforo's wife. She says while she's extremely hurt she has lost her husband she's very sorry for the pain the police officer and his wife have to go through. She says it will be tough for all of them to deal with this tragedy!

THE VIDEO REPORT: IS HE LEGAL OR NOT?

GOVERNOR JINDAL LOVES GIVNG AWAY TICKETS TO SEE THE STARS!

IS THERE ENOUGH ROOM IN THAT SUITE FOR ME?

Three legislators received free tickets from Gov. Bobby Jindal last week for Britney Spears’ comeback tour concert in New Orleans. The Governor’s Office said state Sen. J.P. Morrell, D-New Orleans, state Rep. Nickie Monica, R-LaPlace, and state Rep. Walt Leger, D-New Orleans, received tickets to Jindal’s suite at the New Orleans Arena. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson and National Guard members also got free tickets, said Kyle Plotkin, the governor’s press secretary.

Jindal pushed last year to restrict the free tickets that lawmakers can receive. However, Morrell said the law is aimed at preventing legislators from getting freebies from lobbyists, not from the governor. Morrell said he accepted tickets in the past to attend a Hornets game with the governor’s chief of staff.

Edmonson said he took his wife and their two high school-age children to the concert.


FLASHBACK-

Times Picayune by Robert Travis Scott, (Friday February 15, 2008)

BATON ROUGE -- As the Hannah Montana hit song says, "Nobody's Perfect."

That might be one assessment this week after revelations that Gov. Bobby Jindal's top aide and several legislators used free tickets from the governor's New Orleans Arena suite to treat their daughters and other relatives to the teen idol's recent live concert, at the same time the administration is pushing a bill to prohibit free entertainment tickets to lawmakers.

Jindal Chief of Staff Timmy Teepell gave tickets to his brother's family to attend the sold-out Jan. 26 performance of Miley Cyrus, the 15-year-old sensation known by her TV-show rock star name, Hannah Montana. Although Teepell was doing what many other state officials have done for years in using the governor's complimentary suite tickets for the show, the freebie struck some as a poorly timed contradiction given the standards the governor is trying to set during the current legislative session on ethics.

DO YOU AGREE WITH LIFTING THE STEM CELL BAN?

WILL THIS HELP THIS HELP SCIENTIST FIND CURES?

President Barack Obama is ending former President George W. Bush’s limits on using federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research, with advisers calling the move a clear signal that science — not political ideology — will guide the administration.

Obama was to sign an executive order on stem cells and memo on science today in an East Room ceremony, a long-promised move that would fulfill a campaign promise. Advisers said it was part of a broader declaration on science that would guide the administration’s policies on matters ranging from renewable energy to climate change.

“I would simply say this memorandum is not concerned solely — or even specifically — with stem cell research,” said Harold Varmus, chairman of the White House’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology. He said it would address how the government uses science and who is advising officials across federal agencies.

Bush limited taxpayer money for embryonic stem cell research to a small number of stem cell lines that were created before Aug. 9, 2001. Many of those faced drawbacks. Hundreds more of such lines — groups of cells that can continue to propagate in lab dishes — have been created since then. Scientists say those newer lines are healthier and better suited to creating treatments for diseases, but they were largely off-limits to researchers who took federal dollars.

“We’ve got eight years of science to make up for,” said Dr. Curt Civin, whose research allowed scientists to isolate stem cells and who now serves as the founding director of the University of Maryland Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. “Now the silly restrictions are lifted.”

SHOULD THE FORMER FIRST FAMILY BE FORCED TO TESTIFY?

A PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY, CONDOS AND A LAWSUIT!

Attorneys for former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, are fighting efforts by two condominium owners to pull the Bushes into a lawsuit questioning whether Southern Methodist University used unfair tactics to buy out owners at low prices.

The condo owners want to question the Bushes about what SMU officials told them in private meetings before SMU was selected as the site of the presidential library.

"What he's asking for is extraordinary," Bush's lawyer, John H. Martin, said in a Dallas newspaper, referring to plaintiff Gary Vodicka. "He has had ample opportunity to ask others questions. He does not need to get any information from the president."

Bush's attorneys have until 5 p.m. Monday to file papers in state court with their arguments on why the Bushes should not have to give depositions. They are expected to cite cases in which courts have said current and former presidents should not be pulled into civil disputes.

Plaintiffs are trying to determine whether SMU officials made a pitch for the library before the university purchased the condominiums. They say the timing is important because it could show that SMU officials did not disclose information that could have affected the value of the land. Plaintiffs say they need to hear from the Bushes.

CHRON.COM: MEXICAN GANG VIOLENCE HITTING THE STREETS OF HOUSTON!

THE VICTIMS ARE STARTING TO PILE UP!

The order was clear: Kill the guy in the Astros jersey.

But in a case of mistaken identity, Jose Perez ended up dead. The intended target — the Houston-based head of a Mexican drug cartel cell pumping millions of dollars of cocaine into the city — walked away.

Perez, 27, was just a working guy, out getting dinner late on a Friday with his wife and young children at Chilos, a seafood restaurant on the Gulf Freeway.

His murder and the assassination gone awry point to the perilous presence of Mexican organized crime and how cartel violence has seeped into the city.

Arrests came in December when police and federal agents got a break in the 2006 shooting as they charted the relationship and rivalries between at least five cartel cells operating in Houston. A rogue’s gallery of about 100 names and mug shots taken at Texas jails and morgues offers a blueprint for Mexican organized crime.

Houston has long been a major staging ground for importing illegal drugs from Mexico and shipping them to the rest of the United States, but a recent Department of Justice report notes it is one of 230 cities where cartels maintain distribution networks and supply lines.

At Chilos, the real crime boss was sitting at another table, as were two spotters. The hitman waited in the parking lot for Perez to leave the restaurant.

“I just remember that guy coming up to us and he started shooting and shooting and shooting and never stopped,” said Norma Gonzalez, Perez’s widow. He was hit twice.

“I know they will pay for what they have done, maybe in the next life,” she said of Perez’s killers. “I don’t know what is going to happen to them in this life.”

FULL STORY AT: WWW.CHRON.COM

WERE YOU A GARANIMALS KID LIKE THE INSITE!

WHAT CLOTHING LINE DID YOU WEAR AS A KID?

Apparently, the Garanimals clothing line is attempting to make a comeback. This issue only comes to mind because I was walking through the newsroom at FOX 26 the other day and someone said they liked what I had on. Then another person joked and asked if it was from the Garanimals line. I laughed and remembered I was actually a Garanimals kid. You just pick the animal and the color that matched. Dollie had me in a lot of Garanimals growing up. I actually still live by the Garanimals color code as an adult. Did you ever wear Garanimals? The Insite would like to hear from you on your dress and appearance!

Here's another comment about my dress from Facebook:

Facebook Friend: "I love your style....Do you have a stylist??? If not I would LOOOVE to add to your already suave look..."

Isiah's response:

Isiah Carey wrote at 9:48am

I just follow the Garanimals code....color with color. As far as television clothing. FOX has a lady who tells us what not to wear on camera.