IS IT SELLING OUT ACADEMICS OR GOOD BUSINESS SENSE?

HIGH SCHOOL STADIUMS THAT LOOK LIKE THE PROS!


I was shocked when I passed the stadium for Oak Ridge High School. It looked like a professional stadium or a college facility at the least. Apparently, Conroe ISD sold the naming rights to the facility because it's called the Woodforest Bank Stadium. It seems to be the trend with school districts all over the country to either sell the naming rights of stadiums or place ads and signs on school buses. What do you think of this trend and is it a form of selling out? Also, what do you think of the stadium when some schools are issuing old books to students? The Insite would love to hear your opinion on this issue!

SARAH PALIN'S SISTER-IN-LAW ARRESTED!

WHAT'S UP WITH THE PALIN FAMILY?

Former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s family is once again in the news for non-political reasons, for her sister-in-law Diana was arrested on Thursday for allegedly burgling a house.

According to reports, Diana Palin even brought her 4-year-old daughter along for the heists.

Alaskan newspaper the Anchorage Daily News says that Diana was caught by the homeowner, Theodore Turcott, who was hiding in his bathroom with a gun.

The paper says that the owner caught her while she was proceeding towards a bedroom cabinet, where he had kept his cash in the past.

Diana’s daughter had been waiting in a 1993 Toyota Camery during the Thursday incident.

The little girl entered the house shortly before the arrival of cops, the prosecutor said during a hearing on Friday.

Citing an affidavit, the paper revealed that the little girl had told the police that she had been to the house days with her mother earlier also.

Diana denied that and insisted that she mistook the house for a friend’s place, reports the New York Daily News.

Turcott is said to have been robbed several times in the last few weeks. He lost 2,200 dollars in a robbery on March 26, and nearly 400 dollars on March 31.

Diana has been charged with felony burglary charges, along with misdemeanour theft and criminal trespass, regarding the March 31 and April 2 incidents.

Governor Sarah Palin and her family have declined to comment on the matter.

HOUSTON POLICE OFFICER HOSPITALIZED AFTER NEAR DEADLY CRASH!

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE TURN OUT FOR THE HABJ AWARDS DINNER!

WHO DO YOU SEE THAT I DIDN'T IDENTIFY? OUTSMART THE INSITE AT THE HABJ!








































It was called the second most successful Houston Association of Black Journalist event in history. That means hundreds of people turned out for the annual scholarship fundraiser. The keynote speaker was CBS correspondent Byron Pitts. Reshonda Tate and Melanie Lawson were both honored at the gala. It was held Friday
night at the Hilton of Americas in Downtown Houston. The event was spearheaded by dinner chairs Melinda Spaulding, Gene Norman, and HABJ President Mary Benton. Dozens of familiar faces were in attendance. Here's who I can remember: Judge Levi and Janis Benton,Je'Caryous Johnson, Ronald and Hilary Green, Mary Benton, Joe McGinty, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Robert Arnold, Len Cannon, Gina Gaston, Misty Starks, Carl Davis, Donna Aron, Millette Scott, Carolyn Mungo, Mike Barajas, Melinda Spaulding, Felix Chevalier, Michelle McCallop, and the list goes on and on. Here are some of the pictures I snapped!

THEIR SONG: CHRIS BROWN SHOULD GET HIS A-- KICKED!

WOULD YOU BUY THIS SONG?

A song criticizing Chris Brown is getting air play. The song is called "My Flow So Tight" by a little-known hip-hop group called Smoke Jumpers. It features the repeated line: "Chris Brown should get his ass kicked."

A Web site for the group hyped the song as "the official Chris Brown dis record." Radio stations in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and New York have recently begun playing it.

The 19-year-old Brown allegedly beat his girlfriend, singer Rihanna, in February the night of the Grammy Awards. Brown is scheduled for arraignment on felony assault and criminal threat
charges on Monday.

LINK:
http://www.smokejumpersmusic.com

BOSTON REJECTS LENO AND THE NETWORK COULD REJECT BOSTON!

IS THE LOCAL STATION MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION?

NBC says it knows of no other affiliates seeking to follow Boston's lead and abandon Jay Leno.
WHDH in Boston says it will air a local newscast at 10 p.m. next fall instead of Leno's planned nightly show at that hour. Station management said it believed a newscast would make the station more money.

NBC has responded firmly, threatening to strip WHDH of its network affiliation if it doesn't air Leno and undoubtedly send a message to any other stations that may be thinking of doing the
same thing. NBC spokeswoman Rebecca Marks says no other NBC stations have said they won't take Leno.

HOT SHEET MOTELS CAN GET THE BOOT IN HOUSTON!

A HAVEN FOR PROSTITUTION!

A court ruling is upholding city regulations for hourly-rate ‘hot sheet’ motels frequented by prostitutes. “This has been a long, hard fight,” according to city officials.





The current law prohibits sexually-oriented businesses, including topless clubs, massage parlors and ‘hot sheet’ motels, from operating within 1500 feet of residential areas.



The court ruling involved El rondo Motor Lodge at 8016 Livingston in the Sunnyside community. According to residents who testified at the trial, the motel was a haven for prostitution.

A VERY DARK DAY IN NEW YORK!

AT LEAST 13 PEOPLE DEAD AFTER A GUNMAN GOES ON A SHOOTING SPREE AT IMMIGRATION OFFICE!

A gunman killed at least 12 and took as many as 41 people hostage at an upstate New York immigrant counselling centre this morning, shocking a nation already reeling from several mass shootings this year.



The violence rocked the small university city of Binghamton, three hours from New York City, when at least one gunman entered the American Civic Association building after blocking a rear exit, then with a high-powered rifle mowed down people assembled for English classes, citizenship counselling and other services for immigrants. Survivors of the initial assault fled to a basement room and more than a dozen hid in a closet, WBNG television reported.



The shooting began about 10.30am. Police quickly established a perimeter around the building and tried to get in contact with the panicked survivors inside. Local television station WBNG reported that a gunman had been killed. Reports from inside the building referred to a single gunman of Asian descent, in his 20s.



New York governor David Paterson confirmed that "12 or 13" people had been killed and said he was soon to fly to Binghamton with other public officials.
"I speak for all of New York when I offer my prayers for the victims and families of this tragedy," he said in a statement.



Details of the shooting remained hazy in the hours after the assault, including the death toll and the number of hostages. The scene on the street outside the centre was one of controlled panic. Heavily armed local, county and state police were surrounding the building in Binghamton, a city of about 45,000 people, roughly three hours north-west of New York City, and an FBI hostage negotiation team was en route to the scene. A nearby high school was locked down.



Between 20 and 40 people were held hostage, and some hostages had been released. At least four people were taken out on stretchers, and as many as 10 ambulances rushed to the scene.
"The scene within minutes turned into one just flooded with police," WNBF radio news director Bob Joseph said.

Note: This will definitely become an issue for more gun control in the states. It's a reminder of just how easily accessible guns are to the wrong people. In the wrong hands the results are deadly!

BLAGOJEVICH COULD BE GOING TO PRISON FOR A LONG TIME!

THE INDICTMENTS HAVE BEEN HANDED DOWN!

Impeached former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested in December on charges of conspiracy and fraud, was indicted Thursday on 16 felony counts by a federal grand jury, the U.S. attorney's office said.

The 19-count indictment charges Blagojevich and some of his closest aides and advisers with a wide-ranging "scheme to deprive the people of Illinois of honest government," according to a statement by the attorney's office.

Blagojevich, 52, faces charges including racketeering, conspiracy, wire fraud and making false statements to investigators, according to the release. Three counts in the indictment are against the aides and advisers.

In a written statement, Blagojevich maintained his innocence -- as he has done throughout a political soap opera that captivated the nation.

"I'm saddened and hurt but I am not surprised by the indictment," he said. "I am innocent. I now will fight in the courts to clear my name."

Blagojevich was vacationing with his family in Florida on Thursday. In video shot at a Disney resort outside Orlando, Florida, by CNN affiliate WESH-TV, he declined to comment on his legal situation. He was filmed shortly before the indictments were handed down.

In the WESH video, the ex-governor was sitting near a pool at the resort. "I'm enjoying Disney World with my kids and I don't think you're supposed to be here," said Blagojevich, after his wife attempted to shield him from the camera. "I'm happy to talk to you at the appropriate time."

A man who identified himself only as "someone who knows who he is" then blocked the camera.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, said he hoped the former governor wouldn't use the announcement as a reason to hit the media circuit again.

T-DUB'S BARBER SHOP IS REALLY COOL!

ESSENTIAL STYLES: INSITE BARBER SHOP OF THE WEEK!



The best I can get at my barbershop are a few bootleg movies and trash talk. But Torrey T-Dub Walker has the barbershop of the week. I interviewed someone at his barbershop on Highway 6 in Fresno and was very impressed. Essential Styles has everything a sports fan could want. There is actual theater seating and a big screen television. There is paraphernalia from every major basketball team in the NBA. There are even small basketball goals under the barber's booth. I can tell the owner put a lot of money into this operation. And so does Torrey T-Dub Walker because he gets his hair cut every week. You're likely to catch the Insite sporting a small afro because I get to my barber when I can. Make sure you go by and check out Essential Styles and you may bump into T-Dub!

12125 State Highway 6
Fresno, TX 77545
(281) 431-2889

DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THE STRIP CLUB TAX?

SENFRONIA'S BILL TO STIR UP SOME HOT SPOTS!

The Texas House has given initial approval to a new tax on sexually oriented businesses.

Democratic Rep. Senfronia Thompson's proposal — tentatively approved Thursday with a non-recorded voice vote — would repeal a $5-per-person fee that strip clubs were required to collect from 2007 legislation.

The new tax would apply to every sexually oriented business that charges an admissions fee. It would total 10 percent of the gross receipts of the business' admissions.

Topless club owners are fighting the previous state law in court. Thompson said her proposal would resolve that lawsuit and start sending millions of dollars to a fund for sexual assault victims.

The strip owners who have paid the state under the old fee would get a credit toward the new tax.

KUDOS TO HARRIS COUNTY FOR CARING!

TREATING THE INDIGENT WITH RESPECT AFTER DEATH!


Most times governmental agencies are criticized in the public for various reasons. This time I'm here to praise officials with Harris County. I'm very proud to work in a county where the indigent dead are treated with the utmost respect and care. I had a chance to visit what's considered the Harris County Pauper's Cemetery. It was immaculate. It was well manicured and it looked as if the county really cared about the people who are buried there. The cemetery is designed for those individuals whose family can't afford to bury them. It's maintained by the Harris County Community Services office. I was really impressed just how well kept the facility was. And I hear there are more improvements in the works. Way to go Harris County. Keep respecting the dead who couldn't afford to help themselves!

WHY THE INSITE WILL NEVER OWN A CB RADIO AGAIN!

MY EARS COULDN'T TAKE ANOTHER WORD!

I was in east Harris County Thursday covering a story when we made a stop at a local CB radio repair shop. It was just to use the restroom next door. Anyway, seeing all of the people getting their cb's repaired jogged my memory. It was back in 1999 when I put down my ham radio and grabbed a cb. It was one of the worst mistakes of my life. I can remember like it was yesterday. I was driving from Little Rock to Memphis when I decided to listen in on my brand new cb. I was appalled. The filthy racist language I heard on the radio from truckers was just disgusting. I remember one guy saying he saw and African American truck driver and he called him a sweaty monkey. The word 'N' word was used like a million times. I assumed it was mainly White truckers in that part of the country. And don't talk about cursing. I placed that cb back in my garage and never picked it up again. Do you own a CB and what was your experience with it? The Insite would like to hear your opinon!

THE HOUSE OF BLUES HAS BEEN CHOSEN!

WILL YOU ATTEND THE MEET AND GREET AT THE END OF THE MONTH?

As many of you remember the Insite is planning a meet and greet real soon. We allowed the readers to vote on the venue and many of you chose Houston's House of Blues. We're likely scheduling the event towards the end of the month to allow those who are busy with Spring break to get that out of the way. Keep reading for the actual date here on the Insite and I hope to see all of you there!

WHO IS MILETTE HANGING OUT WITH THIS WEEK?

IT'S BABYFACE IN HOUSTON FOR A CONCERT!

You've seen her hobnobbing with Victoria Rowell, chatting it up with Avery Johnson and chilling with Debbie Allen. Now, we have Millette Clayton Scott hanging out with one of her favorite singer and R&B sensation Babyface. Millette met the Superstar last week during his concert in Houston. She tells the Insite she and her cousin also pictured had a chance to chill with Face at the local Houston nightspot Grooves. Hey Millette, thanks for sharing these photos with the Insite!

TIPS TO AVOID A HOME INVASION FROM THE INSITE!

CREMATION MIX UP COULD COST FUNERAL HOME BIG CONTRACT!

HELP THE COPS LOCATE THE PAWN SHOP BANDITS!

DO YOU KNOW ANY OF THESE FACES?

Investigators in the Houston Police Department’s Robbery Division are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying several suspects responsible for at least two robberies of pawn shops in the north and northwest areas of Houston since February.



The suspects, described only as four Hispanic males, primarily speak Spanish and in the latest incident, fled the scene in a dark blue, four-door Honda Accord. Surveillance photos of the four suspects are attached to this news release.



On Feb 14, the suspects entered the EZ Pawn at 7503 Airline armed with pistols and a taser and stole an undisclosed amount of cash and jewelry. On March 16, the same suspects, armed with pistols, entered the InstaCash Pawn Shop at 9303 Long Point and robbed the employees of cash and jewelry. In both incidents, the suspects used plastic zip ties to restrain the victims and entered the store prior to the robberies, posing as customers.



Anyone with information on the identities of the wanted suspects is urged to contact the HPD Robbery Division at 713-308-0700 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

CAN WE AFFORD THIS SPENDING BILL IN TEXAS?

ARE WE SPENDING THE MONEY ON THE RIGHT THINGS?

Amid worries over how to spend federal stimulus dollars and fears that state revenues will dwindle, the Texas Senate on Wednesday approved a $182.2 billion, two-year budget that gives more money to public schools and universities, prison guards and people with disabilities.

But it doesn’t give more to all who wanted or needed it.

As it stands, the budget proposal would increase funding for college aid, but not nearly enough to cover all students eligible for Texas grants. It would increase money for human services, but it wouldn’t expand eligibility for the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Among spending highlights, it would pour more money into community services for people with disabilities.

Public schools would get a boost, with some funding tied to separate finance system reforms. Universities and health-related institutions would get an increase.

Correctional officers would get pay raises, and a teacher incentive pay program would get an infusion.

The proposal also would increase funding for regulatory agencies to ensure they can properly do their jobs, a move budget-writers advocated because they said insufficient oversight contributed to national economic problems.

Budget supporters also addressed the controversial question of funding for embryonic stem-cell research. Before the Senate’s 26-5 vote approval, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden clarified that his proposal only would prohibit money appropriated by the state budget from being used directly for research that involves the destruction of a human embryo. It would not ban such research.

Overall, the budget sought to balance spending on crucial services and saving for expected harder times to come. Backers said the budget makes progress and critics said it doesn’t go far enough to address critical needs.

There also were questions over whether the budget properly uses nearly $11 billion in stimulus funding for the fiscal period that starts Sept. 1.

THE GUIDING LIGHT GOING DARK...NO!

HAVE YOU EVER WATCHED THE SOAPS?

"Guiding Light" will go dark in September after 72 years and 16,000 episodes, CBS announced Wednesday.

The daytime soap opera's declining viewership led to the decision, according to a CBS spokeswoman.

The show, which the Guinness Book of World Records lists as the longest-running television drama, first aired on NBC radio in 1937 as a 15-minute serial, the spokeswoman said. It moved to television on the CBS network in 1952.

The last episode is set to air on September 18, she said.

The show is produced in New York.

Note: I'm not going to lie, I was a huge Guiding Light fan up until about 2003. The show took a bizarre turn and I just couldn't watch it any more. But I watched this soap along with Young and the Restless, Bold and the Beautiful and As the World Turns for years. Just blame it on Dollie. When I used to come home from school or during the summer the television could not be touched. So, I had to watch everything on CBS. It was my Moms soap network of choice. As of late I haven't watched soaps in a while but Dollie is trying to get me interested in the story line on the Young and the Restless where it was just revealed Jill is not Katherine Chancelor's daughter. I hear it's going to get ugly. Do you still watch the soaps?

YOUR TAX BREAK FROM OBAMA BEGINS TODAY!

ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE EXTRA MONEY?

Most low- and middle-income workers will start seeing a bit more in their paychecks today, thanks to the “Making Work Pay” credit in the federal stimulus act.

1) Get the details

How much extra cash you will see depends on your marital status, your salary and how many allowances — or exemptions — you normally take. Normally you take the tax credit – a dollar for dollar reduction in your taxes – when you file, but the administration is trying to goose the economy here and that means getting money out faster – so a little less will be withheld from each paycheck for federal income tax. For singles, you could get an extra $10-$15 per paycheck weekly. If you’re married, filing jointly, you could see an extra $15-$20 per paycheck. And there’s nothing you have to do to claim this. When your employer adopts the new withholding tables, you will get it automatically. Self-employed people can get the credit by reducing their estimated tax payments or claiming it when they file their 2009 tax return.

2) Are you eligible?

There are some folks who won’t qualify. That includes those with high income. The tax credits phase out for a single filier with over $75,000 of adjusted gross income. For those people married and filing jointly, the credits phase out at $150,000. If you’re on Social Security, you don’t qualify since you have to be making an income. And finally, dependents can’t claim the credit. So your teenager, even if he/she holds a job, won’t qualify if they’re listed as a dependent on your tax return.

THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY ARE IN ENGLAND!

PLUS A VERY HIP GIFT FOR THE QUEEN!

Two hours before the G20 leaders tested each other over their Downing Street dinner last night, Michelle Obama gracefully resolved one of the conference's lesser controversies. What would the first lady wear to meet her veteran British counterpart, the Queen?

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, the French president's wife, had decided to stay away, unwilling to be outshone by Michelle Obama, according to bitchier global analysis. President Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa also emerged wifeless from his limousine for the royal reception at Buckingham Palace. So did King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, possibly for more practical reasons. His Mercedes S-class could not have contained more than a few of them.

In any case, most eyes in London were fixed on the American pair, so much more distinctive and glamorous then the average G20 summiteer. "How can you tell them [the leaders] apart?" as Prince Philip was later overhead confiding to the Obamas. He too is distinctive in his way.

At his mid-morning press conference with Gordon Brown, Barack Obama had hinted at domestic indecision in the wardrobe department. "Michelle is really thinking that through," the president remarked as he piled on praise for the Queen's "decency and civility".

A few minutes early for their royal meeting - protocol dictates that fellow heads of state do not have mere audiences - Michelle Obama emerged from the Beast, the president's fortress of a Cadillac.

She was wearing a regal black coat. Beneath it were glimpses of a black skirt and cardigan over a white blouse and a double string of pearls. Critics of her sartorial informality, evident earlier in the day, could have no excuse for sniping.

Inside the palace, up to 150 guests, five each (including finance ministers) for the 19 delegations, plus EU, UN, IMF and other important acronyms, were greeted by a top royal line-up, including the Prince of Wales (his wife turned up), and the dukes of Edinburgh, York and Kent. The G20 celebs drank assorted wines and soft drinks in the state reception rooms and nibbled mini-Cornish pasties.

Perhaps stung by suggestions that his gift of a box DVD set to Gordon Brown in Washington did not convey the requisite degree of warmth, the First Visitors brought a gift for the Queen that managed to combine thoughtfulness, modernity and a dash of history: an iPod loaded with video footage of her 2007 visit to Virginia. The Queen repayed the compliment with a very personal present of her own - a signed portrait of herself and Prince Philip.

IS IT TIME FOR HER TO GO?

THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE COUNCILMAN AND THE CITY DIRECTOR!

The Insite hears rumblings from Houston city council insiders who say Councilman Ronald Green wants the city's Affirmative Action Director out. That director is Velma Laws. The Insite hears Green has been extremely dissatisfied with Laws performance in getting more minority inclusion when it comes to handing out city contracts. The Insite has not been able to reach Laws for a comment. But apparently this isn't the first time she's come under fire. A Google search turned up minutes from a city council meeting where others expressed dissatisfaction with the long time city employee's performance:

From the Chron.com -

Affirmative action battle at City Hall not over yet

The MLK holiday may be as good a time as any to revisit a controversy brewing over the city's minority contracting program.

We reported Dec. 18 that the city is close to settling a lawsuit over the program, known as the "Minority/Women/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program," which insiders just call the MWBE program.

But council must approve the legal settlement, and a number of council's members have already expressed reserve about the part of the settlement that would eliminate the 3 percent "goal" for women-owned companies on construction contracts. It is a goal and not a quota -- companies must document a good-faith effort that they tried to hire women-owned subs on a project, but it's not strictly required.

With the council vote on the settlement looming, a national organization, Women Construction Owners & Executivesis writing council members. Here's the letter.

Among other points that WCOE president Deborah Wilder makes:

1. Women-owned contractors have had a tough time getting "certified" by the city to even participate in the goal program. Wilder claims that more than half of applicants are denied.

2. Minority-owned firms (blacks, Latinos, etc.) can get automatic "certification" for Houston's program if they get certification from the Houston Minority Business Council. But the city of Houston does not accept the certification for women-owned businesses provided by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, even though the state of Texas and HISD do so.

I need to ask for answers from Velma Laws, the director for the Affirmative Action & Contract Compliance Department.

WAY TO GO LAMAR HIGH SCHOOL!

THEY'VE GOT SKILLS WHEN IT COMES TO ROBOTICS!

With over 63 high schools from all around Texas participating in the FIRST Robotics Lone Star Regional competition held at the George R. Brown Convention Center on March 28^th – 29th, Lamar High School’s Robotic team, along with their partnering teams from Grand Prairie and Mississippi, won the Regional in this year’s competition. The Lamar Robotics team was also the only team to win three awards, which included the Judges Award, the Website Award, and Champions Award at the recent Lone Regional competition. Due to their big win, Lamar’s Robotics team is now the only HISD school qualified to participate in the Championship event in Atlanta, GA, scheduled April 16^th – 18^th, and compete with over 380 teams from 20 different countries.

MISSOURI CITY DETECTIVE OF THE YEAR!

RUSSELL TERRY SOLVING THE BIG CRIMES IN MISSOURI CITY!

Congratulations goes out to Detective Russell Terry. He was named Missouri City Police Department's Detective of the Year on Wednesday. Terry says he loves what he does. And part of that is solving crimes in the city just outside of Houston. The detective has been on the force for 7 and a half years. The Missouri City native said when it was announced he was the man of the year in the department the first person he called was his Mother. Detective Terry is responsible for solving some of the most high profile crimes in Mo City. You can also catch him on television acting as spokesperson for the department. Congratulations Detective Terry!

JOHN DONNELLY REPORTS: THOSE COPS ARE BREAKING THE RULES!

WE'RE WATCHING YOU!

WHO'S WATCHING THE STORE OWNER?

I went into a convenience store in Kashmere Gardens Tuesday while out covering a story and something caught my attention. There were these signs posted all over the store that read - we're watching you. I wouldn't have had a problem with the signs if the store owners didn't need to be watched. First, they had all kinds of bootleg music cd's for sale in the store. Secondly, there were at least a half dozen illegal gambling machines in the back. The machines could be legal but the people were playing like they were in Vegas. These type of operations are common in the hood according to some Houston police officers. So, the last thing the owners of this store should have up is a sign telling most law abiding citizens they're being watched. How about we the customers are watching you!

I THINK THIS GUY MAY LIVE NEAR ME!

A REBEL FLAG WAVING CHEVY!

I saw a guy with a huge rebel flag waving from his car pulling into my subdivision. I'm not sure if he lives there or was just visiting. As you can see it was an unusually big flag to be flying from a passenger car. While some use the rebel flag as a form of southern pride others choose to fly it as a symbol of racism. I'm not quite sure what this person's purpose was but it sure did catch my attention. It's not often you see a rebel flag waving Chevy. How about you?

WHY CAN'T KASHMERE GARDENS GET QUIET TRAINS?

LOUD ENOUGH TO SHAKE YOU OUT OF YOUR BED!


I was out doing a live shot Tuesday night for FOX 26 in Kashmere Gardens at a local school when something scared the lead story out of me. It was a train roaring through a neighborhood around 9pm at night with the horn blaring. If I was someone trying to get some sleep I would have been knocked out of the bed. It was loud. Unreasonably loud. That incident made me think about the big to do a year or so ago. It was the city of Houston signing an agreement with a national train company. They agreed not blow their loud horns during certain hours in West University. For those of you who don't know West University is a well heeled community in the loop. Kashmere Gardens in north Houston is just the opposite. I wonder how the folk in Kashmere could get the same deal? Do you have any ideas how they could get their quiet time?

SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE FINED!

WOULD YOU ALLOW THIS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?



I stumbled upon this mess in east Houston. It was disgusting how people or some businesses have just illegally dumped their junk including tires on the side of the streets. The specific location is Boyles and Harris. It's just jumk on top of junk. HPD or some other city agency should do a sting on a very slow day and catch the person who may be polluting our streets in Houston. I personally think this is unacceptable. While it's mainly in an industrial part of the city it still hurts the quality of life. Do you agree or disagree? The Insite would love to hear your opinion!

OLDER BROTHER ALLEGEDLY TELLS YOUNGER SIBLING TO DELIVER DRUGS FOR HIM!

WILL KELLY ROWLAND'S CAREER THRIVE AT DESTINY'S CHILD?

SHE DROPS KNOWLES AND NOW COLUMBIA DROPS HER?

R&B/pop superstar Kelly Rowland will no longer be recording with Columbia Records as a solo artist, the U.S. record label announced Tuesday. However, Rowland, a founding member of Destiny's Child, will continue her relationship with Columbia Records in her ongoing role in the ensemble, the company said. "Because Columbia Records has been my home base as an artist for more than a decade, the decision to move out on my own required a lot of soul-searching," Rowland said in a statement. "As a solo artist, I felt the need to explore new directions, new challenges, and new freedoms outside my comfort zone and my friends and family at Columbia have been incredibly understanding about my evolution. I want to thank everyone at Columbia for the love and support they've shown and I will never forget how many good times we've had over the years." "Kelly Rowland is one of our finest contemporary artists and a musical force to be reckoned with," added Rob Stringer, chief executive officer of Columbia/Epic Label Music Group. "It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with Kelly and we will continue our working relationship with her under the Destiny's Child moniker. The decision for Kelly to seek other opportunities for her solo career was agreed upon mutually, and any reports to the contrary are false."

CLEVELAND FIRE CHIEF FOUND SHOT TO DEATH!

AN INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY!

By: Jamie Nash - Cleveland Fire Chief / EMS Director Steve Wheeler was found dead from a gunshot wound around 5 p.m. Monday at his residence off of FM 787.

Wheeler, 55, lived in Cleveland most of his life, serving with the Cleveland Fire Department for over 30 years and as Chief since 1982. During that time, Wheeler participated in, and provided mutual aid to fire departments throughout Liberty and adjoining counties, including East Montgomery County.

Wheeler also headed up the Cleveland Fire Academy, which has successfully trained and certified firefighters now employed with agencies throughout Southeast Texas.

When members of the Splendora Volunteer Fire Department learned of Wheeler’s death, they moved manpower and equipment to Cleveland to cover their city, and the New Caney Fire Department assisted by backing in at the Splendora Fire station. Northstar EMS volunteered their services to the City of Cleveland overnight, with the cities of Livingston and Liberty running their fire calls.

The ambulance transporting Wheeler to the Southeast Forensic Center in Beaumont Monday night passed by the Cleveland Fire Station with an escort, as flags flew at half staff and a flower arrangement was laid at the station and lit. Over 100 people lined the street as the ambulance passed.

The house where Wheeler was found, which is near the Cleveland airport, was his “home away from home.” It stands on property he and his wife owned, where they planned to build a larger home.

City leaders, firefighters and others who knew Wheeler gathered near the home in disbelief as investigators continued their work. Former Cleveland Police detectives Jim Cooper and Harry Kelly are now with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and are the lead investigators in Chief Wheeler’s death.

Friends say the Chief recently purchased a 9mm handgun that was found near his body along with a gun cleaning kit, and planned to take a concealed handgun class next week.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

SHOULD THOSE BELLAIRE POLICE OFFICERS BE INDICTED?

TOLAN SAYS IT WAS CLEAR RACISM!

A young man who says a Belliare cop shot him because of his race, has told his story to a Harris County grand jury.

Twenty-three-year-old Robbie Tolan, son of former professional baseball player Robert Tolan, spent four hours inside the closed proceedings. He was accompanied by his family and their attorneys.

The grand jury will decide if a Bellaire police officer Jeff Cotton and his partner should go to trial for shooting Tolan during a confrontation outside the Tolan family home on New Year's Eve.

Cotton and another officer were investigating a report of a stolen car, but Tolan was with his own vehicle in his own driveway when Officer Cotton fired at him. Tolan was also unarmed.

Tolan, who is black, claims he was targeted because of his race.

Geoffrey Berg, Tolan's attorney, says this is a clear case of racial profiling, and Bellaire police have not apologized or acknowledged the problem.

Berg says he does not know when the grand jury will reach its decision or what the officer could be charged with if it returns an indictment.

THE FEDS SAY DON'T EAT THE NUTS!

PISTACHIOS NOW ON THE SCARE LIST!

In another food scare sure to rattle consumers who watched the national salmonella outbreak in peanuts unfold, federal food officials are now warning people not to eat any food containing pistachios, which could carry contamination from the same bacteria.

The Food and Drug Administration said central California-based Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., the nation's second-largest pistachio processor, was voluntarily recalling more than 2 million pounds of its roasted nuts shipped since last fall.

"Our advice to consumers is that they avoid eating pistachio products, and that they hold onto those products," said Dr. David Acheson, assistant commissioner for food safety. "The number of products that are going to be recalled over the coming days will grow, simply because these pistachio nuts have then been repackaged into consumer-level containers."

Two people called the FDA complaining of gastrointestinal illness that could be associated with the nuts, but the link hasn't been confirmed, Acheson said. Still, the plant decided to shut down late last week, officials said.

The recalled nuts represent a small fraction of the 55 million pounds of pistachios that the company's plant processed last year and an even smaller portion of the 278 million pounds produced in the state in the 2008 season, according to the Fresno-based Administrative Committee for Pistachios.

California alone is the second-largest producer of pistachios in the world.

IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN: PAY ME TO GET YOUR JUSTICE!

YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY FOR NEWS COVERAGE!

The Insite interviewed a Houston family about the death of a loved one in the state prison system. I was turned on to this incident as a possible news story by a local minister who wanted to help the family get answers. As I interviewed the family they told me something very interesting. They said they first turned to a community activist group for help. The group told them they could help if they paid $1500. The family said they couldn't afford that. A rep from the activist group called back later and said they would accept $750. The family still couldn't afford that. So what was the money for? The family was told it was going to be used for a private investigation into the death of the loved one of the family and news coverage. The family turned to a local prominent minister who got them lots of media coverage and answers without pay a single dollar. So once again don't pay these people for news coverage. Call each newsroom and ask for the assignments desk or your favorite reporter The Insite. It's free!

Newsrooms:

KRIV TV - 713-479-2801 (The Insite)
KHOU TV - 713-526-1111
KTRK TV - (713) 666-0713
KPRC TV - 713-222-6397
CW 39 - 713-781-3939
Houston Chronicle - 713-362-7171
KTRH AM - 713-212-8740

IT'S TIME FOR THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS HALL OF FAME!

THE BIG EVENT YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

In anticipation of the Buffalo Soldiers Hall of Fame Awards a Media Luncheon will be held this Thursday, April 2^nd @ 11A at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, 1834 Southmore Blvd., Houston, TX 77004. All media invited.

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum Presents The Hall of Fame Awards, Presented by the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Sunday April 5^th at the Cullen Theater @ Wortham Center. Doors open 5:00 PM. Show starts at 6:00 PM. Tickets $25

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is committed to preserving the rich and incredible history of the African American Soldier in the United States. The museum has recognized a need in our community and in our world to honor those who have sacrificed their time, hard work and their lives in some cases to create a better life for others.

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum accomplishes these two tasks by creating the first annual Buffalo Soldiers Museum Hall Of Fame Awards. This awards program was produced to create and instill a sense of pride and honor to those who seek to acquire the secrets of what makes this country so great. “It is It’s People”.

Enjoy the live re-enactments of the Buffalo Soldier story, depicting the history and bravery of these great black men and how the west was really won.

Honorees include: Sgt. Major Charles Bass, one of the youngest and highly decorated soldiers in the Vietnam War. Dr. Joseph Gathe, a world renowned specialist in Infectious Diseases and a expert in life saving HIV-AIDS medical care. Sheila Jackson Lee, one of the most powerful African American women in the U.S. Government. Abner Haynes, Pro Football Hall of Fame, credited for de-segregating football in colleges and the NFL.

Channel 8 will air the premiere broadcast event in the month of June 2009 in recognition of the June Teenth Holiday and Celebration. The show will be hosted by Tracye McDaniel and Jose Grinan. Musical Guests include: Marion Meadows, National Recording Artist; Kyle Turner, Houston’s Own Jazz Saxophonist; Russia Bimiage, 13 year old phenomenal singer; Soul Fruit, local singing group and Tammy Bishop Ministries, local Gospel Group.

JAMIE JONES LOVES HER LOUISIANA CUISINE!

PIG'S FEET, NECK BONES AND FRIED TURKEY WINGS!



Insite niece Jamie Jones aka Jailyn can't resist her favorite Louisiana eats when she is in the River City. I had to make several stops for her so she could gather some of her favorite foods before we pulled out of Baton Rouge last weekend. On that list was Atchafalaya Seafood in North Baton Rouge. So what did she buy? Neck bones boiled in seafood seasoning, pig's feet also in the seafood boil and let's not forget the fried turkey wings. What was the Insite's weakness in Lousiana? Four Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I had to have them!

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO SUPPORT COLLEGE STUDENTS!

THE HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS AWARDS DINNER!

If you haven't already done so, you still have time to purchase tickets for the HABJ 23rd Anniversary Award Dinner.

Purchase your tickets by visiting our website at www.habj.org

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you on Friday!

THE ENTIRE INSITE CLAN IN BATON ROUGE FOR A CELEBRATION OF LIFE!

FAMILY MEMBERS REMEMBERING SANDY ARBUCKLE!





















Several of my relatives and friends came together in Baton Rouge to say good bye to my oldest brother Sandy Arbuckle who died two weeks ago. He will be truly missed. A long list of people attended his services at Desselle Funeral Home in Baton Rouge. The services were put together by my sisters Patricia Powell and Treble Johnson. My aunt, Gwendolyn Dotson, served as the gracious host who came up with the menu while also serving and maintaining complete control over all of the food after the services. Also, thanks to my cousin Gerald Lawson who presided over the memorial services. He brought complete closure with sustained hope for a better tomorrow for family members who attended. Gerald is an elder with the Kingdon Hall of Jehovah's witness in Zachary, La. Here are some of my relatives who gathered at Patricia's house in Baton Rouge after the services. Too many names to mention. Families represented: Arbuckle, Carey, Doston, Antwan, Lawson, Gourrier, Collins, and the list goes on!

Note: My brother Sandy (1st pic at top) was helping a neighbor work on her vehicle. I'm told she left to run an errand when the car fell on Sandy. He died. That's the very serious danger of working on a car alone. By the way, Sandy was an auto mechanic but he had no one watching him as he worked on the vehicle the woman's house. But he died trying to help someone as he has done much of his life. He even fixed my car several times while I was a college student in Baton Rouge. Sandy is survived by two sons and a grandchild. He was married several times. I always thought it was funny the number of times he's been married and I'll just say it was more than 3. We will miss him!

Thanks to: Councilman Ronald Green and Judge Hilary Green, Julie Grayum and the Southern University Alumni Houston Chapter for the great flowers. They were truly appreciated!

BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT SAYS BLAME THE WHITE MAN FOR THE WORLD'S ECONOMIC CRISIS!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HIS STATEMENT!

Brazil's President, while meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Thursday, said the global financial crisis was caused by "white people with blue eyes."

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (left) made the comments after talks with Brown to try to forge a global consensus on how to save the worldwide economy.

During a press conference, da Silva, a socialist who told Brown poor countries should not have to suffer because of the mistakes of the rich, suddenly pointed his finger at Brown and said, "This is a crisis that was caused by white people with blue eyes. And before the crisis, they looked as if they knew everything about economics."

Sky News' Joey Jones said it was an "uncomfortable" moment for Brown.

"The President does not mind using fairly flamboyant language. He likes to give extensive answers to journalists," he said. "But some of it was rather awkward for the Prime Minister, who was standing there listening to the President. A few eyebrows will have gone up at what he said."

Downing Street says the remarks made by da Silva, who is white, were meant for "domestic consumption."

Jones said: "People in Brazil are very frustrated and angry at what they feel is the injustice of the situation: a crisis that has essentially come from the banking sectors in places like the United States and the U.K., but is affecting their country."

Following the meeting, Brown told reporters he will urge G20 leaders to back a multi-billion dollar fund to reverse a slide in world trade.

"I'm going to ask the G20summit next week to support a global expansion of trade finance of at least $100 billion to help revive trade in all parts of the world," he said.

A shortage of trade credit, which allows exporters and importers to settle accounts, has been a factor in a sharp drop in global trade which is exacerbating the economic downturn.

Along with the trade stimulus plan, the Prime Ministersaid he wanted to see global standards on salaries in the finance sector.

He went on to say he believes South America is key to achieving an agreement at next week's G20 summit in London.

FROM MSNBC: THE REPUBLICANS RELEASE THEIR BUDGET ALTERNATIVE WITHOUT AN OUNCE OF SPECIFICITY!

From NBC's Mark Murray

Yesterday, House Republicans made a pretty big deal about unveiling their budget alternative. In fact, we received this email from a House GOP spokeswoman, "Given the President’s comments [Tuesday] night that, 'we haven’t seen a budget out of [Republicans],' we wanted to make sure to make you all aware that we are introducing our Republican Budget Alternative tomorrow." And then what happens today? House Republicans release a 19-page document that contains no hard spending numbers or deficit projections. Per the AP, "One of the few hard bits of information is a promise to simplify the tax code and cut income tax rates to 10 percent for people making $100,000 or less down. They also promise to cut domestic spending below current levels but don't say whether they are exempting Social Security. It's impossible to determine the projected deficit based on their offering."
The House GOP leaders say they'll unveil more details next week. "We were always planning on putting out an overall blueprint, which we did today," House Minority Leader Boehner's office emails First Read. "The numbers will come next week with a multi-hundred page piece of legislation that Paul Ryan is currently drafting."

Not surprisingly, the Democratic National Committee pounced on the GOP's budget -- or lack thereof. "After 27 days, the best House Republicans could come up with is a 19-page pamphlet that does not include a single real budget proposal or estimate," said DNC spokesman Hari Sevugan. "While there had been talk that House Republicans were overriding their Senate counterparts to offer a budget alternative, it's clear after this announcement that neither of them have anything to offer but criticism."