Saturday, May 02, 2009
IN TRIBUTE TO THE WINNER OF THE BEST ENTERTAINER OF ALL TIME: MICHAEL JACKSON - THE THINGS I DO FOR YOU!
Friday, May 01, 2009
GEORGE CLINTON ENDORSES PETER BROWN FOR MAYOR OF HOUSTON!
THE ODD COUPLE THAT COULD JUST PULL IN MORE VOTERS!
The Insite was given the heads up last week. What was the scoop I had to sit on? That Funk legend George Clinton was going to endorse City Councilman Peter Brown for Mayor of Houston. That happened Thursday at Clinton's concert at the House of Blues. Brown went on the stage and graciously accepted the endorsement from P-Funk.
Brown will be in a tough Mayoral race against some well known candidates in Houston. Vying for the job are Annise Parker and Gene Locke.
Meanwhile, Brown and Clinton, who have been friends for a few years now, are hoping to push more people into the polls with the endorsement.
As I've told you in the past do not sleep on Peter Brown. You never know what kind of tricks he has in the bag to claim this election.
What do you think of the Clinton endorsement of Brown? The Insite would like to hear your opinion!
SUPPORT MELISSA WILSON AS SHE TRIES TO HELP THE CHILDREN!
THE BIG GOLF TOURNAMENT IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
The 8th Annual Golf Tournament is just around the corner. We hope you'll join us for a great day of golf, to help Houston area children!
It's Monday, May 4 at the Woolands Country Club.
Lunch begins at noon and golfers will tee off at 1pm. Dinner and Awards will follow. It's going to be such a fun day out on the course. We'll have surprises scattered out all over the course for golfers. We're so happy to have sponsors like Toyotoa and GoPicnic. GoPicnic is donating pre-packaged meals on the course, that don't require refrigeration or preparation.
Since Melissa is Fox 26's Health Reporter, she searched everywhere looking for healthy snacks. She's excited these snacks don't contain artificial flavors, colors, or trans fats and are free of high-fructose corn syrup or MSG. For more information, go to www.gopicnic.com.
Golfers will also be able to drink their fruits & veggies out on the course! Amerisciences is donating AS10 - Super Food Drinks for everyone! It's made from a super fruit from the rainforests in Brazil.
www.drink-cupuacu.com has more info about it.
Melissa has been supporting the group, Children at Risk for 9 years.
Here are the group's goals:
*Education
CHILDREN AT RISK is working for comprehensive education reform that includes improving school structure, exploring alternative accountability models, expanding services to "at risk" students, and strengthening access to early education programs.
*Human Trafficking
CHILDREN AT RISK supports strengthening and expanding existing legislative language to remove loopholes which prevent the effective human trafficking prevention and prosecution.
*Child Welfare
CHILDREN AT RISK is seeking to strengthen child welfare services, with particular emphasis on transitional programs, retaining effective personnel, and promoting healthy families.
*Children's Health
CHILDREN AT RISK advocates for increasing access to children's health and mental health programs. Emphasis should be placed on barriers to service within the criminal justice system, regulatory structures, and insurance coverage.
*Juvenile Justice
CHILDREN AT RISK endorses reform of the Texas Youth Commission, improving oversight mechanisms, and enhancing alternatives to incarceration for juveniles.
For more info about the golf tournament, you can go to: www.childrenatrisk.org or call 713-869-7740.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER!
THANK YOU LORD, THANK YOU LORD!They were loud, bold and speaking in Spanish. The only thing I understood they were saying was thank you lord. They repeated it over and over again.
It was a family standing in a circle while holding hands outside of the Harris County courthouse. One woman had what appeared to tears of joy rolling down her face. I'm nosy and curious. So when they were done I approached a man who was carrying a leather bible in his hand. I asked him what they were praying about. The man said the woman had lost custody of three children after someone made allegations against her. The man went on to say the woman got her children back after a judge ruled in her favor. Then the man said God is good, smiled at me and walked away. The end!
THE MIDDLE AGED MAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE!
YOU THINK HE GETS ANY REST?We all know the nursery rhyme about the old lady who lived in a shoe. Well, on Thursday I think I ran into the old woman's counterpart - the middle aged man.
I met him while I was covering another story in downtown Houston. He said he had been trying to contact me for a story he wanted to do. He felt as if he was being harassed by the Harris County Sheriff's Department. He says every time there is a crime on his street the neighbors blame his children and deputies show up at his house.
Just how man children does this man have? Not 2 or 5 or 7 or even 10 but 16. That's right, 16 children. When he told me that my jaw dropped. I asked him, "you have 16 children on your own." He said no I had some help from my wife.
With 16 kids this guy must have quite a financial burden. But he says his biggest problem is being harassed by law enforcement about his children. His downtown visit wasn't about a stroll in the park. He was visiting one son in the Harris County Jail while checking on another one of his kids at the Harris County Juvenile Justice Center. I wonder if he ever gets a peaceful night's rest!
RACE DOES MATTER!
WOMAN: WHAT COLOR WAS THE GIRL WHO ALLEGEDLY SHOT AND KILLED HER FATHER?It's something most people won't admit but they're always curious about. The race of a person in the news.
I was at the Harris County Juvenile Justice Center on Thursday. A woman who works in the building began chatting with my photographer and I. She asked a question that sparked a dialogue long after she was gone. That question: What color was she?
That's what the woman asked when she questioned us about a 12 year old little girl who allegedly shot and killed her father in Katy. The woman was honest and blunt. She felt if the juvenile was a white girl she would likely get special treatment because of her race. She was honest but it doesn't necessarily mean it's true.
But the woman's bold question is a query a lot of people in the African American community make when there is a crime where the race of the suspect is unknown especially a juvenile. My photographer, who's white, reluctantly admitted he frequently wonders the race of a person when they're in the news. I admit I wonder what race a person is when it's not clear what group that person represents.
I think it's part of human nature so we can put that situation in a box in our minds. That lead me to another issue. Do we expect certain races to do certain things? It's a running joke with comedians who say if there is a serial killer they have to be white. Or if it was a shooting over drugs they have to be black.
What do you think? Do you ever secretly and quietly wonder the race of a person when it's unclear. The Insite would like to hear your honest opinion!
A CONFIRMED CASE OF SWINE FLU IN HISD!
THE LATEST INFORMATION IN YOUR COMMUNITY!This is a notice from the Houston Independent School District:
The city has informed HISD of a confirmed case at Lyons Elementary School. We are in the process of closing down the school and are sending an automated phone message to parents. We are asking parents to pick up their children as soon as possible. Our staff will stay with the students until all the parents arrive. We are calling parents of special education students by telephone.
GET A BREAK ON THOSE OLD TRAFFIC TICKETS AND COURT CASES!
HAVE YOU OR WILL YOU USE THIS AMNESTY PROGRAM!Effective FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2009 through SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009, the City of
I. WHO MAY PARTICIPATE
All delinquent cases issued prior to and including February 28, 2009, qualify to be resolved under Amnesty guidelines and procedures.
Only the defendant named in the citation or their attorney can participate in the amnesty period. Bonding companies, friends, relatives, and spouses cannot make the request on behalf of someone else, except when paying a Capias Pro Fine, which is a previously adjudicated case.
The Amnesty guidelines do not apply to previously adjudicated cases where the defendant failed to pay the fine, failed to take defensive driving, or failed to complete community service, and are now in Capias Pro Fine status.
The Amnesty guidelines do not apply to a defendant that is in custody.
All minors under the age of seventeen (17) are considered “Juveniles”, and must appear in Court with a parent, guardian, or managing conservator to handle their cases including defendants charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol or Minor in Possession of Tobacco cases. Defendants (17) and older are considered “Adults: (even if their citation was issued when they were a Juvenile) and their case(s) may be addressed and resolved as an Adult.
II. CRIMINAL CASES
Ø Defendants who voluntarily pay the standard fines in full on all outstanding delinquent (warrant status) citations, will not be assessed an additional "Failure to Appear" (FTA) charge. Additional violations of a FTA will be assessed at 50% of the standard fine.
Ø Defendants with one or more charges of FTA with no associated underlying cases(s) may pay a reduced fine of 50% of the standard fine.
Any defendant who voluntarily appears in the Municipal Court during amnesty will be permitted to pay all outstanding unadjudicated delinquent cases with assessment of FTA fine and warrant fees and will not be subject to arrest and incarceration.
BREAKING NEWS: TWO HISD SCHOOLS TO CLOSE BECAUSE OF SUSPECTED CASES OF SWINE FLU!
KEEP YOUR CHILDREN AT HOME IF THEY ATTEND THESE HOUSTON SCHOOLS!Harvard Elementary School and Hamilton Middle School are closed until further notice. Late last night the City of Houston Health Department informed HISD Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra of two probable, but not confirmed, cases of swine flu and advised the district to immediately close both schools as a precaution.
The principals of both schools sent out automated phone messages shortly after midnight to parents and staff in order to give them as much notice as possible.
Parents and staff were advised that if anyone in their household develops any flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue that they should seek medical treatment. Swine flu can be effectively treated by doctors.
HISD and the City Health Department will hold a joint news conference at 9:00 a.m. at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 West 18th, 77092).
DO YOU WANT YOUR OWN ETHNIC WALMART?
WELCOME TO THE SUPERMERCADO!I was kind of surprised when Walmart opened a store here in Houston that caters specifically to one ethnic group. I was shocked more people weren't up in arms or demanding their own specialized Walmart. On Wednesday the retail giant opened a store that's designed for those in the Hispanic community. Is this a good or dangerous trend the Arkansas based company is undertaking? The Insite would like hear what you think about Mercado!
But the new Garland store at 1801 Marketplace Drive is the first designed from the ground up to meet the needs of Hispanic shoppers, said Daniel Morales, regional spokesman for Wal-Mart.
POOR TIMING WITH AN EFFORT TO FEED THE POOR!
SWINE IN EVERY TEAXAS POT!It was probably a publicity nightmare if you ask me. Just as the swine flu scare was really gaining momentum in Houston on Monday a national public relations firm sent out a press release. That release indicated a local food pantry/bank was handing hundreds of pounds of pork meat to those in need. Now that the swine flu is a big concern as well as pork consumption, I'm sure the p-r firm would likely re-think their big Houston pork giveaway. Do you think it was poor time or does it matter?
I KNOW YOUR FRIEND WAS JUST KILLED BUT DO YOU WANT TO BUY AN ICE CREAM?
APPROPRIATE OR NOT: YOU DECIDE ON THE INSITE!Capitalism rules no matter what. That may just be the attitude of some northeast Harris County neighborhood ice cream men.
WHY DO FAST FOOD JOINTS EVEN HAVE THAT FIRST WINDOW!
SHOULD THERE BE ONLY 1 WINDOW?
If you've pulled into a fast food drive thru it's likely you've noticed it. That useless first window tends to be nothing but decoration for the business. There's always some sign indicating we should drive to window #2. Why even create window #1 if you're never going to use it. There are some rare occasions when there is a lunch rush and that dormant first window is used. Do you think all restaurants should just get rid of that irritating and useless window #1. The Insite would like to hear what you have to say about this!
IS THAT A BREAD BOX SPEEDING, WOW!
WHO KNEW THEY COULD GO SO FAST!
It was almost startling just how fast a small car shaped like a loaf of bread was speeding through the Woodlands. It was a Scion. It had to be going at least 80mph in a 45 mph zone. I didn't even know these cars could go that fast. Frankly, I'm shocked because when I think of a Scion I always imagine a driver with a pocket protector pushing it at about 30mph. But that's just me. By the way, slow down before you hurt someone!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL HONORED!
MARK BEDELL GETS THE AWARD!Booker T. Washington High School Principal Mark Bedell was honored April 24 as an “Outstanding Educator” by Texas A & M University.
Bedell was honored for his service in the field of education by Kay and Jerry Cox at the Dean's Roundtable hosted by the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A & M. Dean's Roundtable members at Texas A & M recognize educators who have made a difference in the lives of students.
Bedell believes that a mindset to empower others to reach their full potential is paramount in the field of education. Born to a 16-year old high school sophomore, he grew up in a drug-infested home with seven siblings and an abusive step father. Bedell was the only one among all his siblings to graduate from high school. He has worked for HISD for the past eight years, three as a teacher, four as an assistant principal and two as principal. He received teacher of the year honors in various categories two years in a row and also the feeder pattern principal of the year award this year.
Bedell credits his love of basketball as a factor that motivated him to stay in school and keep up his grades. After becoming ineligible to play once, he told himself he would never let it happen again and began attending summer and night school, which resulted in his making the honor roll. He graduated from high school with a 3.12 GPA and was accepted at Fisk University. Bedell made the honor roll at Fisk and also lead the nation in scoring for Division III basketball. After meeting his wife Robyn at Fisk, he made the decision to focus on academics first and athletics second.
Bedell graduated from Fisk with a degree in History and Education and accepted a job there as a basketball coach while continuing to work on his master’s in Educational Leadership from Tennessee State University. Bedell has presented at several national and state conferences on best practices in education and is currently writing his doctoral dissertation on drop out prevention for ethnic minority students from low economic strata. This topic is close to his heart as he has lived through and witnessed how students drop out when there is no one to advocate for them.
WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT: HOUSTON GETS THE FIRST U.S. SWINE FLU DEATH!
THE LATEST VICTIM OF A BABY FROM MEXICO!A young child has been confirmed as the first U.S. death from swine flu, and the first outside of Mexico. The 23-month-old, who is a native of Mexico, died in Houston, a city where no cases had been reported as they had been in other parts of the state. The case was confirmed amid increasing global anxiety over a health menace that has also swept Germany and Austria onto the roster of afflicted nations.
Kathy Barton, Chief of the Office of Public Affairs for the Houston Department of Health and Human Services, says the child would not have posed a contagious risk to other people in the Houston area because the child had not traveled throughout the city. After arriving in Houston, the child was taken directly to ahospital, according to Barton. The HDHHS has not yet learned where in Mexico the child came from nor has it released the gender of the child. The child's flu death in Texas was confirmed Wednesday by Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In an interview with CNN, he gave no other details about the child.
Germany confirmed three cases Wednesday and Austria confirmed one case.
THE MEMORIAL HERMANN PALACE!
MAKING IT FANCY WITH MORE TO GO!
I was riding along the Katy Freeway on Tuesday when a building caught my attention. It crawled into the sky and the top of the structure appeared to be a crown. It's the expansion and new building for Memorial Hermann in Center City or the Town and Country area. I'm not quite sure what's the name of that part of town off the Katy Freeway. Anyway, the building is large and elaborate with more new construction along side of it. It reminded me of something I saw while growing up in Louisiana and other places I've lived. No matter what the current economic climate is hospitals are always expanding. I guess the business of sick people never really hits a slump. No matter how poor or underpaid you get, we all still have to go to the hospital. It seems Memorial sunk a lot of cash into this fancy structure. Have you seen it and what do you think?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
MIKE JONES FREE CONCERT AND MEET AND GREET FOR THE FANS!
IT'S VENTURE WITH THE CELL PHONE COMPANY CRICKET!Cricket Communications, Inc., a leading provider of unlimited wireless services, is offering Houstonians free tickets to attend a Mike Jones concert on Monday, May 11 at Arena Theatre at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. To receive a pair of tickets, all Cricket customers must do is visit a Cricket store and show proof of downloading the Mike Jones’ “Next to You” ringback tone from his most recent CD that dropped Tuesday, April 28. Additionally, for those who can’t make it to the concert, Cricket will host three free meet and greet sessions with the rapper on April 29 at Airline Center (4487 North Freeway) from 4 – 6 p.m., May 11 at 3636 Old Spanish Trail from 4 – 6 p.m. and May 18 at Williamstown (9511 D Southwest Freeway) from 4 – 6 p.m.
Since the Houston-grown rapper made his national debut in 2005 with a platinum grill and an infectious call-and-response slogan (‘Who? Mike Jones!’), Mike Jones’ freshman album Who is Mike Jones? has sold over 1.5 million copies. But before he had made it nationally, Jones started his own independent record label, Ice Age Entertainment, with money he had saved to pay for beats and studio time. His entrepreneurial drive and talent as he promoted his music on the streets, to DJs and at clubs, brought him to a deal with local hit-making label Swishahouse leading to his current success. Now four years later, Jones’ sophomore album The Voice was awaited by fans with anticipation and already had three hit singles before the album’s release (April 28).
“Research shows that music plays a major role in the lives of our customers, and Cricket is pleased to partner with Mike Jones to provide this unique opportunity for our customers,” said Doug Ahrens, Regional General Manager of Cricket Communications.
WHAT SHOULD HOUSTON DO TO STOP ALL THE FLOODING?
IS IT A PROBLEM THAT WILL BE ADDRESSED IN OUR TIME?
Here are some photos I took of the flooding around Houston Tuesday. It appears depsite all the work done on the drainage system we will still have widespread flooding in the city. Realistic or not - what do you propose the city do about it? The Insite would like to hear your opinion on this issue!
CONGRESSMAN GENE GREEN IS BRINGING SOME GREEN TO TEXAS!
PART OF THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PACKAGE!Representative Gene Green today announced that almost $300 million in civil works project funding would be sent to the Galveston District Army Corps of Engineers, including $123.9 million for the Port of Houston.
Congress passed an economic recovery and stimulus package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and it was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th. ARRA was an investment in the workforce designed not only to rebuild America and protect jobs, but also to transform the economy for long-term growth and make Americans globally competitive.
“ARRA was designed to invest in infrastructure and create jobs, and I am proud to say that thousands of jobs will be created by these projects in a region that is suffering from the effects of the current economic downturn,” said Rep. Green. “Every day we continue to hear of ARRA investments across the country that will contribute to the recovery of our economy.”
In early March 2009, Green was joined by Representatives Olson, Culberson, A. Green, Poe, Jackson Lee, Brady, McCaul, Paul, Carter, Edwards, and Rodriguez, in sending a bipartisan letter asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fund $103.47 million in shovel-ready projects for the Port of Houston. As the largest U.S. port in foreign commerce, the Port of Houston is responsible for 785,000 direct and indirect jobs and $117.6 billion in economic impact.
“Congress expressed their commitment to the value of ports by investing $4.6 billion from ARRA for navigation projects,” said Green. “The Port of Houston will benefit from these investments in infrastructure, operations, and maintenance. This will allow shippers to continue to economically transport their goods through the Port and expand business activity in the area.”
Below is a list of projects announced for the Port of Houston:
Construction:
- $300,000 - Grass Plantings at Bolivar Marsh.
- $500,000 - Complete Dredge Material Management Plan for Galveston Ship Channel. Provides a more efficient, least costly, environmentally acceptable disposal plan.
- $500,000 - Atkinson Island Grass Planting.
- $25.1 million - Phase II contract to dredge Galveston Channel to authorized project depth. Completes project.
- $25.4 million - Rehabilitate and enlarge Mid Bay Placement Area creating 200 acres of wetland marshes, and reducing future maintenance costs.
- $35.4 million - Rehabilitate Placement Areas 14 & 15 to increase dredged material placement capacity and reduce future maintenance costs.
Operation and Maintenance:
- $600,000 - Contract to complete feasibility study for assumption of maintenance on Jacinto Port Channel and expanded portion of Bayport Channel to reduce future maintenance costs.
- $36.1 million - Construction contract to rehabilitate Spilman, Lost Lake, and Peggy Lake Placement Areas. Reduces future maintenance costs.
FORMER PRESIDENT BUSH 41 NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
WILL YOU ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVE AND HELP YOUR COMMUNITY?Standing at “ground zero” where Hurricane Ike raged ashore last fall and cut a path of destruction that made it one of the costliest storms in American history, former President George Bush predicted the residents of Texas’ Bolivar peninsula will write one of the greatest comeback stories in the state’s colorful history before helping to clean a beach and asking concerned citizens to consider making a financial donation at www.bushclintoncoastalfund.org.
President Bush, who presently cites his age at “84 and 7/8s,” was joined by former Secretary of States James A. Baker, III and Texas General Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson to help kick off the 23rd annual Adopt-a-Beach Spring Cleanup program organized by Patterson’s office in conjunction with Volunteer Houston, the Points of Light Institute, and lead corporate sponsor Shell/Motiva.
“In the true Texas spirit, nobody here is looking for a handout,” President Bush explained, “but they do need a hand up, and we simply can’t let our fellow citizens elsewhere in Texas or around the country forget the tremendous need that still exists here.”
Hurricane Ike his the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast in September of 2008 and caused an estimated $27 billion in damage.
- Official counts and media reports indicate that 20 people died in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas as a direct result of Ike, and more than 100 indirectly. More than 30 remain missing from Galveston County alone as of April 2009.
- Some 3,600 homes were destroyed – leaving nothing but a concrete slab or pilings – on unincorporated Bolivar Peninsula, devastating the communities of Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach and High Island and wiping the town of Gilchrist and its approximately 300 homes off the map. 5 The bill for debris cleanup for unincorporated Galveston County alone has topped $60 million.
- All four fire departments on the Peninsula were gutted by the surge and winds, and, seven months after the storm, only the departments in Port Bolivar and High Island are functioning. Galveston County and FEMA are spending nearly $200,000 a month providing temporary fire and emergency medical service to protect the Peninsula’s remaining structures and homeowners determined to rebuild.
- The Bush-Clinton Recovery Fund, which is a donor-directed 501 (c)(3) fund, marks the third time George Bush and Bill Clinton have led a joint disaster recovery effort bearing their names. In 2005, the two leaders help address Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.
- This new Bush-Clinton hurricane recovery fund will not be making grants to individuals or families, but will instead coordinate closely with the hardest hit cities, towns and municipalities along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast to identify and fund those infrastructure projects that make the biggest difference in the lives of local citizens (such as rebuilding schools, libraries, hospitals, etc.).
LOOK WHO'S COMING TO THE HOUSTON AREA (GALVESTON COUNTY) NEXT MONTH!
WILL YOU GO AND HEAR THE WORD OF T.D. JAKES?
HPD SAYS DESPITE THE BAD ECONOMY CRIME IS DOWN!
WHY DO YOU THINK CRIME IS DOWN IN HOUSTON?In response to the economic recession, the nation has experienced an increase in crime. In Houston, however the violent crime figures have significantly decreased, while the non-violent crime rate is virtually unchanged with a 1% increase. Uniformed Crime Reports (UCR) show in FY 2007- 2008 (July –March) Total Part 1 Crimes were down only about 1% in comparison to the same nine month period of FY 2008 – FY 2009 which reveals a decrease of almost 7% in violent crimes in Houston.
UCR crime stats further indicate that an examination of the first three months of 2009 (January-March) compared to the same period of 2008, violent crimes have declined by 8% in Houston. More importantly, the murder rate has dropped significantly by almost 22% from January – April 27, 2009, compared to the same period of 2008. Additionally, as of March 2009, gang murders were down 47% from the same time period one year ago.
UCR defines violent crime as murders, rapes, robbery and aggravated assault, while non-violent crimes are identified as property crimes, burglary and auto theft.
“While the city has made progress in reducing violent crime, we must remain vigilant in continuing our efforts to combat overall crime in the city,” said Houston Police Department Chief Harold Hurtt. “Fighting and controlling crime takes a coordinated and team effort involving citizens, businesses and police.”
With the dip in violent crimes in Houston, citizens must be mindful that the recession will continue to present challenges. “As the economy goes down,” says Hurtt, “burglary and theft will increase, therefore to keep Houston safe, we are asking all citizens to take precautions in securing their homes, belongings and cars.”
The Houston Police Department spotlights prevention and safety by providing local communities and businesses with tips, crime prevention programs and initiatives that include the following:
- Keep Houston Safe Crime Prevention Tips and information @ www.houstonpolice.org
- Operation ID Program involves engraving property with an identifying number to thwart theft of belongings
- HPD has under a five minute response time to emergency calls made within the city limits
- Police Advisory Council (PAC) consists of leaders of various community and civic groups that provide advice to the police chief and other department commanders during monthly meetings
- Crime Prevention Assistance can be obtained through HPD’s Community Services Unit- 713-308-3200
- Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to 713-884-3131
- Get involved in your neighborhood Citizen Patrol or Neighborhood Watch Program
- Use proper locks on your doors and windows. Install lights in areas around doors, walkways and driveways. Have an alarm system installed in your home
- Remove valuable items from view in your car such as a purse, laptop computer, cell phone or GPS unit
- SECURE your belongings, TAKE your car keys, LOCK your car
- Crime Stoppers of Houston will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and charging of any felony suspect. All callers will remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
“Houston’s crime rate is at one of its lowest points in over two decades,” says Chief Hurtt. Chief Hurtt’s comments are based on figures from UCR’s Part One, Total All Crime Comparison of the City of Houston from 1980 – 2008, as evidenced by the chart below.
SHOULD THE U.S. CLOSE THE BORDERS DOWN SOUTH?
US OFFICIALS SAY NO - WHAT DO YOU SAY?At last check, Mexico had 149 suspected deaths from the swine flu. Here in the U.S., dozens of victims have all survived, 11 cases so far in California, five of them in San Diego, and 3 in Texas. Now the focus is on the border, and how to stop the spread of this virus. Do you think the federal government should seriously consider closing US borders until the illness is contained? The Insite would like to hear your opinion on this issue. So far US officials say keep the borders open!
Monday, April 27, 2009
THE MAYOR'S CONSULAR LUNCHEON!
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD!
Dozens of people showed up to hear a speech by Mayor Bill White. It was a group of very distinguished guests from all over the world. It was the Mayor's luncheon for the Consular Corp.
BAD LUCK WEEK #2 FOR THE INSITE!
IT'S LIKE SOMEONE BEAT ME IN THE FACE WITH A SACK OF OLD NICKELS!
Ok, my day started out with only minor bad luck. I was attempting to get a pack of peanuts out of a vending machine when they got stuck. It was like 75 cents down the drain.
APACHE PLANTS ITS ONE MILLIONTH TREE IN HOUSTON!
THE ATTEMPT TO BEAUTIFY THE COUNTRY!
Over the last 4 years the Houston based energy company Apache Corporation has been striving to plant 1 million trees. The company reached that goal today. In the front yard of its office building on Post Oak in the Galleria dozens of employees of the company were on hand for the planting of tree #1,000,000. The company has planted trees in various states around the country from Wyoming to Louisiana. Their focus according to company officials is to beautify the communities around the country. Mayor Bill White was on hand with Apache Chairman and CEO Steve Farris. The tree planting was done by the Apache Foundation. It's the philanthropic arm of the oil and gas producing company. To learn more about Apache go to the link below!
JENNIFER REYNA DROPS BY THE INSITE!
RAYNA TO THE INSITE: WHO ARE YOU WITH AGAIN? You can catch her guiding you through the chaos we know as Houston traffic every weekday morning. But Jennifer Reyna wanted more. She simply asked station management and the request was approved. Over the last 6 months Reyna has been out reporting. Don't worry, she is not leaving her morning traffic duties but she wanted to do more at KPRC TV. The Insite caught up with the former Los Angeles on air talent in the Gallaeria area. She was more than willing to pose for a pic. However, after I took her photo she asked, "who are you with?" I laughed inside because I'll take that from Jennifer. But then she said she did remember reading the Insite. Hopefully, we can keep this young lady coming back. Hey Jennifer, thanks for dropping by the Insite!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
THE SILLIEST INVENTION IN AMERICAN HISTORY: SNUGGIES!
WELCOME TO THE ANTI-SNUGGIE PAGE!Is it me or should Snuggies be banned from America? Have you ever worn one before? This is likely the most ridiculous invention in American history. Why would you need sleeves on your blanket? Someone help me ban these things at least in Houston. Down with the Snuggie!
HISD MESSAGE: IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK WITH FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS KEEP THEM HOME!
PARENTS TAKE NOTE!This just in from the Houston Independent School District...Reason: The Swine Flu:
WHAT GRADE WOULD YOU GIVEPRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ON HIS FIRST 100 DAYS IN OFFICE!
OBAMA: A - F AND WHY!Ok, it's been all over the news and all the talking heads are talking about. President Barack Obama's first 100 days in office. It's time for the Insite readers to weigh in on this situation. Take a look at all the President has and has not done while in office. I'd like to see you grade him on the scale of A to F. Leave your score in the comment secition and why!
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SWINE FLU!
TAKE ALL THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS!Swine flu is a general term for flu viruses adapted to pigs. Swine flu can infect humans, most often from a pig to someone handling pigs. It can pass from human to human via coughing, sneezing or touching infected people or surfaces then touching the mouth or nose. It is not contracted by eating well-cooked pork.
Symptoms are similar to regular flu: fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, poor appetite, body aches and chills. Some people also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
How dangerous is this swine flu?
How can flu be prevented?
Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Use tissues and throw them in the trash immediately. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Avoid sick people. If you are sick, stay home. People who know they have been exposed can get a prescription for the antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza).
For more information:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
BILL MAHER ADDRESSES BITTER REPUBLICANS AND WHAT WERE THOSE TEA PARTIES ABOUT ANYWAY?
THE DEMOCRATS ARE NOT PLOTTING AGAINST YOU BECAUSE THEY'VE ALREADY BEATEN YOU!Listen up Republicans: It's been almost 100 days, and your country is not coming back to you. She's found somebody new.
If conservatives don't want to be seen as bitter people who cling to their guns and religion and anti-immigrant sentiments, they should stop being bitter and clinging to their guns, religion and anti-immigrant sentiments.
It's been a week now, and I still don't know what those "tea bag" protests were about. I saw signs protesting abortion, illegal immigrants, the bank bailout and that gay guy who's going to win "American Idol." But it wasn't tax day that made them crazy; it was election day.
Because that's when Republicans became what they fear most: a minority.
The conservative base is absolutely apoplectic because, because ... well, nobody knows. They're mad as hell, and they're not going to take it anymore. Even though they're not quite sure what "it" is. But they know they're fed up with "it," and that "it" has got to stop.
Here are the big issues for normal people: the war, the economy, the environment, mending fences with our enemies and allies, and the rule of law.
And here's the list of Republican obsessions since President Obama took office: that his birth certificate is supposedly fake, he uses a teleprompter too much, he bowed to a Saudi guy, Europeans like him, he gives inappropriate gifts, his wife shamelessly flaunts her upper arms, and he shook hands with Hugo Chavez and slipped him the nuclear launch codes.
Do these sound like the concerns of a healthy, vibrant political party?
It's sad what's happened to the Republicans. They used to be the party of the big tent; now they're the party of the sideshow attraction, a socially awkward group of mostly white people who speak a language only they understand. Like Trekkies, but paranoid.
The GOP base is convinced that Obama is going to raise their taxes, which he just lowered. But, you say, "Bill, that's just the fringe of the Republican Party." No, it's not. The governor of Texas, Rick Perry, is not afraid to say publicly that thinking out loud about Texas seceding from the Union is appropriate considering that ... Obama wants to raise taxes 3% on 5% of the people? I'm not sure exactly what Perry's independent nation would look like, but I'm pretty sure it would be free of taxes and Planned Parenthood. And I would have to totally rethink my position on a border fence.
I know. It's not about what Obama's done. It's what he's planning. But you can't be sick and tired of something someone might do.
Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota recently said she fears that Obama will build "reeducation" camps to indoctrinate young people. But Obama hasn't made any moves toward taking anyone's guns, and with money as tight as it is, the last thing the president wants to do is run a camp where he has to shelter and feed a bunch of fat, angry white people.
Look, I get it, "real America." After an eight-year run of controlling the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court, this latest election has you feeling like a rejected husband. You've come home to find your things out on the front lawn -- or at least more things than you usually keep out on the front lawn. You're not ready to let go, but the country you love is moving on. And now you want to call it a whore and key its car.
That's what you are, the bitter divorced guy whose country has left him -- obsessing over it, haranguing it, blubbering one minute about how much you love it and vowing the next that if you cannot have it, nobody will.
But it's been almost 100 days, and your country is not coming back to you. She's found somebody new. And it's a black guy.
The healthy thing to do is to just get past it and learn to cherish the memories. You'll always have New Orleans and Abu Ghraib.
And if today's conservatives are insulted by this, because they feel they're better than the people who have the microphone in their party, then I say to them what I would say to moderate Muslims: Denounce your radicals.
To paraphrase George W. Bush, either you're with them or you're embarrassed by them.
The thing that you people out of power have to remember is that the people in power are not secretly plotting against you. They don't need to. They already beat you in public.
