HPD COP TELLS BLOODY MAN WITH GUN TO TAKE A HIKE OR GO TO ANOTHER SUBSTATION!

BLOGGING FROM THE TOYOTA CENTER: THE SCORE WE DIDN'T WANT TO SEE - THE L.A. LAKERS 108, HOUSTON ROCKETS 94!

DESPITE THE DEFEAT, ROCKET FUEL STILL FILLED THE AIR!



















With two NBA championships under their belts the Houston Rockets players are determined to make it a third.  The excitement was in the air around Toyota Center Friday in downtown Houston. Thousands of people flowed into the arena where they prayed for a victory.  The Rockets took on the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2009 NBA playoffs.  Thousands of people filled the Center with a sea of red drowning out the sparse display of purple and gold.  It was a night for the Rockets' fans on their home turf.  It's an event they've been waiting for year after year. A chance at another championship.  A feat that has eluded the team since the days of the Dream back in 1994 and 95. But that 'dream' has been placed on hold as we move to game 4.  Unfortunately, the Rockets were not able to pull off a victory.  Currently, it's LA - 2 victories over the Rockets - 1.  But before the game began the Insite ran into a lot of the players out practicing including Yao Ming, Van Wafer, Shane Battier, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza, Sasha Vujacic, and Sun Yue.  I also spotted Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Mark Berman, Chris Stipes, Bob Allen, and the list of others as I creeped around the court.  The Insite would like to personally thank the Rockets Media Relations staff (Nelson Luis and Allan Rojas) for getting me into a game that was otherwise sold out and media credentialed out!

Insite Note: Ron Artest did not commit a flagrant foul!

Final Score: 

LA Lakers - 108

Houston Rockets -94  

Game 4 is this Sunaday...See you there!

PORN STAR STORMY DANIELS WANTS TO GO TO THE US SENATE!

WHO WOULD YOU VOTE FOR: THE REPUBLICAN OR THE ADULT FILM ACTRESS?

Adult film star Stormy Daniels kicked off her bid to unseat U.S. Senator David Vitter on Wednesday in Baton Rouge with a "listening tour" where she fielded questions from the media. 

Daniels stopped short of saying she was definitely running against Vitter, saying only that she was "drafted" to do so. She is considered one of the adult entertainment industry's biggest movie stars.

"I've worked very hard to become at the top of my industry and becoming as successful as I can," Daniels said. "Um, I am stopping performing because I am at the age that I said I was gonna stop. The two things are not related and I just feel like with all the encouragement and support, I have to sound cheesy, but maybe it's my duty."

The Draft Stormy group says it has been labeled as a "cheap political stunt" by the old Louisiana status quo. Daniels will be in New Orleans on Wednesday for a similar appearance.

YOU COULD GET INPUT BEFORE AN EDUCATIONAL DISTRICT CLOSES A SCHOOL!

DOES THE PUBLIC DESERVE A SAY IN THE PROCESS?

Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston) applauded the Texas House of Representatives for passing HB-999, which prevents local school boards in Houston and Dallas from closing public schools without giving communities notice and a public hearing. Additionally, campuses targeted for closure due to academic shortcomings would receive all necessary resources identified by a campus intervention team and would have two full years to put those resources to use before the local school board could order the campus closed.

Rep. Dutton stated "public schools are the epicenter of each Texas community and a school board vote to close a school is tantamount to a death sentence for that community."

The Texas Assn. of School Boards (TASB), which represents local school boards, adamantly objected to Dutton's bill arguing that the bill overrode local control. Specifically, TASB opposed the bill's provision requiring prior approval of the Texas Education Commissioner before closing a school.

In contrast, Rep. Dutton stated "before a death sentence is given to a community by closing a school, every protection the legislature can provide must be considered. Having the Commissioner in the loop is simply one more protection for Texas school children, their families and our communities."

Despite seven Democrats having voted against HB-999, Rep. Dutton stated "passing this bill was among the highest priorities for legislators who place greater value in the voice of local citizens rather than concede unchecked power to local school boards to close neighborhood schools."

I DON'T CARE IF THE BLOCK IS ABOUT TO BLOW UP, GET OUT OF MY PARKING LOT!

WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE: A $5 FISH PLATE SELL OR YOUR BUSINESS SAFE?

These are stories I simply can't make up.  Stories I see in the community that are just mind blowing.  I was on MLK in southeast Houston Wednesday when there was a major gas leak.  A demolition crew was tearing down an old structure.  While using the heavy equipment the crew struck a gas line.  You could hear and smell it in the air.  It was a major leak.  After the crew waited 30 minutes for Center Point to show up (another story) they decided to call 911.  The Houston fire department responded in 10 minutes.  The HazMat truck was in tow.  When it arrived the driver had to park it somewhere.  The logical spot was right next door at a catfish joint.  Just as the firefighter was getting out the truck the owner of the catfish place (red shirt) came running out.  He actually complained to the firefighter about parking in his parking lot. This is the same guy who had been complaining all morning long about people parking in a less than busy lot.  I was shocked he actually complained about a fire truck parking in a lot that had only about 3 cars in it.  Keep in mind this is a major gas leak and this guy, who's business is just right next door, doesn't want the fire department on his property.  He should've weighed the options: A person buying a $5 fish plate can park or his business goes up in flames because the fire department wasn't able to stop the GAS LEAK!  Who are these people? 

ONE OF LOUISIANA'S MOST PROMINENT AND SUCCESSFUL ATTORNIES DISBARRED!

E. ERIC GUIRARD AND HIS PARTNER ARE OUT OF BUSINESS FOR NOW!

The Louisiana Supreme Court has disbarred high-profile Baton Rouge attorney E. Eric Guirard and his law partner Thomas Pittenger.

In a 23-page opinion, the Louisiana Supreme Court ordered Guirard's name "stricken from the rolls and his Louisiana law license revoked." The same decision was made for Pittenger. Both lawyers can reapply for their law licenses after a period of five years.

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board first recommended that Guirard, known for the "E Guarantee," and his partner, Thomas Pittenger, be disbarred. The board's recommendation then went before the Louisiana Supreme Court. In arguments before the Louisiana Supreme Court in March, a lawyer representing Guirard and Pittenger told the high court that the sanction of permanent disbarment was too severe. He pointed out that both lawyers corrected methods of operating the law firm after being confronted with allegations of wrongdoing and both men have fully cooperated.

An attorney with the Office of Disciplinary Council, however, argued that Guirard and Pittenger "consciously and intentionally" violated ethics rules. The board accused the lawyers of paying commissions to employees who are not lawyers. The lawyers are also accused of allowing case managers who are not lawyers to provide legal advice to clients. Both of those allegations violate the rules of professional conduct for attorneys.

WANDA ADAMS SAYS IT'S TIME TO GET RID OF THOSE DILAPIDATED HOUSES IN OUR COMMUNITY!

IF THERE'S ONE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALL THE CITY OF HOUSTON!

One city leader is aggressively going after those deadbeat homeowners who have abandoned their houses.

Council Member Wanda Adams says the city of Houston has millions of dollars to demolish abandoned buildings in the community.

The city's neighborhood protection program tore down an old car wash Wednesday residents in SouthPark say has become a haven for drugs and crime.

Adams says if there is a home in your community that's a nuisance you should report it to neighborhood protection or 311. 

STATE AUDITORS SAY THE TEXAS YOUTH COMMISSION (TYC) IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS!

IS IT TIME TO JUST SHUT IT DOWN?

Here's the report from the state auditors on the Texas Youth Commission:

Overall Conclusion

Since March 2007, the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) has improved its investigation of alleged mistreatment, strengthening its security and monitoring of youth, and has made progress in improving its management of agency resources. During this same time period, the total number of youths committed to TYC decreased 49.7 percent from 4,809 on March 1, 2007, to 2,419 on April 15, 2009. Contributing factors for this decline were legislative mandates in Senate Bill 103 (80th Legislature) that prohibited the placement of youth who commit misdemeanors or are between 19 and 21 years of age in TYC facilities.

TYC has fully or substantially implemented 34 of 47 (72.3 percent) prior State Auditor's Office recommendations made in a March 2007 investigative report. Although TYC has made progress toward implementing these prior recommendations, as well as Senate Bill 103 reforms, TYC should continue to strengthen its management of state resources, including contracts, staffing levels and facilities, and its intake and investigation processes.

Specifically, auditors noted the following:

- TYC did not competitively bid 11 contracts totaling $19.5 million that it awarded while the agency was in conservatorship from March 2007 to October 2008. While the Texas Government Code grants a conservator a series of powers and duties, it does not specifically exempt a conservator from complying with state procurement rules.

- TYC has not increased the number of certified sex offender counselors in its treatment programs or retained necessary documentation to support its staffing projections for juvenile correctional officers for fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

- In fiscal year 2007, TYC proposed closing five residential facilities. As a result, the Legislature reduced TYC's appropriations for fiscal years 2008 and 2009. However, TYC continues to operate the Victory Field Correctional Academy and the West Texas State School, which were two of the facilities that TYC proposed closing. TYC reported it spent $21.8 million during fiscal year 2008 to operate these two facilities.

- TYC did not ensure that its Office of Inspector General (1) received and investigated all reported allegations of mistreatment or (2) initiated and completed investigations of alleged mistreatment within 30 days as required by agency policy.

HOW HAS THE BANK OF HOUSTON DONE SO FAR?

ARE YOU IMPRESSED WITH THE RESULTS?

Bank on Houston has already exceeded its first year goal of opening 10,000 new checking accounts.  According to the tracking reports submitted by the program’s participating banks and credit unions, 10,264 accounts were opened in the first three months of 2009, the first quarter of the program’s operation.  “These results are stunning,” said City Controller Annise Parker.  “We never expected to meet our goal this fast.  Obviously, there is a need for this program.” 

There are also clear indications that the program is responsible for increased attendance at local financial literacy classes.  People’s Trust Foundation had a record number of adult financial literacy workshops in the first quarter of 2009.  Likewise, the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services has seen its classes double in size.  Demand for classes is also up at the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation, the Credit Coalition, Money Management International and the Houston Area Urban League, all of which are part of Bank on Houston. “Not only are we introducing previously unbanked residents to the financial mainstream, we are helping them learn to manage their money better,” said Parker.  “We all benefit when more of our residents become financially independent.  This is more important given the ongoing economic downturn.” 

Bank on Houston is a collaborative effort to help the unbanked protect their money and take that first step toward wealth and asset building by introducing them to low-cost starter checking accounts.  Program participants include Parker’s office; 22 local banks and credit unions; numerous non-profits and community organizations; the FDIC; the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch and the National League of Cities. 

Parker attributes the early success to the strong commitment of the program’s participating financial institutions and a multi-faceted English and Spanish marketing campaign, which includes inserts in city water bills, billboards, ads on local television channels and a Web site.  Funding was provided by the participating financial institutions.  In-kind contributions were made by ABC 13, Boone DeLeon Communications, Clear Channel Outdoor, Comcast Cable, KIAH Channel 39, KZJL Channel 61, Univision 45 Houston and TV Informa 43. 

Research by the city planning department found 51 percent of households in Houston’s minority-dominated neighborhoods have no banking relationships.  In addition, 7 out of 10 Katrina evacuees arriving in Houston did not have bank accounts; their money washed away with the flood waters. According to the Brookings Institute, using check-cashers and payday loans cost unbanked Houston families nearly $70 million in fees annually.

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE JUDGE AND MAYOR!
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Houston Mayor Bill White were recently awarded the North Houston Association's 2009 North Star Award in recognition of their work in responding to Hurricane Ike last year and preparing for future hurricanes.

The North Star Award is presented to individuals or companies in northern Harris County who have made a long-term, significant contribution to the region. Officials with the North Houston Association said this year's award was given to Emmett and White "for their leadership in long-term regional hurricane planning and strategy implementation" and noted that the two "were at the forefront providing strong leadership and action for our area" during and after Hurricane Ike struck the area in September 2008.

The award to Judge Emmett was presented by former Harris County judge and state Sen. Jon Lindsay, the president of the North Houston Association.

"This award is especially meaningful because it comes from a group with which I have long been active," said Emmett. "In fact, I was president of the North Houston Association in the mid1980s, when I represented the area in the Texas House of Representatives. I am extremely grateful to be honored this way."

The North Houston Association is a non-profit organization that identifies, advocates and supports projects and initiatives that advance the business environment and improve the quality of life in north Harris and south Montgomery counties.

A WEEKEND CRUISE WITH LOTS OF CELEBRITIES!

TAKE A CRUISE WITH MILLETTE AND VICTORIA ROWELL!











Insite contributing correspondent Millette Scott spent her weekend like only must of us could dream of.  She was hanging out with all of her celebrities friends on a cruise ship just off the coast of California.  It was a charity event thrown by actress Victoria Rowell.  It's billed as a tea with hats.  The event is held annually in the Los Angeles area.  It's open to those who are willing to donate and give back to the community.  Scott tells me some of the people she ran into on the ship: Kim Coles (Living Single), Rolanda Watts (Rolando Show), Isaiah Washington, KeKe Shepherd (Showtime at the Apollo), Victoria Rowell (Young and the Restless), Terry McMillan (How Stella Got Her Groove Back), and a host of others.  The Insite would like to thank Millette for sharing these photos.  Oh, I almost forgot.  Cookie Johnson (Magic's wife) was also in the house at the big event!

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU'VE SEEN A COMPANY NAMED ACME!

I WONDER IF THE COYOTE SHOPS THERE!

As a kid I could remember the coyote being creamed over and over again by the road runner even though he bought the best of his tools to take down the bird from ACME.  Acme according to the dictionary means the best of everything.  Over time a lot of companies picked up the name.  The title reached national prominence through Looney Tunes.  That's why I was so shocked to see an ACME business in East Houston in the year 2009.  I haven't seen any business with ACME on it in decades.  I guess I have to get out more.  Have you seen any ACME businesses out there lately?

HEY, BUT I'M THE INSITE!

SO WHAT, GET OUT OF HERE!

I got a rude awakening from some Houston firefighters on the east end of town Thursday.  My photographer and I went to station 41 where a noose was found in a Captain's locker back in January.  There was a press conference addressing the issue in Houston today.  We were in front of the facility to go live at 5pm.  Usually, the firefighters are friendly and even come out and greet you.  That wasn't the case this time.  In a highly unusual move the fireighters at station 41 actually shut their doors on us.  They even brought down the garage like doors.  It was like no one was at home.  I wanted to say, "but hey, I'm the Insite."  I think they would've responded, "so what?" Just a day in the life of the Insite!

DERIC MUHAMMAD WEIGHS IN ON RECYCLING BLACK DOLLARS IN HOUSTON!

SHOULD THERE BE SUCH A PROGRAM IN HOUSTON?

This subject was touched upon in article I did on Wednesday about respect for the African American community at local convenience stores.  In that post I talked about the Recycle Black Dollars program we had in Baton Rouge, La.  It's essentially African Americans spending their money with African American owned businesses.  In some parts of the country it has been very successful while in other parts it has failed.  Anyway, Millions More Movement leader and Nation of Islam member Deric Muhammad addressed the issue in this comment to the Insite.  Tell me what you think and should there be a Recycle Your Black Dollars program in Houston:

From Deric Muhammad-

"Powerfully put", Isiah. The refusal to do for self and do business with our own kind is why they don't respect us. Charity is supposed to begin at home and THEN spread abroad. We are the only community that spends with those from abroad and virtually nothing with our own. It is the result of a sad mental and spiritual state. Our people must be taught better and FORCED to do better. Those who set up shop must also be FORCED to give back. Elijah Muhammad also said that once the white supremacists got done sucking the blood of the poor, the Asians would come in and suck the marrow from the bone. We must restore the financial blood in the Black community by supporting our own and making those who do business on the block respect us, even as we struggle with self-hatred and self respect. Thanks Isiah. Your point is duly noted. 

Deric M.

RACISM IN HOUSTON: NOOSE FOUND HANGING IN FIRE STATION 41 PRESS CONFERENCE!

SOME IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY WANT A WHITE HOUSTON FIRE CAPTAIN FIRED!

THE TOUR DU ROUGE!

ACCOUNTANT TO THE STARS BOB MARTIN GIVES US THE LATEST!

Sunday was the start of the inaugural ride of the Tour du Rouge from the Bayou City to the Crescent City. This six-day, 512 mile ride supports the American Red Cross Chapters along the Gulf Coast from Houston to New Orleans. Fox 26's Wake Up Money "Accountant to the Stars" Bob Martin was there for the 1st day of the 6 days to New Orleans. Bob Martin, Bob Stein and Frank Michel rode from Humble to Dayton with Houston Mayor Bill White and then rode back to Humble for a total of 52 miles. Bob's wife, Carol Martin, completed the entire first day ride of 82 miles from Humble to Beaumont. The remaining ride consists of Beaumont to Creole (81 miles), Creole to Abbeville (95 miles), Abbeville to Morgan City (77 miles), Morgan City to Gonzales (98 miles) and Gonzales to New Orleans (79 miles).

You can click on http://www.tourdurouge.org/donation.html to donate to the American Red Cross.

MORE THAN THEY EXPECTED FOR LUNCH!

WOULD YOU LIKE SNAKE WITH THAT?

A diner at an upstate New York restaurant got a little something extra with his broccoli -- a severed snake head. Jack Pendleton was at T.G.I. Friday's in Clifton Park on Sunday when he spotted something gray mixed in with his vegetables and realized it was a snake head the size of his thumb, with part of the spine still attached. Pendleton says he snapped a photo with his cell phone camera and called the waiter over. The manager said he'd never seen anything like it. A spokeswoman for the Carrollton, Texas, chain says it's investigating. The broccoli was pulled from the restaurant and others served by the same supplier. It wasn't immediately known what type of snake was involved. Pendleton and his girlfriend weren't charged for their meals. He says he has no plans to sue.

OBAMA'S NEW BUDGET HAS BEEN RELEASED!

HAS HE CUT ENOUGH OF THE FAT?


In twin strokes, President Barack Obama is calling on Congress to award generous budget increases to domestic programs while proposing relatively modest cuts to wasteful or
obsolete programs that just won't seem to die. Obama's promised line-by-line scrub of the federal budget has produced a roster of 121 budget cuts totaling $17 billion -- or about one-half of 1 percent of the $3.4 trillion budget Congress has approved for next year. The details were unveiled Thursday. White House budget director Peter Orszag said the president's plan for program cuts is just a start and that a lot more needs to be done to dig the government out of its fiscal hole, especially curbing the growth of the Medicare and Medicaid health care programs for the elderly and the poor. "But $17 billion a year is not chump change by anyone's accounting," he said.

COUNCILMAN JAMES RODRIGUEZ HAS A FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR FELLOW COUNCIL MEMBER TONI LAWRENCE!

WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU TAKING ON THIS ISSUE?

“During our City Council meeting this week, my colleague, Council Member Toni Lawrence made reference to the 23 month old child who died of Swine Flu in a local hospital. She emphasized that "The child was not a United States citizen" and added that "we need to do things for Houston and not for anybody else."  Consequently, those comments have negatively alarmed many residents throughout the city.

Now is not the time for rhetoric that could potentially have a negative impact on public health.  Now is not the time to inject a person's immigration status in this very critical issue.  If an individual is showing symptoms, we want them to seek immediate medical treatment without fear of being questioned of their immigration status. If we do not alleviate these concerns quickly, people will not seek treatment.  Unfortunately, they will not restrict their contact with neighbors either.  At this time, the treatment of all cases is more imperative than any discussion on immigration status. 

I want to urge everyone, regardless of their background, to see their physician if they feel ill.  If they do not have a physician, they can visit a Federally Qualified Health Clinic, such as El Centro de Corazon, which has clinics at 412 Telephone and 7037 Capitol.

My deepest condolences go out to the family of the deceased child.”  

Council Member Rodriguez represents District I on the Houston City Council.  He is available for interviews on a case by case basis. 

I THINK IT'S A MISSISSIPPI THING!

WOULD YOU EAT THIS FOR LUNCH? 

I was on assignment with FOX 26 photographer Charles Hobson.  He's a veteran in the industry. While we were driving to the Medical Center area Tuesday I started to get a whiff of this hideous smell in the car I couldn't reconcile.  I checked my top lip (remember that from middle school) before I said anything.   Then I asked Hobson what was that irritating aroma.  He reached into the back seat of the news unit and pulled out two boiled eggs soaked in hot sauce. I thought how horrible was that. He said it was delicious.  I told the photographer he had to get that from Mississippi, his home state.  He swore we ate the same thing in Louisiana.  I told him the closest thing I've had to that -pickled okra.  During a break he downed the two eggs to my dismay.  He called it a delicious lunch. I called it gross and I think I threw up in my mouth!

DEMANDING RESPECT AT THE CORNER CONVENIENCE STORE!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS ISSUE IF YOU CAN RELATE?

I spent most of my Wednesday in the hood.  Southpark to be exact.  I left feeling angry for those who live in that community.  Not because of the condition of the area but how they're treated by store owners and shopkeepers.  What am I rambling on about?  Respect.  

I've always been told if someone doesn't respect you then you walk away without giving them your power.  That's not happening in Southpark and many hoods around the country. Those who call these areas home are in some cases not being respected by those who move in and set up shop. Specifically, I'm referring to 'some' Asian and Arab store owners.  

I went to a restaurant owned by an Asian family on MLK today.  I noticed there is so little respect for their customers that they don't even offer them a restroom.  I decided do a quick survey of the stores in the area.  I went to one restaurant and two stores.  All of them had blocked off their restrooms from the public.  All had signs posted no public restroom.  All the stores were owned and or operated by Asians.  It's a trend I have seen around Houston and other cities I've visited.

I also noticed there were no people from the community hired to work in these stores.  That means the money being spent by African Americans or in some cases Hispanics is not returning to the community at all. It's all on a one way pipeline out of the community.  

I can recall while growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana most of the stores in my area were owned by Italians and those of the Jewish faith.  In those stores there were people from the community who were hired to worked there.  People who were Black and White.  Not just people from the store owner's families.  These store owners gave back.  

As a kid I remember Mr. Bonfanti (grocery store owner) giving me gifts on my birthday or Mr. Damati (shoe store owner) sending me balloons when I was hospitalized.  I can recall Mr. Sternberg (millionaire owner of Godcheaux's clothing store now Macy's) saying hello every time I saw him.  

Now, when I walk into some of these locally owned stores in the Black community the owners are rude and simply don't respect the customers who spend their hard earned money with them. Some don't even take the dang phone off their ear to say thanks for shopping with us.  They just reach out their hand and ask for the money.

I don't want you to consider what I'm writing here as racist.  I want you to consider it an observation and interpretation by a person who does it for a living.  It's what I've seen through my eyes.

Is it a cultural thing?  Even if it is, every person from every ethnicity should be respectful of others.  But here's where the finger is pointed back at me and my community.  I don't think it's completely and totally the fault of these different groups.  It's also the fault of the African Americans in those communities who don't demand respect.  If you allow people to run over you and you still do business with them, then you likely deserved to be dissed.

In Baton Rouge while I was a radio talk show host and local tv reporter we kicked off a citywide program.  It was called 'Recycle Your Black Dollars.'  It encouraged African Americans to spend with African American owned businesses.  For a short period of time it was a huge success.  Black owned businesses were booming in the early 90's.  But all good things must come to an end. Some African American store owners wanted to get rich quick.  Their competitive edge was lost when they increased their prices so high that those in the African American community simply couldn't afford to do business with them.   It would've been financial suicide for many families. That caused a lot of the businesses to go under.  All that was left standing were their buildings. An effort to recycle Black dollars had died a quick death.  Many of the Black businesses in the Black community dissipated.

That takes us back to 'some' of the current minority store owners.  They have very cheap and competitive prices.  Most Black owned businesses can't and won't compete with them because of their volume in sales and lack of overhead.  That left them cornering the market in the hood. And when you control the market you answer to no one even your customers.  The people you don't even respect enough to allow them to use the restroom in your business.  

What's my solution to this?  Those who live in these communities like Southpark should demand respect.  Those who come in just to make a buck should also give that respect and  hire people from the community or their customers should go elsewhere! 

GETTING RID OF OLD CRACK HOUSES IN HOUSTON!

CAN YOU ALL JUST MOVE THE BODY UNTIL I FINISH MY JOG?

ARE WE CONSUMED WITH OUR OWN WORLD OR JUST DON'T PAY ATTENTION?


I was floored Tuesday while on the scene of a fatal police shooting.  A man accused of assaulting a woman on the Metro rail stop was shot and killed by a Metro police officer.  The man's body was in the middle of the Rice jogging trail in the Medical Center area.  There were more than a dozen police cars with crime scene tape blocking off the area.  Not to mention dozens of Metro and Houston police officers on the scene.  Lights were flashing.  Despite all of that these joggers were still trying to run through the area where the man's body was.  What was going through their minds?  Why would you try to jog through an area where you can clearly see a million police officers.  Over and over again officers had to tell joggers to go around.  Some even seemed upset because their path had been interrupted.  How dare this guy get shot in the middle of my jogging trail.  People please pay attention to your surroundings.  That's how many of us walk into dangerous situations because we are so consumed with our own world. What do you think of people who don't pay attention or just don't care?  The Insite would like to hear your opinion!

THE MONTROSE ART SOIREE!

HERE'S WHAT THEY'VE CREATED!









The Insite was invited to attend a showing of art by some of Houston's best artists.  They took part in the Montrose Art Soiree.  There were at least 4 floors of exhibits to view.  Dozens of people turned out to see what those with creative juices had molded forthe public.  There was also a fashion show and a screening of the new play 'Love Overboard.'  Some of the artists I ran into were: Sam Turner and  Ana Rosa Ramos. I also had a chance to visit with Judge Hilary Green who also attended the event.  Here are some of the pictures the Insite was able to capture for the blog!  

COUNCILMAN JAMES RODRIGUEZ CELEBRATES CINCO DE MAYO!

AND A HISTORY LESSON ABOUT THE HOLIDAY!









The Insite was invited down by the staff of Houston City Councilman James Rodriguez to his Cinco De Mayo celebration.  It was held in downtown Houston at the House of Blues.  Dozens of friends, employees, family and friends turned out for the event.  Some of the people in attendance: Gracie Garcia, James Rodriguez, Previn Jones, Marc Campos, Janaeya Carmouche, and many more.  For those of you who are wondering exactly what this Cinco De Mayo is all about here's the explanation:

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a regional holiday in Mexico, primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico.^[1][2] The holiday commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.^[3][4] The outnumbered Mexicans defeated a much better-equipped French army that had not been defeated in almost 50 years.^[5]

Cinco de Mayo is not "an obligatory federal holiday" in Mexico, but rather a holiday that can be observed voluntarily.

THE NEWS BUSINESS IS A CHANGING!

THE CHRON'S JASON AND MICHAEL DEAL WITH MULTIPLE DUTIES LIKE THE REST OF THE MEDIA!

With so many corporate cutbacks and layoffs many news outlets are struggling to survive.  If advertisers are not spending then your local television station and newspaper are not making any money.  That means those who work in the industry have to work harder to hold onto their positions.  

As one news manager once said you have to do more with less to keep your gig.  That's exactly what's being done in Houston.  No longer are there large web staffs transcribing reporter's stories.  Reporters are doing it themselves in addition to their on air duties.  No longer are newspapers like the Houston Chronicle leaving the video to television stations.  They're shooting footage themselves.

That leads me to this post.  I ran into two newspaper employees.  Jason Whitmer and Michael Paulsen.  Both are camera lugging photographers for the Chronicle.  Jason, who's been with the newspaper giant for 10 months, was hired for a very specific purpose.  His job is to capture the video. Hanging around his shoulder is a professional grade high definition camera.  Anything captured by his eagle eye will be placed on Chron.com.  If you would've caught Whitmer ten years ago his position wouldn't have existed at the Chronicle.  

Jumping from angle to angle is still photographer Michael Paulsen.  He's been a part of the Houston newspaper for the last 4 months.  But not only is he taking still photos, he whips out his handy cam and shoots video.  This is part of his job description. Their responsibilities tell us we're in a changing business.  A business that demands more from an employee with less.  

When asked what the Chronicle workers think about their changing roles in the field, they tell the Insite, "it keeps us on our toes." 

But Paulson and Whitmer are no different than the Insite.  If you catch me out on a scene I'm dragging a still camera and a laptop.  I'm writing for the web and taking pictures for a blog.  But I think I'm one of the few reporters who love the challenge.  There's nothing like covering every aspect of a story.  After all, it's now part of the job description.  It's also a requirement if you want to keep your job in this changing news business.  

By the way, Jason and Michael - thanks for dropping by the Insite!

METRO COPS KILLS FIRST SUSPECT EVER IN THE HISTORY OF THE AGENCY!

TWO MORE HISD SCHOOLS CLOSED BECAUSE SWINE FLU!

MORE CONFIRMED CASES OF THE ILLNESS!

The City Health Department has advised HISD to close Wilson Elementary and Stevenson Middle School. The schools will not be open tomorrow, due to confirmed cases of Swine Flu. Under the new CDC guidelines these schools could remain closed for 14 days. We will be sending out automated phone messages to parents and staff tonight.

IT WAS A BANNER YEAR FOR THE MELISSA WILSON GOLF CLASSIC!

HELPING CHILDREN AT RISK IN OUR COMMUNITY!









Each year FOX 26 anchor Melissa Wilson puts on a golf tournament to help the children of our community.  Children who are at risk.  This year's tournament was held at the Woodlands Country Club.  Wilson tells the Insite more than 100 people signed up and golfed to help children in our area.  Melissa says, "this is the most successful year yet."  The news anchor also says they raised the most money ever this year as well.  The golf classic has been going on for the last 9 years.  If you missed it this year make sure you sign up for 2010.  The Insite got there late and missed all the golfing but here are some of the pictures I was able to get before everyone left the club house!

WITNESS PLAYING FOR CHANGE: VOICES FROM AROUND THE WORLD!

WILL YOU ATTEND THE BIG SLEEP OVER?

AN ALL NIGHT CELEBRATION AT THE SPACE CENTER!

Space Center Houston will host Night at the Museum, the official all-night celebration based on the upcoming new movie release “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” featuring a movie marathon in Texas’ largest giant screen theater; character appearances from the new upcoming film; Jedi training classes with an official Jedi Master, food and games in addition to Star Wars characters from the 501^st & Rebel Legion.  The overnight event of massive proportions will begin Saturday, May 23 at 8 p.m. and run throughSunday, May 24 at 8 a.m. 

Space Center Houston’s Night At The Museum will also include the opening of two new summer experiences:  The Cinema of George Lucas, a visual biography of the life and career of Star Wars mastermind George Lucas featuring real movie props, posters and costumes from his blockbuster films as well as a chance to view his original handwritten manuscripts and student films.  Attendees will also get the unique opportunity to Live the Adventure where they can shoot, run and climb their way through scenes from some of the world’s most legendary movies including Star Wars, Indiana Jones and American Graffiti.   

Partial proceeds from Space Center Houston’s Night At The Museum event will benefit the Ronald McDonald House.  Tickets may be purchased at www.spacecenter.org for $49.95 through May 15 or $59.95 through May 23.  For additional information, please visit www.spacecenter.org.   

THE COLONEL CALLS IT A CAREER!

HE'S BEEN WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS!

Col. Stanley E. Clark, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, announced today that he will be retiring from the agency effective May 31.

Allan Polunsky, chairman of the Texas Public Safety Commission, has accepted Col. Clark’s resignation as director of the agency as of  5 p.m. Monday.

Col. Clark has been director of the agency since September 2008, when he was named interim director. He has been with the Department of Public Safety for 36 years, moving his way up from Highway Patrol trooper to regional commander to director of the agency.

“This is an elite law enforcement agency. We expect all our employees to demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism. The director must set the example for all employees in their workplace communications,” said Allan B. Polunsky, chairman of the Texas Public Safety Commission. “Col. Clark has acknowledged his failure to adhere to those high standards and has chosen to retire at the end of this month. We are disappointed by this matter, and we are committed to moving on in our search for a director.”

The Public Safety Commission is currently conducting a nationwide executive search to find a permanent director. The Commission will meet later this week to appoint an interim director.

I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND A WORD THAT WAS COMING OUT OF THEIR MOUTHS!

IF YOU SEE THEM RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!

It becomes extremely frustrating to me when I run across a person that I can't understand. Not the person speaking a foreign language but someone speaking complete gibberish.  It happened to me on Saturday.  I was the emcee for this program at Discovery Green on the main stage. Just to the left of the stage was this man and woman.  They had nothing to do with the program. But they felt it necessary to be dang near on the stage.  They spoke a language no one could understand.  They're Americans and all but because of possible heavy drinking or a stroke or a lack of dentures, I could not understand anything they were saying.  But whatever they were saying it was loud.  I'm trying to guide the program at the mic and they're loud incoherent talking even drowned me out.  And boy were they eating.  She was in a wheel chair and every five minutes he was going to buy her and him a snack.  First, it was hot dogs, then it was hamburgers, then they bought sodas, and they ended the day with strawberry Popsicles.  The man at one point approached me and held me hostage with a conversation I couldn't understand for about 5 minutes.  I swear I felt like I was going to have a heart attack.  I prayed someone would come and rescue me from the one way conversation but no one ever did.  If you ever run across this couple in Discovery Green run for your life!

HELP DEPUTIES FIND THE MISSING 10 YEAR OLD BOY!

HIS NAME IS BRANDON!

On Saturday, 05.02.2009, at approximately 9:30 P.M., Harris County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the Copper Chase Apartments, located at 1007 S. Mason Rd. in regards to a missing child. Upon arrival the deputies met with the child's mother, Tina Buckley, who advised she last saw her son, Brandon Buckley, at the apartment complex at approximately 4:00 P.M., Saturday. Tina Buckley reported that her son does not have any emotional or disciplinary problems and does not have any history as a runaway. Deputies canvased the apartment complex and searched the area with a canine unit Saturday night  with negative results.

Brandon Buckley is described as a white male, 10 years of age, light brown to blonde hair, 4'00" tall and weighing approximately 80 Lbs. It is not known what clothing Brandon was wearing at the time of his disapearance.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Brandon Buckley are asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit at 713.967.5810 / Dispatch at 713.221.6000 or call Crime Stoppers at 713.222.TIPS.

GALVESTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICIALLY DESEGREGATED!

A FEDERAL JUDGE MAKES A RULING ON THE CASE!

Statement from the school district on historical ruling: Federal Judge, Sim Lake on Friday, May 1, 2009, entered a final judgment declaring the Galveston Independent School District unitary and dismissed the case that commenced on August 18, 1959.

Superintendent Lynne Cleveland received the court order from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division that the Galveston Independent School District will be declared unitary and this action will be closed.

The court concluded that GISD has presented evidence demonstrating that it is entitled to a declaration of unitary status because it has in good faith complied with the court's desegregation orders for a reasonable period of time, and it has eliminated all vestiges of de jure discrimination to the extent practicable.

The district has unsuccessfully attempted to resolve this court order on numerous occasions throughout the years. We as a district are ecstatic to finally reach unitary status and can official declare that GISD is a desegregated district.

MURDER AT THE HOT SHOT BAR AND BILLIARDS!

WHILE WE SLEPT SOMEONE'S LIFE ENDED AFTER AN ARGUMENT!

From the Harris County Sheriff's Office: On Sunday Morning, 05.03.2009, at approximately 1245 A.M., deputies with the Harris County Sheriff's Office responded to a shooting in the parking lot of the Hot Shot Bar & Billiards, located at 14630 Bellaire Blvd. When deputies arrived, they discovered Jimmy Ruiz had been shot and was lying in the parking lot, in front of the bar. Witnesses advised Ruiz argued with another man, later identified as Fausto "Paco" Flores, inside the bar. Ruiz and Flores argued over a woman and both men were ejected from the bar by employees. Flores produced a pistol, that he had hidden in his waistband, and shot Ruiz multiple times. A bystander tried to intervene and was shot in the leg. Flores fled the scene on foot.

Ruiz was transported to Hermann Hospital by ambulance, where he later died. The bystander was transported to an area hospital by private auto, where he was treated and released. Flores was located later in the morning, at an apartment complex on Rio Bonito. Flores was taken into custody by deputies and the pistol was recovered.

Murder charges are pending.

INSITE FAVORITE SONG OF THE DAY: CITIZEN COPE - HURRICANE WATERS!

THE PARTY KING BRINGS YOU THE PAYNE!

LEGAL EAGLE JASON PAYNE DROPS BY THE INSITE!








By: Kalele Thumbutu - Business cards were passed out, relationships were formed, and deals were made at the cocktail networking mixer held at Icon Hotel (220 Main) last Friday night. The crowd faced the wonderful Houston elements (Rain, flooding, thunderstorms) Friday night as The Payne Firm, P.C. led by Port Arthur native Jason Payne hosted the first of many networking happy hours. The Payne Firm, P.C. hosts a robust suite of services and specializes in cases dealing with personal injury and civil litigation. The Payne firm, P.C. also serves as a sports agency which currently has an elite list of both NBA and NFL clients. For all those who were unable to attend the networking event truly missed out on the opportunity to make key connections with other professionals that could be crucial to both professional and personal development. The Party King cannot wait for the next event, however the date and time is yet to be determined and the Party King hopes to see u there as well. YEEE!!!!

THE FIRST WALK FOR VALUES IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON!

SATHYA SAI ORGAZINATION OF HOUSTON PUSHES FOR HOPE!




The Insite had the honor of serving as emcee at the first annual Walk for Values in Houston.  It's put on by the Sathya Sai Organzation.  The purpose of the walk was to promote just that - human values such as love and peace.  Even though this was the first time the event was held more than 600 people showed up in white t-shirts to pound the pavement for a purpose.  Among those people were: Peter Brown, Ronald Green, Chris Brown, Rita Bruce, Perla Palileo, Divya Paralkar, Vinod Patel, and Nagarajan.  The gathering was held downtown at Discovery Green!

NOW ROBBIE TOLAN WANTS TO HIT BACK WHERE IT HURTS!

THE VICTIM SAYS THERE WAS AN ALLEGED COVER UP!

 

A federal lawsuit filed Friday against several Bellaire city officials alleges the Bellaire Police Department tried to "cover up" the shooting of an unarmed man by a city police sergeant.

In the lawsuit, aspiring baseball player Robbie Tolan and other defendants allege "the officers on the scene conferred to 'get their stories straight.' Sergeant (Jeff) Cotton attempted to prevent the paramedics who were treating Robbie from learning what had happened to Robbie."

The lawsuit stems from a New Year's Eve incident when Cotton and another officer mistakenly thought Tolan, 23, had gotten out of a stolen SUV in front of his own house.  Tolan, who was unarmed, says the officers ordered him to the ground while family members tried to explain the misunderstanding.

Tolan says Cotton shot him in the chest when he rose up to protest the treatment of his mother by police. He maintains that he was shot because he is Black living in a mostly white community.

Cotton was later indicted in April on a charge of aggravated assault by a public servant.

The lawsuit further alleges that "on at least two occasions since the night of the shooting, unknown persons have attempted to dig the bullets out of the Tolans’ home without either notice to or consent from any of the Tolans."

But David Donahue, a spokesman for Cotton, said that they had just learned of the lawsuit and it was "hard to comment exactly what is being alleged."

"It's unfortunate that the Edwards family and Mr. Cotton have to go through this," Donahue said. "We feel llike at the end of the criminal trial that the truth will come out, and we feel that Sgt. Jeffrey Cotton will be acquitted. We feel that the outcome will be similar with the civil."

MURDER AT POPEYE'S CHICKEN IN HARRIS COUNTY!

MANAGER KILLED AND OTHER EMPLOYEES LOCKED IN A FREEZER!

A 19-year old manager at a Northwest Harris County Popeyes is killed while other employees are locked in a walk-in freezer during a deadly robbery.

Around midnight, Harris County Sheriff's Department responded to a robbery at the Popeyes located in the 15100 block of F.M. 529 near Huffmeister.

Upon arrival, investigators say they found 19-year old Edward Virappen shot to death and two other employees locked in a walk-in freezer.

Officials learned that around 11 p.m., as employees were closing for the night, an unidentifed, heavyset male entered the store armed with a handgun.

The suspect forced the manager to open the safe and locked the other employees in the freezer, say investigators.

Deputies say that after taking the money, the suspect ordered the manager into the front walk-in cooler and shot him to death.

The suspect is described as being approximately 6 feet tall with close cut or shaved hair, wearing a dark colored suit with blue shirt and no tie. He may be driving a green, 4-door, Honda or Toyota car.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery/murder is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit at 713-967-5810 or Crime Stoppers at 713.222.8477.