MATTRESS MACK SAYS HE WILL BE BACK!

GALLERY FURNITURE GUTTED BY FIRE ON THE NORTH SIDE!

The owner of a well-known furniture store is vowing the business will survive after a four-alarm fire swept through his 100,000-square-foot warehouse, causing millions and millions of dollars worth of damage.

No one was injured in Thursday's night fire at Gallery Furniture warehouse just off Interstate 45. Significant traffic delays were reported. Owner Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale said the fire began in a corner of the warehouse.

"It's kinda chaotic back there," he said Thursday night. "I haven't been back there. We're letting the authorities handle it, as well they should."

McIngvale said he had just left to go home for the night when he got a call from employees regarding an emergency at the store.

More than 100 people were in the adjacent furniture showroom and the warehouse when the fire broke out but all apparently escaped safely during the evacuation.

"Then I saw the flames in the corner of the warehouse back there where we receive the trucks. Some of the guys tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher. That didn't work, so we called the fire department and they responded very, very quickly," McIngvale told a Houston television station.

He said the ceiling of the warehouse collapsed.

"The storage area is going to be a total loss. It's full of fuel. It's wood, it's paper. It's cloth, things that burn really well," said Houston Fire Department District Chief Tommy Dowdy.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately known, a Houston newspaper reported. One employee said the fire may have started around a generator in the warehouse, but that report has not been officially confirmed, Dowdy said.

Houston Fire Department officials said firefighters had to approach the fire in defensive mode, which meant they tried to contain the fire but it was too dangerous to try and extinguish.  "We're working really hard to try and keep it out of the main showroom. Right now, it's in their storage area," District Chief Tommy Dowdy said Thursday night. "I'm sure with all the amount of furniture in there, there's a huge amount of combustibles in there. The roof's down. The walls are kind of curling in. We're putting elevated streams on it because there's too much fire to even attack it with landlines."

Carolyn Phillips, Gallery Furniture's director of human resources, told a Houston television station that "millions and millions of dollars" worth of merchandise appeared destroyed.

McIngvale is among Houston's most successful entrepreneurs. He and his wife, Linda, first opened the store at an empty model home park on a weedy lot in 1981, with just $5,000 in hand.

In the early days of Gallery Furniture, McIngvale and his wife slept there to guard their four sofas.

"We've got great people we'll make it through this," said McIngvale. "We made it through Hurricane Ike. We're still alive. We can come back and do this tomorrow."

LOTS OF NEW POLLS TO VOTE ON HERE AT THE INSITE!

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

Look to to the left on the blog and check out all of those new polls. Make sure you vote and let your voice be heard. And keep reading the Insite!

(Just look to the left!) 

IS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA REALLY CLIFF HUXTABLE?

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Barack Obama Is Cliff Huxtable
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

THE SHAPE COMMUNITY CENTER IS IN DANGER OF BEING SHUT DOWN!

WILL YOU DIG INTO YOUR POCKET TO TRY AND SAVE IT?

WHAT: Emergency fundraising appeal for SHAPE Community Center

Houstonians will be targeted via a live radio program designed to keep the doors of this premier facility open to the public.  For 40 years, The SHAPE Community Center, a 501c3 non-profit organization, has been an integral part of the city’s rich culture. It has helped register citizens to vote, fed the hungry, provided assistance to needy families, recreation for children and nourished seniors. The programs that have taken so long to develop are now in danger as a tough economy presents funding challenges.

WHEN: Thursday, May 21 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am

WHERE: KCOH radio studios, 5011 Almeda Road.

EDITORS/ASSIGNMENTS NOTE:

We are asking ALL Houston news sources to provide coverage of the effort to save this landmark. The loss of SHAPE will impact hundreds of children, single mothers, senior citizens and thousands of others who seek and find help through this organization every year.  A group of private citizens has come together to make the community aware of the difficult financial situation facing SHAPE and will be asking donors to come forth with funds to help keep the doors open.

For more information about SHAPE Community Center please visit www.shape.org 

INSITE: I'LL ARGUE WITH YOU ALL DAY OVER TAKING PICTURES!

SECURITY: YOU CAN'T PHOTOGRAPH THIS BUILDING!



I can't quite recall why I was attempting to get photos of the swanky Huntingdon building in River Oaks on Wednesday.  It's a building full of super rich folk.  Ken Lay once lived there and I think Mayor Lanier had a unit in the building.  But whatever the reason was it has changed to this particular blog post.  As I said I stopped at the upscale rich people high rise to snap a few photos.  Out of the blue came these two security guards.  They told me I couldn't take pictures of the building even though I was standing on a public sidewalk.  I asked them to tell me the law or city ordinance I was violating.  They couldn't give me one.  They just said the management said it wasn't allowed.  I told the security guard the only building I know you can't photograph without permission is a federal building or installation.  They can actually give you a ticket and fine if you snap Uncle Sam's property.  But taking a picture of an apartment building from a public street is no where to be found as a violation in the law.  I know some folk have tried to use copyright law to stop photography but it rarely stands up if the picture is for personal use.  In the meantime, the guards just stood there while I snapped them and the building.  I had a point to prove.  Just because management or rich people say it's so doesn't necessarily mean it's true. They just stood there glaring at me while I took my pictures.  Here are the pictures I snapped and I don't even remember why I wanted them!

IT JUST APPEARED OUT OF THE BLUE!

GABLES WEST AVENUE IS STARTING TO TAKE SHAPE ON KIRBY!



Apparently, I haven't been paying enough attention to the busy construction guys on Kirby near Westheimer.  An entire apartment complex and shopping center just appeared there out of no where...at least from my perspective.  I did a little research and found out it's called Gables West Avenue.  It's going to be luxury apartments and a mixed use facility.  It's looking really good from what I've seen.  It appears to be art deco style but I'm no architect so I'm not quite sure. The building takes up a very large block and it seems the County must really be excited about it. The street where the new construction is being built has been is being redone by the county and the Upper Kirby District.  Besides the apartments I'm not quite sure what stores or businesses will be there.  There are signs all over indicating it's already open but there seems to be a lot of work to do.  Are you interested in Gables West Avenue as a home or shopping location?  Let the Insite know!

ROYCE BUILDERS FACING ANOTHER LAWSUIT, THIS TIME OVER SCHOLARSHIPS!

I HAVEN'T HEARD THIS ONE BEFORE BUT ONE GROUP CLAIMS CVS IS RACIST!

THEY'RE NOT DOING ENOUGH IN MINORITY COMMUNITIES?

CVS claims its mission is "to improve the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quailty health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access." As the largest retail pharmacy chain in the nation, CVS should be able to live up to these words.

But recent studies have shown that CVS is treating its communities unequally, providing different levels of service to communities with different racial and financial makeup:

• CVS operates fewer stores per person in Houston 's communities of color and Latino communities.
• CVS's MinuteClinics are scarce in Houston 's low- and moderate-income communities.
• CVS locks condom cases in Houston 's communities of color, but rarely does so in majority white communities.
• In other cities across the country, such as Detroit, New York and Philadelphia , CVS is more frequently cited for health code violations in communities of color.
• Nationally, CVS has been repeatedly caught selling expired drugs, food and infant formula.

These practices are a disservice to the communities CVS operates in and they fly in the face of CVS's own mission statement. Community leaders are coming together to tell CVS to stop talking the talk, and start walking the walk.

JOIN US IN HOUSTON TO

ASK CVS TO WALK THE WALK

Tell CVS to treat our communities equally.

WHAT: Rally and protest

WHEN: May 21, 2009 - 2:00 PM

WHERE: CVS Pharmacy at 11007 Market St., Houston, TX.

Questions? Call Garrett O'Connor at (646) 283-7411

For more information visit our website at

www.CureCVSNow.org

HPD NEEDS TO IDENTIFY THIS YOUNG LADY!

SHE DOESN'T REMEMBER WHO SHE IS OR WHAT HAPPENED TO HER!

Houston police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a female believed to be the victim of an apparent assault, found in the 6000 block of San Felipe about 1:45 a.m. on May 3.

The victim is described a white female, 25 to 30 years of age, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, and 160 pounds. She was wearing tennis shoes, a multi-colored shirt and dark slacks. A photo of the unidentified victim is attached to this news release.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant P. Motard and Senior Police Officer C. Abbondandolo reported:

The victim was found walking along the 6000 block of San Felipe during the early morning hours of May 3. She suffered several minor head injuries and may have been assaulted. She was treated and released from an area hospital and has no memory of who she is or where she lives and may suffer from amnesia. Investigators have been unable to identify her through traditional means and there are no reports of a missing person fitting her description.

Anyone with information on this case or on the female’s identity is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.

ANOTHER HISD STUDENTS MAKES US PROUD!

ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST PRE-COLLEGE SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS ATTENDS BELLAIRE HIGH!

The Intel Foundation today announced top winners of the world's largest pre-college science fair, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), a program of Society for Science & the Public. Tara Adiseshan, 14, of Charlottesville, Va.; Li Boynton, 17, of Houston; and Olivia Schwob, 16, of Boston were selected from 1,563 young scientists from 56 countries, regions and territories for their commitment to innovation and science. Each received a $50,000 scholarship from the Intel Foundation.

• Tara Adiseshan identified and classified the evolutionary relationships between sweat bees and the nematodes (microscopic worms) that live inside them. Tara was able to prove that because the two have such ecologically intimate relationships, they also have an evolutionary relationship. That is to say, if one species evolves, the other will follow.
• Li Boynton developed a biosensor from bioluminescent bacteria (a living organism that gives off light) to detect the presence of contaminants in public water. Li's biosensor is cheaper and easier to use than current biosensors, and she hopes it can be used in developing countries to reduce water toxicity.
  
• Olivia Schwob isolated a gene that can be used to improve the intelligence of a worm. The results could help us better understand how humans learn and even prevent, treat and cure mental disabilities in the future.

"The real end point of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is to elevate the recognition of achievement of the younger generation in academic and learning exercises," said Intel Chairman Craig Barrett. "I hope that more young people will look at these students and realize they can be recognized for using their brains. You don't have to be a quarterback, a basketball player or a baseball player to be recognized by your peers and the public."

In addition to the three $50,000 top winners, more than 500 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair participants received scholarships and prizes for their groundbreaking work. Intel awards included 19 "Best of Category" winners who each received a $5,000 Intel scholarship and a new laptop powered by the Intel® Core™2 Duo processor. Intel also awarded a $1,000 grant to the 19 "Best of Category" winners' schools and the Intel ISEF-affiliated fair they represent. For more information on each of these and other winners, visit www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/events/isef2009.

CONGRATULATIONS TO HPD'S OWN SERGEANT PAUL OGDEN!

FROM WASHING TO THE EAST SIDE - PAUL OGDEN GETS HIS ACCOLADES FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

Houston police held a ceremony back on Friday, May 8 to recognize the sergeant who was instrumental in solving the murder of the department’s first Hispanic female, Officer Velia “Belle” Ortega.

Sergeant Paul Ogden also found himself recognized for his efforts at the Top Cop Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. last week. The honors didn't stop there. Back at home Ogden was also celebrated by the Eastside Division officers.

Sergeant Ogden spent countless hours piecing together a partial license plate number in order to develop a lead. A respected authority on criminals in the area, Sergeant Ogden used his network of street informants to ultimately allow HPD to arrest three suspects and recover the murder weapon. He and several other Houston police officers donated their time and skills toward tracking down the killers of former Houston police officer Belle Ortega.

Belle Ortega, 78, was wheel chair bound when she was gunned down July 21, 2008 while sitting in her daughter’s apartment. Ortega was the first Hispanic woman in HPD when she joined the department in 1957. She spent 42 years with HPD, 33 of them as a police officer.

Stay tuned for pictures from Washington, D.C.

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN EAST TEXAS!

INTRODUCING THE FRONT ROW!

Former television journalist and public relations extraordinaire Michelle McCalope has started her own blog in East Texas.  She's got that part of the state covered.  It's called Front Row.  Here's my about Michelle and a link to her site: 

http://mccalope1.blogspot.com/

Michelle McCalope is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience in print, television and public relations. Her work has appeared in Time, People, O, the Washington Post, and the Houston Chronicle. She formerly worked as a television reporter in Beaumont.

INSITE LOUISIANA FOLLOW UP: 7 SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY BAND MEMBERS CHARGED IN CASE YOU READ HERE FIRST!

FELONY BATTERY STEMMING FROM A HAZING INCIDENT!

Seven Southern University band members were officially charged Wednesday with felony battery by the East Baton Rouge Parish district attorney following an alleged hazing incident from November. 

Lagarian Bridgewater, Carlo-Andres Carter, Jeremy Dixon, Aurey Harris, Harvey Harrison, Clifton Taylor and Joseph Webb each face second-degree battery charges.

Authorities are calling it a "hazing" incident that left two band members seriously injured.

District Attorney Hillar Moore has been in contact with the victims and with the seven accused band members' attorneys.

Moore says they have come to an agreement to plead no contest or guilty. "They all now have lawyers and we discussed it with them," he said.

"This case would have taken years to try because of the number of the defendants, where they are from, some gave statements other did not, would have to sever them out, so I think this was a reasonable resolution to the facts and how the victims wanted it disposed of."

A spokesman with the university says at this time, Southern has no comment on the plea bargain. 

Despite rumors suggesting the contrary, the band is still in existence and will be on schedule for next year's season.

THE AUDACITY OF A CONVENIENCE STORE!

YOU CAN'T USE THE RESTROOM BUT WE HAVE ILLEGAL GAMBLING AND BOOTLEG MUSIC!

A photographer and I ran into this convenience store last week in Houston to use the restroom. There was a sign that indicated there was no public restroom.  But just off to the corner there were plenty of 8-liners and near the check out counter there were dozens of bootleg c-d's.  I can't use your restroom but I can break the law with your blessing by buying illegal music and gambling in the back of your business.  That's the audacity of a convenience store! 

COME ON LADY, GIVE THE COP A FREE WATER!

HE LOOKED AT ME, I LOOKED AT HER AND SHE LOOKED AT THE COP!

I was out covering the scene of an accident on Monday afternoon just at the edge of the Medical Center area. While I was waiting on a statement from the officers there was another cop who walked into a convenience store with me.  He seemed to be in his late 40's about to tangle with his 50's.  Needless to say, he seemed to be very hot and tired.  He had an empty soda cup.  As I wrapped up buying my bottled water he stepped up to the counter after me.  He asked the attendant if they had ice and water.  She said no we don't do refills.  Now, while it's not required it is an encouraged courtesy to offer the men and women who protect your city at least some free water.  That didn't happen.  The woman just stared at the cop.  He looked at me, I looked at her and she looked back at him.  It was like a stand off.  The officer then asked the woman if they had just some water to go in his cup.  She enthusiastically replied yes and pointed to all of the bottled water in the coolers.  At this point I knew he was waiting on her to say those magical words, "it's free for you officer."  Those words said look for me because she told him the price. People I'm telling you this officer was stunned.  He had to be thinking this woman doesn't know the rules, officers get their water free.  It was yet another stand off.  The woman just stared at the officer again.  He looked at me again.  Ok, this was too exciting for me that's why I just hung around to see what would happen.  I knew I'd blog about it.  But back to the store now.  The officer was dumbfounded the woman didn't offer a single solitary eye drop of water for free. Finally, he just walked out.  He wasn't upset just shocked that he didn't get his water free.  So, to help me with my future speeding tickets I offered the officer my water.  He turned it down but he joked about the ordeal saying he'd never seen that kind of lack of courtesy to an officer before. Should she have given him a water or was it his duty to buy it?  The Insite would like to hear your opinion!

ADMIT IT, YOU LOVE MY SOCKS!

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHERE I BOUGHT THEM?

The most popular conversation piece on my Facebook and The Insite page has been my red socks. People either love them or hate them.  Mary Benton swears I bought them from the Dollar Store. These are Ralph Lauren authentics.  Admit it, you all love the red socks!

THE CONCERT THE INSITE WON'T MISS!

BOBBY, RALPH, AND JOHNNY ARE HEADED TO HOUSTON!

I'm just not a big concert goer but when it comes to the cool artists from my era, the 80's, I'm definitely there. That's why I will be in da house when Bobby, Ralph, and Johnny come to town.  I actually wanted to be in New Edition.  Johnny Gill took the spot I should've had.  Now, the concert is being billed as the Heads of State.  It's being held this Saturday, May23 at the Arena Theatre in Houston.  If you want to go make sure you log on and say hello to the Insite at the concert: http://www.arenahouston.com/events/052309-heads-of-state-tour

Arena Theatre
7326 Southwest Freeway; Houston, Texas 77074 
(between Bellaire and Fondren @ Hwy59)
Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10am to 6pm
Buy tickets @ www.arenahouston.com 

ARE YOU SURPRISED THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN MORE OFTEN?

THE TELLER PUT SOME CASH INTO HER OWN POCKET!

U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced today that a 35-year-old Hooks, Texas woman has pleaded guilty to embezzling credit union funds in the Eastern District of Texas.

WENDY RENEE McDONALD pleaded guilty to embezzling funds from the Texar Federal Credit Union today before U.S. District Judge David Folsom.

According to information presented in court, from Sept. 1, 2007 through Oct. 24, 2008, McDonald was employed as a bank teller for Texar Federal Credit Union in Hooks, Texas, Texarkana, Texas, and Texarkana, Arkansas.  During this time, McDonald embezzled from the Credit Union by creating fraudulent loans and using the proceeds of those loans for her personal benefit.  As a result of this scheme, McDonald embezzled $52,696.50 from the Texar Federal Credit Union.  McDonald was indicted by a federal grand jury on Mar. 4, 2009.

McDonald faces up to 30 years in federal prison at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise O. Simpson.

HPD RISES TO THE TOP IN THE CLIMBING COMPETITION!

FINISHING FIRST IN THE STAIRWELL!

The hard work and training - hurriedly climbing dozens of flights of stairs each morning with nothing but sweat and achy muscles to show for it - paid off.

A group of eight Houston police officers calling themselves “Houston Cops – SWAT Team” worked as just that - a team - to defeat and rise above dozens of other teams including one from the Houston Fire Department in the first American Lung Association “Fight for Air” Stair Climb on Saturday (May 16).

The stair climb was a grueling, fast-paced hike up 39 floors of the Marathon Oil Tower in uptown Houston at 5555 San Felipe.  It proved to be a worthwhile finish for the HPD team as it compiled the lowest team score for its top three climbers with a combined time of 20 minutes and 28.7 seconds.  The top three officers averaged an impressive 6.76 minutes to scale 39 flights!

The “Houston Cops – SWAT Team” was comprised of Officers T. Hardin, H. Gutierrez, T. Warren, G. Griger, L. Mouton, R. McCusker, J. Murphy and Lieutenant A. Mihalco.  Team leader, Lieutenant Al Mihalco, praised his team and the American Lung Association (ALA) for their hard work.  “Our HPD team looked at this competition as an opportunity to give back to our community and those like ALA who need our help,” Mihalco said.  “We had a great time not only competing against our brothers and sisters at HFD, but more importantly helping the ALA raise money and awareness to fight lung disease.  We look forward to coming back next year,” said Lieutenant Mihalco.

The “Fight for Air” Stair Climb event raised more than $126,000 for the American Lung Association, whose mission is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. The ALA estimates that 35 million Americans are living with chronic lung disease.

REMEMBER WHEN THE INSITE FIRST WROTE ABOUT THE CONTROVERSIAL FORT BEND COUNTY PROSECUTOR MIKE ELLIOTT!

THE ISNITE'S ORIGINAL POST ABOUT ELLIOTT: http://carey2.blogspot.com/2007/05/shocked-at-fort-bend-county-assistant.html

A former Fort Bend County prosecutor claims he was fired Friday to give his boss a better shot at winning re-election, but District Attorney John Healey said Mike Elliott was dismissed for “performance issues.”

Healey confirmed Saturday that he terminated Elliott, who headed the office’s economic crimes division.

He declined to elaborate.

“I have a habit of not discussing personnel matters,” Healey said.

Elliott said the dismissal was politically motivated.

“He is trying to use me as a scapegoat,” Elliott said Saturday. “He doesn’t want to take responsibility for his own actions,”

Healey, who intends to run for re-election, said that the firing may actually provoke competition in next year’s Republican primary.

“As a matter of fact, I don’t think he would have run against me had I kept him in the office,” Healey said.

Elliott, who was hired in 1992 by a previous district attorney, made headlines a decade ago for his domestic violence prosecution of former Houston Oiler Warren Moon, who was acquitted.

More recently, he pursued criminal charges against Fulshear Mayor James W. Roberts. The charges were dismissed.

Former employees of Holden Roofing, owned by Brett Holden, sued Elliott and Holden in federal court last year accusing them of conspiring to pursue unfounded criminal indictments and a groundless civil case against the workers. The lawsuit contends that Elliott pursued a malicious prosecution against them because of his friendship with Holden, who also made political contributions to Elliott’s wife, Fort Bend District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott.

Mike Elliott has denied the lawsuit’s allegations.

Elliott said he was fired minutes after a man he prosecuted for intoxication manslaughter received the maximum 20-year sentence.

But he doesn’t have a copy of the termination letter, he said, because it was taped under a glass table top.

“(Healey) asked me to slide the books over and see if I could read what was under the books through the glass,” Elliott said.

The letter stated that he was “overzealous,” he said.

Elliott, who was led away from the courthouse by deputies, said his legal career will continue in private practice while he weighs other options.

“I had told him that while I was under his employment, I wouldn’t run against him,” Elliott said, “but I’m very strongly considering what many, many people are asking me to do — which is run for district attorney.”

Fort Bend’s new economic crimes division chief is Scott Carpenter, a former Harris County prosecutor.

THE ALTERNATIVE TO PIT BULLS IN HOUSTON - WOULD YOU RATHER THIS?

WHAT IF THESE WERE YOUR NEIGHBOR'S NEW PETS?

INSITE RANDOM PICTURE OF THE DAY!

URBAN RADIO STATIONS TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO AM RADIO!

TWO MESSAGES TO KILL HR 848!

Many of you are familiar with the controversy involving House Resolution 848.  It's the Performance Rights Act.  It would require radio stations to pay the artists who sing the songs that air on your local radio station.  In the past just the composers of the songs were paid.  

Recently, Black owned Radio One took to the airwaves in Houston.  It warned listeners if this legislation passed you'd likely lose Black owned and small radio stations around the country.  

I recently heard a similar ad on AM radio.  It was paid for by the National Association of Broadcasters.  They take a different approach in their message to kill HR 848.  Instead of saying you're going to lose your favorite radio station they claim all the money will go to foreign owned companies.  What does that mean?  It means many of the record labels are no longer owned by Americans.  They're owned by those who live in Japan or England.  So, AM radio has almost taken what some would consider the conservative approach.  It's them against us.  

The AM ad implies if we pay all of this money to artists for playing their songs on the radio only the record companies owned by foreign interests would benefit.  

Do you think one approach is better than another?  The Insite would like to hear your opinion!

Note: At last check HR 848 calls for the record companies to walk away with at least 50% of the royalties that would go to the artists if their songs are played on the radio!

STAR TREK STILL STRONG AT THE BOX OFFICE!

THE MOVIE YOU MUST GO SEE THIS SUMMER!

1. "Angels & Demons," Sony, $46,204,168, 3,527 locations,
$13,100 average, $46,204,168, one week.
   2. "Star Trek," Paramount, $43,034,547, 3,860 locations,
$11,149 average, $147,645,384, two weeks.
   3. "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," Fox, $14,702,425, 3,892
locations, $3,778 average, $150,993,169, three weeks.
   4. "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past," Warner Bros., $6,653,384,
3,150 locations, $2,112 average, $39,855,222, three weeks.
   5. "Obsessed," Sony, $4,588,973, 2,634 locations, $1,742
average, $62,610,148, four weeks.
   6. "17 Again," Warner Bros., $3,368,189, 2,450 locations,
$1,375 average, $58,363,111, five weeks.
   7. "Monsters Vs. Aliens," Paramount, $3,182,085, 1,951
locations, $1,631 average, $190,733,766, eight weeks.
   8. "The Soloist," Paramount, $2,402,801, 2,022 locations,
$1,188 average, $27,505,154, four weeks.
   9. "Next Day Air," Summit Entertainment, $2,244,878, 1,139
locations, $1,971 average, $7,613,221, two weeks.
   10. "Earth," Disney, $1,697,956, 1,584 locations, $1,072
average, $29,088,771, four weeks.

HOUSTON MAN FIGHTS FOR HIS LIFE AFTER BEING RUN OVER BY A DUMP TRUCK!

PEOPLE GIVE YOU STRANGE LOOKS IF YOU'RE ON A BUS STOP!

CAN I GET A RIDE OR CAN YOU RUN ME TO WALMART?

I've never quite understood the bus mentality in the deep South.  A lot of people believe riding a bus is beneath them.  If I had around the clock bus service in my neck of the woods I would hop on public transportation in a minute.  On Monday I decided to sit down at a bus stop near OST and Almeda as my photographer was shooting an accident scene.  While sitting there people gave me almost a snobbish like, I'm better than you type look.  Have you ever had that before? In big cities everyone will hop on a bus or a train without a second thought.  It seems to be almost a crime to ride the bus in the south.  In my hometown of Baton Rouge no one rides the bus unless their car is broken.  So, that leads me to the question of the day...If the Insite was car less would you give me a ride if you saw me at the bus stop?  

THE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER VERSUS THE COUNCIL MEMBER WHO WANTS TO BE MAYOR!

WHO'S RIGHT AND WHO'S WRONG?

Houston City Council Member Peter Brown apparently pointed out some problems with our education system that has caused a ripple effect.  Those comments have p-o'd a local HISD board member.  Here's the response to Brown's comments:

Is Peter Brown running for Mayor or HISD Superintendent?  The Mayor needs to be a leader for Houston's economic stability to make sure the infrastructure for all parts of the city is rebuilt for the future, and to maker sure our police and fire departments are second to none.   The Houston Independent School District is still not perfect, but we are working on making it better. Check the numbers by Broad, the Gate's Foundation or the National School Board Association, and you can see that Houston is one of the Best School systems in the country; but running a Mayoral campaign on the basis for improving the school district; only serves to expose the lack of focus on City Government.   Manuel Rodriguez Trustee, HISD Board of Education District III mrmrodjr@yahoo.com   Brown Challenges Locke: Schools Need Reform, not more Politics-as-Usual The Buck Stops Here   There's a crisis in Houston and it threatens the economy, safety and future of our city.    The dropout rate for Houston Independent School District is 49.9%, according to an independent study, which means nearly half of Freshman who enter schools in Houston don't graduate. It's a problem that disproportionately affects minority communities as Hispanic students are three times as likely to dropout of school as their white peers.    Sadly, my opponent Gene Locke would rather criticize me for claiming I was open to new strategies for dealing with the problem than actually face the problem himself. Rather than provide real leadership and new ideas, Gene Locke has decided to play the cynical blame game of political distortion. The state of our schools, to him, is merely another issue with which to score political points and he's gone so far as to misrepresent my views.    Our children don't have the luxury of waiting for overburdened schools to magically transform themselves. Houstonians deserve a mayor who isn't afraid to take on anyone, anywhere, anytime to help ALL of our children succeed.    I believe it's going to take more than weak promises of more dialogue to address this serious issue. Gene Locke said, in his attack, that he wants to "champion schools." I don't want to champion a system that's failing half our students, I want to fix it. I won't ignore possible solutions because it's the politically convenient thing to do. As your mayor, I'll make education a top priority and not a political football.   I'm running for mayor because I want to deal with the important issues, not avoid them, and there are few greater challenges for Houston than education.    The buck stops here, Peter Brown At-Large City Council Member Place #1

IT'S TIME TO RATE THE CITY OF HOUSTON!

DID THE GARBAGE MAN PICK UP YOUR TRASH ON TIME?

How satisfied are you with city services?  What services warrant the most emphasis from city leaders?  What’s your overall perception of Houston?  City Controller Annise Parker is giving you the opportunity to answer those questions and many more through a detailed city-wide citizen survey.  “City government is accountable to the taxpayers,” said Controller Parker.  “There is no better way to determine if we are meeting your expectations than to ask.” 

Interviewers, including several who are bilingual, are placing calls to a random sample of approximately 35,500 Houstonians.  The goal is to obtain 200 respondents in each of the city’s nine geographic city council districts, for a minimum of 1800 completed questionnaires.  Residents also have the option of taking the survey online by visiting the controller’s Web site at www.houstoncontroller.org. The online version is available in both English and Spanish. 

“There are questions about everything from the quality of police services to the city’s airports,” Parker said.  “If you happen to be one of the residents in our random sample, I hope you’ll take the time to complete the survey.  If you are not in our random sample, please take advantage of the opportunity to take the survey online.  The information gathered will be important to the city’s ongoing effort to provide the most efficient and cost-effective services possible during a time of budget constraints caused by the economic downturn.”

The survey is modeled after a similar poll performed annually by the City of Kansas City for the last nine years.  Jefferson Wells and Decision Information Resources, Inc. are under contract to perform the survey.  Jefferson Wells is a worldwide professional services firm with a local presence.  DIR is a minority-owned business and certified Historically Underutilized Business.   Since 1984, the company has provided government, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic organizations the research, evaluation, and technical support that they require for making informed decisions, measuring the effectiveness of programs, and planning strategies.    The company’s previous clients include the City of Houston, the State of Texas, several federal agencies and M-D Anderson Cancer Center. 

DIR will conduct the survey using its Houston-based computer-assisted telephone interviewing center.  The results are expected to be available mid-summer. 

EVERYONE IS BIKING WITH THE ACCOUNTANT TO THE STARS!

DID YOU RIDE TO WORK LAST FRIDAY?




Friday was Bike-to-Work Day.   Accountant to the Stars Bob Martin biked from his home Friday to the Fox 26 studios to do his regular live Wake Up Money segment on the Fox 26 Morning News at 5:45 am. Bob then joined Fox 26 floor director, Sam Kee, for a morning bike ride from Fox 26 to Memorial Park.  At Memorial Park, Bob and Sam joined Houston Mayor Bill White, morning anchor Tom Zizka and a number of other cyclists for a bike ride to City Hall.  Friday was the culmination of Bike-to-Work Week which encourages workers to commute to their jobs by bicycle.  Here is the link to Bob’s Wake Up Money Segment that highlights the benefits of cycling to work. http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/morning_news/090515_wake_up_money_work_bicycle

CHRON'S CAROLYN FEIBEL HEARS CHIEF HURTT MAY BE LEAVING HOUSTON!

IS SAN FRANCISCO THE NEXT HOME FOR THE CHIEF?

It began with a story in the San Francisco Chronicle, that Houston's police chief, Harold Hurtt, is on a list of "semifinalists" for police chief of San Francisco.

I got on the case Saturday and reached Hurtt. He refused comment at first, but after calls to the mayor's senior staffers, he called back and had more to say.

I'm working on a full story, but the take-away is that Hurtt has received some inquiries about taking jobs with other law enforcement agencies, but has not made any decision.

"I've told the mayor I'd stay until the end of his administration," said Hurtt, 62. "However, I still have to look out for what's best for myself and my family. I would love to stay in Houston but I think it's inappropriate to raise any assumptions . . . with any potential candidate for mayor at this time."

I couldn't get a call back from White, but spokesman Frank Michel said turnover is expected in the mayor's last year.

The director of the Houston Airport System, Richard Vacar, resigned abruptly Friday after serving in that position for 11 years. The reasons for that are still unclear. Terence Fontaine, the mayor's deputy chief of staff, left in December to work for CenterPoint Energy.

WWW.CHRON.COM

TURNING 53 AND RUNNING FOR MAYOR OF HOUSTON!

ANNISE PARKER WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND SUPPORTERS!













Houston City Controller opened up her home to more than 500 people over the weekend.  It was to celebrate Annise Parker's birthday and a fundraiser for her bid for Mayor of Houston.  Parker proudly turned 53 years old and it was also the theme of her party.  Supporters were asked to give anywhere from $5.30 to $530 to show their supporter for the city official and her run for Mayor. Lots of people turned out for the event including Parker's family members and friends.  The Sunday afternoon party also made the Rockets - Lakers game available for those who had to support the home team.  Some of the people attending: Council member Sue Lovell, Jerri Brooks, Maverick Welsh, Mary Benton (covering for her blog), Annise Parker and a long list of others.  Here are some of the pictures captured at Parker's Westmoreland home!

CONGRESSSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE GIVES HER SIDE OF THE STORY!

JACKSON LEE: IT'S BEING FAIR TO THE PERFORMERS!

In an interview to address the Swine Flu in Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee quickly changed the subject on FOX 26 news Monday morning.  She knew what was on the minds of lots of viewers in her congressional district.  Is she selling out Black owned and minority radio stations?  

Last week Jackson Lee was at the center of the storm.  Radio One went after the Congresswoman alleging she supported a House resolution that would essentially destroy Black radio.  

HR 848 is the Performance Rights Act.  It requires all radio stations to pay artists for playing their music.  In the past radio has paid the writers of songs such like Dolly Parton every time Whitney Houston performs the #1 hit song 'I'll Always Love You."  Even though Houston took the song to new heights after the movie 'Bodyguard' she didn't earn a dime from it because it was written by Parton.  That's the way the music biz has worked.  

The legislator also pointed out the United States is one of only four countries in the world that don't pay the artists for performing a song.  Also on that list: Iran, N. Korea and China.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee says it's time for those artists to be paid.  She said the legislation that she supports will not put Black radio out of business.  She says the most small radio stations would have to pay is about $5,000 a year.  Jackson Lee says the amount large radio stations such as 97.9 The Box will pay will be negotiated.  She went on to say she's been appointed the negotiator. 

This information is a stark contrast to what the radio station's (97.9) parent company claimed just last week.  Officials with the urban radio station said they could be forced to pay anywhere from $8 to $10 million dollars a year if the resolution is passed.  The question is who do you believe? 

House resolution 848 is still being worked on according to Jackson Lee.  She says if you have questions call her office.  But last week her office was inundated with calls and most people couldn't get through.  

ALL MORNING IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM!

I KNOW YOUR EYES ARE BURNING AND YOU CAN'T SEE BUT AREN'T YOU THAT GUY FROM YOUTUBE!

On Friday I had to call in sick to the job at FOX 26.  The problem?  I couldn't see a thing.  

It all began Thursday night while I was at 24 Hour Fitness.  I noticed my eyes were turning red. I decided to put some Walmart brand eye drops in when I got home.  After I did that my eyes started burning.  Then I put some saline solution into them and the eyes got even worse.  

By 1 am my eyes felt as if I had been maced.  By 2 am I couldn't see a thing.  Everything was completely white.  

I decided to go to the St. Luke's Emergency room.  When I arrived instead of whisking me right in the night guy at the front desk wanted to know about some video of me on YouTube.  I'm thinking now is not the time for this.  This guy was just so tickled and joking about grasshoppers while my eyes felt like they were about the come out of my head.  

After about 10 minutes I was with a nurse and doctor.  Both of them took my pain away.  But that relief lasted briefly.  The blindness returned and I was in pain again.  

I just bit the bullet and went to an eye specialist early Friday morning.  She did a complete eye exam and diagnosed me with Allergic Conjunctivitis.  

Saturday I could see but things were still blurred.  By Sunday I was 20/25 again and able to drive.  I'm not sure how my eyes got that way but I wouldn't wish it on anyone. 

I haven't been to an emergency room since I was 6 years old. Just a day in the life of the Insite!