THIS IS WHY TRAFFIC WAS BACKED UP ON THE NORTH FREEWAY AROUND NOON TODAY!

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE HURRICANE SEASON?

IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR TO GET READY FOR IT!

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and representatives of the Office of Emergency Management and the Federal Communications Commission will meet with the news media Monday afternoon to discuss updates in the way Harris County and its residents need to prepare for this year's hurricane season, which begins June 1.

Emmett, who returned Thursday from a two-day Hurricane & Severe Weather Summit in College Station sponsored by the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, will brief the media on a range of preparations and responses the county will implement to prepare for this hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30.

"Although forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have projected a near-normal season for 2009, those of us who live along the Texas Gulf Coast know it only takes one hurricane to create a disaster," Emmett said. "A recent poll showed that 55 percent of those living in hurricane-prone areas had no family disaster plan. While it's true that we can't control the weather, we can - and we must - prepare for it."


http://www.judgeemmett.org/pr.asp

MAN ARRESTED FOR FIGHTING WITH DEPUTY CONSTABLE!

A DRUG INVESTIGATION IS AT THE CENTER OF THE PROBE!

A man is arrested and charged with two felonies including the assault of a deputy constable, according to the Office of Harris County Constable Precinct 6.

Goldie Lamark Jones, 31, was arrested Thursday at the 3300 block of Green Street in northeast Houston after fighting with a Precinct 6 deputy constable.

The deputy constable said he observed Jones taking part in a drug transaction before following him into a convenience store where he tried to arrest the man.

Jones was taken into custody after a confrontation with the deputy constable.

In addition to a charge of assault on a public servant, which is classified as a third degree felony, Jones also faces a charge of possession of a controlled substance, also a felony offense.

Jones has an arrest record dating back to 1996 which includes marijuana possession, burglary and weapon possession charges. He was placed on parole in 2007 for one of the drug possession charges.

THE INTERNATIONAL READERS ARE CHECKING IN!

YOU'RE NOT ALONE ON THE INSITE!

I did a quick scan of Google Analytics Thursday night to see where our readers are coming from here on the Insite. I was impressed at the number of countries we're reaching. Some of it could be mainly military folk or computer servers in strange places but I'm sure it's more than just that. There are people all over the world reading the blog. And I say we because without the readers and your ideas this site would be super boring. Thanks again!

Where are they coming from:

1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. France
5. Spain
6. Germany
7. Italy
8. Australia
9. Brazil
10. Belgium
11. Slovenia
12. Kazakhstan
13. Indonesia
14. Austria
15. Norway
16. Denmark
17. Hong Kong
18. Puerto Rico
19. Jamaica
20. Ireland

THE NEW PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALISTS IN TOWN!

MEET ANGEL HENSON-SMITH AND HER BUSINESS PARTNER ASHLEI MORRISON!

Angel Henson- Smith (R) and Ashlei Morrison (L) discovered their strengths as a publicist’s in 2006 while working with a local, nationally recognized publishing company. They sharpened their new found skills by taking on freelance assignments, taking classes, and internships collectively in Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY and Houston, TX. Earlier this year, they nationally launched their own publicity, media relations, and event planning firm, TENGPR. The firm opened its doors in early 2006, but has not publicly announced its formation until now. Not having been nationally launched TENGPR has begun making a name for itself as a competitive PR and Marketing Firm. TENGPR has the connections to help anyone in the corporate, consumer, entertainment, fashion, film, sports, and non-profit sectors achieve their public relations and marketing goals.

TENGPR work speaks for itself. Having worked on projects for major films: “This Christmas,” “Step Up to the Streets 2,” “First Sunday,” and “Hancock” the companies CEO’s noticed a growing trend of major CA based companies looking for representation in the Houston market and decided it was time to supply the demand. In addition, Morrison has worked with Grammy award winning artists: Chris Brown, Britney Spears, LeToya Luckett, Lil Wayne and a host of others. Over the past years the company has also taken on several non-profit projects, including those of the American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross. The wide range of industries in which these clients come from and your ability to recognize their names is proof that the TENGPR Firm will deliver!
Henson-Smith and Morrison would like to keep their company small, and hope to plan more VIP events, parties, conferences and festivals in the future. The Houston-based firm will specialize in serving the cities small to mid-size companies in consumer, corporate, health care, political, entertainment, and non-profit industries. This move will formally enter the company into the Texas market while expanding its’ network and maintaining a personal connection with clients, and contacts all over the world.

TENGPR always stays abreast on the latest technology and also provides assistance in website development, electronic press kits, and video production. To experience public relations at a higher level, stop your search with TENGPR. We have the talent and skills to take care of all your public relations needs as: “We are YOUR Talent and Entertainment Networking Group®” in a time where “Your Network determines Your Net Worth.” More information can be found at the company website, www.tengpr.com.

HOW TO GET OVER ON THE RESTAURANT!

THE USEFUL INFORMATION YOU NEED IN THIS TOUGH ECONOMY!

My Insite tip of the day is about free drinks while you're out eating. If you're on a tight budget and don't want to pay for your drink at lunch or dinner I have a tip you can use. Don't order a soft drink or tea. It will cost you on the average about $2. I just ask for ice water. Also, ask the waitress or waiter for lost of lemons. There's gonna be some sweet n low on the table. Take your ingredients and make yourself an old fashioned glass of lemonade. See, I've just saved you $2. This is why you read the Insite, right?

INSITE NAILS OF THE WEEK: 14K GOLD BABY!

I CAN'T REALLY DESCRIBE THEM!

I was interviewing a woman on Thursday when I noticed her fingernails. They were long and thick. Those nails had to be at least 3 to 4 inches long and they weren't thin or the typical flat nail. It appears the woman was able to grow them into a round like thickness shape. See, I can't even explain it. But the woman had them very neat with gold polish and it matched her outfit. I don't think I've seen nails like this since the 70's!

HOW EMBARASSING: A MAN DRIVES OFF IN ONE OF HPD'S POLICE CARS!

THE STEALTH CRIMINAL WHO MOVES LIKE A GHOST!

The Insite and Fox 26 news have learned a man being arrested during a southwest Houston traffic stop managed to get into the driver's seat of a new police stealth car and drove off with the vehicle. HPD confirms the slick theft.

The officer had pulled over the driver on Edgebrook for a seat-belt violation when the man allegedly handed the officer a fake driver's license. The officer locked the man in the back of a new HPD "ghost car" and returned to the man's vehicle to talk to the passenger.

But the suspect somehow managed to get into the driver's seat of the police car and drove off according to police.

The man drove to a nearby gas station parking lot, where he hit an open door of a tow truck, injuring two people. The suspect then drove off and hit a fence in the 500 block of Missouri.

The man was later caught and transported to jail.

The people two people injured suffered minor injuries and were not transported.

Earlier this month, the police department purchased four new vehicles they call the ghost cars. The new vehicles are designed to not look like a typical police car, and the lettering on the side is almost invisible.

CAN YOU HELP HER FAMILY FIND HER?

JONAE' MCLEMORE IS MISSING!













(CLICK THE FLYER TO ENLARGE AND HELP THE FAMILY)

THIS NOOSE INCIDENT AIN'T OVER YET: A TOWN HALL MEETING!

BLACK LEADERS COME TOGETHER TO TAKE ON THE ISSUE!

(CLICK THE FLYER TO ENLARGE AND READ THE DETAILS)

CONN'S IS IN A LOT OF HOT WATER!

MATTRESS MACK ISSUES A STATEMENT AND SAYS HE'S NOT TALKING ANY MORE!

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS - THE FIRE RULED AN ARSON?

STATEMENT BY JIM “MATTRESS MACK” MCINGVALE
ON THE INVESTIGATION INTO LAST WEEK’S GALLERY FURNITURE FIRE

Linda and I were informed yesterday by investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Houston Fire Department’s Arson Division that they have discovered evidence that last Thursday night’s fire at Gallery Furniture’s I-45 warehouse was not accidental.

Now that an official investigation has been opened, we have no comment on the matter except to ask any individual with any information that might assist investigators to call 1-888-ATF-FIRE or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS.

Linda and I also want to thank the brave men and women of the Houston Fire Department for their courageous efforts to save our store last week, as well as the thousands of Houstonians and fellow Texans who have expressed your support and encouragement for the Gallery Furniture family since then. Your kind words and prayers have kept us going through this challenging time.

Make no mistake: Gallery Furniture is strong, stable and excited about our future. We will overcome this hardship so we can continue serving our loyal customers.

YOLANDA ADAMS MISSING FROM PRAISE RADIO!

DID TWO POWERFUL WOMEN PART WAYS OR IS IT JUST A TEMPORARY THING?

The Insite is hearing rumblings from the Houston offices of Radio One.

Sources claim Grammy award winning gospel singer and morning show host Yolanda Adams has disappeared from the building.


Adams serves as an on air personality for Praise radio. Those close to the company say she vanished about a week ago after disagreeing with Radio One owner Cathy Hughes.

Hughes has been very vocal in her position against HR 848. It would be legislation out of Washington that would require radio stations to pay artists for airing their songs.

As many of you know Adams is a recording artist and would benefit from this act. However, the religious entertainer is also an employee in the radio industry.

Those who are familiar with the rift say Adams stood up as an artist and disagreed with Hughes who owns nearly 60 urban radio stations around the country.

Since taking her position Adams hasn't been heard 'live' on the air.

The Insite is placing calls to officials with Radio One to see if we can get a response. Keep reading to get your update!


UPDATE: Officials with Radio One Houston would not comment about the case. However, a reliable source tells the Insite Yolanda Adams still works for the company but she's not on the air for now!

INVESTIGATORS RULE THE FIRE AT GALLERY FURNITURE AS ARSON!

NO ONE HAS BEEN ARRESTED OR CHARGED YET!

Federal investigators along with the Houston Fire department have determined the fire at Gallery Furniture was started intentionally. They say it's arson. You may remember just last week the prominent Houston furniture company went up in flames on the north end of town. That came only months after owner Mattress Mack opened his new location in the Galleria area. However, investigators are not saying who's responsible for the blaze. Stay tuned for more details on FOX 26 news at Noon, 5pm, and 9pm!

DID AT&T WORKERS SWAY THE AMERICAN IDOL VOTE!

THE LATEST ON THE ALLEGED FIX!

Did some AT&T workers rock the vote for Kris Allen on this year's "American Idol" finale? The communications giant says no -- but the actions of some of its workers has raised some eyebrows. Turns out some AT&T workers brought demo phones to Idol viewing parties in Arkansas and helped fans text their votes. There were about 20 phones brought to two separate parties in Kris
Allen's native Arkansas -- two of those phones were capable of sending multiple votes using "power texting." A source says Allen won by a large enough margin that a handful of votes couldn't have swayed the election his way. Idol doesn't usually disclose its vote breakdown -- so we're left with AT&T claim that the actions of its employees didn't affect the outcome of the voting between Allen and Adam Lambert, the judges' favorite.

WHO KNEW YOU COULD REPROGRAM AN ATM!

HI-TECH THEFT AT THE CASH MACHINE!

A Texas man who duped an ATM into giving out $10s and $20s instead of $1 bills has been given probation and 180 days in a Nebraska jail.

On Wednesday, a judge also ordered 21-year-old Nicholas Foster to make restitution of more than $1,900. He was credited with time he had already spent behind bars.

Foster, who authorities say is from Hunt County, Texas, had pleaded no contest to felony theft.

Police say he and a companion, 22-year-old Jordan Eske, had reprogrammed five privately owned ATMs in Lancaster County.

Spokeswoman Katie Flood said Thursday that the ATMs' owners failed to change the default access code of the machines. Foster and Eske knew that code, so they could access the machine commands.

Eske's scheduled for sentencing next month.

NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS SAY THEY DON'T WANT LOW INCOME HOUSING IN THEIR AREA!

THE NEW FACE OF ACTIVISM IN HOUSTON!

HPD SGT. SHELBY STEWART STANDING UP FOR WHAT HE BELIEVES AND HELPING OTHERS!

You may not know him by name but his face has been popping up a lot on television as of late. He is HPD Sergeant Shelby Stewart.  Stewart was a low profile Houston police officer for several years until a ruling came down in the department that affected him and his fellow African American police officers.  

That ruling was no facial hair.  Stewart says he and several other African American officers suffer from a sensitive skin condition that prevents them from shaving their beards and goatees. Those men refused to follow the department's directive by removing their facial growth.

As a result of Stewarts defiance Chief Harold Hurtt took those officer out of uniform.  That was more than 4 years ago. Stewart now goes to work everyday at the Houston police department's jail in civilian clothing.  He and those officers have filed a lawsuit against the department which will likely be tied up in the courts long after Hurtt is gone.  But Stewart wants to send a point.   You can't trample over the rights and medical conditions of others.  

That was then, now Stewart can be found tackling other civil rights issues.  He formed an alliance with Millions More Movement leader Deric Muhammad.  

Stewart first publicly made his presence known when Black activists came out against Mayor Bill White earlier this year.  White purchased a newspaper ad for the King Holiday.  That ad placed the Mayor between Dr. King and President Barack Obama.  Stewart was there alongside Muhammad and Quanell X demanding an apology for what they called the Mayor's lack of good judgment.

 

But that wasn't Stewarts last public sighting.  He was again before city council for the second time in two months on Wednesday with a noose hanging from his hands.  He was there complaining about the discipline issued to a Houston fire captain who had a rope hanging in his locker.

  

Stewart has shocked many with his all so public activism.  It's very rare to see a man who's on the police force speaking out on issues he feel is important.  

So keep an eye out for the activist Sergeant.  Cop by night and as Smokey Phillips would say freedom fighter by day!

WILL YOU PAY TO TWEET ON TWITTER?

THE CREATORS ARE LOOKING FOR WAYS TO GENERATE REVENUE AND YOU COULD BE IT!

It seems that Twitter is thinking of the possibility of charging money for the services it offers. At

The Wall Street Journal's D: All Things Digital conference, on Tuesday, Twitter co-founders Biz Stone and Evan Williams said that the rapidly growing online communications company will eventually charge fees for its services, but it's unclear which ones and what will drive revenue.

"There will be a moment when you can fill out a form or something and give us money," said Evan Williams, in response to the questions by journalists Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher at the opening night keynote of the conference.

They mentioned possible revenue-generators, including a service that would authenticate the source of information, according to an AP report. However, they refused to give any clear picture of Twitter's business model.

Though the company is opposed to banner advertising, Willaims said they were not enthusiastic about it. "I think it's probably the least interesting thing we could do," he said.

Then, how they are going to survive? That's the mystery which the co-founders only can unravel.

T.I. OFFICIALLY IN THE FEDERAL PRISON SYSTEM IN ARKANSAS!

GONE FOR AT LEAST 1 YEAR!

His stage name is T.I. His birth name: Clifford J. Harris Junior. But for the next year, he will be known as federal prison inmate No. 59458019. The rapper is now behind bars at a federal prison in Arkansas -- where he has begun serving a one year, one day sentence on federal weapons charges. T.I. arrived at the low-security prison in Forrest City inside a black conversion van with tinted windows. A prison spokeswoman says the prison will have no special protection set up for the rapper. The facility has double-bunked cells and a large fenced exercise yard.

THE ARMY IS TREATING NEW RECRUITS LIKE AN ATHLETE!

WOULD YOU JOIN IF YOU WERE YOUNGER?

Apparently, the US Army is offering big incentives for those willing to join.  If you were army age would you enlist.  Here's what Uncle Sam is offering in the 2009 package:Army offers many new incentives for joining in 2009; these include several types of cash signing bonuses, education bonuses, and additional incentives. 

  Up to $40,000 in Combined Enlistment Bonuses

  Up to $73,836 in Education Benefits

  Up to $14,000 for Deferred Enlistment

  Up to $20,000 for Seasonal/Quick Ship Bonuses

  $5,000 Bonus for High Demand Civilian Skill 

SHOULD SHE BE CONFIRMED TO THE SUPREME COURT!

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!
I am proud to announce my nominee for the next Justice of the United States Supreme Court: Judge Sonia Sotomayor.

This decision affects us all -- and so it must involve us all. I've recorded a special message to personally introduce Judge Sotomayor and explain why I'm so confident she will make an excellent Justice. 

Judge Sotomayor has lived the America Dream. Born and raised in a South Bronx housing project, she distinguished herself in academia and then as a hard-charging New York District Attorney.

Judge Sotomayor has gone on to earn bipartisan acclaim as one of America's finest legal minds. As a Supreme Court Justice, she would bring more federal judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any Justice in 100 years. Judge Sotomayor would show fidelity to our Constitution and draw on a common-sense understanding of how the law affects our day-to-day lives.

A nomination for a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land is one of the most important decisions a President can make. And the discussions that follow will be among the most important we have as a nation. You can begin the conversation today by watching this special message and then passing it on:

http://my.barackobama.com/SupremeCourt

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

THE RESURFACING OF METEOROLOGIST MATT LAVINE!

This is a submission from Houston's accountant to the stars Bob Martin: 

Flipping through the channels today I saw a familiar face.  Matt Lavine was
doing weekend weather on Channel 11.

A MEMORIAL DAY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

JE'CARYOUS JOHNSON'S GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
















All it takes are family members and friends to kick off a birthday celebration and that's what playwright, producer, actor, and author Je'Caryous Johnson did this Memorial Day holiday.  He celebrated his big day of birth at his Mother's Northwest Houston home on Monday with lots of family members and friends.  The Insite was on hand to capture the moment.  On the inside there was lots of music, food, cards, and drinks.  Outside a big tent, cool libations and fellowshiping.  Johnson is known for his successful stage plays and videos such as Friends and Lovers, Maintenance Man, Men Cry in the Dark, and the most recent Love Overboard.  Some of the people attending the event were: D-Mars, Kalele 'Party King' Thumbutu, Pumpkin from Pluto, The Insite, Gary Guidry, and a host of others.  Here are some of the pictures I snapped at the event.  For more about Johnson go to: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2539880/bio

FRONT ROW AT THE BOBBY BROWN, RALPH TRESVANT, AND JOHNYY GILL CONCERT!

IMAGINE KNOWING EVERY SONG THE PERFORMER SINGS!


















Like many of you I have long been a fan of New Edition. So, it made perfect sense for me to attend their Saturday night concert in Houston at the Arena Theatre Saturday night.  I don't regret going one bit.  I had a blast.  I'd also like to thank P.J. and Ms. Indigo at Black Cotton Works for inviting me.  The guys did all of their greatest hits without one of them ever leaving the stage.  It's cool to go to a concert and you know every song all the artists are performing.  Yes, I did unleash my vocal skills in my section.  I think a talent scout wanted my card.  Anyway, lots of familiar faces also attended the event: Millette Scott, Swiff Haywire, Von McDaniel, Monique Shankle, and a long list of others.  If this show comes back to Houston make sure you go check it out!

PICTURE OF THE DAY: THE INSITE MEETS BOBBY BROWN!

AFTER THE BIG SHOW!

The Insite made it backstage at the Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill concert Saturday night at Arena Theatre.  Had a chance to meet the fellas and take at least one photo with Bobby Brown. He was very cool and accommodating to all the fans backstage which I was glad to see.  I vote this as Insite picture of the day!