GETTING AROUND TOWN!

MATTRESS MAC FANCY RIDE!

You see him on television all the time. He recently made headlines after his trademark business nearly burned to the ground. He is Houstonian Mattress Mac. I spotted him at an event on Friday at his north Houston business. He was stepping out of his fancy ride. That car happens to be a steel gray Jaguar. This is how Mattress Mac gets around town. How are you turning corners? Can you do better?

THANKS MATTRESS MAC BUT NO THANKS!

HOUSTON FIREFIGHTERS AVOID THE SCANDAL OF ACCEPTING FREE GIFTS FROM A HOUSTON MILLIONAIRE!

When it happened most people in the audience laughed and didn't quite know what to think but the Insite got the message. It happened Friday afternoon at Gallery Furniture. Jim McIngvale held an appreciation event for the Houston firefighters who saved the bulk of his business during that fire back in May. Hundreds of firefighters and their families showed up. One the tokens of appreciation was the raffling off of several gifts. During the ceremony McIngvale told the firefighters to make sure they held onto their tickets because there would be a raffle for gifts. As Mattress Mac wrapped up Assistant Fire Chief Adrian Trevino made his way to the microphone and said something most didn't understand. He said, "firefighters make sure you give your prize to a family member if you win." So what message was he sending? City workers like news reporters can't accept free gifts for services rendered. It would be ethically questionable and against the city's policy. Most just laughed it off. But I'm sure most of the firefighters got the message. The Insite sure did!

A MOTHER'S DESPERATION OR WAS IT A SCAM!

WE'VE LOST EVERYTHING PLEASE HELP US!

I was driving along the feeder road on the North Freeway when I noticed an entire family out pleading for help. It was a woman, two sons and a little girl. They were in the 90 degree temperatures with signs. Their poster boards read 'please help, we're living on the streets after losing our home.' Usually, I wouldn't take a second look at a scene like this. But I saw those kids with sweat rolling down their faces. They looked tired and hungry if that facial expression is possible. I was in a far lane and unable to get a better shot from the Insite cam. However, I was able to get a crude pic at best. It was a heartbreaking situation. Then I started to wonder if this was a scam. Was this Mother using her children to get weekend drinking money or worst drug money? Have you seen them on 45 near Airline? And what do you think, is it genuine despair or a scam? The Insite would like to hear from you!

STEPPING OUT OF THE CLASS AND INTO THE FIELD!

TSU JOURNALISM STUDENT DEREK HAWKINS DROPS BY THE INSITE!


Sometimes when you're learning your craft you have to throw yourself in head first. That's exactly what TSU journalism student Derek Hawkins did last Wednesday.

The senior was headed to class at the historically Black institution of higher learning when he noticed police converging on his campus. Instead just ignoring the scene Hawkins whipped out his camera and note pad. He started digging for the details.

Hawkins stumbled upon a shooting that left a high school student hospitalized and a fellow TSU student being questioned by cops.

By the time several Houston news crews arrived on the scene Hawkins had all the details. He'd already interviewed witnesses and family members who were on the scene of the tragic incident. Hawkins says he wanted to try out the skills he'd learned in class.

With a camera dangling around his neck he maneuvered through the crowd trying to track down every detail. By the time The Insite noticed him he was already headed back to class to file a report. I was just getting started.

Hawkins next big assignment starts on July 13th. As part of the Mickey Leland program at TSU he was picked as one of the students to head to Tanzania. He says he will be reporting and blogging from the international location.

Broadcast news crews look out, here comes Derek Hawkins. By the way, Derek thanks for dropping by the Insite!

GALLERY FURNITURE THANKS THE FIREFIGHTERS FROM STATION 31!

AN INSITE LOOK AT HISTORY: DID YOU KNOW ABOUT FORDLANDIA?

HENRY FORD'S RUBBER PLANTATION DISASTER IN BRAZIL!

Fordlândia is a now-abandoned, prefabricated industrial town established in the Amazon Rainforest in 1928 by American industrialist Henry Ford for the purpose of securing a source of cultivated rubber for the automobile manufacturing operations of the Ford Motor Company in the United States. Ford had negotiated a deal with the Brazilian government granting his newly formed Companhia Industrial do Brasil a concession of 10,000 km² of land on the shores of the Rio Tapajós near the city of Santarém, Brazil in exchange for a nine percent interest in the profits generated.^[1]

Ford intended to use Fordlândia to provide his company with a source of rubber for the tires on Ford cars, avoiding the dependence of British (Malayan) rubber. The land was hilly, rocky and infertile. None of Ford's managers had the requisite knowledge of tropical agriculture. The rubber trees, packed closely together in plantations, as opposed to being widely spaced in the jungle, were easy prey for tree blight and insects, a problem avoided by the Asian rubber plantations where transplanted Amazonian rubber trees faced no such natural predators. The mostly indigenous workers on the plantations, given unfamiliar food such as hamburgers and forced to live in American-style housing, disliked the way they were treated — they had to wear ID badges, and to work midday hours under the tropical sun — and would often refuse to work. In 1930, the native workers revolted against the managers, many of whom fled into the jungle for a few days until the Brazilian Army arrived and the revolt ended.^[2]

Ford forbade alcohol and tobacco within the town, including inside the workers' own homes. The inhabitants circumvented this prohibition by paddling out to merchant riverboats moored beyond town jurisdiction^[3] and a settlement was established five miles upstream on the "Island of Innocence" with bars, nightclubs, and brothels.

The government of Brazil was suspicious of any foreign investments, particularly in the northern Amazonia region, and offered little help. Ford tried again, relocating downstream to Belterra where better weather conditions to grow rubber existed, but by 1945, synthetic rubber was developed, ending the world-wide demand for natural rubber. Ford's investment opportunity dried up overnight without producing any rubber for Ford's tires. As a result Fordlândia was a total disaster. In 1945, Henry Ford sold it for a loss of over US$20 million. Despite repeated invitations from residents and periodic promises to do so, Henry Ford never actually visited his ill-fated jungle city.

MICHAEL JACKSON MEMORIAL SET FOR TUESDAY IN LOS ANGELES!

THE DATE IS NOW OFFICIAL FROM THE FAMILY!

Plans for the memorial service for Michael Jackson are firming up. The event will be on Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Reporters will be given details about the arrangements later this morning. AEG Live, which owns the Staples Center and was also Jackson's promoter says the tickets to the memorial will be free. But it's unclear how or when they will be handed out. These plans aren't sitting well with one Los Angeles City Councilman. Dennis Zine says the Jackson family should think about delaying the public memorial to give authorities more time to plan. He notes that the Staples Center can only hold about 20,000 people -- and many times that might want to attend. And he notes with the Fourth of July weekend upon us, it's the worst time to try to set up the logistics for such an event.

SAVE THE DATE TO GET CRUCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALIST!

MICHAEL JACKSON'S LAST DRESS REHEARSAL!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE OVERTIME CUTS AT THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT!

THE PUBLIC'S REACTION TO THE CITY'S ACTIONS ON PUBLIC SAFETY! 

#1

I work in the downtown business district and I'm tired of seeing all of our on-duty units getting pulled of the streets in order to provide security for special interest visitors while one or two of us are left to handle the citizens' calls for the entire area. Not only are the citizens getting the shaft, but I dont feel safe with no one to back me up. With all the cars getting broken into, the bums accosting downtown patrons, and the rise in crime from street gangs you'd think that the downtown business owners would be getting the officers they are paying for through their special business district taxation. 

Try asking the the woman in charge. I hear she wants to apply this fine level of management department wide.

Anonymous

#2

Deceiving the public? I don't know who to laugh at harder: Gary Blankenship or Vicki King (who supposedly is responsible for the downtown are). Deception is the working wheel of HPD's upper management and that includes you too, Gary.

Hey Vicki...remember how you got on tv and accused one of your own units of fudging the numbers? Well, who's fudging now? 

I've been to three officers' funerals recently...hard working officers that were killed by the Mayor and Police Chief's sanctuary city, limp-wristed policies that reward illegals with cop-killing opportunities. 

If this is how they treat their heroes, it should be no surprise that they are putting the wood to the citizens.

Anonymous

#3

Hey folks come on out to the Woodlands Mall. Parking is free and we gots plenty of sheriff deputies out here patrolling. 

Anonymous

CLEAN URINE SAMPLES WERE FOR SALE AT THE HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL JUSTICE BUILDING!

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BUSTED FOR TAKING BRIBES!

PROSECUTORS SAY HE WAS THE MAN TO GO TO FOR CLEAN URINE SAMPLES!

The Insite and FOX 26 news have learned a Harris County Employee has been arrested for taking bribes. The Harris County District Attorney's Office has confirmed the arrest of Jorge Campble. Investigators say Campble worked for the County's Pre-Trial Services department and has access to urine samples. According to prosecutors Campble accepted bribes in exchange for clean urine samples. Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Divine says the county worker was the target of a sting operation. Prosecutors say he accepted bribes from at least one witness a half dozen times. Campble has been charged with bribery and tampering with evidence. Make sure you stay tuned to FOX 26 news at Noon, 5, 5:30pm and 9pm for more details. Oh, yeah and the Insite!

MICHAEL JACKSON RULING THE BILLBOARD CHARTS AGAIN!

THE KING OF POP RETURNS IN A BIG WAY!

As predicted, Michael Jackson is once again the King of the Pop charts. Based on preliminary sales numbers from Nielsen SoundScan, the entire top nine positions on Billboard's Top Pop Catalog Albums chart will house Jackson-related titles when the tally is released in the early morning on Wednesday (July 1). Nielsen SoundScan's sales tracking week ended at the close of business on Sunday (June 28) night.

Jackson himself has a record eight out of the top 10, while a Jackson 5 compilation also finds its way into the upper tier. The King of Pop's "Number Ones" will fittingly lead the pack at No. 1 with 108,000 (an increase of 2,340%) while "The Essential Michael Jackson" and "Thriller" are in the Nos. 2 and 3 slots with 102,000 and 101,000, respectively. Last week "Number Ones" was the only Jackson title on the chart, at No. 20 with 4,000 copies; both "Essential" and "Thriller" re-enter the tally this week. Additionally, his classic 1979 studio set "Off the Wall" re-enters at No. 4 with 33,000 while his 1987 album "Bad" returns at No. 6 with 17,000. At No. 5, the Jackson 5's "The Ultimate Collection" debuts with 18,000. Jackson's fourth studio album for Epic Records, 1991's "Dangerous," re-enters at No. 7 with 14,000 while his 2001 compilation "Greatest Hits: HIStory -- Volume 1" also comes back to the list at No. 8 with 12,000. Finally, Jackson's 2004 box set "The Ultimate Collection" charts its first week on the Pop Catalog chart, arriving at No. 9 with 11,000. The lone non-Jackson-related set in the top 10 is a reissue of the "Woodstock" movie soundtrack, which bows at No. 10 with 8,000.

Collectively, Jackson's solo albums sold 422,000 this past week. That's extraordinary, since his titles sold a combined 10,000 in the week that ended June 21. Of the 422,000 total, 57% were digital downloads. Additionally, the 422,000 albums sold just last week is nearly 42% more than what Jackson's catalog had sold the the entire year up through June 21 (297,000). Speaking of digital albums, on the Top Digital Albums chart, Jackson has a record six out of the top 10 slots, including the entire top four. "The Essential Michael Jackson" leads the Top Digital Albums list with 80,000 downloads sold, while "Thriller" is No. 2 with 57,000.

WHAT A HORRIBLE TRAGEDY: PYTHON STRANGLES BABY GIRL IN HER CRIB!

INVESTIGATORS SAY THE SNAKE GOT OUT OF THE CAGE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!

The morning begins with a grim discovery, an 8 foot Albino Burmese Python is found wrapped around the body of a 2 year old girl. Deputies say the snake strangled the child in her crib. Fish and Wildlife officials believe it's the first death by a constrictor in Florida. The medical examiner removed the body of 2 year old Shaiunna Hare from her home on County road 466 in Oxford around 12:30 Wednesday afternoon.

Deputies with the Sumter County Sheriff's office say it's a tragic death. Deputies had to wait 5 hours for a search warrant to enter the home. Around 4:45pm they brought out the snake injured but alive. "Both the mother and boyfriend are very distraught when we arrived on scene," says Lt Bobby Caruthers with the Sumter Sheriff's office.

The snake's owner 32 year old Charles Darnell is Jaren Ashley Hare's the child's mother's boy friend. Darnell told deputies he secured the snake last night before going to bed. Around 12:30am he found the snake outside of its aquarium and in the living room. Darnell told deputies this time he put the snake in a bag secured it and placed the snake in the aquarium. When he woke up this morning around 9:00am Darnell says he noticed the snake had slithered away again. He ran to the 2 year old girl's bedroom.

"The snake is on the child bite mark on the forehead took a knife and stabbed snake until he was able to remove child from residence," says Caruthers.

"Burmese Python can get large they're constrictors reptiles of concern," warns Joy Hill with Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

Fish and Wildlife officials say these snakes require a permit to keep as pets and Darnell does not have one. "First the human safety factors when they get large and the other over running the native Florida habitat the Everglades," says Hill.

FWC officials say not having the required permit is a second degree misdemeanor that carries a 500 dollar fine and 60 days in jail. In light of the child's death deputies say Darnell and the child's mother may face more serious charges, "Negligence charges," says Caruthers.

WHAT ARE THEY MAKING IN THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION?

122 STAFFERS MAKE OVER $100,000!

Top-level staff members of the Obama White House earn the same amount as their predecessors in the Bush administration, according to a report submitted to Congress Wednesday. The president announced the pay freeze on his first full day in office for White House employees earning more than $100,000.

The report, which a 1994 law requires be submitted annually to Senate and House oversight committees, shows 487 employees on the White House personnel list. Of those, 455 are employed directly by the White House, while an additional 32 are so-called "detailees" on loan from other federal agencies.

Among the actual employees, 122 staffers earn more than $100,000 annually, compared to 125 employees in the final year of the Bush administration. Twenty-two Obama White House staffers make the top possible salary of $172,200, compared to 18 employees who made that amount in the Bush White House.

Obama White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and press secretary Robert Gibbs both make the top amount, as did their Bush counterparts Joshua Bolten and Dana Perino. Other top Obama aides who earn the maximum salary are senior adviser David Axelrod, White House Counsel Gregory Craig, communications director Anita Dunn, speechwriting director Jonathan Favreau, senior adviser Valerie Jarrett, National Security Adviser James Jones, and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers.

The highest-paid White House staff member is Public Health Policy Director David Marcozzi, who earns $192,934. However, as a detailee from the Department of Health and Human Services, his salary is not paid directly by the White House.

DEFYING THE ODDS IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON!

SAM PINK BELIEVES A RED CAT BRINGS GOOD LUCK!

Just before the Superbowl was scheduled to land in Houston 5 years ago there was a huge boom in nightclubs opening in the downtown area. There was a party place for just about everyone at least until 2 in the morning.

But as the big game passed and the NBA All Star competition saw it's last lay up only a few years later many of the hip new nightclubs disappeared. If you walk along the rail line on Main street downtown you'll see a string of signs indicating another bar or club has bit the dust.

If you venture near the end of Main and make a left on Congress you'll see a business that has survived. It's the Red Cat Jazz Cafe'. The owner is Sam Pink. I ran into him a few days ago and I asked how he defied the odds. Pink says with a lot of help from up above. Pink says, "I've seen more than 50 clubs come and go." But somehow the Red Cat with its adult atmosphere still survives.

One could ask what is the secret of the Red Cat. We all know a black cat means nothing but bad luck. In Pink's case a Red cat means survival in downtown Houston. He says he tries to remain consistent. Pink says remaining true and committed to his clientele may also be the key. His crowd includes those who are only seeking adult music with a mirrored atmosphere.

With that the Red Cat survives and thrives while others disappear. Have you been to Red Cat lately and why do you think it still endures? The Insite would like to hear your opinion!

MORE THAN THE TABLOIDS CAN DREAM OF!

WHAT'S THE CRAZIEST STORY YOU'VE HEARD SO FAR ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON!

If you're in your local grocery store make sure you take a look at the tabloid magazine section. Every publication as expected has Michael Jackson on the cover. The death of the superstar has the cheap rags on a field day. One even proclaims to have found the real Billie Jean. And Ms. Jean says she happens to be the real mother of Michael's kids. Jackson was likely the greatest show on earth but by the time these papers are done he will be the greatest freak show one could witness. Have you seen the tabloids just yet? What has been the most outlandish story you've read so far about Jackson!

Note: That's the hand of a little boy about 8 reaching to read one of the magazines at Walmart!

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR SAFETY NOW IN HOUSTON?

THEY WERE TWEETING FOR THE TROOPS!

A CHANCE FOR ONLINE FRIENDS TO MEET FACE TO FACE!

It was a networking event of people who Twitter. They all met face to face in some cases for the time at the Herring Lofts near downtown Houston. It was part of an effort to raise money to purchase MRE's for our troops out fighting for the USA. There was a second goal to form bonds and connections for future business off line. Those who were instrumental in pulling the Tweet Greet together were Deric Muhammad, Jesse Muhammad, Jarvis Johnson and several others. The Insite made a mad dash through the event to get you these pics. If you see someone you recognize please write their names in the comment box. And make sure you keep tweeting!

WHY YOU MAY WANT TO GET SOME CHICKEN AT CHURCH'S?

HE'S GOING TO BE HANDING OUT CASH IN HOUSTON!

CHURCH’S CEO COMES TO HOUSTON TO SHARE GOODNESS IN A DOWN ECONOMY

Harsha V. Agadi Comes to Houston on July 9, 2009 to randomly give three unsuspecting customers $3,000 in cash

WHAT: Church’s Chicken continues their ‘Random Acts of Goodness’ campaign which has given more than $13,000 in cash to unsuspecting customers in seven cities. This authentic gesture resonates during tough economic times and Houston is the brand’s next stop – with Harsha V. Agadi, President & CEO of Church’s Chicken personally giving $3,000 in cash at three store locations – all in one day!

WHEN:

Thursday July 9, 2009

Kick Off 11:00 AM

Follow Church’s @ www.twitter.com/churchschicken for more information

THE WOMEN MICHAEL JACKSON WANTED TO RAISE HIS CHILDREN!

DETAILS OF HIS WILL RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC!

Michael Jackson's 7-year-old will was filed Wednesday in a Los Angeles court, giving his entire estate to a family trust while making his mother the guardian of his children and cutting out his former wife Debbie Rowe.

Court documents estimated the current value of his estate at more than $500 million.

It names his mother, Katherine Jackson, 79, as a beneficiary of the trust and the guardian of Jackson's children, who are also named as beneficiaries of the trust.

It also names entertainer Diana Ross as a successor guardian for the children and their estates if something happens to Katherine Jackson.

Ross introduced the Jackson 5 on the Ed Sullivan Show in the late 1960s and was instrumental in launching their career. She was a lifelong friend of Michael Jackson.

Jackson's longtime lawyer John Branca and John McClain, a music executive and a family friend, are named in the will as co-executors.

FRENCHY'S CHICKEN CELEBRATE 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

The distinctive taste of Creole-seasoned cuisine first grabbed Houstonians by the taste buds in 1969 with the opening the original Frenchy's Po-Boy on Scott Street (pictured right).Still wildly popular, this hometown favorite will celebrate 40 years of providing quality meals and Houston-community care with festivities at two locations on Friday, July 3, 2009.

GlennLock Foods, Ltd. (a subsidiary of 3131 Properties, Ltd.), the Frenchy's exclusive licensee and owner of seven Frenchy's restaurants will host a future-of-the-brandcelebration from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Frenchy's Main Street Grille, 8110 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas 77054(pictured below). Family friendly fun is central to the Main Street Grille celebration with live music by the "Young Fellas" brass second line jazz band, Houston Texans and Houston Dynamo cheerleaders, face painting, games, prizes and plenty of Frenchy's cuisine.

The July 3 party continues with a legacy celebration at the original Frenchy's, 6102 Scott Street, Houston, Texas 77021, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

Note: My hat is off to this company that has become a Houston staple. But I'm still a Chicken Shack fan. I've never been able to become a fan to Frenchy's...I'm just saying!

116 GANG MEMBERS ARRESTED AND TAKEN OFF THE STREETS!

THEIR TATS SHOW WHICH SET THEY REPRESENT!

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents — working jointly with federal, state and local law enforcement officers — arrested 116 street gang members, gang associates, and immigration status violators following a five-day operation which ended Friday.

The arrests were made as part of an ongoing initiative called Operation Community Shield. As part of the initiative, ICE partners with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies across the country to target the significant public safety threat posed by transnational street gangs. The gang arrests occurred in the cities of Beaumont, Corpus Christi and Houston, Texas.

“ICE uses all of the available law enforcement tools to dismantle violent street gangs,” said Robert P. Rutt, special agent in charge of the Office of Investigations in Houston. “ICE’s Operation Community Shield is an excellent example of federal, state, and local law enforcement working together to keep our communities safe.”

The gang members taken into custody during the enforcement action are linked to at least 14 street gangs, including: Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Surenos Trece, Aryan Brotherhood, Latin Kings, La Raza13, Black Disciples, Houstone, Tango Blast, Bloods and Crips to name a few. Three of those arrested possessed firearms at the time of their arrest, which included an assault rifle, a shotgun and a handgun.

Eighty of those arrested have gang affiliations; 60 are being charged with criminal violations; and 13 cases are being referred to the US Attorney’s Office for re-entry after deportation. The remaining individuals were arrested on administrative immigration violations and will be placed in deportation proceedings. They will be held in ICE custody and scheduled for a deportation hearing before an immigration judge.

Those arrested during the operation include:

· a 38-year-old member of the 18^th Street gang with convictions for manufacturing controlled substances, unlawfully carrying a weapon, theft, forgery and receiving stolen property;

· a 31-year-old member of the Black Gangsta Disciples with convictions for possessing a controlled substance and carrying a concealed weapon;

· and a 27 year old, member of MS-13 with two convictions for vehicle burglary, theft, inhaling and ingesting a volatile chemical and possession of a controlled substance.

Other law enforcement agencies participating in the operation included the following: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); U.S. Marshals Service; Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission (TABC); Texas Department of Public Safety; Ft. Bend County Sheriff’s Office; Harris County Sheriff’s Office; Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office; Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; Nueces County Sheriff’s Office; Victoria County Sheriff’s Office; Conroe Police Department; Corpus Christi Police Department; Groves Police Department; Houston Police Department; Harris County Constable Precinct 3; Port Author Police Department; Port Neches Police Department; Victoria Police Department; and the Gulf Coast Violent Offender Task Force.

Since Operation Community Shield began in February 2005, ICE agents nationwide have arrested more than 13,000 gang members and gang associates linked to more than 900 different gangs. More than 150 of those arrested were gang leaders.

The National Gang Unit at ICE identifies violent street gangs and develops intelligence on their membership, associates, criminal activities and international movements to deter, disrupt and dismantle gang operations by tracing and seizing cash, weapons and other assets derived from criminal activities.

Through Operation Community Shield, the federal government uses its powerful immigration and customs authorities in a coordinated, national campaign against criminal street gangs in the United States. Transnational street gangs have significant numbers of foreign-born members and are frequently involved in human and contraband smuggling, immigration violations and other crimes with a connection to the border.

To report suspicious activity, call ICE's 24-hour toll-free hotline at: 1-866-347-2423 or visit www.ice.gov.

A 30 MINUTE DELAY CALLING 911 FOR MICHAEL JACKSON!

HIS EXCUSE: IT WAS A FIRM BED!

It took Michael Jackson's doctor a half-hour to call 911after finding MJ unconscious -- this according to the doc's lawyer, Edward Chernoff.

Chernoff explained this bizarre revelation by saying Dr. Conrad Murray didn't immediately make the call from his cell phone because he didn't know the exact address of Michael's mansion. For the record, the house is just above Sunset Blvd. in Beverly Hills -- one of the most famous streets in the country.

Chernoff said Murray eventually got someone in the house to make the call.

Murray has already taken heat for performing CPR on Jackson as he was lying on a bed. Chernoff's excuse ... it was a "firm bed."

PETER BROWN SUPPORTERS WERE OFF THE CHAIN SATURDAY NIGHT!

MR. BROWN GOES WHERE THE VOTERS ARE!

I was given these pictures by City Hall photographer Anthony Morris. He wanted to show just how enthusiastic Mayoral Candidate Peter Brown supporters were at the Gay Pride parade Saturday night in Montrose. There were Peter Brown signs and stickers everywhere. Another candidate better look out. Morris snapped these photos at the event. He says Brown had some of the best and hyped up supporters at the event. The man himself was on one of the floats followed by several other Houston City Council Members. The event was highly attended and included other high profile candidates like Annise Parker and Mayor Bill White who's next goal is the US Senate!

ROSS DRESS LIKE A MESS!

WHAT'S THE STORE LIKE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

Is it just me or does the store Ross look like one big garage sale. Now, I'll have to admit they always have a lot of cool electronics accessories for a cheap price. But when it comes to clothing that place is a hot mess in my humble opinion. At least the store in the Woodlands. When I looked around for clothes for the gym it looked like overpriced garage sale items. I don't quite know where Ross gets its clothes but they should send them back. Have you ever been to this store and what was it like in your community. Maybe it's just the Woodlands store!

THE LAST PICTURES OF MICHAEL JACKSON TAKEN TWO DAYS BEFORE HIS DEATH!

THIS BLOWS THE FALSE REPORTS FROM ENGLISH TABLOIDS OUT OF THE WATER!



This puts to rest the wild and false allegations put out by British tabloids claiming Michael Jackson was in horrible condition physically when he died. The report called completely false by the Los Angeles Coroner claimed Jackson was bald with broken ribs and needle marks on his knees and elbows. These pictures of Jackson were taken two days before his death. He was rehearsing for the This Is It tour in England. The pictures show Jackson healthy as we know him. He's always been thin but the rumors of 112 pounds are likely blown out of the water with these shots. Only believe the official news organizations and TMZ. I've got to give it to TMZ, they've been on top of this story and many others since they went into business!

LAWRENCE: I'M SORRY, I'M NOT PAYING $52 A MONTH FOR SOMETHING I DON'T USE!

THE BATTLE OVER THE COLOR COPIER AT CITY HALL!


When I called Houston City Council Member Toni Lawrence Monday afternoon she was lighthearted but passionate about an allegation leveled against her at City Hall. That allegation? The elected official is trying to get rid of one of the two color copiers at the governmental building.

Lawrence says she wants to set the record straight. She says she didn't go searching for the cost cutting measure it came to her. Lawrence says the day after the city's budget hearings last week she had a meeting with staffers from the Finance department. One of the issues she says came up - the two color copy machines provided for council members and their staff at the annex building. Lawrence says, "all I really wanted to do was get it down to one copier." She described having two copiers on the floor less than ten feet apart as "useless."

Lawrence apparently polled the staff and most wanted to keep the extra copy machine. Not Lawrence. She says the cost to use the printer comes out of each council members' budget. The cost is about $52 a month. Lawrence says she told the Finance department she won't be paying her $52 bucks any more. The 3rd term council member says the others will have to make it up out of their budgets.

Meanwhile, the news has made it to fellow Council Member Mike Sullivan. He blames Lawrence saying, "I appreciate her zest and zeal...but I'm not going to support a meaningless effort to save money." Sullivan also says he finds it very interesting Lawrence is all of sudden trying to save money in her last months of her last year in office.

For now the two color copiers at City Hall will remain but who will pay that extra $52 a month is any one's guess. Lawrence says she certainly won't!

HANGOUT WITH MAYORAL CANDIDATE GENE LOCKE TONIGHT!

THE BIG EVENT IS AT HOTEL ZA ZA AND YOU'RE INVITED TO ATTEND!

(CLICK TO ENLARGE FOR DETAILS!)

LOOK WHO'S COMING TO HOUSTON THIS WEEK!

GERALDO TACKLES THE TOUGH ISSUE OF IMMIGRATION!

The Greater Houston Partnership welcomes Geraldo Rivera as he takes on the controversial issue of immigration reform.

Rivera, an award-winning reporter, commentator, senior correspondent and host of Geraldo At Large on FOX News Channel and author of HisPanic: Why Americans fear Hispanics in the U.S., will address Partnership Members on public opinion drivers, impacts on America and the rational and irrational arguments surrounding this explosive and divisive topic.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 18th District of Texas and Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration will deliver a special report addressing “Where is Congress on Immigration Reform?”

Houston – a 10-county region on the frontline of immigration – is the perfect setting for such a discussion. According to a 2006 study by the Partnership’s Vice President of Research, Patrick Jankowski:
Some 420,000 undocumented foreign nationals live in the Houston metropolitan area. This figure represents 8 percent of the area population, or one in every 12 to 13 residents.

The undocumented population includes approximately 117,600 children, 124,000 adult females and 178,000 adult males.
The regional economy includes approximately 250,000 unauthorized workers. That translates into 9.8 percent, or one in 10, of all Houston area workers.

Five industries account for the bulk of undocumented workers in Houston: construction, manufacturing, professional and business services, accommodation and food services, and other services.
Measured in output per worker, unauthorized workers’ contribution to the Houston MSA’s Gross Regional Product is estimated at $27.3 billion.

In April, Partnership President and CEO, Jeff Moseley joined former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and others in addressing immigration reform before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship.

Who: Greater Houston Partnership

What: Geraldo Rivera Takes on Immigration Reform: Many Angles, Many People, Many Views

When: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where: Hyatt Regency Houston
1200 Louisiana
Houston, TX

SOME PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE A LOAD OFF!

MATT ROBINS DROPS BY THE INSITE AND HE SHOWS US HOW IT'S GETTING EASIER TO DO IT ALL!

I stumbled upon CW 39 multimedia reporter Matt Robins on Monday. He's been with the news operation for 2 years. He's spent most of his tenure there as a one man band carrying a big heavy camera. That means he does everything a photographer and reporter would do on a typical news report. But now his load may be a little lighter. Robins, who's also in front of the camera, was carrying the new Sony XD Cam. It's a lighter more manageable professional video camera. The average photographer lugs around a 20 to 30 pound monstrosity used in most of the Houston TV newsrooms. Robins says the smaller and lighter camera definitely has its benefits. He says when he's out shooting in the field the camera maintains an excellent steady shot without the benefit of a tripod. He says the downside is the zooming capabilities. This smaller camera may just be the wave of the future. I noticed the same kind of technology being used at WAFB TV in Baton Rouge. Robins says at least three multimedia journalists will be using them at CW 39. I'm sure it's a load off his shoulders. Hey Matt, thanks for dropping by the Insite!

More about the camera:

The PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX Camcorder is Sony's exciting new addition to our XDCAM family of professional tapeless acquisition tools and our first offering in the XDCAM EX series of products. The PMW-EX1 utilizes Sony's three newly designed 1/2-inch type "Exmor"™ CMOS sensors, each with an effective pixel count of 1920 x 1080. Coupled with our newly developed signal processing LSI, the PMW-EX1 produces truly exceptional images in 1080p, 720p and 1080i HD. Using another new Sony innovation, the SxS Memory Card flash memory device, very high data transfer speeds are also made possible in order to enhance the High Defintion content creation workflow. Utilizing the MPEG-2 Long GOP CODEC to achieve a balance of quality and the required bit rate, the PMW-EX1 boasts a long recording time - approximately 140 minutes using two 16GB SxS Memory Cards. Additionally, the PMW-EX1 offers a powerful Slow & Quick Motion feature, or what is more commonly known as "over-cranking" and "under-cranking", to enable users to create slow and fast motion special effects. The PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX Full High Defintion Camcorder represents a new level of high quality, value-added High Definition content creation professional tools. It will, once again, transform industry expectations of just how much quality can be achieved with an affordable HD camcorder.

Price: $7,790.00 U.S. List Price

THE FUNERAL OF OFFICER HENRY CANALES!

FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAY GOOD BYE TO A FALLEN BROTHER!






Hundreds of people poured into Grace Community church Monday morning in Houston. They were there to say good bye to a fallen Houston Police officer. Henry Canales was shot and killed last week during an undercover investigation. Police officers from around the region attended the public funeral services. Canales was described as a devoted family man who was quiet but known as a practical joker. Those who worked with the undercover cop said he was a lover of cars and was activiley involved in the Beat the Heat drag racing program. BTHis designed to keep young people off the streets racing illegally. Many of those who spoke at the funeral literally broke down because of the loss they've suffered with the death of Canales. Lots of people attended the event including city council members, Mayor Bill White, and Canales' boss Chief Harold Hurtt. Canales is survived by his wifeAmor and his two children Stephanie and Henry Jr.

INSITE GARAGE SALE: THE NEXTEL BLACKBERRY CURVE COULD BE YOURS!

GIVE YOURSELF AN EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT!

I've had it less than a month but opted for another phone. This gently used Nextel with clean esn can be yours for the small amount of $200. Let the Insite know if you're interested. Email me at isiahcarey@gmail.com!