YOU HAVE A BIG DECISION TO MAKE TODAY!

The question is do you want to follow the crowd and get the new Apple Ipad 2 or do you want to set the trend with the Insite?  That means you will go out and buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab.  I'm just saying!

PARENTS AND SENIORS ALERT: THE PARKS SYSTEM WON'T BE THE SAME IN HOUSTON!

How Parks Department Cuts Affect You: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

HARRIS COUNTY WOMEN COMMITTING MORE VIOLENT CRIMES!

Former Bad Girls on Women Behaving Badly: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

MURDER SUSPECT: HE CAME ON TO ME AND SO I KILLED HIM!

Carl Buttler claims he was fending off advances

Here's the official police report in the death of Daveon Collier.  The suspect in the case, Carl Buttler, alleges Collier came on to him with unwanted sexual advances.  Butler, who says he's a former boxer, claims he blanked out after stabbing Collier to death.  Enlarge the police report for all the details!

Click the report to enlarge and read details!

BUDGET CUTS CAUSES MAJOR CHANGES IN HOUSTON SCHOOL DISTRICT!

In anticipation of a dramatic drop in state funding next school year, the HISD Board of Education on Thursday will consider decreasing the amount of money given to each school by $275 per student.

The reduction in per-student spending would bring HISD $58.4 million closer to closing a projected $171 million budget gap caused largely by state budget cuts. HISD administration has already identified about $45 million in recommended non-classroom budget cuts, which have yet to be considered for Board approval. Additional budget-cutting options under consideration Thursday include:

·         Reducing the amount of extra money given to 83 schools with low student enrollment by $266 per child. This would save HISD nearly $2.4 million and could result in some of those schools sharing resources and staff.

·         Reducing the amount of extra money given to 11 unique schools by a combined total of $4.6 million.

·         Reducing the amount of extra money given to schools with large numbers of students from low-income homes by $60 per student. This is a result of federal funding cuts to programs for poor children.

·         Approving a timeline and process for gathering public input concerning the possible closure and consolidations of Grimes, Love, McDade and Rhoads elementary schools. Closing those schools would save nearly $1.7 million.

·         Amending the ASPIRE Award performance pay model to eliminate the attendance bonus. Superintendent Terry Grier has also suggested restricting the campus-based financial incentives to schools that achieve state rankings of “exemplary” or “recognized” without the benefit of the Texas Projection Model. In addition, employees with low value-added results would be ineligible for any financial award. These recommendations could save HISD about $2.3 million. Besides saving money, the proposals also seek to bring the award system back in line with its original purpose of rewarding HISD’s most effective teachers.

Principals must now decide how to cut their 2011-2012 campus budgets based on these figures. The leader of a school with 1,200 students, for instance, will have $345,000 less to spend on teachers, support staff, teaching equipment, special programs, and other items. Teachers whose positions are being eliminated must be notified by April 18.

If all of these cuts are approved, HISD will still be more than $61 million short of fully addressing the projected $171 million shortfall. Every $1 million cut from the budget is the equivalent of the average annual salary for 19 teachers.

The Board will also consider the following issues on Thursday:

·         The Board will consider executing an agreement with the College Board to offer free SAT testing to all HISD juniors during class time on April 13. Only two other school districts in America have made their students the same offer.

·         The Board must decide whether to make June 3 the last day of this school year instead of June 2, as originally planned. The Texas Education Agency is requiring HISD to make up for the day that was lost earlier this winter because of icy road conditions on February 4.

·         The Board will consider closing the Ninth Grade College Preparatory Academy and merging it back into the Sam Houston Center for Math, Science and Technology. The ninth-grade school opened in 2008 as part of an effort to comply with a state order to reconstitute Sam Houston High School. The Texas Education Agency has approved closing the school.

DETECTIVES TELL WHAT HAPPENED TO DAVEON COLLIER!

Press Release from HPD: Suspect Arrested, Charged in Fatal Stabbing at 9401 Coventry Square

Houston police have arrested a suspect charged in the fatal stabbing of a man at 9401 Coventry Square about 8 p.m. on December 31, 2010. Carl Buttler HPD booking photo released! Carl Gerald Buttler (b/m, DOB: 10-29-89) is charged with murder in the 230th State District Court.  He is accused in the death of Daveon Collier, 24, of the above address, who suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.  A photo of the suspect is attached to this news release. HPD Homicide Division Sergeants A. Semmelrock, J. Wilson and Officer D. Gunter reported: Mr. Collier was found deceased inside his apartment by his roommate.  He appeared to have been stabbed during a struggle. An investigation revealed Collier and suspect Buttler had recently met and, on December 31st, Buttler visited Collier in his apartment.  During the visit, Buttler became irritated with Collier and struck him in the face.  Buttler then attacked Collier by choking him and then stabbing him.  Buttler then fled the scene. On Tuesday (March 8), Buttler was arrested and later confessed to his role in the incident.

SUSPECT IDENTIFIED AND ARRESTED IN THE DEATH OF DAVEON COLLIER!

Carl Buttler's picture from Facebook!

The Houston Police Department confirms they have made an arrest in the death of former TSU student and Houston party promoter Daveon Collier.  The suspect has been identified as 21 year old Carl Buttler.  He's been charged with murder after a spokesperson with HPD confirmed he confessed to the crime.  Collier was found brutally stabbed in his Houston apartment on January 1 by a group of friends.  Family members say Buttler and Collier were friends and apparently got into a heated argument the night of the murder.  Buttler is being held in the Harris County jail!

FAMILY MEMBER: AN ARREST HAS BEEN MADE IN DAVEON'S CASE!

UPDATE: The Insite is still trying to get this confirmed from the Houston Police Department...but a family member of Dallas native Daveon Collier says an arrest has been made in his New Year's eve murder.  Unfortunately, Collier was found stabbed to death in his Houston apartment at the beginning of the year.  It was this afternoon when HPD detectives reportedly called Collier's aunt here in Houston.  That aunt tells the Insite a man has been arrested in the case.  I have the suspect's name but I'll only identify him as a 21 year old who was allegedly a friend of the Houston party promoter for now.  The Insite attempted to get a response from HPD late Tuesday evening but was unsuccessful.  But I trust that family member and I will get official confirmation Wednesday.  Stay tuned and my best goes out to the family because the closure process has only begun.  By the way, Daveon's aunt says the suspect in the case has confessed to the murder claiming there was a heated argument and things went down hill from there!

MY ANTI-APPLE RANT ON FOX 26!

Can you tell I'm not a fan of Apple in this segment on FOX 26. I'm shouting out to the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Booyaa!

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GANG MEMBER: DIE OR PAY $600 TO GET OUT OF THE HOOVER CRIPS!

Gang Member Threatens Teen: Pay Up or Die: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

MY FAVORITE NEWSCASTERS IN HOUSTON - LIVE FROM THE CAR!

IT'S FAT TUESDAY - HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

The terms "Mardi Gras" (pronounced /ˈmɑrdiɡrɑː/), "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season",^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and ending on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" (in ethnic English tradition, Shrove Tuesday), referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday. 

Related popular practices are associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent. Popular practices include wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, sports competitions, parades, etc. Similar expressions to Mardi Gras appear in other European languages sharing the Christian tradition. In English, the day is called Shrove Tuesday, associated with the religious requirement for confession before Lent begins.

In many areas, the term "Mardi Gras" has come to mean the whole period of activity related to the celebratory events, beyond just the single day. In some US cities, it is now called "Mardi Gras Day" or "Fat Tuesday".^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} The festival season varies from city to city, as some traditions consider Mardi Gras the entire period between Epiphany or Twelfth Night and Ash Wednesday.^[7] 

Others treat the final three-day period before Ash Wednesday as the Mardi Gras.^[8] In Mobile, Alabama, Mardi Gras-associated social events begin in November, followed by mystic society balls on Thanksgiving,^[7][9] then New Year's Eve, followed by parades and balls in January and February, celebrating up to midnight before Ash Wednesday. In earlier times parades were held on New Year's Day.^[7] 

Other cities famous for Mardi Gras celebrations include Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Barranquilla, Colombia, Sydney, Australia, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Quebec City, Canada; Mazatlán, Sinaloa in Mexico; and New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.

THE BATTLING GREEK RESTAURANTS IN TEXAS!

Niko's in Houston

Nico's in Webster, Tx

Lawyers at the Houston law firm Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Anaipakos have filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit in order to protect the legal rights for the owners of Houston's most-popular Greek Mediterranean restaurant Niko Niko's, LLC.

The lawsuit alleges that Nico's Mediterranean Grill in Webster, Texas, is infringing Niko Niko's registered service mark. According to the legal complaint, Nico's Mediterranean founder Nicos Zanicos has misled customers to falsely believe that his restaurant in Webster is part of the Niko Niko's family, and that the untrue claims have been repeated on several popular restaurant review websites.

The lawsuit says Mr. Zanicos deliberately deceived customers in an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of Niko Niko's. Mr. Zanicos previously sought to franchise with Niko Niko's, but was turned down before opening up the competing restaurant in late 2010, according to the court filing.
 
Niko Niko's is represented by AZA name partner John Zavitsanos and firm associate Tiffany Isaac.
The lawsuit, Niko Niko's LLC v. Nico's Mediterranean Grill, No. 4:11-cv-776, was filed Friday, March 4, 2011, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Houston.

MUSIC WORLD KNOWLES LATEST VENTURE ANNOUNCED!

Mathew Knowles, the founder, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment (MWE), has announced the opening of R&B Live on the campus of Music World Entertainment in Houston, Texas.  Starting this Wednesday, March 9, R&B Live will become a weekly event at the campus' House of Dereon Media Center.  Dubbed R&B Live At HODMC, the evenings are opened for showcases with local, signed and unsigned bands as well as well-known acts coming through Houston for promotional dates.

"I always envisioned that our center would become the premier place in Houston to showcase live acts," said Mathew Knowles.  "We've hosted private parties and cultural events at the center but this takes us to a whole other level.  We invite the best and those who want to be the best to come here."

And Knowles knows something about being the best.  Under his visionary leadership and management, Music World Entertainment has experienced tremendous growth and extraordinary success for nearly two decades. Destiny's Child became a global phenomenon and the "most successful girl group" in the history of popular music. In the 1990s, Destiny's Child was named Billboard magazine's Female Group of the Decade.


Opening night this Wednesday for R&B Live At HODMC kicks off with R&B crooner and Chicago native, Carl Thomas.  The singer, best known for his #1 R&B smash "I Wish," has signed on for two Wednesdays and will also host and headline on March 16.

This week also marks the official opening of the state-of-the-art recording studio at Music World Entertainment.  Already boasting recording sessions with Music World's top artists, the newly re-designed and re-equipped studio continues Knowles' dream to make MWE an all-inclusive locale for artists to realize their musical journey from writing, recording, showcasing and touring.

MOVING FORWARD WITHOUT THE NEWS MEDIA!

Tammie Campbell

WHO NEEDS THE PRESS FOR A PRESS CONFERENCE?

A Call to Action

By:  Tammie Lang Campbell

February 28, 2011, the last day of Black History Month and the first day of the Texas State Black Caucus' Summit will remain embedded in my mind.  This was the date that I ignored conventional wisdom that says a press conference can't be held without the press and preceded with my press conference on the steps of the Texas State Capital.

I had planned to announce to the world that the n-word is not in dark skinned people's DNA or Newsouth Books' revised edition of Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn; however, I was thrown a curve ball when the press didn't show.  Apparently, a proactive black denouncing the n-word and promoting school literature sensitive to all children's cultural needs didn't interest the media. 

The media's no show would've devastated most, but I remembered that God:

• Called me to petition Merriam Webster and Random House dictionaries to remove or redefine the n-word in 1991(view petition)
• Chose me to hold a symbolic n-word burial that was featured nationally on CNN (view story), in Manhattan City Council News and all local/state media outlets including the Houston Chronicle's front page
• Moved to get my anti-n-word campaign op. ed. featured in the Houston Chronicle on 10/31/10 called, "N-word Remains far too Pervasive"
• Urged Dr. Gribben to take a stand for humanity and appeal to Newsouth Books to replace the n-word with slave
• Appealed to Rep. Dr. Alma Allen and had her to enlist the support of Texas Black Caucus Chairman, Rep. Sylvester Turner, for Newsouth Books' revised edition of Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn  
• Inspired Friends of Humanity to help sponsor 100 of Newsouth Books' revised edition of Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn to be donated to  schools and youth organizations

With these aforementioned blessings in mind, I proceeded with my anti-n-word declaration on the steps of the Texas State Capitol.

(View Event Video) 

"Good afternoon, to God goes all the glory and praise in His precious Son's name Jesus Christ.  I'm pleased to join you with Rep. Dr. Alma Allen; my husband, Dennis Campbell, Sr. and our children; Shar-day and Dennis Jr.  I thank all of you for being here today in support of Dr. Gribben and Newsouth Books' revised edition of Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, which replaces the n-word with slave.

To the curious who may be wondering why we are here, well an event like this one that has a profound effect upon the lives of people doesn't just happen.  It is an accumulation of events.  For 20 years, I have been working to reclaim blacks' good name.  During this journey, I have heard the cries of my foreparents urging me to let everyone know who we are and who we are not.  I have been encouraged by the words of Solomon in Proverb 21:1 that states, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches..."   

LOOK WHAT'S ON THE INTERNET!

The Insite is a product of  70's and 80's Saturday morning cartoon shows.  From that time period some of my favorite shows are the Super Friends, Land of the Lost, Shazam, and Isis. Guess what?  I just found Isis on Hulu.  It's the internet site that shows some of your favorite old and new tv shows.  I couldn't believe it when I found the 1970's Egyptian/American super hero on the net.  You can actually watch full episodes.  I'm still waiting on the Six Million Dollar Man and Green Lantern to show up.  Hulu is the bomb!

Quick trivia question: Which classic rhyme did Isis use to fly when it was time to fight crime or save a troubled teenager?

TEXAS DRIVERS LICENSE SCAM BUSTED BY THE FEDS!

A DPS employee and several others have been arrested and charged for attempting to provide a fraudulent Texas driver's license to another individual under an assumed name in exchange for cash, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today.

Maritza De Leon, 32, of McAllen, Texas, an employee with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), along with Marco Antonio Hernandez, 40, Edinburg, Texas, and Romana Soto-Varela, 39, a Mexican national residing in Donna, Texas, and San Juan De Dios Alejandro Rocha-Zuniga, aka Oscar Rocha, 33, were arrested late Wednesday, March 2, 2010. Each is charged with conspiring to produce identification documents without lawful authority.

These four defendants have been in federal custody since their arrest pending a preliminary and detention hearing set for March 8, 2011. A fifth defendant, Maria Guadalupe "Lupita" Morales, was arrested late Friday, March 4, 2011. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ormsby later today.

Hernandez, Soto-Varela and Morales are accused in a criminal complaint filed on March 2, 2011, of conspiring with one another to provide a Texas driver's license to another individual under an assumed name in exchange for financial compensation in violation of federal law.

According to the complaint filed in federal court charging these individuals, in the fall of 2010, Marco Antonio Hernandez agreed to provide a Texas Driver's license along with a needed social security card and birth certificate to an individual who could not lawfully obtain the government issued identification document in exchange for money.

In January, Maria Guadalupe "Lupita" Morales allegedly took part in the negotiations and asked for $6,000 to process the individual through DPS to obtain the license. According to the complaint, De Leon was the DPS employee who would do the actual "processing" of the application at DPS.

On Feb. 26, 2011, Hernandez and Morales allegedly received a partial payment of $3,000 to initiate the unlawful transaction. On March 2, 2011, the individual using the birth certificate and Social Security card allegedly provided by Hernandez, which was not in that individual's name, applied for a license at the DPS office in McAllen off of Bicentennial Boulevard.

At that time the applicant went to apply, Soto-Varela escorted the applicant into the DPS office to make sure De Leon would actually process the applicant's application. De Leon allegedly processed the application and afterwards provided a temporary driver's license to the applicant.

Subsequently, the applicant and Soto met with Hernandez who, in turn, obtained the temporary license pending final payment. Later that evening, Hernandez and Soto were provided a final payment of $3,000. After the exchange, Hernandez and Soto were arrested by FBI agents. De Leon was subsequently arrested at the DPS office in McAllen by the Texas Rangers.

Rocha-Zuniga, who was allegedly involved in a similar but earlier transaction and charged in a related but separate complaint filed on Feb. 25, 2011, was also arrested late Wednesday.

According to the complaint filed against him, in 2010 Hernandez negotiated, and Rocha-Zuniga finalized, a similar unauthorized delivery of a Texas drivers' license in exchange for money with an individual who could not lawfully obtain a license. The initial negotiations with Hernandez and Rocha-Zuniga took place in June and July 2010. In exchange for $10,000, Rocha-Zuniga was to provide and allegedly did provide a California birth certificate and Social Security card to the individual to obtain the driver's license.

The individual went to the DPS office in McAllen to obtain a license and was "processed" allegedly by De Leon. Afterwards, Rocha-Zuniga provided him a Texas driver's license was paid a total of $10,000 for the license as negotiated.

The FBI and the Texas Rangers jointly conducted the investigation leading to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Juan F. Alanis is prosecuting the cases.

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HOUSTON TEXANS PLAYERS GIVE BACK TO THE KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY!

David Anderson

Owen Daniels

Houston Texans wide receiver David Anderson and tight end Owen Daniels recently did some major shopping at Academy Sports + Outdoors, buying nearly $10,000 worth of new playground and P.E. equipment for HISD schools.
                   Anderson has made it a personal mission to give back to the community by donating money and school yard equipment to elementary and middle schools in need of new equipment. David and his fellow Texans wide receivers held a contest through David’s weekly column in the Houston Chronicle asking children to send in drawings of their favorite Texans wide receiver along with a list of items their schools needed.

“I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the local schools here in Houston.  I saw a need for P.E. and school yard equipment, and I wanted to do my part to help out,” said Anderson. “I would like to personally thank Academy Sports + Outdoors, my teammates and those within the community who came together to lend their time and support to this cause.”

Houston Foundation President Tina Medlin said,” The HISD Foundation was privileged to collaborate with Houston Texan David Anderson and tight end Owen Daniels on their quest to raise funds in support of playground and P.E. equipment for HISD elementary & middle schools. David Anderson’s enthusiasm and generosity continues to be an inspiration to us all! We are grateful for his support as well as the sincere vote of confidence it represents.”

EARLY DISMISSAL AT DOWLING MIDDLE SCHOOL TODAY!

From HISD: An electrical fire at Dowling Middle School has knocked out the power. The power will likely not be restored today, so school will dismiss at 10:30 this morning.  Buses are on the way to the school. Parents who normally pick up their children are asked to do so. For parents who cannot get there right away, the students will be across the street at Grissom Elementary School. Robocall messages will go out to parents shortly. We anticipate school being back in session tomorrow.

THE BIG FEDERAL TRIAL BEGINS FOR JERRY!

Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole is having his day in court beginning this morning.  A jury is being selected in the federal trial of the elected official.  Eversole is accused of corruption and conspiracy in his county post.  Federal investigators claim he accepted over $100,000 in bribes as a county commissioner from long time friend Michael Surface.  Eversole's attorney Rusty Hardin maintains his client has done nothing wrong.  Eversole, a six term commissioner, is asking for a speedy trial. If convicted Eversol could get 20+ years in prison and $700,000 in fines.  This is a trial to watch!

VIDEO OF THE MONTH FOR ME LAST MONTH: VERY FUNNY - "WHO YOU FINNA TRY!"

A STAPLE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN HOUSTON!

May Walker and Rev. Robert Jefferson

Tammy Campbell

Wretha Thomas in black and yellow!

It wouldn't be Black history month without attending the Pillar of the Community awards put on by the Houston Educational Support Personnel.  The union holds the event every year and the Insite has had the pleasure of serving as the master of ceremonies for the last 4 or 5 years.  Here are some of the honorees this year: May Walker and Rev. Robert Jefferson to name few.  Thanks to Wretha Thomas and the crew for inviting me again this year.  Congratulations to all the honorees!

THE BIG CHILI CONTEST AT FOX 26!

Joel Mathiason with Aprille meek

Doug Delony

Jake, Robert Hudson and Kristi Powers

I hae to give it to the FOX 26 spirit team, they're always come up with great ideas to bring the entire station together.  With rodeo season upon us they came up with a chili cooking contest.  Just under a half dozen people prepared chili and for a small fee of $5 you were allowed to taste them all and pick the winner.  As usual the Insite still owes $5 to the spirit team.  I'll pay.  Great job guys!

GALVAN: I'M A SOUTH TEXAS GIRL!

Kristine Galvan

Out with the old..

...in with the new!

It was only a few years ago when I featured FOX 26 reporter Kristine Galvan on the Insite for our Getting Around Town segment.  I showcased her new ride.  It was a shiny new white Range Rover.  That was then, this is now.  Kristine has since decided the Rover was not her at all.  The south Texas native wanted to get back to her roots.  That's why she's pushing the new fully loaded tank size Chevy Suburban.  I spotted it in the FOX 26 parking lot last week.  Galvan had to wait nearly a month to get it because the vehicle was sold out in Texas. So, if you see a petite reporter pushing wheels way too big for her - just honk your horn because it's likely our girl Kristine getting back to her roots!

INSITE PICTURES OF THE WEEK: MEET SAMUEL GONZALEZ!

I did a report last Friday about the theft of car rims.  In the city of Houston there have been more than 3,000 rims stolen over the last two years according to the Houston Police Department.  While putting the piece together I ran into Samuel Gonzalez.  He drives a red candy colored SUV.  He also has just under $4,000 worth of rims on his wheels.  In order to keep his ride safe Sam keeps his .45 calibre strapped to his hip.  The concealed license permit holder says he's only had to pull his gun out once on a suspicious person who came to close.  Roll on Sam!

THE INSITE'S NEW HOME COMPUTER FRESH OFF LAYAWAY AND FROM OFFICE MAX!

I got tired of the Apple Mac computer so I decided it was time for a change.  For some reason maintaining the Insite seems to be a whole lot easier on the PC.  So, say hello to my new Acer computer with 1TB of storage space.  It's working great so far and I can watch tv on my 24 inch LED monitor I bought as well.  Those 36 layaway payments really wore me out!

AMOBI OKOYE SAYS IF HE RUNS ACROSS JESSICA TATA HE WILL HIT HER WITH A BLITZ!

The death of four babies at Jessica Tata's daycare here in Houston is so tragic sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.  And that's exactly what I did Saturday night at an event in Houston.  It was a fundraiser held by Houston Texans football player Amobi Okoye. I served as the emcee for the evening.  Okoye was raising money to take books and other supplies to kids in Africa.  He's going back to his home which just happens to be Nigeria.  It's the same place where investigators believe Jessica Tata fled to after that daycare fire.  Arson investigators say she left several children alone in the house while she went to a store.  We all know what happened next.  Tata supposedly left the country and went to Nigeria to escape criminal charges.  It's where her parents are from.  Anyway, I told Okoye at his event Saturday night, before a packed crowd, if he runs across a 22 year old wearing a red shirt and a silly look on her face make sure he blitz her and bring her back to America to face charges.  He agreed.  Okoye is leaving for Africa on Friday!

ATTORNEY DAVID CHAUMETTE HONORED AGAIN FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

Sugar Land resident and Houston attorney David A. Chaumette was honored this month by the State Bar of Texas for his exceptional contributions in 2010 to the State Bar’s continuing legal education efforts.   Mr. Chaumette received an award from TexasBarCLE, the Bar’s division for providing continuing legal education and one of the premier providers in the nation.

Patrick Nester, Director of TexasBarCLE, explained the significance of the award.  “All of our volunteers deserve our gratitude for contributing to the continuing education of their peers.  Nevertheless, some stand out each year for extraordinary dedication and commitment.  We look  forward to singling out individuals that not only gave enormously to our efforts, but also were gracious, easy to work with and—oftentimes—helped us out in a real pinch.”

A member of the State Bar’s Continuing Legal Education committee, Mr. Chaumette consistently advocated for the importance of fostering diversity in the State Bar’s pool of volunteer speakers.  As one of the course directors for last year’s Advanced Civil Trial Course, he also presented at five courses in 2010.  A creative and gifted speaker, Mr. Chaumette is known for his clear and well-organized delivery of difficult and technically complex material.  This comment by an attendee may sum it up the best:  “David is an outstanding speaker/communicator on an extremely relevant topic.  Thank you for including him in the program.”

“Without volunteers,” Nester continued, “CLE from the State Bar couldn’t be nearly as high quality, as abundant, or as affordable.  Attorney volunteers are the reason TexasBarCLE can claim the slogan, ‘Education by the Bar, for the Bar.’”

The award, a handsome cobalt blue obelisk, is inscribed with “A Standing Ovation for an Outstanding Volunteer of 2010.”  It also bears Mr. Chaumette’s name, the logo for the TexasBarCLE, and the seal of the State Bar of Texas.

PROVIDING IN THE STATES AND ABROAD!

Sheriff Adrian Garcia and Amobi Okoye

Henry Dibrell and wife

Okoye's NFL friends sign autographs

Congratulations to Houston Texans' football player Amobi Okoye.  He held another successful gala and fundraiser Saturday night to help with his mission of mentoring in America and Africa.  The Nigerian native provides books, food, and hope to young people around the world.  Supporters of the football player say they're shocked at just how much a 23 year old cares about young people in his dual communities.  Okoye is heading to Africa on Friday to deliver books and other gifts to the young people who admire the now American athlete.  The Insite had the distinct honor of serving as master of ceremonies at Amobi's event.  Sheriff Adrian Garcia and his wife were special guests along with Houston City Council member Wanda Adams.  Thanks to Okoye's foundation director Henry Dibrell for inviting me.  Here are some of the pictures I snapped at the event!