ENDORSEMENT DEALS ON SHAKY GROUND!

FIRST THE JUICE NOW THE WATCH!

From E*Canada: Looks like the Tiger Woods empire may have a crack in it.

Earlier this week Gatorade announced they would no longer partner with the word’s great golfer — though they claimed the dcision was made before the car accident and subsiquent scandal.

Now, Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer Says they are going yank ads featuring Woods.

Tag Heuer is pulling placards of Woods from all Australian jewellery stores, but the watchmaker says the move is not connected to Woods’ recent scandal involving extra-marital affairs, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.

Tag Heuer’s decision to pull Woods’ advertisements is the second in his long list of endorsers. Earlier this week, Gatorade announced it was dropping its Woods-branded drink, Tiger Focus, but it also said the decision to pull the drink had nothing to do with the golfer’s recent transgressions.

“We change our campaigns probably four or five times per annum,” Tag Heuer general manager Philip Richards told the Herald.

He also said the move was as a result of the conclusion of the Australian Open golf tournament last Sunday, which puts an end to Tag Heuer’s “golf focus” this year.

Richards also confirmed that Woods’ endorsement deal with the company is still intact.

But it’s clear that all the companies that work with Woods are trying to cover their bases. The coincidental timing of ads being pulled, not to mention the fact that Woods has not appeared in a single prime-time commercial since Nov. 29 (according to Nielsen) is cause for suspicion.

The companies – including Nike, Gillette and Electronic Arts – are teetering on both sides, trying not to insult those who are disgusted by the golfer’s recent actions, but also trying to balance it with those who couldn’t care less about his personal life.

If you live under a rock, Woods was in a minor car accident on Nov. 27, and since then, reports of marital troubles came to light, and many women have come forward claiming they have all had affairs with Woods.

DR. STEVEN HOTZE WANTS TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT!

HE'S SAYS HE'S TAKING A STAND AGAINST THE AGENDA AND ALL THE OUT OF TOWN POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS!

The Insite received a call just before 10 this morning. It was Houston Conservative Republican Dr. Steven Hotze. We chatted for about 15 minutes on the phone. He wanted the Insite to correct an error he saw on the blog.

Hotze said he never said or wrote that openly gay Mayoral candidate Annise Parker was 'Godless.' Review of the Conservative Republicans of Harris County mail piece indicates that Dr. Hotze is correct. Dr. Hotze says he simply doesn't agree with Parker's politics.

The physician and political activist also says he also doesn't agree with the homosexual lifestyle nor its political agenda. Hotze says he's not quite sure why he should be considered the bad guy when he disagrees with another person's political philosophy or lifestyle.

The father of 8 children and 13 grandchildren says he simply doesn't agree with homosexuality and he doesn't want his family exposedto it. Dr. Hotze also says he feels there is an agenda by the openly gay candidates who are vying for city offices in Houston. He says the details are in the numbers.

Hotze says he had his accountant go over the political contributions to Mayoral candidates Gene Locke and Annise Parker. He tells the Insite he uncovered a pattern. According to the Houstonian that pattern was found in the December reporting period. He says Parker had more than 700 donations from people and entities outside of Houston. That amount comes to more than $300,000.

Hotze says Locke only received political contributions from about 75 people or groups outside of Houston.

The Conservative tells the Insite it's clear that others are pushing an agenda in Houston by their hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions to Parker. Others who are not a part of this community. Hotze says that it is clear that their agenda is to promotehomosexuality. He says, "if we want to oppose it, somehow we're the bad guys.”

The Homosexual Agenda Submitted by Hotze:

1. Mandate public acceptance of the homosexual activities.
2. Teach homosexuality to school children, starting in kindergarten, as an acceptable, alternative lifestyle. This is known as multisexualism. This enables homosexuals to recruit children to their lifestyle.
3. Adoption of children by homosexuals.
4. Lower or remove age of consent laws leading to relaxation of laws prohibiting pedophilia. See www.nambla.org/
5. Elevate homosexuals to a minority class, leading to affirmative action for homosexuals in the workplace. Cross dressers could force employers to accept their actions at work.
6. Prohibit any speech which opposes homosexual activity. This would be considered “hate speech” and have criminal sanctions. This would destroy

1^st Amendment free speech rights for those who oppose homosexual conduct

and the homosexual political movement.

7. Require employee benefits to be provided to same sex partners.
8. Legalize same sex marriage
9. Elect candidates to office who will work to implement the homosexual agenda.

Note: The Insite sent a request to Parker's campaign and the local Houston GLBT organization for a response to this post. It will be posted as soon as I receive it!

FIVE HOUSTON SCHOOLS GET HIGH NATIONAL RANKING!

Five HISD schools are on the 2010 Best High Schools list in the latest issue of U.S. News and World Report. Carnegie Vanguard High School and the Michael DeBakey High School for Health professions made the top 100 list. DeBakey was placed at number 40 and Carnegie Vanguard at number 77. Both schools have made the Top 100 list since its inception three years ago.

The top 100 schools in the analysis earned gold medals. The next 461 schools were awarded silver medals and 1189 schools earned bronze medals.

Challenge Early College High School, The High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice and the High School for Performing and Visual Arts received Silver Medals and Eastwood Academy received a Bronze Medal.

HISD is the only school district in Harris County to have any schools on the top 100 list. Two independent Houston charter schools also made the list. Carnegie Vanguard has continually achieved excellence in an old elementary school building which is considerably less than excellent. Last night in its regular monthly meeting the HISD Board of Education unanimously approved a plan to build a brand new Carnegie Vanguard High School on property the district owns next to the Gregory Lincoln Elementary and Middle School near downtown.

U.S. News and World Report uses a formula produced in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K–12 data research and analysis business run by Standard & Poor’s. The magazine put 18,743 high schools in 49 states through a three-step analysis. First, they measure how each school’s students performed on state tests, adjusting for student circumstances. They next evaluate how well each school’s disadvantaged students did. Finally, they look at whether the school was successful in providing college-level coursework.

BELIEVE AND GET A FREE GIFT CARD!

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS HAVE THE RIGHT NAME!

There is a campaign going on at the department store Macy's. It's called the Believe campaign. But let's get to the good part. Apparently, the retailer is anxious to give away money. Today and today only (Friday) Macy's is giving away a $10 gift card to anyone with the name Virginia. It's a tie in to a new animated feature the store is supporting. So take your identification to any Macy's store and get your free gift card if your name is Virginia!

A LITTLE BUSINESS AND PLEASURE!

THE JAGUAR NATION COMES TOGETHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS!














Members of the Southern University Houston Alumni Chapter held their monthly meeting and Christmas party Thursday evening at the home of Jaguar LaRence Snowden. As expected the event was packed with enthusiastic Jaguars anxious to take care of business and celebrate the holiday. The Jaguars' goal is to raise money for Houstonians who plan to attend Southern University. When the core mission was out of the way it was time for lots of food, fun, and good fellowshipping. Lots of attendees you've seen here on the Insite before like: Carl Daniel, Millette Scott, Dennis Brown, Earl Nelson, LaRence Snowden, and many more...Here are some of the pics taken by Carl Daniel!

GENE LOCKE'S BASE IS ALL OVER THE MAP!

THE BIG RALLY IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON!






The Insite attended a rally for Mayoral candidate Gene Locke while I was on assignment for FOX 26 news. The point Locke and his staffers wanted to get across is his base for the bid for Mayor was all over the map. What did I see? Black and White...Republicans and Democrats...Men and Women. The whole purpose of the Thursday late morning rally was to show voters they are not alone if they vote for Locke. There were also lots of political heavyweights at the event. Some I recognized and some I didn't: Burt Keller, Mike Sullivan, CO Bradford, May Walker, Joseph Slovacek, Kirbyjon Caldwell, El Franco Lee, John Whitmire and Rodney Ellis to name a few. Here are the pictures I snapped!

THE FOX 26 NEWS HOLIDAY LUNCHEON!

CELEBRATING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH LOTS OF FOOD!















I had to close my eyes and nose as I walked through the FOX 26 break room Thursday. The smell of the barbecue was overwhelming. I watched as dozens of my co-workers enjoyed lots of free food to celebrate the holiday. It's done annually at FOX. Lots of familiar faces were there enjoying the vittles: Melinda Spaulding, Kristie Powers, Sibila Vargas, D'artagnan Bebel, Ford Atkinson, Randy Wallace, Carolyn Mungo, Aaron Johnson, Mena El Sharkari, Pattie Shieh, Greg Groogan, Aprille Meek and the list goes on. Here are some of the pictures I snapped!

MAYOR BILL WHITE CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS WITH THE NEWS MEDIA!

THIS IS THE LAST ONE FOR THE MAYOR!


















Members of the press from radio to television were present for the annual and last Christmas party thrown by Mayor Bill White. It was held Thursday night at the House of Blues. Dozens of people attended the event and were treated to an open bar with great food. This is White's last Christmas party as Mayor because this is his last term in office. The most supporters can hope for now is a party in Austin if White is elected Governor of Texas. Lots of familiar faces: Gail Brown, Joe Turner, Terence Fontaine, Chief Harold Hurtt, Joel Eisenbaum, Lee McGuire, Andrea White, Annise Parker, Carol Alvarado, Levi and Janis Benton, Kim Davis, Marcus Davis, Gerald Womack, and the list goes on!

THE FALLOUT CONTINUES FROM THE POLITICAL CARTOON!

IT'S ADRIAN GARCIA DAY IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON!

ALSO - HOW HE'S KEEPING CRIME STOPPERS SOLVENT!

Houston Mayor Bill White proclaimed December 10, 2009 as Sheriff Adrian Garcia Day for the sheriff’s work and contribution to fighting crime, especially through his support of Crime Stoppers.

According to the proclamation, presented Thursday by Council Member Edward Gonzalez, Sheriff Garcia “is maintaining a pivotal role in helping ensure the success of Crime Stoppers. Cooperation as both the sheriff and as a concerned citizen has greatly assisted not only the organization, but also the countless number of people Crime Stoppers helps.”

The presentation was made at a news conference announcing Sheriff Garcia’s allocation of half a million dollars of seized funds to Crime Stoppers. The money will be used to further Crime Stoppers’ mission to solve and prevent crime in the Greater Houston Area. “We’re doing some big time recycling today. My payment to Crime Stoppers is being made with assets seized from criminals. Their ill-gotten gains will be used to catch OTHER criminals just like them. We’re recycling crime money,” the sheriff said.

Through October of this year, tips to Crime Stoppers helped arrest 673 felons in the Greater Houston Area, including 9 capital murderers. That’s more arrests than all of last year. “These numbers are thanks to Sheriff Garcia’s commitment to double the number of his deputies assigned to the Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Detail,” said Katherine Cabannis, Executive Director of Crime Stoppers of Houston.

“Crime Stoppers is an essential tool to fighting crime,” said Garcia. “The allocation of the $500,000 is in recognition of the organization’s work and to significantly increase the number of arrests and solved crimes they assist with,” he added.

SOME IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY ARE OUTRAGED!

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS EDITORIAL CARTOON?

If you didn't read the Wednesday edition of the Houston Chronicle then you likely don't know what the firestorm is about. That's why the Insite is hear to give you the low down.

There was a cartoon that appeared in the editorial section of the Chron that has some African Americans on the radio and around the water cooler screaming foul.

It shows Mayoral candidate Gene Locke handcuffed and tucked in a bed with a White man. A bed that's also covered with political contributions - cash money. The illustration has Locke saying he can explain why he was caught in this compromising position. That White man in the bed with Locke is Conservative activist Dr. Stephen Hotze.

The people the Insite talked with say the Chronicle is sending a subliminal message to voters in Houston. That message: Why is a Black Democrat aligning himself with a White Conservative in politics. They also say it sends a message of homosexuality by putting two men in one bed.

Dr. Hotze has made it clear he does not want Annise Parker as Mayor of Houston. In one of his mailers he tells his supporters Houston has to be saved from Godless people. Likely, Dr. Hotze's idea of Godless people are homosexuals and supporters of the openly gay candidate for Mayor - Annise Parker.

But back to the cartoon. Some in the African American community say the Chronicle has endorsed Parker and this is their way of firing a political shot at her opponent. They also call the cartoon disrespectful and tasteless.

Locke's campaign did not issue any statements on the matter Wednesday. The Insite called the Chronicle to see if management there was issuing any statements. I was told by a spokesperson, "not to her knowledge."

What do you think about the cartoon and does it send a message in this hotly contested election?

MORE PEOPLE VOTED EARLY IN THE RUNOFF WITH LESS TIME!

WHICH CANDIDATE DO YOU THINK WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS?

IT APPEARS MORE PEOPLE CARE ABOUT THE RUNOFF THAN THEY DO THE GENERAL ELECTION.

THE NUMBERS ARE IN AND OFFICIALS FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE SAY MORE THAN 56-THOUSAND PEOPLE CAST THEIR BALLOTS IN THIS ROUND OF EARLY VOTING. THAT'S COMPARED TO ONLY 52-THOUSAND PEOPLE VOTING EARLY IN NOVEMBER.

KEVIN MAUZY WITH THE CLERK'S OFFICE SAYS WHAT'S MORE INTERESTING IS THERE WERE ONLY 9 DAYS TO VOTE IN THE RUNOFF AND 12 DURING THE GENERAL ELECTION...AND STILL THE RUNOFF EARLY TURNOUT WAS BETTER THAN NOVEMBER.

EXACT NUMBERS: 52,276 NOVEMBER EARLY VOTING (12 DAYS)
56,106 RUNOFF EARLY VOTING (9 DAYS)

ANIMAL ACTIVISTS HAVE ISSUES WITH ANNISE PARKER!

HOW MANY PETS DID PARKER TURN IN TO THE CITY SHELTER?

Press Release:

Noah's Ark PAC

December 7, 2009

As part of the candidate screening process, Noah's Ark PAC reviewed documents obtained from BARC through a public information request. The request was made for information regarding the surrendering of animals to BARC by each mayoral candidate.

According to BARC kennel cards, Annise Parker and her partner, Kathy Hubbard, have turned in several animals to BARC including a cat and three puppies (see attached). The kennel cards are for the relinquishing of animals that happened on April 29, 2005 and May 4, 2007--both turn-ins occurred after much media coverage during 2004 and 2005 regarding BARC's astronomically high kill rate and deplorable conditions.

From the documents received, it appears that Parker and Hubbard's dumping of three puppies in 2007 would have occurred after Parker had served on the Mayor's Working Group for Animal Protection, a committee in which she was present for the sharing of disturbing information regarding the many problems at BARC.

Noah's Ark PAC contacted Parker's campaign regarding the matter and received the following statement:

Annise Parker and Kathy Hubbard rescue feral cats and either keep the ones who are tame or socialized or find homes for them. If they are feral, they turn them into BARC. Annise says the descriptions on the kennel cards should indicate the cats were feral. At this time, Annise and Kathy have three rescue cats, one rescue dog and two cats adopted from the SPCA as part of their family.

Parker's statement is consistent with her responses to the Noah's Ark PAC and No Kill Houston candidate questionnaires. Parker responded to the PAC's questions by advocating for more "sweeps" of the Corridor of Cruelty, essentially calling for BARC to catch and kill more animals as a way to resolve the high incidents of homeless pets in the area. In her own words on No Kill Houston's survey, Parker opposed trap-neuter-release programs for feral cats, opting instead for the city to continue its practice of catching and killing cats that otherwise could live outdoors without negatively impacting public health or taxpayer's pocket books. It's a practice she and her partner apparently take to heart.

After 12 years at city hall, Parker still just does not get it. Rescuing animals means bringing them into a home and saving their lives, not taking them to a shelter that has become a national embarrassment so that they can be killed. With all of the knowledge that Parker should have about BARC, it is unimaginable that she and her partner could continue to dump animals at BARC's notoriously mismanaged and inhumane facility.

For Parker and Hubbard to consider their practice of dumping animals at BARC as a means of "rescue" is a slap in the face to the many Houstonians that sacrifice their financial and emotional well-being to secure loving, safe homes for homeless pets.

Noah's Ark PAC calls on Parker and Hubbard to stop increasing the kill rate by dumping animals at BARC and encourages voters not to keep Parker at city hall where she will most certainly continue to help perpetuate BARC's culture of cruelty.

Noah's Ark PAC screens and endorses candidates for public office, promotes the accountability of elected officials and raises awareness of animal welfare issues.

Noah's Ark PAC

P.O. Box 273285

Houston, Texas 77277-3285

PRESIDENT OBAMA SAYS HE NEEDS YOUR HELP!

A NOTE - WILL YOU ANSWER THE CALL OR NOT?

As we head into the final stretch on health reform, big insurance company lobbyists and their partisan allies hope that their relentless attacks and millions of dollars can intimidate us into accepting the status quo.
Dear ?????,

So I have a message for them, from all of us: Not this time. We have come too far. We will not turn back. We will not back down.

But do not doubt -- the opponents of reform will not rest. So I need you, the members of Organizing for America, to fight alongside me.

We must continue to build out our campaign -- to spread the facts on the air and on the ground, and to bring in more volunteers and train them to join the fight. I urgently need your help to keep Organizing for America's 50-state movement for reform going strong.

Please donate $5 or whatever you can afford today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/FinalStretch

Let's win this together,

President Barack Obama

TWO MINISTRY WORKERS ACCUSED OF TAKING BRIBES WHILE ONE WAS ALLEGEDLY SELLING DRUGS OUT OF A WAREHOUSE!

HPD PROMISES TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PROBLEMS IN THE FINGERPRINT DIVISION!

WILL THIS RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AT THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT?

HPD Press Release: In response to the recent auditing of the Houston Police Department Latent Fingerprint Lab, the Houston Police Department is conducting an ongoing internal investigation to determine what violations of administrative policies or criminal laws, if any, may have occurred in the evaluation of fingerprint evidence by Lab employees. The auditing process, conducted on behalf of the Police Department by Ron Smith and Associates, is reflected in two documents – one dated September 10, 2009 and the other dated October 20, 2009. Because the Police Department remained open to the possibility of actual criminal activity, in addition to procedural administrative violations, the department initially withheld the audits from public release to avoid any potential hindrance or negative effects on the pending investigation.

The Police Department did receive requests for a copy of the audits from multiple parties including various Council Members and media outlets. Those requests were taken under consideration because of the potentially criminal nature of the conduct being investigated. However, Chief Hurtt, along with key command staff members, has conducted an expedited review of the audits to determine if the audits could be released without interfering with a criminal investigation. Chief Hurtt said, “This Department and I wanted to be as transparent as reasonably possible while still protecting the integrity of an investigation where there was a possibility that the investigation would reveal criminal activity. Depending on what the ongoing investigation brings to light, we will remain open to the possibility that criminal acts may have taken place; however, at this time I have concluded that a release of the audits conducted by Ron Smith & Associates will not hinder the ongoing investigation. Therefore, I am authorizing the release of the audits.”

The Department is committed to resolving this critical matter as soon as possible and will continue to work with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in reviewing the case.

IS THERE A BEEF BETWEEN CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS SUE LOVELL AND JOLANDA JONES!

WHY IS SHE ATTACKING SOMEONE WHO ISN'T IN HER DISTRICT RACE?

It's kind of strange to see a City Council Member go after another sitting Council Member when the Council Member who's doing the attacking is in a runoff election herself. Who am I talking about? Apparently, Sue Lovell has sent out a mailer attacking Jolanda Jones. The mailer essentially says Jones was disrespectful to fire fighters in Houston and that's why Houstonians shouldn't vote for her. This attack comes as Lovell is in yet another runoff election herself to keep her job on the council. Jones is also facing a runoff opponent and Lovell maybe trying to help the opposition. Apparently, Lovell is not focused on addressing her own competition but a fellow Council member in another race. I was left confused when I received the mailer. Take a look at it and tell me what you think!

(CLICK TO ENLARGE PICTURE)

THE BLIND MAN'S CANE!

HE SHOULD COULD SEE THOSE CURVES!

I was a bit confused while sitting in the FOX news unit in downtown Houston Tuesday afternoon. I noticed a man with one of those cane's used by individuals who are visually impaired. I wouldn't have noticed him except for the fact that he was looking all around. Especially, when curvy young ladies walked by his eyes focused right on them. I'm not quite sure if the red and white cane was decoration, a new trend, or if he has limited sight. But it left me with a lot of questions. What do you think I witnessed?

MELINDA IS BACK ON THE AIR AT FOX 26!

MIKE'S CO-ANCHOR BACK ON THE NEWS SET!

If you haven't seen FOX 26 news at 5pm this week, you've missed the return on a familiar face. Anchor Melinda Spaulding has returned back to her seat on the afternoon newscast. As many of you know Melinda took some time off to welcome the newest member of her family 13 week old Landon Joy Chevalier. Or as Melinda calls the baby Landy Pandy. Melinda says she is very glad to be at work but as usual with all new mothers it's always tough to leave the new bundle of joy behind. Welcome back Melinda. It's good to see you on the small screen again. By the way, the distinguished gentleman next to her is legendary FOX anchor Mike Barajas...Melinda's co-anchor!

SOUTHERNITES ENJOY AN EVENING WITH SCOTT GERTNER!

PARTYING IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON!




When it comes to live entertainment you can't do any better than Scott Gertner's Skybar. A half dozen school officials from Southern University learned that this weekend. They were given a special table by the premier act in Houston - Scott Gertner himself. The Grammy nominated singer went through a long list of hits as the Louisianians in town for the TSU game enjoyed the show. On that list: Tony Clayton, Shane Zander, Domoine Rutledge, Millette Clayton Scott, and more. Here are some of the pictures captured by the Insite!

HPOU OFFICIALS SAY ANNISE PARKER CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS!

BLANKINSHIP: PARKER TAKES ALL THE CREDIT FOR THE GOOD AND DISTANCE HERSELF FROM THE BAD!

Press Release: The Houston Chronicle today exposed the magnitude of HPD’s staffing and funding problems in the piece “DNA not just for homicides anymore.”

In the article, Chief Hurtt is quoted, “I’m so frustrated with the whole process. We find a problem, we find a solution, and…everybody says, this is important. We have to do it. However, it doesn’t seem to be a priority. And we’re not going to be able to do this for free.”

“It is refreshing and sad at the same time to finally hear the chief of police explain how very serious funding needs are ignored. During this campaign season, we have heard Ms. Annise Parker talk about her insider experience and prowess as it relates to audits and knowing how to make this work,” said HPOU President Gary Blakinship.

Parker is aware that our department is at least 1,500 officers understaffed. She has known about the crime lab problems and has had six years to conduct audits and expose the problems associated with such an important component of what HPD is suppose to do to insure justice.

“The problems have remained the same and we have 1,664 officers eligible for retirement today and Ms. Parker is on record saying she will not cut or increase HPD’s budget. In reality her plan to do nothing is indeed a cut. Demands for HPD service continues to increase and the citizens of our city need to know that HPD will continue to be there for them," said Blakinship.

"The business of running a major international city and funding a first-class law enforcement agency requires vision and decisiveness to do what is right to make the city safe. Doing nothing is not an option,” continued Blankinship.

"Ms. Parker has enjoyed taking credit for all the good and distancing herself for political reasons from the bad. The fact is, she has been right there in the mix as delaying decisions have been executed and she can’t have it both ways, concluded Blankinship.

FOX 26 NEWS: HESTER-GATE!

LOCAL EARLY VOTING LOCATION THE SUBJECT OF A BURGLARY AND SOME ARE VERY SUSPICIOUS!

BUDDY HOLLY TRIBUTE AND TOY DRIVE!

A TOY DRIVE PLUS YOU'RE HELPING THE KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY!

HOUSTON TELEVISION PERSONALITY TALKS ABOUT P. DIDDY'S LATE ARRIVAL!

AN END OF AN ERA AT SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY IN BATON ROUGE!

PETE RICHARDSON GIVEN HIS WALKING PAPERS AS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH!

Southern University Athletic Director, Greg LaFleur, has announced that the University has relieved head football coach, Pete Richardson and his staff, of their duties effective immediately.

Damon Nivens, offensive line coach, will serve as interim coach until a replacement is named.

Total compensation has not yet been worked out.

“We sat down and did what was in the best interest of Southern University”, says LaFleur.

The "Dean of the SWAC", Richardson's success as head of the football program has been well documented. Southern University had four, 11-win seasons and one 12 win season – the 2003 Championship season in Richardson's tenure. Richardson compiled a record of 134 wins and 62 losses in his 17 year tenure at SU. He also has 176 career wins as a head coach (.696 winning %) in his 20 years overall as a head coach. His 134 wins trailed on AW Mumford’s 176 wins.

Richardson's honors include being named the Black Coaches Association's Coach of the Year in 1998, five-time SWAC Coach of the Year (1995, '97, '98, '99 and '03), Atlanta's 100% Wrong Club's Coach of the Year (1995, '97, '98, '99 and '03), Washington D.C.'s Pigskin Club's Coach of the Year (1995, '98 and '03), the Kodak Region IV Coach of the Year (1995) and the Sheridan Broadcasting Network's Coach of the Year (1997 & 2003).

Richardson's also had the distinction of being named the 1999 Nokia Sugar Bowl Louisiana Coach of the Year.

No timetable has been set at this time for bringing in a new coach, although Lafleur added that “the process would begin immediately.”

AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY LEADERS CALL FOR HOUSTON POLICE CHIEF TO RESIGN!

CHIEF HAROLD HURTT'S RESPONSE:

"I have stated publicly my support for an independent crime lab. This
is a very complicated issue with many agencies and many issues to be
resolved. The department is conducting a thorough Internal Affairs
investigation into the Latent Print Unit and possible misconduct on the
part of any employee. In addition, the Harris County District
Attorney’s Office is working with the department to conduct a
thorough criminal review of the issue.”

BILLY GOAT BANDIT TRIMS HIS WHISKERS AND ROBS AGAIN!

SUSPECTED IN AT LEAST 5 AREA HEISTS!

The Houston FBI Bank Robbery Task Force is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man who is now suspected in at least 5 Houston area bank robberies. The latest occurred at the Wells Fargo located inside the Randall’s Grocery Store located at 11041 Westheimer in Houston, Texas on 12/04/2009. In previous robberies, the robber sported a unique straggly beard with extra long chin hair, earning him the nickname of the “Billy Goat Bandit.” During this most recent robbery, the robber’s chin whiskers were more neatly trimmed.

At about 1:45p.m., the male entered the Randall’s Store and approached the bank located inside the store. He asked for a withdrawal slip and then produced a note from his coat sleeve. He showed the note to the teller which demanded money in a threatening manner. The teller handed him a small amount of money and the robber fled on foot. No getaway vehicle was observed. No one was physically hurt during the robbery.

The “Billy Goat Bandit” is described as a black male, mid-twenties, 5’10”-6’ tall, with an average build. He had a dark complexion and trimmed goatee. He wore a black baseball cap with an unknown design and a black jacket.

The “Billy Goat Bandit” is suspected in at least 4 other Houston area robberies: the Woodforest Bank at 12484 Northwest Freeway on 10/16/2009; the First Convenience Bank at 11701 South Sam Houston Parkway on 10/27/2009; the Primeway Federal Credit Union at 9828 Blackhawk on 11/14/2009; and the Wells Fargo at 1407 South Voss on 11/19/2009.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and arrest of the “Billy Goat Bandit”, or any felony suspect. If you have information about this crime, please call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or the Houston office of the FBI at 713-693-5000.

INSITE CAR SALESMAN OF THE WEEK!

MIKE MOTEN PUTTING YOU IN YOUR RIDE AND HELPING OUT IN THE COMMUNITY!

If you're out there looking for a new car this is the man you want to see. He is Mike Moten, Internet Sales Extraordinaire, at Planet Ford. Mike is a down to earth person who has the patience to help you pick out the ride of your choice. So if you're used to the shady salesman who wants to rush you in and out - Mike is not your guy. Mike is also involved in the community. He's out raising money each year to buy toys for underprivileged children in the community. So what's there not to trust. Make sure if you're in the market for a new or used car go see your buddy Mike Moten at Planet Ford in Spring. He even gives you his cellphone number. Mike is officially the Insite car salesman of the week. Go check out the Insite's good friend and tell him I sent you!

Phone number: (832) 326-8318

More Info:

Planet Ford

- www.planetford.com
20403 Interstate 45, Spring -

(281) 355-3622

MAJOR STAR POWER TO ENTERTAIN FORT HOOD FAMILIES AFTER TRAGEDY!

FROM GARY SINISE TO CHAMILLIONAIRE!

Fort Hood will host “Fort Hood Community Strong,” a day for healing, fun and entertainment Dec. 11 to uplift the spirits of the Fort Hood community in the wake of the Nov. 5 shooting incident. Held at Hood Stadium, this event will feature free carnival rides, games, food and entertainment.

Fort Hood is home to more than 349,000 military personnel, family members, retirees and civilian employees.

“Fort Hood Community Strong” will feature performances and appearances by NHRA Army car driver Tony Schumacher, Mallory Lewis and “Lamb Chop,” Bonzo Crunch the clown, The Houston Texans Cheerleaders, actor Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, comedian Dana Carvey, rapper Chamillionaire, the Zac Brown Band, STAIND lead singer Aaron Lewis and Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers.

This event is free and open to the public. For up to date event information including a schedule of events and transportation information, please see www.hoodmwr.com. The USO, with the support of Fort Hood FMWR and AAFES, sponsors this event.

FOX 26 NEWS: WANTED SUSPECT CAPTURED!

BACK BEHIND BARS AFTER THE BIG ESCAPE!

An escaped inmate who has been on the run for a week is now in custody after he was spotted sleeping in a parked school bus, FOX 26 News has learned.

Arcade Joseph Comeaux Jr., 49, was apprehended just before 8 a.m. Monday. The U.S. Marshal's office says he was armed with two pistols but was taken into custody without incident.

A driver spotted the escapee sleeping on a school bus in the 7700-block of East Little York in Houston and called police. Comeaux ran from the bus, but Houston Police were able to locate him in a nearby business.

The bus is owned by a charter company, according to officials.

U.S. Marshall Deputy Cameron Welch tells FOX 26 that Comeaux was found in "his old stomping grounds" and only a couple of miles from where his ex-wife lives, but they do not know what Comeaux has been doing during his week on the run.

Welch said that Comeaux said he was hungry and hadn't eaten in five days. He said Comeaux was physically able to walk on his home but was very tired and walked with assistance upon his arrest.

More at: www.myfoxhouston.com

PETER BROWN IS GOING AFTER GENE LOCKE'S CAMPAIGN SIGNS!

BROWN: THESE BANDIT SIGNS COULD CAUSE UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS!

The back and forth just won't stop in the race for Houston's City Hall. The latest shot has been fired by former Mayoral candidate Peter Brown. He has written letters to Mayor Bill White complaining about what he calls bandit signs. Brown says those signs have been illegally placed on freeways and bridges by the Gene Locke campaign. The City Councilman says he wants the city to investigate the matter and fine Locke if necessary because it makes for unsafe driving conditions for Houstonians. Brown, who has publicly endorsed Annise Parker in the race for Mayor, says Locke has violated a city ordinance by placing the bright orange campaign signs in places not allowed. Brown says, "we're at a point where going to consider issuing citations." The Insite is awaiting a response from the Locke campaign!

Gene Locke Responds:

"Gene has very enthusiastic volunteers. So does Annise Parker. Both campaign have supporters who have placed campaign signs where they shouldn't be. I can't speak for the Parker campaign (whose signs have been seen being picked up by the City of Houston) but as soon as we are aware of a Locke sign placed in an inappropriate spot, we pick it up."

Kim Devlin,
sr advisor

WHO THE REPUBLICANS ARE SUPPORTING FOR THE RUNOFF!

THEY'RE STAYING OUT OF THE MAYOR'S RACE!

The Harris County Republican Party 2009 City of Houston Runoff Election edition of The Chairman's Report will start arriving in Republican homes tomorrow.

Because the stakes are so high in the December 12th Runoff Election, your Harris County Republican Party Advisory Board met and carefully considered the qualifications of all the candidates and voted to recommend those who we believe will uphold the principles of the Harris County Republican Party and the conservative values to which we adhere.

The following are the Republican candidates for Houston City Council and Controller that your HCRP Advisory Board recommends:

Houston City Council District A: Brenda Stardig
Houston City Council District F: Al Hoang
Houston City Council At-Large Position 1: Stephen Costello
Houston City Council At-Large Position 5: Jack Christie
Houston City Controller: M.J. Khan

FORMER SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM PRESIDENT QUESTIONED ABOUT MISSING STUFF!

THE LAWSUIT IS NOW UNDER SCRUTINY IN COURT!

From the Baton Rouge Advocate: Former Southern University System President Ralph Slaughter was grilled in state court Monday about the disappearance of furniture and other items from his office and a suite at A.W. Mumford Stadium just days before his June 30 departure.

Slaughter, who is suing the Southern University Board of Supervisors for past-due wages, testified that the only items he took were those he personally purchased.

But an attorney for Southern’s board accused Slaughter of taking property that the private Southern University System Foundation bought.

“Not only did Dr. Slaughter take things from the university, he used the Southern University Foundation as his own personal piggy bank,’’ Lewis Unglesby, who represents the Southern board, argued during a trial of Slaughter’s lawsuit.

Slaughter attorney Jill Craft rested her case late Monday after calling Slaughter and one other witness, Frances Smith, former assistant and counsel to the president.

Smith testified she saw a “parade’’ of miscellaneous Southern employees go through Slaughter’s office in the days immediately after his exit, but never saw them take anything.

State District Judge Tim Kelley recessed the trial until Wednesday.

Slaughter sued the Southern board on Sept. 4, claiming he is owed more than $100,000 in unpaid leave time. It is one of several lawsuits he has filed against the board.

Unglesby has said the only money withheld from Slaughter’s final paycheck was more than $20,000 because of missing office furniture and other items. Some missing items

included window dressings from the president’s office as well as a mounted light fixture from the lavatory in the sitting room, he said.

Unglesby challenged Slaughter on Monday over items missing from his office at the J.S. Clark Administration Building and from the president’s suite at Mumford Stadium.

Slaughter acknowledged that the foundation, at his request, picked up the $3,600 tab for the moving and storage of items he wanted removed from the university, items Slaughter said belonged to him.

Craft defended Slaughter, arguing that some members of the Board of Supervisors also had the foundation pay for certain things.

As for other items reported missing from the president’s office and the president’s suite, Slaughter said he did not know where the items are.

“Where’s the coffee table?’’ Unglesby asked.

“I don’t know, sir,’’ Slaughter replied.

“Where’s the sofa?’’ Unglesby inquired further.

“I don’t know, sir,’’ Slaughter repeated.

“Where’s the rug?’’ Unglesby asked.

“I can’t answer that,’’ Slaughter said.

Slaughter said he has never received an itemized list of items the university is looking for. “I think I read it in the newspaper,’’ he testified.

Craft said some of the items reported missing turned up in other areas of the campus, including the Center for Cultural Heritage Studies.

Craft said Slaughter’s annual compensation was $468,000. That amount included a base salary of $220,000; a $200,000 salary supplement from the foundation; a housing allowance of $36,000; and a $12,000 vehicle allowance.

Slaughter served as Southern’s president for more than three years. The board voted in March to remove him from office when his two-year contract extension ended June 30.

Slaughter was replaced by interim President Kassie Freeman while the university conducts a national search for a new system president.

Slaughter is seeking punitive damages and his job back in another lawsuit against the board.

***************************************************************************

MORE SLAUGHTER COVERAGE FROM THE BATON ROUGE ADVOCATE:

A state judge gave former Southern University System President Ralph Slaughter a severe tongue-lashing this afternoon in rejecting Slaughter’s claim against the school for past-due wages.

District Judge Tim Kelley ruled that Slaughter, who was seeking more than $100,000 in unpaid annual leave and sick leave, “is entitled to nothing’’ said he was “shocked’’ by what he called Slaughter’s abuse of authority and power while president.

Kelley also labeled Slaughter’s trial testimony “the least credible’’ he has heard in his 13 years on the bench and added that a “very, very dark era’’ in the university’s history passed when Slaughter left office June 30.

Before Slaughter left the school, Kelley said, he emptied his office and the president’s suite at A.W. Mumford Stadium of “just about everything that wasn’t nailed down.’’

Slaughter and his attorney, Jill Craft, said the judge’s decision will be appealed.

Lewis Unglesby, who represents the Southern University Board of Supervisors, said the judge hit the nail on the head.

Shortly before Kelley handed down his ruling, Unglesby referred to Slaughter in court as “King Ralph’’ and “the Grinch who stole Christmas’’ – the latter a reference to a light fixture that disappeared from Slaughter’s office the weekend before he left.

The Southern Board of Supervisors voted earlier this year not to renew Slaughter’s two-year contract extension that expired at the end of June.

WERE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE SCAMMED BY A JANKY PROMOTER?

HOUSTONIANS SAY THEY PAID FOR A CONCERT BUT THEY DIDN'T HEAR ANTHONY HAMILTON SING A SINGLE SONG!

By: Don Williams -
On Friday, December 4, 2009, I took my wife to what we thought would be an Anthony Hamilton concert. We arrived shortly after 9pm because the concert was alleged to have started at 9pm and ended at 11pm. When we arrived the venue was near capicity regarding available seating and basically there was standing room only. We settled into the bar area, had a drink, and continued to patiently wait like everyone else on Anthony Hamilton to arrive and perform. Around 11:30pm, a lady took the stage and performed 2 songs (Sidebar: My advice to her is to keep her day job, lol) and told us the next voice we would hear would be that of Anthony Hamilton. It never happened. About 12:30a.m. after realizing we'd been "had" we along with the majority of the attendants decided to leave our seats to request a refund from the promoter of the event, "Big Steve" Brown. He was nowhere to be found. Shortly thereafter, the police arrived, and myself and my wife left because it was close to 1am, and I decided this was a battle I could fight another day. From Friday night to right now I've made repeated calls to reach "Big Steve" to request a refund, and none of them have been returned. To make matters worse his voicemail box is full and can no longer accept messages. If you are one of the 800+ people who like me deserve a refund please call "Big Steve" at XXX-XXX-XXXX until he refunds our money.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN A MURDER!

THE VICTIM WAS FROM GALENA PARK!

Two suspects wanted for questioning in the murder of a Galena Park resident were arrested in Cameron County last night and transported to Wharton County by the Texas Rangers and Wharton Police Department today.

Heladio Rojas Perales, 35, of Galena Park, was found dead in his SUV Thanksgiving morning in Fort Bend County. Investigators believe he was killed at a residence in the city of Wharton earlier that week.

Monica Perez, 24, and Michael Moreno, 23, of Wharton were arrested crossing back into the U.S. at an international bridge in Brownsville last night. They were transported on a DPS airplane back to Wharton County this afternoon.

Perez and Moreno were arrested on charges of hindering apprehension and are being held in the Wharton County jail. A third suspect, identified as 21-year-old Ramon Vega of Wharton, is still at large.

The arrests were the result of a joint investigation by the Texas Rangers and the Wharton Police Department.

SYLVIA GARCIA WANTS TO HOLD ON TO HER COUNTY SEAT!

THE PAPERWORK HAS BEEN FILED!

Press Release: Sylvia R. Garcia filed today for her third term as Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 2 . "I have worked diligently these last seven years and we have made great strides in improving the quality of life for Precinct 2 residents. It would be my privilege to continue to serve the citizens of South East Harris County."

Sylvia R. Garcia has represented Harris County Precinct 2 as Commissioner since January 2003 when she became the first Hispanic and the first woman in her own right to be elected to Harris County Commissioners Court. Prior to her election as Commissioner, Garcia had served as City Controller for the City of Houston since 1998.

As a County Commissioner, she is responsible for a precinct budget of approximately $65 million and 500 employees. Precinct Two includes 416 square miles, a population of almost one million and 15 municipalities including one quarter of Houston. Her duties include oversight of building and maintenance of road and bridge projects, parks acquisition and development, libraries, health facilities, eight community centers, six county courthouse annexes and the Toll Road System which creates more than $300-million in revenue annually. Her precinct features a major base of operations for NASA, the nation’s largest petrochemical complex, the Houston Ship Channel and the Port of Houston, the sixth largest port in the world.

She is Chairman-elect of the Texas Conference of Urban Counties, serves on the board of directors of the Houston-Galveston Area Council and recently was appointed its region-wide Hurricane Ike Recovery Committee. In addition, she was elected this year as President of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), which made her the first Texan and only second woman to serve as president.

Prior to elected office, she distinguished herself as Chief Judge of Houston’s Municipal Court System as the first Hispanic, the first woman and the youngest person ever to hold that post. She went on to become the longest sitting Chief Judge, serving five terms under two mayors. Garcia worked as a social worker while earning her law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in 1978. She earned her undergraduate degree at Texas Women’s University in 1972.

FIGHTING FOR THE SURVIVAL OF THE SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM!

A MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE ALUMNI DOMOINE RUTLEDGE!

Dear Southernite:

As you may be aware, the Louisiana higher education community in general and Southern University, in particular, will face significant challenges within the coming months. The Louisiana Legislature is expected to consider and implement the recommendations of the Louisiana Postsecondary Education Review Commission, more commonly known as the Tucker Commission.

The Tucker Commission has begun its work in reviewing and analyzing Louisiana’s educational needs, relevant data, current policies and practices, structure, and funding mechanisms. While we do not know exactly what recommendations will be made, we believe the Commission is poised to recommend significant changes to our System through the closure and/or merger of at least one of our campuses, the elimination of academic programs, and the elimination of our Board of Supervisors.

Make no mistake about it, we are fighting for the survival of the Southern University System and we need your immediate financial assistance to tell our story via theSouthern University: Today…Always campaign!

The Southern University: Today…Always campaign is designed to take the message of Southern University to every corner of the State of Louisiana and to mount a very aggressive defense of our System during the 2010 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. The Tucker Commission’s report is due 45 days prior to the beginning of the 2010 Legislative Session which is scheduled to begin on March 29, 2010.

This is a very expensive undertaking and we are working on a short yet aggressive time-line. This special appeal comes requesting a contribution of at least $100 in support of Southern University’s future. Please know that we understand the financial constraints of the times and we appreciate contributions in any amount.

We have made it easy, safe, and convenient to give via our web site at www.sualumni.org or you can mail your contribution to Post Office Box 9746, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813-9746. Please make checks and money orders payable to: SU Alumni Federation. Feel free to contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 225-771-4200 should you have questions or concerns.


Domoine D. Rutledge, Esq.
National President
SU Alumni Federation