We will update this thread regularly, so please check back with us often!
All information shared is credited to the owners, and if you re-share any of it please credit the owner as well. We will have first hand interviews, photos and other media by the end of this weekend.

Occupy Houston Official Information:

http://occupyhouston.org/
Twitter: @OccupyHouston
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/OccupyHouston
UStream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/occupyhoustontx
When: October 6, 2011 the occupation begins.
Where: Herman Square Plaza (outside City Hall)

Find out where to go, “Protest Do’s and Don’ts”, what to bring, how you can help if you are Occupying or at home, and other helpful information and media.

If you have a UStream channel you would like us to share with others, please feel free to leave a comment and we will post the link here.

Mainstream News:

Protestors target bank, City Hall in Houston this morning – via Houston Chronicle

The demonstration was an outgrowth of a New York event focused on what the protesters called social and economic inequality and corporate greed. It began at 8:30 a.m at Market Square Park with about 150 protesters — many carrying placards and chanting — who then marched to the J.P. Morgan Chase Bank Tower before moving on to City Hall.

The crowd grew to more than 200 by midmorning, according to a police officer at the scene.

“We have officially occupied Hermann Square Park,” a speaker told the crowd, referring to the reflecting pool area on the east side of City Hall. “We are not going anywhere until the people are heard.”

Occupy Houston set to start Thursday in Houston – Local Houston Television Channel 39

(Video from online article here)

HOUSTON, TX— Welcome to Occupy Houston.

A movement of what exactly is the question many are asking. Change is on the plate for sure but those changes seem to vary depending on who you`re talking to.

Local Houston Television Channel ABC 13’s online photo slideshow

Inside the Occupy Houston march: Lots of characters, even more police & real, angry passion by Whitney Radley- CultureMap Houston

The protesters were well prepared, with Houston Police Department escorts to block traffic, legal observers in fluorescent caps prepared to help if anything got out of line, and an Ustream channelbroadcasting the march for those who couldn’t make it in person.

The group marched first to theJ.P. Morgan Chase tower, directed by mounted police at every stop light and encouraged by honking downtown drivers. On the plaza outside of the skyscraper, the protesters yelled and complained about corporate greed, explaining instances in which it says the company spent dollars stolen from the people of the United States.

The dozen or so Chase employees sipping coffee outside of the glass doors didn’t seem phased by the hundreds of angry protesters.

We will add more as time goes on, so check back soon…

Large crevice remains a mystey (DailyPress.net)

STEPHENSON – The sudden appearance of a 150-foot, 4-foot-deep crevice in Menominee Township remains a mystery and is causing a great deal of speculation.

The crevice appeared after landowners heard a loud boom between 8 and 9 a.m. Monday, followed by the ground shaking for a few seconds. The landowners later found a large crevice south of their Menominee Township home Tuesday.

Residents are speculating what could have caused the mysterious occurrence.

Eileen Heider, who owns the property where the crevice first appeared earlier this week, said Michigan State Police were attempting to locate an expert to come in and determine what caused the crevice.

“I have heard some people mention it appearing due to the amount of rain we received this year, but if that was the case, then there should be water in it, and the crevice is bone dry,’ said Heider.

She said there have been other theories offered, including a lightning bolt that may have struck the ground.

Other theories Heider has heard range from fissures, which with the high water table may have caused collapse, to a pocket of methane gas that exploded under pressure.

“It’s not a straight line; it’s crooked like it was made by someone who may have been drinking,” said Heider, referring to the crevice.

She added the crevice is not only in the wooded area where it was first discovered, but it also runs into a field near the Heider home.

“We don’t know if the crack started in the field and runs into the woods or if it started in the woods and runs into the field,” she said.

Heider said in some areas of the crevice, rocks can be seen, some of which have been split due to the earth’s pressure in those areas.

[READ FULL ARTICLE HERE]

Link to map of location using Google Maps:

View Larger Map

**Editor’s Note**

Just an interesting side note, I found this article while researching this topic:

Federal Govt assumes control over Great Lakes, by executive order.

Whether or not the two are connected, I do not know. However, I find it extremely interesting that an event like this took place within a couple months of this executive order. The Great Lakes have been subject to many debates over the years within our government. These debates include, however are not limited to, drainage, pollution and even emptying the lakes.

WikiLeaks to release video of civilians, journalists being murdered in airstrike
Whistleblower Web site WikiLeaks is planning to release a video that reveals what it’s calling a Pentagon “cover-up” of an incident in which numerous civilians and journalists were murdered in an airstrike, according to a recent media advisory.

The video will be released on April 5 at the National Press Club, the group said.

They also noted their members have recently been tailed by individuals under State Department diplomatic immunity, and that “one related person was detained for 22 hours” while authorities seized computer equipment.

http://rawstory.com/

By JEFF BAENEN (AP) – 8 hours ago

MINNEAPOLIS — Jesse Ventura is back for another stab at TV stardom, this time hosting a program that digs into conspiracy theories, including alternate views of what was behind the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the purpose of a sprawling research center in remote Alaska.

The former Minnesota governor, professional wrestler and Navy SEAL stars in “Conspiracy Theory With Jesse Ventura,” which premieres Wednesday night on truTV. The cable network, part of Turner Broadcasting System Inc., has ordered seven episodes of the hourlong weekly series. Read the full story

If only one half of football could win games, the Texans would have left Reliant Stadium with a victory yesterday. The Texans started the game on a 17-0 run, and appeared to have a winning game plan for the unbeaten Colts. The game had what could be described as the closest feel to a playoff game as the players and fans had felt before at Reliant Stadium. After scoring two touchdowns (they almost had a third that was lost to a Andre Johnson drop in the end zone) and two field goals, Reliant Stadium was buzzing with the fans enthusiasm and excitement. After two quarters of play, the Texans were up by thirteen, had picked off Peyton Manning twice (Brian Cushing and Brice McCain had the interceptions), and appeared to have control of the game.

Unfortunately for the Texans, Peyton Manning and the Colts defense would not allow the Colts to come out and continue their sub-par play in the second half.

After trailing 20-7 at halftime, Manning and the Colts came out of the tunnel from halftime with a new game plan that the Texans would not find a way to stop. The Colts only scored once in the third quarter (Manning to Reggie Wayne for a 4 yard TD), but began to put the Texans away for good in the final quarter of the game. In the fourth quarter, Manning would connect with Dallas Clark for a 6 yard touchdown, followed by a Clint Session interception return for a touchdown, and a 23-yard rushing touchdown for Chad Simpson on the Colts following offensive drive which put the Colts up for good.

Matt Schaub appeared to be a completely different quarterback in the second half. He would throw two interceptions before a 10-yard pass to Jacoby Jones with 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter for his only touchdown toss of the second half. The first interception Schaub threw in the third quarter appeared to be a spot pass that either: (1) did not reach its correct spot or, (2) was a result of miscommunication between Schaub and Andre Johnson. However, the second (and more costly) interception Schaub threw appeared to be an ill-advised pass on the quarterback’s part. After the Schaub-to-Jones touchdown, the Texans were only left with 18 seconds on the game clock and could not recover the ensuing onside kick for a last chance effort to tie the game.

The Texans fall to 5-6 on the year after three heartbreaking losses that have left the team, and city, questioning their once strong playoff hopes. In post game interviews, coach Kubiak repeatedly shouldered the blame for this loss against the Colts, citing game management and prior preparation. After hearing the same reasons from Kubiak following each of the Texans recent losses, many Texans fans have begun calling for Kubiak’s firing. Reports have surfaced that Bill Cowher may have interest in coaching the Texans, and after yesterday’s loss, Texans owner Bob McNair may find chatting with the former Pittsburgh Steelers’ coach appealing. Many fans called in to Houston’s Sports Radio 610 AM to express their displeasure for both Kubiak and Schaub, but the answer to ‘What is the Texans’ problem?’ may be a combination of both. While Schaub did throw two interceptions to compound his dismal second half performance, the Texans once again showed signs of conservative play calling and lack of a killer instinct after they acquired their 17 point lead.

What’s my take?

The Texans should patiently wait until the end of the season to determine whether Kubiak or Schaub (or both) should be replaced with upgraded personnel at their positions. Should the Texans manage to put together a four or five game win streak to close out their 2009-2010 season, they might still have a shot at reaching the playoffs. Although wins against teams like New England (January 3, 2010 /// 7-3 record), the Jaguars (December 6th /// 6-5 record and Texans lost 21-24 in the previous meeting on September 27), and the Dolphins (December 27 /// 5-6 record) appear to be a daunting task for this Texans squad, they do not appear to be completely out of reach if the Texans can manage to put together some complete games over the next month. Although many fans have begun calling for immediate resolutions to the Texans’ issues, they may need to wait for the season to end to clearly see the problems at hand. Talk of personnel changes at this point in the season will only compound whatever problems the Texans are currently trying to solve in order to salvage the season which began with the highest expectations since the franchise began. After the next five games if fans repeatedly hear the same “it’s on me” answers from Coach Kubiak, then the calls for Bill Cowher to replace him as coach may be the correct answer. However, if Matt Schaub cannot elevate his game of play to that of the premiere franchise quarterbacks in the NFL for the last five games, the Texans and owner Bob McNair will have to decide whether or not changing coaches is the only thing left to push the Texans into true playoff contention.

Watch exclusive videos from the game:

Southern Methodist University freshman Ryan Rosenbaum still has a lot of collegiate soccer ahead of him, but he’ll be hard pressed to ever score as memorable a goal as he did Wednesday night.

Up 2-1 against No. 16 Tulsa, SMU was on its heels trying to keep the Hurricanes from setting up the equalizer in the 63rd minute of their Conference USA game. Tulsa controlled possession, but an errant pass found the freshman Rosenbaum, who attempted to clear the ball downfield. Things ended up working out slightly better than expected.

The goal, which was kicked from approximately 95 yards out, ended up being the game winner for SMU, who downed the 16th ranked Hurricanes, 3-2. Rosenbaum’s kick had plenty of wind behind it (check out the American flag blowing behind the goal) and also benefited from a huge bounce that looked like it came more off concrete than grass.

It wasn’t just Rosenbaum’s first college goal, it was his first college shot on goal. The Tulsa game was just the fourth in which the freshman from Washington, D.C., had played. As a defender, he’s not counted on for offense. Maybe he will be now.

http://sports.yahoo.com/

Video I took when I attended Rockets training camp in McAllen in early October. One more to come:

[vodpod id=Groupvideo.3690532&w=425&h=350&fv=]

White House Communications Director Anita Dunn declared a war with Fox News this week and this morning on This Week, Axelrod reinforced their stance saying “[FOX] is really not news.”

I asked him if he’s worried his strategy is fortifying his enemy?

“I’m not concerned, Mr. Murdoch has a talent for making money,” Axelrod said.

“The only argument that Anita was making is that they are not really a news organization, if you watch even its not even their commentators, but a lot of their news program. It’s really not news, it’s pushing a point of view and the bigger thing is that other news organizations like yours, ought not to treat them that way. And we’re not going to treat them that way, we’re going to appear on their shows and participate, but understanding that they represent a point of view.”

http://blogs.abcnews.com/

White House Urges Other Networks to Disregard Fox News

Senior Obama administration officials took to the airwaves Sunday to accuse Fox News of pushing a particular point of view and not being a real news network.

The White House is calling on other news organizations to isolate and alienate Fox News as it sends out top advisers to rail against the cable channel as a Republican Party mouthpiece.

Top political strategists question the decision by the Obama administration to escalate its offensive against Fox News. And as of Monday, the four other major television networks had not given any indication that they intend to sever their ties with Fox News.

But several top White House officials have taken aim at Fox News since communications director Anita Dunn branded Fox “opinion journalism masquerading as news” in an interview last Sunday.

White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel told CNN on Sunday that President Obama does not want “the CNNs and the others in the world [to] basically be led in following Fox.”

Obama senior adviser David Axelrod went further by calling on media outlets to join the administration in declaring that Fox is “not a news organization.”

“Other news organizations like yours ought not to treat them that way,” Axelrod counseled ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. “We’re not going to treat them that way.”

Asked Monday about another Axelrod claim that Fox News is just trying to make money, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that while all media companies fall under that description, “I would say sometimes programming can be tilted toward accentuating those profits.”

But by urging other news outlets to side with the administration, Obama officials dramatically upped the ante in the war of words that began earlier this month with Dunn’s comments.

So far, none of the four other major networks has given any indication that they wish to disinvite Fox News from the White House pool — the rotation through which the networks share the costs and duties of White House coverage and the most significant interaction among the news channels.

The White House stopped providing guests to “Fox News Sunday” after host Chris Wallace fact-checked controversial assertions made by Tammy Duckworth, assistant secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, in August.

Dunn said fact-checking an administration official was “something I’ve never seen a Sunday show do.”

“She criticized ‘Fox News Sunday’ last week for fact-checking — fact-checking — an administration official,” Wallace said Sunday. “They didn’t say that our fact-checking was wrong. They just said that we had dared to fact-check.”

“Let’s fact-check Anita Dunn, because last Sunday she said that Fox ignores Republican scandals, and she specifically mentioned the scandal involving Nevada senator John Ensign,” Wallace added. “A number of Fox News shows have run stories about Senator Ensign. Anita Dunn’s facts were just plain wrong.”

Fox News senior vice president Michael Clemente said: “Surprisingly, the White House continues to declare war on a news organization instead of focusing on the critical issues that Americans are concerned about like jobs, health care and two wars. The door remains open and we welcome a discussion about the facts behind the issues.”

Observers on both sides of the political aisle questioned the White House’s decision to continue waging war on a news organization, saying the move carried significant political risks.

Democratic strategist Donna Brazile said on CNN: “I don’t always agree with the White House. And on this one here I would disagree.”

David Gergen, who has worked for Democratic and Republican presidents, said: “I totally agree with Donna Brazile.” Gergen added that White House officials have “gotten themselves into a fight they don’t necessarily want to be in. I don’t think it’s in their best interest.”

“The faster they can get this behind them, the more they can treat Fox like one other organization, the easier they can get back to governing, and then put some people out on Fox,” Gergen said on CNN. “I mean, for goodness sakes, you know, you engage in the debate.

“What Americans want is a robust competition of ideas, and they ought to be willing to go out there and mix it up with some strong conservatives on Fox, just as there are strong conservatives on CNN like Bill Bennett.”

Bennett expressed outrage that Dunn told an audience of high school students this year that Mao Zedong, the founder of communist China, was one of “my favorite political philosophers.”

“Having the spokesman do this, attack Fox, who says that Mao Zedong is one of the most influential figures in her life, was not…a small thing; it’s a big thing,” Bennett said on CNN. “When she stands up, in a speech to high school kids, says she’s deeply influenced by Mao Zedong, that — I mean, that is crazy.”

Fox News contributor Karl Rove, who was the top political strategist to former President George W. Bush, said: “This is an administration that’s getting very arrogant and slippery in its dealings with people. And if you dare to oppose them, they’re going to come hard at you and they’re going to cut your legs off.”

“This is a White House engaging in its own version of the media enemies list. And it’s unhelpful for the country and undignified for the president of the United States to so do,” Rove added. “That is over- the-top language. We heard that before from Richard Nixon.”

Media columnist David Carr of The New York Times warned that the White House war on Fox “may present a genuine problem for Mr. Obama, who took great pains during the campaign to depict himself as being above the fray of over-heated partisan squabbling.”

“While there is undoubtedly a visceral thrill in finally setting out after your antagonists, the history of administrations that have successfully taken on the media and won is shorter than this sentence,” Carr wrote over the weekend. “So far, the only winner in this latest dispute seems to be Fox News. Ratings are up 20 percent this year.”

He added: “The administration, by deploying official resources against a troublesome media organization, seems to have brought a knife to a gunfight.”

Download: Drake – King Leon

Download: Gucci Mane featuring Drake and Sean Garrett – “In My Business”