Last year you’ll remember that there were protests of over 10,000 people expressing their request for illegal immigration to not be punished. Well, this year has drawn measly hundreds.

My take on the issue - it’s called illegal immigration for a reason. When it’s legal, let everyone in. Until then, abide by the rules and come through legally. The U.S. is not discriminatory to immigrants; the country was founded on such principles to promote the opportunity of diversity in nationalities. We can’t let everybody in though, because that would cause problems - and it IS. Imagine if millions of Americans began illegally entering Mexico to live there. The sentiment would be different from these protesters, eh?

Approximately 100 immigrant advocates were somewhat organized in downtown today, protesting raids of local Houston workplaces. They’re angry that they are getting caught breaking immigration laws. Be smarter about it or don’t do it at all and there won’t be as many problems, right? Maybe I’m just crazy…

Anyways, on the downtown street corners today, the crime advocates could be heard chanting “Vamos a ganar.” “We are going to win.” I have a strong feeling, they will not.

It’s time to outsmart our local insects and catch as many as you can. Round up those American cockroaches (the most common type in Texas), and focus on those ones measuring up to TWO INCHES in length. I know - you’re asking “why in the world would I do THAT?”…

Listen up guys ‘n’ gals, don’t squish those roacherinos out there, because the Houston Museum of Natural Science is agreeing to pay up to a quarter for every one of the bugs you bring to them. The first 1000 roaches handed over can fetch up to 25 cents each and the rest will be exchanged for a pass to the new Cockrell Butterfly Center which opens on May 25th.

Just like any city, Houston has roaches here and there and the exhibit organizer has said that they honestly need these lil’ (or large) buggers. Pretty cool idea if you ask me, offer up some change for critters, and watch them flock to you. I’ll be steering clear of this opportunity involving our annoying, ground-dwelling neighbors though, as I’m not a big fan of tracking down pests for pennies - but hey if you can handle it I suggest you go for the gold

When to go
• Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, May 12 and May 19

• 4-7 p.m. May 8 and May 15

What you’ll get
• Reward: $0.25 per cockroach for the first 1,000 received; after that, donors will be given passes to return and visit their friends when the redesigned Cockrell Butterfly Center opens May 25.
Quarters for cockroaches
Get a bounty for every bug you bring to live in new science museum exhibit - source: chron.com

The Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Director of Community Outreach announced plans that METRO will go the way of “green”. On Friday, April 20th (two days from now) at noontime on 1900 Main Street, the President of Metro, CEO Frank Wilson and Rodney Ellis (State Senator) will join other bike riders in holding a press conference during which they’ll announce the beginning implementation of bike racks onto our METRO buses.

They’re inviting all cyclists interested to come on down and ride to the building. If you show, you’ll enjoy food and drinks courtesy of Whole Food Market along with local bike shops holding demos in the lobby area. Check out the new hybrid bus while you’re there too.