★ A VIEW FROM TEXAS MASTER PEACE OFFICER SPIVEY★ Complimentary Houston's Urban Weekly Publication Volume 19 ★ Number 31 JULY 30 - AUGUST 5, 2009 SPOTLIGHTS
ROLAND MARTIN
Talks About...The Discrepancy Over Obama’s Birth
SUMMER ENTERTAINING
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IN THE STUDIO WITH MICHAEL JACKSON FUUSA’S 2009 CLASS BLAZEN IN THE AIR HOUSTON GOES GREEN Terri Reviews a Book
☞ NEWS ☞ COMMENTARIES ☞ SPORTS ☞ HEALTH ☞ ENTERTAINMENT by Bruce Swedien
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July 30 - August 5, 2009
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04 The Teachable Moment 08 What’s In Style The Air Up There: Freefalling. . 10 11 Andre Berto is More Than a Boxer
VOLUME 19•NUMBER 31•JULY 30 - AUGUST 5, 2009 EDITORIAL FRANCIS PAGE, JR. Publisher JO-CAROLYN GOODE Managing Editor/Editor at Large
C'NA ROBERTS, KIANA DANCIE, BLAZE, TRISTAN JONES, ISADORE BAREFIELD, JANAE THOMAS, TASHA GRANT, LAN, D'CARLA SIMS, VICKY PINK, GWENDOLYN JOHNSON, BLAKE PEOPLES Local Feature Writers H.B.(RICKEY) SPIVEY, JR. LCC Criminal Justice Editor TONJA WARD Health Editor P. VANESSA HALL Financial Contributor GWENDOLYN JOHNSON Sports Editor RHONA RICHARDSON Travel Editor BURT LEVINE Political/Business Editor NIEMA ALIM Real Estate Editor CLIFTON E. CLARK III Technology Editor JESSE JACKSON, ROLAND MARTIN National Feature Writers
ART JOYCE CAIL Art Director JULIE NONG Graphics Intern KERMIT WILLIAMS Web and Graphic Designer JEFFERY T. CRUMP, JR., Web Designer
By Jesse Jackson
See What’s Happening in Houston
By LaToya “Blaze” Edwards
By Jo-Carolyn Goode
THIS WEEK
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JESSE JACKSON
COMMENTARY
Tribune Media Services
P
resident Obama has stated that the arrest of Harvard Professor Henry Louis “Skip” Gates in his home provides a “teachable moment” about racial profiling, and the “relations between police officers and minority communities.” The president’s remarks -- that the police “acted stupidly” -- sparked a backlash that the White House has tried to defuse by inviting arresting officer Sgt. James Crowley and Professor Gates to sit down over a beer at the White House. The meeting, slated to take place in the next few days, will no doubt result in consensus that we should all get along, and how hard it is to do so given conflicting histories and perspectives. This will defuse the furor, but it won’t provide much of a lesson for the
The Teachable Moment
teachable moment. Racial profiling isn’t a matter that is unique to Professor Gates and Officer Crowley. The reality is, as the president suggested, despite the great progress this nation has made on racial discrimination -- as attested by the president’s own election -- we are still a long way from a post-racial society. African-Americans across the country understood Professor Gates’ anger at being challenged in his home. Racial profiling remains a widespread reality. DWB -- driving while black -- is still more likely to get you stopped in areas across the country. Young African-Americans are more likely to be searched if stopped, more likely to be charged, more likely to be arrested if charged, more likely to do time than be fined if convicted. In schools across the country, African-American boys and girls are more likely to be disciplined and more likely to be suspended for the same behaviors. This isn’t a secret. We have passed laws and set up agencies to remedy these practices. Police and fire departments in many urban areas have made significant efforts to overcome them. Ironically, Sgt.
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Crowley, the police officer who arrested Gates, was by all accounts a highly praised leader of affirmative action courses in the Cambridge Police Department. Progress has been made as police forces have become more integrated, but we still have a long way to go. Moreover, as the president stated in his speech earlier this month to the NAACP, “The most difficult barriers include structural inequalities that our nation’s legacy of discrimination has left behind; inequalities still plaguing too many communities and too often the object of national neglect.” African-Americans are more likely to go to poor and crowded schools; more likely to be unemployed, more likely to lack health insurance, more likely to be targeted by predatory lenders, and, as the president reminded us, “An African-American child is roughly five times as likely as a white child to see the inside of a prison.” These structural inequalities, as the president noted, require public action and initiative to change. So while it would be a good thing for Gates and Crowley to apologize one to another and shake hands, that won’t fulfill the “teachable moment.” It wouldn’t have been sufficient if the bus driver in Montgomery had apologized to Rosa Parks, and Ms. Parks had apologized for refusing to obey his order to go to the back of the bus. That would not have addressed the basic question of access to public accommoda-
tions. It’s the policy that must be addressed, not just the personal interaction. Attorney General Eric Holder has stated that this is a “nation of cowards” when it comes to discussing race. It is particularly hard for an African-American president who wants sensibly to establish that he is the president of all Americans. But the Gates arrest -- and the Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Ricci case, overturning New Haven’s decision to throw out a test that had a discriminatory effect, that may toll the death knell to affirmative action -- do provide a teachable moment. It is time to teach. We need a White House Conference on Structural Inequality and Racial Profiling. We’ve acknowledged that racial discrimination is bad and passed laws and programs to remedy it. But as Dr. King taught us, that is not enough. We have to fund the programs and enforce the laws. So let’s detail the reality of the practices and structural inequalities that the president mentioned, evaluate the programs and laws that exist to remedy them, fund and enforce the law, and set up goals and timetables to measure our progress. As Obama said in his speech to the NAACP, “Government must be a force for opportunity. . . . (G)overnment must be a force for equality.” It is time to teach, and time to use that power. You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson care of this newspaper or by e-mail at jjackson@rainbowpush.org.
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ROLAND MARTIN
COMMENTARY
T
he YouTube video of an outof-control woman yelling and screaming at Republican Rep. Mike Castle’s town hall meeting in Delaware, demanding to see the birth certifi-
Obama Birth Issue Is Nutty cate of President Barack Obama, is utterly hilarious. To watch others cheer her insanity and then boo the congressman, who says the president is an American, shows you that we have a serious problem with mental illness in this country. The nut jobs who continue to promote this story are wacky, right-wing radio and TV talk show hosts and nocredibility bloggers. They have latched onto this story like bloodsucking leeches and actually want us to believe this story has legs.
Which is a smart decision? paying $59 per credit hour paying $250 per credit hour It is no accident that HCC remains one of the most cost-effective options for a high-quality college education. While state university tuitions continue to rise, we’re proudly holding our tuition flat for the 2009-2010 school year. By attending HCC for the first two years of their college education, a student can save over $11,000. It’s like a free lesson in economics.
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Last week, in a suit filed by continual presidential loser Alan Keyes, they even tried to claim a court victory, after a federal district judge in California asked to listen to the merits of their case. I’m sure he simply wanted to see for himself how delusional they are. From the moment Obama entered the race for president, he has had to endure the so-called flag-waving American patriots who think they are the arbiters of what’s right for the country. What cracks me up is that in order to justify their loony beliefs, they say, “The president could just end this once and for all by producing the birth certificate.” D o you actually believe these smart decision wackos would stop there? They would then accuse the president of doctoring RegisteR now the document for fall classes and ordering up the state hccs.edu of Hawaii and federal officials to create the birth certificate. T h e next thing you know, one of those nut job right-wingers in Congress
-- and, yes, there are left-wing nut jobs, as well -- would demand a federal investigation into the production of the birth certificate. During the presidential campaign last year, the issue of whether Barack Obama is a “natural-born citizen” legally qualified to be president was scrutinized by reporters and researchers, who concluded that Obama was born in the United States. For example, in August 2008, FactCheck.org published the following: “FactCheck.org staffers have now seen, touched, examined and photographed the original birth certificate. We conclude that it meets all of the requirements from the State Department for proving U.S. citizenship. Claims that the document lacks a raised seal or a signature are false.” President Obama is right to ignore these losers. They are right up there with Holocaust deniers, such as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the people who insist that the landing on the moon was done in a television studio. Conspiracy theorists are everywhere. It’s just that today we have to deal with the Internet and all the mess that is disseminated in the name of so-called transparency. So, nut jobs, keep it coming. In such difficult times, we all need a good laugh every now and then, and you provide great comic fodder. Roland S. Martin is an awardwinning CNN contributor and the author of “Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith.” Please visit his Web site at www.RolandSMartin.com. To find out more about Roland S. Martin and read his past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
7/23/09 6:21 PM
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What’s in STYLE August 7
HOUSTON HBCU ALUMNI ANNUAL MIXER Houston HBCU Alumni Annual Mixer Friday, August 7th, 2009 5-9pm Inferno Grill & Lounge 7637 FM 1960 (next to Willow Brook Mall) You are cordially invited to attend our 5th Annual Scholarship & Membership Alumni Mixer. We will host this great event on Friday, August 7, 2009, at Inferno Grill. In the past four years, as many as 2,000 HBCU alumni have supported this fun-filled event. For more information, please visit our website at www.HBCUweb. com
4812 Bennington St.; Houston, Tx 77016
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July 30
July 31
OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY FOR VISION FAITH MEDIA GROUP (VFMG) Vision Faith Media Group (VFMG), a Houston-based Public Relations, Marketing & Media Firm, will host its official launch party at R&B recording artist LeToya Luckett’s Lady Elle Galleria store on Thursday, July 30, 2009, from 5pm to 8:30pm. VFMG is geared to small business, corporate, individuals and celebrities. Refreshments, entertainment and door prizes will be offered throughout the night. Gift bags will be distributed to the first 250 guests. To RSVP or for more information, contact Mike at 281 839-3020 or visit the website: www.visionfaithmedia.com
COMMUNITY SCIENCE EXPOSE 2009 The Community Science Expose as designed by the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Educational (DREME) Science Literacy Foundation was created to present science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) information in an innovative and exciting atmosphere. Event is free! Fri., July 31, 2009. 3:00 until 7:00 PM. Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne – in the New Science Building, located at 4200 Ennis St., between Cleburne and Blodgett in Houston, TX 77004. For more information call (281) 961- 4353 or visit dremefoundation.org
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July 30 - August 5
August 1
THE GREAT CREATE WONDERWEEK Children’s Museum of Houston challenges you to make something out of anything! Thursday, July 30: All Day • Electro-Mechanical Folk Art (EMFA): Daily Special. Let your mind run wild with possibilities in this invention event! Take apart broken appliances, like VCRs, radios, computers, and more, and explore their inner workings. Friday, July 31: 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30 p.m. in the Inventors’ Workshop • The Brazilian Arts Foundation: Spotlight Performance. Watch this great foundation perform capoeira, an African dance and martial arts form. Children’s Houston Museum 1500 Binz St, Houston, Texas 77004 Thursday, July 16 at 10 a.m. For more information visit www.cmhouston.org
TEE IT UP FOR LITERACY CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT The First Annual Tee It Up For Literacy Celebrity Golf Tournament at Southwyck Golf Course in Pearland. Help raise funds to provide services for needy children in the greater Houston and San Antonio areas. Featuring a shot gun start, raffles for autographed memorabilia, a Tiger Dive on par 5 and closest to the pin on a par 3. Space is limited! Call 281997-1242 for more information.
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August 1 CONCERT AT ST. AGNES GAMMA CENTER Musical guests: Tye Tribbett, Kierra Sheard, Da Truth Special guest host: Canton Jones and more... Location: St. Agnes Gamma Center 10800 Scott St., Houston, TX 77047 ●
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July 30 - August 5, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm Admission: $10.00 presale/$15.00 door For more information call (713) 733-0146 or visit www. marchoffaith.com.
August 1 - 2
“ALEXANDERMIKAL SPONSORS BRIDAL OPEN HOUSE AND TRUNK SHOW” It’s never too early to start preparing for your dream wedding. AlexanderMikal is sponsoring the Bridal Open House and Trunk Show on Saturday August 8, 2009 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Downtown Houston Public Library located on 500 McKinney. A fashion show will take place at 2 p.m. featuring AlexanderMikal’s 2009 bridal collection. For more information call 713-391-9389 or visit www.Alexandermikal.com/Bridal ●
19TH ANNUAL HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. Anheuser-Busch Stage Jazz will fill the air in downtown Houston Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd as the 19th Annual Houston Int’l Jazz Festival kicks off August Jazz Month. The event will be held at Discovery Green, 4:00 to 10:00 PM each day. An all-star lineup is scheduled including: “Rachelle Ferrell,” “Grupo Niche,” “Hiroshima,” “Texas Brass Band,” “Summer Jazz Workshop All-Stars,” and many more. “The Houston Int’l Jazz Festival represents a rich tradition of excellence through musical expression. For more information call 713.400.7336 or visit www.discoverygreen.com ●
August 5 - 8 KIDSMART – A BACK TO SCHOOL SALES EVENT You can’t afford to miss the KidsMart – A Back To School Sales Event at the Living Word Church of the Nazarene Gym, 16607 Clay Road. KidsMart offers only quality, gently used clothes, toys and furniture for children at a fraction of the price of department stores or boutiques. Log on to www.kidsmarthouston.com or call 361-290-3999 for details. ●
August 8
August 8 SUMMARY - FREE PRESS SUMMER FEST Featuring more than 40 national, regional and local performers. The Festival hosts dozens of local artist installations, arts & crafts vendors, a craft beer garden, water gun and balloon battles, games and giveaways. Free Vitamin Water and bottled water will be available along with several ‘cooling elements’ such as misting tents to help attendees stay cool. Participants are encouraged to wear bathing suits or loose fitting clothing. Sat. & Sun., Aug. 8 & 9, 2009. Music from Noon - 10 P.M. each day Eleanor Tinsley Park (formerly known as Buffalo Bayou Park, 500 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77002) $10 advanced purchase, $12 at the gate; Various premium tickets and 2-day passes are also available. Tickets can be purchased at www.freepresssummerfest.com ●
August 14 KASHMERE CLASS REUNION ‘74 Kashmere Class Reunion ‘74 7pm-1:00 a.m. (Organizations) Ongoing Event, Ends 8/16/2009 Location: Brady’s Landing Kashmere High Class 1974 Deadline July 31st c/o Gwendolyn Walker Jones P. O. Box 384 Channelview, TX 77530 8/14 - Brady’s Landing 7:00 PM 1:00 AM Saturday, 8/15 Class Picnic Deussen Park; Pavillion 13 Meet & Greet Joe Carmouche’s Legends Jazz Café - 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM 1004 N. San Jacinto St.; Houston, Tx. 77002 Sunday, 8/16 - Worship Service Friendship Missionary Baptist Church(Morning Service: 10:45 AM) ●
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All Male HISD Middle Charter School 5th-8th Grade Enrolling students for the 2008-2009 School Year To schedule a time to complete an application and interview, please call 713.748.0030 You can visit our website at: www.provision-inc.org All interviews will take place at 4422 Balkin Street
Charter School students will start the 2009-2009 school year at Pro-Vision’s new academic building on its 16-acre site in Sunnyside located at 4590 Wilmington Street in August 2008.
Pro-Vision’s All Male HISD Middle Charter School is the first all male charter school in Houston and the state of Texas. The school addresses the needs of fifth through eighth grade students who desire a “second chance” at achieving academic success.
August 14 MAYORAL CANDIDATE HEALTH & WELLNESS BREAKFAST FORUM Friday, August 14th, 2009 - 7:30 am 10:00 am John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, 1515 Hermann Drive, 77004 Price: $15 Member/$25 Non-members 7:30 am - 8:30 am:Continental Breakfast, Networking, Registration 8:30 am - 10:00 am:Program For more information or to register visit www.houstonwellness.org. ●
August 15 - 16 THE WIZ AT THE MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE Welcome to the magical wonderland of Oz! Come join Dorothy and her amazing friends as they ease on down the yellow brick road, all of them looking - reaching - searching with all of their hearts for a place called home. This classic fairy tale is taken in an all-new direction with an exciting rock score, and a decidedly modern libretto that reframes the story in such a way that makes it relevant to modern times. August 15 & 16, 8:00 pm Miller Outdoor Theatre 100 Concert Drive Houston, TX 77030 Presented by The Ensemble Theatre For more information call 281. FREE. FUN (281.373.3386) or visit www.milleroutdoortheatre.com ●
August 20 - 30 THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE EXTENDS THE WIZ TWO MORE WEEKS The Ensemble responds to public demand by extending its presentation of the Tony Award winning musical The Wiz August 20-August 30, 2009. Performances: Thursdays: 7:30 p.m.; Fridays: 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays: 2:00p.m. and 8:00p.m.; and Sundays: 3:00p.m. The Ensemble Theatre 3535 Main Street Houston, TX 77002 Seating is limited. Call for availability: (713) 520-0055 or visit: www.ensemblehouston.com ●
HEALTH By Corliss Hill
During ‘Immunization Awareness Month,’ Neonatal care and vaccination go hand in hand
National Director of UnitedHealthcare’s Generations of Wellness
A
t first glance, the numbers are dispiriting: African Americans have 2.3-times the infant mortality rate as non-Hispanic white Americans. They are four-times as likely to die of complications related to low birth weight as Caucasian infants. These statistics from the Office of Minority Health paint a bleak picture, one that is further reinforced by the fact that African American mothers are 2.6-times more likely than Caucasian mothers to begin prenatal care late or not at all. With that in mind, it’s time for a dose of encouragement. Let the change begin in August during National Immunization Awareness Month. What do infant mortality and immunization have in common? A lot, in fact. Neonatal care begins well before a baby is born and helps to ensure that an infant is born healthy. Immunization begins during a baby’s first months and ensures that a child remains healthy. Failure to receive either effective neonatal care or early immunization can go a long way toward contributing to infant and early-childhood mortality. Sadly, African Americans with lower incomes lag behind when it comes to
immunization as well. A recent survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Immunization found that only 73.9 percent of African American children received a complete series of recommended vaccinations compared with 77.4 percent of Hispanic children and 77.9 percent of Caucasian children. The CDC explained the disparity this way: Children who live below the poverty level are less likely to be vaccinated than children who live at or above the poverty level. Because a substantial percentage of black children live below the poverty level, coverage for black children overall is low compared with white children. The CDC’s recommended immunization schedule for children aged birth through six years suggests timely vaccination against hepatitis A and B, diphtheriatetanus-pertussis, polio, measles-mumpsrubella and other potentially serious or deadly diseases is essential. The schedule, which all parents should study, may be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/ schedules. Additionally, UnitedHealthcare’s “Source4Women” Web site (www.uhc.com/ source4women offers guidelines on child-
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hood immunizations as well, and your local library can help you investigate important vaccination information and schedules. To encourage increased immunization compliance, the CDC highlights several programs at www.cdc.gov. These include Immunization Information Systems, which consolidates immunization information in one location while identifying populations at high risk for vaccine-preventable diseases and targeting interventions; Vaccines for Children, which provides free vaccines to doctors who serve eligible children; and Immunization Program Evaluation (IPE), which explores whether immunization activities are implemented as planned and outcomes have occurred as intended, thus shaping effective immunization programs. Also important is the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (www.hmhb.org), which promotes efforts to encourage greater acceptance and use of immunization. The organization is committed to building partnerships at the local, state and national levels and increasing knowledge and understanding of immunization needs and practices among health care providers as well as the general public. Clearly, immunization is among
July 30 - August 5, 2009
the most significant public health achievements ever. Through the years vaccines have eradicated smallpox, virtually eliminated wild poliovirus in the U.S., and significantly reduced the number of reported cases of measles and other diseases. It is one of the most effective means available to protect children and adults from many common infectious diseases. At the same time, keeping children healthier by immunizing lowers the associated social and financial costs for families, including time lost from school and work and the cost of medical bills. Although regular and timely immunization can be slightly inconvenient, such inconvenience pales compared with the health challenges that will arise if your child develops a serious disease that might have been prevented. Timely neonatal care also is essential to ensure that a baby is born healthy and gets a good start in life. If you aren’t receiving proper neonatal care, begin today. If you’re children are not in full compliance with their immunizations, begin to correct that today. As our own parents said when we were young and receiving vaccinations, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
PG 9
The Air Up There:
ENTERTAINMENT
Freefalling Tandem Style
By LaToya “Blaze” Edwards Style Entertainment Writer
F
orget everything you think you know about skydiving. If you think that it is just jumping out of a plane, hurdling towards the ground at an insane speed, and pulling a parachute, I’m here to tell you that you are wroooong- well semi-wrong! I’d like to think of myself as the “try anything once…” type, and after a few conversations with some less than approving friends, I knew skydiving was an absolute must. I was a big ball of nerves the day before my jump, part adrenaline and part over-thinking the possibilities and the what-ifs, but all that quickly subsided once I entered the SkyDive Houston facility. Past the Premium Outlet malls and down some country roads, you arrive at SkyDive Houston’s rocky lot and sun faded blue building; once inside the stench of adrenaline is ever-present. Anyone who is a “newbie” must jump Tandem style, which is a jump style that connects a student skydiver to an instructor via harness, allowing the instructor to guide the student through every element, from freefalling to piloting the canopy. I was paired with the perfect part-
ENTERTAINMENT By Jo-Carolyn Goode Editor-at-Large
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his column is for those who like to be ahead of the news; folks who are the ones everyone goes to for the latest information; people who are always in-the-know and know where to go. It is Houston Style’s own way of giving Houstonians a new style to their swagger. Check out this month’s new style in the entertainment realm. Praise Your Way Out: Songs of
PG 10
ner, Aaron, a wisecracking jokester just as wild and crazy as I am; after ensuring I was properly suited and instructed, we were off. 5,000 feet and counting The hum of the engines was silenced by the light spirited jokes and banter on the ascent, but became increasingly louder as we elevated above the stratocumulus clouds. One by one my comrades exited the plane’s cabin through the cargo door, which was now raised-- my time had come. I waddled to the door with Aaron on my back, and in a few, quick seconds I was in the air, swag-surfing through the clouds. I was told that 55 seconds would feel like an eternity, and it did! I was 14,000 feet in the air and I couldn’t help but attempt to do the Soulja Boy dance as I was freefalling. Wind whipping through my locs, and a few kisses to the camera, we descended to a place in the air that was completely silent, and quite tranquil. We hovered above the ground, and he gently steered (piloted) the canopy so that we could get a 360-degree view of the world as only birds see it.
As our feet dangled freely beneath us, I couldn’t help but wish that somehow we could just float like that for a little while longer, but sister gravity kicked in, and the grass which was once just green and brown squares, became more distinguishable.
Feet on the ground, I was asked if I would do it again, I jokingly said “I’d have to pray on it,” but as I shared my experience and proudly displayed my SkyDive Houston certification of completion, the thrill seeker in me is shrilling, “Yes!”
Blaze and Aaron freefalling in Houston
New Style Inspiration & Hope Just released on July 28, 2009, this new CD has 10 tracks that are from today’s hottest gospel artists including Hezekiah Walker, Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark Cole, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence, Fred Hammon, and D e Wa y n e Woods. The songs on
July 30 - August 5, 2009
this CD are made to encourage and inspire the listener during life’s challenging times. “I Get Around” by K’Jon With his debut album being release on August 4, K’Jon is letting everyone with whom he comes in contact know that they must get a copy of his CD. Having a little bit of soul, a dab of hip hop mixed in with R&B, K’ Jon is one who can not be put
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into a box as he is presenting many different genres. “The Lie” by O. H. Bennett Living in a time when race relations are still a hot button issue, novelist O. H. Bennett tells the story of one young man who uses racism to get out of a situation that leaves him in an even uglier state. When the truth is uncovered he has no one to turn to but another outcast. Together the two find new life in “The Lie,” a book about the tension of race-relations in post civil rights America.
FEATURE
Andre Berto is More Than a Boxer By Jo-Carolyn Goode
A
Editor-at-Large
lready known as one of the good guys Champion. He credits his very first world of boxing, Andre Berto is making a title to be the highlight of his career. Since difBerto has ference both both speed in and out of and power in the ring. Recombination cently, camwith his foeras followed cused trainhim as he ing method, made good he is a rarity on a promise. in the boxing Berto always arena and told Citrus that is what Center Boys makes him and Girls a champion. Club Chief Currently Professional undefeated, Officer Walt he has won Hall that he 19 of his 25 would rebouts with turn to the knockouts club that had since going given him so pro in 2004. much during Even his developbigger than mental years. his statics At 25 years is his heart of age, Berto for charwent back to ity. Besides the Boys and supporting Andre Berto Girls Club the chilin his homedren at the town of Winter Haven, Florida to give a Pride Boys and Girls Club in Winter Haven, FL, Talk, in which he talked about the importance Berto wants to help children worldwide. As of staying focused on dreams, and he donated a former obese child he often speaks to youth $10,000 to continue the many enriching ef- about battling obesity and encourages them forts of the club. He also promised that this to become healthier individuals. The passage would not be his last gift. of the newly created Physical Guidelines As a young child there were many for Americans Act that helps to ensure that deterrents that could have taken Berto off Americans get the proper amount of exercise track, but helping his parents keep him on was supported by Berto and other professionthe straight and narrow was the Boys and al athletes when they joined United States Girls club that gave him an alternative to do- senators and congressional members to presing bad things. Countless times he watched ent the act. Spreading his reach internationothers give what were called “Pride Talks.” ally, Berto is helping the children of his naThese talks from prominent leaders in the tive Haiti by being on the board of the Carma community encouraged and inspired the next Foundation. The foundation helps to improve generation with messages that said “I was in the lifestyles of women and children living the same shoes as you are in and look at me in Haiti. Berto said, “I am extremely excited now.” The speakers were literally visuals of and proud to have the opportunity to partner success that the children could see and feel. with an organization like the Carma Founda Just who is this new vision of suc- tion. The struggles of the Haitian people obcess? Andre Berto is one who was always viously hit very close to home for me. I had destined for greatness. Growing up in a the opportunity to represent Haiti in the 2004 highly athletic family, it was always a given Olympic Games, and want to do everything that Berto would excel in sports. His brother that I can to help the Haitian people.” Since Edson competes in mixed martial arts while his appearance at the games, thousands of his brother Cleveland is a former Florida Haitians admire him and many of the children Wrestling champion. His sister, like Berto, have taken an interest in boxing. Berto hopes followed their father, Dieuseul’s lead into to build boxing gyms in Haiti to further dethe realm of boxing as an Ultimate Fighter. velop their interest in boxing and other sports. Revelina made her debut at the Real Fighting As far as the next time Berto will Championships. At the age of 10 years old, step into the ring, that is undetermined. Berto took up the art of boxing at the urging of However, there are talks in the boxing world his father, who saw Berto as a child with bad that his next bout could send him to Turkey behavior. His willful attitude would change to fight Selcuk Aydin or stay in the United once he started liking the sport. In a short time States to fight Shane Mosley or Luis Collazo period the amateur boxer had blossomed into but that is all speculation. It depends on the the World Boxing Council’s Welterweight “Benjamins.”
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July 30 - August 5, 2009
PG 11
THIS WEEK:
Houston, TX
2009 Kids’ University Graduation
Fundraiser in Honor of Ronald Green
Photography By Vicky Pink
Photography By Vicky Pink
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n Friday, July 24, 2009, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the 2009 Kids’ University Graduation at the Hilton University of Houston. Sponsored by Families Under Urban and Social Attack, Inc. (FUUSA), Kids’ University was created in partnership with the Urban Experience Program, the University of Houston, and Hope for Families, Inc. The goal of the program is to encourage youth to begin planning for college and to help them understand that college is not beyond their reach. Participating in the event was Rev. Leslie Smith, Rachel Grasser, Dr. John J. Antel, Kae Shakir, Victoria Luddington, Gene Locke, City Councilwoman Jolanda Jones, Dr. Elwyn Lee, Vanessa Reed, Elizabeth Quintal, Alicia Lachapelle, Michael Dickens, and NaKeisha Alridge.
PG 12
July 30 - August 5, 2009
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n Friday, July 24, 2009, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at a fundraiser in honor of Ronald Green, candidate for Houston City Controller, at the home of Donovan and Andrea Campbell. Under the theme Houston Goes Green, “Emerald City Bash,” Tameka Thompson Lord, Andrea Odom Campbell, Bryce Hairston Kennard, LaChanda Jenkins, Ramon Manning and Angela Landry Walkes hosted the grand affair. The private fundraiser gave Houstonians the opportunity to join Ronald Green’s campaign to keep Houston on solid financial ground. Find out more information about Ronald Green at www.ronaldgreen.com.
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CULINARY Summer Entertaining with a Colorful Twist
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s the weather heats up, so does summer party season. Entertaining guru and Hostess with the Mostess founder Jennifer Sabranti is encouraging people to get creative now and start thinking of fun ways to host a summer soiree. According to Sabranti, entertaining is the perfect way to stay connected with family and friends and to celebrate any special occasion. So why not honor the arrival of summer by hosting a fun-filled and color-themed casual get together? “When it comes to summer entertaining, hosting a pool party or a party outdoors provides a nofuss approach with simple decorations and little clean up,” said Sabranti. “An alfresco gathering creates a naturally beautiful setting and by adding some simple splashes of color to add flair, your guests will be raving about the party for the rest of the summer.” Here are fun and no-fuss tips on how to throw a party using vibrant colors as the theme. • Create a festive party atmosphere with brightly colored paper lanterns, beach balls, and inflatable tubes and rafts. Hang lanterns from trees and trellises, toss beach balls around the yard, and float rafts and inner tubes in the pool. It will instantly feel like a party! • Build a serve-yourself drink station with a variety of tasty options. Avoid glass and opt for beverages with vibrant labels and shatterproof packaging – such as Alice White Chardonnay, Lexia and Shiraz in Tetra Pak cartons. Instead of regular ice buckets, chill and display drinks in
colorful coolers and drink tubs. • Serve casual finger foods that
can stand up to the summer heat, such as mini sandwiches and fruit trays. Dipping bars are also great for pool parties. Set out a variety of salsas and dips, along with tortilla chips, pretzels, sliced pitas and veggie sticks for dipping. Then, encourage guests to “Take a Dip!” Use durable melamine and acrylic serveware to keep things stylish and
stress-free. • Find creative ways to play up the theme. Use colorful beach towels as table runners and plastic beach buckets as vases for bright bunches of dahlias or gerbera daisies. • Set a table with themed favors and pool essentials for guests. Include bottles of sunscreen, inexpensive flipflops, magazines, extra towels, novelty sunglasses and a few disposable waterproof cameras for capturing the fun on film! Visit AliceWhite.com for more information about Alice White in Tetra Pak cartons. Courtesy of Family Features
ANNOUNCING A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING
PG for some thematic elements and mild language.
Wednesday, August 5 7:00 PM Regal Edwards Marq*E Pick up tickets at: Houston Style Magazine 2646 South Loop West, Suite 600 Houston, Texas Limited quantity of tickets available. Limit one ticket per person. Tickets do not guarantee admission. Seating available on a first come, first serve basis.
IN THEATRES AUGUST 14 WWW.STYLEMAGAZINE.COM
July 30 - August 5, 2009
PG 13
LEGAL
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Criticized for Doing Job Too Efficiently
By H. B. (Rickey) Spivey, Jr., LCC Criminal Justice Editor
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he Harris County Sheriff Department is the first department in the country to have full access to a Department of Homeland Security database, which con-
tains millions of immigration records. In other words, any illegal immigrant who’s in the system will be identified in a matter of minutes and the deportation process will be initiated. The problem some people have with this system is that it was designed to assist law enforcement in their efforts to identify the illegals with violent criminal histories and who are wanted for crimes considered egregious. Unfortunately for some, the system also identify illegals who are wanted for lower criminal offenses such as DWI, criminal trespass, or crimes of that nature. Furthemore, the system also identify legal U.S. citizens who are in the ICE database too. So far the Harris County Sheriff Department since the acquisition of the system in October of 2008, have checked 55,852 suspects. Out of the 55,852, 5,369 were matches for both
criminal and immigration histories, with 400 classified as aggravated felonies under immigration law. Those suspects with lower criminal offenses numbered 4,734, and 235 were U.S. citizens with immigration histories. ICE filed paperwork for 1,783 prisoners to be detained in Harris County, so the system is not perfect but I believe the system has saved lives in Harris County and the United States. The political bickering regarding the low level criminals who are not a real threat to citizens but who are subject to deportation leaving their families in financial stress, is another example to why its in everyone’s best interest including the so call good illegals, the importance of entering the United States legally. Hello, we do have a process to become legal in this great nation, and if you decide as an illegal alien to take the chance of breaking our laws in the first place, and if apprehended leave the other illegals in financial stress, buddy, its on you. Why some of our elective officials refuse to echo the voice of the obvious and common sense is beyond me. I guess it has something to do with votes. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a law enforcement organization whose sole purpose is to enforce
the nation’s immigration and customs laws to ensure national security and public safety, bottom line. You cannot enforce and break the laws at the same time. I say, for those in charge in elective positions to protect U.S. citizens, and who refuse to enforce the laws of our land, prosecute and remove them from office. Out of here. EDITOR’S NOTE: H.B. (Rickey) Spivey, Jr., LCC has received a “Certificate of Congressional Recognition” for service to his community, a certificate from the State of Texas House of Representatives” for devotion to our Recognition through State Representative Garnet F. Coleman, Proclamations from the Senate of the State of Texas, Harris County, and the City of Houston. He also received a “Commendation for Meritorious Service from H.I.S.D., and is the first and only recipient of the “A.B. Chambers Living Legend Award”. Former Captain Spivey who served under Constable A.B. Chambers is a law enforcement instructor, crime prevention inspector, grant writer, private investigator, and concealed handgun instructor. He is a former Board member of “Crime Stoppers of Houston” and former candidate for Harris County Constable, Precinct7. You can contact him at editorial@stylemagazine.com.
LOCAL
H-E-B Employees H-E-B Presents Free Battle to Provide Superior Family Thursday at The Service in Annual Company- Health Museum Featuring wide S.T.A.R.S.S. Competition Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr.
Final showdown takes place at the Former NASA Astronaut and First AfricanPearland H-E-B Plus! on Thursday, July 30! American to Complete a Spacewalk Joins Facing Mars Speaker Series Lineup July 30 at 3 p.m. ive teams of H-E-B Partners (em- cludes two H-E-B customers with more
F
ployees) from across the state will gather at the Pearland H-E-B Plus! to compete in the final showdown of the annual companywide service competition S.T.A.R.S.S., which stands for Striving To Always Role Model Superior Service. Each top-notch team comprised of two Partners - a bagger and a checker - will race against the clock to provide swift, friendly and accurate customer service for shoppers. Demonstrating H-E-B’s commitment to the environment, each team will model their personally designed “Go Green” Tshirts made of recyclable materials. A panel of judges, which in-
PG 14
than 50 years of H-E-B shopping experience, will determine the winning team based upon the team’s ability to smile, greet, make sincere conversation, and thank their customers all while being efficient. 10 a.m. – Noon on Thursday, July 30, 2009 Pearland H-E-B Plus! 2805 Business Center Drive Pearland, TX, 77584 The S.T.A.R.S.S. competition demonstrates H-E-B’s commitment to its customers and Partners. The annual competition provides a fun and exciting work experience that builds customer loyalty and Partner retention.
July 30 - August 5, 2009
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he John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, also known as The Health Museum, announced H-E-B as the sponsor of the Free Family Thursday program. During Free Family Thursday, guests enjoy free admission to the Museum from 2 to 5 p.m., year round. On July 30, Free Family Thursday will feature Bernard Harris, Jr., MD, a former NASA astronaut who will be presenting An Astronauts Perspective: Preparing for America’s Future. Dr. Harris presentation, scheduled for 3 p.m., will take place in the Museum’s McGovern Theater and is open to all museum guests. Museum hours on July 30 will be extended to 7 p.m. Dr. Harris presentation at The Health Museum is part of the Facing Mars Speaker Series. The Facing Mars Speaker Series gives the public a chance to meet speakers from national space agencies as
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they share their experiences with traveling and working in space, as well as the challenges we face in traveling to and working on Mars. The Speaker Series presentations require no additional charge and are open to all museum guests. For more information about additional speakers, including dates and times, visit www.thehealthmuseum.org. The speaker series is presented in conjunction with the Facing Mars exhibit, making its U.S. premiere at The Health Museum now through September 7. Visitors participate in interactive stations that include walking on Mars, testing and launching rockets, flying over the Martian landscape and considering the implications humans face in their quest to reach the Red Planet. Facing Mars was developed by the Ontario Science Center and is sponsored locally by Southwest Airlines.
Style Book Review “In the Studio with Michael Jackson” by Bruce Swedien, forewords by Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton
By Terri Schichenmeyer Style Literary Writer
Y
ou know it by the first five notes. Within three seconds of hearing that beat, you know you’re listening to “Billy Jean” or “Thriller”. There’s no doubt “Off the Wall” has started “Beat It”2:52 willPM Warner Hicks:High Fashion Homeor 11/1/06 make you want to dance. And there’s no doubt that Michael Jackson had talent. But while he sang those songs and made up those moves, he didn’t
do those million-selling albums by himself. In the new book “In the Studio with Michael Jackson” by Bruce Swedien, you’ll find out how those blockbusters happened and who was involved. Studio engineer Bruce Swedien met Quincy Jones in 1959 and he considered Jones as a brother. So when Q called Swedien one Sunday in 1977 and asked if he’d like to go to New York to work on a musical, Swedien jumped at the chance. It turned out to be a career-altering decision. The movie Jones was working on was The Wiz, starring Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and others. Swedien’s work there began a long-time friendship and eventual partnership with Michael Jackson, whose music Swedien recorded and enhanced. Swedien recalls, for instance, working on “Off the Wall”, which he believes was Michael Jackson’s first grown-up album. “Michael is always totally prepared!” enthuses Swedien. (Note: because this book was penned before Jackson’s death, everything is written in the present tense). Page 1 Swedien answers fans’ questions (the sob at the end of “She’s Out of My Life” was an accident-on-purpose) and he gives insights (Jackson always said “please” and
“thank you”). Swedien also writes about the technical aspects of recording with Michael Jackson, including his brainstorm of putting microphones around a wooden platform on which Jackson would dance, thus recording taps, snaps, and sounds that made every Michael Jackson song so memorable. Let me start out by saying that, despite the scattershot way in which this book is presented, I liked it. I liked it a lot. But I had issues with it, too. First of all, despite the title of this book, much of it is about author Bruce Swedien: his methods, praise from pals, kudos from people who learned from him, his studio equipment, his discographies, and so on. This is all quite interesting (particularly if you’re a sound engineer), but it doesn’t totally match the title and it’s probably not what readers will be looking for when buying this book. Secondly, while the first half of “In the Studio with Michael Jackson” has some wonderful stories and delightful little memories of working with The King of Pop, the latter half of this book is often identical (sometimes word-for-word) to the first half. Lastly, while Swedien’s writing is sweet in a star-struck-fan sort of way, I found the! overabundance! of exclamation points!
“In the Studio with Michael Jackson” by Bruce Swedien, forewords by Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton c.2008, 2009, Hal Leonard Corp. $24.99 / $29.95 Canada 272 pages
to be!! extremely! distracting!! And now that I’ve ranted, let me say this: if you’re devouring every smidgen of Michael Jackson information you can find, you must get “In the Studio with Michael Jackson”, too, because it’s a peek you won’t get anywhere else. For you, this book is definitely worth noting. Terri Schlichenmeyer can be reached at: The Bookworm Sez, LLC N5593 County Road C West Salem, Wisconsin, 54669 bookwormsez@yahoo.com
Warner Hicks, LLP
Earthy, 100year old
Warner Hicks LLP firm provides a full range of corporate legal services. Our Firm's lawyers draw upon over 50 years of legal experience to furnish transactional legal services to individuals and growing businesses in Texas, Colorado and across the United States.
Warner Hicks LLP. 4200 Montrose Blvd, Suite 360 Houston, Texas 77006 (713) 807.1007 www.warnerhicks.com
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July 30 - August 5, 2009
PG 15
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July 30 - August 5, 2009
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Christ Gospel Mission International
A Full Service Employer
Join Us for The High Table & Gospel Fest July 18, 2009 5:00pm - 9:00pm August 14, 2009 Main Service 11:00am - 12:00pm
We are in need of employees in the following categories:
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832-202-8371 MASTER ANTHONY SHAFFER
PG 17
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Advertise with Houston Style Magazine call 713-748-6300 and place an ad TODAY! Reader Advisory: The
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Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings,
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establish mail order selling and
other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you
send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card
Business Opportunity HONEST INCOME from home processing our mortgage assistance postcards. No advertising. Postage and materials provided. References available. No gimmicks. 877-774-9295. $2500 WEEKLY processing mail. Great opportunity! Postage, supplies furnished. Free information. Call Speedline Publications. 1-800-395-5972 All Cash Vending! Do you earn $800/day? Local Vending routes. 25 machines + candy. $9,995. 1-800-807-6485.
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Automotive WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI,1970-1980, Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, H2-750, H1-500, S1-250, S2-250, S2-350, S3-400. CASH PAID. 1-800-772-1142. 1-310-7210726.
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PG 18
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July 30 - August 5, 2009
PG 19
MORE
1
TM
Texas Style Beef Ribs
$ 67
boneless shoulder USDA Select value pack, limit-2 pkgs. with an additional $10 purchase
lb.
99
¢ lb.
Fresh! Chicken
Drumsticks or Thighs
Hill Country Fare value pack limit-2 pkgs. of each with an additional $10 purchase
97
¢
Sweet!
White Seedless lb. Grapes
6
$ 15 ea.
77
¢ lb.
Juicy!
Black Plums
10
5$ for
Doo Gro Mega Thick Anti-Thinning Growth Lotion
H-E-B Soft Drinks
12 pk., 12 oz. cans assorted varieties limit-5 with an additional $10 purchase
12 oz.
5
2$
for
Hill Country Fare Drinking Water
24 pk., .5 L btls. limit-2 with an additional $10 purchase
Prices Good Wednesday, July 29 Thru Tuesday, August 4, 2009 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.
Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We accept Lone Star Card, WIC and Manufacturers' Coupons. Printed on recycled paper. ©2009 H-E-B Food Stores, 09-4377CS
5
$ 86 ea.
Doo Gro Medicated Hair Vitalizer 4 oz.
visit www.heb.com