★ WAS THE BET AWARDS A FITTING TRIBUTE FOR MJ? ★ Complimentary Houston's Urban Weekly Publication Volume 19 ★ Number 27 JULY 2 - JULY 8, 2009 SPOTLIGHTS
JESSE JACKSON
Talks About...The Law According to New Haven
YAO MING
Is His Career Over or Just Sidelined?
BEYONCÉ
Heats Up the 15th Essence Music Festival
KEEPING YOUTH EMPLOYED PUCKER UP FOR A TART TASTE GIVING HOUSTONIANS POWER
OUR CHILDREN CAN SOAR
Terri Reviews a ☞ NEWS ☞ COMMENTARIES ☞ SPORTS ☞ HEALTH ☞ ENTERTAINMENT Book by Michelle Cook
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SAVINGS AND VALUES NOW IN PROGRESS
4TH OF JULY SALE SALE 19.99 JUNIORS
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DRESSES
TOPS
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50% off. For misses. S-XL. Reg. $43.
Tommy Hilfiger tops and shorts for misses S-XL and 2-16. Reg. 39.50-49.50.
USE YOUR SHOPPING PASS OR MACY’S CREDIT CARD FOR EXTRA SAVINGS
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use it as often as you like Thursday, July 2 thru Sunday, July 5, 2009.
15% OFF
STOREWIDE SALE & CLEARANCE MERCHENDISE 10% OFF home, ladies’ suits and dresses, ladies & men’s outerwear, intimate apparel, ladies & men’s shoes and men’s tailored clothing
EXCLUDES ALL: fine jewelry, super buys, specials, everyday value items, Macy’s
SALE 9.99 BOYS SCREENED TEES
50% off. From 82Zero, ME87, Point Zero and Ocean Current. For boys 8-20. Reg. $20.
SALE 19.99
gift cards, macys.com, macysweddingchannel.com, gift registry kiosks, eSpot, FAO Schwarz, Sunglass Hut, services, select licensed departments, special orders, previous purchases, cosmetics, fragrances, watches, American Rag, Levi’s, Dockers, Lacoste, Impulse, I•N•C International Concepts, North Face, designer intimate apparel, bridge/designer shoes; ACCESSORIES: bridge/designer handbags, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Juicy Couture; LADIES: bridge sportswear, designer collections, Charter Club cashmere, misses and juniors swimwear; MEN’S: electronic gifts, Club Room cashmere, designer collections; KIDS: designer collections; HOME: furniture & accessories, mattresses, rugs, Holiday Lane Department, All-Clad, Henckels, Wusthof, electrics & electronics, Lladro, Waterford, Lalique, Baccarat, Vera Wang, Kate Spade, Tommy Hilfiger, Lauren/Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Tumi, sterling flatware, William Yeoward, Michael Kors bedding, Barbara Barry bedding, Natori bedding. Cannot be combined with another coupon or offer. PRESENT SHOPPING PASS AT REGISTER.
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PRICES ALREADY REDUCED 50%75% OFF DESIGNER & FASHION COLLECTIONS FOR MISSES, PETITES, WOMEN MEN’S AND YOUNG MEN’S COLLECTIONS MEN’S SPORTSWEAR Orig.† $20-$220, was $5-$110, final cost $3-$66.
REG./ORIG. PRICES ARE OFFERING PRICES, AND SAVINGS MAY NOT BE BASED ON ACTUAL SALES. SOME ORIGINAL PRICES NOT IN EFFECT DURING THE PAST 90 DAYS. SALE PRICES IN PROGRESS THRU SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2009, EXCEPT AS NOTED. Due to consolidation, some prices may be different at your local Macy’s. You will receive prices at or lower than prices advertised here. Orig./Now and Special Purchase items will remain at advertised prices after event and are available while supplies last. Sales apply to selected items only. Everyday Values are excluded from “sales” and passes/coupons/Macy’s credit card savings. “Final cost” shows price after extra savings and does not include any passes/coupons/Macy’s credit card discount. This advertisement applies only to Macy’s stores in AL, GA, IL (excluding Chicago area and Rockford), IN (excluding Merrillville), KS, KY, LA, MO, NC, NY: Binghamton & Horseheads, OH (excluding Toledo), OK, PA (excluding Allentown, Harrisburg, York & Philadelphia area) SC, TN, TX (excluding El Paso), VA: Chesapeake, Hampton, Lynchburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke & Virginia Beach and WV. Prices and merchandise may differ on macys.com. Advertised items may not be available at your local Macy’s, and selections may vary. Some Reg./Sale items in this ad may have been permanently reduced for clearance after this ad was finalized. We are not responsible for typographical errors. All clothing items shown are imported. Petites and women sizes in selected stores; styles and colors may vary from those shown. †Intermediate markdowns may have been taken. Clearance offerings and selections vary by department and store; available while supplies last. Sorry, no phone orders on clearance. N9050053
N9050053_jul2_sty 1
PG 2
July 2 - July 8, 2009
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{
04 US-Iran History is Why Obama.. 08 What’s In Style 12 Essence Music Festival 2009 17 Michael Jackson: May He Rest..
VOLUME 19•NUMBER 27•JULY 2 - JULY 8, 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
By Roland Martin
See What’s Happening in Houston
By Jo-Carolyn Goode
THIS WEEK DEPARTMENTS
Page 13
4 5 6 7 8 10 12 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 27
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©2009 HoustonStyle Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company. All Right Reserved. Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2007 audit by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Indenpendent Free Paper of America (IFPA) and Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP).
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PG 3
ROLAND MARTIN
COMMENTARY
C
ritics of President Barack Obama, mostly Republicans, are seething because he has not been more forceful in ripping the theocratic leadership in Iran for its forceful handling of protesters who are angry with what they see as a stolen election. What these shortsighted naysayers should do is go pick up a history book or take a quick trip to Langley, Va., and let the CIA tell them our own sordid past with Iran. Whenever U.S. relations with Iran are raised, everyone seems to want to refer back to 1979, when our embassy was overrun by militants and Americans were taken hostage for 444 days. The nation and the world were captivated by the drama, and many consider the affair to be the chief reason President Jimmy Carter lost to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election.
US-Iran History Is Why Obama Should Be Quiet on Protests The Iranian revolution of that era is what led to today’s theocratic rule in Iran, where the clerics hold sway over every facet of the country. They replaced the shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, himself a dictator who ruled with an iron fist with the help of his CIA-trained death squads. How did he come to power? The United States helped overthrow a democratically elected government in Iran because of oil. To understand the hatred of the U.S. in Iran, we have to go further back than 1979 -- to 1953, when Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh had the gall to care more about his country than about what Britain and the United States wanted. The two superpowers were angry that he nationalized oil interests. At the time, Anglo-Iranian Oil, now known as British Petroleum, was receiving 93 percent of oil proceeds, and the Iranians were getting 7 percent. So with the CIA leading the charge, along with British intelligence, we helped destabilized the country, blocked the importing of goods, spread leaflets around the country blasting Mossadegh for a lack of leadership, and used local goons to lead protests. It was this effort that led to the installation of the shah of Iran, who subsequently had Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini exiled. Khomeini was a revolutionary leader who used his voice to label the U.S. the “Great Satan” for its actions. Nice history lesson, you might say, but what does it have to do with today?
Everything. Khomeini rose to power by blasting the U.S. for intervening in the affairs of Iran. It was the younger voices in Iran who responded to his criticism of the U.S., and they cast their lot with a revolutionary figure rather than with the pro-West shah of Iran. One of those young men who cared more about their own country than about the interests of the United States? Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, now the president of Iran. (A fascinating account of our sordid history with Iran is detailed in Stephen Kinzer’s “Overthrow: America’s Century of Regime Change From Hawaii to Iraq.”) President Obama knows that every word uttered by U.S. leaders can be turned right around and used against the protesters who are in the streets. He also understands how deep resentment of the U.S. is in Iran, and if the clerics can successfully get people to believe that the U.S. is behind the protests, they have the possibility of using America as the scapegoat. Isn’t it ironic that the president’s conservative critics want him to stand up for democracy in Iran when it was the United States that chose to destroy democracy and install a dictator we could control more than 50 years ago? Folks, democracy never can be imported. It must be homegrown. Look at our own civil rights movement, the democratic movement in Poland and all of East-
ern Europe; they were driven by the people at the bottom, not the top. We are seeing a remarkable amount of courage in Iran. The people there are tired of being treated like children and are putting their lives on the line to demand change in the country. Rather than inflame tensions, the U.S. should continue to issue tempered comments and allow the people in the streets to drive this issue. This should not become a U.S. vs. Iran discussion. If the focus remains on those demanding change in the streets of Iran, especially if the beatings and oppression continue -- remember Selma, Ala., and “Bloody Sunday”? -- then those who are silent in Iran will be silent no more, and other countries will begin to weigh in on the brutality. The change we desire in Iran will not happen with a press release or a comment by the president of the United States or even a congressional resolution. We must show support, but from a distance. The United States played a direct role in the mess we see in Iran today. We clearly have done enough. It’s best that we shut up and allow Iran to determine Iran’s fate. 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.
r e v o c Dis – V T O METR ays at d week n HCCTV .o m . p 6 ast c m o C l 19 e n n Cha
METRO is making its television programming debut on HCCTV, Comcast Channel 19. Watch as we explore the past, present and future of your transit authority and experience the variety of ways that METRO moves you.
www.RideMETRO.org • 713-635-4000
PG 4
July 2 - July 8, 2009
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Jackson during a concert on Oct. 24, 1988.
TOP HITS
Michael Jackson
“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock With You” (“Off the Wall”)
i
“Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” (“Thriller”)
By Preston Jones
McClatchy Newspapers
The Jackson Family members from left, Randy, Tito, Jackie, Michael and Marlon.
1977
“Bad,” “Dirty Diana,” “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Man In The Mirror,” “Smooth Criminal” and “The Way You Make Me Feel” (“Bad” )
n the days, weeks and months ahead, Michael Jackson will be eulogized by an array of pop culture thinkers, talking heads, music writers, hangers-on, family and fans. There won’t be a single moment, song or utterance of Jackson’s that won’t be turned inside out, scraped clean and picked apart for some hidden meaning. It’s the sort of unifying cultural moment that happens once a generation and, certainly, will dominate discussions for some time to come. While Jackson’s ultimate legacy will be a musical one (750 million albums sold worldwide, 13 number one hits in America alone), his was a career that devolved into tabloid spectacle near its conclusion, tarnished by legal entanglements and eccentric behavior. But there was just as much speculation that his impending 50-show run at London’s O2 Arena could prove an ideal springboard for a comeback. Sadly, we’ll never know. Following this developing story on Twitter and watching the outpouring of reaction has been truly moving — it’s clear Jackson played a key role in many people’s lives, often forming some of their first musical memories. As MTV is also acknowledging, he played a crucial role in launching the thennascent video music network into the stratosphere. (In a fitting tribute, the channel was playing Jackson videos more or less on a loop Thursday evening.) He was the first black artist to enjoy breakout success on the channel; Jackson is just as well-known for the “Thriller,” “Bad” and “Black or White” clips as he is any of his concerts or charity work. Jackson was an icon, a word that’s all too readily thrown around in an era dominated by an ADDafflicted populace and media. In recent weeks, I’ve had discussion with colleagues about which artists could still tour and fill giant arenas to the roof. It’s been said countless times already today and it will doubtless be said many, many more: Jackson was one of a kind and we’ll likely never see his sort of effortless, charismatic brilliance again.
“Black Or White” (“Black or White”)
SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY
“Thriller” (25th Anniversary Edition CD/DVD), 2009 “Smooth Criminal REMIXES,” 2008 “Gold,” 2008 “Thriller 25 Deluxe Edition,” 2008 “Essential Michael Jackson,” 2005 “Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection,” 2004 “Number Ones,” 2003 “The Best of Michael Jackson — The Millennium Collection,” 2002 “A Tribute to Michael Jackson,” 2002 “Love Songs,” 2002
“Invincible,” 2001 “Blood On The Dance Floor: HIStory...,” 1997 “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1,” 1995 “You Are Not Alone,” 1995 “Motown Legends,” 1993
1993
“Who Is It?” 1993 “Black or White,” 1992 “Jam,” 1992 “Dangerous,” 1991 “Anthology,” 1990 “Bad,” 1987 “Thriller,” 1982 “One Day in Your Life,” 1981
“Off The Wall,” 1979
2004
“Got to Be There,” 1972
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July 2 - July 8, 2009
PG 5
LOCAL
H-E-B Grocery Presented with Chairman’s Award of Excellence
T
he USA Rice Federation presented the Chairman’s Award of Excellence to H-E-B Grocery at the 110th USA Rice Millers’ Association annual convention. The award recognizes the company’s dedication to promoting American-grown rice in its stores for more than a decade through National Rice Month and special promotions such as Cinco De Mayo. USA Rice Federation Chairman Jamie Warshaw presented the award to Tracy Dufault, business development manager for Carbs and Oils, who accepted the award on behalf of H-E-B Grocery. “Over the past decade, H-E-B Grocery has set the standard of excellence for promoting U.S. rice,” Warshaw said. “We’re proud to recognize them as our first ever recipient of the Chairman’s Award of Excellence.”
For more than 10 years, H-E-B has promoted U.S. rice to millions of consumers through in-store displays, advertising, recipe sampling, c o u p o n s and specials on U.S. rice products, and through the company’s Web site. “We’re honored to receive the USA Rice Federation Chairman’s Award of Excellence,” Dufault said. HE-B Grocery has committed to promoting U.S. rice through the National Rice Month program for over a decade because it’s a promotion that gets results. We see significant rice sales increases every year during the promotion. H-E-B is dedicated to supporting the U.S. rice and will continue to promote it in years to come.” For more information about National Rice Month Promotions, visit www.usarice.com/retail.
Tracy Dufault, right, accepted the Chairman’s Award of Excellence from USA Rice Federation Chairman Jamie Warshaw.
PG 6
July 2 - July 8, 2009
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JESSE JACKSON
COMMENTARY
Tribune Media Services
N
ew Haven, Conn., is a city in which African-Americans and Hispanics account for nearly 60 percent of the population; yet, by order of the U.S. Supreme Court, the city must be served --”as it was in the days of undisguised discrimination -- by a fire department in which members of racial and ethnic minorities are rarely seen in command positions.” Today’s ruling is deeply flawed and should not be the law of the land. According to Justices Ginsburg, Souter, Stevens and Breyer (who dissented from the majority opinion) “In 1972, Congress extended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to cover public employment. At that time, municipal fire departments across the country, including New Haven’s, pervasively discriminated against minorities. The extension of Title VII to cover jobs in firefighting effected no overnight change. It took decades of persistent effort, advanced by Title VII litigation, to open firefighting posts to members of racial minorities.” In assessing claims of race discrimination, “context matters.” Grutter v. Bollinger, 539 U. S. 306, 327 (2003). In June 2003, six years ago, on the same day that Maynard Jackson died, the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action in higher education admission
New Haven Shows We Haven’t Learned decisions. In that case, Justice Ginsburg stated what was obvious to civil rights activists: The law ought to be able to distinguish between the use of race to include a historically discriminated against racial or ethnic group and the use of race to exclude. Despite her instruction, we have not learned the lesson. Context does matter. Six years ago, the U.S. military led the way in support of affirmative action, arguing that the nation was less safe without black and brown officers. According to a brief filed by the nation’s generals, morale, chain of command and esprit d’corps could not be maintained without a critical mass of black, brown and female officers. Enlisted people had to be able to see persons who looked like themselves in command in order to have faith in the command structure. For the U.S. military, integration of officer ranks was as important a job qualification as knowing military history or aerospace engineering. We think it matters in other contexts, as well. What has bedeviled us these past 30 years since Regents of the University of California v. Bakke is the notion that any pen-and-paper test can reveal everything you need to know in order to assess a candidate’s ability to lead. And so we persist with the legal fictions that every qualification can be numerically assessed and that history counts for nothing. The decision does not address the big questions about affirmative action, namely: How much may white employees be inconvenienced in order to rectify centuries of past discrimination? When, if ever, is it appropriate to use affirmative action to create a diverse workplace? Affirmative action is justified
on the premise that diversity is good for us as a society, not that diversity rectifies centuries of wrongdoing. Our penchant for rugged individualism and laissez-faire survival of the fittest seduces us into believing that every person is entitled to every benefit society has to offer and that no individual should pay a price, no matter how minor, for the greater good of the society as a whole. The majority and the minority disagree about whether the firefighters’ test was “narrowly tailored” enough to pass constitutional muster. What do I mean? Justice Ginsburg says there was adequate evidence in the record that the New Haven test was flawed and resulted in bias against black and brown firefighters. Had that evidence been credited, the test could have been revised to be fairer. Surely New Haven could have devised a test or selection device, without a similarly undesirable racial effect, that also served the employer’s legitimate interest. Undoubtedly, a critical mass of white firefighters would have scored well enough on such a test to be promoted. But the court today decides that no white person need suffer any inconvenience to produce a fairer workplace. This reasoning depends on a hyperindividualistic interpretation of American rights. Blacks were enslaved as a group. They were segregated as a group. They were held in economic and political subjugation in the South for decades following Reconstruction as a group. But now that we have reached the enlightened 21st century, remedies for these crimes cannot take the group stigma against blacks into account. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor wrote that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution protects individuals and not groups. We disagree. Perhaps it is time to scrap the entire legal analysis of voluntary efforts to address discrimination. Perhaps we
should permit employers and schools to devise plans to foster inclusion that straightforwardly account for past discrimination. Perhaps we should recognize an integrated workplace for what most large institutions know that it is: a business imperative, and thus a compelling interest. Rather than having to prove that affirmative action programs are narrowly tailored to address a compelling state interest, it should be enough if the goal of full equal opportunity is good for business, reflects current realities and moves us toward a more perfect union. In short, perhaps race is no longer a suspect classification. For hundreds of years, white males have enjoyed more than 95 percent of the best jobs, the best housing, the best incomes, the best health care, whether they were best suited or not. When small steps are taken to level the playing field, the court determines that no inconvenience to white applicants is permissible. The firefighters had no “right” to be promoted, merely an opportunity. You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson care of this newspaper or by email at jjackson@rainbowpush.org.
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July 2 - July 8, 2009
PG 7
What’s in STYLE Begins $5 Suggested donation to Star of Hope Clothing donations to Star of Hope welcome. All ages welcome For further details, please call Hard Rock Cafe Houston at 713-227-1392 or visit www.hardrock.com.
July 4 GALVESTON’S 4TH OF JULY PARADE Come Fourth and join in the fun at Galveston’s 4th of July Parade and 4th of July Fireworkscelebration! Led by Parade Marshall and KPRC Local 2 Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley, the parade begins at 10am at the Galveston Railroad Museum on 25th Street, heads south and winds its way through historic downtown Galveston, from Postoffice Street to 21st Street, north on 21st Street to Strand, then west on Strand to 25th Street. The parade will be followed by a celebration of our nation’s birth at the Galveston Railroad Museum, 123 Rosenberg (25th) Street. The celebration will include musical entertainment by Sparky Koerner and a patriotic program hosted by Joe Huff of Galveston College. Hot dogs and lemonade refreshments will be provided by our organizers and Sweet Leaf Tea will be on hand to provide their delicious brews. For more information visit www.galveston.com. ●
July 2 THE BERRYMAN HOUSE, INC. & NOO DAY ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS THE “GET ON THA BUS TOUR” SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Free Concert with Featuring J. Xavier at 7:30 pm. A birthday celebrationn for Teen Summit A fundraiser for the bus. A love offering will be given. With Special Guests: Dat Boy Jesse, Confidence 4:13, Jimmy Mitchell, and Da Fishermayne. Church of the Lord Jesus Christ 4802 Martin Luther King @ OST, Houston, TX 77021 For more information call 832-878-8535 or email Noodayent@ aol. com ●
July 2 - 4 CELEBRATE JULY 4TH WEEKEND AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK Celebrate July 4th Weekend with the best bet in town—a visit to Sam Houston Race Park for a special weekend of family-friendly fun featuring live racing, ●
music and an array of games and activities Thursday, July 2 through Saturday, July 4, 2009. Tickets for the July 4th Celebration include the $49 Family 4-Pack with (4) general admission tickets; (4) hot dogs and sodas and (2) live racing programs. Beginning at 7 p.m. general admission to The Park will be $10 per person with children ages 12 and under FREE; general parking will be $10. For more information call 281-807-8700 or visit www.shrp.com
July 4 HOUSTON SYMPHONY PERFORMS STAR-SPANGLED SALUTE CONCERT FREE CELEBRATION AT MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE FOR FOURTH OF JULY The Houston Symphony continues a long-standing Fourth of July tradition at Miller Outdoor Theatre with their annual Star-Spangled Salute concert. Principal Pops Conductor, Michael Krajewski, will lead the orchestra in patriotic classics such as America the Beautiful and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Additional features include a performance by Texas prodigies, The Cactus Cuties, a ●
narration of Copland’s Lincoln Portrait by KPRC Local 2 news anchor Owen Conflenti and a fireworks finale provided by the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board. This concert also represents the end of the orchestra’s KPRC Local 2 Summer Symphony Nights 2009 season at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Saturday, July 4, 8:30 p.m. Star-Spangled Salute KPRC Local 2 Summer Symphony Nights Miller Outdoor Theatre 100 Concert Drive, Hermann Park, Houston, TX 77030 Free admission Michael Krajewski, conductor Owen Conflenti, narrator The Cactus Cuties, guest vocalists For tickets and more information regarding the 2009-10 season, please visit www.houstonsymphony.org
July 4 HOUSTON’S LAST COMIC STANDING COMPETITION Be there on the 4th of July as Top Comics go head to head in Houston’s end all be all comedian competition! The fireworks are sure to fly! Houston’s Last Comic Standing Competition July 4th @ 9 PM Jet Lounge 1515 Pease St., HoustonTX. 77002 $$Cash Prize$$ Auditions & Info: 832-6689996 or live@ kafihouse.com ●
Thomas and Williams, L.L.P. Attorneys At Law
July 4 HARD ROCK CAFE HOUSTON HOSTS “FOURTH OF JULY ROCK FEST” EVENT TO BENEFIT LOCAL CHARITY STAR OF HOPE Celebrate Independence Day like a rock star at Hard Rock Cafe Houston! On Saturday, July 4, 2009, Hard Rock Cafe Houston will host “Fourth of July Rock Fest,” an afternoon of fresh food and rocking music. Hard Rock Cafe Houston 502 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX Saturday, July 4, 2009 3:00 p.m. Event ●
SCOTT THOMAS Partner
• • • •
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July 2 - July 8, 2009
July 11
INAUGURAL BBQ COOK-OFF EVENT AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK Search for Houston’s Best Ribs, Washer Tournament and the Verizon Wireless Concert Series Featuring the Eli Young Band on Saturday, July 11, 2009 Calling all BBQ Cooking Teams—The Search For Houston’s Best Ribs Begins July 11 at The Park! The event is open to 10 cook-off teams, consisting one head cook and up to 5 additional team members, who will prepare rib meat of any style and submit to the judging panel. Guests will be able to sample BBQ plates from all teams starting at $10 per plate. Sam Houston Race Park 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway West Houston, Texas 77064 $19 Fun 4-Pack (4 live racing tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas & 2 live racing programs) Regular Admission $4 adults; $2 Senior Citizens; children 12 and under FREE. For more information, call 281-807-8760 or visit www.shrp.com ●
All Male HISD Middle Charter School 5th-8th Grade Enrolling students for the 2008-2009 School Year
July 4 FREEDOM OVER TEXAS WITH FIREWORKS PRESENTED BY SHELL CELEBRATES AMERICA’S BIRTHDAY WITH COUNTRY MUSIC SENSATION CLAY WALKER This year’s event, saluting Houston’s military heroes and honoring the 40th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo XI Lunar Landing, will feature the largest land-based fireworks show in the nation, unbeatable entertainment and a lively outdoor festival. Admission is FREE. Both the concert and the fireworks will be televised live on KTRK-TV (ABC), Ch.13 from Eleanor Tinsley Park. For more information, call 832.393.0868 or visit the Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell Web site at www.freedomovertexas.org or www.houstonspecialevents. org.
To schedule a time to complete an application and interview, please call 713.748.0030
●
July 11 THE MARCH FOR MARSHALLPlease join us as we march as a collective community for Marshall High School. Currently, Marshall has an Electronic Engineering Academy that offers a variety of intrinsic, academic, and experiential opportunities for our students. Regretfully, the Fort Bend ISD decision-makers plan to move the Engineering Academy from Marshall to Elkins. March with us on July 11, 2009, at 8:00am to keep the Electronic Engineering Academy at Marshall. We will gather at Together We Stand Christian Church, 1430 Texas Parkway @ Scanlin in Missouri City. Pleas wear black or gold to show your support. For more information contact Pastor Theodore Deaver at 832-6816203 or theodoredeaver@sbcglobal.net or Pastor Matthew Davis at 713-2080907 or turninghearts@yahoo.com. ●
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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.
July 11 - 12 OPEN AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED FOR ROCKETS DANCE TEAMS Rockets Power Dancers on Saturday, July 11 Little Dippers on Sunday, July 12 The Houston Rockets will host open auditions at Toyota Center for the Rockets Power Dancers on Saturday, July 11 and the Little Dippers on Sunday, July 12. Ladies auditioning for RPD will need to display a mix of hip-hop, jazz, pom and dance technique. RPD applicants should also be 18 years old, a high school graduate and have current full time employment or school enrollment. The Little Dippers are a group of energetic boys and girls who perform hip hop, jazz and novelty dance routines at several Rockets games throughout the season. Kids interested in auditioning should be 6-14 years old. RPD Auditions – July 11 at 9am Little Dipper Auditions – July 12 at 11:30am Toyota Center – Bell Street Entrance 1510 Polk Street For information on registration forms, information about RPD Prep Classes and audition day timelines log on to www.rockets.com. ●
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July 2 - July 8, 2009
127029k_8.5x11.pgs 06.25.2009 16:05
PG 9 PowerTrap .003
LOCAL
Education Stimulates Progress
By Jo-Carolyn Goode Editor-at-Large
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alcolm X once said, “Education book of their choice to begin for some, a dren to figure out how they could become sorority helped the second graders enhanced is the passport to the future, for home library. Guest workshop presenters entrepreneurs in their chosen professions. their technological skills. Some of the youngtomorrow belongs to those who came the following days to discuss entre- Like any business, money is needed to start er students thought they knew everything prepare for it today.” Helping to mold and preneurial endeavors and economic keys it. Thanks to the AKAs each child received about computers but were delighted to learn new lessons. In the folshape the young minds lowing days the children of today are the women learned the importance of of the Alpha Kappa saving money. The preOmega Chapter of Alpha senter of this workshop Kappa Alpha Sorority, challenged the students Inc. (AKA) Using their to save money. Whoskills and talents, they ever has the most money are ensuring that young by the end of summer people are pursuing eduschool will get his funds cational prowess. matched when the pre For two weeks senter returns to Whidby. the ladies committed Needless to say I think themselves to the chilthere are some youngsters dren of Whidby Elemenwho are counting their tary School. Focusing pennies. specifically on the second Concerned grade, the ladies tutored about both the mind and students in the areas of body, the ladies sponreading and math for two sored a health fair. Parthours daily. When not nering with the Houston in tutorials, the students Police Department, Housparticipated in various ton Fire Department, and workshop presentations ThePM ladies of the Alpha Kappa Omega chapter of AKA with the second grade students at Whibdy Elementary School. Houston ISD the students that highlighted the na-Home 11/1/06 2:52 Warner Hicks:High Fashion Page 1 were taught about strangtional thrust of the Alpha to success. In the entrepreneurial workshop a piggy bank to begin saving for their fu- er and fire safety. Houston ISD will continue Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ‘s platforms. The first week began with a book fair, where children shared their desired career choices ture businesses. In the interactive economic to be a drug free zone because the second each child in the entire school received a and the ladies of the sorority helped the chil- workshop children learned about the all graders got a close look at samples of illegal important world of buying and exchanging and legal medicines to prevent drug abuse. goods. Various denominations of play mon- Hands and teeth will be cleaner as hygiene ey were given to the students who were then seminars were given on hand washing and challenged to use the money counting skills teeth cleaning. Earthy, On the last day, an Awards Prothey learned in tutorials to purchase goods 100gram was had to give kudos to the children donated by the sorority. A make-shift store year filled with items that made their eyes light for their active participation throughout the old up was made for this activity. When learn- weeks. Answering questions correctly about ing that the only way they could get desired what they had learned, students were given items was to pay for them with the correct another book; this one was about jazz (the amount of money their minds really started only true American music genre) that even to work. Eyes were scrunched, heads were included a CD of jazz music so they could scratched, and fingers were counted but soon learn to appreciate the music. Three students all children had smiles on their faces because were recognized for the best book reports. In the fall students will begin TAKS they accomplished the task at hand. The second week was jammed testing again. With the help from the ladies packed with activities. Undergraduate col- of the Alpha Kappa Omega chapter of AKA lege students who are members of the Gam- the children will have high scores to prove ma Psi and Omicron Gamma chapters of the that education does stimulate progress.
Warner Hicks, LLP
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
PG 10
July 2 - July 8, 2009
Tamara Cubit, President of the Alpha Kappa Omega chapter of AKA; Margie Taylor, chairperson of the program; pose with the Whidby Elementary students who had the best book reports.
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July 2 - July 8, 2009
PG 11
ENTERTAINMENT
ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2009
to Celebrate Its 15th Anniversary July 3, 4 and 5 in New Orleans
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oming off its most successful year vention Center. ever with more than 270,000 attend- “As we plan the Essence Music ees this past July, Festival’s 15th anniverthe ESSENCE MUSIC sary in New Orleans in FESTIVAL returns to July, we are looking to New Orleans July 3, 4 create an environment and 5, 2009 with headthat celebrates our hisliner Beyoncé. tory and looks to our The annual future,” said Michelle weekend of entertainEbanks, president, Esment and empowersence Communications ment--hailed by USA Inc. “We invite everyTODAY (7-7-08) as one to join us as we having “achieved a mark this milestone ocbalance of old-school casion with friends old homage and cuttingand new.” edge innovation at the With more than Superdome”--will once twelve musical peragain dazzle and uplift formances a day from with an unprecedented some of today’s greatthree days of cultural est African-American Beyoncé Knowles celebrations over the artists, the ESSENCE festive Fourth of July MUSIC FESTIVAL holiday weekend. As in past years, musical sets itself apart from other music events performances are slated for the New Orleans around the world by including three full days Superdome and empowerment seminars are of empowerment seminars. The empowerset to take place at the Ernest N. Morial Con- ment seminars--which are free of charge--are
PG 12
July 2 - July 8, 2009
open to the public on a first come, first served basis. Initial seminars for 2009 include Living an Authentic Life featuring Dr. Juanita Bynum (Friday, July 3); State of Black America II: Realizing the Dream hosted by Roland Martin (Saturday, July 4); An All-Star Tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes (Sunday, July 5). The 2008 outing featured headlining performances from Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Chris Rock and Rihanna, with Empowerment Seminar appearances by Tyler Perry, Dr. Bill Cosby, Rev. Al Sharpton, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Hill Harper, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Juanita Bynum and Tom Joyner. As the event concluded, concert attendees learned that platinum singer-songwriter-producer and actress Beyoncé would make her third appearance at the 2009 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL. With some of the biggest names in entertainment and the nation’s most influential speakers, artists, authors and leaders, the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is the nation’s largest annual gathering of AfricanAmerican music and culture. What began in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ESSENCE magazine has
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now grown into one of the country’s “Top 10 Leading Brand Events” by Advertising Age. In its 15-year history, the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL has featured an array of performers including Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Chris Brown, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, Kanye West, The Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, The O’Jays, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams. The 2009 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC and produced by Rehage Entertainment. Essence Festivals LLC is a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI). General admission daily tickets are available for $51, $67 or $79; floor seats are $92 and $121; Gold Circle tickets are $173; all plus applicable service charges. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-277-1700. For additional information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, visit www.stylemagazine.com.
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5 / IN NEW ORLEANS JULY 3 / JULY 4 / JULY
CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY! PERFORMING...
Beyoncé • Maxwell • John Legend • Anita Baker • Lionel Richie • Robin Thicke • Ne-Yo Salt-N-Pepa • Charlie Wilson • Jazmine Sullivan • Al Green • Teena Marie • En Vogue ESSENCE Icons! A Star-studded Tribute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly Eric Benét • Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings • Solange • Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars • Keri Hilson • Marva Wright • Big Sam’s Funky Nation Preservation Hall Jazz Band • Dwele • Ledisi • Janelle Monáe • Zap Mama • Irvin Mayfield • Dan Dyer • Little Freddie King • Raphael Saadiq • Lalah Hathaway Melanie Fiona • Ryan Leslie • Brand New Heavies • Blind Boys of Alabama • The Knux • Trombone Shorty and the Orleans Ave All Stars • Rebirth Brass Band
ALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW! VISIT TICKETMASTER.COM OR CALL 800.488.5252. Single Ticket Prices range from $51 - $200/person/night. SAVE on Weekend Ticket Packages from $153 - $545/person. Visit EssenceMusicFestival.com for Details and Performance Updates for All Three Days. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools.® Floor tickets based on availability. Artists subject to change.
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July 2 - July 8, 2009
PG 13
Remembering Michael Jackson: His Life and Legacy
HEALTH
V
American Heart Association Extends Sympathy to Family of Singer Michael Jackson
olunteers and staff of the American Heart Association extend their sympathy to the family and friends of singer Michael Jackson who died suddenly today. “It’s a shame when someone his age dies so suddenly,” said Clyde Yancy, M.D., president of the American Heart Association. “Although we don’t know all the details of the situation, it’s important for people to know the signs and how to react quickly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jackson family at this time.” News reports indicated that Jackson died suddenly of a cardiac arrest. Each year more than 300,000 people suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital. More than 92 percent of cardiac arrest victims don’t survive. A victim’s chances of survival are reduced by 7 to 10 percent with every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation. Cardiac arrest can be reversed by defibrillation if it’s treated within a few minutes with an electric shock to
PG 16
the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. However, few attempts at resuscitation succeed after 10 minutes. The American Heart Association urges the public to be prepared for cardiac emergencies: * Know the warning signs of cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest a victim loses consciousness, stops normal breathing and loses pulse and blood pressure. They may suddenly collapse. * Call 9-1-1 immediately to access the emergency medical system if you see any cardiac arrest warning signs. * Give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to help keep the cardiac arrest victim alive until emergency help arrives. * If you don’t know CPR or haven’t been trained, call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast on the center of the chest until help arrives. For more information on heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, visit www. americanheart.org.
July 2 - July 8, 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
McDonald’s® Brings a Taste of the Sweet Life to the 2009 Essence Music Festival Offers attendees a McCafé® Experience with Neo-Soul Artist Dwele and Sampling of new Iced Mocha
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cDonald’s returns to the ESSENCE Music Festival as a proud sponsor for the sixth year. This year McDonald’s brings a taste of the sweet life to New Orleans, with samples of the McDonald’s McCafé Iced Mochas, neo-soul artist Dwele, a current voice behind McDonald’s McCafé advertising campaign, plus a host of engaging activities, to one of the nation’s largest festivals. “The ESSENCE Music Festival is an opportunity to annually reintroduce McDonald’s to hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the country who attend the Festival, which is one of the highlights of our year,” said Carol Sagers, Director of U.S. Marketing, McDonald’s USA. “We are exceptionally proud of our continued support of programs that are important to our consumers. The ESSENCE Music Festival is merely one demonstration of our commitment to being deeply rooted in the African American community throughout the year.” During the ESSENCE Festival, McDonald’s offers a McCafé experience at both the Ernest Morial Convention Center, free and open to the public, and at the Superdome for concert-goers. The daily McCafé Sweet Sound Concert Series at the Convention Center, features performances by legendary R&B group Mint Condition, super crooner Joe and dynamic duo Kindred the Family Soul. Attendees will also have an opportunity to sample the new McCafé Iced Mocha for an indulgent treat at limited times throughout the weekend, while supplies last. McDonald’s at Essence Music Festival – Highlights at the Convention Center booth, Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5:
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• Meet Neo-Soul artist Dwele, the voice behind the McCafé advertising campaign (Friday, July 3, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.) • MTV’s Making The Band’s favorite choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson hits the floor with a dance warm up and marathon from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. A meet-andgreet autograph session follows at 1:15 p.m. (Daily) • Sample the McCafé Iced Mocha from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Daily and while supplies last) • Groove to the beat of the McCafé Sweet Sound Concert Series with Mint Condition (Friday), Joe (Saturday) and Kindred the Family Soul (Sunday) from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m., followed by a meetand-greet autograph session with each artist at 3:00 p.m. The McCafé Experience continues at the Superdome inside the McDonald’s McCafé Mocha Lounge, which features Dwele kicking off the weekend, July 3rd, at 9:15 p.m. In addition to Dwele, the McCafé Mocha Lounge at the Superdome will feature performances by Keri Hilson, DJ Jubilee, Preservation Hall Jazz Band Reserve, Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk, Brand New Heavies, Rebirth Brass Band and Zap Mama. McDonald’s® 365Black® Awards The sixth annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards luncheon will take place at the Convention Center, Friday, July 3rd at 11 a.m., held at the Essence Music Festival for the third year in a row. Awardwinning journalist Soledad O’Brien, U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn (South Carolina 6th District), New Jersey-based McDonald’s owner/operator Frank Mason, and retired NBA player and philanthropist Alonzo Mourning, along with Black Enterprise founder Earl G. Graves, Sr., are this year’s Award recipients.
By Jo-Carolyn Goode Editor-at-Large
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any ascribe to the cliché “death comes in three’s.” This past week was living proof of this overused expression. Ed McMahon was first to die. Two days later Farrah Fawcett would be called home. Later, on the same day as Farrah’s death, the world was in a state of shock after learning that the King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson who was affectionately called MJ, had died. On Thursday, June 25, 2009, as I stepped out of my office for a short break I heard people talking about Michael Jackson’s death. I began to argue with all of them saying MJ was in a coma and he wasn’t dead. I returned to my office and my phone started blowing up with text messages saying Michael Jackson was, in fact, dead. Magic 102.1 was playing his music non-stop, but I still denied what was the inevitable truth. I didn’t begin to accept Michael’s fate until CNN broadcast his death around 5:00 P.M. My first reaction was “Wow, that’s hard for me to believe.” As I slowly came to grips with Michael’s demise, I wanted more details, but then I became angry. I was angry because, in my humble opinion, the media had gone too far with over covering his death. I mean really, did we need to see MJ on a stretcher with an oxygen mask covering his face or his shrouded body being air lifted to the coroner? We don’t need to know what he ate every day, his personal hygiene regimen, his medical history, how much money he had or how much in debt he was. There was no need to remind us about the criminal charges he faced but was acquitted or some of the not-so normal things (in the eyes of the not-so-normal) he did. Nor do we need to dive into his personal affairs as to whether he is the biological father of his children or who will get custody or whether Debbie Rowe is going to file a petition for custody or not (by the way did you all forget that she relinquished her rights, was paid $5 million dollars and never looked back until she realized that maybe she could get more money). America didn’t need the media to rehash all those negative incidents in the wake of Michael’s death. After all, we are supposed to respect the dead. I say leave all those dark times in Michael’s life in the past and focus on his music and the positive aspects of his life – how charitable he was, what a good parent he was, how kind he was, etc. Michael Joseph Jackson single handedly changed the music industry. Artists today give him credit for many of the joys they are experiencing but would not have been able to do so had it not been for him. He broke the mold that others now try to follow. His career best album “Thriller” still holds the record for being the world’s best selling album of all time. No other artist will ever touch that due to the new technological age of downloading music. Besides being responsible for
Michael Jackson: May He Rest in Peace FELD ENTERTAINMENT
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record-breaking sales, MJ also broke racial ness World Records, received 19 Gram- States, Presidents Ronald Regan and George Insertion Date(s): barriers by being the first African American mies, 22 American Music Awards, 12 World H. W. Bush, throughout his 41 years in the entertainer to have a video Music Awards, and countless other awards, business. No entertainer anywhere can beat broadcast on MTV, so he recognitions and honors just from the enter- that. Houston Style Magazine expresses also was a civil rights ac- tainment industry. He was inducted into the tivist. He introduced the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice as well as our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, often-imitated-but-never- the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was hon- and fans of Michael Jackson. His legacy and duplicated moonwalk ored by two sitting Presidents of the United his music will last for generations to come. and debuted the robot and other dance steps. M J even had a patent for a special pair of shoes he and his team designed for his anti-gravity lean in his “Smooth Criminal” video. U.S. Patent Number 5,255,452 expired December 20, 2005. Although Michael is primarily known for his memorable music, there is something else that is just as big as his music, his heart. After the hair burning incident that occurred while he was taping a Pepsi commercial, Michael was awarded over $1 million dollars which he donated to the Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, California that treated his burns so they could improve their technology. The hospital has since named the burn center in his honor. He donated the 5 million dollars he earned from his 1984 Victory Tour to charity. His “We Are the World” single co-written with Lionel Richie sold 20 million copies and maybe the best-selling single of all time. If you guessed that MJ donated that money earned from sales of Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. Wed. JULY 15 H 7:30 PM that single, you would be JULY 16 JULY 17 JULY 18 JULY 19 OPENING NIGHT 11:30 AM right. Those funds went 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 1:30 PM TICKETS $10!* 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM to aid the poor in Africa Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. JULY 22 JULY 23 JULY 24 JULY 25 JULY 26 JULY 21 as well as the US. In later 10:30 AM 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 11:00 AM 3:30 PM 3:00 PM years Michael would give 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM *(Excludes Circus Celebrity , VIP Dining, Front Row and VIP seats. Service charges, the United Negro College facility and handling fees may apply. No double discounts.) Fund $500,000 and also donate proceeds from his Buy tickets online, at Retail Locations, single “Man in the MirReliant Stadium Box Office or call 1-800-745-3000 ror.” Even more money was distributed around For information call (832) 667-1400 • Groups of 15 or more call (281) 367-9717 the world for the betterTICKET PRICES: $16 - $24 - $30 Limited number of Circus Celebrity, VIP Dining, Front Row and VIP seats available. ment of children’s lives Call for details. (Service charges, facility and handling fees may apply.) through his charitable Come 90 minutes before show time to see our Asian elephants at the Animal Open HouseSM. organization, Heal the And, meet the stars an hour before the show at the All Access Pre-show – FREE to all ticket holders! World Foundation. During his career, Michael set 13 Guin© 2007 Feld Entertainment
FEATURE
JULY 15 - 26
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SM
July 2 - July 8, 2009
PG 17
THIS WEEK:
Houston, TX
16th Annual Youth Employment Program Colgate P.O.W.E.R
Power to Choose Electricity Provider Workshop
Photography By Vicky Pink
Photography By Vicky Pink
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n Monday, June 22, 2009, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the 16th Annual Youth Employment Program Colgate P.O.W.E.R. Kick Off at H-E-B Gulfgate. Colgate P.O.W.E.R., which stands for Preparing Our World through Education and Responsibility, partners annually with local governments and Mayors’ offices to support youth development and career placement programs nationwide. H-E-B and ColgatePalmolive teamed up again this year for this initiative, which supports HoustonWorks USA. More than 50 students gathered to hear Congressman Al Green deliver a motivational speech. Andre Johnson also addressed the group. As part of the presentation, HEB and Colgate-Palmolive donated $20,000 to HoustonWorks USA in cash and in-kind support.
PG 18
July 2 - July 8, 2009
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n Saturday, June 20, 2009, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the Power to Choose Electricity Provider Workshop at Workforce Solutions-Southwest. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) provided information on the LITE-UP Texas Program and were available to answer questions. Attendees included representatives from PUC, GEXA, StartTex Power, First Choice Power, Reliant Energy, Sheltering Arms Senior Services, TXU Energy, and United Way- Gatekeepers. State Senator Rodney Ellis and State Representative Kristi Thibaut hosted the event.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Coors Light Brings Cold Refreshment to the 2009 Essence Music Festival Music Lovers, Summer and the Beer with a Taste As Cold as the Rockies to Enjoy a Natural Affinity at Upcoming Cultural Event
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oors Light -- “The World’s Most Refreshing Beer” -- is proud to serve as the official beer sponsor of the 15th Annual 2 0 0 9 Coca Cola Essence Music Festival, which takes place o v e r the 4th of July weekend in New Orleans. T h e Essence Music Festival is considered one of the premier African American cultural events of the summer. The natural affinity between music lovers, summer and cold beer is indisputable. The
festival features hot talent this year including Beyonce, John Legend, Maxwell and Lionel Ritchie. While the Festival heats u p , festival participants will cool down with the cold refreshing taste of Coors Light. Jacqueline Johnson, manager of African American brand marketing for MillerCoors, said Coors Light is excited about bringing cold refreshment to the Essence Music Festival. We can think of no better time and place to serve our most refreshing beverage to legal drinking age
consumers than at one of America’s most refreshing celebrations of music and performance art, said Johnson. During the festival, Coors Light will host the Coors Light Refreshment Lounge at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center where fans of legal drinking age will receive promotional giveaways. On Friday and Saturday, Coors Light will partner with popular Atlanta radio personality Ryan Cameron of V-103. Cameron will broadcast live from the Lounge, featuring interviews with entertainers Keri Hilson, Eric Benet and John Legend. Fans also will have an opportunity to get autographs and take pictures with the celebrities. Each night of the weekend-long celebration of music will conclude with a well-known mix of heritage artists, new chart-topping acts, as well as local favorites. Among those slated to appear on the main stage this year are Anita Baker, Al
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July 2 - July 8, 2009
Green, En Vogue, Salt N Pepa and Maze -- featuring Frankie Beverly. Coors Light, one of the bestselling premium light beers in America, is brewed by MillerCoors. The company’s tradition of brewing the highest quality beers has also included support of longstanding cultural, ethnic and festive experiences that build upon the heritage of America’s communities. Coors Light is also a proud sponsor of Black Music Month and the BET Awards. Introduced in 1978, Coors Light delivers the ultimate in cold refreshment. For more information about Coors Light, go to www.coorslight.com. For additional information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the 2009 Essence Music Festival, visit www.essencemusicfestival. com. To purchase tickets, go to http:// www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-2771700.
PG 19
LEGAL
Honest Citizens Should Have the Right to Legally Carry a Handgun
By H. B. (Rickey) Spivey, Jr., LCC
I
Criminal Justice Editor
agree with Jesse Jackson in his column entitled “Guns and Hate,” where he states gun show loopholes allow would-
be terrorists or haters easy access to guns. These loopholes should be closed to pre-
PG 20
vent these groups, including regular criminals, from obtaining handguns to commit acts of violence. However, I think honest citizens should be able to protect themselves and their families from hate groups or criminals who decide to murder them for their own personal reasons. Statistics prove that it’s not the honest people who kill with impunity; it is individuals with criminal intent. As Captain under Constable A.B. Chambers, he assigned me to personally escort Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee and former Surgeon General of the United States Jocelyn Elders to insure their safety. I also on a couple of occasions was assigned to Deputy James (Smokie) Phillips to escort Rev. Jesse Jack-
July 2 - July 8, 2009
son while he was visiting Houston. Among others assigned personal protections under my watch were President Bill Clinton, Texas Senator Rodney Ellis and Minister Farrakhan. You see, not too many citizens hold these types of positions that warrants personal protection, or can afford to hire the police for personal protection. Regular citizens feel their lives are just as important as public servants’ lives, so they, if qualified, obtain concealed handgun license to protect themselves. I have a problem with people who have the money and power to have personal protection but want regular citizens to live on a prayer and a shoestring. They should be advocates for legal self-protection because it already takes the police a long time to get to you when you need them right now. In 1991, on that ominous day in Killeen Texas at the Luby’s Cafeteria, a man decided to murder 23 diners, including yet to become State Representative Suzanna Hupp’s parents in front of her. A movement started that moment, which culminated into the “Right to Carry Law” in the State of
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Texas. I will always be the voice of peace loving people and their right to protect themselves and their families from criminals. 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 community 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 “Constable 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, Precinct 7. You can contact him at editorial@stylemagazine.com.
ENTERTAINMENT By LaToya “Blaze” Edwards Style Entertainment Writer
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ichelle Pfeiffer’s latest flick, casts the seasoned actress as Léa de Lonval, a Parisian courtesan during the turn of the century. Beautiful, eloquent, and well manicured, de Lonval’s latest tryst sees her involved with a man half her age-- Chéri, played by Rupert Friend. Handsome and naïve, charming and free-spirited, the two are paired by de Lonval’s rival and Chéri’s mother, Charlotte Peloux (Kathy Bates). Hoping that de Lonval’s expertise can lend in making a man of her son, Peloux could not have cared to think that the relationship would last for six years! After such time, Charlotte decides that the charade has lasted far past its expiration date, and it’s
SPORTS
Chéri come time for Chéri to return from his Peter Pan land to marry a girl more his age. There is one problem however, the duo have unexpectedly fallen in love. Chéri reminisces over his former lover throughout his marriage, while de Lonval vacates Paris to alleviate all thoughts of him. When he learns that his “Noon Noon” has taken another young lover, his emotions become too powerful to bare. Chéri’s immaturity and indecisions finds his wife lonely and heartbroken; while he wanders, she waits. Meanwhile, Léa eventually returns home from her impromptu voyage filled with confidence in her dear Chéri’s admiration. Almost predictably, mon Chérie storms into the bou-
doir with familiarity to reclaim what’s his!! It is too little, too late as their love affair has grown stale. A true tale of forbidden love with a bitter sweet ending, Chéri the movie is a fair display of Colette’s book which bares the same name. There were moments during my viewing where I faded into a state of oblivion, as the movie seemed to drag, but Director Stephen Frears and his creative team light up the screen with their lavish belle époque (Beautiful Era) recreations. Chéri opened in select theatres on June 26th.
Michelle Pfeiffer as Léa de Lonval in Cheri
“Here We Go Again”
By Blake Peoples
Style Magazine Sports Writer
T
he Houston Rockets have been plagued by a plethora of injuries since the arrival of superstars, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. The duo was expected to led the Rockets back to the NBA Finals. The last time the Rockets played in the finals was in 1995, when they defeated a young Shaquille O’Neal and his Orlando Magic. Yao and McGrady have only played a total of 220 games together in five seasons. The two have missed 204 games to injury since McGrady’s arrival in 2004. Last season, Yao was able to lead the Rockets back to the playoffs and past the Portland Trailblazers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The victory was the Rockets first series win since 1997. McGrady watched from the sidelines. Following the first round victory, Yao was injured in Game 3 of the second round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Yao was diagnosed with a sprained ankle. However, a follow-up test revealed a hairline fracture in his left foot, and was ruled out for the rest of the playoffs. Despite the absence of their two best players, the tough, resilient Rocket ball club was able to force the Lakers to seven games. The Lakers would eventually close the series with a dominating performance at the Staples Center in route to yet another NBA Championship. Although, the Rockets season ended prematurely, fans were optimistic about
the future. McGrady’s injury was healing and the arrival of Ron Artest provided the Rockets with that third scoring option that they felt was essential to compete for a title. The Rockets young bench developed amiably last season and point guard Aaron Brooks demonstrated that he could navigate the Rockets offense as well as be a effective scorer. Yao was unaware of the extent of his recent injury. In fact, Yao said the injury, which did not require surgery was, “ better than last year”. Initially, Yao was expected to rehab and return around early December. With a healthy McGrady and Yao, the Rockets could once more anticipate the prophecy of a Rockets championship finally becoming a reality. However, follow-up analysis has indicated that the injury could be career threatening. As disappointing and disheartening the news was to Rocket fans, it was even more devastating to Yao. The 7’6 center from China is one of the more dedicated players in the NBA. As a result of his large stature, Yao
has to push his body to the limit in his workouts in order to enable himself to keep up with the accelerated pace of the NBA. It is apparent that the mileage accumulated through the
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long NBA seasons and his vigorous workouts have taken its toll once again on Yao’s body. Surely, the resilient seven time NBA All-Star will once again weather the storm.
Houston Rockets player, Yao Ming
July 2 - July 8, 2009
PG 21
CULINARY
S
FAMILY FEATURES
weet is always a treat, but there’s a new trend for those with a heart for tart. Yogurt shops are dishing up tart yogurt flavors all over the country and people are digging in to this tangy trend. If a tart yogurt store hasn’t sprung up in your neighborhood yet, there are ways to enjoy shop-style yogurt at home. Brands such as Häagen-Dazs ice cream are offering low-fat frozen yogurt with tart, natural flavor. With nine grams of protein, 20 percent of the Daily Value for calcium and only 2.5 grams of fat per half-cup serving, all natural Häagen-Dazs Tart Natural Low Fat Frozen Yogurt makes for a distinctive and delicious better-for-you treat. Frozen yogurt is versatile and can be enjoyed any time of the day. It pairs perfectly with fresh fruit and granola for a wake-up worthy breakfast. Served alone or topped with crushed cookies, candies or sauces, it’s an ideal after-school treat or refreshing dessert. For more ways to indulge a taste for tart, visit Haagen-Dazs.com.
Mixed Fruit Parfait With Granola Serves 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 2 1 1
4 cup diced pineapple cup diced kiwi cup diced mango cup halved pitted cherries cup blueberries tablespoons honey cup granola carton Häagen-Dazs Tart Natural Low Fat Frozen Yogurt Mix all fruit and honey in a bowl and set aside. Layer mixed fruit and ice cream in 4 glasses, repeat, and then garnish with granola. Nutrition Facts (per serving): 324 calories; 6g total fat; 2g saturated fat; 39mg cholesterol; 45mg sodium; 58g total carbohydrate; 4g dietary fiber; 41g sugars; 11g protein; vitamin A, 6%; calcium, 21%; vitamin C, 66%; iron, 5%
Tart Lime Breeze
4 servings 1/2 cup cold seltzer water 3 large scoops Häagen-Dazs Tart Natural Low Fat Frozen Yogurt 2 tablespoons frozen limeade concentrate Fresh lime, pineapple and a maraschino cherry for stir-stick garnish Combine seltzer, ice cream and limeade in a blender. Blend until smooth and frothy. Divide between four small glasses. Thread slices of fruit on a stir stick and place in glass. Serve immediately.
Optional additions
2 tablespoons light rum 1/4 cup pineapple chunks Nutrition Facts (per 5-ounce serving): 175 calories; 2g total fat; 1g saturated fat; 33mg cholesterol; 34mg sodium; 33g total carbohydrate; >1g dietary fiber; 25g sugars; 7g protein; vitamin A, 2%; calcium, 15%; vitamin C, 15%; iron, 0%
Cardamom Doughnuts With Orange Honey Compote Makes 2 1/4 2 1/2 1/2 1/4 1 1 1/2 1/4 6 1 1 1 2
12 doughnuts cups all-purpose flour teaspoons baking powder teaspoon salt cup brown sugar cup sugar teaspoon cardamom teaspoon cinnamon cup milk cup heavy cream tablespoons melted butter egg teaspoon vanilla extract teaspoon coconut extract cups canola oil (for frying) Häagen-Dazs Tart Natural Low Fat Frozen Yogurt Combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugars and spices in a bowl and whisk. Then in a separate bowl, combine milk, cream, melted butter, egg, and extracts. Add milk mixture to flour mixture until dough comes together. (More flour should be added if dough is too wet.)
PG 22
July 2 - July 8, 2009
Cover dough with plastic wrap and let sit for 30 to 40 minutes. Place dough on floured surface and roll out to 1/2 inch thick. Lightly flour 2 1/2-inch-round cookie cutter. Cut out circles and set aside. Reroll scraps of dough to 1/2 inch thick and cut circles. Poke a hole in center of each doughnut. Fill a deep heavy pot with oil and turn on to high heat until oil reaches 350°F. Line a baking pan with paper towels and set aside. Fry 3 to 4 doughnuts at a time. Turn doughnuts until brown on each side. When brown, transfer doughnuts to lined baking pan. Let cool. Dust doughnuts with cardamompowdered sugar mixture. To serve, place one doughnut on a plate with one scoop of yogurt, then top with a spoonful of orange honey compote.
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Cardamom Powdered Sugar
2 cups powdered sugar 2 teaspoons cardamom Pinch of salt Sift powdered sugar, cardamom, and salt into a bowl.
Orange Honey Compote
1 orange 1/2 cup orange juice 1/4 cup honey Pinch of salt Peel and segment orange, set aside. Heat orange juice, honey and salt. Reduce by half until liquid is thick and bubbly. Turn off and let cool. When liquid is cooled, add to orange segments. Nutrition Facts (per serving): 504 calories; 18g total fat; 6g saturated fat; 67mg cholesterol; 285mg sodium; 78g total carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 52g sugars; 9g protein; vitamin A, 7%; calcium, 20%; vitamin C, 16%; iron, 8%
Style Book Review “Our Children Can Soar” by Michelle Cook, foreword by Marian Wright Edelman
By Terri Schichenmeyer Style Literary Writer
I
f you could change anything in the world, what would you fix? Would you change it so your parents are home with you more, or would you take them on a far-away vacation? Maybe you’d make the sky green and the grass red or you’d make a No-Bedtime Before Nine O’Clock rule. Perhaps you’d give everyone jobs and food, or you’d be sure that there
was no war, ever again. You may be just a kid, but there are lots of things you can do to make change. In the new book “Our Children Can Soar” by Michelle Cook, illustrations by various artists, you’ll see that anyone can make a difference and that people have been doing it for a long time. Years ago, some of your ancestors may have fought in the Civil War. Many people didn’t want them to fight, but they did. They fought so others would have the freedom to invent new things and run swift races. Once, it was almost unheard-of for African Americans to be in movies or to sing in certain public places. But Hattie McDaniel changed all that when she won an award for a movie in which she starred. She opened the doors so that others could sing and dance for all audiences. Before Jackie Robinson, African American baseball players had to play separately from white players. It took courage for Robinson to be the first Black baseball player in the Major Leagues, but he did it by standing up for his abilities and rights. Why? So that others would have the courage to stand up, too. Or, in Rosa Parks’ case, to sit
down. And when Rosa refused to get up and get off that bus, it started a chain of events in which a little girl went to school. She, in turn, gave Martin Luther King another reason to march for Civil Rights. And because these people worked to change the world, you have the freedom to make a difference, too. “Rosa sat so Martin could walk….” Those six words were the beginning of a thought that raced around the country last fall, pre-election. “Our Children Can Soar” is that sentiment, expanded. Editor and author Michelle Cook (a pseudonym) reached a hundred-fifty years back to start this book at a courageous beginning, and the story doesn’t stop until it emboldens and inspires children. Marian Wright Edelman offers a foreword that encourages parents to explore their own families in search of difference-making forebears. But, because your kids will be looking at the illustrations, I like to check them out, too. What I found here is a treasure-trove: each featured person is honored through a portrait done by a different artist. Kids might not notice, but that’s a nice twist for any grown-up assigned to read aloud. While you can present this book to
“Our Children Can Soar” by Michelle Cook, foreword by Marian Wright Edelman Illustrated by various artists c.2009, Bloomsbury USA $16.99 / $21.00 Canada 32 pages
any child, its simple text is better suited for those ages 2-to-8. If you’re looking for a beautiful book with which to entertain your (smaller) kids, “Our Children Can Soar” will fly quite nicely. Terri Schlichenmeyer can be reached at: The Bookworm Sez, LLC N5593 County Road C West Salem, Wisconsin, 54669 bookwormsez@yahoo.com
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Determining the value of their
Business Opportunity EARN $1000 weekly assembling toys from home. NO selling & NO recruiting needed! www.safwa1.com
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HONEST INCOME from home processing our mortgage assistance postcards. No advertising. Postage and materials provided. References available. No gimmicks. 877-774-9295.
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High Cost of Cable Got You Down? GET DISH w/FREE install plans $9.99/ mo. 50+ Free HD Channels! New Cust’s only. Call 800-240-8112
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it’s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.
Automotive WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI, 1970-1980, Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, H2-750, H1-500, S1-250, S2-250, S2350, S3-400. CASH PAID. 1-800-7721142. 1-310-721-0726.
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PG 26
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electronics * REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * - Get a 4-room, all-digital satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting under $20. Free Digital Video Recorders to new clients. So call now, 1-800-795-3579.
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Help wanted POST OFFICE NOW HIRING! Avg. pay $21/hour or $54K annually including federal benefits and OT. Paid training, vacations, PT/FT. 866945-0340 AWESOME CAREER OPPORTUNITY. $20/hr/ $57K/yr, Postal jobs, Pd Training, Vac. Benefits. Call M-F, 8-5 CST. 888-361-6551, Ext.1034
High Cost of Cable Got You Down? GET DISH w/FREE install plans $9.99/mo. 50+ Free HD Channels! New Cust’s only. CALL 800-240-8112 $NEED CASH FAST$. $500, $1000, $1500 direct to your account. No Credit History Required. Get CASH now. For Complete Details. www. BestTopMoney.com STEEL BUILDINGS: 4 only. 2)25x36, 2)30x44. Must move. Selling for balance owed. Free delivery! 1-800411-5869x281 $NEED CASH FAST$. $500, $1000, $1500 direct to your account. No Credit History Required. Get CASH now. For Details. www. TOPPLUSCASH.COM ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Computers, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. Call 800-494-3586 www. CenturaOnline.com AIRLINES ARE HIRING: Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 888-349-5387.
$12.00 GUARANTEED for every envelope stuffed with our sales materials. FREE 24hr information. 1-877-220-4470. WORK AT HOME. Government Jobs, data entry, clerical benefits. $12-$48 hr. FT/PT. Call 1-888-293-7370. EARN UP TO $500 weekly assembling angel pins at home. No experience required. 817-230-4879, www.angelpin. net
Medical ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION can be treated safely and effectively without drugs or surgery. Covered by Medicare/ Ins. 1-800-815-1577 Ext.1000 www. lifecarediabeticsupplies.com
miscellaneous BRAND NEW Laptops & Desktops. Bad credit, No credit - No problem. Small weekly payments - Order & get FREE Nintendo WII system! 1-800-932-4501
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ENTERTAINMENT
One Man’s Opinion “I Just Have to Say This!” By Mike Spriggs
Special to Houston Style Magazine
W
e just lost probably the singular most successful, iconic, influential, creative, and transcendent figure of modern history. Michael Jackson is the bassline and rhythm to the soundtrack of our lives. Regardless of origin, nationality, economic condition, religion, whatever, virtually everyone who heard or saw his creativity was indelibly touched. But, like any great person in human history who could cast a powerful and magnetic aura over humankind, he was persecuted, misunderstood, tormented, and had inner conflicts. People who have such an enormous gift rarely are able to be “normal”, and with their extra’ordinary’ genius and gift, how could they be? Regardless, Michael Jackson is a world treasure because of his global influence. He also belonged to the African-American community, transcendent as he was. Michael Jackson was and is a source of pride because he is from our community and he was able to break barriers. He exemplified the American dream - “from nothing to something by using his God-given talents and putting in hard work.” All of that brings me to this.......WTF was that on the BET Awards?!?!?!??!?!? And I’m speaking specifically about the buffoonery starting with Ving Rhames and climaxing with Drake/Lil’ Wayne/Birdman et al. Stephen Hill, EVP of Entertainment and Music Programming (if that is still his title) needs to be fired for allowing them to sing those songs and DISGRACE the memory of Michael Jackson. Did he not know the WORLD was watching?!?!?!? Maybe he couldn’t predict Ving Rhames’ ignorance, but surely he knew what these other clowns would be singing. And to top it off, whoever was manning the broadcast 7-second delay switch was definitely on “CP Time” because the vileness kept getting bleeped a second or two too late. The hostage
audience had to take the full brunt of the vulgarity. No chaser. No forewarning for the parents who had kids in the audience. WTF? W-T-F?!?! I was so embarrassed, I had to cover my eyes and hide my face - even while in the privacy of my own home. This is PRECISELY why we as a people don’t get respected, stay marginalized, and are treated with indifference by so many other cultures. We do it to ourselves over and over again. Here, we have a rare occasion to coalesce around a singular cause, an opportunity to show the power of our unity and reverence for a product of OUR community. Granted, we did see humble and dignified performances by several artists in tribute to Michael Jackson. But, we also know it’s the sensational and out-of-bounds ignorance that remains on the minds of most people who look for reasons to marginalize our people. The song selections by Drake and Lil Wayne were an abomination to the memory of Michael Jackson. I’m not knocking their hustle, and their songs are popular (although I think they are tasteless and lack substance), so I wish them continued success. But damn, is there nothing else more family-friendly in their whole repertoire? Or, could they stick to a PG version of their songs since they’re hollering “Rest in Peace MJ”? This clearly demonstrates the one-dimensional un-inspired limitations of their so-called talent. I have just three words for these fools.....TIME AND PLACE! They have effectively taken a DUMP on the memory of Michael Jackson with this vulgarity under the cover of art/music/entertainment. He would NOT be proud, I assure you. No respect, no common decency, no regard for how this “tribute” will be received by the world. Just more of the same ignorance. Sometimes I think we as a people are putting our faith and future hopes into a generation that is morally, spiritually, and common-sensically bankrupt.
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July 2 - July 8, 2009
PG 27
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77
¢lb.
TM
Pork Spareribs
previously frozen limit-2 pkg. with an addtional $10 purchase
1
Fresh! Ground Chuck Patties
$ 97lb.
value pack limit-2 pkg. with an addtional $10 purchase
5
97
¢
lb.
Sweet! White Seedless Grapes
3for $
Great on the grill!
H-E-B Ridged or Thin Potato Chips 12.25 oz., assorted varieties
1
6for $
H-E-B Flavored Tortilla Chips 12.5 - 13 oz. assorted varieties
Fresh! Sweet Corn
H-E-B Corn Tortilla Chips
16 oz., assorted varieties
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9.75 oz., assorted varieties
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H-E-B Creamy Creations® Churn Style Ice Cream 56 oz., assorted varieties
Hefty Cups
18 - 40 ct. assorted varieties
7
64 oz. assorted varieties
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24 - 60 ct.
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Creations® Permium Ice Cream
get
2
2for $
Hefty Foam Plates or Bowls
5
$ 86 ea.
Prices Good Wednesday, July 1 Thru Tuesday, July 7, 2009 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.
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Dark and Lovely Relaxer Kit
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