Houston Style Magazine by Minority Print Media dba Houston Style Magazine

★ GET TIPS TO CURB AGGRESSIVE DRIVING ★ Complimentary Houston's Urban Weekly Publication Volume 19 ★ Number 17 APR. 23 - APR. 29, 2009 SPOTLIGHTS

JESSE JACKSON

Talks About...The Need to Reform Healthcare

IEACF

Raising Dollars for Scholars with Style

CORNER STONE, CO

Find a Place to Get Away From it All

TO WIN DOWN FOR THE COUNT LEAD A GREENER LIFESTYLE LOOKING AT A NITRO? EXPECT Terri Reviews a Book

☞ NEWS ☞ COMMENTARIES ☞ SPORTS ☞ HEALTH ☞ ENTERTAINMENT

by Carla A. Harris

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{

04 Common Cents on Health Care 08 What’s In Style It’s About to be a Street Fight 10 11 Beyonce Knowles Takes..

VOLUME 19•NUMBER 17•APRIL 23 - APRIL 29, 2009 EDITORIAL FRANCIS PAGE, JR. Publisher JO-CAROLYN GOODE Managing Editor/Editor at Large

C'NA ROBERTS, KIANA DANCIE TRISTAN JONES, ISADORE BAREFIELD, JANAE THOMAS, TASHA GRANT, LAN, D'CARLA SIMS, VICKY PINK, GWENDOLYN JOHNSON, RUSSELL FALCON, DEMETRIUS DUDLEY Local Feature Writers GIL ROBERTSON Special Entertainment 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

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By Jesse Jackson

See What’s Happening in Houston

By Jo-Carolyn Goode

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BARRY SIMMONS National Advertising Director SHERRY BROWNING Classified Director ANDY MORAN Vise President of Sales Account Executives MARTIN TROUPE MICHAEL CLARK

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JESSE JACKSON

COMMENTARY

Tribune Media Services

ill Congress step up to health-care reform? This week, an obscure conference committee meeting between a handful of members from the House and Senate may well decide the fate of Obama’s health care reform. It’s a decision that directly involves over $1,000 in costs billed to you if you have insurance. The conference committee will decide -- through a technicality called “reconciliation” -- whether health-care reform can be passed by a majority vote in both houses of Congress, or whether it will require a super-majority of 60 to pass it in the Senate. Against the power of the Big Pharma, the drug-company lobby and the health-in-

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Common Cents on Health Care surance lobby, it will take a pitched battle to get significant reform with 50 votes. If it requires 60, it isn’t likely to happen. Over 45 million Americans have no health insurance -- and the number is rising rapidly, as workers lose their jobs or their health care in the economic crisis. For instance, an estimated 785,000 people go without insurance in Cook County, and about 1.7 million in Illinois. Those without insurance don’t go completely without health care. They tend to put off preventive care, regular checkups and early treatment, but when they get truly sick, they end up in emergency care -- the most expensive care possible. They pay some of their costs, but not all. The patients pay an average of $583 themselves, while, on average, $1,686 is paid annually by other sources for each of America’s uninsured, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. If these folks could afford to pay it all, they’d have health insurance. The rest of the tab gets picked up by hospitals, nonprofits and government. And much of the cost gets added onto the bill of those who have insurance. In 2008, according to Families USA, employer-sponsored health care cost $12,600 for the average family, of which employees paid $3,354 from their paychecks. Of the total, more than

April 23 - April 29, 2009

$1,000 -- over 8 percent -- goes toward care of the uninsured, Families USA estimates. That cost is inflated because people without insurance are often treated only when their condition is truly serious. The result is far higher costs that get spread through the system. President Obama has demanded that Congress move on health-care reform this year. He wants a plan that will cover everyone, giving employers the right to decide between a private plan and a public plan. Employees with insurance can keep what they have. Or they can choose from a range of alternatives, including a public plan on the order of Medicare. The insurance companies are all for universal insurance -- as long as it’s private. They oppose a public plan as a competitor, and will lobby hard to weaken regulation that prohibits them from discriminating against those with pre-existing conditions. They will spend literally hundreds of millions to oppose real reform. In Chicago and elsewhere, poverty is spreading more rapidly in the suburbs than in the city. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that poverty was up some 16 percent in all suburban townships from 1990-2000, but actually decreased by 6 percent in the city. Gentrification, the destruction of public housing and the rush of immigrants to the suburbs account for the change. And now poverty rates are ris-

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ing rapidly both in the city and the suburbs. Homeless shelters in metropolitan Chicago report increases across the board, as high as 39 percent in some shelters, between October 2008 and January 2009. A rise in the number and costs of the uninsured follows inevitably. That is the too-often-ignored reality of the congressional debate. We hear a lot about long-term deficits. Much is said about the cost of entitlements like Social Security and Medicare. But the reality is different. America doesn’t have an entitlements problem; it has a health-care cost problem. President Obama put it bluntly: “If we don’t address (health-care) costs . . . we’ll run out of money. The federal government will be bankrupt.” And so will state governments, businesses and families. We have no choice but to reform health care -and making insurance universal with a public plan to compete with the private insurers is a good place to begin. The health-insurance and drug industries have a multibillion-dollar stake in limiting reform. But you and I have a direct personal interest in comprehensive reform that helps get costs under control. The insurance company lobbies are laying siege to the Senate now. The question is whether the senators will hear from the rest of us. You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson care of this newspaper or by e-mail at jjackson@rainbowpush.org.

REAL ESTATE Build for Another Day or Stay and Play? By Demetrius Dudley

Style Magazine Feature Writer

hat is your state of mind during these hard times? Are you unmotivated by all the news and even

yourself for the better days that are to come then you might want to look into the housing development Cornerstone Colorado.

your current situation? Or are you setting your mind on the future; what you can do for today so when the economy is at its best, you’re not the one looking to catch up but you’re the one doing the leading. Well if you have some extra funds tucked away and you’re looking to prepare

Cornerstone Colorado, a home away from home; golf courses, a country club that puts others to shame, homesteads surrounded by the mountains, on resorts, and even ranches. Does it sound like a dream or what? But it isn’t a dream, it’s indeed a reality.

Thomas and Williams, L.L.P. Attorneys At Law

So why are we discussing spending money when times are not at it best? It’s like purchasing stock. When the price is average and the stock is only doing “ok” then we pass it by, but then that stock shoots up tremendously and its too late, we simply missed out on a good opportunity. Well that is what I see happening with the property on Cornerstone Colorado. With the starting price for its homesteads at $300,000 it won’t be such a bad idea to purchase a homestead today and build on it later. The amenities that come along with the country club membership and the atmosphere and “pioneer hospitality” experience of being surrounded by the mountains with some of the country’s best chefs and personable workers is certainly worth checking out. Lets go into a little more detail about just what you’re getting yourself into when you become a member of this “virtual” club. A18 hole golf course, a mountain club membership that would be a sanctuary to anyone

who loves skiing, 20+ acre golf practicing facility with a family “pitch & put” course, a golf club house with bar and grill, family lounge, a pond stocked with trout, a family recreation area, and the best of it all is an event planner that will put together trips and events of any kind; trips to other countries, the NFL Superbowl, NBA Playoffs, and even The Masters. If you’re the kind of person that isn’t moved by words then Cornerstone Colorado will be a perfect vacation for you to take advantage of their “stay and play” and check out all the goodies that this place has to offer firsthand. With the stay and play option you get to become a part of this exclusive-inclusive community for a few days to help you decide if this is indeed the place for you. For two to three nights you get to experience peace and serenity in Cornerstone Colorado’s cabins, with the option to golf, go horse back riding, flag fishing, and plenty of other activities that tickle your fancy. For more information on Cornerstone Colorado and information about second mortgages visit www.cornerstonecolorado.com

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BUSINESS Year Up and Microsoft, a Most Elegant Partnership Working Together to Create Opportunities and Strengthen Communities

n elegant equation is the simplest path to a solution. Microsoft plus Year Up equals unlimited opportunities. Microsoft and Year Up have come together in an effort to close the digital divide. Partnerships such as the one Microsoft shares with Year Up are made possible through Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential grant. Through this grant, Microsoft and its partners provide handson technology skills training to people within the community. The Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant aims to deliver

the benefits of relevant, accessible and affordable software to the five billion people who today are without access to technology or the opportunities it affords. Year Up is a one-year, intensive training program that provides urban young adults, ages 18-24, with a unique combination of technical and professional skills, college credits, an educational stipend and corporate apprenticeship. “Year Up has achieved excellent results,” said Tynesia Boyea Robin-

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son, the executive director of the Washington, DC program. “91 percent of our graduates go on to further their education or obtain well-paying jobs. “ A recent Annie E. Casey Foundation report estimates that “4.3 million youth in this country have not progressed beyond a high school diploma and are neither employed nor enrolled in postsecondary education.” (KIDS COUNT Data Book, 2006) Microsoft realizes that many of America’s youth are woefully unprepared for and lack the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. They are hindered by the inequities of what Year Up calls the Opportunity Divide – where young people who are in need of higher education and career opportunities are isolated from institutions, people and opportunities that can help them make a successful transition into adulthood and economic wellbeing. For years Year Up has worked with Microsoft to broaden access to jobs through information technology education and training. Microsoft has provided dollars, software and training materials to support Year Up’s efforts. The company’s partnership with Year Up is just one avenue the company has pursued to help close the digital divide. “Microsoft and Year Up are working to reduce the barriers in our knowledge economy,” said Donna Woodall, Microsoft’s director of community outreach for the Mid-Atlantic region. “Through this partnership, we are preparing the next generation for economic success through the power of technology.” Year Up participants like Jasmine Anderson are able to apply the skills they learned in the program in real-time. Anderson, a Baltimore resident,

leaves home at 5:30 in the morning to arrive on time at the Brookings Institution, where she’s been assigned. This early riser has found her experience as a Year Up apprentice invaluable. “Year Up has given me a lot of job training. The program has helped me with my professionalism and has laid a foundation for the technological skills that I have now,” Anderson says. Year Up provides a high support, high expectation environment that encourages young adults to reach their full potential. One hundred percent of students who complete the training portion of the program are placed in apprenticeships. Through Year Up’s apprenticeships, young people gain real work experience at leading area companies and organizations. Microsoft is also one of over 80 corporate partners that host Year Up apprentices. Herbert Gay, Microsoft apprentice, said “My mother told me about the program, but seeing is believing. It wasn’t until I attended a friend’s Year Up graduation that I realized that I had to seize the moment and apply for the program. I’m glad I joined the next class of students. The skills I’ve acquired in the program have given me a head start in my career.” Perhaps the most elegant of equations is the outcome of success when preparation meets opportunity. “With the help of companies like Microsoft, we’re helping students to envision the careers they can have if they apply themselves diligently during and after our program,” said Robinson, “I can think of no greater return on our investment than students leaving Year Up and realizing they are assets not just to the companies that they work for but to their communities at large.”

Your bank is back, and it’s better than ever New management, new products, new online banking – the opportunities at Unity have never been greater

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April 23 - April 29, 2009

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What’s in STYLE April 28

RYAN MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT Ryan Middle School and University of Houston students and faculty honor our heritage and history through our origins in Jack Yates High School! Our students will share what they’ve done in oral histories, videos, photography, architectural design and historic preservation. Tuesday, April 28, 2009 6 p.m.-8 p.m. University of Houston, School of Architecture Atrium Parking in UH Lot 16B off Elgin, free after 5 p.m. www.tlc2.uh.edu/Events/RyanCelebration. The event is free, but please RSVP to Sarah Sweaney, TLC2 Events Coordinator, at sarah@tlc2.uh.edu or 713.743.4019. ●

Now til April 24 THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE EXAMINES THE LIFE OF IDA B. WELLS WITH PRODUCTION OF CONSTANT STAR The Ensemble Theatre pays tribute to early civil rights activist Ida B. Wells in its production of Constant Star, by Emmy nominated director and playwright Tazewell Thompson. The Ensemble Theatre 3535 Main St., Houston, TX 77002 www.ensemblehouston.com ●

For subscription information, ticket sales or groups sales, call the box office at (713) 520-0055

April 25 - 26 THE 38TH ANNUAL HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL TRANSFORMS DOWNTOWN HOUSTON INTO AN IRISH PARADISE The 2009 Houston International Festival will bring the sights and sounds of Ireland to downtown Houston for two weekends in April. The 38th annual event will feature diverse and cel●

ebrated music and dance groups from around the world. April 25-26, 2009 (Sat 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. ; Sun 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.) Downtown Houston – Including City Hall, Upper and Lower Tranquility Park, Bagby Street and Upper and Lower Sam Houston Parks Call the Houston International Festival office at 713.654.8808 or visit the Festival Web site at www.ifest.org.

THIS YEAR’S SEXIEST THRILLER

April 25 - 26 THE ANNUAL JAPAN FESTIVAL Every year, our society hosts a Japan Festival in the center of Houston - Hermann Park. Nearly 20,000 people visit our festival. For an entire weekend, the festival grounds are packed with excitement while continuous performances of Japanese music and the martial arts dominates nearby stages. The annual Japan Festival also provides a wide assortment of interest from local vendors and restaurants while festival volunteers perform in the Japanese garden (adjacent to the festival itself). This year, we are celebrating our 16th year hosting the Japan Festival. Admission is free. For more information, please visit our official Japan Festival Website: www.Japan-Fest.com ●

May 7

UNCF HOSTS SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON BENEFITING DESERVING TEXAS STUDENTS Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. UNCF, United Negro College Fund, will host its fourth annual AT&T sponsored luncheon at the Hilton Americas Hotel. Gov. Rick Perry will be the keynote speaker for the event. We are pleased to recognize AT&T as the national sponsor for the UNCF Governor Luncheons and KHOU, our media partner. For sponsorship information, or to purchase a table or tickets, call the UNCF Office at 713-942-8623, or visit www.uncf.org. ●

All Male HISD Middle Charter School 5th-8th Grade

May 1 35TH ANNUAL GALVESTON HISTORIC HOMES FIRST IMPRESSION TOUR TO FEATURE BEACHTOWN IDEA HOUSE AND SOON-TO-BE-REOPENED DOWNTOWN TREMONT HOUSE Every year, one of the most popular special events associated with the Galveston Historic Homes is its Friday Preview Tour. This year, that tour is scheduled for Friday, May 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is titled First Impression: A Sunset Celebration of an Island’s Rebirth. Five properties, some of which are not included in the regular Homes Tour, will be on this preview tour. Tickets are $60 per person, including refreshments and a 2009 Homes Tour ticket. For more information call 409-765-7834.

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.

May 7 FREE CONCERTS AT DISCOVERY GREEN EACH THURSDAY AND SUNDAY THURSDAYS ROCK FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS RETURN ON MAY 7 Discovery Green will present its popular free concert series, Thursdays Rock at Discovery Green presented by Capital One Bank with the first event set for May 7. What better way to unwind than to spend an evening at the beautiful downtown Houston park listening to some of the best musicians in Texas? It’s free, so bring a blanket, coworkers, and friends and enjoy live music under the stars. For more information visit www.discoverygreen.com or call 713.400.7336. ●

May 9

HOUSTON ART CAR PARADE WILD WHEELS AND ROLLING WORKS OF ART WILL MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE ART CAR CAPITOL OF THE WORLD On May 9 at 1 p.m., downtown Houston will come to life as more than 250 vibrant and imaginative Art Cars begin rolling through the city streets for the 22nd annual Houston Art Car Parade. For more information, visit www. orangeshow.org or call 713-926-6368. ●

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2 COL X 8" = 16"April 23 - April 29, 2009 THUR 4/23 PG (4.25") 8 HOUSTON STYLE

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ROLAND MARTIN

COMMENTARY

t is amazing to watch politicians and activists try as hard as they can to rip into Fidel Castro and Cuba with the fury of a hurricane yet sound like whimpering dogs when you bring up China and America’s absolute double standard when dealing with that communist country. This week, when President Barack Obama lifted travel restrictions for Cuban-Americans wanting to visit Cuba and eased rules on allowing money and gifts to be sent back to the country, the ardent Castro haters were up in arms, calling it a horrible decision. They want to see the 47-yearlong embargo continue against the island, which is just 90 miles off the Florida coast, while a growing chorus of Democrats and Republicans says that it hasn’t worked, hasn’t driven the Castro regime from power, and should be ended as we seek other means to get Cuba to move toward democracy. Those who still favor the embargo -- which has survived because of the clout of the Cuban-American community in the politically potent state of Florida -- say we shouldn’t bend to a communist nation that imprisons voices of dissent, is a major human rights violator, doesn’t allow the freedoms we are accustomed to in America, and is run by a dictator. That’s how they describe Cuba, but if you asked the Dalai Lama, he’d say that description also fits China. But our politicians -- and even media commentators on the left and the right -- aren’t willing to be as vicious in ripping China. Remember when Castro was reported to be near death and some Americans talked openly about celebrating his death? I never have heard such talk related to China. There is a double standard here, and it simply points to the difference between a small island country in our own hemisphere and a behemoth that has a large military and nuclear weapons and is a major player on the international scene. Oh, yeah, and China holds $500 billion in U.S. debt. In other words, the Chinese have got us by the you-know-what, and we don’t want to do anything to make them angry. In seeking to persuade Congress to grant China most-favored-nation status, which is all about trade between the two countries, Clinton administration officials,

The Hypocrisy Over US-Cuba Relations

under the heading “Engagement Works,” told Congress in 1998, “Our strategy has been to engage China by working to identify areas on which we agree while continuing to forthrightly confront issues on which we do not.” About the instances in which U.S. pressure regarding human rights resulted in the release of a couple of political prisoners, Congress was told: “These are not meant to be exhaustive examples of the fruits of engagement; nor are they meant to mask the persistence of serious differences between our two countries. They are intended simply to show that engagement is working and that we have made progress in encouraging China’s development as a full and responsible member of the international community.” In essence, engagement works, as opposed to trying to shut someone off from the rest of the world. So much about how we confront our relations with Cuba means admitting what we never have liked to admit: We have been angered by the Cubans’ refusal to bow to the wishes of the United States, which goes back even further than Fidel Castro’s rising to power 50 years ago. Stephen Kinzer writes in his book “Overthrow: America’s Century of Regime Change From Hawaii to Iraq” that after the U.S. helped Cuba run Spain out of the country in 1898, President Theodore Roosevelt got the bright idea that we should be the country’s new ruler, and that led to a battle between the Cuban people. After that, U.S. troops occupied the country, and American business interests controlled nearly all of the economic bright spots in the nation, especially the sugar plantations. How did that change? When, Kinzer says, Castro said this in a speech: “This time, I promise you it will not be like 1898 again, when the Americans came in and made themselves masters of our country.” And they haven’t stopped resisting. Americans cannot -- and should not -- waver in our desire to seek democracy in our own hemisphere and around the world. But our actions must be fair and consistent. Treating China as a partner and Cuba as a pariah only validates our critics who say our hypocrisy knows no bounds. In this case, they are spot on. 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.

Boomer Page Dedicated to everyone born between 1946-1964

Where Are We Going Tomorrow?

ur high school class gathers at least once every five years. There were a bunch of us—over 1000 originally—but over time we’ve lost track of several, and a few have passed away. At the last reunion, I stood in a long line waiting to get my name tag. I struck up a conversation with the guy behind me, a man I felt sure I’d never seen before. He asked who I ran around with, I asked about his friends, and we realized we had no acquaintances in common. We were complete strangers, but we’d spent three years at the same high school, shared the same lunchroom and hallways...and that’s about all. We finally reached the name tag table, picked up our badges, then headed off in opposite directions, strangers again. Connect and Disconnect On a larger scale, this seems to be common to our generation. Prior generations, like our parent’s Greatest Genera-

tion or Silent Generation, shared a large number of beliefs. Ours, in contrast, has often been divided. By our music choices. By young men’s decision to grow their hair longer, or keep it short. Then by the Vietnam War. Then by education. Then by political alliances. In short...we’ve stayed apart too long. This book is an effort to reunite us. To help us focus not on our differences, but on our similarities. For whatever time is left to us (hopefully 30 years or more), we could unite to change society for the better. With our time, training and monetary resources, we could make a great contribution to this world. After reading this, we hope you’ll agree that together we’ve shared so much history, we should reconnect to shape the future. —Rix Quinn Rix Quinn’s book Baby Boomers Speak! is now available at Amazon.com.

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April 23 - April 29, 2009

PG 9

ANNOUNCING A

ENTERTAINMENT

SPECIAL ADVANCE It’s About to be a SCREENING

Street Fight

By Jo-Carolyn Goode Editor-at-Large

R for pervasive language, drug content, some violence and brief sexuality

Tuesday, May 5 7:30 p.m. AMC Studio 30 Pick up tickets on Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 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 THEATERS MAY 8 PG 10

April 23 - April 29, 2009

othing good happens after 10pm. When the sun goes down, most people go down with it for a good

It becomes him compulsion to dethrone Evan, the king. The battle between Shawn and Evan is for much more than bragging

night’s sleep, but there are others who can’ t sleep in the dead of night because that is when the action happens, the action of the under-world. The film “The Fast and the Furious” introduced the unschooled audience to of the dangerous pastime illegal street racing. Now new creative minds want us to go to school to learn the underground world of street fighting in the new film “Fighting.” “I thought there was an opportunity to find another world where everybody participated in a sport, regardless of their ethnic background – where it was the activity that mattered, not what people looked like or how they spoke,” said Kevin Misher, producer of “Fighting.” Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) is an average man trying to make a living in New York City. He hustles anything he can get his hands on, at the moment - from counterfeit iPods to Harry Potter books. Another hustler Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard) crosses his path. When the two meet they discover how each can help the other. Harvey offers Shawn a deal that he cannot refuse, “I can make you $5,000,” said Harvey in the film that opens nationwide on April 24. Harvey spoke the language that both men understood, the love of money. Using Shawn’s natural ability to street fight, the partnership of Harvey and Shawn became unstoppable. Acting as Shawn’s manager, Harvey ushers Shawn into the world of no holds bared fighting. “You lose you get nothing,” Harvey said. With that constant reminder in his head Shawn goes from virtual unknown to a superstar in street fighting. In every arena of life there is a king and Shawn has a personal vendetta with the king of street fighting Evan Hailey (Brian White), a childhood rival.

rights and money; it’s for Shawn’s life. This movie is not for the squeamish. Channing’s character Shawn has about four of the most intense, realistic fights that I have ever seen on screen. Watching it I literally covered my eyes in anticipation of the blows that Shawn took. The amplified sound effects make the fights seem more realistic than the audience probably can imagine. Weeks of boxing and GrecoRoman wrestling training could not have prepared Channing from the real life blows that he received in filming the fight with Yuri Foreman, up-and-coming Russian boxer. “Getting hit by a professional fighter I can say that I have done that and survived it. And it was crazy but fun,” said Channing, who broke his nose as a result of the punch from Foreman. Watching ringside every one of Shawn’s bouts is Terrence Howard, “..Those punches were very, very real and the actors were courageous enough to take them and continue on with the fight. I don’t understand how they did it. That’s when I gained the most amount of respect for Channing,” Howard said about his co-star who took a licking and keep on ticking. Although the title does not imply it, “Fighting” is more than just a movie about fighting. It is a movie about the human spirit wanting to survive and doing it by any means necessary, and along the way learning the value of yourself. Also starring in “Fighting” is Luis Guzman as fight promoter Martinez and Zulay Henao as Zulay Velez, Shawn’s love interest. Their story is brought to the screen beautifully yet gritty by award winning director Dito Montiel. “Fighting” opens nationwide on Friday, April 24, 2009 at theaters everywhere.

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FEATURE

Beyoncé Knowles

Takes Matters into Her Own Hands in

“Obsessed” By Jo-Carolyn Goode

Editor-at-Large

hen a woman loves a man she wants him and only him. She is willing to make sacrifices and do almost anything for his love. When a man loves a woman he satisfies all her needs, he is faithful, loyal and true. They travel along this magical road of life until an obstacle presents itself. They as a team try to overcome the obstacle, but one member is always stronger than the other. That is the premise behind the new movie “Obsessed” starring Idris Elba, Beyoncé Knowles, and Ali Larter. Meet Derek Charles, a loving husband and father who has a great job as an asset manager. Everyday when he leaves work he goes home to his beautiful adoring wife, Sharon, and their young son. Life goes from paradisiacal yet simple to complicated for Derek when a new temporary worker comes to his office. This temp gets a look at Derek and instantly falls in love with him. Happily married Derek rejects the temp’s advances but she will not take no for an answer. She becomes a thorn in Derek’s side by stalking him and suddenly appearing at any given moment. Derek can’t seem to stop the temp’s actions, so Sharon says enough is enough and takes matters into her own hands. Dubbed the black “Fatal Attraction,” the producer, Will Packer, doesn’t mind the comparison. “Obsessed” has twists and turns that “Fatal Attraction,” doesn’t have. “In terms of being the Black “Fatal Attraction”, ‘honestly’ I don’t look at this as a Black film. I love the fact that it has two African Americans in the lead and I love the fact that it revolves around them and their family life. For the most part, they are the only African Americans in the movie,” said Will Packer.

“It’s not like I was out to make a White film, but I also wasn’t looking for a Black film. I wanted to make a really good film that had Black faces in it.” One of those black faces is Houstonian Beyoncé Knowles in her first role where she is not in her usual comfortable element of singing. “This is the deepest I’ve ever gone to be prepared for a film. And because I’m playing someone who’s not a singer, not a performer for the first time (in a movie), it was really difficult to be a young woman, a married woman,” said Beyoncé about the role that attracted her because the woman saved the day and didn’t call a man to help her. In addition, this is Beyonce’s first on screen physical fight that proved to be just as difficult as the acting. “This was the first film I have done with a big fight scene – which I was kind of excited about because it’s kind of similar to choreography. But it was very difficult. Keeping the energy up for hours and hours. I was covered in bruises,” said Beyoncé, who said that she did her own stunts. All the pain Beyoncé went through paid off because this film is a real thriller that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats. “It’s going to have you talking back to the screen. There are three really beautiful talents interacting and that alone is reason enough to go (see the film),” said Packer. Movie viewers will have a difficult choice this weekend as “The Soloist” starring Jamie Foxx, “Fighting” starring Terrence Howard, the ‘Mike Tyson’ documentary and “Obsessed” all open this weekend. My suggestion is to make this a movie weekend. See one of the movies on Friday, two on Saturday, and one on Sunday. Happy viewing!

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April 23 - April 29, 2009

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AUTO

Riding High as G. I. Jo in the Dodge Nitro

By Jo-Carolyn Goode Editor-at-Large

became a part of the Daimler Chrysler family this past week, so I now can review a wider range of vehicles. This can be very helpful to readers in learning more about different cars if they are in the market to purchase a new automobile. I was indoctrinated into the Chrysler family with the 2009 Dodge Nitro. G. I. Jo reporting for duty. No, I didn’t join the military but I did feel like I was in the military a little bit driving the Dodge Nitro. I received a bright silver 2009 Dodge Nitro SLT 4x4 sitting on 17” wheels. The chrome grille is what I first noticed about the Nitro. It overpowers the front end of the vehicle giving a commanding presence. The grille sort of wraps around the vehicle directing a following of strategically placed lines that are in the design of the Nitro’s exterior. As I placed my hand on the door handle I noted how big the handles were and how easily opening the door was. On the inside of the vehicle the door handle was also big and unique with a futuristic design. In the model I reviewed behind the door was black and gray leather seating, that complimented the leather wrapped steering wheel. This made for a comfortable ride in the upgraded bucket seats. As I was taking in all of the luxury of the Nitro there was something that was really obvious to me. The instrument panel seemed pushed back, kind of like the Incredible Hulk came in and pushed everything back for more room. In another vehicle this

wouldn’t have worked, but in the Nitro it is effective. It was a combination of the pushed back panel and the box-like design that I felt like I was in the military. Now, this is not a bad thing. I consider this to be a plus because I felt extra protected and secure yet elegant and comfortable while in the Nitro. This is somewhat paradoxical. It took me a minute to get use to driving the Nitro because I felt a little weird and awkward. All that went away in a couple of hours once I started seeing the advantages of the Nitro. One was its high frame. This is helpful especially in Houston due to the heavy rain we have been experiencing. When it rains, flooding happens. While other vehicles turn around because of an in ability to take on a little water, the Nitro easily forges forward. The second advantage is a standard feature called the load n’ go. In the trunk area of the Nitro the back area looks ordinary, but upon closer examination there is a lever by the backdoor. Push it in and the floorboard moves. Shopping has been made easier because transferring objectives from the shopping carts to the back of your vehicle is a breeze. With the load n’ go place the items on the on the floorboard then push the lever and the objects are easily loaded into the vehicle. Another advantage is the standard deep tint sunscreen glass. Oftentimes additional shading is added to protect against sunburning. Well, the Nitro helps protects the skin with a tint to

help block the sun. Other standard features include AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player/MP3 player with 1 year Sirus radio, steering wheel mounted audio controls, sun visors with vanity mirrors, 4wd, and more. Features that can be added are sunroof, full size spare tire, heated front seats, 8 amplifies speaker with subwoofer, and, of course, more than I can write about in this tiny space. I am a big fan of the added speakers with subwoofer. This truly enhanced my music enjoyment to make me feel as if

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I were at a live concert, sitting on the first row. It is incredible! The Nitro gets 15-mpg city and 21-mpg highway. The gas mileage could be better but when all of the above-mentioned features are considered mpg is not so bad. It is all about enjoying the vehicle and the Nitro is certainly one that was most enjoyable. For the base price of $25,920 capture some the joy of which I speak. Get more information at your local Dodge dealer or online at www.dodge.com.

April 23 - April 29, 2009

PG 15

NATIONAL

The Rise of Aggressive Driving: How Impatient & Rude Drivers Are Ruining Our Road Safety

By Russell Falcon Style Feature Writer

ccording to the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Aggressive driving is a form of automobile operation in which an operator will deliberately behave with contempt towards other drivers and drive in such a manner as to increase the risk of an automobile accident. And according to a new analysis released Tuesday, April 21 by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 56% of fatal car crashes nationwide involve one or more unsafe behaviors associated with aggressive driving. Just what is aggressive driving? Exceeding the speed limit by 15

PG 16

mph. Perhaps the most common form of aggressive driving is needless speeding. While speed alone cannot cause accidents, excessive speeding makes it

April 23 - April 29, 2009

much harder to safely evade a collision if something does occur on the road. Speeding really only saves you 5 minutes, besides you just CAN’T be that important that you can’t go the same speed as everyone else. Speeding up to beat a yellow light. A yellow light is not an invitation to speed up. Even though it isn’t red, a yellow light means STOP. You’re only allowed to drive through a yellow light if you are already in the intersection or so close to the intersection that stopping would be hazardous. Honking at

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other drivers. Could cause an accident by scaring another driver into halting abruptly. Not as common to cause accidents, but it’s just plain rude unless absolutely necessary. Pressuring other drivers to speed up by tailgating. Again, it’s rude and unnecessary and could cause a frontend collision for YOU. And you would be held accountable for all damage since you hit someone from behind. Red-Light Running. Unless you’ve just robbed a bank, you really don’t need such a speedy getaway. Just wait; is it worth killing someone or yourself to save 4 minutes of time? Again, are you on your way to save the fate of the free world? If not, you need to wait. Driving used to be considered a fun pastime; an enjoyable way to get where you need to go. Think about when the Ricardos and the Mertzes drove to California in I Love Lucy. Did they fly across the highway like bats out of Hades or did they slow down and let the trip be half the fun?

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mericans seek out eco-conscious companies and new foods from around the world when exploring the grocery aisles. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), nearly 50 percent of U.S. consumers consider at least one sustainability factor when grocery shopping and approximately 40 percent search specifically for organic products. Fortunately, it doesn’t take a passport or an outing to an expensive restaurant to bring organic and eco-friendly foods to the table. The experts at Seeds of Change have spent the past two decades searching the globe for new and exotic tastes, all the while following earth-friendly practices. This year marks the company’s 20th anniversary of promoting biodiversity and promoting the use of sustainable organic agriculture. “All of our products build on the brand’s heritage of offering nutritious, organically-grown food inspired by flavors and cultures around the world,” says Bryan Crowley, vice president of sales and marketing at Mars Food U.S, makers of Seeds of Change. “We want to make it easy for families to enjoy delicious, organic, convenient foods that help promote sustainable organic agriculture. In fact, one percent of our net sales are directly contributed to advance the cause of sustainable organic agriculture worldwide.” Made with organically grown ingredients and spice combinations from India and beyond, the company’s simmer sauces are easy to combine with tofu, fish, vegetables or meat. Just sauté one pound of vegetables or a favorite protein until done, add sauce, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. For an easy dinner, try Vegetable Jalfrezi. Roughly translated, Jalfrezi means “stirfry.” This simple dish features a potent, but not over-the-top, medium-hot curry sauce that infuses rich flavor into zucchini, portabella mushrooms, asparagus and baby corn spears. “There’s a world of flavor out there, and it’s easier

than you think to taste it,” adds Crowley. “Surprise your palate with organic, authentically genuine recipes from around the globe – and feel good about making a difference.” For exciting recipes, tips to lead a greener lifestyle, nutrition information and more on organic foods, visit seedsofchangefoods.com. Vegetable Jalfrezi Servings: 4 Portion Size: 1 cup Prep Time: 20 minutes Start to Finish Time: 40 minutes 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 2 teaspoons garlic chopped 10-12 asparagus spears, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces 10-12 baby corn spears, cut into quarters lengthwise 3 medium zucchini, washed and cut into 2-inch strips 3 large portabella mushrooms sliced 1 jar Seeds of Change Jalfrezi Sauce 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped 1 package Seeds of Change Rishikesh Whole Grain Brown Basmati Rice Heat oil in pan; add cumin seeds and garlic, then sauté. As cumin seeds pop, add all vegetables and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, searing them. Add sauce and toss with vegetables, heat mixture through. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve warm over brown basmati rice. Courtesy of Family Features

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April 23 - April 29, 2009

PG 17

HEALTH

Get Weather Health Warnings from MediClim.com

By Tonja Ward Style Heath Editor

eather has a way of changing plans for many. For some it simply cancels a baseball game or outdoor party. But, for others it can throw off an entire day because of how it makes them feel. If you or someone you know suffers from arthritis or migranes you know exactly what I am talking about. Now MediClim.com, a new website recently launched in the U.S.. Founded by physician Dr. John Bart and senior meteorologist Denis Bourque, is a free service that gives warnings ahead of time when health problems such as migraines, asthma, arthritis, diabetes and heart conditions are likely to be aggravated by local weather conditions. MediClim.com tracks weather patterns, identifies when conditions are more likely to affect health and alerts subscribers with an email the day before potential weather health risks. It is the only health-weather forecast in North America and it’s free; users simply sign-up with an email and zip code (to localize weather warnings). “I noticed that patients presented in my office in ‘clumps’ and it seemed to me that the weather was the common factor. I told a new patient, Denis Bourque, about my suspicion because he is/was a meteorologist. He called me back a couple of weeks later and said there was a ton of research on the subject of the relationship between weather and health. We got together (this was 1984) and went into it more thoroughly,” explains Dr. Bart of MediClim’s beginnings in Canada. Over the past 25 years Dr. Bart and Mr. Bourque have collaborated on what is the most robust online weather health link in the world. “Our goal is to improve the lives of people with chronic or re-occuring ill-

PG 18

April 23 - April 29, 2009

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nesses by warning them when weather may compound their pain,” says Dr. Bart. “It is our hope that armed with this knowledge; people may heed their doctor’s advice more carefully during a weather alert to minimize any impact. For example migraine sufferers could plan a shorter work day when a MediClim email warns that tomorrow’s weather may worsen their condition.” Ann Gliddon, a two month subscriber of MediClim.com says that receiving the alerts has been such a blessing in helping her plan her demanding life around her physical conditions. “The migraine Alert allows me to take my medication before the onslaught of severe pain and I can darken the room and rest quietly. I have been able to reschedule a long drive or watching grandchildren until that weather event has passed and I am much better able to commit to what I would, without the Alert, have had to suffer through, in agony,” says Gliddon. Also an asthma and arthritis sufferer, the alerts have averted at least one trip to the doctors office for Gliddon. “For years, doctors have been telling patients that there is no scientific evidence that weather affects physical ailments and that it is all in our heads,” explains Gliddon. “I can’t tell you the feeling of liberation they have given me, in making the definite connection between weather and physical suffering,” she says. Backed by decades of European research that supports the weather health theory such as studies completed by the International Society of Biometeorology, Bart and Bourque have developed an index that maps specific weather conditions known to trigger health issues. The results of their research have culminated in 14 distinct categories of weather known to affect health. “What is not recognized in the English speaking world is that subtle changes in the weather cause subtle changes in our health,” says Dr. Bart. “We’re at the tip of the iceberg in terms of the weather health relationship,” says Mr. Bourque. “There are already plans underway to expand the range of health matters MediClim will warn against. We believe this Medical Climate index could be as important as the U.V. index, smog advisories and other mainstream weather forecasting tools.” Sign up today to get your alerts at www.MediClim.com.

Style Book Review “Expect to Win” by Carla A. Harris

By Terri Schichenmeyer Style Literary Writer

round the country, some 6 million people are out of a job. You’re not one of them. You have a workplace to report to and you aim to keep it that way. Despite the economy, you’ve set hopeful goals this year and you anticipate success. But even though you’ve done this job for years, you seem to have hit a wall.

All the guidebooks have good advice for someone like you who’s been around the block awhile, so you already know what to do. But how do you do it? Get some good tips by reading “Expect to Win” by Wall Street veteran Carla A. Harris. Harris says that, when she was rising in her career, she noticed the problem you’re experiencing: you’ve assimilated career information from all sources, but you don’t know how to put it to work at work. She says she promised herself that she’d someday give advice that was easy to follow, step-by-step. Thus, this book. First, she says, remember that you got your job because you were the best candidate for it. Your employers chose you, so bring your real self to the job. Not being yourself is stressful, and you can’t keep that up for long. Never forget that you are in control of your career. You are in charge of its direction, its agenda, and your future. Write down your career goals and refer to them when you’re in a quandary. Learn to look objectively at opportunity, be flexible, and see the long-term picture. Understand that it’s never too late to acquire a mentor, an advisor, and a sponsor.

Better yet, get a personal “Board of Directors” to support you. Ask for feedback from your boss, other supervisors, and your support team. Be aware that what others think about you will have bearing on that feedback. Watch, but don’t envy your peers’ rise up the corporate ladder and don’t spend lots of time comparing yourself with them; every dog has his day and your turn will come. To further that along, align yourself with the right people in the workplace. Admit to your mistakes and make sure your boss knows you’ve learned from them. Speak up and take risks; your career depends on both of those abilities. Network as much as possible, and learn to “give back”. Feeling stalled in your career? Thinking of jumping ship? You’re going to want to read “Expect to Win” before you do anything. Author Carla A. Harris gives you a feel-good boost by letting you know that your work concerns aren’t abnormal and – more importantly – she offers calming advice to help you keep on track. While it’s meant for anyone who believes their career has flattened, I think, because of certain anecdotes and references, Harris’s advice may better serve women who are struggling on a circuitous route to the top.

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“Expect to Win” by Carla A. Harris c.2009, Hudson Street Press $24.95 / $27.50 224 pages

In this economy, you want to protect your job and do things right, and this book can only help. For up-and-coming high-achievers, “Expect to Win” is one to lose yourself in.

April 23 - April 29, 2009

Terri Schlichenmeyer can be reached at: The Bookworm Sez, LLC N5593 County Road C West Salem, Wisconsin, 54669  bookwormsez@yahoo.com

PG 19

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L.C. PATTERSON AND SON ELECTRIC & POWER DISTRIBUTION Co. Professional Electricians • Texas HUB

YOU CAN BEGIN A Learn how to sell and make

CAREER IN

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• Affordable Tuition, Flexible Payment Plans • Loan Assistance available to those who qualify • Job Preparedness and Placement Assistance available after graduation • Weekend, Evening and Convenient Online Classes Available • Free Interviewing and Resume Writing Assistance at your request • A Curriculum approved by the Texas Workforce Commission and accredited member of the Houston Better Business Bureau

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–

713.298.0303 T. PATTERSON

6714 FOSTER • HOUSTON, TX 77021

Available Space Place Your Ad Here TODAY!

CALL PSI Today at 1-800-910-1127 for a free, no obligation, one-on-one career counseling session Click on https://professionalsellinginst.webex.com to register for our special e-learning classes PSI #41v12 JR2x4.indd 1

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April 23 - April 29, 2009

PG 21

Classifieds

Advertise with Houston Style Magazine call Sherry Browning at 713-748-6300 ext. 102 and place an ad TODAY!

Houston Style

HONEST INCOME from home processing our mortgage assistance postcards. No advertising. Postage and materials provided. References available. No gimmicks. 877-774-9295.

Magazine call

Business Services

Advertise with

713-748-6300 and place an ad TODAY! Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has

purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by

BE ALARMED! ADT Home Security can help protect your home & family TODAY! Call now for a free Security Review by ADT authorized dealer! 866-444-9163

Computers A NEW COMPUTER NOW! Brand name. Bad or NO credit - No problem. Smallest weekly payments avail. Call NOW 1-800-838-7127

do not offer “employment” but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients 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 numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone 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.

Auto WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI,1970-1980, Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, H2-750, H1-500, S1250, S2-250, S2-350, S3-400. CASH PAID. 1-800-772-1142. 1-310-7210726.

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PG 22

health & fitness

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME, 6-8 Weeks. ACCREDITED. Low payments. FREE Brochure. 1-800-264-8330 or www.diplomafromhome.com HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME, 6-8 Weeks. ACCREDITED. Low payments. FREE Brochure. 1-800-264-8330 or www.diplomafromhome.com

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financial $$$ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!! Injury Lawsuit dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hrs? Low rates. Call 1-877-386-3692, www. casepay.com

miscellaneous

real estate

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GET A NEW COMPUTER! Brand name. BAD or NO credit - No Problem. Smallest weekly payments avail. Call now 1-800-932-4501

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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

Help wanted

education

this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers

Let a “PROVIDER” PAY your BILLS! Order New Book, Love Thy Provider. Publisher 1-877-526-6199. www.LoveThyProvider.net

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Available Space

EARN UP TO $500 weekly assembling angel pins at home. No experience required. 817-230-4879, www.angelpin. net

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POST OFFICE NOW HIRING! Avg. pay $21/hour or $54K annually including federal benefits and OT. Paid training, vacations, PT/FT. 866-945-0340 Earn $2500.00 WEEKLY processing brochures. PAID DAILY. Great opportunity! Postage, supplies furnished. Processors needed NOW! No travel. For FREE info call Speed Line Publications, 1-800-395-5972.

medical ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION can be treated safely and effectively without drugs or surgery. Covered by Medicare/ Ins. 1-800-815-1577 Ext.373 www. lifecarediabeticsupplies.com

miscellaneous for sale DIRECTV Satellite Television, FREE EQUIPMENT, FREE 4-room Installation, FREE HD or DVR Receiver Upgrade. Packages from $29.99/mo. Call DIRECT Sat TV for details. 1-888-4209472.

NEED A LOAN? All loan types available. Helping people with credit problems since 1991. 1-800654-1816.

April 23 - April 29, 2009

The best place to be In Style... WWW.STYLEMAGAZINE.COM

13 WWW.STYLEMAGAZINE.COM

April 23 - April 29, 2009

PG 23

Fresh! Chicken Wings

lb.

Hill Country Fare value pack limit-2 pkgs. with an additional $10 purchase

$ 79 lb.

Pork Sirloin Chops bone-in value pack

for

lbs. for

for

ea.

Campbell’s Pork & Beans

Hill Country Fare Large Eggs

11 oz. limit-8 with an additional $10 purchase

12 ct. limit-5 with an additional $10 purchase

Texas Small Red Grapefruit

Seedless! California Extra Large Navel Oranges

for

H-E-B Bake Shop White Bread or H-E-B Bake Shop Texas Toast

24 oz. assorted varieties limit-5 with an additional $10 purchase

$ 15 ea.

Prices Good Wednesday, April 22 Thru Tuesday, April 28, 2009 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

Africa’s Best Hair Mayonnaise 15 oz.

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, 09-2841CS

$ 38 ea.

Just For Me Relaxer Kit

visit www.heb.com