Houston Style Magazine Vol 25 No 4

H Make a Natural Difference in 2014 H Complimentary H Houston Premiere Weekly Publication H Volume 25 H Number 4 JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

SPOTLIGHTS

Jesse Jackson

Talks About Standing For What’s Right

Randall Oliver

How This Texan Made It Big

Heart Disease

Avoid Some Cardiovascular Risks

Truth Is In The Wine Jazz Desert Reception MLK Brunch Honorees Design Your Future The Terri Reviews a

* News * Commentaries * Sports * Health * Entertainment

Book by Curtis Bunn

PG 2 JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

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04 05 Local Briefs Conversation. .

10

Celebrating MLK..

By Jesse Jackson

Volume 25 • Number 4• JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014 EDITORIAL

editorial@stylemagazine.com FRANCIS PAGE, JR. Publisher and Editor fpagejr@stylemagazine.com 713-927-5444 Jo-carolyn goode Editor-at-Large editorial@stylemagazine.com 713-320-5611 lisa valadez Hispanic Managing Editor lisa@stylemagazine.com 832-228-0764

Brandon Caldwell Online Editor brandon@stylemagazine.com

By Bell

Feature Writers lan – Local editorial@stylemagazine.com

Tonja Ward – Health tonjaward@aol.com

Aiaina mayes – Local editorial@stylemagazine.com

Samantha Vallejo – Video Reporter sjvallejo@yahoo.com

CYNTHIA NEVELS – Business cynthian@integrality.us

Mical Roy – Feature 832-647-4687 micalroy@stylemagazine.com

Dr. Lovell Jones – Health Editor editorial@stylemagazine.com

Demez White – Local editorial@stylemagazine.com

JADE GOLD – Entertainment editorial@stylemagazine.com

Gabrielle Deculus – Local editorial@stylemagazine.com

Pamela Crawford – Political editorial@stylemagazine.com

erik granacos – Video Reporter JANAE THOMAS – Entertainment erikmichaelg@gmail.com janaet14@gmail.com

DEE DEE WHEATON – Local momwifeandeverythingelse@gmail.com

dr, latisha rowe – Health Editor editoral@stylemagazine.com

Dawn Paul – Local dhoustonp@gmail.com

keandra scott – Local keandrascott@lifesaesthetics.com

Kim davis – Sports kim@thekdcompany.com

Lindsay Buchanan – Fashion DE’NEISHA BELL – Local editorial@stylemagazine.com Bell@totallyrandie.com

Heather nelson – Local editorial@stylemagazine.com

Burt Levine – Political burtjlevine@comcast.net

Yolanda Pope – Culinary Yolandapope@stylemagazine.com Rebecca Briscoe National Entertainment briscoerbrs@aol.com 409-504-0569 Susie Stillwell Entertainment Juicy_culture33@yahoo.com

ERIC FORD – Editorial Intern editorial@stylemagazine.com

marilyn moore – Local marilynmooremdg@gmail.com

Tianyi sun – Editorial Intern editorial@stylemagazine.com

departments

National Writers JESSE JACKSON jjackson@rainbowpush.org

2 Haute Shots 4 Commentary 5 Local Briefs 6 Health/Culinary 8 Political 10 Feature 12 Haute Shots 14 Book/Entertainment

ROLAND MARTIN www.rolandmartin.com JUDGE GREG MATHIS www.askjudgemathis.com

ART, DESIGN & WEB Brittany brown Art/Graphic Designer brittany@keyprgroup.com 225.937.4302

KERMIT WILLIAMS Web Master and Graphic Designer webmaster@stylemagazine.com 832.488.2626 JEFFERY T. CRUMP, JR., Chief Designe webmaster@stylemagazine.com

Photographers VICKY PINK • 281.857.7635 vhpink@gmail.com

REGINALD DOMINIQUE – Video 713-748-8585 reggiedominique@me.com

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JOE ENGLISH 832-888-6922 englishhst@gmail.com Video Editing

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Minority Print Media, L.L.C., dba Houston Style Magazine and Stylemagazine.com Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035 Print, online, Eblast, Social Media, web & video advertising Platform

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©2013 Houston Style 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), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP). National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.), Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP).

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JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

PG 3

Celebrating MLK: A Drum Major for Justice

jesse Jackson

commentary

FBI, denounced and defiled. Yet

he was alive. Gallup polling showed

expert, condemned for weakening

today, we devote a holiday to his

that he grew more unpopular over

the cause of African Americans.

birth. School children study his life

the course of the 1960s. By 1968,

and learn of his “dream.” No mat-

a Harris poll showed that three-

more unpopular than ever, but he

ter how much the culture seeks to

fourths of Americans and 55% of

would not stop marching for justice.

domesticate him, the lessons are in-

African-Americans had negative

He spent that birthday in planning

escapable. Standing up for justice is

views about him.

meetings for a massive poor peo-

s I went from event to

honorable. Racism is unacceptable.

Why? King was always a

ple’s campaign, bringing together

event yesterday cel-

Nonviolence -- challenging unjust

drum major for justice. Without

leaders from across the country:

ebrating the birthday of

laws and practices with nonviolent

justice, he argued, there could be no

whites from Appalachia, Latinos

Martin Luther King, I was struck by

protest -- is honorable. It is a testa-

peace. Non-violence was not a pre-

from the farm-workers, inner city

both the tribute and the distortion.

ment to a confident country that we

scription for acceptance or for pas-

blacks, religious and labor leaders.

would so honor Dr. King.

sivity, but a demand for confronting

He planned a massive march on

Martin Luther King held no public

But the distortion is real

injustice, for putting one’s body on

Washington, where the poor could

office. He amassed no great for-

also. Martin Luther King grew re-

the line to disrupt business as usual.

camp in a Resurrection city of tents

tune. He led no victorious armies.

vered once he was martyred, but he

demanding action.

He was arrested, harassed by the

was the center of controversy when

civil rights movement against seg-

regation, stirred by the pictures of

and respected, but that was not what

non-violent protesters getting beat-

drove him. What drove him was an

en by white sheriffs. But King was

unquenchable thirst for justice --

not satisfied with the end of legal

and an unwillingness to accommo-

apartheid or the passage of the Vot-

date to injustice.

ing Rights Act.

He posed an economic chal-

just how revered he is today, but

lenge to America, decrying those

how reviled he was before he died.

who lived in poverty in a sea of

He calls us to stand for what is

affluence. He called for every per-

right, even if it is neither popular

son to have a right to a job, to a

nor expedient. That is a lesson that

minimum income to health care

we should not let the holiday tribute

-- a floor beneath which no Ameri-

obscure.

can could fall. And he alienated

editorial writers, the president and

Jesse Jackson in care of this news-

his own allies when he spoke out

paper or by email at jjackson@rain-

forcefully against the Vietnam War

bowpush.org. Follow him on Twit-

in 1967. He was slurred as a trai-

ter @RevJJackson.

tor, denounced for speaking out

about issues where he was not an

www.stylemagazine.com.

A

The tribute is remarkable.

PG 4 JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

Americans rallied to the

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On his last birthday, he was

King wanted to be loved

We should remember not

You can write to the Rev.

Share this story online at

Local Briefs Vince Young Files for Chapter 11

Documents indicate that his assets are his home, multiple cars, jewelry, NFL annuity and 401(k) funds while liabilities were mostly the loan and the mortgage on his home. A meeting with Young’s creditors has been set for Feb. 25.

Mattress Mack Gives Customers Super Deal

W

Vince Young

hen Vince Young graduated from Houston’s Madison High School all knew he would be a NFL star.

They didn’t know that his star would loose some of its shimmer due to financial troubles. According to the petition, Young’s assets don’t equal over $1 million and his liabilities are well over the million dollar mark. One source of his financial woes is a $1.9 million loan at 20 percent interest taken during the 2011 NFL lockout.

ers who purchase $6,000 of furniture before the Super Bowl, airing February 2, 2014, will get a complete refund. But you know there is a catch!

Customers only get the refund if the Seattle Seahawks win the game.

Mattress Mack’s gave a similar promotion during the NFL playoffs. That promotion netted more than 100 customers $600,000.

a national criminal database strictly for law enforcement purposes. At the time Abercia was already making $120,000 a year but allegedly said he needed the money for an elevator in his home. Abercia suffers from colon cancer and has difficulty go up and down stairs. Butler received twoyears probation and Wiener’s case is pending.

Former Constable Jack Abercia On Probation

N

Jim McIngvae aka Mattress Mack

eed some new furniture?

Now may be the best time to buy. Jim McIngvale, better known as Mattress Mack, of Gallery Furniture is offering a sweet deal for customers if the odds are in Seattle Seahawks favor. All custom-

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F

ormer Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Jack Abercia could have been sentenced to five years in prison but instead got three years probation after pleading guilty to conspiracy. Abercia, along with former staffers Weldon Kenneth Wiener and Michael Butler, all pleaded guilty last August when they were charged with conducting illegal background checks to raise money using

Former Precinct One Constable Jack Abercia

JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

PG 5

Health

By Black Health Matters

C

3 Questions: Donna Mendes, M.D., Says Heart Disease Is Largely Prevenable

ardiovascular disease is an epidemic in the AfricanAmerican community—as are the multiple risk factors that can pave the road toward developing heart problems. Black Health Matters spoke with Donna Mendes, M.D., a vascular surgeon at St. Luke’s & Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, to shed a little more light on why heart disease is at epidemic proportions in our community and what can be done to remedy the situation without having to go under the knife.

BHM: What does a peripheral vascular surgeon do? And why did you choose this specialty?

What I often do in my work are surgeries to correct blocked arteries in order to get blood flowing back through the arteries and legs with the ultimate goal of preventing things like amputation. Additional surgeries that I do also help prevent strokes and treat aneurysms. When patients experience

culinary ByFamily Features

A

New Year means fresh, new opportunities to make the world around you a better place. This year, make a natural difference in your own homes and communities by taking small, simple steps that can have a positive impact on the watersheds in and around our national parks.

Small Steps for a Big Impact From starting a recycling program within the office to setting up a community garden, there are many ways to bring about change to benefit the environment. Leading natural peanut butter brands – Smucker’s®, Laura Scudder’s® and Adams® – are teaming up once again to support the national parks through a $100,000 donation to the National Parks Conservation Association’s (NPCA) America’s Great Waters Program. From now until January 26, 2014, consumers can find a 25¢-off coupon on the shelves in their local stores towards the purchase of a jar

Dr. Donna Mendes

pain while walking, or let’s say, have a slowly healing ulcer in the leg, it can be due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD). With PAD you try to walk, but can’t because the main artery going down the leg has a blockage in it; the calf muscle needs oxygenated blood quite similar to a cut flower that needs to be put in water. Every organ in the body requires oxygenated blood. Picture the main blood tube in the body as an inverted “Y,” with the straight arm

of the “Y”coming down the abdomen, and at the belly button it divides into two with a large vessel going into each side. I perform procedures on all of those vessels to augment flow through them.

I always wanted to be a surgeon. Initially I wanted to go into plastic surgery, but when you do rotations you become more involved in what with what the surgery results in, and I liked the excitement of working with blood. I hate to say it like that (laughs).

But it really is exciting when everyone’s pulling together to make sure the patient pulls through and that you’ve helped them become free from pain.

BHM: Explain what the surgical procedure is like.

I perform procedures so that increased flow gets through or around a diseased vessel. Our approach is to be minimally invasive if possible. After we know exactly where the damage is, we take a thin guide wire, thread it through the

narrow artery and pass a deflated balloon over the guide wire. Then we inflate the balloon where the blockage is to make sure it is open, rather than blocked. If that is not possible, then a bypass, which can be a vein or a graft, is sewn into the artery above and below the blockage.

BHM: What risk factors have played the most extensive role in leading to the high rates of surgical intervention among minority populations?

Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking and being African American are all significant reasons. If glucose levels or blood pressure are out of control, or there’s abnormal cholesterol levels, the arteries develop calcium in their walls.

Eventually, the development of all that plaque causes the loop to become narrow or blocked.

Read the full story online.

New Year, New Ways to Help the Environment of Smucker’s, Laura Scudder’s and Adams natural peanut butter. For every coupon redeemed by March 31, 2014, the brands will donate $1 to the NPCA.

Protecting America’s Treasures Through the America’s Great Waters Program, the NPCA protects the nation’s delicate water ecosystems that are critical to America’s national parks. From the Everglades to the Grand Canyon, water is central to the health of our national parks, driving regional economies, shaping land and sustaining daily life.

Simple, Natural Recipes Make a Natural Difference in the New Year by choosing food and recipes made with purely delicious ingredients. Smucker’s, Laura Scudder’s and Adams Natural Peanut Butters are all made from simple ingredients – just peanuts and a dash of salt.

For other great recipes, visit www.

SmuckersNaturalPeanutButter.com, www.LauraScuddersPeanutButter.

PG 6 JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

com or www.AdamsPeanutButter. com.

To find simple tips on how you can Make a Natural Difference in your own home and communities visit www.Facebook.com/SmuckersNaturalPeanutButter, www.

Facebook.com/LauraScuddersPeanutButter, and www.Facebook.com/ AdamsPeanutButter.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Trail Bars Yield: 12-18 bars Prep time: 20 minutes 3/4 cup Smucker’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter, stirred 1/4cup honey 6 tablespoons water 1 cup chocolate whey protein powdered drink mix 2 cups granola cereal with raisins 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

LINE 8-by-8-inch pan with foil, extending foil up sides of pan.

PLACE peanut butter and

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honey in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 30 seconds. Stir.

Microwave an additional 30 seconds.

Stir until mixture is smooth.

WHISK water and powdered drink mix until blended. Add to peanut butter mixture. Stir until smooth.

Stir in granola and chocolate chips until evenly moistened. Press evenly in prepared pan. Chill 1 hour. Cut into bars.

To press in pan, coat piece of wax paper with no-stick cooking spray. Place coated side down on bar mixture. Flatten with hands. Remove paper carefully.

AdamsPeanutButter. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Trail Bars

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JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

PG 7

Political

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Filled with Meaning for Houston

By Burt Levine Political Writer

of all backgrounds spent January 20th 4-year scholarships at $1,000 per year.

toiled to make real the noble ideal of: lib-

celebrating and honoring King’s birth at Willie Iles, National Director, Govern-

erty and justice for all. “

church, in parades and in service to the ment and Community Relations of Boy

greater good.

Green with his wife Judge Hilary Green

Scouts of America, was this year’s key-

Citizens from every corner note speaker.

Houston City Controller Ronald

noted, “On the holiday that celebrates Dr.

The Honorary Chairs were

Martin Luther King, we must remem-

Americas’ Ballroom for the 26th Annual Keith Davis, President, d-mars.com and

ber his sacrifices for civil rights. For us

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Dr. Shawn Simmons, Regulatory Envi-

born after his assassination we must put

Breakfast where the theme was “Build- ronmental Advisor, ExxonMobil Devel-

in perspective what he died for at an age

Martin Luther King, Jr.

ing for Our Future.”

younger than most of what us are today.”

hirty years after President

Ronald Reagan was the first

fundraiser for the North Houston Fron- Director, Houston Rockets Basketball

lighted his being at the breakfast, at

President to sign into law the

tiers Club, Inc. (NHFC) scholarship pro- received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

the parades and in services from north

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and then

gram. Over $1,000,000 in scholarships Drum Major Award.

Houston to north Richmond recognizing

officially observe it as the third Monday

has been awarded by the organization

Houston Mayor Pro-Tem Ed

“more than 40 years after his assassina-

in January, throughout the country and

over the past twenty-five years. Proceeds Gonzalez represented Mayor Annise

tion, we still work to ensure Dr. King’s

across Houston people everywhere and

from last year’s breakfast funded five Parker and was joined by City Council

dream of equality is fully realized by all

of the city crowded The Hilton of the

T

opment Company. During the Breakfast,

The annual breakfast is a major Sarah Joseph, Community Relations

State Rep. Ron Reynolds high-

Members Michael Kubosh, Dave Mar-

people in our nation.”

tin, Richard Nguyen, Oliver Pennington

and Larry Green to applaud the North

Chris Daniel has never missed a year

Houston Frontiers Club organizing the

starting MLK Day at the Breakfast fol-

MLK Breakfast each year and “since its

lowed by the parade and church services.

inception in 1988 awarding more than $1

Daniel said he does so because as the

million to the deserving college bound

manager of the county’s court system he

minority high school students.”

sees “clearly injustice anywhere is injus-

tice everywhere. I’m committed to jus-

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson

Harris County District Clerk

Lee welcomed everyone there to “honor

tice for all.”

the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. be-

cause his enduring message is one we all

who won last month his run-off because

celebrate: equality and civil rights” and

of relationships with the African Ameri-

added a statue of King will be unveiled

can community, honored Dr. King by

in April at MacGregor Park.

supporting the breakfast and participat-

Harris County Commissioner

ing in area parades. With his family at

El Franco Lee embraced the day “dedi-

his side, he passed out handmade shirts

cated to keeping Dr. King’s dream alive”

depicting Dr. King’s image and the state-

and Congressman Al Green recognized,

ment “MLK is for everyone” to parade

“Events such as these remind us of the

goers.

struggles and sacrifices of not only Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but also count-

PG 8 JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

less, faceless, and nameless others, who

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City Council Member Kubosh,

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JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

PG 9

Feature

By Bell

Feature Style Writer

F

A Conversation with the Key Players of I, Frankenstein

Aaron Eckhart and Kevin Grevioux star in I, Frankenstein

rom the co-writer of the hit supernatural saga, Underworld come the action thriller I, Frankenstein based on the Darkstorm Studios graphic novel created by Kevin Grevioux, written for screen and directed by Australian director Stuart Beattie (Pirates of the Caribbean).

Together, Grevioux and Beattie take on one of the most riveting figures in all of literature, Mary Shelley’s character, aggrandize his human side and place him in a modern day world.

Instead of remaking the story like so many others, they actually pick up where the book ends starting at 1795 with the “Creature” carrying the dead body of his creator Dr. Frankenstein and lead us into an action packed scifi fantasy. They were able to keep the character true to the 1818 novel as this complex guy who is unlike anyone else on the planet who just wants love/companionship.

The Director, Graphic Novel creator, and Leading Actors give

PG 10 JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

their perspectives, personal thoughts, and visions shared, as they talk oneon-one with Houston Style Magazine (HSM).

The Director/Screenwriter: Stuart Beattie “It’s a movie about a Monster that becomes a Man.” –Stuart Beattie

HSM: There was a lot of negative feedback on the trailers I feel because the industry is saturated with such remakes i.e. Marvel etc.

Did you want that type of feedback so you could shock them with such a great story?

SB: Right, that’s an interesting question and unfortunately I don’t have control over the trailers.

It’s a weird thing because you want people to be excited about what you are working on. But it was the same with Pirates and G.I Joe so I can tell you what works for you are low expectations. As long as people get to the theater low expectations is exactly what you want because then it’s easier to wow them. So look if there is an upside to that kind of perceived negativity its worth it when the audience feel “wow that was really cool.”

Then I’ve done my job!

The “Monster” Frankenstein/Adam: Aaron Eckhart

“I felt like Frankenstein/ Adam in my life, ugly, unworthy, unwanted, didn’t know my purpose in life…There are teenagers that feel this way, they’re going to be able to relate to Frankenstein/Adam.” –On seeing the value in choosing this role.

HSM: What do you want the audience to take away from I, Frankenstein?

AE: I want them to be entertained and have fun…There’s a lot of iconic stuff in this movie you know like a lot of imagery and stuff like that in the movie, and I feel that it’s not so far fetched to [ask them to] ask themselves some personal questions like “Where they are in their life, and what’s their purpose in life?”

The Jack of All Trades (Screenwriter/Graphic Novel Creator/Exec. Producer/Actor): Kevin

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Grevioux

HSM: In Hollywood you are seeing more people who don’t want to be labeled, black screenwriter or black actor; they just want to be an actor etc. What are your thoughts on that?

KG: I don’t think anything is wrong with that…it’s not like you can’t hide it when you walk through the door they know what you are. I think what happens is unfortunately for good or for ill they associate you with a particular type of film. The catch phrase today is “Urban” and I hate that term so in that sense its stymieing being put under that particular umbrella. However, with creating things like Underworld and I, Frankenstein hopefully I can get out of that, and I am just a writer and people will say [he’s that person you go to when you want this type of movie or ideas].

The Leading Lady/Human Scientist (Terra): Yvonne Strahovski

HSM: I thought it was amazing that they made the scientist (recreating Frankenstein’s design) a woman [instead of you just being a heavy love interest or damsel in distress]. Terra is like the “Modern Day” Victor Frankenstein, how empowering was that for you?

YS: I didn’t even look at it in that manner, but it’s interesting now that you do point it out. Kevin and Stuart could have made the scientist a dude. [As far as merging the scientist/ love interest] It was really realistic the relationship between Terra (Scientist) and Frankenstein obviously you can see “romanticism” suggested, but it’s not something that boom right off love because otherwise it wouldn’t have been realistic and that’s what I love about the film.

I, Frankenstein In theatres: 1.24.14 Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 93 Genre: Action/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/ Lionsgate

Entertainment

I, Frankenstein Don’t Call It A Remake!

This Movie Picks Up Where Mary Shelley Left Off! ley’s legendary character. Even the Victor Frankenstein most resonant characters of all time,

By Bell

Feature Style Writer

T

he very first mention of I, Frankenstein chagrined me deeply as I felt like the industry was completely saturated with repetitive remakes of comic and literary history. I mean Google yields at least 3 dozen (if not more) film, TV, or theatre productions of Mary Shel-

Local

By Jo-Carolyn Goode Editor-At-Large

The only thing the film had going for itself were the names associated with it. Kevin Grevioux (Creator of Underworld) creates magic on screen with his speculative fiction, obviously Stuart Beattie who directed Pirates (Pirates of the Caribbean) and G.I. Joe, and, of course, the leading actor Aaron Eckhart (Harvey “TwoFace” Dent; The Dark Knight).

“I went away and I came up with a whole world, story and characters. I was searching for creatures that hadn’t really been seen before in films. We’ve seen vampires, we’ve seen werewolves, and we’ve seen zombies, so I was looking for something different.”

-Stuart Beattie on I, Frankenstein

I could not have been more wrong about the film. Instead of retelling a classic story about one of the

writers Beattie and Grevioux picks up where the book ends. I, Frankenstein is set up as an origin film telling the audience what Dr. Victor Frankenstein’ s monster is up to in the modern world today! After laying his creator Dr. Frankenstein to rest, the creature encounters ferocious demons, and after descending half a dozen he is rescued by gargoyles. It is within their safe haven that he is given the name Adam by Leonore (Miranda Otto; Lord of the Rings) who also tells him that he has the “potential” of a soul.

Unmoved by beseeches to stay and aid them in the fight to save the fate of humankind “Adam” roamed the earth for two desolate centuries looking for purpose.

“It’s a movie about a Monster that becomes a Man.” –Stuart Beattie

AKA and TLOD Partner to Honored Martin Luther King, Jr. with Day of Service

The Alpha Kappa Omega and Omicron Gamma Chapters of AKA with the Humble Intercontinental Chapter of TLOD and Top Teens on MLK Day.

T

synopsis gave the film a very negative connotation in my eyes with two words “Gargoyles and Demons”:

Set in a dystopic present where vigilant gargoyles and ferocious demons rage in a battle for ultimate power, Victor Frankenstein’s creation Adam (Aaron Eckhart) finds himself caught in the middle as both sides race to discover the secret to his immortality. From the creators of the hit supernatural saga, UNDERWORLD, comes the action thriller I, FRANKENSTEIN, written for the screen and directed by Stuart Beattie based on the graphic novel “I, Frankenstein” by Kevin Grevioux, and brought to life by a cast that includes Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Yvonne Strahovski, Miranda Otto, Jai Courtney, Socratis Otto, Mahesh Jadu, Caitlin Stasey and Aden Young as

he color pink is not the only thing the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Top Ladies of Distinction Inc. have in common. Both organizations are rooted with a purpose to provide service to others in order to make the world a better place. It is no surprise

that these two organizations would partner to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who had the same purpose that they share today.

On Sunday, January 19, 2014, the Alpha Kappa Omega and Omicron Gamma Chapters of AKA with the Humble Intercontinental Chapter of TLOD and Top Teens of America saluted veterans with the program “Sunday Supper.” It seemed fitting honoring the veterans in Dr. King’s memory since both parties put their lives on the line to fight for people they did not know for all to have rights and freedom. Appealing to the veterans’ sense of taste and smell, all were treated to a scrumptious meal of spaghetti, salad, garlic toast, peach cobbler, and sweet tea.

Next the veterans use their sense of touch and sight when they received gifts made by Alpha Kappa Omega’s

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Emerging Young Leaders at Attucks Middle School. The middle school girls made each veteran Americanize pillowcases with drawing of American flags, eagles, stars & stripes and messages of love and support.

TLOD and Top Teens tickled the veterans’ sense of hearing in two ways. Top Teens serenaded veterans with the beautiful sounds of their voices under the direction of the Top Ladies. The spiritual, soulful music transformed the veterans’ dining hall into a sanctuary of worship. Veterans switched the tables when they then broke out in song singing to the ladies and showcasing their vocal talents. It was America Idol Veterans edition.

Teens also shared a bit of history about Dr. King and Nelson Mandela.

After all the fun Alpha Kappa Omega literally opened a popshop filled with toiletries, blankets, and ne-

cessities for everyday needs. Veterans were then allowed to shop the store till their heart’s delight. And the best part, all items were free for the veterans since sorority members donated them. Further helping their budget, the ladies led the veterans through a budget and savings workshop.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Top Ladies of Distinction repeated their efforts the very next day at the Madge Bush Transitional Living Center. Women and children were treated to breakfast of fresh fruit, hot grits, delectable pastries and more. The popshop of toiletries and necessities was again opened, where the women were able to shop free of charge. TLOD and Top Teens brought donations of dictionaries for each family present and for the the center’s library so the children could continue their education.

JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

PG 11

Council of Bishops’ Jazz Desert Reception Photography By Vicky Pink n Wednesday, January 15, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the Buffalo Soldiers Museum for the Jazz Desert Reception hosted by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Special guests in attendance were the AME Church Council of Bishops. The group of Bishops from around the world gathered in Houston for their retreat on January 14-17, 2014 at Hotel Zaza. The reception showed the traveling group the best of Houston as they were entertained by Horace Alexander Young Jazz Ensemble and also saw a re-enactment of Harriett Tubman. In addition, they went on a guided tour of the museum by Captain Paul Matthews. Supervisor Claytie Davis was feted with a surprise birthday celebration and joined by his family. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Charles Hudson of KTSU Radio and coordinating the entire evening was Gospel Music Advocate Carl Davis and Sharma Hodge with desert provided

by Massa’s Restaurant & Southern Ladies Catering. Some in attendance were 10th Episcopal District host Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Supervisor Stan McKenzie, Senior Bishop John R. Bryant, Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant, and Acting President of the Council of Bishops Jeffrey Leath.

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Design Your Future Professional Services Forum

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Photography By Vicky Pink

n Thursday, January 16, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the Houston Permitting Center for the “Design Your Future” Professional Services Forum. Held in partnership with the Public Works & Engineering Small Business Development Group and the City of Houston with the Texas Facilities Commission, the forum was organized to assist the Texas Facilities Commission in looking for qualified firms that are prepared to take advantage of upcoming Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract opportunities, as a prime or sub-contractor, with options for two year contract renewals. This event was a prime opportunity for attendees to market their services and hear directly from TFC decision makers. Some in attendances were Tony Henshaw, Dale Rudick, Richard Ehlert, Mark McAvoy, Marti Walsh, Jesse Whittenton, Dinita Caldwell, and Christopher Yancy.

PG 12 JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

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3rd Annual MLK Jazz Brunch Photography By Vicky Pink n January 20, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at Café 4212 for the 3rd Annual MLK Jazz Brunch hosted by the Houston Fisk Alumni Association, Inc. The association saluted fourteen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) graduates whose HBCU experiences enabled them to create a better world, nation, and city through outstanding community service and leadership. The fourteen honored were Attorney Rick Anderson, Nelson C. Anthony, Judge Zinetta Burney, Dr. Gladys Ford, John L. Guess III, Rev. William A. Lawson, Dr. Mtanguliza Sanyika, Attorney Portia Olden Poindexter, Attorney Otto O. Meyers III, Sharon M. Owens, Jacqueline S. Martin, Patricia Allen McGill, Dr. Jerry Cummings, and Attorney Algenita Scott Davis. Joe Carmouche and Julie Johnson performed entertainment. Others in attendance were Linda Bass, Linda Brown Coleman, Walter Strickland, Judge Clarease Rankin Yates, Cary Yates, Sylvia Brooks, Lloyd Gite, Gerald Womack, Elnora Flewellen, and Tanisha Green.

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36th Annual “Original” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade Photography By Vicky Pink n Monday, January 20, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand in downtown Houston at Minute Maid Park for the Black Heritage Society’s 36th Annual “Original” MLK Birthday Parade. The 36th Annual “Original” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade honors the 50th Anniversary of the march on Washington D.C. and Civil Rights Act of 1964. Hundreds lined the streets of Houston to watch bands and floats marched on in honor of Dr. King. In the mist of this celebration were a few who wanted to bring awareness to issues as gender equality and unemployment.

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JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

PG 13

Terri Schichenmeyer

“The Truth is in The Wine” by Curtis Bunn

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ver the course of your lifetime, you’ve shared a lot with Mom. You’ve shared advice, ice cream, rides, and arguments, to name a few; furniture, recipes, clothes, and jewelry. She’s been teacher, cheerleader, and disciplinarian, lending her morals and hopes to you through the years.

Yep, you’ve shared a lot with Mom – but not quite everything. And as you’ll see in the new novel, “The Truth is in The Wine” by Curtis Bunn, Mom keeps a few secrets from you, too.

Ginger Wall was devastated.

Her husband, Paul, had told her that he wanted a divorce and though Ginger knew they’d had problems, his words were not what she expected. With

her soul in pain, she threw herself into caring for their 18-year-old adopted daughter, Helena.

But Paul Wall didn’t really want a divorce. He wasn’t sure why he’d said those words to Ginger - he still loved his wife passionately, and he hadn’t meant them. Now there was another complication to this mess: Paul won the lottery.

Eight million dollars; four, after taxes.

His best friend urged Paul to split the money and proceed with the divorce but Paul didn’t want to. He was a wine-lover, a collector of fine vintages, and it was true that he could savor a good many wines with half the winnings. He just didn’t want to do it without Ginger.

He also didn’t want her to stay married because of money, so he devised a plan. Recently laid-off, Paul told Ginger that he needed a vacation from the stress, and invited her on a Napa Valley trip. They also invited their mothers: hers, recently widowed; his, recently divorced; both needing a change of pace.

Napa was where Paul would

Entertainment

By Susie Stillwell

A

Entertainment Writer

cclaimed actor Randall Oliver started his acting career in 1984 in Houston, Texas with several local and regional commercials, and some industrial films. Soon he was working on the hit TV series “Houston Knights” and a few local films. Since then, he has added numerous movie and television credits to his name including “In Plain Sight” on USA Network, “Werewolf,” “Baywatch,” “Murphy Brown,” “Designing Women,” and “Old Town” to name a few. Oliver went to Los Angeles in 1989 with beer commercial residuals and a SAG card. After 5 years there, he was co-starring in a western athletic stunt series “Wild West Showdown,” the first ever series by Samuel Goldwyn canceled after one season.

He then returned home to Arkansas and started a family of his own. After 12 years in the nuclear industry as a special rigger and a second divorce, he has returned to acting.

spill his eight-million-dollar secret - but his surprise was not the only bombshell carried to California.

Months before, Ginger did something that seemed right then but could change everything in their marriage. Her mother, Madeline, was hiding a hush-hush that she wasn’t ready to reveal. Brenda, Paul’s mother, was harboring a fact that she knew would turn her son’s world upside-down.

And it was only a matter of time before secrets would be uncorked…

There’s a lot to like about “The Truth is in The Wine.”

First, there are the characters.

Author Curtis Bunn makes them likeable in way that allows us to hate them for what they’re doing to one another.

You’ll alternately want to throttle them, then comfort them.

Secondly, Bunn weaves a story that twists over here, drops off over there, and explodes in another spot. That keeps readers guessing, wondering how everything’s going to turn out because we really don’t know. It’s easy to envi-

sion both a good ending and a bad one. I won’t tell you which you’ll get.

This is a great weekend-vacation kind of read and yes, it’s something you can enjoy with a glass of wine. Be aware, however, that there’s some quick erotica in this book, so be careful with “The Truth is in the Wine” before you share it with Mom.

c.2013, Strebor Books $15.00 / $17.00 Canada 288 pages

Texas Country Boy Makes It Big

Oliver was offered the lead role in “Rugaru.” Rugaru is a creature with a human body and wolf head, originating from the French and Native Americans. The Rugaru (alternately spelled as Roux-Ga-Roux, Rugaroo, or Rougarou) is a legendary creature that seems to be most closely linked to Laurentian French communities as a combination of Native American traditions of the wendigo with European notions of the werewolf. In fact, the word Rugaru is a variation of standard French loup-garou “werewolf”.

The Rugaru legend is also associated with the swamplands of the southeastern United States, especially in the vicinity of New Orleans, where it is usually translated into English as “swamp ape”.

The tales of a creature known as Roux-Ga-Roux are, most probably, an adaptation of the Rugaru legend. The Roux-Ga-Roux is a fanciful creature that is said to prowl the swamps around New Orleans and other parts of the south-

PG 14 JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

eastern United States. According to stories told of the creature, if a person sees a Roux-Ga-Roux, that person will be transformed into a Roux-Ga-Roux.

Thereafter, the unfortunate victim will be doomed to wander the swamps in the form of this monster.

Director Tony Severio brings “Rugaru” to life with Joe Estevez and Chris Severio starring. It seems we have not seen the last of Oliver in film and television.

Juicy Culture caught up with Randall Oliver and spoke frankly on how a small town Texas boy made it big.

Susie Stillwell/Juicy Culture: Randall, Buddy...what’s up dude?

Randall Oliver: Hey Susie.

Oh now that I am here with you everything is up. I am so excited about this interview. When you asked me to do it a while back, I thought Wow! Me?

SS/JC: Why not you! You have made some big strides and have come

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a long way from small town Lampasas, Texas. That is where you are from right?

RO: Well Susie, I was born in Bloomington, Illinois, but raised in Lampasas, Texas, where I consider home. I was raised as an army brat in a very strict military disciplined household. My parents also liked farming and ranching so I was raised with the love and respect of animals, hard work and family values.

Read the full interview online at www.stylemagazine.com.

Randall Oliver

National Muhammad Ali’s Estate Gets New Owners

Dream Big America Announces Partnership with Latino Startup Alliance

also feature more than 40 educational

the expansion happening in Canada.

seminars and conferences, several of

For more information, visit www.tar-

which have been approved for Certi-

get.com

fied Franchise Executive (CFE) accreditation. For more information and to register for Franchise Expo South, please visit www.franchiseex-

Macy’s, Inc. Outlines Cost Reduction Initiatives to Support Continued Profitable Sales Growth

posouth.com.

A

Muhammad Ali

uthentic Brands Group (ABG)

recently

pur-

chased the rights to Mu-

hammad Ali’s estate. Under the

D

ream Big America, the first-ever live nationally syndicated

radio

show

agreement, ABG now owns a library

pitting vetted entrepreneur business

of videos and photos of Ali and the

start-ups against each other, has

trademarks “Float Like A Butterfly,

partnered with San Francisco-based

Sting Like A Bee,” “Thrilla In Ma-

Latino Startup Alliance. LSA is com-

nila” and “Greatest Of All Time,”

mitted to building the foundation

among other things. ABG will work

that fosters an ecosystem to support

alongside Ali’s family and Joel

Latino tech entrepreneurs and future

Weinshanker, chairman and founder

innovators by providing a commu-

of the National Entertainment Col-

nity of peers, resources, mentors,

lectibles Association, in the man-

& investors. For more information,

agement of Ali’s estate. ABG joins

visit www.DreamBigAmerica.us.

a host of other brands that have licensed the rights to Ali. For more information, visit www.authenticbrandsgroup.com.

Target Cuts Jobs

D

February

6-8,

minds of business own-

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See what’s hot on

Thousands

cused cost reductions,

it prepares to sustain profitable sales growth in the years ahead. Changes are estimated to generate savings of approximately $100 million per year, beginning in 2014. These savings are incorporated in the company’s 2014

Houston will be on the ers.

it will implement fo-

including organizational changes, as

earnings guidance (announced today

Franchise Expo South Comes to Houston uring

M

acy’s, Inc. announced

of

in a separate news release). In conjunction with the implementation of

T

these cost reductions, as well as of he problems for Target con- store closings and asset impairment tinue to roll.

Almost 500 charges, an estimated $120 million

Target employees will not to $135 million of charges, of which

entrepreneurs are ex-

have a job in 45 days. Target spokes- $50 million to $55 million is expect-

pected to the Bayou

person announced that the employ- ed to be non-cash, will be booked

City for the Franchise

ees would receive a comprehensive in the fourth quarter of 2013. These

StyleMagazine.com Expo South at Reliant Center. Usually hosted

Now exclusive in Florida, the expo partners with

severance package. This news comes charges were not previously included after Target told part-time employees in earnings guidance provided by the they were being dropped from the company. For more information, visit

relocates to Texas af-

company’s health insurance. Target www.macys.com.

ter eight years. Fran-

has been suffering with revenue after

chise Expo South will

the massive credit card breach and

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JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

PG 15

PG 16 JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2014

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