YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO A MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION
Share the day with Women & Mothers-at-Heart in your life TICKET LOCATION:
YMCA Houston Texans 5202 Griggs Rd. Houston, TX 77021
DATE
Saturday, May 4th
TIME
9:00am to 1:00pm
LOCATION
(713) 640-1448
Griggs Road at Martin Luther King Blvd.
Villa Ballroom 3330 S. Dairy Ashford Houston 77082 www.villaballrooms.com
Keynote Speaker Kim Bady
International speaker, author, radio personality, entrepreneur & loving mother of a 9-year-old son.
:: Conference Track Speakers :: 9:15am-10:00am TRACK ONE & TWO
“Surrogacy 101: How do I get started?”
Denise Kretzschmar
Surrogacy Program Coordinator
Fertility Resources of Houston
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Lesli Westfall “Dancing Upon Barren Land”
“Alternative fertility treatments and regenerative therapy”
Dr. Tamara Comeaux Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Natural Women’s Care
Entertainment “DC” The Comedian
PRAYER SESSION 11:00am-11:30am “Let Heavens Be Opened, Praying for your Breakthrough!” Ralphena Dodson Gift to the World International Ministry
10:15am-11:00am TRACK THREE & FOUR
“Fertility Evaluation: All you wanted to know and were afraid to ask”
“Adoption: Is this a Viable Option for my family?”
Simone Swenson Director of Child Placement Services
Sans Pariel Center
Dr. Josh Skorupski
Director of Genetics & Oncofertility
Houston Fertility Institute
Enjoy...
▪ Light jazz ambiance ▪ An inspiring Mother’s Day message ▪ Comedy provided by “DC” The Comedian
Visit our web site www.sparklesoflife.org or sparklesoflife2013.eventbrite.com The Villa BALLROOM
Amazing Air Conditioning Services PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT SPARKLE OF LIFE, INC. Sparkles of Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and uplifting women and couples who face infertility, miscarriages and delayed parenting.
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non profit of the month My Legacy Foundation is a ten-month program created to educate, empower and inspire girls ages 8-18. During these ten months, the girls will learn leadership skills, the importance of healthy decision making, the power of self-esteem, college readiness skills, among many other things.
he Board of Directors & Founder of newly implemented non-profit organization celebrate their community introduction with recognition from Honorable, Mayor Annise ParkerĂs office, as well as the awarding of scholarships to the Houston community!
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education, self-motivation and empowerment, the mayorĂs office presented the organization with an official mayoral proclamation, proclaiming February 21, 2013 as My Legacy Foundation, Inc. Day!
My Legacy Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonOn March 23, 2013, The Board of Directors as well profit organization designed specifically to supas Founder, President & CEO of My Legacy Foun- port young girls in Houston, TX and surrounding areas. The mission of My Legacy is to create posidation, Inc., Ms. Crystal L. Perkins held a community introduction of the organization at the tive change in the lives of young girls, helping SHAPE Community Center in the 3rd ward disthem to overcome personal barriers and reach trict of Houston. This year, My Legacy Foundation their full potential. partnered with Yellowstone Academy. Yellowstone Academy serves children from families liv- This mission is accomplished by offering motivational seminars and speeches, various working in extreme poverty with a program designed to provide the resources they need to reach their shops, high levels of arts exposure, empowerfull potential. With the help of local and national ment coaching, and assisting the young ladies in sponsors, My Legacy Foundation was able to ofbecoming strong leaders and academicians. In addition to monthly seminars, My Legacy Founfer fifteen (15) program scholarships to students dation offers a professional mentoring program, attending the school. Overall, My Legacy Founwhere each participant is paired one on one with dation, Inc. accepted 20 young girls for the 20132014 sessions! a professional mentor to guide her through the program. The mentors vary in their professional In addition to the community introduction, My roles, ranging from medical doctors, attorneys, Legacy Foundation, Inc. and its founder were pre- engineers, and many more, respectively. Young women will leave our educational workshops & sented with recognition from the office of Mayor events educated and empowered to reach their Annise D. Parker and the city of Houston. For its tireless dedication to the young girls of our com- personal, educational, and career best. munity, helping to improve their lives through
My Legacy Foundation is a ten-month program created to educate, empower and inspire girls ages 8-18. During these ten months, the girls will learn leadership skills, the importance of healthy decision making, the power of self-esteem, college readiness skills, among many other things. The program is not only for young girls, as My Legacy Foundation also offers free STARR and TAKS test tutoring for both young girls and boys whom range from grades 2nd 単 12th. Tutoring will be held on a one to one ratio, and scheduled on an as needed basis. My Legacy Foundation, Inc. was founded by Crystal L. Perkins in December, 2010 to address the educational and social needs of young girls in underserviced areas. Ms. Perkins is a native of Baton Rouge, La, and relocated to the city of Houston in 2008. Ms. Perkins is also a graduate of Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. She has been an active volunteer for over 10 years, and has volunteered in both Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Houston, TX for numerous organizations such as Junior Achievement - Houston, Big Brothers-Big Sisters Houston, Junior League of Louisiana, Brook Hollow Baptist Church Volunteer organization, Houston, TX, Project Medishare, Miami - Save Haiti, Volunteer - Washington, DC, and many more. In addition to her volunteer efforts, Ms. Perkins is currently a student in the Leadership Houston class XXXI. Leadership Houston is a program considered as one of the most prestigious civic leadership training programs in Houston that recognizes and attracts leaders who are committed to making a difference in the Greater Houston community.
This passion for volunteering and civic involvement is what led Ms. Perkins to found My Legacy Foundation, Inc. For more information, or to sign up for the program, please contact us. Contact:
Crystal L. Perkins info@mylegacyhouston.org P.O. Box 2332 Pearland, TX 77588 Ph: 832-736-0548 www.facebook.com/MyLegacyHouston
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713.807.7000 reggie@i10media.com
artist’s bio
Leonard Freeman is a freelance artist who lives and works in Missouri City, Texas, a suburb of Houston. For thirty years Leonard has produced art works for clients here in Texas and around the United States. During the first fifteen years of his career he specialized as an “airbrush artist” in highly realistic imagery for the advertising industry. During the last sixteen years, Leonard has devoted himself to the field of “fine art” painting and has made a living doing portraits, landscapes, still life paintings and various commissions for clients around the nation. His painting style is still basically realism, but tends more toward impressionism now. His mediums of choice are oil on canvas and charcoal on paper, both of which enable Leonard to represent the strength of character in his paintings that he works so hard to achieve. His commissions average $250.00 to $7,500.00, depending on the complexity of the subject matter and size of the finished art. He is open to new commissions and can be reached at the listings below. Art shown by appointment only… Leonard Freeman, Artist 2602 Princess Lane Missouri City, Texas 77459 (713) 408-4516 cell phone Email: leonardfreemanart@gmail.com www.facebook.com/leonardfreeman.artist
leonard freeman
YOLAND FORD
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Urban planner and land development professional, Yolanda Ford, has declared her candidacy for the Missouri City City Council – District A seat. “It is time for better growth and experienced leadership that can identify with District A’s constituents. Our community, currently being represented by an all male council, should be represented by both men and women.”
wants to focus on economic development, engaging residents and building relationships with school districts which she believes will assist in encouraging involvement and developing a family oriented community. Ford wants voters to know “For the first time in many she is the strong, energetic years, voters can elect a leader with knowledge that is community leader that is needed to make District A the experienced and educated in community residents expect community development, city and deserve. She states more policy and who will actively than half of our residents are advocate for improved quality of female gender, but currently of life for District A’s residents.” there are no women on council. Ford says a city should have ord has been a representation from both men resident of Missouri and women alike. City for 35 years. Ford has experience Her professional and various excellent experience includes more working relationships with than 14 years of working in professionals in transit community development, authorities, metropolitan urban planning, architecture, planning organizations, construction, government departments of transportation, contract management and utility companies, developers, city policy for municipalities contractors, city officials, and nonprofit entities. She city staff, neighborhood has a master of architecture associations and other entities degree and she is currently a that are essential to getting land development specialist issues with sidewalks, streets for a local nonprofit where she and neighborhoods resolved focuses on land acquisition, quickly. Since she was once construction management a former city planner for and government contract the City of Missouri City, her procurement. understanding of Missouri Ford states that District A needs City policy, planning and a candidate who understands economic development will beneficial development that be essential in reviving Texas will increase property values Parkway, working with TX and improve the quality of life DOT to alter some of the for all residents. She stated she newly implemented road
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improvements along Texas Parkway and bringing in better development for District A. “The economic development I want to bring into District A is substantial. My development plan will take a methodological approach and seek residents for their input and ideas. It will improve residential neighborhoods, grow Highway 90A, create jobs, businesses and retail locations along District A’s major corridors so that District A is a safe, vivacious community for everyone to enjoy. No longer will residents need to drive into another city to shop for basic necessities.”Ford has listed her phone number for any voter in District A and Missouri City to call her. She would like to hear from voters and welcomes any questions, comments and ideas. “It is never too early to start learning about your candidates,” states Ford. “And using that knowledge to vote is the most powerful way for citizens to be heard and make their community a better place to live.” Election Day is Saturday May 11, 2013. Early voting is April 29 – May 7, 2013. You can learn more about Yolanda Ford and her campaign by visiting www. YolandaFord.com or she can be reached at (281) 410-1307.
STEVE BROWN INTERVIEW
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TEVE BROWN It’s been over 8 years since we featured Steve Brown in the i10Media Magazine article Who is Steve Brown? Since then, Steve’s journey has meandered through a growing family, successful career in public administration and, yes, politics. Here, we catch up with Steve, and get a sense for what the future holds for Fort Bend County. Reg: How have you been, old friend? It’s been a while since we chatted. Steve: It has, Reg. I think we both have a little less hair these days. Reg: Wasnít it the Mayor Lee Brown race where we met? Steve: That ís right. I helped to get you an interview with the Mayor in that election. I would like to think that we were the first to really tap the young professional community, and organize them around a political campaign. Reg: I remember! You went on to introduce us to Ron Kirk and Sylvester Turner as well.
Steve: That model held up pretty well for a while. Reg: For those who donít know you, whatís your background? Steve: Although I grew up in Houston, I was actually born in North Carolina. I went back to Carolina for college where I received a tennis scholarship at North Carolina A&T State University. I was a classic political geek when not on the tennis court. I served in student government and created a college Democrats chapter at A&T. That effort helped me secure an internship at The White House after college.
Reg: That ís very impressive! Not many people can say that they worked in The White House. Steve: It was a phenomenal experience. It totally opened my eyes to how government works. I was hooked from that point on. Reg: So, what happened after The White House? Steve: Well, I decided to move back. You know, all politics is local. I worked briefly for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and then with State Rep. Sylvester Turner in Austin. While with Sylvester, we helped to craft the state budget. I later moved back to Houston to work for State Sen. Rodney Ellis, and ultimately on Mayor Brownís campaign.
as. The following session, we passed a comprehensive coordinated stroke care bill which has resulted in a network of stroke centers throughout the state. I’m very proud of those two efforts. Reg: So what are you up to now?
Steve: Professionally, I am playing a key role with METROís build out of its light rail lines. Specifically, I’m helping small businesses get work on this Reg: Ah, Mayor Brown. I like project, as well as provide assishow that sounds, but weíll tance to businesses impacted by get to that in a moment. You our construction. To date, weíve also worked in Austin on paid out over $200 million in healthcare issues, right? contracts to small and disadvantaged businesses. That’s Steve: Yes. In 2003, we were pretty significant, and there approaching epidemic levels arenít many public projects that for communicable diseases like have allocated as much to small pertussis (whooping cough). In businesses. I also manage a fact, I think Texas ranked 47th grant program that assists busiin the country for immunization nesses impacted by construcrates. That session, I crafted tion. We’ve done a little over and advocated for a package $3 million in that program. I of bills to ultimately improve understand that the small busiaccess to vaccinations in Texnessmen/women serve as the
STEVE BROWN INTERVIEW
foundation of our communityís commerce and economic development. We have to do more to build their capacity to grow, as well as give them the opportunity to get real work. Reg: That ís professionally, how about catching us up on what you’ve been up to politically. Steve: In 2010, I was elected the Chairman of the Fort Bend County Democratic Party. In that role, we’ve grown the number of precinct chairs, membership and Democratic clubs. In 2012, I ran for re-election and got the most Democratic votes countywide of any candidate on the ballot. That is, second to only President Barack Obama. I think weíve really begun to turn the corner in this county and have a better brand and organization than when I began. However, we still have a lot of work to do before turning Fort Bend Blue, and that starts with winning more municipal and school board elections.
Reg: I was teasing earlier about the possibility of you being the next Mayor Brown. Are you seriously considering running for Mayor of Missouri City?
economic renaissance, and that will be a major component of my administration. We should make it easier for businesses to locate and operate here in Missouri City by streamlining our permitting and deSteve: I’m definitely considering velopment processes. Through it. Look, I believe that Missouri the creation of special economic City can be the greatest suburdistricts, we can foster commerban city in this state. I believe cial development that creates Missouri City residents deserve jobs and economic opportunity the same amenities, quality of for our citizens. Under my adlife and job opportunities as ministration, the City will be a top cities of comparable size partner with the business comand growth. And I believe, to munity, no longer a stagnant achieve this goal, we must build bureaucratic and regulatory consensus, take bold action and impediment to economic growth. keep watch on our bottom line. Additionally, we can partner with the business community to oday, Missouri direct tax revenue from the fuCity’s local econo- ture growth of that area, to pay my is not as vifor needed infrastructure, marbrant compared to keting, public safety and other some of our clos- costs that are beneficial to that est neighbors when measured development. This is a model by our economic activity and that has been used throughout sales tax base. In 2009, Misthe state and has proven effecsouri City was at $6 million in tive. sales tax collections compared to $40 million for Sugar Land Reg: That ís a pretty ambiand $20 million for Pearland. tious agenda.
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During Allen Owen’s Tenure as Mayor
ut it ís not just about a Town Center. We must figure out ways to get people who live in Missouri City to actually work there, too. Over 90% of our residents spend their work hours in Houston. There is no way we can sustain restaurants here simply on evening and weekend traffic alone. We need people in the City all day long. To that end, I will be working hard to extend the Texas Medical Center down 90A and into our city limits. A great number of residents work there anyway; why not build a satellite medical center in Missouri City?
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Reg: That ís very impressive. I wish you all the best. Any final thoughts before we wrap up?
Steve: I want to thank you for publishing a Fort Bend edition of your magazine. Our county is the most diverse in America. We need magazines like your’s to highlight our businesses and amazing residents. Thank you, Bro.
Steve: Perhaps but it needs to happen. The development of a Missouri City Hall- Town Center Per the Texas Comptroller of will be an area of focus in my Public Accounts. administration. For years, TexIt is my belief that we can do as Parkway has been a decaying better. We can improve the lodiamond in the rough. I believe cal economy in Missouri City, that the opportunity for mixedand thereby enhance the quality use development on the 40 acres of life for our residents. We can adjacent to City Hall is warrantlook to our neighbors for proven ed and can help position Misstrategies to increase economic souri City as a destination for activity and job opportunities residents throughout our region. for our citizens. For that is the The Town Center should help goal; improve economic opporto facilitate the establishment tunity for our citizens and busi- of restaurants, retail shops and nesses. City government can an open air pavilion for concerts Reg: Thank you, Steve help foster and promote a local and theatrical events.
www.i10media.com 713807700
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mia PURPOSE FILLED TRANSFORMATIONAL PASSION FOCUSED
Mia Knight Wright is inspiring women around the globe to pursue their passion for living. hrough her renowned “Metamorphosis” organization which encompasses a nonprofit foundation, a mentoring program for girls, and the world renowned annual women’s “Metamorphosis” conference hosted in Houston, Texas, Mia is helping women and men alike to positively change their lives. She does so with a unique blend of ministry, personal enrichment seminars and life skill workshops. Simply put, Mia’s gift is in helping others to transform their lives from the broken places to a place of fulfillment and purpose. Outside of her duties as a Co-Pastor and Director of Ministry at The Fountain of Praise in Houston, Texas, Mia is a noted community influencer and “woman to watch” in Texas. She is also a highly sought after national motivational speaker, women’s conference workshop presenter, corporate work - faith life balance coach, as well as the founder & executive director of Metamorphosis, Inc.
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As a speaker, Mia has shared transformational messages in churches, town halls, convention centers, mud huts, hotels, corporate venues, schools and prisons around the world. She is a powerful inspirational speaker, who encourages others with uplifting messages, relevant life stories and life skills that apply in both the faith based and industry sectors. Mia is a visible presence on Christian TV, locally and nationally. She serves as a regular television host on Houston’s “Joy in Our Town” and “Praise the Lord” on TBN – the Trinity Broadcast Network. Mia has also been a guest on the Daystar TV Network’s “Joni Show” and she has been interviewed on “Celebration” with Marcus & Joni Lamb. In 2008, Mia was nominated as “Most Inspirational Person” by StreamingFaith.com the world’s largest online faith-based broadcasting portal. Beyond her impressive academic background and professional accomplishments, Mia will tell you with a smile, that the greatest achievement of her life are her three sons, and her more than 22 year marriage to Pastor Remus Wright. As partners in both their ministry and church leadership, Remus and Mia have built a 20,000 member congregation, which grew from 100 members in 1991. Through her work as founder and executive director of the Metamorphosis Women’s Empowerment Conference, thousands of women have embraced life long transformations. As a partner in the The New Directions Center, Mia conducts a mentoring program to help women develop their leadership potential and skills. Mia earned her Bachelor’s degree at The University of Texas at Austin in 1987. Following college, she embarked on a career in the pharmaceuticals industry where she was highly successful as both a sales professional and training specialist with Astra Merck (now Astra Zeneca). In 2005, Mia graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Metamorphosis Women’s Conference In 2000, Mia had a vision to create a women’s conference that would be deeply impactful, inspirational and transformational. Guided by her passion for ministry, this conference has emerged as one of the largest and most successful mega women’s conferences in the United States and in 2012 it will also be hosted in Brazil and 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. The conference is now in its 11th year and attracts thousands of attendees annually. Her vision is now a reality. Mia is a truly gifted leader for a time such as this and one that any church, foundation, university or corporation will benefit from greatly as a speaker and personalgrowth facilitator. www.miawright.org www.mymetamorphosis.org www.tfop.org www.facebook.com/pastormiawright www.facebook.com/mymetamorphosis www.facebook.com/thefountainofpraises Miawright Miawright MetaConf TFOPChurch YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/SpeakerMiaWright http://www.youtube.com/user/metaconf
delta of the month Darian Ward is a nationally recognized, Houston based, television and radio veteran, with a proven track record of success. She recently received a Top 25 Women of Houston award. The native New Yorker is a NATPE/FOX Diversity Producer Fellow who has hosted TV news shows for 15 years on affiliates of CBS, NBC, FOX and BET. She executive produced the TV series “The Goodlife with Darian Ward,” hosted the TV special, “Military Makeover,” and created BizRadio’s “Strategies for Success.” Darian is also the Public Information Officer and manages media relations for the Houston Airport System which handles 50 million passengers annually.
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arian is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and pledged on the 32 Devastating Degrees of Distinction line at Clark Atlanta University. Darian is President of Joy in Motion Productions, a multi-media firm making an impact with several awards including- Minority Media Firm of the Year Award from the Houston Minority Business Development Center, a Leadership award from the Government Procurement Connections Conference, Edward R. Murrow Award during her tenure at WCCO in Minneapolis, Excellence in Communication and Leadership, Citizen of the Month-Houston Defender Magazine, African-American Young Achiever-YMCA, YWCA Outstanding Young Woman, Trailblazer Award, Influential Woman and World Youth Foundation Leadership Award. Ms. Ward has received congressional recognition for her community outreach initiatives and has worked extensively with government entities, major corporations, as well as city and state leaders to promote, recruit and train professionals in a variety of ways. Ms. Ward is also a motivational speaker and a media/marketing consultant who has worked professionally with companies such as Comcast, Shell, Air Liquide, Travelocity, Microsoft, UNCF, Texas Southern University, St. Thomas University and Houston Minority Business Council. She ventured into publishing with the African-American Visitors Guide to Houston, served as the Managing Editor of the Minority Executive Report and has written articles on business, aviation and luxury lifestyles. She and her husband, Byron Nichols, an award-winning videographer and editor are also authors of a relationship book. Ms. Ward is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University.
www.facebook.com/darian.ward.39 www.twitter.com/dwardlove www.linkedin.com/pub/darian-ward/2/179/576
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dariad ward
ifitness
IFitness Edrina Newman AKA Masterpiece is the proud owner of Lady of Essence Fitness studio in Houston, TX. She’s been in the fitness world for over 13+ years and graduated from Houston Baptist University with double majors in Human Kinetics and Mass Media.
tified Zumba and Zumbatomic Instructor, International Motivational Speaker, Model and Choreographer. I’ve created several signature fitness classes and programs such as Exotic Aerobics, 1000 Calorie Burn, Make It Clap, Operation Super Sexy and 90 Miles In 90 Days Fitness Challenge. I have something for women of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels.
A AFAA Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, Cer-
Therefore, NO EXCUSES allowed when you workout with her.
info@Ladyofessence.com www.Ladyofessence.com www.facebook.com/ladyofessencefitness @lady_of_essence #Ladyofessencestudio #letsgetitteam Phone #: 713-271-LADY (5239) Address: 6609 W. Sam Houston Pkwy, Suite #202A, Houston, TX 77072.
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GETTING YOUR RED WINE RIGHT By Stephen G John
Not all red wines are the same. This may sound like stating the obvious, but reds are truly made differently. They use different grape varieties to begin with. However, those who are new to wine-drinking won’t easily tell if the wine he’s sipping is a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Pinot Noir or a Shiraz. Those who consider themselves wine connoisseurs, on the other hand, can easily tell not only type of wine he’s drinking, but even its flavor profile the minute he swirls the beverage in his glass and starts sniffing it. We’ve heard it before: wine appreciation is much a science as it is an art. But for first-time red wine drinkers, it’s simply a matter of getting a beverage to complement their meal or having something to drink while listening to their favorite music or while hanging out with friends or loved ones. However, if you want to start learning how to pick good reds next time you shop, here a few factors you can consider:
Acidity
Aroma
The more acid there is in your wine, the sourer it will be. Don’t go for a bottle with low acid content if you don’t want your wine tasting weak. High acid content, on the other hand, means extra sourness. Going for one that balances the acidity would be then be your option when looking for the best-tasting bottle.
True wine appreciation, as any wine aficionado would tell you, starts with the smelling. Swirling the liquid in the glass is not simply a matter of pre-drinking instinct; the circular motion releases its flavors and enhances the entire drinking experience.
Tannin content Tannin is a brownish or yellowish substance found in plants. The tannin content present in a red wine can be responsible for its rich bitterness. It also contributes to the flavor of the liquid as well as its structure.
Body A wine’s body is simply its alcohol content, together with the sensation left in your mouth after taking a sip. If a wine is full-bodied, it leaves a strong aftertaste. If there’s little alcohol content in it, the taste quickly goes away.
Flavor Of course, this is the most important factor in all of it. After sipping the wine, let it stay in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing it. There are even phases involved in tasting it. You don’t have to be an expert to know which wine is good to the taste. Your own palate will be the ultimate judge. Next time you grab a bottle of red wine, consider the factors mentioned here so you end up with something you’ll truly enjoy.
Who Will Be Houston’s Next Mayor? A Few Questions with Ben Hall
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ttorney Ben Hall is campaigning to be the next mayor of Houston. Recently, i10 had the opportunity to sit down for a talk with Ben to discuss his campaign, his leadership style and vision for the City. Here are a few of the things that came from that conversation.
advanced out of the mayor’s office. There has been a persistent theme of imposing more costs and taxes on city residents and the businesses that operate within our boundaries. I think these approaches are shortsighted and will only lead to economic strangulation. I intend to encourage job and economic growth through tax incentives and business-friendly policies. I want to grow the private sector so that jobs will be created, new businesses developed, small businesses given an opportunity to grow and expand, and to provide a wholesome environment for families and our children to live in peace and harmony. We will be the global economic giant our past has prepared us for!
i10: For the upwardly-mobile crowd, what will you do to make downtown Houston a more exciting place?
Ben: Houston ís downtown is beautiful! It houses a vast array of the greatest companies in the world. As mayor, I wish to supplement our world-class business complex with a world-class retail, commercial and entertainment complex downtown. I will encourage the development of a meaningful and progressive retail center (mall) downtown that rivals any other large city’s offerings. I also envision a worldclass entertainment district , with music, dancing, and familyfriendly venues enticing to both old and young. Also, we will i10: Why do you want to be increase the green space downHoustonís next mayor? town for families and children to play. In collaboration with local Ben: We need strong leadership i10: That sounds good, but businesses, and after seeking in the mayorís office. This is a counsel from other commuhow will that leadership help world class city that needs world entrepreneurs and small nity members, I would promote class leadership and vision. The businesses? policies to make this expansive future of this City is greater than project possible. It would be the present discourse coming my hope that through private Ben: As stated above, my out of the mayor’s office. Ours policies will encourage business sector investment we will grow is a bold, courageous and grand growth, not business stranguan already beautiful downtown future. We need to be about the lation by government. A great into a venue where visitors and task of facilitating the expansive achievement of my tenure as residents alike will find a robust growth of this City to benefit eve- mayor will be to see how many evening and night life worthy of ryone, not strangling that growth new and existing small business- being enjoyed. I have already by shortsighted fiscal policies. I es are provided an environment been approached by private believe that with bold ideas and investors interested in bringing in which to flourish. We must leadership, we will continue to be avoid policies that focus only on to bear the necessary finances the center of both the economic raising revenue for temporary to facilitate such projects. I will and cultural marketplaces of the needs of the city, we have to shift look to the private sector to asworld. sist in these efforts. our governmental mindset to policies that allow entrepreneurs i10: What will your adminisand businesses to flourish and i10: What would you do differ- grow. By doing so, we will intration do to prevent crime in ently from the current mayor? crease the overall fiscal health of Houston neighborhoods? this city. If you are a small busiBen: Let me not talk about a ness owner or would be business Ben: My administration will be person, but rather about policies owner, you will love Ben Hall as tough on crime and advocate and ideas. Over the last four for non-violent criminals to give mayor. Established businesses (4) years, I have not seen one will do well too! Houston will be back to our community by cutmeaningful economic proposal ting weeded lots, cleaning waste open for business!
http://vimeo.com/61852668
from yards and streets, and helping with the destruction of abandoned buildings. If you commit a crime in Houston, you will owe us a real debt. We have vast talents and energies in this city and I intend to advance policies that will free those talents and energies to flourish without unreasonable intrusion on the private rights of others. i10: Is there anything else you want to share with our readers about your priorities as mayor? Ben: Yes, I want everyone to know that I intend to be a mayor for everyone. Hall for All! We are Houston and our diversity is one of our strengths. I will stress as Mayor that Houston is an accepting city. The only people not welcome here are those intent on committing crime. Houston is off-limits to criminals!
http://vimeo.com/61852668
tina travis
zeta of the month
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28 years old.
Zeta Phi Beta, Inc Mother of 2 Independent R&B recording artist and songwriter. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Life Coach, and Nutritionist. Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences - Lamar University. Masters in Human Sciences in Marriage and Family Therapy - Prairie View A&M University
@tinaisfocused www.facebook.com/tinatravis84 You Tube: www.youtube.com/Tinatravissoul tinatravis1@gmail.com www.therapists.psychologytoday.com
CHAUN VAUGHN
What is a Boudoir Video? An artistic, classy and tasteful cinematic video that tells a seductive story through song. A gift perfect for your spouses birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or just because. How is it created? You choose the perfect song to tell your story. I help create a concept behind the song. You choose your outfit(s) and location(s) and then we film. I am the only person filming and present to ensure that clients feel comfortable during the entire process. Why Create a Boudoir Video? This is the perfect avenue to provide a unique and special gift for the man who has everything. A video of you will be lasting memories for him.
www.chaunvaughn.com ChaunVaughn talktome@chaunvaughn.com Phone 281-749-5183
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cupcakes Type of
Cupcakes are also called fairy cakes. There are small in size and are made to serve one person. Earlier cupcakes were frequently baked in individual pottery cups but now a day baker has so many option to make cupcake, you can make it by using muffins or cupcakes pan with or without a paper liner or even with silicon baking cups. You can use any butter cake recipe to bake cupcakes. There are so many types and flavours of cupcakes like vanilla cupcakes, mocha cupcakes, coconut cupcake, red velvet cupcakes, grasshopper cupcakes, gingerbread cupcakes and many more. Birthday cupcakes, logo cupcakes, giant cupcakes, bouquet cupcakes and wedding cupcakes are famous cupcakes types. Birthday cupcakes are easy and cute cakes to celebrate your birthday. There are so many flavours like chocolate, vanilla, apple and also so many creative ideas to make birthday cupcakes. You can use your creativity to make birthday cupcakes. If you want to make birthday cupcake for children then you can make cartoon characters or colourful birthday cupcake. For adult you can make so many designs like polka dots, characters or any of your choice. You can decorate birthday cupcakes very easy or as complex as you can.
Bouquet cupcakes Bouquet cupcakes are perfect and amazing cupcakes for every occasion. Instead of flower bouquet, Bouquet cupcakes are best alternative to gift. These cupcakes are very beautiful and easy to make. By using different icing colour, ribbons, vase and flavour you can easily modify and change up the cupcakes according to occasion. You can choose any colour combination to match with your occasion. So forget traditional cakes and surprise everyone with stunning and unique bouquet cupcakes. Wedding cupcakes Wedding cupcakes are very popular trend for wedding. Wedding cupcakes are so versatile and unique idea for your wedding because they look wonderful. You can choose your favourite colour combination and design. On your special day this can become dessert so every guest have their own piece of dessert. Multiple tiers of exquisitely decorated wedding cupcakes give your cake unique and stunning look and amaze everyone.
cupcakes
Type of Giant cupcakes
Baby shower cupcakes
Giant cupcakes are easy to make and very impressive idea for your special occasion. To make giant cupcake you will need giant cupcake tin. You can decorate giant cupcake very easily or as difficult as you can, it is depends upon your creativity. Today giant cupcakes are very popular and easy to prepare and also make lasting impression among guests.
You can make your baby shower celebration unique and impressive with baby shower cupcakes. Instead of traditional cakes impress everyone with new trend of baby shower cupcakes. Everyone loves desserts so amaze your guest with delicious baby shower cupcake and make happy and magical atmosphere. Make your baby shower celebration extra special with baby shower cupcakes.
Logo cupcakes Logo cupcakes are very famous in corporate world. You can make your presentation memorable with logo cupcakes and treat your audience. Logo cupcakes are perfect for promotions and events. Let your customers and staffs know that you care of them by gifting them delicious logo cupcakes.
Celebration cakes There are certain celebrations that need celebration cake. Make your occasion special and create happy atmosphere with celebration cakes. Enjoy your special day and make it memorable with delicious and unique celebration cakes.
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