A discussion on drupal, D’Angelo’s $40 steal of a deal, and where to party at SXSWi

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Techno Video.

SXSW is quickly approaching. This festival brought in an estimated $103 million to Austin, Texas in 2009 and 2010 is expected to be more profitable. Evan Williams, the CEO of twitter, has been the buzz of the event. He will close out the interactive panel with a keynote interview and discussions. With his handsome boyish looks the She-geeks of Texas, both beautiful and smart, will charm him with questions and concerns to get that one on one time.

‘Tis the season to learn and get inspired as we citizens find our way. Work is tough, job searching has become the job for many, and the pressure to find a fix is getting folks into some embarrassing situations. D’Angelo’s prostitution scandal is not at all shocking. He got caught up at the mercy of an urge that only the oldest profession could relieve. At least the undercover cop was a woman-Right?

If you have any urges to do something stupid, why not take a joy ride to Austin, Texas this weekend? Go retro and change up your setting by crashing on a friends couch for SXSW. All hotels are booked. Wrist bands are pricey and will cost at least $500 depending on what festival you attend.

Don’t fret if you’re low on funds. The B-girls are throwing the official Computer Luv kick-off party on Friday at Malverde in Austin and it’s FREE. Hope to see you there.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled broadcast.

Chrisette Michele Mar. 19 @HOB

The sassy songstress will be in Houston this March. Traveling with her band the “Truth”, Chrisette always delivers an unforgettable show. So come and enjoy the musical stylings of the Long Island native which Entertainment Weekly has described as a “Soulful Songbird”.

Where: House of Blues

1204 Caroline Street

Houston, TX 77002

When: March 19, 2010

Computer Luv, SXSW Interactive,March 12, Malverde, AUSTIN, TX

Iconoclash Media and theblvdmag.com have teamed up to open famed South by Southwest Music Festival with ComputerLuv: an interactive party designed to bring the hottest people in technology, media, fashion and entertainment together for one night full of networking, reuniting, drinking and dancing.

Be sure to come and meet two of the hottest young nationwide digital companies.

Iconoclash Media is a Brooklyn-based web, mobile and social media integration creative collective. They design the hottest iPhone applications and have a full team of professionals that integrate all elements interactive into your company’s media strategy.

theblvdmag.com inspires, informs and entertains the residents of the Greater Houston Area, and those interested in learning about the area. By serving as a living document the magazine not only provides timely information and relevant content, but also chronicles the history of as it is happening with sharp, thoughtful commentary and analysis.

Sneak Attack Austin, Austin’s premier sneaker boutique will also be in attendance.

Network with digital, homies, lovers, and friends as we party into the night. After the hangover, we hope to see you at the sessions. Click here for all the details for SXSW Interactive

DATE:  Friday, March 12. 6-10pm

LOCATION: Malverde, 400 West 2nd St, Austin, TX, 78701

Disposable People Feb. 19th @ the Gaslight Gallery

Disposable people will be a duet art show featuring corky artist, Anna Spradley and new comer to the houston scene, Emily Akins. Spradley is known for her creative style that some have described as cartoon-like portraiture. In her paintings you will often find apparent biblical undertones as they are often inspired by a spiritual battle. Akins also has a uniques style, specializing in painting playful skeletons. This will be her first show, so come out and show support for an upcoming artist and an unforgettable show!

When: February 19, 2010

8-11 pm

Where: Gaslight Gallery

1416 Westheimer Rd.

Houston, TX  77006

Black History at HCC, Feb 26, 2010

Houston Community College Cordially Invites You To Its 2010 Black History Gala

Award Winning Director and Actor Spike Lee will be the Keynote Speaker.

Where: Friday, February 26, 2010

The Reception is @ 6pm and the Gala begins @ 7pm

Located at the Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel

For more info on tickets click here

Don’t Call it a Comeback

Don’t say nothing else about music being dead. It’s alive, it’s living, it’s accessible.

It may not be on television, or the radio, but it’s here. That soulful, relatable, can’t help but groove with it kind of music.

Sometimes it needs to take a break, grow up and poke around in life in order to have something new to say, in order to keep up with you in a way that will make you want to keep listening.

Enter Teedra Moses.  Theblvdmag.com caught up with her as she prepared to take stage at New York’s R&B stalwart SOB’s in lower Manhattan. The last time we saw her, she was on the cover of her seminal album Complex Simplicity. Five years later, and a war chest of life lessons later she’s back to let her fans know that she’s grown, but ain’t nothing changed. She’s still that friend that understands.

The petite powerhouse has taken time to raise her 13-year-old twins Ras and Taj, move to Miami and get out of a sour deal with TVT music, her former label. That didn’t mean the music stopped. Moses released three mixtapes over the course of three years.

“The last time people saw me I was dealing getting out of a relationship,” she said. “I was dealing with stuff with my music and I just wanted to have fun and move out of the funk I was in. “

That feeling and other personal issues, including losing her mother, influenced her sound.  It gave young women a soundtrack to explore love with. Five years have passed since that 2004 classic, and it’s a different time for Moses.

“I was getting out of a relationship where I was very focused on him,” she said. “I realized that when you make someone your world you miss out on finding out what God has had for you all along.”

But it’s different now.

“I’m wanting love again, and I’m ready to talk about it” she said. “My fans are writing me and twittering me about putting out a new album, and I have something to say.”

The 33-year-old feels that while she’s been an adult for a while, she’s now a grown woman who has been and has used those life lessons and solid spiritual footing to find a strength that grows daily.

“This time around my sound is more aggressive,” she said. “I’m using my voice from a deeper place.” To Moses, she’s come a long way from “Caught Up,” her first song ever recording. “I have stronger lyrics now, and I’m anxious for people to hear my music.”

Moses’ fans look to her for her strong sassy cleverness, but there’s always a message within the melody.

“We really need to try to keep the attitudes positive, and start focusing on developing really good relationships with ourselves so we don’t tolerate stupid shit,” she said. “Before you work on anything else, make sure that you love and respect yourself.”

Her songs are not about checklists, and what a nigga should be driving and where he should be vacationing. They are about the tears, and smiles you share when you are so deep in love with that one person. The stuff you sometimes don’t want to admit you’re feeling. The stuff you love to be mad at, and the stuff you are mad to love. Sometimes it feels like she puts the words right in your mouth, and gives you the permission to feel it.

“She’s really soulful,” said Claudia Steer, a 27-year-old Londoner who stood outside waiting for her friend to arrive. “She finds a way to remain true to the R&B sound, but still be relevant.

“There’s something late 90s, early 2000s about her that’s filling a void in music today.”

The hopeless romantic in Steer, understands the kind of love Moses writes about. So does Mike Milan, 30, another fan of Moses.

“Her music is timeless and her sound is pure,” he said. “It’s like the R&B in the early 90s when the sound was rich and really yummy.”

Fans wonder why she hasn’t blown up from having such a diverse and deep fan base. Men love her. She’s intriguing without posing a threat, but sassy enough to you know if you are intimidated, that’s your issue. And women relate, mayne we relate.

Still major label success is not what keeps Moses writing and singing.

“This was not something I grew up wanting to,” said the former stylist assistant. “I wasn’t that interested in being a superstar. I knew I needed a way to take care of my kids, and I wasn’t having fun styling anymore.”

So, one tearful night she cried out to God asking Him to bless her with a way to provide for the most important people in her world.

“I’m grateful for my fans allowing me to take care of my kids,” she said. “I feel successful because I’ve been able to maintain a comfortable lifestyle for them and that’s all I asked for and he gave it to me in abundance.”

She’s written for people who have had commercial success. Christina Milian, Raphael Saadiq, Nivea, Teairra Mari, Trina and others. And even if selling out your local Wal-mart forever remains elusive, she’ll be happy with the blessings that God has granted.

“I am able to be around to be a loving mom and build strong young men who aren’t pansies,” she said. “I get to write songs that people love, and I must be doing something right because I can’t do this alone.”

She knows she’s got a loyal base. One that will wait with bated breath, scour MySpace and limewire and travel across the country to see her. Fans like Sarah Kapitanoff, a 28-year-old new York transplant via Wisconsin.

“I first heard of her in 1999 singing on other people’s tracks and I’ve been down ever since,” she said. Kapitanoff said she’s seen her in D.C. and has gone to shows by herself just so she can get the Teedra experience. “It’s not hard to drag my boyfriend to the shows though. She’s a beautiful woman with a banging body and she knows she’s talented. I can relate to her.”

Kapitanoff puts out her cigarette and gets inside just inside to see Moses glide on the stage greeting the crowd with the warmth of an artist who really does love what she does.

The love was shown back. Fans, old and new, sang loudly with Moses as she crooned about love lost, and love gained. About the joys of being happy and staying positive, and of course about that “Backstroke.”

Look out for new material from The Young Lioness in 2010.

Photography by Yeppi Yeebo

Not the Same Ol’ Story

By now you’ve read the Washington Post’s profile of Helena Andrews, the blogger whose upcoming memoir (can you have one of those at 29?), “Bitch is the New Black” has already been optioned as a film. There’s room for volumes of cultural critique of the WaPo’s portrayal of her travails in love and life but I’ll leave that to other writers. I have my opinions but it’s best to at least wait until her book comes out before I sharpen the skewering tools.

Still, weeks after the WaPo ushered Andrews in as the new poster girl for the accomplished, black and lonely in the DMV (that’s the District, Maryland & Virginia to the uninitiated), I’m just figuring out why it left such a bad taste in my mouth. What most bloggers have missed is context — not the kind that would shed light on Andrews’ book — but the kind that would shed light on where she stands relative to the legions of single, overachieving African-American women her book and movie will paint with a broad brush.

Andrews is making a major splash for herself via a yet-unpublished book about her misadventures as a single Black woman in Chocolate City. In the process she’s set to become the MSM’s standard bearer for millennial single Black women. The problem is that even in a world where people with good sense realize that African-Americans are not a monolith, Andrews’ worldview and experiences are anything but normative for most African-American women.

Her PoliticsDaily essays are stellar examples. In one, she writes of growing up the daughter of a single lesbian and of being the only black girl in a lily-white community. In another, she recalls rocking a pendant of two small feet — a known pro-life symbol — “not because I knew what the feet meant…but because, being black and knobby-kneed, I wanted nothing more than to disappear into that crowd of blondes.”

This is the woman whose entry into the pop culture arena is a declaration that Bitch is the New Black? Perhaps it’s her new Black, but it ain’t that for any of the black women who raised me, for whom I acted as big brother and protector, who I have befriended or dated — and I guarantee you that’s a diverse group.

Don’t get me wrong: I get why Andrews’ book hold such appeal. It’s just not the same reason most people think. The topic about lonely, successful black women has been written about for so long that it’s hard to imagine anyone making a bestseller out of something so cliche. The appeal, at least to her publisher and Hollywood, is that in Andrews they’ve found perhaps the truest example of what Malcolm Gladwell wrote about in Outliers: an anomaly who looks enough like the norm that they stand to typify a group whose commonalities they defy.

That’s a shame, wrought with the kind of racial and identity politics that folks like to pretend don’t influence decisions about what books and movies get green-lighted in the age of Obama. But it’s a real shame, nonetheless. Hollywood is still obsessed with finding voices through which it can slice Black life into pieces digestible by a mainstream hungry for cliche. In Andrews’ memoir and coming screenplay, there’s a good chance they’ve found the ingredients.

Keith Reed edits the educaiton magazine Catalyst Ohio, discusses personal finance at keithreedsmoneycorner.com, and has written for Essence, Ebony, Uptown and TheRoot.com.

Google Wave has nothing to do with surfing

It’s freakin magic!

Feel free to email the B-girls at techno@theblvdmag.com for Google Wave invites.

Chicken and Waffles

In a culture where we are always on a time crunch, for many people breakfast has become an afterthought. The Breakfast Klub has been a popular niche restaurant since 2001, but sadly it was this Houston native’s first time trying the place. I didn’t know what I was about to get into, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw plaques lining the entranceway with various articles and reviews raving about the Houston staple. I took a look around and discovered that its hole-in-the-wall appearance was a façade. The interior of the restaurant was modern and inviting with its red brick accent wall and dark wood furnishings.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted high above as the dull roar of conversation weaved through the din of clinking silverware and jazzy music gave the joint a comforting coziness. I was surprised at how busy the place was for a mid-morning weekday because the line wrapped around to the door.

The Breakfast Klub offers an extensive selection of breakfast classics with a Southern twist. They also serve lunch in addition to their breakfast menu after 11 a.m. to add to the gluttony. The restaurant has to dishes that boast their claim to fame: katfish and grits and wings and waffles. I know chicken and waffles are huge practically everywhere, but I had never tried them. Now was the perfect time to sample the sweet and salty fare, and a double white raspberry mocha would wash it down.

The crowd was an eclectic mix of people – young and old, professional and quirky, groups and solos. The walls were adorned with vibrant and colorful quilted wall hangings. After some research, I found out that The Breakfast Klub features an “Artist of the Month” and that their art changes monthly with works from local Houston artists who are often under the radar. This month, their featured artist was Phyllis J. Harris who is a quilt artist for S.P.I.E. Arts and the founder of Quilted Wall Hangings by Phyllis

J. Harris.  I was very pleased at the fact that the restaurant was passionate in supporting the local arts.

The owner of the restaurant, Marcus Davis, knows the value of quality service. He brought food directly to patrons, worked the cashier and shook hands with people at every table as he ran to and from the kitchen. In the hustle and bustle of the restaurant, it was quite the spectacle to see him stack three plates on one arm while cracking jokes, all without breaking a sweat.

My food arrived quickly, but one glance at my plate and you would think that it took an hour to construct. One giant, golden brown Belgian-style pecan waffle topped with strawberries and whipped cream surrounded by six perfectly crisp chicken wings. It didn’t matter that I was bare faced or that I was dressed like a hobo because the fragrance of the wings and waffles was so intoxicating. I was a woman on a mission to eat. As I prepared my first bite, I cut one piece of wing and one piece of waffle with a drizzle of syrup. Nothing could have prepared me for the symphonic marriage of flavors. The chicken was succulent and savory to the bone with a light, crunchy batter. The waffle was fluffy with a nice crunch from the pecans, and the syrup brought both of these powerful components together into one mouth-watering combination.

The explosive flavors were so surprising and enjoyable that the dish never became cloying. A few minutes after my food came out, my white raspberry mocha latte arrived. As I took my first cautious sip, I was relieved to discover that the latte was not sickly sweet as I had expected. On the contrary, the latte had the essence of raspberry and white chocolate but without that syrupy overtone that most flavored lattes have. Secretly thankful that I was alone with my decadent meal, I tucked in to one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. With my jeans unbuttoned.

The Breakfast Klub is a truly unique restaurant that serves delicious food with a distinctly Houstonian flair. The patrons are a reflection of the diverse and lively population, the décor illustrates the eclectic Houston art scene and the food tastes like Southern home cooking down to the bone. For the most important meal of the day, I would highly recommend taking the time to try out The Breakfast Klub. A word of advice: wear stretchy pants and get there early. They close early in the day.

Photography by Jason Woods soularenaissance.com

Take a Victory Lap in the Winner’s Circle

Black Friday took the guilt out of shopping, if only for one day. Houstonians pulled out in droves to get a great bargain. Wives and mothers trashed the men’s area to get the two-for-one suit deals at SAKS Off 5th. Recession aside, it was great to see people not afraid to shop for the people they loved.

But, the madness left me wondering, why are men comfortable allowing women to make wardrobe decisions for them? Leaving the sartorial decisions to a woman who has limited knowledge of male wardrobe editing can be detrimental to manhood. Men, you no longer have anyone to blame if you and your woman are matching from head to toe. It might inspire you to be more proactive about being in charge of your personal statement. More men should feel confident in taking a smart approach to their own style in wardrobe.

It could be laziness, or lack of knowledge on how to dress, maybe even a combination of the two; but dressing out of a Mervyn’s ad in the Sunday paper is what seems to be the standard during these hard times. Let’s speak prosperity into existence by being dressed for when it returns. For the eligible bachelor who comfortably styles and profiles in church attire to a lounge or club, your game has already taken three steps back from a possible connection. Recession dress won’t get you a conversation from someone who really has their shit together. At best, you might get a fake phone number. To stop that from happening — and face it, you’re sick of watching your one homeboy with the personality of a reality show reject get the stunner based on his style and dress alone – pay attention to the threads.  When life throws you rotten apples, try recreating your brand and you will see improvement in the women you attract. Try reaching out to a man you feel has conquered confidence in his dress. Find a style mentor.

Take a look at Korey Huff. This CEO and founder of The Huff Law Firm, shows signs of life in this city of nine to fivers. He’s no reject. He’s a criminal attorney, and he evokes the confidence of a young Wall Street executive. With his knack for structure in dress, he knows the value of a first impression.

“As a criminal attorney I must show my confidence and professionalism in court, it creates a positive image with the judge,” he said. Standard corporate attire is navy, black, or pinstripe grey. But is the standard enough to win you a case, a date, or a possible business deal? Be above average.

Huff grew up in west Texas, but drew inspiration from other places — a good tip for a man trying to establish his personal style.

“East coast fashion was the trend back in the early 90s,” Huff said. “Michael Jackson, the emergence of the hip hop brands, and the music were my inspiration.”

His style has gotten more complex as he’s grown into his manhood with 60s-era touches splattered throughout his styling choices. This 34-year-old entrepreneur has put away childish fashion, which sets Huff apart from many young Houston professionals.

First approached by theblvdmag.com at The Breakfast Klub he flaunted his self-confidence in the structure of his double vented, two slits on the side of the jacket, navy blue suit while eating lunch with his friends. Single vents are less clean on the silhouette. Theblvdmag.com spotted Huff again in his confident stride; he sported a pinstripe double-breasted suit in the same restaurant.

“Some men are too lazy to care about appearance or are just unaware,” Huff said. He recommends Banana Republic’s tailor fit suits because they are affordable and modern. He also recommends Zara in the Galleria “their merchandise gives a European tailored fit.”

The quality of the suit lies in the structure and the cut on one’s frame. Vents are very important. It allows room for easy pocket access and creates less of a pear shape in the buttocks.

Huff says “Pants should be flat-front. Please note that most stores with European cut suit pants will fit the crotch area a little tight because the waist is cut lower. You get around this problem buy purchasing a pant size one level higher than normal.”

A great suit allows the cufflinks to get some shine. A blazer or any structured suit jacket should not fall past the wrist. “The jacket should taper the back and waist while the arms of the suit should be slightly shorter than the cuffs of the button down dress shirt,” says Huff.

Houston is no Saville Row. Preferred tailor Marcello’s at the Galleria and shoes from Donald Pliner may be a step in the right direction.  As you take that victory lap in the winner’s circle be sure to pass on these tips to the next generation. Fashion mentors are obsolete in the south.

Photography by Debra Ham

More photos of the shoot

Next Page »