HEY OUTTOWNERS!
ITS THAT TIME!!
TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!
Before we get into the newz:
MISTA COUTURE PART THREE IN AUGUST
Back by popular demand is Maatology Productions and Makeover for a Cause’s annual, Mista Couture Charity Style Contest. In its third year, the event is slated to take place Sunday, August 21 at the Mandarin in the
THE BIG A&E NEWZ STORY THIS WEEK IS
President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner both dug in their heels in nighttime TV addresses to the American people.Monday nite on the ongoing debt crises. In his remarks, Obama blamed
The American people may have voted for divided government, but they didn’t vote for a dysfunctional government. So I’m asking you all to make your voice heard. If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your member of Congress know. If you believe we can solve this problem through compromise, send that message.
He's held that slight opinion edge over Congressional Republicans throughout the debt ceiling debate, and he continues to hold it according to a new Washington Post/ABC News poll out this week. In a survey conducted just over a week ago, 38 percent of Americans approved of Obama's handling of the federal deficit, which is actually five points higher than in early June, and about ten points higher than Congressional Republicans fare on that question.
But both Obama and Republicans will get a big share of the blame if there's no deal. Voters say they'll blame Republicans over Obama by 42-36 margin, with 19 percent saying both deserve the blame.
Obama also said in a prime-time address Monday night that Americans should “let your member of Congress know” their thoughts about the debt-ceiling impasse that threatens to send the country into default if no deal is reached by Aug. 2
After the address, The Capitol switchboard was on the verge of being overloaded with calls from across the country Tuesday morning after President Obama called on Americans in an address to the nation Monday evening to contact their members of Congress about the high-stakes debt battle playing out in Washington.
“Due to the high volume of external calls, House telephone circuits serving 202-225-XXXX phone numbers are near capacity resulting in outside callers occasionally getting busy signals,” read an e-mail sent from the House Chief Administrative Officer’s
The message suggests that members’ offices “may wish to provide district office staff and key contacts with an alternate 202-226-XXXX extension, if available, until call volumes subside.”
From the look of things, Americans are about to get sick and tired of being sick and tired. And rarely if we remember that the country has made the White House Switchboard go circuit overload—and it wasn’t anything dealing with choosing the best singer or dancer. LOL. Now that’s power!
In unrelated Obama newz, his 50th b-day is August 4. To celebrate there will be a re-election fund-raiser for President Obama's Aug. 3 concert event in
From reports, embattled former Illinois Governor/reality show star .Rod Blagojevich had seeked an acquittal and a new trial this week claiming he was convicted of 17 of 20 corruption counts in "a fundamentally unfair trial, at which the defense was handicapped beyond repair by the court's rulings in favor of the government."
"From start to finish, the retrial in this case was stacked in favor of the government and each ruling contributed to the untenable convictions," Blagojevich said in a 158-page motion for a new trial, whose 4-page Table of Contents claimed, among other things, that "The Court essentially denied all of the defense's motions."
Blagojevich claimed that the judge was biased; that his own attorneys' motions, pretrial, during trial and post-trial, were improperly denied and the government's motions improperly granted; from the beginning all the way through Blago's request for a mistrial.
The federal jury in June found Blagojevich guilty on 17 of 20 counts at retrial in June. The key charge was that as governor Blagojevich had tried to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama. In his first trial, a jury convicted Blagojevich only of lying to the FBI; the jury hung on the other charges in that trial, which ended in August 2010.
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In their 168-page motion, Blagojevich's four attorneys claim the retrial was botched by improper admission of wiretaps, manipulation of potential jurors and that the repeated rulings in favor of the prosecution hampered Blagojevich's attorneys from mounting a proper defense.
The government is expected to respond to the motion in August.
Wow, you gotta love our judicial system. It seems like if you have money you can buy your innocence. Blago took bribes during his tenure as governor and the State of
An O magazine spokesperson says “O’s ad page performance is pretty consistent with what’s going on in the women’s lifestyle category. There is softness, especially in the food category, which is systemic to their business, not ours.”
Yet an insider says “I think that the Oprah brand has gotten slightly weaker. Ratings are down significantly for the new network, and there is a sense some of the magic is gone.”
Promotional efforts are reportedly underway now to bolster the brand. An “O You” event at the
Well yes, even the superhuman Oprah is not immune to the krypto which is fledging economy. But with all of the ducats this revolutionary woman has, we are sure she will be OK with her brands.
Although the NFL Players Association player reps had approved a new 10-year labor deal with the owners Monday, The Bears and St. Louis Rams scheduled Hall of Fame game that was set for Aug. 7 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio still has not been resurrected., The 136-day labor dispute between NFL owners and players forced the league to call off the annual Hall of Fame game between the noted rival teams. All of the other Hall of Fame enshrinement weekend activities will go on as planned but the festivities will not include a game for the first time in 45 years. Pictured are rams and Bears respective head coaches Steve Spagnuolo and Lovie Smith.
IN related Hajj of Fame newz, former Chicago Bear Richard Dent. was honored Tuesday by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who named
To create publicity and hype surrounding Rap mogul Jay Z and Chicago reared rapper Kanye West’s “Watch the Throne,” the collaborative album between Jay-Z and Kanye West ( credited themselves as “The Throne,” on the album) exploded again yesterday with the release of the mini-doc “Watch the Throne.” The 10-minute short follows the duo behind the scenes to learn and watch the creative journey of “Watch the Throne.” In traditional music doc fashion, it is fast paced and choppy—but it works. We watch the duo struggle and succeed in 4 countries in a gritty hand held style, which captures everything from relationship dynamics to recording sessions, birthday dinners and basketball games. Not only does the doc give us a behind the scenes look at the album, but better insight into the longer relationship between Kayne and Jay-Z—one of mentor and mentee. The documentary leak, in conjunction with the announcement of their upcoming tour dates increased excitement for the album. The tour kicks off in
Meanwhile their second single as a group”Otis” featuring the late Otis Redding debuts on the Billboard Hot 100 this week at No, 47. , No. 13 on the Rap Tracks chart and No. 15 on the HIP Hop/R&B chart.Their first single was the Top 40 single, “H.A.M. that charted earlier this year.
Award winning
And as alluded to earlier,
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STL actor Jon Hamm will direct the first episode of Season Five of his Emmy Award winning show, “Mad Men.” It will be taped Aug 8.
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Resulting from a statewide ordinance signed into effect by Governor Quinn last Friday, llIllinois museums, including those affiliated with Chicago’s Museums in the Park coalition, will be required to host free admission days to residents of Illinois, effective immediately.
ILLI MO COMP/REALTY
THE BIG STL STORY THIS WEEK IS :
On Monday, the NFL Players Association player reps had approved a new 10-year labor deal with the owners which means all of the lockerrooms of the NFL training camps are now open including Rams Park (PICTURED) The first day the Rams are able to meet as a team and can vote to re-certify is Friday — the first day of training camp. Reportedly, only meetings and physicals are allowed Friday. The first practice of Rams training camp is Saturday, but as specified in the new agreement, the first practice in pads reportedly cannot take place until the fourth day of camp — which is next Monday for the Rams. Also, in the new contract, The Rams , who drafted eight players in April, and normally sign between 10 and 15 undrafted rookies. the Rams could end up signing 20 to 25 undrafted rookies this season with the roster limit now at 90 instead of the usual 80, The Rams’ preseason home opener vs.
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The Cardinals organization traded outfielder Colby Rasmus to the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday the centerpiece in a three-team exchange that brought them four players from the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago White Sox. For Rasmus, the organization acquired starting pitcher Edwin Jackson, relievers Octavio Dotel and Marc Rzepczynski and outfielder Corey Patterson. The Cardinals reportedly also traded lefthanded relievers Trever Miller, Brian Tallet and righthanded swing man P.J. Walters to the Blue Jays (who , from reports, obtained
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On Sunday, the owner of the old Del Taco building in Midtown backed off plans to knock it down, saying he reportedly would explore a range of other alternatives before seeking a demolition permit from the city. The developer Rick Yackey reportedly sent a statement to the Post-Dispatch pledging to hire an architect, talk with potential tenants and hold a community meeting to explore possible uses of the building. The vintage building was set for demolition in June which caused the floodgates to open as protestors from fans went on the picket lines and Facebook to complain as well as public rallies. As a result The Board of Aldermen changed the redevelopment plan to require review by the city's Preservation Board before any demolition permit could be issued. Just recently The Mayor of St Louis Francis Slay and the president of the Board of Alderman went on Twitter tweeting about possible tenants for the building. As of this blogging, Yackey plans to hold a community meeting to explore reuse and redevelopment ideas. He reportedly has yet to file a permit for demolition until the process with meetings take place which he says may take at least three months.
ADD: STL native rock legend Chuck Berry had his statue installation ceremony Friday morning outside near Blueberry Hill--the venuetwhere he performs a monthly concert--where his 8 foot bronze statue was located. Over 600 family and friends and fans attended. Berry attended thanking those who came. Also there was supporter and Blueberry Hill owner Joe Edwards and STL resident and R&B veteran singer Ron Isley . On TV were taped congrats by Little Richard, Elvis Costello and STL native Michael McDonald. Following the ceremony was a reception inside Blueberry Hill wheer Berry took pics and signed autographs. Later on Berry will throw out the first pitch at the Cards v Cubs game at Busch Stadium,
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KTVI Fox aired a 30 minute documentary “ The Color of Sports” Wednesday regarding the decreasing number of African American baseball players in the MLB. The piece came after the airing of the Curt Flood documentary, “The Curious Case of Curt Flood; that aired on HBO recently.
The conservative political conference Smart Girl Politics Action,are coming to town this weekend at the the downtown
Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter John Legend, who will open for the Sade Soldiers of Love Tour at
Three noted concerts that are coming to
THEY ARE:
Pop crooner Michael Bolton will perform. Oct. 6 at the Family Arena. Tickets on sale at
Comedian/actor Chris Tucker will bring his comedy tour to
The "So You Think You Can Dance" tour, taking place Oct. 15 at Chaifetz Arena. Tickets go on sale at
A Tribe Called Quest member Phife is coming to
Grammy Award winning music producer Jazzie Pha was a guest on Hot 1041’s radio show STL Home Jamz last Sunday. Later that nite, he was spotted partying at Hella Fly Promotions weekly event Sexy As You Wanna Be Sundays at The Loft. He was in town to be a guest judge at the STL Dreamcatchers semifinals held Monday at Blueberry Hill.
Actress Kendra C Johnson of “Phat Girlz” fame will star in actor/director Joel P.E. King’s play ISSUE of LOVE that will staged at the Grandel Theater Aug 26-28
Indie performer Brett Dennen will perform at
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Marquise Knox Blues Band, Funky Butt Blues Band and Javier Mendoza are among the acts performing at the Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival, taking place in downtown
The Willie Akins Quartet will play tribute to Coltrane July 29 and 30 for two shows per nite at Jazz at the Bistro, info 314-534-1111 or 314-289-4030; metrotix.com or jazzstl.org
Laclede's Landing is kicking off a new and free monthly concert series, and the first name to be featured is singer Kim Massie (PICTURED). The Laclede's Landing Summer Concert Series will start this Friday from
Get more information at lacledeslanding.com.
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Former Anheuser-Busch employee and
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STL based artist manager Tony T Luv Davis, held his STL Dreamcatchers semifinals Sunday at Blueberry Hill where 11 STL artists performed and competed for four spots in the finals. Jazzie Pha was one of the judges. Majic 104,9 personality Tammie Holland hosted. The Top Four will be revealed prior to performing at The Pageant in late August
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KMOX personality McGraw Milhaven will get roasted at a Celebrity Auction August 4 at Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. He also will receive the Star Award in recognition of his commitment to informing the public about the risk factors associated with SIDS and for his continued support of SIDS Resources, Inc.
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Ten area singers will be vying for $5,000, and the slot as the opening act at the Budweiser Superfest Aug. 4 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, during the Opening Act competition at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Loft.
Singers submitted videos of themselves singing either Brian McKnight's "One Last Cry" or Chaka Khan's "Sweet Thing," and the top ten submissions will compete at the Loft.
Neo-soul singer Dwele will be on hand with a performance.Competing are Tish, Theresa Payne (PICTURED), Sheneatha, Andrew Boostrom, DeAndre Perryman, Cheri Evans, Monya, Ms. Kriss, Erricka Cain and Mail Lee.
Admission is free Saturday until 11 p.m, Cafe Soul is a co-sponsor of this event
The foreclosed two-story regional mall Northwest Plaza and its office 12 story office tower in the St Ann area went on the auction block Monday. The 12 story office tower's starting bid as of Monday was $1.25 million. Auctioneers say the previous high value was $12 million.
The Hilton at the Ballpark just opened its rooftop bar 360 Bar. It is surrounded by glass, leaving customers surrounded by the skyline, high above the city. Also, inside, there is an island of infused liquor floating above the bar. The menu features a little bit of everything, made with locally produced ingredients, served on small plates. There is a card at each table identifying the buildings and landmarks in each direction. 360 is open daily at 3:00 p.m., and will be open seven nights a week.
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Ozzie's Restaurant and Sports Bar announced on its website that it is relocating" from its downtown space at 1511 Washington Avenue. The spot closed shop temporarily in April for renovations during its power outtage. They opened at the current location in April 2009 after moving from its Westport Plaza location. This will be the third move of the venue two years. tion or timetable has yet to be announced.
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STL based poet FoFeet,, who is presenting and producing her last poetry set in awhile at Legacy Books(SEE OTHER EVENTS BITZ below) is set for her trip to Ghana, Africa in early August.
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St Louis bartender Candy Malloyd who is employed at The Hooters located in North County at was the winner of Week One in the weekly bartender competition Industry Nites held last Monday at Envy Nightclub. She competed against Lauren V of the Sky Lounge and Gameday formerly Lush. Malloyd won $100 and will compete in the finals for $1,000 in mid September. This Monday, competing will be NAUDIA bartends at Club AMNESIA and 609 vs Brandy who bartends at STL HAPPY HOUR Bar and Grill.
RIP BITZ. Christian artist Dan Peek, founder of the pop/folk group America, died at his home in Farmington, Mo. Sunday at the age of 60. The cause of death is yet unkown. Peek’s title track off his first solo album “All Things Are Possible” reached number one in the Christian Contemporary music chart in 1979. He was originally from Panama City, Fla.
BLIND DISHZ. Which mover and shaker's significant other caused a drunken verbal altercation and a scene at a popular venue recently while exiting the establishment?
HINT #1
The significant other's first name is the same as a popular R&B singer who came on the scene in the 1990s.
HINT #2
The mover and shaker promotes a popular monthly event at a Midtown nightspot
HINT #3
A part of the mover and shaker's name is the same as a popular comic and TV actor who dos voice over work on a controversial “adult oriented” cartoon
HINT #4
The venue where the altercation had taken place is a popular nite spot in the STL area on Fridays
PRO-MO-CIAL-I-CIOUS. Which STL mover and shakers are getting it in this week? Radio personality/vent promoters DJ Jewel and promoter/event host Mocha Latte (TIE) and The Men of Hella Fly Promotions (King Kerry and Dano Johnson) and event promoter/club owner Phil Assets.(TIE)
DJ Jewel.(RIGHT) This lovely sista is slowly becoming one of the ongoing promoters in the area as well branding her radio skills on two radio stations. On the promotions side, she hosts the newly created Cater 2 U Fridays to pamper gents who attend Club Aqua Bar (. SEE OUTGOING BITZ LINK below) On radio, she can be heard as a co-host on Sunday Home Jamz with Finsta on Sundays on Hot 104.1 where STL artists are showcased and on Mondays she hosts her own show The Jewel Box that can be heardhi on 89.5 FM theWave. This past Tuesday, she also celebrated her bday at Mocha Latte's Sistah Girl Tuesdays at The Loft
Mocha Latte (FAR RIGHT)The Queen of Promotions continues her promotions stride in this section event promoting other STL mover and shakers events on foot with fliers and social networks and hosting her created weekly events Sistah Girl Tuesdays at the Loft and The Best Damned Ladies Night Period at Club Amnesia.
King Kerry and Dano Johnson.(FAR LEFT) The swagged out hood princes of club promotions continue to get it in each week with Forever Young Fridays at Envy and Sexy As you Wanna Be Sundays at the Loft. This Saturday, the duo, along with Big Tah of Three Way Promotions and Grand Finale Promotions is set to go on bus to their next Crown Winery bus trip to St Genievieve with buses leaving from the North Hanley Metrolink
Phil Assets (LEFT). This dapper brotha continues his stride in this section doing double duty as the CEO of Liquid Assets and promoting weekly events at Club Amnesia (Look At Me Thursdays, Red Light District Saturdays and International Nites) and new club owner of Envy where his bartending competition Industry Nites is currently taking place on Mondays, $2 Tuesdays and Working Wednesdays and is the venue for Hella Fly Promotions Forever Young Fridays.(SEE ONGOING BITZ LINK BELOW) This Saturday, for a special Saturday Night Live at Envy, Assets is bringing R&B singer Alexander O'Neal. (SEE EVENTZ BELOW)
WORDZ TO THE WHYZ??????????????????????????????????
Why are some people shocked that singer Amy Winehouse died at an early age? Why are people making such a do about her being one of several rock stars who died at the age of 27? And why did singer Keri Hilson didnt think the pic she tweeted of her and her Amy Winehouse lookalike wouldnt cause an uproar with Winehouse fans? Why are the highways in St Louis all under construction?Why does Hollywood make so many movies from comic books? Why is it the NFL Lockout could be settled and the vote on Debt Relief is still an ongoing problem? Why did poet Amiri Baraka call a lady out of her name recently? Why was the popular Mo Nique show cancelled recently? Why did Beyonce;s producer Jeff Bhasker rip on Kelly Rowland's song “Motivation?”And why does it seem that P Diddy and J Lo's supposed dating fling went on before she filed divorce from her husband Mark Anthony?
OTHER EVENTZ THIS WEEK
HAPPY STL LEOians B-DAZEs. Congressman Lacy Clay (PICTURED), jazz artists Bosman Twins, photographer King Yella, star fitness trainer Donta wade, actor Joel King, jazz artist B Morgan Thomas, promotion model Erica Looney-Polk, promoter/radio host DJ Jewel, model Darris Harris and socialites Tommie Choncie, Natina Hopson, Star Princess Ariel, and Vernon Pereda,
The Soldier of Love Tour with Sade and opener John Legend at Scott Trade Center July 28
Kenny Chesney at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre July 28
Def Leppard with Heart July 28 at Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, at Tinley Park
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The Chuck Berry Statue dedication ceremony will be held July 29 at 10 am near Blueberry Hill in the Delmar Loop. Berry is scheduled to attend.
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Stress Free Fridays will be at Lola starting at 5p.m.
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LADIES FREE DRINKS & ENTRY TIL 12 WEARING SWIMSUIT TOPS!!!
2 for 1 bottles of Freaky Muscato!
For VIP booths call 314.226.5777
2nd Annual Moorish Festival 2011
Saturday, July 30 · 9:00am - 9:00pm
Location
Sarah Avenue between St. Louis Avenue and Labadie
9 a.m.-Vendors will be available throughout the day
11 a.m.--Moorish History Lecture by Brother T. Irons El
2 p.m.--Beware Young Man (Speakers from the Beware Young Man mentoring program) Open to men 12 and up
3 p.m--African Storyteller
4p.m.---Restoring Self-Esteem Among Queens (Sister to Sister Dialogue to empower each other)
6p.m.--Live Band (Juanita's Place)
7p.m.--POETRY SLAM $500 Grand Prize
Competing Poets are El Thought, King, Greg the Poet, Asia, Iggnyhte, Prophecy, and Explicit
THESE EVENTS ARE ABSOLUTELY FREE:) CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER EAT FREE!
GIL SCOTT HERON APPRECIATION DAY thru
November 1 at
Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
2658A Delmar Blvd (1 Block west of Jefferson) @ Beamont
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Steve Arrington, the former lead singer of the 70’s/80’s R&B band Slave will perform at Lola’’s July 30.
Hella Fly Promotions.... 3 Way Promotions.....Grand Finale Promotions Presents.........The Crown Valley Winery Trip..........Saturday July 30th......Tickets Go On Sale Next Week July 2nd......Tickets Are 30$ This Includes Bus Fair...Wine Tasting And Live Entertainment......U Already Know We Will Sell Out Like Always....For More Info Call Dano 314)685-0500 Or Tah 314)713-0926 Antoine Love 314)540-6951 Kerry 314)456-5976 or Nomad 314)220-4376
Saturday Night Live at Envy Ultra Lounge
Featuring Performance by Alexander Oneal
Saturday July 30th
this event is 35 and older
Alexander will be performing all his best songs
This is definitely a night you don't want to miss
A meet a greet will take place prior to the concert at 5p.m. And show at 8 p.m.
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Back by Popular Demand the Men of Belleville-O'Fallon Alumni invite you to the After Party of their Centennial Year of Achievement. at Thaxton;s at the Speakeasy. July 30 starting at 9 p.m. Back Door Access only and you must know the "Password"
Featuring *Star69 DJGoodMuzik on the 1s and 2s....too the windows too the wallls......
To reserve and/or buy tickets: 314-508-1065. Note: This is NOT a costume party and/or dress out in 40's 50's event. Kappa Attitude Attire
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Poet FoFeet Intimate Affair Sunday 7/31/11 Legacy 5249 Delmar 6-9pm $7 donation. $2 of each donation goes to the Soul Vibe Scholarship Fund. Adult fun with poetry, comedy, music and songs
Singers Mike Posner and Miquel will perform as part of the mtvU VMA Tour coming to Six Flags St. Louis Aug. 1. The concert is free with parking fee or season pass,
Pop legend Sir Paul McCartney will perform at Wrigley Field in Chicago July 31 and August 1
FOR MORE OUTGOING BITZ GO TO
http://maatology.blogspot.com/2010/03/ongoing-bitz-april-week-one.html
FIN.
