OUT 160-OUTSTAGIN BITZ (SEPT 13-19)

HEY OUTSTAGRS!

ITS THAT TIME AGAIN!!

TIME TO GET ON STAGE!!!

If you missed our 9th year anniversary blog timeline

go to

http://outstagin.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-timeline-outtown-in-nine.html

ILLI MO SPOTLIGHT

President Obama announced that the U.S. would "lead a broad coalition" against the terror group ISIL (also known as ISIS), and that he was authorizing airstrikes against its targets in Iraq and Syria.

The president laid out a four-point strategy, including airstrikes, counter-terrorism activities, supporting foreign troops on the ground in ISIL areas and lending humanitarian assistance to displaced peoples. 

"Our objective is clear: we will degrade, and ultimately destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counter-terrorism strategy," Obama said during a nationally televised speech Wednesday. 

He said in addition to targeted airstrikes, additional 475 service members deployed to Iraq, with the president stressing they would not be there in a combat role. 

“I want the American people to understand how this effort will be different from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will not involve American combat troops fighting on foreign soil," he said. "This counter-terrorism campaign will be waged through a steady, relentless effort to take out ISIL wherever they exist using our air power and our support for partner forces on the ground."

ISIL recently claimed responsibility for the beheadings of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, acts which put the group in the public spotlight. 

Well we will see how all this will transpire.

Meanwhile, POTUS' speech got high TV ratings.President Obama talking in prime time is good for the TV business, especially Fox News.

Nielsen Media Research numbers just out showed that Fox annihilated the competition, CNN and MSNBC, during the 15-minute Obama speech.

FOX: 4,447,000 total viewers. MSNBC: 1,890,000. 

New York Post writer Cindy Adams claimed that a  Oak Park, Ill  native and award winning comedian Kathy Griffin  was pushing for Joan’s job on “Fashion Police” while Rivers was in the hospital. Fellow Post writer Richard Johnson followed up by claiming that it was Griffin. When shee was a guest on Larry King's talk show, he asked about the claims, Griffin answered, “It’s disgusting. It’s not true. I know that stuff shouldn’t even bother me at this stage in my career. I thought I’d heard it all, but that one hurts because it’s as far from the truth as you can get. I would never take Joan’s job. Joan and I had a different style. She absolutely was my mentor for sure, but no.”

Griffin said she saw Adams at Joan’s funeral and shiva, and wishes the columnist had asked her about the rumors in person. “I would have cleared it up right then and there.”

Kathy added that the most important thing was that Joan’s daughter Melissa didn’t believe the gossip.
Griffin also wa sin h news voicing her opinion about the lack of women hosts on talk shows when she was told by a  CBS TV exec that Chris Ferguson's soon to be resigning chair for The Late Late Show was not considering a female to take over,

Not long after CBS officially announced that Ferguson will be replaced with British performer James Corden, Kathy Griffin — who was interested in the job herself — has spoken out about the behind-the-scenes hiring process over at CBS. 

“I was interested in the Ferguson spot long before it was announced because I had a feeling things might shift,” said a candid Griffin. “My joke phrase is, ‘I can start Monday.'”

The response of one executive to her query: “They’re not considering females at this time,” she recounted.

“You realize that’s illegal to say in a business meeting?” was Griffin’s comeback.

When she was told by another industry exec that the absence of female hosts was “embarrassing” and that women, who represent half the population, should hold half of such jobs, he had a ready answer: “Well, you have ‘The Talk.'”

That show, of course, is in daytime and has five co-hosts, not one powerful female comedian owning the nighttime stage.

The effect, even for a resilient professional like Griffin, is dispiriting. 

Hmm, sounds like the same diversity issue when Saturday Night Live was under fir for not hiring
an African American female comic on the show and soon after being pressured o hiring one as well 
as a writer of African American descent. Not since Joan Rivers, ironically enough, has a solo female
hosted a talk show on a major network.  Now we all know Griffin speaks her mind (ala Joan Rivers) so it should be interesting how this all will pan out. But to be honest, Griffin would be perfect to replace Rivers on Fashion Police. She , in a way has the same type of biting in your face humor such as Rivers.

Dwyabrielle (Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union) shared pictures from their tropical paradise in Maldives via Instagram on Thursday, Sept. 11, one week after returning home.

"About last week... Maldives on our deserted island ish... Great start to an epic adventure #irefusedtowearclothes #NebraskaCapAdventures #ChevalBlanc #OurLifeOurWay," Union, 41, wrote. 

The Being Mary Jane actress reportedly strutted h in a white two-piece and donned a red hat as she and the NBA star rode bikes near the ocean and went jet skiing.

"When the Indian Ocean is ya swimming pool...You dive in!" Union added. "But first... Play that @beyonce baby #nebraskacapadventures #chevalblanc #Maldives #1stLeg."

For their second leg, the twosome went sightseeing in Tanzania.

. "Pure joy! Life on the Serengeti... #Tanzania #Masai #2ndLeg...I [love] the photographer #BrianFellows," Union wrote.

The couple eventually managed to dry off and cover up for a sweet snapshot near what appeared to be their residence during the getaway. "The selfie before the Bug haa," Wade joked via Instagram. "#africa #iwascoolcalmandcollected #ourlife #ourway."


+++++++++++++++++ St Louis based reality shows have been in the news recently.

St Louis reared rap mogul Nelly is no stranger to reality TV appearing on the hit BET mock-realty show, "The Real Husbands of Hollywood theme song.  Well last month, the rap star signed on to do his 

own reality show  on the network. Currently untitled, the show will follow the rapper as he moves his music career forward, puts his stamp on the world of fashion as a businessman, and parents his biological children along with his late sister’s kids. Nelly must balance all of this while maintaining a relationship with Miss Jackson,Floyd Mayweather‘s ex-girlfriend.The eight hourlong episodes will, as BET says, offer viewers an all-access pass to Nelly's life. Nelly will executive produce the Entertainment One series 

 the television production company  that's also behind the hit reality shows “The Swan,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Paradise Hotel,”  Camera crews will be tailing Nelly, chronicling his day-to-day life. The series is expected to begin airing sometime early next year.

Along with his music and forthcoming television debut, Nelly’s also set to star in “Crenshaw Blvd.,” a movie that’s currently in the pre-production phase and should surface sometime late next year.

This show seems like it will be a must see show showing another side of the larger than life rapper, and adding  MissJackson in the mix will definitely get folks talking!

0TV Series Finale

Meanwhile Lifetime cancelled their new BAPs TV show after four episodes in early August. Two installments  remain unaired.

The reality show,  followed a group of affluent African-American friends from St. Louis who self-identify as “BAPs” — Black American Princesses and Princes. The show debuted on July 23rd to reportedly weak ratings.

The cast received the news reportedly from emails from Asylum Entertainment (which produces the show) which read in part, “I wanted to let you know that Lifetime informed us that they will not be airing the last 2 episodes of BAPS. We’re very sorry it panned out this way. It’s very difficult to build an audience for an ensemble show like this one, but we’re very proud of the show and happy to have had the experience working with you.”

It was also speculated that the first episode which involved o he of the female cast members getting into a verbal sparring match and one spitting in the others face caused a public outcry on social media. Also there were talks  to air the unaired episodes online.

Wow so Lifetime pulled the plug on a limited run show. Thats interesting. The concept we think didnt match the actual content which was most of the problem of the show But all is not lost. We got word that one of its female stars may be getting another show. Hmmm. Stay tuned.

A television news anchorman fighting brain cancer in Illinois told viewers he has only four to six months to live, but he hopes to work as long as he can.

During a newscast on Thursday, Dave Benton reportedly told viewers of WCIA-TV in Champaign that doctors recently told him that his brain tumor is too large for surgery or radiation.

The 51-year-old says he'll try a new treatment to slow the tumor's growth, but that his goal is to add 'a few more days and make them the best they can be.'

The National Association of Black Journalists had their convention recently in Boston and several ILLI MO based media outlets, including big winner Johnson Publishing Company out of Chicago,  won awards at its award ceremony. Some include In the Newspaper Under 150,000Newspaper - News: Single Story "This Should Hurt Everybody" Maudlyne Ihejirika, Becky Schlikerman

Chicago Sun-Times;  For Magazine under One Million  Magazines - Single Topic Series Ticket to Opportunity Sarah Karp, Rebecca Harris, Lorraine Forte Catalyst Chicago, Magazines - Specialty The War Within Nick Chiles, Amy DuBois Barnett Johnson Publishing Companyl For Magazines over One Million  Magazines - Business Black Wealth Challenge Kimberly Seals-Allers, Amy DuBois Barnett Johnson Publishing Company, Magazines - Art & Design: Page Design"The Comedy Issue" Ian Robinson, Amy DuBois Barnett Johnson Publishing Company and Magazines - Art & Design: Graphics Black History Month Challenge Ian Robinson, Amy DuBois Barnett Johnson Publishing Company.

STL SPOTLIGHT

St Louis Rams pass rusher Chris Long is set to undergo ankle surgery this week and will miss at least "a few" games. The team later announced that Long had been placed on their injured reserve-designated to return list, meaning it will be at least eight weeks before he can return to in-game action.

From reports, Long was hurt in Sunday's season-opening loss to theMinnesota Vikings. The seventh-year veteran has started 85 games and piled up 50.5 sacks since St. Louis made him the No. 2 overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Long's spot in the lineup is expected to go to Will Hayes, a 29-year-old pass rusher who has 12 sacks over the past two seasons. The Rams will also lean on promising first-rounder Aaron Donald and the undrafted Ethan Westbrooks for production.

First it was Bradford, then Hill, now Long---is this an omen of what to come in this rumored last year of the Rams being in St Louis? 

Speaking of NABJ earlier, St. Louis rapper Tef Poe was been honored by the National Association of Black Journalists for his work with RFT Music  for Newspaper - CommentaryI'm Just a RapperKareem "Tef Poe" Jackson St. Louis Riverfront Times

Tef Poe, started writing a regular column for RFT Music in 2012.  According to the RFT, His "Ten Disturbingly Racist Things About St. Louis" article from December of 2013 is one of RFT Music's most-read articles of all time. 

Another STLian journalist who won at NABJ was STL TV's Tim Lampley in the  Television Market 16 & Below Television - Public Affairs: Interview/ Discussion Christian Ferguson

RIP BITZ

Jazz trumpeter and St. Louis Native, Floyd A. LeFlore, Jr., passed away Saturday, September 6. LeFlore was noted as one of the founding members of the black arts movement group, Black Artist Group LeFlore was also instrumental in the “free jazz” movement LeFlore was also a board member of the New Music Circle, and in 1998 recorded his debut CD-EP “City Sidewalk Street Song Suite.

LeFlore is survived by wife, renown poet and performing artist, Shirley LeFlore and daughter daughter/TV writer Lyah Beth LeFlore, Memorial services to be held Saturday, September 13 at McClendon Mortuary.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

This week we feature East St Louis native singer Arama. She  was introduced to music 

and the arts at a very early age with her mother being a music teacher of over 

25 years and her father being a professional actor and trained dancer.

With years of training in singing, piano, and dance under her belt, Arama took up 

another skill and studied Finance at the University of Illinois at Chicago. While there 

on a full academic scholarship, she made ends meet and stayed true to her heart 

by performing in musical theater with the Black Ensemble Theater of Chicago.

After graduation, she decided to leave the country and traveled 
around Asia. For a year, Arama spent time in Japan, South Korea, and China (Beijing)
where she taught English and occasionally performed. After this experience, she made 
the most challenging move of her life and moved to New York City to pursue her dream. 
After only a month in New York, Arama was introduced to Platinum songwriter 
Balewa Muhammed of The Clutch, where she began recording and was trained in 
both writing and studio recording.

She has now collboarated with L.A. based producer DJ TOKiMONSTA on her  

Desiderium project and is featured on the song "Drive." on Young Art Records. 

To hear the song go to 

http://www.complex.com/music/2014/09/tokimonsta-arama-drive-premiere?utm_campaign=complexmusic%2Bsocialflow%2B09%2B2014&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

For more songs go to      

http://www.songspub.com/OneSheet/25

                                                                            SELFIE PIX

This week former St Louis resident and current NYC resident  and PR maven 
Abesi Manyando and NYC native/current St Louis resident and 
fashion designer Ola were hanging out at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC
during New York Fashion Week.

MAAT TIMED

This week we feature YOURS 
TRULY with WHHL/Hot
104.1 radio personality
Tony J at the first Superjam
Concert show sponsored by
the station in July 2008  at 
the Verizon Wireless
Ampitheater.

To see pics go to 

http://maatspear.blogspot.com/2008/06/out-428-1041-presents-superjam-at.html 

This week we feature STL based modeling coach

Curtis Smith who oversaw models backstage at Suite 7

event at 14th Street Mall Gallery last week. He was

sporting a glam hip-hop look with white blazer with a

black boutonniere, gold dookey chain, black tank,jeans and some 

tricked out black sneaks with gold emblems on the tongue. 

Why did  Ray Rice 
hit his then fiance at the time ? Why was
the video kept so long before it was leaked?
Why did NFL commissioner Roger Goddell
 deny to have 
known about the video footage ? And why
did someone leak it to TMZ? Why did the ATL Hawks 
owner 's two yr old email about white flight at 
the b-ball games come out just now?  Why did 
Ellen DeGeneres parody Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda" video
on her show?  Why did Apollo have a verbal sparring
with Phaedra before his going off to prison? Why is Justin Bieber getting so out 
of control? Why did Burger King Japan introduce the all black colored cheeseburger?
Why did the Highway organizers of the Highway 70 shutdown think they 
could be successful in closing it down? And why is Ariana Grande 's  getting so 
much slack on her swoop back ponytail hairstyle? 

The Third Annual St. Louis Black Film Festival will be September 6-14 2014

 at the MX Theater at 618 Washington Ave. in downtown Saint Louis. All the films 

screened will be new movies and not only will the fest feature feature-length films 

but music videos, short films, and short documentaries as well.

Tickets for film programs at MX Theater at 618 Washington Ave. 

are $10 for each day of the fest. They can be purchased each day or night of the festival 

at the theatre or at the MX site 

http://www.mxstlmovies.com

If you have or someone you know who has a selfie pic,

 an artist that you would like to spotlight or an event you 

want promoted send a comment in the comment box below

 or If If email snaphoney2011@gmail.com

FIN.