OS 33----OUT ON THE TOWN

HEY OUTSTAGRS!

ITS THAT TIME!!

TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!

As we continue to gather ourselves on this Coronavirus pandemic  and public events  and entertainment and leisure establishments closing,  people are managing and trying to adjust  to quarantining themselves at home people are trying to find ways to keep themselves busy and unbored with family, relationships  and themselves. 

WHAT ABOUT INTIMACY?

As we are now mandated to be at home during this crises, the question of being intimate with our significant othersave defintely become an issue.

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), it is not safe to have  sexual intimacy with someone who is a carrier of COVID (and mos def when they show symptoms). The disease can be found in saliva and feces so raw kissing and anal sex is definitely out of the question. The CDCD did report that the disease hasnt been discoivred in semen, but even with that, it is still a body fluid.

But what about intimacy?

With the six feet rule, we will have to be very creative with our bodiese staying with us during this quorantine.. Some of those ideas that comes to mind  are engaging stares with love talk,  doing a striptease in front of each other  or using Facetime or some other video calling apparatus to video call and do virtual peep shows if its a hook up on a dating site.

And those male-female couples who are healthy, the old fashioned way will definitely occur and many babies to follow if condoms arent used. 

But for single people, masterbation and using sex toys to stimulate body openings, self sex is likely the best option.

By the way, do you all remember the scene in the film, "Naked Gun" with Leslie Nielson and Priscilla Presley when they had on full body condoms when they were intimate? .

They way things are going, this may be the way we will have to do sexual initimacy with a significant other.

STREAMING VIEWZ

During your quarantining, there is a series that may be worth your while of checking out during your hibernation. It is called MONOGAMY. A webseries about four couples who volunteer to do an experiment where they couple swap. This is a surprisingly good series starring Brian White, Darius McCrary and Vanessa Simmons. In its second season, the series will definitely keep your interest with the content. Mix  THE MATRIX with WIFE SWAP a taste of THE BEST MAN and you have MONOGAMY,. Its on the Urban Movie Channel Stream Service.

FASHIONEERZ

This week we feature a new segment that highlight African American entertainers who were or are fashion icons who set the standards of fashion.

This week we feature, Richard Roundtree

This handsome actor (who started out as a mdoel for Ebony Magazine )became a superstar overnight when he starred in the 1971 film, "Shaft." Not only did the film revoluntinize Hollywood images of the Black Man, Roundtree influenced male fashion with leather on leather whiel kicking butt and still being cool. His rugged good looks and masculine machisso influcenced others  men (black and white) across the globe  who tried to copy the fashion styles from that film including trenchcaots, turtleneck sweaters, and  snazzy leisure suits. And his struts outside the city scenes while theme music  from Isaac Hayes has been iconized for the annals of time. 

ARTIST SPOTZ

St Louis based rap artist NandoStL is the next big thing for the city--or at least he should be. There hasnt been much buzz for St Louis since Nelly and the Midwest Swing Era of the early 2000. Thus,  this upcoming artist, who  just released his EP, "Bamboo", a six song EP, hopefully reboots the STL rap scen.  his diversity as more as a trap rapper.

What differentiates NandoSTL from the other 21st century thugged out trap rappers is the instrumentation that is showcased on this EP. From violin solos,  acoustic guitar riffs, and soul piano licks to out of the box lyrical content, "Bamboo" is a solid project that should definitely get St Louis rap back in the throes of hip hop lineage.

The highlghted tracks are "Outside" (a previously released single), ""Elroy,"  and "What A Day"

For more info on NandoSTL and "Bamboo" go to www.nandostl.com

D

Recently, I was driving in the rain and in front of me was a driver driving an SUV whos back windshield wiper was wiping below the window. I was like WTF? I wonder if this just happened or they just wanted to be the first to have the first back shield wipers to not wipe the shield. LOL

OS 32: OUT ON THE TOWN (COVID EDITION)

HEY OUTSTAGRS!

ITS THAT TIME!!

TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!

As we continue to gather ourselves on this Coronavirus pandemic  and public events  and entertainment and leisure establishments closing,  people are managing and trying to adjust  to quarantining themselves at home people are trying to find ways to keep themselves busy and unbored with family, relationships  and themselves. 

Below are some entertainment and lesiurely things that can be done while under quarantined

1.Netflixing. As movie theaters will likely be taking a hit in this pandemic, streaming services will likely increase as people choose to watch movies or their favorite programs through  electronic devices. It can also be used if you are quarantined due to not just the Coronavirus but any flu like virus. 

2.Skyping or Video Instant Messaging. With our smart phones and laptops we can start video calling other family members and friends to have some type of interaction with people.

3.Gaming. Most millennials have gaming systems so it wont be that hard to get them to play their favorite video game.

4.Outside Activities . Use this time to bicycle or sitting in the backyard if you have a yard,  read a book, getting a good workout through jogging or makeshift gyms using public artifacts can be fun. 

5.Cooking At Home. With restaurants taking a hit with no dining a good alternative could be to go to a farmers market which is usually outside with a roof and pick out items to cook at home and enjoy each others company. Another idea is getting some fishing poles and fish some big mouth bass or catfish, scale them and cook them on the stove or in the oven.

6. Home swimming pools. If you have one in your backyard, or one you have to blow up, swimming and splashing in water can get your mind off of the stress of keeping safe. 

7.Start a online side business. As people are losing their jobs due to the pandemic, people are getting creative using their talents to make money online.  Peep shows, fitness training, cooking, etc. 

FASHIONEERZ

This week we feature a new segment that highlight African American entertainers who were or are fashion icons who set the standards of fashion.

This week we feature, Pam Grier 

This week we feature the beautiful film icon, Pam Grier. She was the epitome of Black Girl Magic in the 1970s as she portrayed the Black Shero in classic films such as "Coffy," "Foxy Brown" and "Sheba Baby" to name a few.  Her fashions were campy and chic and downright sexy when she kicked The Man's butt in her flicks. And lets not forget her killer statuesque figure that was a fashion statement in itself!

D

   FIT TALEZ  

For this week's FIT TALEZ, its about how us gym rats need to do during this COVID 9 pandemic. Most public gyms are closed until further notice. So, during this down time, there are still ways to keep yourself fit. You can still workout at home or apartment building even if you  dont have weights. You can jog around the block or in place, or running up and down steps for cardio....and the old school locks---pushups, sit ups, burpees. . If you have a tree outside near you with a heavy branch you can do pullups.You can also get a small suitcase and fill it up with weighted items to do bicep curls. 

You can also go online to various trainers for routines. My fave is Damien Patrick (pictured above) He seems to be more of  the better trainers because he actually seems to care about how your routines should be instead of just doing the routines. You can locate him on You Tube.

Just a few things to keep gym rats occupied until the gyms open or IF they open.

OS 31: OUT ON THE TOWN

HEY OUTSTAGRS!

ITS THAT TIME!!

TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!

As we gather ourselves on this Coronavirus pandemic as reported by the World Health Organization, let us remember that before this virus, there was the cold and flu virus as well as other trendy viruses that caused a stir such as SARS and H1N1. 

However, now that the virus has traveled to the U.S. and various cities, everyone is in a panic buying out all the hand sanitizers, face masks and disinfectant products for their relief of this health fright (dollar stores are definitely reaping the benefits).

Because of this pandemic, public events such as concerts and the NBA and schools are closing,  airplane flight travel  is being cancelled, people are self quarantining themselves at home and fists bumps are the prefence instead of shaking hands. 

We all know what should be done to protect yourself regards to the virus, but below are some alternate ways of enteratining yourself and others while we stay vigilant in this pandemic.....

1.Netflixing. As movie theaters will likely be taking a hit in this pandemic, streaming services will likely increase as people choose to watch movies or their favorite programs through  electronic devices. It can also be used if you are quarantined due to not just the Coronavirus but any flu like virus. 

2.Outside Activities . As the weather now is warming up, people are outside more. It seems as though outside activities may be more of a preference than inside activities  because of the virus living on surfaces. Use this time to go to the park, bicycling or sitting on a park bench and people watch or read a book. Maybe take a carriage ride through your downtown or  you and some friends taking one of those mobile bars pedaling along your city. Also, getting a good workout through jogging or makeshift gyms using public artifacts can be fun. 

3.Cooking At Home Instead of Going Out to Eat. Restaurants may take a hit as people may take precautions for dining inside so maybe a good alternative could be to go to a farmers market which is usually outside with a roof and pick out items to cook at home and enjoy each others company. Another idea is getting some fishing poles and fish some big mouth bass or catfish, scale them and cook them on the stove or in the oven.

AND

4.Water parks and swimming pools. Going to a spot where you can have water to splash your body can be excellent (If you have one in your backyrad, its even better!) Most of these public places are outside and can be a fun way of taking your mind off of things.

SAANG BITZ

As many may not know, the classic song, "Killing Me Softly" was written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel  and inspired and performed first by singer/songwriter Lori Leiberman in 1972. It is a great story song about someone telling your story and your relating to it with an emotional response. 

Below are three African American artists who recorded the song:

Roberta Flack 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw380nL67nE

The Fugees

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-RBJNqdnoM

Al B Sure!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5fVywRELEc

TYPE IN YOUR CHOICE IN THE COMMENT BOX BELOW!

   FIT TALEZ  

For this week's FIT TALEZ, we talk about people who stare at people when they are working out. I have noticed during my travels to various gyms over the years, I have noticed on occasion when people stare at people while they are trying to workout. Now, mind you, at the gym, one cant help but to see people while at the gym. And also its nothing wrong with looking at someone as they are working out to check out their technique of using the equipment. But then you have the eye creepers who stare....and stare....and stare and when you catch them staring they look off getting clocked for doing something that is extremely rude.

This has happened to me many of times and at times I want to go up to the eye creep and say, "Is there something that you would like to say to me. If not, I would appreciate that you dont stare at me."

(This is the G rated version of my response. LOL)

My public service announcement is please do not gawk at people while they are working out. It makes people uncomfortable and if you look off after getting caught, then you know that your intentions werent genuine, but to be just a gym creep.

you like? 

" 

If you have an event, service or an artist to promote on OUTSTAGIN  email to maat.atkins@gmail.com

OS 30: OUT ON THE TOWN

HEY OUTSTAGRS!

ITS THAT TIME!!

TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!

This month, during Black History Month, we have lost three prominent African American women in the arts and entertainment world:

This  past Monday, all eyes were on the public memorial of Kobe and Gianna Bryant at The Staples Center where 20, 000 plus people celebrated their life. From Beyonce singing "Halo" and "XO" to Vanessa Bryant and Michael Jordan moving speeches to Christina Aguilera ending the two hour event with "Ave Maria."

The memorial was tastefully done and produced and it highlighted the many emotions that could have been felt during the memorial. But the  question that many left with after the memorial was "Why didnt Kobe's parents and family speak or were barely acknowledged?"

One allegation was that Kobe's widow didnt place them on the program because of his estranged relationship with his parents. Reasons being from them not wanting him to marry so young to her the litigation matters which occurred of their selling his memorabilia, but who really knows why.

But one thing for sure, Kobe's family is grieving. Should they have spoken? Absolutely. Should they have been acknowledged more? Definitely. But from the outside looking in, it feels as though it was Vanessa's wishes of them not to speak because of the grudge they had on their marriage and Kobe's suing them.

Last Saturday the 2020 NAACP Image Awards were televised on BET and various other Viacom owned channels (including CMT). Below are our picks of the BEST and WORST DRESSED on the red carpet:

BEST DRESSED FEMALE 

KIKI LAYNE

BEST DRESSED MALE

 TREVOR JACKSON

WORST DRESSED FEMALE

 BRIE LARSON

WORST DRESSED MALE

 MYKAL KILGORE

ON THE FENCE LOOK

DEON COLE

This look was fine, but the flare of the pants were too big. If the flare was more boot cut, this would have been our Best Dressed Look. But it missed the mark. On a side note, people on social media were also on the fence with this look but the negative comments had him to take to social media to address the backlash (from him being gay to death threats). Its fashion. And he has been a but to the left with fashion so it wasnt much of a shock of what he wore. Yet, sending death threats and calling someone gay via his social media is a bit much.

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we lost a true legend in Black history with NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson who passed at the age of 101. Her life was biographed in the 2016 film 'Hidden Figures" where Taraji P Henson played her.

SAANG BITZ

Grammy  Award winning singer Bonnie Raitt's song, 'I Cant Make you Love Me" has become a pop classic since its release in 1991. Since then, several artists have covered it. Below are three that we had chosen for you all to decide.

WHICH ARIST DID THE SONG BEST ?

Adele 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfj-peP6a7o

George Michael 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87uGcp9V_IY

Tank 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXnhWthZ_k4

TYPE IN YOUR CHOICE IN THE COMMENT BOX BELOW!

   FIT TALEZ  

Theres this young black sista who works out at my gym. She is what you call built and stacked. She is one of the few sistas at my gym who are gym rats and are fit. But the problem (well not problem)  is she wears skimpy shorts  when she works out and her lower butt cheeks are exposed. And she has no problem bending over  and squatting  when she works out.  She is a big distraction especially for me who go to the gym to zone out and focus on working out. But with her she flits around so she can be noticed by guys at the gym in her skimpy gym shorts.

Now here is my question, "Should she cover up her butt cheeks when she works out?  To me, ladies should be more aware what they wear because there are man hungry guys in the gym and not to say anything would happen to her, but she comes across as a "fun girl."

I know in some gyms there are those specifically for women so they can be comfortable working out. At my gym, most of the sistas put a sweater or shirt around their wasit so their buttocks wont be on display when they workout.  Its interesting that teh white ladies dont do that. 

I wanted to ask her if she knew she was a distraction . But the way she acts, I think she wants attention on her. To me, it just seems unladylike.

Last week, I was at Dollar Tree in Hazelwood.,Mo.  I was minding my business doing shopping for my grooming items and thsi black guy, about mid 30s, was walking in the store talking to a store worker there. 

Then I walk up near him and he asked me, 'Are you a boxer?" 

In my mind Im thinking, "A what?"....

I just said, "No I'm not." 

Then he replied, "You could have fooled me. (mumbling other words)

I didnt laugh or respond--just continued shopping.

Now my mond you. I had on a medium sized  winter coat buttoned. How could this guy see my physique? Or was he able to? My coat was a bit fit, but for him to say was I a boxer had taken me off guard.

If you have an event, service or an artist to promote on OUTSTAGIN  email to maat.atkins@gmail.com