Friday, July 19, 2013

OS 86 --STAGE BITZ (JULY 19-26


HEY OUTTOWNERS!

ITS THAT TIME!!

TIME TO GET ON STAGE!!!

 

                             
MAAT BITZ



                                   

HEY ALL the MISTA COUTURE CHARITY STYLE CONTEST ONLINE POLL IS UP
BELOW ARE THE CONTESTANTS:



PICTURED ABOVE:(FROM LEFT TOP) ZURICH BUCKNER,CORIAN JOHNSON, AB ORTEGA
  (FROM BOTTOM LEFT) LELAND LAMBERT, ROY-AL AND ORLONDO THOMPSON


Voters must have a Google account, one name per post and multiple post of the same name in one post 
         


Thank you to those who attended 
and supported my stageplay 
LIPS UNSTUCK. If you want a DVD or link of the play, 
send me an email at snaphoney2011@gmail.com and we will send you a Paypal invoice!
To see a five minute teaser go to  to


THE 2013 OBSDN MEN OF COLOR CALENDAR IS OUT! TO PURCHASE
 YOUR COPY EMAIL SNAPHONEY2011@GMAIL.COM FOR MORE INFO!




TO SEE THE VIDEO DOCUMENTARY OF THE MAKING OF THE CALENDAR GO TO 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMqITMzhDSg


ILLI MO BITZ
















President Barack Obama, 
making his first public 
remarks 
on the George Zimmerman acquittal, 
said on Friday 
that many African-Americans believe 
that “both the 
outcome and the aftermath might have been 
different” if Trayvon Martin had been white.
“You know, when Trayvon Martin was first shot, I said 
that 
this could have been my son,” 
Obama said somberly 
during a surprise appearance in the White 
House briefing 
room. “Another way of saying that is Trayvon Martin 
could 
have been me 35 years ago.”
In searingly personal terms, Obama described his experience 
with race-based prejudice. “There are very few African-
American men in this country who haven’t had the 
experience of being followed when they were shopping 
in a department store—that includes me,” he said.
“There are very few African-American men who haven’t 
had the experience of walking across the street and hearing 
the locks click on the doors of cars. That happens to 
me—at least before I was a senator,” he said. “There are 
very few African-Americans who haven’t had the 
experience of getting on an elevator and a woman 
clutching her purse nervously and holding her breath 
until she had a chance to get off. That happens often.”
So “the African-American community is looking at this 
issue through a set of experiences and a history,” 
judging “what happened one night in Florida” through 
that lens, he said.
Obama seemed to pour cold water on prospects that a 
Justice Department review of the case would lead 
to federal charges against Zimmerman.
"It's important for people to have some clear expectations 
here. Traditionally, these are issues of state and local 
government, the criminal code, and law enforcement is 
traditionally done at the state and local levels—not at 
the federal level," the president said.
"The judge conducted the trial in a professional manner. The prosecution and the defense made their arguments. The jurors were properly 
instructed that in a case such as this reasonable doubt 
was relevant, and they rendered a verdict," Obama said.
 "And once the jury has spoken, that's how our system 
works."
He also tamped down suggestions he call a 
national conversation on race, but encouraged churches 
and families and communities to discuss issues 
surrounding the case and urged all Americans to engage 
in some "soul-searching."
And he called for a review of laws such as 
Florida's "stand your ground" statute, suggesting 
that they rewrite traditional self-defense rules in a 
way that fuels violence rather than smother it.
"And for those who resist that idea—that we should 
think about something like these 'stand your 
ground' laws—I just ask people to consider: If Trayvon 
Martin was of age and armed, could he have stood his 
ground on that sidewalk? And do we actually think that 
he would have been justified in shooting Mr. Zimmerman, 
who had followed him in a car, because he felt threatened?"
 the president said.
"And if the answer to that question is at least ambiguous, 
then it seems to me that we might want to examine those 
kinds of laws," Obama said.
Over the longer term, the president said, "we need to 
spend some time in thinking about how do we 
bolster and reinforce our African-American boys" and 
to "give them a sense that their country cares about them 
and values them and is willing to invest in them."
Still, the president underlined, "I don’t want us to lose 
sight that things are getting better.
"It doesn’t mean we’re in a post-racial society. It doesn’t 
mean that racism is eliminated," Obama said. "But when
 I talk to Malia and Sasha, and I listen to their friends 
and I see them interact, they’re better than we are—
they’re better than we were—on these issues. And that’s 
true in every community that I’ve visited all across the 
country."
So why speak out now?
Obama, who had released a relatively brief written 
statement on Sunday after the verdict came down 
Saturday night, watched the national reaction unfold 
over the course of the week.
He discussed it with friends and family, a White 
House aide explained. He called together some top 
advisers late Thursday afternoon and told them he 
wanted to speak out publicly, the aide said on 
condition of anonymity to detail the behind-the-scenes 
work leading up to the remarks.
The aides weighed what the best venue would 
be—Arrange an interview? Make a statement in the 
Rose Garden?—and ultimately decided the best approach
 would be for him to make an unannounced visit to the 
briefing room.
Obama was eager to “speak extemporaneously and speak 
from the heart,” the aide said. “There was no speechwriter
 involved.”















Chicgao native and comedic actress Jenny 
McCarthy will fill one of the empty seats around
 the table on "The View" vacated by Joy Behar and 
Elisabeth Hasselbeck, ABC announced Monday.


McCarthy, who has been on the daytime 
talk show 17 times -- eight as a co-host -- 
will become a permanent co-host when 
season 17 kicks off on September 9, 
according to the network.
"Jenny brings us intelligence as well 
as warmth and humor," said "View" 
co-founder Barbara Walters. "She can 
be serious and outrageous. She has 
connected with our audience and offers 
a fresh point of view."
The announcement quotes McCarthy, 
40, saying she is "beyond thrilled" to 
take her place alongside Walters "and 
the other amazing women at the table."
But not everyone is happy of her 
employment.

So why is the announcement that the 40-year-old will replace Elisabeth Hasslebeck as a co-host on ABC’s “The View” in September 
causing such an outcry?

One word: vaccines.

McCarthy has long been an outspoken opponent of 
vaccinating children, claiming that her 11-year-old 
son’s diagnosis with autism in 2005 was due to his 
baby vaccinations.

“Jenny has used her celebrity status to publicize 
medical claims that have not been proven by the
 literature. While it is understandable that she has
 her own views on immunizations given her child, 
she is going to be in front of impressionable 
young mothers and influencing their decision on 
immunizations and child care. Multiple studies have
 shown that there is no link between childhood 
immunizations and autism, but she continues 
to publicize the grave ‘dangers’ of vaccinations,” 
Dr. Shilpi Agarwal M.D., board-certified family 
physician told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column.  

“While Jenny cannot deliver direct medical advice, 
she is definitely influencing many young mothers 
as to what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ in terms of child care 
and immunizations. I suspect she will get a lot of 
pushback, which may be exactly what a show like 
‘The View’ wants.”


The news also reportedly ignited an avalanche of 
criticism on social media.






The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations 
were announced this week 
and several ILLI MO ians were nominated including 
Plainfield, Ill native Melissa McCarthy
(PICTURED) for Guest Hosting Saturday Night Live 
(and surprisingly not for Best Actress for her series
"Mike N Molly"),  Oak Park, Ill native Betty White for 
Reality Show Host for her now cancelled show,
"Off their Rockers,"  Kansas City, Mo native Don Cheadle 
for Best Actor in a Comedy for "House of Lies,"
STL native Jon Hamm for Best Actor in a Drama Series 
for "Mad Men" and Doloth, Ill native Jane Lynch
for Best Supporting Actress in A Comedy for "Glee". 
Snubbed was two time Emmy winner and Kansas 
City, Ks native Eric Stonestreet for his supporting role 
in "Modern Family."
Awards will be  televised Sept 22 on CBS and held 
at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.  





Longtime Chicago based Jet magazine will pop up on 
newsstands later this month, with a brighter cover, a 
rearrangement of the magazine's feature sections, a 
new logo, bigger photos and more infographics.

One thing remains the same, however: the magazine's 
small booklet-format. That's because readers told 
Chicago's Johnson Publishing Co. that they like it 

While the Aug. 2 issue will have more pages than 
in the past, the magazine's future page count will 
depend on advertisers' response.
“It's a faster read,” Ms. Miller said in an interview. 
“People come to Jet because they don't have three 
hours to sit down” and read a magazine. Jet has a
 strong entertainment news bent peppered with 
fashion, social and how-to features geared to 

30-somethings.

Ms. Miller began tweaking the magazine, which 
publishes every three weeks and was first published 
as a weekly in 1951, shortly after she arrived in May 
2011, but this is its first major revamp.


















Former St Louis resident and music legend Tina Turner, 73

has married her longtime love, record executive Erwin

 Bach, 57, and is planning to celebrate with a lavish 

Buddhist ceremony on Sunday, the AFP reports.


The exchange of nuptials happened "a few days

ago" in a discreet civil ceremony in northern 

Switzerland, according to local officials.

Turner reportedly invited 120 guests to celebrate 

with her at the couple's manor in Switzerland this weekend - 

including big names like Oprah and David Bowie.

She moved to Switzerland in 1995, and recently 




Chicago native rapper/actor Common
 who stars 
in the AMC period drama Hell 
On Wheels was  
forced to take its scheduled 
hiatus recently
and earlier than expected, as 
The series was expected to take a scheduled break
 from shooting, but that happened a 
week early, as the set and crew were evacuated late 
last week due to flooding in Calgary and beyond. The
 set of the show is located near the Bow and 
Highwood rivers, both of which flooded last month.



ST. LOUIS (KSDK) - "The Voice" open call auditions are 
coming to Chaifetz Arena July 20 and 21.
To audition you must be a legal resident of the United States, 
be 15 years of age or older, create an "Artist Account" on
 "The Voice" website, and meet other eligibility requirements.
Contestants are asked to prepare two songs for their audition. 
Only a capella is allowed in the open call auditions. Instruments or 
accompaniment of any kind are prohibited.
Songs can be by any artist and from any genre (pop, rock, R&B, 
hip-hop, alternative, latin, country, blues, indie). Solo artists and duos
 are welcome.
Family, friends, managers, vocal instructors, etc. will not be allowed
 at the audition, but if you are under 18 or are otherwise a minor in 
your home state, one parent or guardian will be allowed with you at 
the audition.
Those who cannot make it to the audition, have the option of 
uploading a video submission.
For more information, visit "The Voice" website.



ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) – The Fabulous FOX 
Theatre in Grand Center is asking St. Louis
 to, “Come On Down”.  The Price Is Right Live™ is coming this fall to St. Louis.  The show operates a lot like it’s television counterpart.  
Audience members are contestants in the
 show where they can win appliances, vacations and even new cars.  Contestants spin the big wheel and play games like plinko, 
cliffhangers and even participate in the 
showcase showdown.
You don’t need to be picked as a contestant
 to win.  Audience member’s names are called through out the show and can win prizes for just 
being there.  
In the past six years The Price Is Right Live™ has given away 10 million dollars in cash and 
prizes.  If youwant tom be a contestant then show up at least three hours before the show
 to be selected.
Order tickets online at www.metrotix.com.
Friday, October 5 at 8 pm


STL DISHN

Which STL based  promoter went on a tirade on Facebook about a competing event?

HINT 1. The promoter is a male

HINT 2. This promoter also tried his hand at producing a reality show.

HINT 3. This person's last name is also the name of a Oscar winning film in the 1960s.

Who is this promoter?














This week we feature STL based rapper Christian Poetik B who is sporting a honey 
blonde streak hairstyle and elegant earrings with a red blouse. She was recently seen 
starring in Maatology Productions Lips Unstuck.



WORDZ

TO 

THE

Z

Why was the Trayvon Martin verdict NOT GUILTY? Why was the decision made late
 Saturday nite? Why did Kris Jenner have a talk show? Why did Rolling Stone put on 
the cover the Boston Marathon massacre? Why was the TV show Dexter nominated 
for an Emmy? And Why did Detroit try to file for bankruptcy?




FEATURE BITZ

This week we feature jewelry business owner Mark Anthony
and his business partner, Arquetta Fell.


St. Louis jewelry maker and business owner Mark Anthony 
is one of a kind when it comes to jewelry. 
Not only is he a savvy businessman but he has his wife 
who works with him in his endeavors. OUTTOWN 
had a chance to interview his business partner about their
working relationship.

OT: So how did you and Mark Anthony become involved in customized jewelry? What are both of 
your backgrounds in this field?

AF;Mark Anthony has been in custom design for jewelry for 20 plus years...  
He has always had an eye and passion for unique  designs for Jewelry and Handbags.
 I feel into this business  on the handbag side and just always tried  to  stay insight up fashion
 trends far as Accessories.
Mark Has more in the back ground than I.. LOL


 OT:Are you two originally from St Louis? If not where?

AF:Mark Born and Raised In St. Louis Mo... Me Born and Raised in Kc Mo


OT:What are some of the hot trends in male and female jewelry?
AF:All Metals are super in style now for Men...Shamballa Bracelets are 
A Big Trend as well for men. For the Ladies.. BLING.. Bling will always be in style.. 
Diamonds and precious stones are a Girls Best Friend. LOL


OT:What makes Mark Anthony Collections unique or stands out from other jewelry companies?
AF:Mark Anthonys Collections will create a custom design for any type of need. Our Designs are 
unique and one of a kind.


OT:What other ventures are you and Mark are doing outside of the jewelry business?
AF:Mark Anthonys collections Do Charity events.. Fashion shows.. Give aways. at 
different venue's But We mainly stick to  what we know and that is the accessory  World.


OT:What are some of the challenges of mixing business along with being business partners, if any?
AF:There are no challenges

OT:Next month, you all are expanding to another branch of Mark Anthony Collections. Talk about that.
AF:Mark Anthonys Collections will be opening a 2nd location 8/2/2013 Taubman Premuim Outlet Mall.. 
Chesterfield. Were super excited and Humble that we are able to expand and take the Mark Anthony Brand 
To another level.. Come by and level up your look On 8/2/2013


OT:What is the contact info for those who may want to purchase your jewelry?


 Locations

Mark Anthony's Collections
St. Louis Mills Mall suite 149
5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd
Hazelwood Mo 63042

Mark Anthonys Collections
Taubman Outlet Mall
17017 North Outer Rd Suite 210
Chesterfiled Mo 63005

Follow us on Facebook
Mark Anthonys Collections 
Mark Anthony
Acessiores by Mark Anthony


Instagram
 Mark Anthonys Collections Or lynnbfell





"The Wiz" sparkles on the intimate Grandel Theatre stage. It's no 
wonder the Black Repertory 
Theatre production was extended for a couple more 
weeks, now 
through July 28, 
for the musical is a bonafide crowd-pleaser.
The extension of "The Wiz" runs thru Sunday, July 28. All Thursday
 performances start at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturdays start 
at 8 p.m. 
and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Saturday matinees are July 20 
and 27 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25 to $47 and
 special group rates are available. Call the box office at
314-534-3810, come by the new office location at 
4709 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108, or visit
 metrotix.com to purchase tickets. Visit www.theblackrep.org 
for more information.

Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/2013/07/19/2700477/definitely-follow-this-yellow.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/2013/07/19/2700477/definitely-follow-this-yellow.html#storylink=cpy

Registration is $25 ***There will be NO ON SITE registration, you must register in advance at http://selenaj.com/blog/be-your-own-boss-workshop/ in order to attend*** 

7 entrepreneurs share their secret recipes for success in life and business. Networking, Q&A, Refreshments, plus a chance to win a logo design by Anthony Stewart, a 1 hour business consulting session w/ Rachel Jackson-Bramwell, a 4 hour business coaching session with Janet Allen, and a signed copy of Shawn Stevenson's book, The Key To Quantum Health!

If you’re trying to find your passion, if your passion is driving you to start a business of your own, or if you’re ready to take your business to the next level, you need this workshop!

You WIll Learn:

*How to discover what you REALLY want to do in life
*How to identify what’s holding you back from creating happiness
*How you REALLY get paid high-end rates (you’ll never here this is school)
*How to increase your value IMMEDIATELY
*A simple exercise to help you define your identity
*The #1 key to fulfillment in any career path you choose
*How to develop your mindset for creating a business plan and putting the plan in motion
*How to change the “hobby” and “hustle” mindset to creating a professional business you can brand
*How to find your OWN path and create success on YOUR terms
*How to start your own business AND keep it going
*Which business legal structure is best for your business
*How to comply with federal tax guidelines
*How to organize, operate and fund your business
*How to earn a living creating YouTube Videos
*How to start and get funding for a successful non-profit
*And more!!

Speakers Include:
Nate Johnson - Real Estate Solutions
Shawn Stevenson - Advanced Integrative Health Alliance
Rachel Jackson-Bramwell - Project Compassion
Anthony Stewart - Author/Speaker/Graphic/Web Design
Janet Allen - The Business Garden Company
Dana G. Christian - Video/Film Specialist
Sande Stevenson - YouTube Vlogger

Details and Registration at http://selenaj.com/blog/be-your-own-boss-workshop/



Read more:







 STL mover and shaker Blake S. Harris has a new weekly event poppin off for those who want to unwind, mingle and hear great talent on the mic. Young STL presents: #TheRehearsal Open-Mic Night Wednesdays  at The InSpot (5854 Delmar) in the Central West End of St Louis. Doors open at 6pm. $$No Cover$$ Happy Hour Food & Drink specials until 9pm. Call 314-223-1168 or inbox Blake for more details.

TO SEE THE PROMO AD GO TO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nn2tYQkJDA

+++++++++++++++++++++
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN A FUTURE BLOG POST? IF YOU ARE AN ARTIST OR A BUSINESS THAT 
DEALS WITH ENTERTAINMENT EMAIL US AT SNAPHONEY2011@GMAIL.COM