OUT 448--STL TIDBITZ AND MORE!

HELLO OUTTOWNERS!

It is Wednesday and its time to go OUT….TOWN

The heat is on in the Lou, and we ain’t just talkin the 100 degree heat we been havin.



.But before we get into the new of newz, we here at OUTTOWN would like to give yawl the exclusive on Hoodstar Mocha Latte’s new look!She is wearing her real hair these days, all natural-- and sista girl we hear is slimmin up. You go, sista! This pic will be the newest pic that will be used on MOCHA”S CORNER starting next Wednesday.

And now the newz:

St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa defended himself Tuesday amid concerns about his role in a scandal involving seized vehicles, admitting to errors in judgment but saying he did nothing wrong.At a hurriedly called news conference, Mokwa read from a prepared statement but did not answer questions, citing the continuing investigation.“I have done nothing wrong or improper,” Mokwa said. “In all instances I've been truthful in my responses and conversations.” Last week, the department announced an internal investigation found problems with the system St. Louis uses to impound vehicles seized as evidence, but no criminal wrongdoing. But now, media reports that the U.S. Attorney's office in St. Louis is joining the investigation are raising questions about how much Mokwa knew. For years, the department contracted with S&H Towing to take vehicles seized during arrests. If those vehicles weren't claimed, the towing firm, through its sales subsidiary, sold them. Police revealed that the firm allowed many officers to borrow the vehicles, sometimes for weeks at a time. Also allowed to borrow them was Mokwa's daughter, Aimie Mokwa.Mokwa said his daughter, in her mid-30s, has struggled for years with emotional and substance abuse issues. “I love my daughter and have great compassion for her personal struggles,” the chief said. But he said he did nothing to help her gain use of a car through S&H.

Police Board President Chris Goodson said Monday that the board may discipline Mokwa for his conduct.Goodson said Mokwa didn't disclose to investigators that he knew his daughter had gotten free use of several cars from the company. He only revealed it over the weekend, after the investigation was closed.Mayor Francis Slay said on his blog that he finds the incident “troubling,” and that the questions it raises “must be answered clearly and publicly.”


Well, all we have to say about this controversy is, whether Mokwa knew before or after it was discovered by the Board of Police Commissioners watchdogs of what the cops and his daughter were doin with the wrecks since 1990 long before Mokwa was police chief—Hmmm, . But an interesting tidbit from his press conference that we didn’t report here was that Mokwa said that his daughter’s husband “worked in the district where S&H Towing was located.” Hmm, is this speculation that his son-in-law maybe had a working relationship with the Towing company and maybe got perks when the Towing folk discovered that his wife is the police chief’s daughter? Hmmm. This is interesting, indeed and we are sure it is about to get even more interesting—All we got are two words: paper shredder. LOL. (For newz on his daughter go DOWN BELOW)







St. Louis County police said Tuesday afternoon that they have found the body of the man they believe fatally shot a firefighter and injured two police officers on Monday of the home at 7440 Zephyr Place.. As of this writing, it was reported that the body is anyone other than the homeowner. The homeowner is Mark J. Knobbe, 52, a recluse who once worked for the St. Louis Art Museum. His family issued a statement apologizing for Knobbe's actions and saying they were praying for the victims' families. Knobbe had not seen his family in many years.

Arson investigators found a "long gun," essentially a high-powered rifle police believe was used to shoot the emergency workers. The human remains and the gun were found today among the ashes. Police found enough human remains inside the house to positively identify the body through dental records. Investigators still don't know what killed the man or why the truck and house erupted in flame, she said. It's still unclear whether the truck fire was a ruse to get to get emergency responders to the house so that he could shoot them. But police do believe that Knobbe started his own house on fire. Knobbe's family released a statement apologizing for Mark Knobbe's actions.



The statement said that Knobbe had been estranged from his family for nearly a decade and said they would give no interviews. They called the death of firefighter Ryan Hummert and the shootings of the two police officers a "senseless tragedy." Knobbe has owned the home at 7440 Zephyr Place since July 1993. His last known job was as an engineering technician at the St. Louis Art Museum, but he quit that job on Oct. 5, 2004. He had worked there since 1985, a Museum spokeswoman said. Knobbe has no criminal record in St. Louis or St. Louis County and was up to date on paying his property taxes. Before buying his house on Zephyr, Knobbe had lived just around the block in a Maplewood apartment on Sutton Boulevard, records show.



Maplewood city records show Knobbe received four notices of violation over four years from the city regarding problems on his property, according to City Manager Marty Corcoran. Knobbe received his most recent — for having high grass at his home on Zephyr Place — one week before the shootings. Corcoran said the city’s inspector, while on another inspection, saw Knobbe cutting his grass on July 16, shortly after receiving notice of the violation. Corcoran said the inspector thanked Knobbe for cutting his grass and asked him a question about another property on the street.



The violence on Zephyr Place started about 5:40 a.m. Monday when firefighters from Maplewood's only fire station answered a call that a truck was o fire. Knobbe owned a 1993 Toyota pickup truck -- apparently the same truck that was set on fire and exploded Monday in the driveway of a neighbor across the street from Knobbe's home. Arson investigators had returned to the home about 7:15 a.m. Tuesday. They immediately zeroed in on the home's basement.

....But Knobbe shot and killed slain firefighter was rookie firefighter Ryan Hummert, 22, the son of a former Maplewood mayor, who colleagues said fulfilled a lifetime dream when he got hired by the city last year. Hummert was fatally shot about 5:45 a.m. Monday as he stepped out of a Maplewood firetruck that had responded to a call of a vehicle on fire set by Knobbe.



The gunman also shot two Maplewood police officers. One of them, Adam Fite, 28, a former Jefferson County sheriff's deputy, was critically wounded. The second officer, Maplewood police Sgt. Michael Martin, was shot in the right shoulder. He has been released from the hospital, Langston said today. City leaders held a prayer vigil at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Junior High Park, at the corner of Sutton and Zephyr in Maplewood.

Hummert, who graduated from Rockwood Summit High School in 2004, went to work for the city of Maplewood in August, after finishing paramedic school. Hummert's father, Andrew L. Hummert, was Maplewood's mayor from 1983 to 1993. The slain firefighter's parents spent about an hour at City Hall on Monday morning meeting with officials. The American flag and a Maplewood city flag were both lowered to half staff outside Maplewood City Hall. At an 11 a.m. press conference, Maplewood Fire Chief Terry Merrell said, while fighting back tears: "We've lost Ryan in the line of duty doing what he loved. He will be missed."

The city of Maplewood had a prayer vigil Tuesday in memory of Ryan Hummert.at Junior High Park, at the corner of Sutton and Zephyr.A moment of silence will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday (July 23) at Junior High Park, prior to the MCBF Concert in the Park. It will be on the Lyndover side of the park.

The family of Ryan Hummert is asking that financial donations be made to:The Backstoppers10411 Clayton Road, Suite 5A (Le Chateau Village)St. Louis, MO 63131(314) 962-0200The contact information for food donations and questions is: Rachelle L'Ecuyer, director of community development at Maplewood City Hall, 7601 Manchester Road, Maplewood, MO. 63143. The phone number is (314) 646-3607

Is it us, or does this have the likes of the Cookie Thornton killings in Kirkwood? It will be interesting how the media will portray Knobbe and his actions as opposed to Thornton who was vilified.

Police are still looking for their man following a 7-hour standoff in Dardenne Praire. It all started around 5:00am Sunday morning when police received a 9-1-1 call from a woman who said her boyfriend was threatening to kill her and anyone who came to help. That woman ran from the house when police arrived. She told them she left her boyfriend inside with a shotgun. After a robot with a camera found no sign of anyone inside, the SWAT team moved in and came back out empty-handed. St. Charles County police believe the suspect slipped out the back door.

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Third person died ion horrific car crash on 270 TOWN AND COUNTRY. Alvin Mast, 88, died on Thursday from his injuries. So far, no charges have been filed against the truck driver who police say caused the 11-vehicle crash. News 4 has obtained dash-cam video from police. http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=264809
Police say the driver wasn't paying attention when he plowed into those vehicles.
Charles Cason of Caseyville, Illinois, and Lydia Miller of Canton, Missouri, were killed in the crash. Both were 55. The accident happened when a tractor-trailer rammed into 10 vehicles. The truck driver was not injured. The Missouri State Highway Patrol identifies the tractor-trailer driver as 49-year-old Jeffrey Knight of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He wasn't hurt.

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The water main in Granite City was lifted this week. A water main break over the weekend caused the city to issue the boil order. The break has been repaired but residents should still bring water to a boil before using for cooking or drinking. boil order was issued to customers in Granite City, Pontoon Beach Water District, Mitchell Water District, Nameoki Township and Bond Madison Water Co. because an Illinois American Water main break in Granite City. The break happened near the company's booster station located at Veterans Parkway and 24th Street in Granite City resulting in a decrease in water pressure. At this time the company is not certain what caused the break.






The community is still mourning the loss of the divorce couple who died in an apparent murder-suicide inside the Jamestown Mall. The couple’s names were S.A. Carson Jr. (the shooter) and his wife Barbara Cason. The shootings happened inside the mall last Wednesday. The man fatally wounded his ex-wife before shooting himself. The two had been married for more than 20 years, but had divorced sometime in April 2006, according to court documents. Later that year, the man filed for an order of protection, but it was eventually dismissed. On July 8 of this year, the woman filed for an order of protection, though those documents do not identify the other party in either case. A July 24 court date had been scheduled on the current matter.Callers told police the shootings happened in full view of mall customers. One mall employee said he was sitting with the woman when the incident happened. "She was sharing that she was going through some changes, things of that nature. She said that she thought she saw her ex-husband, I didn't think anything of it then I saw him running down from the food court yelling saying 'shoot her.' I grabbed her to come on but she wouldn't go, so I started running and heard all those shots," said John, a barber at the mall. "I think it's a shame. She is a nice lady and didn't deserve to be done that way, she have children so she didn't deserve this."

Three days after saying Police Chief Joe Mokwa "acted properly, appropriately and legally at all times," the Police Board announced Monday it may discipline Mokwa over his conduct in a controversy that has spurred a federal investigation.Mokwa knew his daughter had gotten free use of multiple cars over several years from a company with a lucrative contract to tow and impound vehicles seized by his department, but didn't volunteer that information to the Police Board until after the board closed its investigation Friday, board President Chris Goodson said. Mowkaws daughter takes seized car The daughter of St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa, Aimie (PICTURED) is at the center of a controversy. At issue, her use of cars seized by the department.
What's more is that the chief's daughter isn't the only one who took the cars for "test-drives"- city police officers did too and the test drives lasted weeks or even months. The daughter of St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa and an untold number of police officers got free use of cars from a company with a lucrative police contract to tow and store cars, the department admitted on Friday. The officers and Aimie Mokwa for years have been able to take previously impounded cars from St. Louis Metropolitan Towing, 1325 North 10th Street, and drive them for weeks or months at a time with no strings attached. The company has a contract with police to tow thousands of cars that were abandoned, had multiple parking tickets or were involved in crimes.

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Eight years after Ballpark Village was initially conceptualized, a deal has been reached between city officials and developers for the $650 million project to finally break ground. According to those close to the negotiations, the city of St. Louis held firm to its position to not guarantee the bonds for the project -- a key point developer Cordish Co. sought -- or use general revenue funds for the project. Cordish has received guarantees on bonds for many of its mixed-use projects across the country, including its Power and Light District in Kansas City. Those talks have now ended with a deal in place and a development agreement in the works for state and local officials to affirm in the coming weeks. Ballpark Village will progress in phases, with a mix of office, retail and entertainment space planned for the initial build-out. The city of St. Louis has agreed to prorate its subsidy package to give Cordish more flexibility to build based on market demand. A nine-page term sheet for the deal stipulates that public subsidies will cover between 100,000 and 750,000 square feet of office space in the project and between 225,000 and 260,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space. Residential units could be added in a later phase, but there is no obligation to go forward with condominiums or apartments. The previously awarded city and state subsidy package totaled $115 million, based on the original scope of the project. An addition to the modified plan allows Cordish and the Cardinals to recoup up to $7.9 million to pay for infrastructure costs if it includes a hotel in the project. All we got to say is, let’s build something there before the All Star Baseball game come around a year from now. We wouldn’t want a big gaping hole for out of towners to see—or fall into.


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Missouri Governor Matt Blunt met Friday with

InBev officials at their brewery in Leuven, Belgium, to welcome the company that bought Anheuser-Busch this week. "InBev will soon be a major employer in Missouri and today I met with their executive team to discuss my desire to help them grow the company in Missouri," Blunt said in a statement. " Blunt said he is committed to working with Anheuser-Busch InBev to retain the nearly 13,000 direct and indirect jobs associated with this important employer and corporate citizen. Blunt added the visit to Belgium to his trade mission itinerary when the final agreement of the $52 million sale was reached Sunday.

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In unrelated Blunt news, A judge today appointed two special prosecutors to take over the investigation into Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt’s e-mail records. Judge Richard G. Callahan ordered that Louis J. Leonatti and Joseph E. Maxwell of Mexico, Mo., serve as “special assistant attorneys general” in the case. The plaintiff in a lawsuit against Blunt, former Missouri Highway Patrol chief Mel Fisher, must cooperate with and, if requested, hand over all investigative files and records to the special attorneys, the order stated.Fisher was appointed last year by Attorney General Jay Nixon to investigate whether Blunt’s office destroyed public records that the law said must be retained.

In May, Fisher sued, seeking access to hundreds of thousands of documents.Callahan recently dismissed that lawsuit, ruling that Fisher did not have standing to bring it.In his ruling, Callahan gave Fisher 10 days to establish his standing, ask Nixon to join the suit or ask the court to appoint a special assistant attorney general to represent Fisher.A letter sent Friday said Nixon would not join the lawsuit, and instead asked Callahan to appoint a special assistant to represent Fisher. Hmm, could this be the real reason as to why Blunt isn’t seeking re-election? We just sayin.

Securities regulators from Missouri and other states descended Thursday on the downtown St. Louis headquarters of Wachovia Securities after receiving complaints from investors over frozen auction-rate securities.
The regulators sought documents concerning the firm’s sales practices and marketing strategies, according to a release from Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan’s office.

Carnahan said her office was also investigating complaints filed against Commerce Bank and Stifel Nicolaus & Co., a St. Louis brokerage. Both marketed the securities.
During the last four months, more than 70 complaints have been filed with the Missouri Securities Division, a division of Carnahan’s office, over some $40 million in frozen auction-rate securities. That was the most complaints the office has received about any single matter during her tenure, she said.
Chuck Kim, an executive vice president at Commerce Bancshares, which has dual headquarters in Kansas City and St. Louis and owns Commerce Bank, said Thursday the company was working with its auction-rate customers on a “case by case basis” to address their liquidity problems. Commerce had received a request for information from Missouri regulators and said it was cooperating with them.
Wachovia issued a statement saying that many securities firms, including Wachovia, “were responding to inquiries from regulators about the auction rate securities industry. The discussions that are occurring today are a part of this ongoing process.” Stifel officials could not be reached.



The President Casino enjoyed a full week of reopening after the floods close dit down for almost a month.

Is it is or did we see regular gas under 4 bucks these days (with the exception of East St. Louis which is 4.19)?

Visitation for Corporal Gunnar Zwilling, an O'Fallon, Missouri soldier killed while serving in Afghanistan was Monday. The O'Fallon, Missouri soldier was killed while serving in Afghanistan. The body of Corporal Gunnar Zwilling arrived at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Sunday morning. The 20-year-old was killed last Sunday, just days before he was scheduled to return home. Visitation was held at Baue Funeral Home. The funeral was held there on Tuesday. Zwilling will be buried with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Baseballer Jim Edmonds got married to Allison Jayne Raski, both of Creve Coeur, were couple No. 11 of the 25 who got married Wednesday at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Clayton. Edmonds, now a Chicago Cub, was better known to Cardinals fans for whom he patrolled center field at Busch Stadium for eight years as Jim Edmonds or "Jimmy Ballgame.'' Edmonds, 38, and Raski, 28, tied the knot in the chambers of Judge Michael T. Jamison, who wished the newlyweds good luck after performing the brief ceremony. Both were casually dressed. Edmonds wore a T-shirt, jeans and tennis shoes. Raski, one observer noted, sported a nice-sized diamond ring. The couple have a young son, Landon. Raski graduated from high school in Zeigler, a town of about 1,700 in Southern Illinois.

Edmonds played with the Cardinals from 2000 through the 2007 season, and had some key contributions in the 2006 World Series win over the Detroit Tigers. He was traded to the San Diego Padres on Dec. 15, 2007. He was released by the Padres on May 9 and signed by the Cubs on May 15. After the mid-afternoon wedding, the couple headed for Edmonds' restaurant on Locust Street, F15teen. At F15teen, a hostess was surprised and excited to hear the news of the wedding and the manager said he was unaware of any ongoing celebration.

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Crestwood are still on the lookout for a man who exposed himself to three girls who were operating a lemonade stand in their neighborhood. It happened Wednesday afternoon. Police say the suspect is white and 45 to 55 years of age. He pulled up and asked the girls what they were selling. When one girl approached his car she saw he was exposing himself. The youngsters, ages 6 to 10, ran for help. The suspect took off in a four- door dirty gold sedan, possibly an Acura.



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Investigators at Lambert Airport are looking for the cause of a mishap on a Delta Airlines plane. They're trying to find out why a part from the aircraft fell off in mid-air shortly after the flight took off from St. Louis on Tuesday. The McDonnell Douglas MD 88 was headed to Atlanta when the crew heard a loud bang and returned to Lambert. The part from that plane landed on Highway 94 in St. Peters.


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An East St. Louis man remains jailed on $500,000 bond on charges related to a shooting that wounded a 3-year-old boy last week. The 3-year-old boy who was struck by bullets while riding in a van with his father remained in serious condition and a man was charged Friday in connection with the shooting on Thursday. Jamil Gibbs, 25, of 1672 Cleveland Ave., was charged with aggravated battery. He was arrested shorting after the shooting. Gibbs and the toddler's father, Sammy Scott, got into an altercation in the John DeShields housing complex Wednesday night over the toddler's mother. The father believed everything was worked out, police said. The child was taken to Kenneth Hall hospital, airlifted to a St. Louis hospital and had undergone surgery. The bullet punctured the boy's lung. U.S. Marshals stormed a nearby house in the 1700 block of Missouri Ave. shortly after the shooting. Two suspects are in custody, according to the police.



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This week, the courts found the placement tests used for the St. Louis Firefighters to be valid.



A Canadian team of competitive adventure racers embarked on an intensive ground search of the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains in search for the remains of Steve Fossett, the missing-and-declared-dead American millionaire thrill seeker.
The Wash U Trustee member disappeared in September 2007 after taking off in a blue and white single-engine Citabria Super Decathlon aircraft from a private airstrip on a Nevada ranch. He was declared legally dead on Feb. 15, 2008.
Now our thang is, a few months back, The state of Nevada billed the estate of Fawcett for the search bill which was mor ethan a quarter million ( even after Mr. Hilton, the hotel magnate, voluntarily sent in a $200,000 check to cover some of the costs). But cuz the state faced a “fiscal crunch” They billed Fossett's widow(But with Steve being a multi millionaire, we are sure that the bill had been paid). . So we assume that this Canadian team will use their own money to try and find him?








The Belleville Police Department is searching for a man who is wanted for aggravated robbery in connection to an incident that involved two Dollar Tree employees. The Belleville Police Department is searching for a man who is wanted for aggravated robbery in connection to an incident that involved two Dollar Tree employees.The two employees were exiting Dollar Tree at 30 Carlyle Plaza Drive after closing the store Wednesday night when a man "ran up behind them and demanded the night deposit," according to a news release.When the two employees said they did not have the money, the suspect grabbed one of the victims' purse, tearing her shirt, and ran away.Responding officers were able to recover the purse using a K-9 unit.The victims said the man was wearing a dark-colored bandana over his nose and mouth. They describe the suspect as a white male between 20 and 25 years old. He has blond hair, blue eyes and a medium built: about 5-foot-2 in height and weighing between 170 and 180 pounds.No money was taken from the store, according to the police.
Police said there are no security video or cameras where the crime occurred.
Our thang is, there couldn’t have been too much money in the night deposit bag with it coming from DOLLAR tree. Ya feel us?

As we get closer and close r to the Democratic National Convention in August, locally the politicians are doin their own share of fundraising for their primaries. One in particular is State Rep candidate Rodney Hubbard. He will have a big fundraiser on Thursday. .... Film star and one of the “Original Kings of Comedy” Cedric the Entertainer will return to his hometown of St. Louis on Thursday, July 24th, to support Hubbard. Cedric will headline a host committee of local comedians, political leaders, and business leaders, including Mr. Eric C. Rhone, former Mayor Freeman Bosley, Jr., advertising executive Cliff Franklin, President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed, and License Collector Michael McMillan. The event will be at The Starlight Room, 8370 N. Broadway. Doors open at 7:00 PM and showtime is at 8:00. Suggested donation to “Hubbard for Senate” starts at $10. Maximum contribution is $675 A competing fundraiser will held at Sol Lounge, 4241 Lindell, for State Rep Jamilah Nasheed . The hosts will include Comptroller Darlene Green, Licensor Mike McMillan, former Fire Chief Sherman George and the Rev. Douglas Parham. Also this week, Hip-hop political advocate and Professor Michael Eric Dyson was at Reggies backstage on Grand last Thursday to endorse State Treasurer Rep Andria Simckes, Aldermancic Candidate Jeff Hardin hosted an all white party fundraiser last weekend at the Thaxton Building, and Planned Parenthood endorsed State Senate Rep Robin Wright Jones.

The Seventh Season singers from American Idol made an STL stop at the Scott Trade Center this week. Blue Springs via Kansas City, Mo native David Cook according to reviewers “seemed to be a bit of a one-trick pony in his live performance, taking well-known hits such as Lionel Ritchie's "Hello" and Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and giving them a veneer of brooding alt-rock. Cook's version of his single, "The Time of My Life," was forgettable in comparison.” Also, Cook “m entioned between songs that he once played St. Louis at the Off Broadway Bar (where there were a few folk who booed him) in a bar band before he got on American Idol .” In related news, folk in the STL area will have a chance to win a spot to compete in the American Idol auditions that will be held August 8 at the Kemper Arena in Cook’s hometown. On Thursday, July 31st at Chesterfield Mall (Dillard’s Court) or St. Clair Square (Center Court) between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. singing hopefuls could win a guaranteed audition in Kansas City. The winner of FOX 2’s St. Louis Idol contest will be announced on FOX 2 and Y98 FM on August 4th and will also get a $500 gas card from Auffenberg Ford, a $500 CBL Mall gift card and hotel accommodations provided by the President Hilton Hotel. American Idol – coming in January on FOX 2.A $500 gas card? Damn if anything we would be happy with that, damn the audition to Kansas. At least we know our tank would be filled for a few weeks. There’s no guarantee one will make the cut in Kansas City. LOL. For more info go to http://www.myfoxstl.com/

Speaking of reality shows, “Run’s House” TV stars turned fashion designers Vanessa and Angela Simmons, daughters of Rev Run and nieces of mogul Russell Simmons were in the Lou last weekend. The sisters were here for the launch of their Pastry line of shoes, clothing and handbags, which debuted at Dillard's at the Galleria. They were spotted dining last Friday night at Scape in the Central West End with St. Louis fashion guru Jerry Talamantes. The sisters enjoyed a dinner specially prepared by chef and Scape partner Eric Kelly before they headed over to Mandarin for the St. Louis Magazine party in their honor. Hmm, we wonder if the Runs House cams were there to film that action.

Meanwhile, as the Simmons girls were here in the STL partyin it up last weekend, STL Rams player Steven Jackson and New England Patriots' Laurence Maroney had a partes at HOME Nightclub and Skybox respectively. Anyone go?

There has been a lot of Nelly newz poppin’ this week. On and off and on again hip-hop couple Nelly and Ashanti are in each other’s new videos. Ashanti can been seen in Nelly’s new music video for the 3rd single, “Body on Me”( http://youtube.com/watch?v=gCqeqH9Tcmw) from his forthcoming CD, “Brass Knuckles” featuring her and Akon. To return the favor, Nelly plays Ashanti’ s husband in her new video “Good Good”( http://youtube.com/watch?v=AoccwF01MLs) the second single from her CD, “The Declaration.” Now we understand what Ashanti meant at this year’s BET Awards when she said she gives Nelly that good good before introducing Nelly’s performance on the show. Ohhhhhhhhhhh. PRO-MO-TION.

If yawl aint heard, his “Brass Knuckles” CD is seeing another delay. The Aug. 19 release date of the CD is now moving to Sept. 16, during the big sales and Grammy push for new releases. “Brass Knuckles” was originally supposed to be a 2007 release which will make the CD held back for one full year. Due to the amount of delays "Brass Knuckles" has undergone, many fans reportedly have begun referring to Nelly as a "huge tease." We think the delays has to do with the sales explosion of the Kanye West/50 cent CD match last Fall, the hugely successful Nellyesque single “Low” by Flo Rida and of course Lil Wayne’s one week million record sales of his CD, “Carter III” a month ago. Too much comp we see.

Then on the gossip tip, according to certain reports including MediaTakeout and the West Australian, British soul singer Joss Stone has been on several secret dates with Nelly - who is 12 years her senior. A source revealed: “Joss and Nelly have been out on a few dates. It’s early days but Joss is really happy. It’s great that she has met someone as successful as she is and who understands the pressures of being a performer.” Hmm, yeah okay. A few weeks back it was Nelly being paranoid with stalkers, now its Joss Stone. What’s really goin on? Is this public relations stuff to keep Nelly's name in the limelight before his CD drops? Hmmm.

And speaking of couples, congrats to STL stars MPAC’s Mo Spoon and Monica. They tied the knot last weekend in her native New Orleans. We hear that the wedding was lavish. They now , akin to Power Couple Keith and Carri Griffin and business couple Kevin McCoy and Danielle Fields, have become even more powerful in their STL promoters star status after saying I DO..

STL bred human rights activist, author and talk show host Keith Boykin officially launched his new black news/arts and culture website called The daily Voice. After five months of research, and closing his popular daily blog http://www.keithboykin.com/, his new site is up and running. You can peep it out at http://www.thedailyvoice.com/

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Hannah Montana star Mylie Cyrus’ tour bus was parked at Chesterfield Mall Tuesday where fans could tour her bus as well as be a Rock Star for day. WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTed THE “ROCK LIKE THEY DO” BUS TOUR, SPONSORED IN PART BY GREAT CLIPS. There, four interactive stations allowed fans to experience the rock star lifestyle. Miley Cyrus’s actual tour bus served as the centerpiece, where fans can see how she traveled while on the road., Great Clips hair stylists created rock star hairstyles for fans and a karaoke stage for budding rock stars to sing-along to their favorite Disney tunes.


There were also full-sized cut outs of Hannah Montana and the cast of the Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock including stars Demi Lovato and Jonas Brothers for fans to take snaps with. Fox 2 News did a segment on what was happening inside her tour bus as anchor Randi Naughton reported on Cyrus’ tour bus and basically the only interesting thing goin on was the number of Hello Kitty stuffed animals on her bed. She also had pics of todays big stars like Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie. And no, we are sure they didn’t have any Vanity Fair Mags on the premises. We are sure of that.

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Speaking of Fox 2 and the Jonas Brothers. The Jonas Brothers tour came to St. Louis Tuesday at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. At a news conference before their performance, they spoke out about how much their fans mean to them (AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW). Afterwards, it was off to some fun at Busch Stadium. The brothers got a tour plus an inside look at the locker rooms. After meeting manager Tony La Russa the Cards manager helped them take a few swings in batting practice. They also stopped at the famous Ted Drewes Frozen Custard Shop . To see their tour of the city go to
http://videos.stltoday.com/p/video?id=2016910



STL natives do National TV. Look for Dan Walsh of O'Fallon, Mo., in the upcoming MTV reality series "The Island." Walsh, 25, is an alumni from MTV's "Road Rules 2007: Viewers' Revenge" and was invited back for the new series which is set to debut Sept. 17. He said the premise of the show has former competitors from "Road Rules" and the "Real World" stranded on an island off the coast of Panama with very few resources at their disposal. Walsh can be found bartending at the Chevy's in O'Fallon, Mo., and doing standup comedy at Al Canal's Comedy Forum in St. Peters. Also look for Ladue High School graduate Eric Nenninger in the new HBO fact-based miniseries “Generation Kill” recounting the first 40 days of the Iraq war. Nenninger portrays Cpt. David “Captain America” McGraw. After graduating in 1997, he moved to Los Angeles to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, going on to win roles on "The X-Files," "ER" and "CSI." His big break was supposed to be "Malcolm in the Middle," playing a military school pal of son Francis (Christopher Masterson). But the story line separating Francis from the family was cut short, greatly diminishing Nenninger's presence.







Last week we reported that four guys in the Show Me State were featured as some of the candidates in Essence Magazine’s A Few Good Men competition that onliners could vote for. Two were form St. Louis, FREE TIMEs Adrian Saddler and footballer Isaac Keys., linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals. We forgot to put a pic up for Keys , so we will do that this week. Keys who attended Hazelwood Central High School (and won varsity letters in football and baseball graduated in1996/. Here is what Keys had to say in Essence for the competition. ON DOING RIGHT: Thanks to his organization Keys to the Future, at-risk Phoenix high school seniors can go to his summer football camps and get inspiration from the many NFL players he invites to speak to them. “I want to bring enlightenment to these kids and let them know that they have a chance to make it.” ON WHY HE LOVES BLACK WOMEN: “When a Black woman takes the time to know a Black man, there’s a connection there that can’t be broken.” ON HIS ROMANTIC MOVE: saac once drove to the top of a mountain and watched the sun set with his special lady. HIS HERO: Bill Russell HIS PERSONAL MOTTO: Stay humble but hungry. HIS FAVORITE BOOK: Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer To vote for him email him at dorightisaac@essence.com

A couple of STL rappers are making newz in the HUSTLE city. This week, Ebony Eyez explained to her YouTube.com fans the latest epidemic that a lot of people are suffering from called DRS (DI%K RIDING SYNDROME).Check out the new video by clicking the link below:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUjvYoi-Gi0 She keepin it real gutta for real. And STL rap sensation Hakeem tha Dream, just released his new mixtape called State of Independence. We hear its hot to def(and the cover art alone will get you thinkin!). You can check it out at Vintage Vinyl in the U City Loop, in front of the clubs over the weekend and in the streets.




For all fans of comedian Jessie Taylor’s Sunday Night Comedy show at the Plaza, well, its last ha-ha will be Aug. 3





Congrats to Former STL State Rep candidate Ingrid Owens is doin her thang on a national political tip. We got an email from her recently and she said that she is directing a statewide initiative in Colorado for the Democratic Convention and presidential campaign,. She will be in the Deenv until September.

Just fresh off his wins at the 2nd Annual St. Louis Natural Body/ FIGURE CLASSIC AND EXTREME FIT CHAMPIONSHIP at ROBERTS ORPHEUM, STL fitness model Fred Williams added more hardware to his mantle as he won FIRST PLACE TROPHIES in the Middleweight open and novice divisions at the 2008 Missouri state and Ozark National Fitness and Figure Championships last weekend. He also qualified for a pro show from his winnings.....................................Is it us or is that Tony Scott Show personality Tammie Holland who can be heard doing the voice over for the commercial for Columbia College? We are for sure it is her cuz she got a very distinctive tone in her voice. Oh and did yawl hear Ms Holland breaking it down vocally Monday on the Tonyt Scott Show when Tony Scott needed her to fill up airtime during the helpline section of the show? She was belting “And I Am telling You I’m Not Going.” Although she was clownin around, she actually has a nice voice. Wow, Ms. Holland we think you have another voice talent right therr!................................................STL producer James Glasco will be putting his music genius on local teen trio Sosy’s upcoming CD and the next leg of their budding career..................................CANCER B-DAY STARS do the parties. Curtis ”Hollabackboi” Smith had his b-day party at Subzero last weekend. It was very laid back with a few of his close friends in attendance. Also at the same time, soul singer Coco Soul was getting her celebration on at Bar Italia where DJ Enoch was on the 1s and 2s.






And lastly the STL has lost a TV pioneer. Harry Cochran Gibbs, a local television actor and announcer best known for his role as Texas Bruce on KSD-TV's "Wranglers Club," died Friday (July 18, 2008) at Surrey Place in Chesterfield. He was 91 and a resident of Webster Groves. As the lean, soft-spoken cowboy named Texas Bruce, Mr. Gibbs entertained thousands of young buckaroos in St. Louis every weekday afternoon from 1950 to 1963. Prior to Texas Bruce, Mr. Gibbs worked as a performer and announcer at KSD. Mr. Gibbs was born in Wagon Mound, N.M. At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, sporting a 10-gallon hat, Mr. Gibbs was perfectly cast as the memorable cowboy. The show became a smash local hit. Off the set, Mr. Gibbs would take his horse, Trusty, with him for personal appearances. In 1963, Texas Bruce signed off with his final "Hasta la vista, vaqueros."

IN THE MIA (MISSING IN ACTION) FILE—Where is singer SamueL ? He hasn’t been on the STL stage recently.












BLIND BITZ. Which former STL pro athlete was recently arrested, charged and shortly released for non payment of a parking ticket? (He was part of a power team in the 1990s, not born in the STL, has consonants that begin and end his first and last name and he was THE ”center’ of attention during his career. )

EVENT-BITZ.
Black In America, THE BLACK WOMAN & FAMILY viewing @ YWCA Metro St. Louis, 3820 W. Pine Blvd. (located on SLU Campus), discussion to follow with Charles "Scully" Stikes PhD. 314.531.1115 ext 285 or dmatthews@ywcastlouis.org

to confirm attendance.‏

Legacy Books & Café 9th Anniversary, Poetry, Vendors Marketplace, Music, Performances and more- July 23rd - 27th, 2008 ; Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:40 Black In America 8 p.m. Wed. July 23 and 8 p.m. Thurs. July 24. A special two part community screening of the CNN series facilitated by David A.N. Jckson at Legacy, 5249 Delmar Blvd (near Delmar and Union) $5. 314 367-6657 aft 10am
314 430-9816 pgr. ; 314 361-2015 noon ofc ; 314 995-9570 VMail

The 8th Annual St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase 8th Annual St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase thru July 24, 2008. They are now on sale at the Tivoli Theatre box office (5-10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 2-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday). All tickets are $10 each; $8 for students with valid and current photo ID and for Cinema St. Louis members with valid membership cards. Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. No phone sales, but tickets can be purchased online ). Chris Clark, Artistic DirectorCinema St. LouisCentene Center for Arts and Education3547 Olive StreetSt. Louis, MO 63103-1014Main line: 314-289-4150Chris direct: 314-289-4152 Cell: 314-448-3456Fax 314-289-4159 http://www.cinemastlouis.org/

Drama House Thursdays presents Clean Comedy at In Spot, 5854A Delmar, Thursday, July 24. Doors at 8 p.m. Show at 9 p.m. This Thursday features Arvin Mitchell and Davey Dave. $5 Admission. Info: www.inspotlounge.com

Stress Free Fridays Friday, July 25, 2008, 5pm-UNTIL, Drunken Fish, 1 Maryland Plaza, 1-314-367-4222. Stress Free Fridays will be visiting Drunken Fish, located in the heart of the Central West End...enjoy thirst-quenching liquid libations, Asian inspired cuisine and a truly vibrant and relaxing atmosphere...do not hear about the fun that you missed when you can be apart of the festivities. Bring your business cards and a friend and be prepared to network as you never know who might be in attendance...if you are celebrating a special event in your life, email Mario at wayne_mario@yahoo.com or Mark Anthony at maj_826@yahoo.com. Please visit our new and improved website: http://www.stressfreefridays.ning.com/

You are invited to the Happy Hour for the Fall Asian Couture and Cultural Event at India Rasoi, 25 North Euclid Avenue, Friday, July 25, 2008 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Also Save the date for the Fall Asian Couture and Cultural Event set for September 27th at Mandarin Lounge. We'll be taking reservations at the upcoming happy hour on Friday, July 25th! Join us and make your reservations early. Aspiring models are encouraged to attend if you wish to be included in the Fall show. General admission $10 in advance; $15 at the door; and VIPs $75. For more information or to RSVP, please call 314.726.3117.

Who Are You, A real Chat Session, Fri. July 25 at Rustin ‘s Place, 625 n Euclid, Suite 220, St. Louis. Info: 314.367.2169. waayouth@gmail.com, www.myspace.com/rustins_place. Food provided.

Thro Down and V Luv present Whos the hottest Solo or Group acts, Fri. July 25 at Spruills, 1101 N. Jefferson. Doors at 9 p.m. $5 before 11 p.m. general info or sign up info call 314.574.9601, bishopvluv@yahoo.com

100 Black Men Prostate Cancer Walk "Rally" - Sat., July 26th @ 11AM-3PM at 100 Headquarters 4631 Delmar‏.

8th Annual Community Empowerment Festival, Sat. July 26, 2008, 11am-4pm @ Chambers Park (at Compton & Franklin 1 block S. of MLK) http://www.jvlinitiative.com/, vashonjeffvander@sbcglobal.net

or 314.371.8585

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MOCHA’s CORNER

GOT Lyrics IS ON HIATUS.......................Ladies Night OUT Thursdays at Dante's hosted by Mocha Latte . Ladies Free Admission and Drinks til Midnite………….. The Best Damn Friday Night Period at the Skybox in the Landing. Doors open at 9 p.m. All free til 10 p.m…………………. Pick up an Evening Whirl on Mondays and check out Mocha Latte’s column COFFEE TALK!

In a few days The Cheesecake Factory will announce a very special offer in honor of our 30th anniversary. However, as is customary at the Insider's Table, we wanted to share the news with you first! What's all the excitement about? On Wednesday, July 30, Cheesecake Factory restaurants nationwide will offer every delicious slice of our more than 30 varieties of cheesecake for $1.50 per slice - just like we did when we opened our first restaurant back in 1978! It's no coincidence that Wednesday, July 30, also happens to be National Cheesecake Day. After all, what better time to enjoy the cheesecake you absolutely love! As you know, sharing is part of the fun at The Cheesecake Factory so feel free to share the news about this special offer with your friends. So, come celebrate with us on National Cheesecake Day! And, stay tuned for more news about the 30th Anniversary Celebration!

COMING SOON....... THE RETURN OF THE "ALL NEW "SUNDAY NIGHT SHINDIG!!!! STARTING SUNDAY AUGUST 10TH AT LUSH I WANT TO SEE YOU IN THE BUILDING

Loose Cannon Weekend the Remix August 15-177, 3 days—4 events. For more info, VIp Tix, or to register teams call 3154.646.9917. www.myspace.com/teamloosecannon

SPRING INTO FITNESS... CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE

http://www.mvpfitness.net/ /OR CALL 314-831-7505 Please tell them Mocha Latte' referred you.

MOCHA'S SPOTLIGHT

Writer, poet, singer, musician. Te’ V. Smith is a talent worth seeking out! From his humorous and playful yet educational political and social songs to his mind and soul challenging poetry he has amazed crowds from Kentucky to Paris France.
An accomplished jazz pianist and soul writer his debut onto the national scene came mid 2007 when he joined the legendary “Roots” for a 5 city tour sharing the gift of word through poetry and song. With a strong following on the poetry/spoken word circuit Mr. Smith is sure to continue to push the envelope, raise the bar and change lives.

Other credits include: The Washington Post’ 100 most influential writers of the next generation 1997 ; Guest youth poet at le deil with Saul Williams and Ani Difranco 2000; featured on BET’s Lyric Café 2006; guest performer for Floetry’ “Floetry remix Tour” 2007; and featured artist on Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam 2007
HEAR HIM SHARE HIS LIFE at WWW.MYSPACE.COM/TEVSMITH

Contact Mocha Lattte if you want to book him.For more info on these events, contact Miss Latte at 314.646.9917 or sgalvin26@yahoo.com
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FOX FILES

The Robert Plant & Alison Krauss concert at the Fox Theatre on June 19th has been RESCHEDULED to September 24th. Update: Due to a change in schedules, the previously announced planned additional September 25th performance will not be added and the filming of the performances will now not take place. Tickets for the June 19th performance will be honored at the September 24th show. If you have purchased tickets to the June 19th performance and are unable to attend on September 24th, please contact MetroTix at 314/534-1111.

Melissa Etheridge The Revival Tour 2008 Fox Theatre Monday, August 11 • 8 p.m. On-Sale Information: Purchase tickets at the Fox Box Office, MetroTix outlets or by calling 314/534-1111. Order tickets online at http://www.metrotix.com/. ....................................................................... Melissa Etheridge The Revival Tour 2008 Fox Theatre Monday, August 11 • 8 p.m. On-Sale Information: Tickets on sale this NOW! Purchase tickets at the Fox Box Office, MetroTix outlets or by calling 314/534-1111. Order tickets online at http://www.metrotix.com/. Fox Concerts presents Melissa Etheridge at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on August 11 at 8 p.m. Come and experience the anthemic power, compassion and generosity of spirit that is unlike any other live music performer. Melissa Etheridge’s latest album, The Awakening has been described as a collection of powerful and playful yet confessional and engaging songs that are personal as well as universal. Time after time, her concert performances reaffirm her enduring status as one of the greatest all-time female rock icons……………………………… Evening WithDOLLY PARTONThursday, August 14 • 8 pmat the Fabulous Fox Theatre!$59.50, $54.50, $49.50, $44.50A limited number of Gold Circle seats are also available. On-Sale Information:Tickets on sale this Saturday, June 14 – phones and onlineat 10 am and box office and outlets at 11 am!Purchase tickets at the Fox Box Office, MetroTix outletsor by calling 314/534-1111.Order tickets online at http://www.metrotix.com/. Summer Tour 2008, THINK FAST, STEELY DAN steelydan.com Monday, August 18 • 8 p.m. Fabulous Fox Theatre On-Sale Information: Tickets on sale Saturday, June 21 at 10AM! Purchase tickets at the Fox Box Office, MetroTix outlets or by calling 314/534-1111. Order tickets online at http://www.metrotix.com/.
KETC / CHANNEL 9 presents CHRIS BOTTI Saturday, September 13 • 8 pm At the Fabulous Fox Theatre! THE U.S. Bank Broadway Series Shows and Specials: Oprah Winfrey presents THE COLOR PURPLE, October 21-November 2, 2008; SWEENEY TODD, November 14-16, 2008CATS, November 28-30, 2008 LEGALLY BLONDE the Musical, January 20-February 1, 2009
!
; The Rep presents SPRING AWAKENING, February 10-22, 2009; CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY, March 17-29, 2009; Dance St. Louis presents STOMP, April 3-5, 2009HAIRSPRAY, April 24-26, 2009Dance St. Louis presents RIVERDANCE, May 1-3, 2009; A CHORUS LINE, May 12-24, 2009RENT, June 2-7, 2009MARY POPPINS, AUGUST 13-30, 2009; THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, September 23-October 17, 2009 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Alpha Theta Omega Christian Sorority Inc. /The Anointed Ladies of the Delta Chapter present A Holy Ghost Party, JMRJ Restaurant, 2800 Olive, Sat. , July 26. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $10 Cover, $8 with a canned good, $7 for Greeks, $5 for AO family. Music, fun and fellowship.

EVENT SPOTLIGHTS:

SRD and Wright Ministries present THE COLOR OF RAIN, July 26 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Harris Stowe State UniversityStowe State University. Our Early Bird Price: $15.00 General Price: $20.00 - $25.00; Written by Sherry Wright-Gully Directed by
Talichia Noah, Ryan Cunningham, Assistant; Song Lyrics & Music by
Jesse Prather, Jr. Purchase your tickets online. If you would like to become a sponsor or make a donation you may do so on our site under BOX OFFICE. To take advantage of our discounted ticket price you must ACT NOW! We understand the condition of our current economy. Therefore, we have extended our Early Bird special until Saturday. You may also call 314.583.7556 or srdproductions@yahoo.com.
HURRY you must BUY NOW to SAVE!

AND

SOUL STYLZ presents "INVITE" The Official All White Affair : FREE with Invite Pass, Saturday July 26, 2008 9pm-1:30am The Architect House at 4246 McPherson Ave St.Louis MO, 63108Invite is a FREE celebration that's held at the hottest see-and-be-seen spots in the Midwest. Invite allow people who demand a relaxed ambiance amongst trend setters, forward thinkers, and VIPs' who live extraordinary lives, the opportunity to dine, laugh, socialize, and groove with the elite. Invite cards will be given; for a FREE night of music, and style. Our invite is simple: Sexy, Exclusive, and Style, that's what we ask. So remember, where there is no Price, no Lines, and everyone is V.I.P there is "INVITE". Invite Card Holders Info: Free Admission + Guest Free Valet Parking until 11:00PM Bypass Line Drink Specials *Table Reservations please contact 314.497.3861 or info@soulstylz.com



AND

Casino Royale hosted by The Konnection, Singlesvibe an After Hours July 26 at Lumiere Hotel 9 p.m. to 3 am $10 Admission. Info: http://www.singlesvibe.com/

R&B diva Miki Howard performs a 8 p.m., Sat. July 26 at the Jazz spot, 400 Washington Ave. (WS Hotel) with special guest Gloria Brand. Tickets $40 ADV $45 at door. Info: 314.588.7867.

Singer Teresa jenee will have her T-Day (Teresa B-Day) Sun. July 27, , 8 p.m. at the Paul Brown Lofts, 208 N. 9th Street. Info: 314.302.1837

Dat Dead Music Group presents block DVD Vol 3 So Sexy Release Party and Hustle City Showcase, Sun. July 27 at Dantes (corner of Olive and comption0 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Ladies Free til midnite. Tickets 410. Info: 314.727.6209.

Join Us for a Gallery Talk with the artists of the street art exhibition Screwed In,
Wednesday, July 30 at the Regional Arts Commission. The artists Chris Burch, Stan Chisholm, David Langley, Chris Sabatino, Justin Tolentino, Bryan Walsh and Peat Wollaeger will discuss their collaborative installation and mural in The Gallery as well as their individual work in RAC 's studio space. Wednesday, July 30, 6:30pm reception, 7pm talk WHERE: The Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd.
(314) 863-5811, www.art-stl.com

PARKING: Free parking available behind The Pageant on the Metrolink lot
and on the street after 7pm.

St. Louis Black Pride August 15-17, 2008. For mor einfo: http://www.stlouisblackpride.org/





AUDITION BITZ . It's Just Me April. I'm looking for all kinds of talent for a promotional live show to be held at a cafe in Indianapolis Indiana. If you sing R&B,Soul,Jazz,Gospel, Neo Soul,Country,Blues,Rap,Rock what ever. If you play any kind of instrument, spoken word, dance, 1-3 person stage act. Please contact me at jmproductionsllc@aol.com JOB-ITZ City Light is a gospel video production company that continues to grow on and on and on!!!!!!!!!!!! We are currently looking for a professional independent videographer who is experienced in filming, creative and skilled in editing with alove for video and eager to learn with an ability to travel. We are also looking for an additional shooter and PA's free to travel and an interest in assisting on the following: Urban League National Conference..........August 2008 City TBA Live Gospel Music Video.........................October, 2008 Durham, NC Church musical service............................October, 2008 Durham, NC Gospel Music Video .............................. September, 2008 Durham, NC (2) Gospel Music Video................................Date TBA Denver, CO All PA's travel and hotel fully paid with possibly 1 to 2 meals per work day Camera operator hourly pay per work hour along with travel and hotel fully paid. Skilled students and ladies are encouraged to apply!!!!!!!!!!!!! All interested please reply to this email stlfilmwire@kdhx.org and put or leave Employment in Subject Line! no phone calls please! Thank You for your interest in working with City Lights!!!!!!!!!!! HELP-BITZ NEW: Former radio perosonality Craig Blac is seeking haircutters to donate their skills for the 7th Annual Community Cutz for Kids, Aug. 12 at Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club abd the Monsanto YMCA in the ST; and Belleville Barber College in the Jackie Joyner Kersee center in East St. Louis. Info: 314.266.2742 or craigblac@gmail.com........ NEW: Sarah Thompson is chairing a fundraising event for Independence Center – an internationally-recognized, local non-profit that supports adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses. It is one of the top models of its kind in the world and is an incredibly amazing organization. The event is entitled Summer Fusion and will feature a special night of music, drinks and great eats all on the second floor terrace balcony of the newly completed Independence Center in the Central West End. It’s fantastic with a great view of the city and the balcony lights make it fantastic at night! For the first time ever, Latin rock sensation Javier Mendoza will perform on the same stage with local R&B and soul sensation Coco Soul. One of St. Louis’ favorite restaurants, Jimmy’s on the Park, will provide a delicious fusion cuisine of items off the restaurant menu. There will also be great wine and drinks such as the Fusion Cocktail. All the proceeds benefit Independence Center. Full details are below. If you love the best music and food St. Louis has to offer and, most importantly, want to support an often overlooked cause such mental health, I would love for you to attend. On a side note, her mother has worked in the mental health field as a psychiatric social worker for over 40 years. Her profession allowed me to see the need and benefit of organizations and services that support those living with mental illnesses such as Independence Center. It has become an important cause for me as I see the need for organized support in our city and community. She would greatly appreciate your support and attendance for this event. Please save the date for Sunday, August 24th at 5:00pm or buy tickets now. Info: 314-898-8388........................................................STL Poet Floyd IMPAKT Boykin and his wife Jacquette would like you all to votes for their baby boy Floyd Jr in the Majic 104.9 Baby Idol Cutest Baby Contest! He is listed as "Floyd B" under the "E-J" button. Voting started Monday. Please go to the web site and vote for him to win (http://www.kmjm.com/pages/babyidol.html.....................
G & G Casting is currently scouting talent. Based out of Chicago, G &G was hoping to connect with some folks in St. Louis. If you know of any individuals who are serious about their craft and have experience and/or professional head shots and resumes please let me know. G & G is currently revising their web site, but they do have a basic splash page. I have attached the link as a reference: http://www.gandgcasting.com/ Please direct talent to me, that I may review their material and touch base with each individual before it's forwarded to the Executive Director. If talent sends incomplete or inadequate material directly to G & G it may get discarded. Call or e-mail me with any questions. Talk to you soon!Tamekeyo House630-729-4169...................................................... REGISTER NOW FOR THE CHRYS YVETTE ACTING STUDIO WORKSHOP STARTING JULY 12TH! At the Chrys Yvette Acting Studio you will learn valuable skills that will help you master the art of working and not just auditioning. Many spend most of their time training more than they do acting. Not here, we are looking for actors to train with the C.Y.A.S. Technique, and put you right to work on one of our movies, plays, showcases, sitcom pilots, or soundtracks. We donʼt just train, we get you the job too! TO REGISTER VISIT http://www.cyactingstudio.com/ OR CALL 314-221-4198 SCHEDULE SATURDAYS 12PM-2PM STARTING JULY 12TH SUNDAYS 4PM-6PM THROUGH AUGUST 31ST Ms. Yvetteʼs extensive hands on training will guide you through seven steps that will enhance your acting ability and give you the confidence you need to succeed in the entertainment business. So if you know that you were born to be a superstar and you just need that extra push to jumpstart your career register today, and move into your destiny! Cost: $20 per session This class is followed by a showcase by the Chrys Yvette Acting Studio actors and a reception with industry insiders!.................................................CreativeWorks, LLC is officially bringing back the smashing, hit inspirational comedy Meeting at the Elder's Circle: The Gathering of the Ushers. After another revision of script, cast and crew, God has opened the door of opportunity to have this wonderful production produced by Footlights Productions, August 14-24, 2008 at Christ Church Cathedral. Why I am sending you this message? With your efforts and assistance, this show will be a great success. I am in need of contacts and promotional opportunities inorder to get the "word out". Please assist me accordingly. I will be most appreciative. For all inquiries, please email meetingattheeldercircle@gmail.com. ………………………….Believing in Excellence in Education is a 6 week> life-skills summer program for ages 10-18 designed to> empower young people to BEE the best they can be. The> program focuses on etiquette/manners, social> responsibility, financial responsibility, internet safety,> peer pressure and more at the Emerson YMCA on Pershall Road (near hwy 270 &> West Florissant).> > Classes meet every Friday evening for 6 weeks from 6pm-9pm> and ends in a cotillion/beautillion so students can show> off their newly learned skills. For more information or log onto> http://www.beelieve.org/ ....................................... ……………………………………………….Stray Dog Theatre Hop into spring dance classes for children taught by Sheila Rabbitt - professional teacher/choreographer http://www.sheilarabbittanddancers.org/ Come learn beginning modern and jazz dance in a positive environment where children will not only learn steps but create their own dances. Great for kids just starting out and those with some experience! Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:45-5:45 pm 4:45-5:45 pm Children 6-9 Children 10-12 Cost $48 for 8 week session Class size is limited. Early registration suggested. Please call Sheila Rabbitt at (314) 898-0374 to register. LOCATION Tower Grove Abbey 2336 Tennessee Avenue..................................... Stray Dog Theatre 2008 SUMMER ON STAGEChildren’s Theatre Arts Camps for Kindergarten – 5th Grade* Join Stray Dog Theatre’s ARTS IN MIND for a summer season of theatre camps.Camps are taught by theatre professionals and offer a variety of hands-on fun and education, culminating in a week’s end play for friends and family. Snacks and materials are provided. Space is limited, so make your reservation today. Come join the fun! TIME9:00am – 12:00noon LOCATION Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 COST $100 per child, per week (Check, Money Order, or Credit Card)CONTACT Call for information and registration (314) 276-9039 and http://www.towergroveabbey.org/ .......................................Kobalt Books has just inked a movie-production dealwith Factor Media Group/Applecrate Films/OmniquestMedia to develop the true life story of Rev. BurtonBarr Jr. and his autobiography, “The HoodlumPreacher”, into a feature film. The publisher, KobaltBooks, is currently looking to raise development fundsfor this film. Potential investors will come on asmanaging members of the company thatproduces thefilm.For More Investment Info, Contact:Cedric Mixon at 314-503-5462........................................Shante LIFE Davis is offering tutoring services forthe youth for grades 1-12. If you are aware of anyonewho is in need of some extra educational support,please feel free to contact her or give them hercontact information. Shante "LIFE" Davis(314)418-9803................STL rapper/producer J-Kwon-has a new label deal and we are looking for someinterns to work on the new label HOOD HOP MUSICgraphicdesigners street team female street team club streetteam models internet teams (e-blasting,bloggers,writers)We are looking for the best. So instead ofjust grabbing the person that says they are the best,we are looking for people to SHOW us they are the best at what they do. The bread-winners will be put onpayroll with a permanent job with the company. If youthink you will be the next hottest publicist, model,A&R, sponsorship writer, whatever it is that you do,then get at us! If you can do mixtape covers, adcovers, posters, willing to do street team work and beapart of this new label contact me directly at kanecc@tmail.com …………………………..Joel P. E. King, owner of JPEK CreativeWorks LLC and The Space, wants to make an offer to those of you who are in search for party and event space. Close to 2,000 square feet of available spacefor your next event, wedding party, baby shower, art exhibition and more. Here at The Space, you willacquire elegance, convenience and wonderful hospitality. The Space located at 320-24 N.Vandeventer (off Lindell Blvd. in SLU area) Contact:314.494.5976 or 314.494.9095................Saint Louis has a new STREET TEAM. STL Promotions Professional Staff ,On time reporting with Pictures Electronic Marketing:E-Cards, E-Blast, Website Presence, Guerilla Marketing Techniques, Service Street, Radio, College, and Mixtape DJs, Special Events, Telephone Conferences,Retail, Market Visits, Professional Marketing Strategy for Saint Louis, Premium Product Placement, Exposure every day and every night at every event Our machine operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!!!! We will exceed your expectations!!! Contact us at 314-750-6806................


ONGOING BITZ


NEW: The St. Louis Poetry Slam will be holding a preliminary qualifying round for all interested poets wanting a chance to make the team to go on and represent St. Louis in The National SLAM Competition held later this year. Come out and sign up to make your spot on the team. Rounds starts at 9:45 pm at Legacy Books and Café before the regularly scheduled Open mic.on Fridays. Come out and be a Judge, Audience member, or Competitor (Sign up is at the door. *$5 cover. For more info, call David A. N. Jackson 314 995-9570


NEW: The Soulition and Absolut present Chocolate Sunday with Dj Needles, 9 p.m. at 609/The U Lounge, 609 Eastgate. Ladies Free til 11 p.m., Ladies $3, fellas $5.



NEW. Fred and Harry Inc. presents Champagne Sundays at Sol Lounge, 4241 Lindell, 3:30 p.m. Cocktails $5, Cover $3. For more info go to http://www.1stfriday-stl.com/ NEW. The Head Nodders Ball w DJ Needles Mondays at the Delmar Lounge, 6235 Delmar 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. $3 Cover..........................



NEW: Neo Soul singer Silky Sol and Good for the Sol perform Sundays at Janae’s West, 7555 Olive Blvd, 5 p.m. For more info call 314.863.7420 Mondays are Comedy Nites at Janae’s West 7555 Olive Blvd, hosted by Darius Bradford. 8:30 p.m. $10 Cover. (314)863-7420...............................



Francois Cognac and Cigar Bar presents Evening of Expressions, every Tuesday a blend of culture, spoken word and neo soul, 326 N/ Vanderventer. Free until 9 p.m. $5 after 9 p.m. For more info call Ms. Bell at 314.229.7952 or Alexander at 314.448.2939..............................



Two dollar Tease Me Tuesdays Comedy Show at the Twilight Room 8344 North Broadway, St. Louis MO. Call 314.385.4545 for more info.‏



Suite Soul Spot, 1st Tuesday of each Month at the Old Rock House, 1200 S 7th Blvd. 9 p.m. 314-588-0505.2 Dollar Tuesdays at The Spot, 8370 N Broadway. $2 to get in and $2 drink specials all nite long. Doors at 9 p.m. for more info call 314.385.4545..................



Lyric Lounge every Wednesday @ House of Comedy (formerly Laughs on theLanding), 801 N. 2nd Street Featuring Poets, R&B, NeoSoul, Jazz and Funk artist weekly……Singers and poetryslam enthusiast gather weekly to present a uniqueblend of spoken word poetry and music from local andnot so local artist…….Doors open @ 8 show starts @9…..$100 weekly cash prize to the hottestlyricist….live band …..door prizes….giveaways…….allfor only $5 at the door For more info, call 314.241.5233..........................




NEW: Fusion with DJ Needles of the Solution, Wednesdays at Posh, 408 N Euclid, 8 p.m. 21 Y.O. and up NO HATS FELLAS. FREE Roc-a- Star presents Refreshin with DJ NeedlesThursdays at Xes behind the Drunken Fish, 612. N. 2ndSt. Lacledes Landing. Ladies FREE til 11 p.m..............



NEW: Lamar Harris and The L, Wednesdays at 8 p.m. til midnite at Delmar Restaurant and Lounge6235 Delmar Blvd. Free before 10 p.m. 314) 725-6565 ·



Power Couple Inc presents XCLUSIVE THURSDAY'S A place for the business professional looking for the true benefits of an UltraLounge. Join us at Posh Ultra Lounge for a relaxing evening of music, food, and never a cover with drink specials all night. Exclusive Thursdays @ POSH... where the elite meet. Happy Hour at 5 p.m. Ultra Lounge at 9 p.m.



NEW: Milq Da Game presents Destination Thursdays at Club Society. $500 to the sexiest lady. Ladies Free til 11;30p.m. 2 for 1 drinks before 10:30 p.m. for fellas and free drinks for ladies. Info: http://www.societystl.com/



NEW: M5 Entertainment presents Rhythm and rhyme Thursdays every Thursdays. Calling all hip-hop artists, poets, singers. Royal Palace Restaurant and Lounge, 4266 Natural bridge at Lamdin. Sign up by 8:30 p.m.. Show at 9:30 p.m., Admission FREE before 9 p.m., $5 After wards.



Urban Causal Fridays hosted by Bishop V-Luv, HappyHour at Spruills, 1101 N. Jefferson. Free from6p.m.-9p.m. (2 for 1) Free food 9 p.m.-11p.m. Drink specials until midnite. Party 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Ladies free til 11 p.m. for more info call 314.574.9601 or314.625.4595 or go to www.myspace.com/URBANCASUALFRIDAYS



All Star Inc presents Grown Folks Friday at St. Louis happy Hour bar and Grill, 12948 Halls ferry at Parker Rd., with DJ Sir Thirl. Ladies Free til 11 p.m. FREE Parking. Status Fridays every Friday at Dolce Ladies $5 before 11 p.m. 9 p.m.-3 am



UPDATE: CAFE SOUL, every 3rd Friday of the Month, at Lumen, 18TH street AT 2201 LOCUST. Doors 8 p.m., Band 9 p.m. FOR VIP SEATING PLEASE CALL 314-504-7405. GET THERE EARLY! SEATING IS LIMITED!



The Virtual Lounge Expressions, A Christian based open mic every 1st Friday, Cookies jazz and More #20 AllenBlvd. Webster Groves, Mo. Doors open at 8 p.m. Cover $10. For more info go to http://www.thevirtualounge.net/



Tuff On Paper ENT presents Network and ShowcaseSaturdays every first Saturday of each month and LoveYourself Saturdays every third Saturday of each month,9.m.--until at the Spyglass, 255 Union at Lindell $5at the door. first 50 Ladies Free until 11 p.m. First25 ladies get a free drink. 21 and older. Grown andsexy attire. For showcase info hit up www.myspace.com/tuffonpaper.com or call 314.443.5001




Majic 104.9's BJ the DJ is personally inviting you to the Saturday to a straight up Old School Party...no limitation...no limitation! The house party will belive at the new Broadway Nite Club on New Halls Ferry and West Florissant! AND at the new Knockouts! For more info contact Gina Foster at 314.712.1083 or go to http://www.divaeventplanning.com/



PIECES OF A DREAM" One of the most critically-acclaimed, powerful independent films of our generation!!! ORDER IT NOW AT http://www.one-wayproductions.com/ orBy calling the Customer Service toll free# at 888-418-8637 Mon.-Fri. between 10am - 5pm (CST) & selecting option #2 (accepting debit/credit cards & checks/money orders) Get the "Pieces Of A Dream" Feature Film DVD / the Music Soundtrack CD individually available for $13 + shipping/handling orGet the "Pieces Of A Dream" Combo Pack (Both the DVD & CD) for $23 + shipping/handling. Fans worldwide are responding and joining the "Conscious" Film Movement!!! Snapping up more than 30,000 copies of the independently produced "conscious" film "PIECES OF A DREAM" DVD & Music Soundtrack CD,since it's worldwide release in December 2007.



NEW:Good Shepherd Infant and Toddler Center, 5990 Page. Now Enrolling. School age children welcome. Info: 314.725.5710



Check out Leannett Payne’’s CHOCOLATE BLOG by emailing her at Leannettpayne@yahoo.com!



NEW: Catch all the latest STL entertainment sites, sounds and interviews at http://www.ohhmy.net/



UC ME Radio with Murphy lee, Kyjuan and comedian Darius Bradford, 6 p.m. Sundays on 100.3 The Beat.



NEW: For your hip-hop ministry and Christian music services check out Mynista’s website at http://www.reverbnation.com/mynistaakadoctawuzdead?eid=591050_2558942


NEW: Check out author and activist Keith Boykin’s new website Daily Voice at http://www.thedailyvoice.com/



NEW: Hear new music from STL singer Silky Sol at http://www.myspace.com.redafroqueen/


For all your photography needs go to www.lanceomarthurman.com/ The Black Rep's blog, Black Reppin. It can be found on its website, http://www.theblackrep.org/ or directly at http://theblackrep.blogspot.com/



Bosley and Associates Traffic Law Centers .Suspensions, Speeding. Revocations. DWI. PointProblems. Accidents. Frison ‘s Flea Market, 7025 St.Charles Rock Rd., Fri-Sunday 9 am-5 p.m. or Big TopFlea Market, 367 Chambers Road. For more info, call314.621.1744



NEW: Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc. Patrinna Wiley & Eric LaGrone Independent Associates Small Business and Group Specialists Identity Theft/Restoration Services We give members access to professional legal counsel not only for traditional legal problems, but for everyday events such as buying a house or a car, creating a will, handling a problem with an insurance company, dealing with identity theft, and much more where legal review should be routine, but rarely is. These events can be among the most important events in a person's life, yet there is a tendency for them to take place without proper legal review. For Pre-Paid Legal members, access to legal counsel is only a toll-free phone call away. Call to set up your appointment.Office: (314) 837-6779 Cell Patrinna: (314) 581-9888 Cell Eric: (314) 713-7803



If you want to get on Vanita Applebum's entertainment newsletter, email her at www.myspace.com/vanitaapplebum



Check out Lisa Rose blogsite on Strong PositiveBlack Sisters at
http://www.positivesisters.blogspot.com/ or go to her my space page at www.myspace.com/lisarose08



Check out blog http://www.sistersnineties.blogspot.com/ for local literary group


Sister’s Nineties Afrocentric literary activities for the family and youngsters.



Check out Lachrisa Crenshaw’s spa products at http://www.warmspirit.org/ or call her at (314)401-0710



Check out Diversity Gallery, for all of your naturalhair and beauty needs as well its café located at 6150Delmar Blvd. in the Delmar loop.For more info call314.721.3361 or email at diversitygallery@netzero.net



For body painting, makeup, face painting wigs andother special effects, contact Jessica Dana at http://www.jessicadana.com/ or go to www.myspace.com/jessicadada13



Check out STLdee-jay Enoch online with his own radioplaylist.The Flow: Music Lounge. Peep it out at http://www.flowink.com/player-popup.html or go to his myspace page www.myspace/enochisreal.



For all your STL hip-hop info needs, go to http://www.stlhiphop.com/!



STL videographer Dana Christian has a website where people can send their professional music videos and films to get exposed. Itis http://www.spitflix.com/.



Well that will be it,.Thanks all for your comments and keep em comin. Hit me up at maatspear@yahoo.comfor pub or info you want on OUTTOWN.


UNTIL THEN...SEE YA OUTSIDE!