The Humor Mill Magazine

Volume 4 Issue 5 May 17 -May23, 2009

From Leading Lady To New Reality Show Producer Of The Cougar, This Cat Is Ready To Roar!

Staff Founder / Publisher Frank Holder Chief Financial Officer Kevin Layne Chief Operations Officer Brien Kelley, Esq. Editor-At- Large Sacre Wills Layout, Design & Graphic Art Editor Bernadette Holder PresidentTelevision Division Ray Murphy, Jr. TV Segment Producer Harlan Endelman Photo Editor Allen Zaki Columnists Tony Spires Peppur Chambers Darryl Littleton Lamont King Alice Fuller Monique Logan DJ Sidekick Movie Reviews Frank Holder PhotographersThis Issue Chuck Aghoian Frank Holder ZsanaĂŠ Head ShotsWire Image Photos

www.humormillmag.com http://humormillmag.blogspot.com www.youtube.com/TheHumorMilll www.myspace.com/humormillcomedynewsletter

The content of this Magazine is copy written (2007-’08) by The Humor Mill Magazine, DBA Holder Publishing, LLC. and may not be reprinted or retransmitted or reproduced without proper credit given to its origin.

Credits Special Thanks Vivica Fox Jazsmin Lewis Red Grant Kevin Steib Stan Lathan Lee Gaither Beneka Ward Richard Gumbs Brien Kelley Chuck Aghoian Dayna Dooley

Vivica Fox Photo Shoot Cover, & Pgs 3, 4, 37 Randee St. Nichols Make-up Rea Ann Silva Hair- Roberts Rogers Stylist-Fati Parsia Pg 2 & 35 Photos Photo Neiko Hair/make up- Tysuela Hill Stylist- Leonard

Donte Barrett Photo Shoot

Photos- Chuck Aghoian Models: Dayna Dooley and LaRayia Gaston Make Up-Ladori Garcia

Contents Comedy News

The biggest news this past week was the news of the Richard Pryor film and the news about Eddie Murphy bowing out, plus the latest about the new show from Cedric The Entertainer, the new legal problems following Eddie Griffin, the death of a great comedian, and the latest from Nick Cannon’s camp.

Urban Hollywood

This week we have news that the rapper Common is expanding his acting portfolio- and we are not talking about his new role in Terminator: Salvation. Plus there is news that has leaked about the new film from Jaden Smith about the remake of The Karate Kid, and news from actors Tyrese Gibson and his new venture, plus Preston Whitmore’s new film.

Vivica Fox~ This Fox Is The Cat’s Meow!

This issue we interview one of the best African American actresses and we ask her about her new venture behind-the scenes about her new reality TV show titled The Cougar. We also ask her about her new projects that she has coming up and we talk about her thoughts on why she decided to get behind the scenes instead of in front of the cameras. A very intimate look at one of the great ones, check out her interview in this issue.

Departments Humor Mail

As usual, here are some of the letters and emails we have gotten from you in the last couple of weeks. Take a look at some of the reader’s thoughts and see if some of them mirror your own.

Star Spotlight~ Zoe Saldana

By Antonia Andullerro From her films Drumline, Guess Who, The Terminal, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl to the new Star Trek film just to name a few, actress Zoe Saldana is very quickly making a name for herself in Hollywood. Our writer takes a look at this amazing new career of this actress who is turning heads because of her beauty and acting, and is very quickly becoming a household name. On the horizon; a definite spot in the Star Trek Hall of fame, and we mean that literally.

Cougars-Let Your Purrs Be Heard!

By Alice Fuller

In unison with the theme of this issue, our new writer explores the plight of an older woman dating a younger man and her thoughts on the subject. Not just for Vivica Fox, but for any older woman thinking of dating a younger man.

Pictured here just arriving is R&B Singer Ashanti at the red carpet premiere of the film Next Day Air in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

Departments Comedian Of The Week~ Alex Ortiz

Photo: By Chuck Aghoian

Another comedian we catch up with, who is turning heads in the comedy world is comedian Alex Ortiz. We catch up with him from Korea as he discusses working on the road and how he became a professional, working, on-theroad comic. He also discusses his new films, his new TV Show, and how he finally got what he wished forand it wasn't what he expected. We also ask him about being a Latin comic in the world of urban comedy and we got some funny answers!

Style With‌ Donte Barrett

This week we got a chance to give you a look at a comedian in LA on the come-up!

Comedian Donte Barrett and model LaRayia Gaston during our photo shoot in Hollywood.

Departments The Great Yard Bird War

By Tony Spires The Comedy Doctor

Our featured columnist and the founder of The Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Comedy Festival gives us some more food for thought As he informs us that there is a war brewing right under our noses! What war, and who is involved, and most importantly how does it affect me? Well read his article and find out!

Movie Reviews

Brand New~ Music Reviews

By DJ Sidekick

One of the hottest DJ’s in LA gives us his top 5, plus he takes a look at some of the songs that just missed.

Photographer: Frank Holder

This week we review the hit films from this past weekend starting with the big block buster Star Trek, and we also give you a look at the urban block buster Next Day Air. Is it worth the money, or should you skip both? Our reviewer gives his two cents.

Now That Barack Is In Charge!

By Darryl Littleton

Another article this week from book author, comedian Darryl Littleton.

Check out his new and latest chapter titled Elvis Was A Hero To Most. Another interesting read!

Pictured here comedian and actor Mike Epps and his wife Michelle Epps arriving at the red carpet premiere of the film Next Day Air in Hollywood.

Departments Things Change

By Peppur Chambers

One of our new columnists gives us a funny look at an old commercial and her take on the thought of that commercial. Anyway, it’s a pretty funny column, so take a look-see.

Lamontologues: Swine Fluke: How The Chicken Beat The Pig

By Lamont King

Ok, from this title, need we say more? Well, anyway, let us introduce you to a comedian and writer who is one of our featured writers this week so we can bring you his own unique style.

Check him out, as he is not only funny- he has lots of food for thought.

1st Amendment Exposé- The Jokes On U Street

Photo: Frank Holder

By Monique Logan

Our writer goes behind the scenes at the taping of Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment and interviews comedians during the taping of the show. We get an inside look at the production and more on how the show develops and what goes on during the tapings, plus an inside look at the comic thoughts and more! It’s an article you don’t want to miss!

Pictured here is actress Denyce Lawton at the red carpet premiere of the new film Next Day Air in Hollywood.

Editor’s Page To All Of Our Readers,

Photo: Frank Holder

Comedian Ian Edwards inside Trippin’ On Tuesday at the Improv in Hollywood.

The past couple of weeks really opened up my eyes to what really goes on in Hollywood. What do I mean? Well, I am still upset that after going to the red carpet premiere of Next Day Air, we were treated horribly. But this article is not even about me, and I won’t go into details but my point for this week is that the execs in Hollywood should really hire people of color for certain events and certain films- or should at least hire people who are completely aware of the product they are pushing.

Prime example-without naming names; how does a semi-star of a film get turned away from his own after party? I mean the film he was starring in, he can’t get access to the after party with the other celebrities?

Wow! Someone really needs to take a hard look at that, and at The Humor Mill as we are the ONLY urban comedy magazine, in attendance for your urban comedy film and we had a real hard time gaining access. After that debacle, I need to let the world know that this happened and this is the first step.

Frank Holder Publisher Humor Mill Magazine

Mail To The Humor Mill Magazine; Once again, The Humor Mill Magazine has been able to open up about an actor I love! I love Chico Benymon! He came to my school and I just loved his personality! Thanks to your magazine for giving me a little more, especially since Half & Half was yanked off the air.

Marina Del Santos Boston, MA Ed NOTE: We thank you for your kind words, and will pass along this info to Chico.

Humor Mill Magazine;

Tamika Grady Birmingham, Al Ed NOTE: You should note that Chico does plan to do a concert tour and we are sure he is gonna be in your area next year.

Pictured here is comedian and actor Affion Crockett at the red carpet premiere of the film Next Day Air in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

I have to say Chico Benymon never looked so good! I was surprised to see him in your last issue, and I thought he was a black James Bond! Tell that brotha that we love him in the South and he should visit us with his new song and maybe even do a concert.

Mail The Humor Mill: I didn’t know Chico Benymon was trying to be such a pretty boy! But he is fine, I will give him that. To my surprise he is also a singer! Wow! I had no idea that he was sooooo talented! Thanks to your magazine for giving me another look at another actor who is talented and Hollywood is not taking a look at- yet. AND, love what Chico has planned and I look forward to seeing him in some other TV programs real soon. It’s always good to see a Black MAN doing something positive, even if it doesn’t get the kind of media coverage it should.

Comedian Nacole Williams upstairs inside the Laugh Factory at The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Jenifer Hunter Las Vegas, NV Humor Mill Magazine;

Holder

Annette Watkins Omaha, NB

Photo: Frank Holder Photo: Frank

What a great photo shoot from Chico! I wish they were posters! He is very fine. When will he be back on TV? He seemed to be skating around some of the questions about that, but he did give me an inside look at how he got on in Hollywood. Love to hear stories like that and I hope his single is hot, and he continues to do his doodoo!

Mail Thanks to your magazine for getting the exclusive with Chico Benymon, as it was very eye opening. I was never a big person on his acting, but I can say that he did make me enjoy Half & Half. I loved the show, and I was hoping that maybe he would have gotten his own show as a spin-off like they did for Mo’Nique. Yes, I know he’s not that talented of an actor, but he is a funny comedian on the show. Anyway, the interview opened up my eyes to his other abilities, and if Will Smith sees something in him, I am sure he is talented. After all, what do I know?

Shannon Jones Phoenix, AZ

Photo: Frank Holder

To The Humor Mill Magazine;

To The Humor Mill Magazine; I was not too happy with your choice of a cover feature when you guys decided to interview Chico Benymon. I do think he has something there, but not enough to warrant your attention. After listening to his interview, the brother clearly has a lot going on, but he also didn’t give you guys a chance to ask more questions. That was on a long interview! What went wrong? On another note, I am not sure if he can sing, but something is there for him to be able to get the attention of others like Will Smith. Well, please let Chico Benymon know that he skated on your cover, and he should really do something for his career because we haven’t seen him in anything!

Comedian D’ Lai upstairs inside the Laugh Factory at The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show at The Laugh Factory in Hollywood.

Tisha Jackson Derry New hampshire Ed NOTE: You clearly didn’t read or listen to the interview. Chico has several projects coming up, a couple of films he’s starred in and was most recently in The Fantasia Barrino Story. Not too sure here, but after reading your email, you sound like a hater. Keep an eeye open, Chico has a couple of things about to drop, and that’s the reason why we chose him, because we like to be ahead of everyone else.

Comedian DC Ervin right after his performance at Big Spike’s Mo’ Betta Mondays at The Improv in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

Mail Humor Mill Magazine; Your magazine always finds a way to highlight the unknown, and I love that! To pick a comedian like Grady for an interview was MAJOR! That dude destroys the stage, and I have seen him many years in Chicago and I always wondered what is taking him so long to blow! At least your magazine recognizes great talent. Let them be heard!

Richard Gentry Chicago, IL To The Humor Mill;

Photo: Frank Holder

Grady has always been a funny comedian to me, but is the industry really picking him to be the future? If so, then I am amazed because while I do find him to be funny, for them to be picking his to be the next one baffles me.

There are a lot more funnier comics than him.

Tina Wright Los Angeles, CA Humor Mill Magazine, Great choice for comedian of the week! Grady has been doing it for years and I love his comedy. I recently got a chance to catch him when I made a stop in Los Angeles and I was pleasantly surprised. Thanks for the info on who is the next comic to watch out for. I enjoy the suspense on seeing your next choice!

UNKNOWN

Comedian DeRay Davis downstairs preparing to go on stage inside the Laugh Factory at The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Mail Humor Mill Magazine; Sometimes I am forced to have to say something, and this seems like one of those times. I read your entire issue and I was disappointed in some of your reporting about the Bay Area Comedy Competition. I was very surprised that you didn’t mention the controversy, but made it look like it was smooth sailing. As a matter of fact, the report of the festival in your issue was written by the Festival founder and he made it seem like peaches and cream! I am not saying any names, but I will say that the festival has been losing credibility with me for years and I think that this was the last straw. It seems like the festival is getting political like all of the other shows and festivals. We need another festival! Especially if shows continue to go like that, cause there was an audience that saw a winner that wasn’t crowned. So what is an audience member to do?

Photo: Frank Holder

Stanly Griffin Oakland, CA Ed. NOTE; First, we were not there personally to agree or to dispute your accusations, but we did have some reporters there that told us several different things. But if you re-read the issue we did mention the controversy in the comedy news. Tony Spires wrote what he felt, and according to him it was “peaches and cream”.

Comedian Clayton Thomas hanging out back stage at Trippin’ On Tuesdays at The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

Mail The Humor Mill Magazine; I have been following what you guys are doing over there with the comedians, and I am very surprised. I saw the spread you did with Iva La’ Shawn and I am thinking she should be a model!

Tell her I saw her on 1st Amendment her she didn’t look like that! Tell her to holla atcha boy!

Darryl Ellis Lawrenceville, GA Humor Mill Magazine: After seeing comedian Iva La’Shawn, all I can say is WOW! She’s hot! And she’s a comedian?!

WOW! I am not sure if I could ever pay attention to anything she said. ☺ Unknown Ed NOTE: I bet. But I understand.

Photo: Frank Holder

CORRECTIONS FROM LAST ISSUE! There were too many to name, but thanks to your letter we know about all of them! Besides the minor typos we had, there we really too many to name. ☺ Hey, what can we say? We are doing the best that we can, especially without a full time Editor!

Anyway, If you want to send us an email about the articles or your thoughts, all you have to do is send us an email to info@humormillmag.com for all of your comments. Some of these emails and other correspondence may be printed right here in these pages!

Comedian Tony Rock in between his hosting duties downstairs inside the Laugh Factory at The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

We discovered last week- from a very reliable sourcethat comedian and actor Eddie Murphy has decided to pull out of the long awaited and anticipated bio- pic of comedian Richard Pryor. No official word has been released by the studio, but they have neither confirmed nor denied this report. We also hear that because of his pulling out from the film that it looks like Murphy will not be available for anything pertaining to any future talks about him rejoining the film. Up next for Murphy is the film Imagine That and the film A Thousand Words.

Eddie Murphy Cedric the Entertainer

Donald Faison

As we reported several months ago, Cedric The Entertainer is in a new pilot for ABC comedy titled The Law. Unlike what we reported then, it seems that ABC has given Cedric’s new show a green light to be broadcast this fall, unlike Cedric’s last show he shot for the network in which he toplined a multicamera family comedy pilot that didn't go forward. We can also report that actor Donald Faison has joined Cedric on the show.

Cedric the Entertainer is also executive producer of the show. The show revolves around reserve police officers for the LAPD who balance their fulltime off-duty lives with the excitement of being weekend cops.

Last week gossip website TMZ.com reported that comedian and actor Eddie Griffin is embroiled in a lawsuit in which he is accused of swindling one of the recipients of a career-building program for college graduates. According to the site, it all started with a $150,000 gift Griffin presented to the "Jamaica 360" program -- which sends 100 African American college grads on a career building vacation to Jamaica. The lawsuit, filed by a man who went on the trip, claims the check bounced. The man, Samir Sayegh, claims he was then duped into lending Griffin his credit card to cover a hotel bill while they were in Jamaica -- but according to the suit, Griffin took the card and secretly made a $150,000 charge to the main developer of J-360. Two weeks later, Samir got a bill from American Express with the sixfigure charge. AmEx is now suing Samir for the $150,000 charge, and Samir is suing Eddie and all the event developers to make them foot the bill.

Eddie Griffin

Photographer: Frank Holder

Pictured here comedian and actor Mike Epps and his wife Michelle Epps being interviewed by Entertainment Tonight at the red carpet premiere of the film Next Day Air in Hollywood.

Dom DeLuise

In case you haven’t heard, comedian and actor Dom DeLuise died on May 4th, passing away in his sleep after a long illness. He was 75. With a stage, film and television career spanning 50 years, Dom is remembered for his comedic film roles starring opposite his best friend Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit II (1980), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) and the Cannonball Run films from 1981 and 1984. Dom also starred in such hilarious Mel Brooks' films as Blazing Saddles (1974), History of the World Part I, Spaceballs (1987) and Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993). On television, Dom appeared on The Dean Martin Show for eight years and did unforgettable stints on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and The Flip Wilson Show. He also was an occasional substitute stand-in for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show and in 1991 was the host of The New Candid Camera. In addition to his prolific entertainment career, Dom was an accomplished chef, writing two cookbooks and appearing on morning TV programs preparing his favorite recipes. He also penned two children's books and was a fan of opera. Dom is survived by three sons and his wife, Carol of 43 years.

A couple of weeks ago we discovered that comedian, rapper, actor, and producer Nick Cannon is adding to his repertoire of not only being a head of a network (Cannon signed a two year contract to become Honorary Chairman of Nickeloden’s TEENick Network which was formerly The N) and oversee program development and act, he is also jumping into radio. You heard right; radio. Cannon is about to launch his own show on satellite radio in the next 30 days and it will feature comedy, music and interviews from some of his friends in the industry, and more. We also heard that the comedian named Spanky Hayes, who was also on Wild N’ Out on MTV will be joining Cannon on the show. So far, no other names have been mentioned to us, but we will have more for you shortly. On another note, we want to wish Nick Cannon and his wife a happy anniversary as they celebrated their 1st Anniversary on April 30th.

Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon & Mariah Carey

Spanky Hayes

Anthony “Scruncho” McKinley & Tony Roberts

Speaking of Tony Roberts, we have discovered that Roberts and comedian Anthony “Scruncho” McKinley have created a documentary –or mockumentary -titled Finding Will, where they set out to find Will Smith where they believe that Smith will help them both with their careers. The cameras start rolling this summer. AND Roberts has also filmed his one hour stand up special which was picked up by the cabler network Showtime.

Photographer: Frank Holder

Pictured here is comedian Corey Holcomb and actor Tyrese Gibson after the Trippin’ On Tuesday comedy show at the Comedy Store in Hollywood.

L-R: Seth MacFarlane, Mike H enry, Nia Long & Sanaa Lathan

Another big story we discovered this past week that will probably make some heads in the comedy industry do a double take; especially if you know the players all involved. We discovered that comedian and actor Tony Roberts has decided to leave the Top Dawgs Of Comedy Tour, and he will be replaced by comedian Corey Holcomb. The tour which usually consists of Roberts, Capone, Rob Stapleton and Wil Sylvince will kick off in a couple of weeks in New York City and in Houston. We hear that the shows in both cities usually sell out at least six shows in each city. No official word on why Roberts has left the tour but we suspect that Roberts has decided to move on to other opportunities.

Photo: Tim Alexander

In other comedy news, we hear that the FOX Network is so high on their new show titled Cleveland, the upcoming spinoff from hit show Family Guy, it has ordered a second season. The new 13-episode pickup brings the total order for the show to 35 episodes -- and that's months before the series has even premiered. The animated comedy, centered on the Cleveland Brown character from Family Guy, was originally targeted for a debut this spring. But in November, the network decided to push the launch to fall 2009 to give the creative team more time for development and production. At the same time, Fox showed its confidence in the project by picking up another nine episodes, bringing the total order to a full season of 22 episodes. The new 13-episode pickup is on top of that and is targeted for fall 2010. The move was made to keep the 20th TV-produced animated series in continuous production and avoid shutting down and losing talent and crew. Because of the long lead time in animation, the pickup also ensures that FOX will have fresh episodes for fall 2010. Cleveland hails from co-creators/exec producers by Seth MacFarlane, Rich Appel and Mike Henry, who voices the title character. The show's voice cast also includes MacFarlane, Sanaa Lathan and Nia Long, as well as Arianna Huffington in a recurring role.

Tony Roberts

Pictured here NBA Star Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers and guest at the red carpet premiere of the film Next Day Air in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

Jon Lovitz

Joe Clair

As we reported last issue, comedian Jon Lovitz is going to debut his own brand new comedy club in Hollywood, at Universal City Walk. The new club formerly the old B.B. King’s Club is set to open up in May. We also discovered that there is going to be an urban night dedicated to the urban audience, and it will be titled Universoul Sundays: Where Comedy Meets Music Every Sunday. The show bought to you by BLW Entertainment, and will debut May 31 with Host Joe Clair and with DJ and rapper MC Lyte. What’s different about this club is it looks like the patrons can watch the comedy from 9-11PM and then dance until 2AM.

MC Lyte

L-R: Common, Taraji P. Henson, Tina Fey & Mark Wahlberg Last week it was being reported that rapper Common and Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson joined the ensemble cast of the new film Date Night, a comedy about a married couple who find themselves in harm's way after their routine date night goes horribly wrong. Comedic actors Tina Fey and Steve Carell play the ill-fated daters. The 20th Century Fox film, due in 2010, also includes Mark Wahlberg, James Franco, Leighton Meester and Kristen Wiig. Wahlberg plays a successful and crazily buff securities expert who flirts with Fey's character. Franco portrays a not-too-bright con man and petty criminal. Meester is onboard as the couple's babysitter. Henson plays the one good cop who believes the couple is in danger, and Common portrays a villain.

Wiig, who worked with Fey on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, rounds out the cast as the actress' best friend.

Photographer: Frank Holder

Pictured here is actor Donald Faison and his wife arriving at the red carpet premiere of Next Day Air in Hollywood.

Pictured here is the cast of the film Next Day Air is (L-R) Mike Epps, Wood Harris, Yasmin Deliz, Cisco Reyes, Director Benny Boom, Donald Faison and Emilio Rivera at the red carpet premiere of the film Next Day Air in Hollywood.

L-R: Preston Whitmore, Sticky Fingas & LisaRaye

At an event last week we discovered from Director and Producer Preston Whitmore (of This Christmas & Crossover fame) that his next project he will be tackling is a new comedy film titled Andrew Jones that will begin filming in July. So far, Whitmore revealed to us that actor/rapper Sticky Fingas will also be starring in the film. As we stated, there has been no official announcement of the other cast members of the film, but we think that LisaRaye may also be joining the film. We say that because Whitmore let a statement slip tonight during the Black Noir Magazine Celebration that he and LisaRaye attended tonight in Hollywood- and no, they did not arrive together nor are they a couple. They just took this picture together.

L-R: David Banner, Boris Kodjoe & Kenya Moore

Rapper David Banner and actor Boris Kodjoe have landed starring roles in The Confidant an independent feature film produced by former Miss USA, Kenya Moore's Moore Vision Media, Inc. The Confidant is a suspense thriller, written and directed by award winning writer Alton Glass. The movie is a woven tale about childhood best friends that have an unusually strong bond and an even more intriguing secret. In the film, Nigel Patterson (Kodjoe) and Jackson (Banner) are both on the path to promising futures, one as a first round NFL draft pick, and the other a talented artist. A complicated web of lies, gambling, murder, and a pact between friends, sends one to prison and the other to fame. After eleven years locked away, the innocent Jackson comes to collect on the debt, and is determined to have the life that was taken away from him, by any means necessary. Production for the film begins on May 13th in Los Angeles

Photo: Frank Holder Pictured here Director Benny Boom and Rayan Douglas at the red carpet premiere of Next Day Air in Hollywood.

L-R: Tyrese Gibson, Michael Bay, Taraji P. Henson & Kyla Pratt We got a chance to catch up with Tyrese Gibson at his launch for his new comic book titled MAYHEM in Hollywood last weekend. In the interview we conducted you hear Tyrese say what his thoughts are about jumping into the comic book world and you get a chance to meet the whole team behind Mayhem. On the carpet the stars came out too! In attendance was Director Michael Bay (of Transformers and Bad Boys fame), Lala Vazquez, actresses Taraji P. Henson, A.J. Johnson, and Kyla Pratt - and that's just who we got a chance to see. At this packed event there were lots of stars who came out, and a lot of media outlets all of whom wanted a chance to get at Tyrese and ask him about his new project. All in all, a great event and, of course, a great interview. Thanks to the entire MAYHEM team for allowing us to make this happen!

L-R: Ashanti, Orlando Jones, LaChanze & Tichina Arnold

We hear that Grammy Award winning singer Ashanti will make her stage debut this summer as Dorothy in the stage play The Wiz. This is ironic as In 2005 Ashanti played Dorothy in the children’s TV movie The Muppets: The Wizard of Oz. Anyway, the musical, which also stars Orlando Jones as The Wiz, Tony winner LaChanze as Glinda the Good Witch, Tichina Arnold as Evillene, Dawnn Lewis as Addaperle, Joshua Henry as the Tinman, James Monroe Iglehart as the Lion and Christian White as the Scarecrow will be directed by Thomas Kail and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler with music direction by Alex Lacamoire. The New York City Center’s Encores! Summer Stars production of “The Wiz” is scheduled to run from June 12 to July 5. The production officially opens June 18.

Photographer: Frank Holder

Actor Glenn Plummer and James Arceneaux of Eddie Murphy Productions inside the Laugh Factory at The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

L-R: Rosario Dawson, Brandon T. Jackson & Uma Thurman

In other entertainment news, we heard that actress Rosario Dawson will join Brandon T. Jackson and a host of other actors in the ensemble cast of Percy Jackson, an adaptation of Rick Riordan's adventure book series about the world-saving quest of Poseidon's half-human son, Percy, in modern America. Steve Coogan was newly added, joining previously-cast actors Catherine Keener, Pierce Brosnan, Uma Thurman, Sean Bean, Kevin McKidd, Melina Kanakaredes, Logan Lerman and Alexandra Daddario. Coogan will play the nefarious Hades, and Dawson will play his imprisoned wife, Persephone, who has a flirtation with Jackson's character, Grover, Percy's best friend. Only the role of Ares, God of War, is yet to be cast.

Chris Columbus is directing the picture for Fox 2000. Columbus and Craig Titley adapted the screenplay from the first book in the series, The Lightning Thief. Percy Jackson is scheduled for a Feb. 12 release.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson This week the Hollywood trade publications are all reporting that actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is in final negotiations to star in Faster, an action drama for CBS Films. The pro wrestler-turned-actor will play an ex-con bent on avenging the death of his brother, murdered 10 years earlier when the two were doublecrossed during a heist. The movie will be helmed by Phil Joanou, who directed Johnson in Gridiron Gang.

Joe and Tony Gayton wrote the script and production is scheduled to begin in August.

L-R: Will Smith, Jaden Smith & Jackie Chan

A couple of websites this past week are saying that they uncovered new plot details about the Will Smith-produced update of The Karate Kid from a source involved in the production.

The Daniel Larusso character, played by Will's son Jaden Smith, has been renamed Dre and is a skateboarding video game addict. With the fear of layoffs looming over her U.S. job, Dre’s single mother, Sherry, accepts an offer to transfer to the China office. Unable to speak Chinese, Dre finds it hard to settle in and becomes the victim of a local bully. The Mr. Myiagi character, renamed Mr. Han and played by Jackie Chan, spots a black-eyed Dre practicing martial-arts kicks as part of a Wii-style video game and agrees to teach him both martial arts and Chinese. The John Kreese character has been renamed Li Quan Ha, and owns the menacing Fighting Dragon School of Kung-Fu.

Photo: Frank Holder Pictured here is actress Vanessa Williams and actor Keith David arriving at the red carpet premiere of Next Day Air in Hollywood.

What more can be said about actress Vivica A. Fox that you don’t already know? We are sure you know all about her career from being a model to becoming an actress, starting her career on the soap opera Days Of Our Lives to her hit films

Independence Day, Kill Bill, Booty Call, Batman & Robin, Soul Food, and Boat Trip just to name a few. We are sure you are

aware of all of those accomplishments, because she has graced the cover of many magazines over the years from Ebony, VIBE, Essence, Jet and many more detailing all of these career accomplishments. So why would we interview her, and what can we discover about Ms. Fox now- especially what you don’t already know?

Well, let us answer that question for you; What we are sure you don’t know is that after all of these career accomplishments, Vivica has decided to get behind the scenes and take a hard look at reality television. Her first jump into the foray was Glam God with Vivica A. Fox that peeked her interest into this genre, and now she is producing her new show titled The Cougar on the TV Land Network, where she also hosts.

In case you haven’t heard about this show, The Cougar is ultimately about a group of men compete in various challenges for the romantic attention of an older woman (aka "Cougar"). The woman will eventually eliminate contestants one by one, and ultimately pick her match.

We decided to interview Vivica about her new show and her other new projects, while we were able to pin down comedian Red Grant to conduct the interview. Grant as you may recall has starred in performed on all of the comedy shows from Def Comedy Jam to Comic View, was on tour with Katt Williams, AND held it down on BET for many years as a host of Teen Summit. Anyway, we got Red Grant to sit down with Vivica with some funny results as he interviewed her before her show debuted on TV. Here is a portion of the interview; Red Grant: It’s your boy Red Grant live on Humor Mill TV, the hottest TV Show in the nation.

You know where you can see my cute features. Live today we have one of the baddest, outstanding, incredible, lushes, live-vaious, (some of these words I’m making up!). One of the most wonderful actresses, models to me somebody that you know Ms. Vivica Fox. How are you doing baby?

Vivica Fox: I’m fine brother, how you doing today, Red? RG: I’m doing wonderful, thanks for coming. How you been?

VF: Blessed!

RG: Good, Good.

VF: Been Busy.

RG: What are you working on?

VF: Well currently I have The Cougar, which is going to be a new show for TV Land and the wonderful thing for TV Land is this is their first original program, so the fact that they came and they are trusting Vivca Fox’s brand to get the media attention that they need to build their audience because they know their target audience is women that is 35 years and older. And I am the host of the show, and basically The Cougar is a show about a 40 year old successful, single woman who is interested in dating younger men. So this time the grown and sexy ladies got their chance of picking from the pool.

RG: So was it exciting working on the show? Did you film it already?

VF: Yes, it’s done! In the can! It was wonderful, and some of the guys you really got to like them, but the main thing is we really wanted Stacey (who is the Cougar) to really find love. We didn’t want it to be this artificial “finding love” that you went “now you know they don’t really like each other” when it’s over. But, I can honestly say The Cougar did find love. And that was the main goal, and believe it or not, it’s taking on a life of its own. I have had people come up to me and say “Girl you know I am a Cougar! I wanna be on the show. Are you gonna do another? I’m a Cougar.”

RG: Can I be a male cougar?

VF: You can be a cub.

RG: Laughing………

VF: So, besides that I am also going back on the next season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. For the 2009 HBO show Curb Your Enthusiasm. The Blacks will be back! And Curb Your Enthusiasm has opened me into a whole new audience that I never knew was there. I had never watched the show myself, I heard about it. It’s starring Larry David who is the creator of Seinfeld and also the creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm. I had no idea the show was watched by so many producers, writers, and directors and the main reason I got The Cougar is because they were fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm. See how sometimes one job will definitely lead into another? And sometimes you get out of your way and say I’m going to try a new arena, because I play a Hurricane Katrina victim and they broke a sista down! He said I don’t want to see Vivica Fox, no lashes, no make up, no nothing. Now you know Vivica likes her “bling”.

“…See how sometimes one job will definitely lead into another? And sometimes you get out of your way and say I’m going to try a new arena, because I play a Hurricane Katrina victim and they broke a Sista down...”

RG: Were you carrying a TV on your back trying to sell them tickets?

VF: We were literally Hurricane Katrina survivors, but I liked it because it got people to see me a whole new way. People were like “WOW you’re really funny!”

RG: That show is actually filmed with a lot of “improv”.

VF: Yes, it’s all “improv”, so you are your own writer, producer, and director of your own episode basically. And if you don’t bring the heat you get ran over cause Larry doesn’t take any prisoners. If you ain’t got it, he’s gone.

RG: You have to do me a favor; you have to give me your best Hurricane Katrina face.

VF: (Makes the face) LD! RG; That is it! And you had the little flavor from ‘down south’. (Laughs!)

VF: The reason why I got the part was because when I went in for the audition was because I called him “LD”. He said that that distinguished me from all of the other actresses, and that was that I came in with the name “LD.” They were looking for someone that was attractive, that they could then strip down. They wanted to find someone that was attractive and funny. I don’t know why that is so hard to find because I have a lot of beautiful friends that are funny but I guess for actresses in their forties it was difficult for them to find. They had really been looking and when I came in and called him “LD” he said “that’s the girl.”

RG: But you are not 40 yet.

VF: Oh yes, I am! I am a total cougar, honey!

RG: You are?

VF: I AM A COUGAR! I am midway through my forties, and proud of it.

RG: This is real stuff, and I got to say this. You have millions of guys that are in love with you right,..

VF: I love that. I love them back!

RG: You know they think you are the finest thing in the world (laughs)..

VF: Well, thank you! That is so good for my ego today.

RG: I am wondering, when you wake up in the morning do you look in the mirror and say “ I am fine as h*ll?”

VF: Oh no, no, no! To be honest with you, the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning I do is I thank God for another day.

RG: That’s a blessing!

VF: I have a girlfriend from Atlanta who sends me scriptures. So as soon as I wake up in the morning I look at my Blackberry and there is a scripture there.

And I make myself smile and I get out of bed because I am grateful for another day. I have found that my spirit needs to be happy at least to start the day.

Now folks get on my nerves during the day but I do try to start the day with a smile. And a attitude and gratitude. Then the looks. We go in the gym, and we start working out, and I take my steam showers. I just take good care of myself.

To see the complete interview and find out what Ms. Fox discusses about her upcoming projects and a whole lot more, please visit http://www.humormillmag.com

… “I had no idea the show was watched by so many producers, writers, and directors and the main reason I got The Cougar is because they were fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm. ”

The last couple of weeks we have been trying to catch up with comedian Alex Ortiz and we finally got the chance. A special comedian who always has the right jokes at the right time and recognizes his audience no matter whether its all Latin or African American. What does that mean? Well, some comics don’t know how to adjust to their audience as they go with the jokes they have written no matter who’s in the audience.

Anyway, Ortiz knows how to keep the pace of his comedy, while keeping the laughs coming. A comedian

who has grown tremendously over the past couple of years and with great promise in this game, Ortiz shines bright. We got a chance to speak with him as he called us from Korea so we could knock out this interview. Here is a portion; Humor Mill: So how are you doing?

Alex Ortix: Just kicking it in Korea!

HM: How would you say your comedy style is for people who are not familiar with it?

AO: I would say its high energy and jus twisted. I do cartoon characters and things that are not done on TV. HM: How do you feel about people comparing you to George Lopez?

AO: I think its just natural progression like if you’re black, people compare u to Richard Pryor and Bernie Mac, and if you’re white, they compare you to Robin Williams or somebody. But since I’m Latino the closest for me would be George Lopez. I loved Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx, so that’s what got me listening to comedy.

HM: Who got you started in comedy?

AO: Damon Williams (the comedian) got me started. I did a skit at a show called All Jokes Aside in Chicago and just kept going back and kept getting better. Then I won the championship at Showtime at The Apollo and said this is what I want to be.

HM: Is it what you thought it would be?

AO: You have to be careful of what you wish for. All I wanted to be was a road comic and now I got a 3 year old and a 5 year old that I don’t really get to see as much.

HM: What do you have that is up and coming that you can talk about?

AO: I just did a movie with Tommy Chong called Coming Attractions and Who Got Jokes with Bill Bellamy (on TV One).

HM: If you had any advice to people who want to do what you do what would you tell them?

AO: Just do it and like any other job. If you start off little, that’s fine but things get bigger and better as you progress.

HM: When would you know that you have made it, and what do wanna do?

AO: When I could pull up at my old man’s house in a Range Rover and a knot of money and say we going on vacation, and to travel the world for a whole month.

HM: What would you say to your fans on who you met and what do you have coming up?

AO: I’m a big boxing fan and for me to have met Evander Holyfield I was just speechless and didn’t know what to say at all. I’m also in a movie called Beer Drinkers in Space when I play a gay pilot. (Laughs!)

To hear the complete interview please go to http://humormill.podhoster.com/

Photographer: Frank Holder

Comedian G-Thang and Promoter Charlie Mack pictured here after his performance inside the Laugh Factory at The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Pictured here is the the Laff Mobb (The West Coast version) after the Comedy Talent Showcase at the Comedy Store in Hollywood.

Pictured from Left To Right is-Kenny Johnson, Ali Siddiq, Mike McDaniel, Derrick Delaney, Arthor Spivak, Scotty K, Kevin “Damn Fool” Simpson, Howie Bell, Malik S., and Producer of Trippin’ On Tuesdays Jeru Tilman. Seated is Executive Producer Bob Sumner.

Well here we are again on the far side of another public health scare. The swine flu came and went like a new Black sitcom on network television. You know the one starring one of your favorite comedians as a comedian with a decent family situation but struggles to make it in the business? You know the one(s). The swine flu came and went like that. What was weird to me, though, was how it came out of nowhere. I had just landed in DC that week and on the news that night I hear, “…especially be careful for those who travel on planes frequently.” I was like ‘what are they talking about and why am I coming in on the middle of a conversation that sounds like everyone knows about it but me?!’ It kind of felt like it became a national news story while I was actually in mid-flight from LA to DC. The media and government propaganda worked though. For about two good weeks, all we could talk about was Swine Flu. News anchors, radio hosts, comedians, your annoying co-workers, that scary ass aunt of yours--everybody! The wild thing was, nobody actually knew what the fthey were actually talking about! No one had any real answers as to where it came from and how dangerous it really was. Even the statistics were fluke to me. At one point they were reporting like a hundred and some odd cases in the US with about 50 or so fatalities in Mexico. A friend of mine sent me an email saying that there are more deaths on planes every year in the US than that! Not from plane crashes, just from people that walked on the plane in one city and had to be carried off in the next because they died of natural causes during the flight. I didn’t know that. And then, like that, on some Kaiser Szose type, it was gone. My guess is you will never hear about it again.

You know why though, right? It’s your President’s fault. Yup. In this era of the 24 hour news cycle, there is a constant need for a story, any story. The week the swine flu broke, there was nothing going on anywhere (on the surface at least), so the media needed something to run with. We were approaching Brother Barry’s first 100 days and he has done too good of a job.

He has actually gone to work like a new supervisor and within minutes is moving towards turning the company around, without any excuses. He doesn’t hesitate to act, he knows what he is doing and what he is talking about, and he takes his wife out on public dates. I mean the dude is damn near perfect. He looks so comfortable in his position, that when you see the pictures from his first 100 days, it almost looks like he’s been in office for about 12 years. So that’s why there was no real story for the media to run with that week. And that’s when it happened. We were so focused on the pig that we got blind-sided by the chicken.

I think it is written in scripture somewhere about how in the last days the swine will defeated by the fowl. I went to a hand full of Sunday schools when I was younger but don’t quote me on that. Out of nowhere KFC announced it new Kentucky Grilled Chicken campaign, I guess to promote healthier eating. I was doing some research and found out that the company changed its name some years ago from Kentucky Fried Chicken to KFC when the country was in its little health conscious phase as we approached the millennium. Do you remember that? I remember the fake internet rumor that was going around saying that they had to legally change the name because they weren’t actually using natural chickens. Something about them using cloned or genetically engineered and mutated super chickens. I remember believing the rumor for about 15 minutes but hey, it didn’t stop me from going up in the good Colonel’s spot and getting that good 10 pc mixed mutant bucket extra crispy! To this day you can find in the South some stores that never changed. You know how them good country folks do, if it ain’t fried it ain’t right. I was in Mississippi not too long ago and seen a Kentucky Fried Chicken sign with a picture of the Colonel that looked like it was straight out of a high school yearbook. I thought to myself, ‘was this the first KFC?!’

So KFC launches the promotional campaign for their new Grilled chicken and decides to take it one genius step further by partnering with Oprah Winfrey to give away free 2pc meals to every American for a deal, simply by going to their respective websites and downloading a coupon. 1) Who would have ever thought you would see the day when you would go to Oprah Winfrey’s website and download free chicken! 2) A 2pc for every American?! I didn’t know there was that much chicken in existence! The ‘G’ in KGC may not be for Grilled, it just may stand for ‘genetically-repeated.’

Nevertheless the campaign was a big deal. Oprah saved the day once again with a mass giveaway. This time she gave away something that we all know is near and dear to her heart. She is definitely doing her part to encourage us to eat healthier and that is to be commended. It was such a big news deal that of course, it pushed any mention of the swine flu on the minds of us average folk back down to the third or fourth important story in our daily lives. We totally forgot about the so-called H1M1 virus or whatever you call yourself. Just like with Sars, Monkeypox, and Bird Flu. Oprah put on her Chappelle voice and said, “Take that Swine Flu! In yo’ face! Yahhhh!”

Just like an old Aesop’s fable or some traditional African folk legend, she beat the pig—with chicken.

Lamont King Actor/Writer/Stand-up Comic/Radio&TV Host “I’m always working…I’m always looking for work.” www.LamontKing.tv THINKERTAINMENT! 2009 I invite you to follow me on FB/Twitter – LamontKing

I am woman, hear me roar or better yet purrrrr! In case you haven’t heard women actively seeing younger men for fun or serious relationships have been making a lot of noise in the dating jungle these days. From celebs like Demi Moore and Halle Berry to the local female businesswoman or divorced single mother, Cougars, as they are called, are flipping the script on the tired notion that only men can date someone several years younger. ”For years it used to be frowned upon when you saw an older woman with a younger man. But we’ve got ladies dating younger guys in society today. Forty is the new 30”, said Vivica A. Fox, Executive Producer of TV Lands, “The Cougar”.

In reality show tradition, 20 handsome young men vie for the affections of one 40-year-old woman, the cougar. Fox is also the show’s host.

Judging on the popularity of the new show, she’s definitely tapped into the not so new trend that for years has been a woman’s “Sweetest Taboo”. Comments on the show’s blog and message boards range from appreciative praise to pleads of being “The Cougar’s” next show participant.

Wrote one fan anonymously, “All I have to say is day-um it’s about time. Today I’m dating a hot young man who is 18 years younger than I am. I guess the old saying is true; "You're not getting older. You're getting better!“ And being “better” seems to be the key of this unique attraction. It’s scientifically known young men are in their sexual prime in their 20s and by 30 most women have figured out their unique bells and whistles, sort of speak. Thus, 1 older woman + 1 younger man = multiple biological reactions.

“Intimacy is the bomb” Said Gigi Turner, a 30 something mother of two who’s husband is eight years younger. They’re [younger men] more active, adventurous, energetic, and they can keep up with me!”

So, what’s in it for the men? What attracts them to these seasoned Ms.Independents? For Askmen.com writer, Adam Cross, older women are like fine wines—they’ve gotten better with time. Unlike younger women, Cross stated, Cougars know what they want in and out the bedroom. They don’t have unrealistic expectations and can generally take care of themselves financially.

“Older women are more established in their careers and rely less on a man to support them or a potential future family. An older woman's independence is a strong stress reliever for any man.”

Wrote Cross.

Local entrepreneur Javon Turner, 25, agrees. “Some men are intimidated by an older woman’s success. I find it sexy. I like it when a woman’s got her own. The oldest woman I’ve ever dated was 40. It didn’t work out but it was good while it lasted.”

So once and for all, do the ladies run this m*&%$r. Hell yes! Cougars let them hear you roar!

And if you’ve found that special young man that makes you purr better than Eartha Kitt, congratulations. You’ve found something women around the globe are looking for.

Now if you’re 40 or approaching it, and still not sure if you’re a Cougar are not, here are 10 ways to know in random order.

You Know You’re A Cougar When: 1 Your personalized license plate reads MILFNG AINT EZ 2 Friends refer to you as Stella 3 At age 40 you recently downloaded Aaliyah’s hit. “Age Ain’t Nuthing But A Number” to your iPod to poll dance to 4 Your son’s best friend looks at you like you’re his favorite meal and you offer to serve him dinner at your place for a purrrrfect evening.

5 The scent of Old Spice on a man turns you off, but the aroma of the familiar Usher For Men is an erotic olfactory experience.

6 At 35 or older, you have an Usher picture with his shirt off as a screensaver.

7 Your slow jam/baby making mix CD includes more R. Kelly than Luther Vandross 8 You’ve got Cougarsinternationa.com bookmarked on your computer.

9 You’ve never heard of cougarsinternationl.com but now that you have, you’re tempted to visit the site.

10 You’re favorite t-shirt reads “Cougars Do it Better”

Photo: Frank Holder

Comedians D�Sean Ross and Alicia Cooper downstairs inside the Laugh Factory at The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

1st Amendment Stand Up Returns to D.C. Washington, D.C.—the epicenter of national and world politics—is more than just Obama’s new stomping grounds. It’s also home to superior entertainment and live performances; from Kennedy Center plays, to mega-concerts on the national mall, and for a second time, host to Starz Network’s “Martin 1st Amendment Stand Lawrence Up.” ThePresents show, hosted by comedian Doug Williams and executive produced by D.C.’s native son Martin Lawrence, taped its fourth season at the historic Lincoln Theater.

Buzz surrounding the tapings started early thanks in part to phenomenal performances in Season 3, and radio ads that ran about as frequently as a Lil Wayne single.

Without question, 1st Amendment was THE hot ticket in town, filling DC’s famed U Street with more than the usual foot traffic; some to catch sold-out shows, others to catch a glimpse of their favorite comics milling around at Ben’s Chili Bowl. As excited as crowds were about their prospects for witnessing great comedy, an equally excited Doug Williams professed, “I love performing on the East Coast. With L.A. being the entertainment capital, it’s as if people are used to being entertained; they’re not phased. A lot of times, the audiences for shows are paid, and everyone’s an actor or a model trying to get put on. In D.C. and other east-coast cities like New York, audiences appreciate the talent and the entire show mechanism more. There’s just a more genuine appreciation for what performers bring to the stage.”

Over the course of three days of tapings, there were standouts, highlights and low blows (come on…everybody knows about “the fight”). And for comedy fans in the shadow of the Potomac, Martin Lawrence is most revered for electing once again to tape the series in Chocolate City.

Thursday, May 7, 2009 - “Fight Club” The crowds at Thursday’s performances bubbled over with enthusiasm, and lines extended well past the Lincoln Theater down a side alley. It’s possible the anticipation segued into agitation for at least two audience members during the first taping, because by the time Nikki Carr took the stage, the infamous “fight” broke out and the rumor mill immediately swirled with assumptions about the origins and extent of the fight. Some folks were way off, like Deon Cole’s initial assumption, “I heard about the fight, and when I did it was funny to me, because I thought it was Nikki (Carr) fighting.” Some were much more on target, like Rob Stapleton who said, “I heard that a dude got into a fight with a lesbian couple, and the dude got his ass whooped. On the real, I heard some marines that were in the house broke it up. That dude that got his ass whooped, he needs to start drinking some 2% milk.”

The facts: a fight did indeed break out between a male and female in the audience; the fight was quickly squashed by servicemen in attendance; ‘Ike Turner 09’ was ejected from the theater (after reportedly losing the fight); the show went on. Said one audience member in attendance at that taping, “This is DC; it was a fight…and? It was still entertaining.” (I’m guessing she meant the show, not the fight).

Stories about the squabble promulgated some media outlets, but little was said about why there was a military presence at the show in the first place. As part of 1st Amendment Stand Up’s tribute to the sacrifices of military men and women, more than 100 troops were able to get their laugh on free of charge, enjoying performances by Rickey Smiley, House of Payne’s Gary Owens and others. Minor melee aside, Comic Rich Vos said of the Thursday night taping, “I had a great time at the show. Everyone was very friendly.”

Friday, May 8, 2009 – “It’s just Coooomedy” Friday’s roster was a veritable “who’s-who” in standup, with performances by Deon Cole, Guy Torry and Ray Lipowski—also known as “that guy who f---ed with Omarosa last season.”

Starz execs report the ‘Ray v. Omarosa’ episode to have been the most requested On-Demand offering from Season 3. So it’s no surprise to learn the show featuring both Ray “that guy” Lipowski and Showtime at the Apollo host Talent was first among all shows to sell out.

Between Talent’s ‘Unsecured Visa’ admissions (“Balliiiin..!”) and Ray’s reality check for ‘beer face’ women, Martin Lawrence’s raucous laughter spilled loudly and frequently from his balcony seat onto the audience below.

Also among the scores of comedians to smoke Friday’s stage was Esau Caldwell, whose performance has been heralded by many of his fellow-performers, including Deon Cole. For Deon’s part, his Season 4 experience was tinted with appreciation. “The opening was surprising because I didn’t realize the love for me,” Deon said, “Doing a show that wasn’t getting a lot of love, and being apart of it because we (the comics) believed in it, then having it become one of the greatest standup shows ever is awesome.”

Deon Cole

Friday, May 8, 2009 – “It’s just Coooomedy” (cont.)

Deon wasn’t the only comic humbled by the DC crowd. Ray Lipowski, a comic well-known for his brash/anything goes comic style, waxed sentimental saying, “Getting a standing ovation when I was brought out was overwhelming, I actually felt a little choked up. I’d never had that happen before (standing ovation at an intro). I think I may have started off a little slow in my set because of it; it was just a lot to take in. It was as though after all the hotels, motels, buses, trains, planes, non-paying promoters…after all that, I’d finally arrived.”

Host Doug Williams, wouldn’t play favorites in talking about performances, but did acknowledge, “I was really proud of Charles Walden. For him to have his physical challenges, to be in his condition and still get up on stage, making people laugh, not letting anything slow him down, that’s special to me. It was special for me to watch him, and see him perform the way he did.”

Saturday, May 9, 2009 - “After the show it’s the after party…”

Saturday’s tapings included performances by DC’s own Joe Clair, Don ‘DC’ Curry and Def Comedy Jam alum Rob Stapleton, who said of his performance, “There were actually a few moments that I enjoyed on the stage but the best was looking up and giving MartyMar a shout-out for having me on the show. I have always been a fan of the brother, and to have him looking down at me and enjoying my work was CRAZY!” All of the performers gave high marks on performing before a DC audience. Ray Lipowski contended, “The energy in D.C. is among the best in the country. It’s one of the best places to do comedy. They love it, they crave it, and they understand it.” Rob Stapleton chimed in, “The energy (in DC) was crazy; it had that Obama energy!” When taping wrapped, that festive spirit followed backstage revelers to after-parties which rivaled anything else happening around town (I bet Wanda Sykes was kicking herself at that White House Correspondents’ Dinner, thinking, “Man, how come I ain’t on U Street?!”).

Ray Lipowski

Joe Clair

The Last Stand?

As executive-producer of 1st Amendment Stand Up, Martin Lawrence kept his word, creating a televisionvehicle for uncensored comedy that would also serve as a place for old friends in the comedy game to catch up with each other. This held true throughout the DC tapings, where a palpable fraternal spirit enveloped performers, non-performing comic vets, and stand-up hopefuls alike.

Yet, while the scene backstage was ripe with jokes, camaraderie and spirited mayhem, few could escape the relevance of the success of 1st Amendment Stand Up, a show that has quietly but decidedly gathered momentum over the past several years. With so few opportunities for comics to gather en masse, it’s easy to understand why the show is so genuinely appreciated by comics. As one of only two remaining TV shows featuring urban comedy, it is literally the urban comics’ “Last Man Standing.”

On the significance of 1st Amendment Stand Up, up-andcoming DC Comedienne Ayanna Dookie stated, “The journey towards success in comedy isn’t the same as it is for singers or actors. We don’t release singles on radio, or blockbuster movies with the potential to make our names famous overnight.

Succeeding in comedy means constantly getting onstage, earning every laugh, earning every fan. It’s usually a slow process, and that’s why appearing on shows like Def Comedy Jam and Comic View were the goals of a lot of comics. We knew if we had that opportunity to make a national audience laugh, doors would be opened. With those shows gone now, 1st Amendment is more than just a show. For comics, it’s a goal…it’s the goal.”

Host Doug Williams remarked simply, “We need to support these shows. Any show where a comedian is able to say exactly what he wants, unfiltered, is a rare platform. When you see comics on (network) TV shows, you don’t see the full act; you get the watered down version. But in 1st Amendment Stand Up, you get the opportunity to see comics do real night club routines; they don’t have to leave anything out. That’s why it’s important that shows like this are able to thrive.” * * * Martin Lawrence is an intrinsic part of standup comedy’s early ‘90s evolution. Arguably the most revered host of HBO’s Def Comedy Jam (a show which served as a launch pad for his own tremendously successful career in television and film), he’s garnered admiration from peers and loyalty from fans. Martin’s unyielding popularity has made his name a brand, and in applying that brand to 1st Amendment Stand Up, the man who made “coming to the stage” his calling card continues to draw comedy fans in, while giving other comedians a chance to shine.

“Martin Lawrence Presents: 1st Amendment Stand Up” premieres Friday, July 17th, 2009.

Rob Stapleton

Film: Star Trek Starring: Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto Director: J.J. Abrams We are sure you know by now that Paramount has decided to re-launch the Star Trek franchise with the most popular characters from that franchise, except with new stars. Trying to re-launch this epic franchise with all new stars was a big risk for the studio, and depending on who you ask, it was worth it. Personally, we like the idea, but it took some getting used. Not having William Shatner in this film was a bit upsetting, but I was upset when they originally killed him off in the first place..

Anyway, the film is an action junkie’s dream and if you don’t know the characters its still a must see for the whole family.

Film: Next Day Air Starring: Donald Faison, Mike Epps, Wood Harris Director: Benny Boom Yes, this is your typical hood film, but unlike most this film is not that bad at all. As a matter of fact it’s very likeable.

From some surprise performances by Darius McCrary and Omari Hardwick as the villains the story unfolded to be a pretty good sub plot. After delivery of a package of cocaine to the wrong door, the comedy and drama ensues. What would you do? Well Mike Epps, Mos Def and Donald Faison all have plans, but they never work out they way they are supposed to do they? Is the film worth seeing? For our money it definitely is, and not a bad outing for director Benny Boom as he segues from music videos to the big stage, films.

Looking forward to his next venture, we will label this film a must-see.

Photo: Dr. Billy Ingram OF Got It Like That Photography

Pictured here is model/actress Eva Marcell and actor Lance Gross arriving at the red carpet premiere of the film Next Day Air in Hollywood.

The following is an excerpt the from the upcoming book, NOW THAT BARACK IS IN CHARGE, the chapter titled Elvis Was A Hero To Most.

For awhile Barack will be off-limits as far as slamming within the black community.

Sideways glances will be in effect if his name is mentioned in non-complimentary fashion in certain circles. You might even have to fight. Not that he will ever reach the pure immunity to criticism of the exalted Martin Luther King Jr. or his female counterpoint in reverence – Rosa Parks, but Barack is safe for some time. There are a few others, but precious few. Black people don’t mind tearing down our own kind. So are the Obamas the only inductees into the exclusive club of bag freeness? Or are we going to reexamine the need to crush the ones we erected? The mainstream puts very few on the pedestal for long. Eventually they’re all kicked in the teeth; and kicked in with great detail. What don’t you know about Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedys? From Founding Fathers to less-than-discreet actors and politicians – everybody is up for grabs.

I say black people need to adapt the same policy. However, instead of blasting our latest and greatest – let’s dig deep into the archives; pull out celebrities perhaps forgotten. Why besmirch somebody doing something? Wanna attack somebody – make it a failure. There are plenty of those to go around and more on the way. Pick on somebody who deserves it. And there’s so many categories to choose from.

Athletes who never lived up to their potential, actresses who disappeared, and singers who had one half hit.

By reaching back we avoid the stigma of modern day Uncle Tomism. We must adopt and establish a no coon zone. Our current heroes need to be given all the support we can provide. As we rallied behind Barack, so to should we march for our music moguls, stars and near stars. These are our movers and shakers and we ought to encourage.

Each career will fulfill its own destiny without our interference. Stupidity in their personal life will be rewarded by ostracization if too severe. We’re as much American as anybody else and so certain rules apply. The rule of sacrificing the talented is age old. So let it be the washed up. We can talk about them and who does it hurt? They already have nothing left to offer so no current empires are affected. Kids will still go to private schools and mortgages will still be paid as well as investments made. Not just living washed up folks either – death doesn’t give you any kind of pass. Don’t matter how many members of Milli Vanilli die – that shit was sorry.

Let’s wait until our idols self destruct. We don’t have to pile on or push the process.

Enjoy the gifts of prowess given to us. No need to mutilate the deliverer of so many good times and memories. Celebrate the moments and when it’s done – that’s when we attack. By then what’s done is done. We just have to be cognizant of when and where to air our ever increasingly dirty laundry.

Putting down fallen black celebrities in mixed company is really not all that ‘cool’. Until an equal number of other raced icons have been taken to task don’t be the one with all the Flavor Flav / Michael Jackson / Terrell Owens jokes. Sure every race has its screw ups, but when was the last time you heard a white person mention what a joke Billy Ray Cyrus was, but yet I heard a Bobby Brown slam just the other day. Let the dead careers of cultural has-been’s such as Kool Moe Dee, Cheryl ‘Pepsi” Riley and Cisco rest in peace.

Photo: Frank Holder

Pictured here is actor Richard T. Jones arriving at the red carpet premiere of the film Next Day Air in Hollywood.

This week’s Star Spotlight focuses on actress Zoe Saldana (born Zoe Yadira Zaldaña) on June 19, 1978 in New Jersey. Zoe was raised in Queens, New York and after her father died when she was nine years old her mother decided to move her family to the Dominican Republic. There Zoe enrolled in the Ritmos Espacio de Danza academy which carried an outstanding reputation in teaching ballet and dance. After living in D.R for seven years and just finishing up her sophomore year in High School, Zoe finally made her way back to New York.

Next on the agenda was registering for acting classes at the Faces Theater Program which landed her a significant role in the movie Center Stage (2000).

This was Zoe’s debut role playing a character by the name of Eva, a gifted and determined ballet dancer. Of course additional roles followed such as Crossroads, which was a teen drama including Brittany Spears, Drumline playing opposite to Nick Cannon and Guess Who with Bernie Mack and Ashton Kutcher. In Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) Saldana had a very small role as a female pirate named Anamaria but in the same respect it was impressive and unforgettable, casting a spell over Jack Sparrow played by Johnny Depp the scene was notably comical. In May 2007 Saldana was selected as one of People Magazine’s annual 100 Most Beautiful People. In 2008 Saldana was ranked #42 on the Maxim Magazine’s Hot 100.

Saldana’s latest project is playing Uhura, in the 2009 Science fiction film Star Trek directed by J.J Abrams. She had never seen the original series prior to her being casted and to train for her role she met up with Uhura’s original character played

by Nichelle Nichols. Nichols was preparing to leave Star Trek after the first season back in 1967 but stayed after she was informed that the Black community looked at her as a role model. This film includes the main characters of the original series that are played by a new cast. Saldana plays a cadet at the academy that later becomes a communication officer and has a romantic involvement with Spock even though she’s his student. To many people Star Trek is a milestone in TV and film. It is recognized as a landmark and to be a part of the 2009 edition is phenomenal. The film gives you a synopsis of James T. Kirk and Spock before they board the USS Enterprise to overpower their rival Nero.

The film’s release date was on May 7, 2009 in the United States.

Saldana was skeptical about doing the project and credits her mom for persuading her to do the film. She’s an intense actress and possesses beauty beyond measure. The demanding and difficult scenes that have been portrayed

by Saldana make her a sight for sore eyes overcoming challenges and making a mark in history.

Photo: Dr. Billy Ingram OF Got It Like That Photography

Pictured here is actor Darrin Henson and friend arriving at the red carpet premiere of the film Next Day Air in Hollywood.

What’s Up Humor Mill Fam I’m Back To Drop Some More Hot Joints For You To Go Buy And Rock To. You Going Like My Picks Because I Said You Going To Like Them Let’s Get Into It Fam!!!!

Songs That Are About To Blow: 1. Bus Rhymes, Ryan Leslie, OJ The Juiceman, Gucci Mane -Hustlers Anthem 09 Rmx 2. Gucci Mane- Stoopid 3. Drake- Best I Ever Had 4. Fabolous, Juelz Santana, Red Café -Swag Surfin 5. Charles Hamilton - Bk Girls (Brooklyn) The Bubble Zone: 1. Dunk Ryders - Point Your Homie Out- You And Your Homie’s Theme Song.

2. Scratch/Musiq - Tonight- The Perfect Blend Of Hip Hop And Soul.

3. Talib Kweli/Hi-tech Back Again –Sounds Like The Never Left. Great Music To My Ears… (Brooklyn) 4. Rob Roy – Fur In My Cap - One Of The Best Videos Since The Pharcyde Runnin Away Video.

5. Eminem – 3 A.M- Why You Ask? Because Everybody Else Is Riding Why Can’t I. Unsigned Hustlers: The Hit Makers Who Are Not Signed BJ The Chicago Kid - Straight From the windy city of Chicago now in the city of angels this R&B singer has all the tools and swag to kill them ona major level. Song to check for- Freaks, Work That, Pimp Hard Myspace.Com/Streetzsoul.

J-doe- This kid is from Los Angeles, CA and if I didn’t know any better I would think he taught Jay Z how to swag. The self proclaimed President of swag is hitting them hard with commercial and underground monsters.

Song To Check For: Thunderclap, The One, Out Of Order (The Beast Of A Crossover Song.) Myspace.Com/Yeahjdoe Charles Hamilton- Straight from uptown Harlem, NY this kid is sooooo bananas on the underground circuit that majors stars are starting to bring his name up. You know you made it when they start talking...

Song To Check For: Bk Girl, Neighbor, Loser You can find your boy Thursday nights at Classic Thursdays at The Blue Velvet Lounge, and Sunday nights at Chocolate Sundaes at The Laugh Factory. I am also on Twitter at twitter.Com/Dj_sidekick or facebook.Com/djsidekick, and on myspace.Com/dj_sidekick. I do all kinds of events all of the world such as Corporate parties, birthdays, concerts, Holiday Parties, etc. Make sure you look me up and check out my new mix tapes that I will be droppin’ for The Humor Mill Magazine!!!

Things change, yet everything really stays the same. Isn’t that funny?

I spent this last week in New York City, which was my hometown for five years before I moved to Los Angeles nearly five years ago. I stayed with my best friend from college; she lives in Cobble Hill now which is in Brooklyn. She just recently bought a condo in this cute, trendy area … and that was a change. On previous visits, she had lived in Harlem; I know how to navigate through Harlem. This neighborhood was unfamiliar to me, and I got lost last night. (Me getting lost is not new, FYI. I often navigate based on “gut feelings” and an internal compass when sometimes just using plain common sense and Mapquest would be better. I’m working to change this about myself.) Last night as I waited for a bus at 11:00 at night at a stop that was underneath a rickety scaffold and lit by what seemed like a naked bulb hanging from the basement workshop of the Chain Saw Massacre-ist, I thought, “This isn’t funny.” In the past, if I’d gotten on the wrong bus because I simply was not paying attention while talking on my cell, I would have laughed it off and chalked up the experience and lack of brain usage as an “Adventure”. This time, not so much. An adorable black kitty with white paws walked past me and my spirits lifted a bit, but when it seemed to give me the finger as it strolled through its neighborhood in which I was a stranger, I thought again, “This isn’t funny.”

What was funny was my encounter this morning with Jose Joseph Johnson who was busy washing the store-front window of a Dental Office (or maybe it was an Acupuncture office...?).

As I walked past him, he smiled this bright wonderful smile and his chocolate skin shone in the sunlight as he said, “Did you know Heaven is missing an Angel today?” We both laughed and I almost kept on my way as I said “Thank you”, knowing he had just made my day with such a warm compliment. Instead, I turned and said, “Heaven IS missing an Angel and it’s you!” His smile couldn’t have been any bigger. And again, we laughed. He told me I made his day. That was a nice change.

He followed me into the bagel shop where I was waiting for my New York favorite breakfast staple: a Toasted, Everything Bagel with butter and black coffee, and handed me a business card with his name that was full of all those “J’s”. As I read it, it reminded me that we’re all on the same hustle:

“Bless Entertainment…

Looking for Models, Fighters (hmmm?), Actors, Actresses, R&B and Rap”.

See You At The Top. In God We Trust

In my actor/producer/writer bio that was in the press kit that I was carrying to a meeting to help hustle our Brown Betties cabaret in New York, there is a sentence that ends with, “See You At The Top”. I’ve always believed I would be at the top and it was comforting to realize Jose Joseph Johnson was on the same journey. My journey had taken me from New York to Los Angeles and now back again; when I left I had pieces of what has now become the cabaret and like anyone who is working towards a goal of ….becoming…something, you know that you need change in order to grow. That can be change of venue, change of heart, change of operations or a change of mind. Luckily, even though you are changing, there’s comfort in knowing that some things stay the same. As I slurped my black coffee and chomped on my buttery bagel, I smiled knowing that things have changed, including me. And I thought to myself, “Isn’t that funny?’

Peppur is the creator and performer of Harlem’s Night Cabaret performed by the sultry, sassy, sophisticated and sometimes funny, Brown Betties. www.brownbetties.com

Photos: Chuck Aghoian Models: LaRayia Gaston and Dayna Dooley

Donte Barrett, a Los Angeles native, grew up in a house of four with his mother and his two sisters.

He first got his first glimpse of the power that comedy had one evening while Donte and his mother were watching Sinbad's HBO special. "Sinbad had this joke that before his dad would give him a whipping, he would start yelling at himself to get him angry enough to whip him. And his dad would just start hollering for no reason, and Sinbad would ask his dad why are you hollering?

His dad would respond in a even louder tone, I'm not hollering! So one day I was about to get a whipping, and my mom starting yelling at me and out of no where in my best seven year old Sinbad voice, I said, "mom why are you hollering?" My mom fell out laughing (remembering the joke from Sinbad) I thought to myself, as long as I keep my mother laughing I would never get into trouble or a whipping.

Donte got his start in comedy while attending Prairie View A&M University right outside Houston Texas. He would soon make a name for himself on the local scene in Houston, within his first year of doing stand-up Donte was able to enter into various comedy competitions, including Stan Lathan's Budweiser Amateur Comedy search and the second season of Last Comic Standing(NBC).

Whatever youkudos wantfrom to his say, He would receive huge charismatic personality peers andDeon's colleagues for his performances. and original style make himand one He decided then to return home most his popular continue of tothe perfect craft. performers He has graced some Hollywood's hottestSO in the of comedy scene today. stages, the the you Hollywood better watchImprov, out, because Comedy he Store, and The Laugh Factory. will sneak up on you!

Donte is definitely one of the hottest up and coming comedians. Donte has recently started his own company called G.A.M.D (pronounced jammed) Going After My Dreams. GAMD is a media company/foundation to inspire the masses to go after their dreams. Be on the look out for severly projects coming out of the GAMD camp, stemming from education, sports, and entertainment. Stay tuned for much more coming from Donte.

Did you know that there is an all-out war going on, right now; right under our very noses-in our own back yard? It’s true-and it’s seemingly nothing we civilians can do to stop it. What’s worse is that neither the President nor anyone else in power has made any attempt to stem the tide. A recent unofficial poll conducted all across America indicated that although most people sense that something isn’t quite right; that things seem a little out of kilter, they just can’t or won’t put their finger on the true source of the conflict or call for the ouster and arrest of its perpetrators.

Forget Iraq and Afghanistan. The real war is homegrown and home-based. Black people and other people of color, as well as white supporters from every corner of this nation are armed-to-the-teeth and awaiting their marching orders. Some, who are loyal to the cause and zealous for victory have already struck-out independently, much to the chagrin of those who are highly trained and tempered by decades of doing battle.

Others, out of fear of being overrun by overwhelming numbers, have either cowardly surrendered without incident or traitorously defected to the other side (in this case one of the other sides).

I’m talking about the Fast Food Chicken War in America. The lines of demarcation have been established. The rules of engagement have been set and reset. KFC, the world leader in chicken processing, frying and selling to the masses, stands alone as the preeminent source for quick, greasy and salty fried chicken fixes. But this is America, where friendly competition is supposed to be good for business.

Popeye’s has joined the fray with specials that rival even the now former discount leader, Church’s. (For more information on Popeye’s Chicken specials contact comedian Dannon Green. For more information on Church’s Chicken and their specials contact comedian Derrick Ellis.) Yard Bird aficionados report that grocery chains like Safeway, Kroger’s and Albertson’s have joined in the fight. I’ve even heard that Albertson’s chicken is the bomb!

Recently, there have been unsubstantiated reports that even El Pollo Loco, fringe competitor and purveyor of healthier, flame grilled chicken has beefed-up (no pun intended) forces in pockets where Latinos are in the majority. Their “psych-ops” division has released a TV ad that has a white guy pretending to be the owner of El Pollo Loco and challenging KFC to a showdown on who has the best “grilled” chicken. I think the whole challenge campaign is a cheap, ridiculous and dare I say racist attempt at subterfuge. They must really think people are dumb. I mean, come on. Do people really see us as being that stupid? Everybody knows that Guatemalans own El Pollo Amigo!

Not to be outdone-ever-TV empress/one-time accused anti-beef advocate Oprah Winfrey, has chosen sides in this the largest chicken insurgency of our generation. With a skilled display of war tactics and gamesmanship unparalleled in modern warfare, the “Queen of Television” has teamed up with KFC in an ill-fated effort to smoke screen their real intentions of world domination by offering free chicken certificates for Kentucky Grilled Chicken. Does Oprah want in on “poultry politics?” First she shows class and supports and vigorously campaigns for then presidential candidate Obama and now this come down! Personally, I think the chicken campaign should’ve come first.

The Internet is now flooded with do-gooders’ e-blasts suggesting that the free chicken vouchers are the solution to America’s hunger crisis. Now, no one need go hungry again… til May 19th, that is. This may be a victory for KFC in the short term but in the long haul, this little token gesture is going to have a backlash that’s going to make the European settlers fleecing of the Native Americans for Manhattan Island over 400 years ago seem like an everyday occurrence.

Okay, maybe that wasn’t a good example but you get my point, right? People are too educated, too civilized, too smart to be fooled like that today. This is 2009!

The online vouchers being promoted on the Internet by Oprah allow for the one-time printing and redeeming of a single voucher for a two-piece with two sides. It normally goes for $3.99. I have to give it to my people. Negroes have figured out how to mass-produce the little certificates and now they’re flooding people’s email inboxes all over the country with “the hook-up!” As a result, there have been rushes on KFC’s in urban centers nationwide. I’ve personally received reports of sit-ins, small skirmishes and even riots as independent operators reluctantly face the hungry hordes with the bad news that they’re out of chicken. Is this a good idea gone bad or a diabolical scheme to overthrow the mighty chicken empire from within?

I don’t know if you’ve ever witnessed it before or not but this writer can tell you first-hand that even when comedy club owners run out of chicken, it is not a pretty thing to watch. Lawsuits are pending and there are even rumors of small-time African American rib joint operators, as well as Barbeque Barons (and Baronesses) adding fried chicken to their menus. Not to be upstaged, Asian restaurateurs are following suit. Chicago’s JJ Fish in Oakland’s Middle Eastern operators have recently thrown their hat into the ring with locations in both downtown and East Oakland, California. We may be witnessing the rise of the independent chicken. Everyone knows that the revolution will not be televised but my question is, did that statement also pertain to chicken? We will keep you updated as developments warrant.

Thanks to all of you for reading the column. It’s my pleasure to share these insights with my people. It’s food for thought. If you can’t chew it, don’t swallow it. May God bless you all abundantly. Until next time, be safe, be smart, be successful, be thankful. One Love, for real. Holla at your Doctor!

-#Tony Spires is a filmmaker, event producer, personal manager, poet, musician, award-winning playwright, acclaimed director and columnist for The Humor Mill Magazine. He is also co-founder of Full Vision Arts Foundation. Known as The Comedy Doctor in comedy circles, he is perhaps best known as the founder of the nationally reputed Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Festival and as writer/director/producer of the acclaimed feature film, “Tears Of A Clown” now available on DVD. Email Tony at: Visit his youth Arts ComedyDoctor@BlackComedyCompetition.com.

Organization at: http://www.FullVisionArts.org.