The Humor Mill Magazine

Volume 4 Issue 9 September, 2009

Nicknamed L-Murder Luenell Has Toured Nationally, Starred In Several Films, Radio & Now Tackles Reality TV

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 Richard Gumbs Photo Editor Allen Zaki Columnists Tony Spires Peppur Chambers Darryl Littleton Lamont King Antonia Andullerro Reggie Gaskins Sharon Braxton Movie Reviews Michael DeQuina PhotographersThis Issue Andre Bell Dermaine Wardrick Frank Holder 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 This Issue

Brien Kelley Sharon Braxton Luenell Ray Murphy Adriaan Kirschner Twain Taylor Of Kuttin’ It Up Barbershop Joe Salas of Spumante Restaurant Melissa Bring Adriaan Kirchner Henry Bajan Eugenia Wright

Luenell Photo Shoot

Photographer- Andre Bell Make-up- Luenell Stylist- Luenell Photo AssistantAdrian Kirschner Moving Transportation Provided By Twain’s Kuttin Up Barbershp

Contents Comedy News

Martin Lawrence and Will Smith make the biggest news of the week with talk of Bad Boys 3, and Martin making some noise with anew sitcom and Big Mama’s House 3. Plus there is news about the Chris Tucker comedy Tour- is it real or fake, and finally Mo’Nique’s new show looks like a breath of fresh air not exhaled since the days of Arsenio Hall. All of that plus more in this week comedy news!

Urban Hollywood

This past week Tyler Perry made the biggest news with his new film I Can Do Bad All By Myself, plus we got news of a new film starring Chris Brown and T.I. There is also news about Director Will Packer’s new film Stomp The Yard 2.

There is even new news about the new A-Team film in the casting department, and the news may shock you what the producers did since John Singleton exited his post.

Luenell ~ Is Killin’ It In Comedy

You may have seen her face for years and not have known her name, but we are sure you were introduced to Luenell on The Katt William’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’ Tour. Well, Luenell is about to introduce herself to you again, this time with a reality show, new films and more!

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~ Brian White

By Antonia Andullerro This week we take a look at an actor who is quietly flying under the radar in Hollywood and is still quickly earning his respect from Hollywood insiders. We take a look at former NFL player and now actor Brian White, and we examine what he has done and some of his potential future projects. Looks like he might even become more involved behind the camera, as this star of I Can Do Bad All By Myself has come along way since Stomp The Yard.

By Reggie Gaskins

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a film maker? Or an actor?

How about a producer? Looks like the grass is greener on that side of the fence, huh? Well the plight of actor, producer, filmmaker Reggie Gaskins will make you think before you leap as his plight, while being a blessed one, is not for everybody!

Anyway, we take that journey along with him here in his first article for us and we discover what life is really like in Hollywood.

Photo: Andre Bell

The Plight Of A Filmmaker

Pictured here is comedian Kevin Hart before his performance backstage taking a break at The Shaquille O’Neal Comedy All Star Jam at The Nokia Theater in Hollywood.

Departments Comedian Of The Week~ Lamont King

This week we catch up with Comedian Lamont King who has made a name for himself nationally on the radio as a sidekick to the Russ Parr team on the Russ Parr Morning Show. We catch up with King as he discusses why he decided to give up all of that fame to start a career in comedy and give up the spotlight of radio.

Style With…

The Best Of- So Far

We decided to give you a look at some of the folks who took some amazing shots this year- so far. We can’t wait until the year end to drop them all on you!

Photo: By Frank Holder.

The Insider: Behind The Desk

By Trae Ireland This issue we introduce you to our Behind-The– Scenes look at what goes on in Hollywood at the studio level and we ask a Hollywood insider himself, Trae Ireland of Screen Gems to answer some questions for us about how to make it in the film industry. Check out what he had to say!

Pictured here is NBA Player Shaquille O’Neal and actor/singer Tyrese Gibson backstage at The Shaquille O’Neal / Codeblack Entertainment Comedy All Star Jam at The Nokia Theater in Hollywood.

Photo: Dermaine Wardrick

Departments An Argument In Favor Of kids

By Tony Spires The Comedy Doctor

Our featured columnist and the founder of The Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Comedy Festival gives us his thoughts again on another thought provoking issue; the kids of today, and our future for tomorrow. As only he can, we take a look at his thoughts about this issue and we walk away with something to think about and some serious water cooler talk.

Movie Reviews

By Michael Dequina

Our Favorite Sitcom Series: Good Times

By Sacre Wills

We decided to kick off a series look at our favorite sitcoms from the past to the present, and to give you a look at what the seres was about, and what eventually happened to the show.

Photographer: Frank Holder

This week our new writer reviews the films from this past weekend starting with All About Steve and also the film Extract. As usual we ask Is it worth the money, or should you skip both? Our reviewer gives his two cents- and this week one of his reviews will definitely surprise you!

Comedian AJ Jamal performing on stage at the Trippin’ On Tuesdays Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Departments Waiting For Something Funny

By Peppur Chambers

This week our writer is at an airport trying to find the comedy in everything around her, and she is not feeling the comedy at all. Especially when the people all around her are getting on the plane while she is waiting on standby!

Soldier Girl: Whitney Houston

By Sharon Braxton

Photo: Frank Holder

Our writer takes a look at one of the most anticipated albums of the year, by one of the most recognized singers of our generation: Whitney Houston. How is the album and what does the outcome look like? Check out what our writer has to say here!

Sex & Love Raw & Uncut

By Troy Rawlings

A new section dedicated to the adults, as we have our new writer tackle the issues our relationships, sex and more! As usual, we have some questions and our writer tackles them all with his usual candor. You know what they say, if you can’t take the heat get out of the kitchen! It’s pure sex talk!

Pictured here is comedian Rodman backstage during the Trippin’ On Tuesdays Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Editor’s Page To All Of Our Readers,

Photo: Frank Holder

The news the past couple of weeks out of Hollywood has bothered me a little bit. Maybe a little more than a little bit; a whole lot.

Why do you ask? Well, I am really sick and tired of all of the big deal made of people who are about to do REMAKES of hit fils, or sequels to fils that clearly ended when the credits rolled and said THE END. I mean, really another Hancock?! I know the studio wants to capitalize on the heat that the film causedunexpectedly for them I am sure. BUT why not give some new writers a chance and read their scripts? Why not tap an untapped well? Are you that afraid to try someone new? Is there really that much fear in the word CHANCE? I guess the answer to all of the above is “yes’ there is. Chance in Hollywood equals fear to the studio execs and that does not translate to their bottom line.

In my opinion, everyone had a beginning, even those guys who had those hit films.

Pictured here is comedian Ian Edwards outside the Laugh Factory during the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Frank Holder Publisher Humor Mill Magazine

Mail

Humor

Mill

Magazine;

As usual another good issue from the Humor Mill Magazine. I have to say it was a pleasure seeing Elise Neal on your cover. She is one of my most favorite actresses and I just loved her in The Hughleys! I was wondering what happened to her. I guess it’s like that in Hollywood. Well, it’s great to see her grace your cover!

Ronice Forbes Sherman Oaks, CA Humor Mill Magazine; The magazine spread you guys had of Elise Neal really made her look glamorous!

She was very beautiful!

Kudos to your staff and to your story about her. I have to say I was surprised to see that she was a girl from Memphis doing it in Hollywood. I thought she was from the East Coast, but she’s a Southern Bell! I loved it! Keep them coming Humor Mil Magazine

Photo: Frank Holder

Tresa Jones Huntsville AL Ed NOTE; Thanks for your compliment.

We were surprised too! Hope you continue to read the magazine!

Comedian Tiffany Haddish inside the Laugh Factory at The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Mail

Humor Mill Magazine; First Laz Alonzo, then Elsie Neal on your covers. Are you guys going away from comedians? I loved the humor Mill because your focus was on comedy.

UNKNOWN Ed. NOTE: To be honest, it just happened like that. Our purpose of each issue is to focus on comedy and we interviewed Laz because we got an exclusive from him about his upcoming film Avatar and we interviewed Elsie Neal because we wanted to discuss her past comedy projects. We just happened to fall into the exclusive about her new reality show. So, sometimes these things just line up that way.

Photo: Frank Holder

Humor Mill Magazine;

Pictured here is comedian Donnivin Jordan inside the Improv during the Mo’ Betta Mondays Comedy Show in Hollywood.

I just got a chance to read your magazine for the first time, and I have to say that I liked your direction. The articles are not the greatest, but the layout is! Plus your pictures are fire! So, where can I pick up a copy of your magazine and what do you guys have in store for the future?

David Slocumb Springfield, MA Ed NOTE: Thanks for the compliments! We have a lot planned and we can’t spill the beans now. Stay tuned!

Mail Humor Mill Magazine;

Photo: Dermaine Wardrick

I could not put this magazine down; or should I say click it off since it’s on-line. This is an amazing magazine! I think your group is on to something there and you are a few miles away from greatness. I am so glad that this showed up in my in box at work. It was especially nice to see Elise Neal on the cover. Great articles and more.

Keep the issues coming and don’t stop bringing me the Humor Mill.

Thanks!

Matthew Miller Santa Carla, CA ED. Note: Thanks for the compliment and please keep reading!

Humor Mill Magazine: I just finished reading your magazine and I was disappointed. I have to wonder why you guys didn’t ask her one question about her stint on the TV show All Of Us. One day she was there and the next she was gone! What was that all about? Why did she leave/ Investigative reporting is all of that and more.

Pictured here is our Host Kalia Silva backstage taking a break at The Shaquille O’Neal Comedy All Star Jam at The Nokia Theater in Hollywood.

Ed. NOTE: We couldn’t agree with you more about your “investigative reporting” remark.

But in Hollywood certain people will not do interviews if you want to bring up bad moments in there careers or their lives. From Brad Pitt to Elsie Neal, it applies to all of those Hollywood types. So to answer your question, we were limited to certain types of questions.

Also it was an ugly situation for her. Reports were that she was fired and there were other reports that stated she quit. We did not bring up any of those because it was about her future, not her past.

Photo: Dermaine Wardrick

UNKNOWNI

Pictured here is comedian Rickey Smiley backstage before his performance at The Shaquille O’Neal Comedy All Star Jam at The Nokia Theater in Hollywood.

Mail

Humor Mill Magazine; I have always been a fan of Elise Neal for many years, and I was surprised to see her leave the show All Of Us. But its great to see her again on the big screen and little screen, so I will keep my eyes open for any of her upcoming projects.

Dan Coleman Somerville, MA Humor Mill Magazine; Elise Neal looked FAB-)LOUS! That cover of yours was hot! I enjoy reading your magazine and reading each issue. Please keep the magazine coming.

Photo: Frank Holder

Thanks!

Carla Lavin Cleveland, OH Humor Mill Magazine; Not the biggest Elsie Neal fan, and I think she is overrated as an actress. Her career is winding down quickly like sands in an hour glass.

Melanie Wells Jackson, MS

Pictured here performing on stage is comedian Tony Roberts at the Comedy Store during the Trippin’ On Tuesdays Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Mail

Humor Mill Magazine; Nice issue! The question will remain how does an actress of Elise Neal’s stature maintain in Hollywood with a career like hers and stay relevant. I think being on your cover is a good start.

For her this was probably the best thing she did since her last film, and it’s going to probably be much better that her reality show. Really who cares about ANY of those b*tches anyway?

UNKNOWN ED. NOTE: a little harsh, but we understand your reasoning. I guess only time will tell if the reality show will do well or not.

Humor Mill Magazine;

Photo: Frank Holder

Steve Wasson Los Angeles, CA Ed Note: Sorry dude, the magazine is not going on the news stands. But thanks for the compliments and spread the HUMOR! Heavy Weight Boxer Malik Scott outside of the Laugh Factory during the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

If your magazine was on the stands I think you guys would beat out a lot of folks. I personally enjoy reading and I love the layout. Whoever came out with this mag was on to something. Great job guys!

Keep up the good work and I can’t wait to see you on the news stands!

Mail The Humor Mill Magazine; I wanted to write in because some of your articles are funny, even when they are trying not to be. It was a good idea to have a relationship column and I am looking forward to whatever else you add.

Robyn Meredith Cleveland, OH The Humor Mill Magazine; Ok, I have been reading your magazine and I think your magazine is borderline elementary. Too many colors for me. But it seems like everyone else is reading this soon-to-be trash.

UNKNOWN

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!

Photo: Frank Holder

Ed Note: I am willing to bet that this reader was Quincy Jones and he is HATING on US because VIBE tanked.

What do you think? Anyway, keep reading and remember to SPREAD THE HUMOR!

Comedian Justin Hires of MTV’s new show titled Disaster Date at the Trippin’ On Tuesdays at the Comedy Store in Hollywood.

The new scoop is that Martin Lawrence is working with FOX Studios to get Big Momma’s House 3 underway. It seems that FOX has hired writer Randi Mayem Singer (of The Tooth Fairy fame) to pen the film. Big Momma's House was originally released in 2000 and Big Momma's House 2 was released in 2006. The film was originally about an FBI agent (Lawrence) who disguises himself as an old lady to protect a beautiful federal witness and her son. The film grossed $174 million worldwide in 2000 while Big Momma's House 2 pulled another $138 million in 2006.

Martin Lawrence

L-R: Will Smith, Michael Bay & Jerry Bruckheimer Chris Tucker

But that’s not all in the Martin Lawrence news category. We also found out that Lawrence has verbally agreed to do Bad Boys 3 with Will Smith (as long as the deal can be worked out with Smith, Director Michael Bay and Columbia Pictures).

Apparently Columbia Pictures has commissioned writer Peter Craig to begin work on a new screenplay and hopes to bring Transformers director Michael Bay and producer Jerry Bruckheimer back on board - this was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter last week.

The original Bad Boys released in 1995 grossed a conservative $141 million worldwide.

Bad Boys 2, the sequel released eight years later, was a global box office smash and took in profits of $273 million.

We recently got wind that comedian and actor Chris Tucker, probably most famous for his Rush Hour film franchise and the film Friday, has just recently agreed to put on a comedy tour with AEG Live. (Yep, the same people who were about to produce the Michael Jackson tour). No word yet on the tour date or who will open up for Chris Tucker, but we did hear the tour is set for about 20-30 cities and is to begin this fall. It looks like Tucker is planning to do the tour, but he is notorious for backing out of projects at the last minute.

By now we are sure you have been able to see how good it has been for comedian Steve Harvey. A couple of weeks ago he got another new gig courtesy of ABC's Good Morning America. Harvey was bought on board the show to bring family and relationship-related topics (and more) to the morning program. Also, Harvey will continue to host his nationally-syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show, heard in 60 markets around the nation, and begin pre-production on his new film, plus star in an upcoming comedy tour.

Steven Harvey

Photo: Frank Holder

Pictured here is NBA Player Shaquille O’Neal and comedian Rickey Smiley backstage at The Shaquille O’Neal / Codeblack Entertainment Comedy All Star Jam at The Nokia Theater in Hollywood.

Mo’Nique

It’s been a busy week for one of the Queens of Comedy - Mo’Nique. In case you’ve been under a rock the last couple of months and you haven’t heard, Mo'Nique is returning to BET this fall for the debut of her highly anticipated late night show. The Mo'Nique Show airs on Monday, October 5th. From A-list celebrity guests to sizzling performances by the hottest musical artists in the game, Mo'Nique will deliver funfilled entertainment every night. The resident deejay will keep the studio audiences on their feet and Mo'Nique will bring the funny as only she can. The Mo'Nique Show will undoubtedly force viewers to extend their bedtime an extra hour.

We got word on some of the guests that will drop by Mo’Nique’s show. First, we heard there’s an Arsenio Hall tribute where Mo’Nique dedicates an entire show to The Arsenio Hall Show. We then found that Mo’Nique landed a very rare interview with Morris Chestnut and David E. Talbert and they discuss Talbert's upcoming DVD release of his blockbuster play titled Love In The Nick Of Tyme. There was also a recent taping dedicated to Mo’Nique’s relationship with guest actor Hill Harper, who discusses his new book The Conversation, and Boris Kodjoe with wife Nicole Ari Parker. But the biggest bombshell was that Mo’Nique is planning on doing a show for the Queens Of Comedy - Ms. Laura Hayes, Adele Givens and Sommore. You may recall that the The Queens Of Comedy Tour, originally produced by Walter Latham, was ultimately captured live onstage in Memphis and filmed for a theatrical release.

Anyway, we hear the reunion show will be broadcast in October. Stay tuned!

Morris Chesnut

Arsenio Hall

Hill Harper

David E. Talbert Sommore

Ms. Laura Hayes

Nicole Ari Parker & Boris Kodjoe

Adele Givens

Photo: Frank Holder

R&B Singer and Producer Teddy Riley and comedian Eric Blake outside the Laugh Factory during the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Katt Williams

Well, it looks like Katt Williams is out, and Mike Epps is in. Yep, after all of the back stage drama from last year's Hip Hop Awards, we discovered that comedic actor Mike Epps has been named host of the 4th Annual BET HipHop Awards slated to air Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. The award show will be taped Oct. 10 at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta. What is strange to us is that Katt Williams has hosted the three previous seasons and we were told he was not asked to host this year's event. But, that's not all for Mike Epps! Epps will star in Showtime's one-hour standup comedy special, Mike Epps'

Under-rated and Never Faded: Live from Detroit

premiering on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Mara Brock Akil

Mike Epps

Black Entertainment Television is in talks with CBS TV Studio (producers of the comedy show The Game) about ordering a new season of The Game on CW television network. This is according to The Hollywood Reporter. Series creator Mara Brock Akil pitched CW an hour-long version of The Game as a way to keep it on the network. CW was exiting the half-hour comedy business.

Following the show's cancellation, BET began preliminary talks with CBS Studios about possibly taking in the series with new originals. The cable net already runs repeats of the show. The options with The Game actors have lapsed, so if a deal is reached with BET, CBS Studios would have to make new pacts with the actors.

Our sources found that comedian/actor Rickey Smiley is about to make some moves in comedy that not too many have ventured successfully before. First, Smiley is planning a comedy and musical concert series and will go on tour with singer Fantasia (of American Idol fame). The tour is tentatively titled Rickey Smiley & Friends.

We hear the tour will go out this fall and winter.

We will surely have more news as this develops.

As you all know, Smiley has been very successful on radio and is currently in 32 markets across the country. Currently there may even be a television show on the horizon. No word yet on what type of show it will be as it’s the early stages of development.

Fantasia

Our sources disclosed that comedian Faizon Love is jumping into the crowded late night arena with his own late night talk show which we hear will be syndicated and is set to begin this fall. Unlike his competition, Love's show will not cater to the urban audience. While Wanda Sykes, Mo'Nique and George Lopez are going after their audiences with an urban drive, Love is compiling a guest list that looks like another Jay Leno type show.

Rickey Smiley

Faizon Love

Photo: Frank Holder

Comedians Joe Torry and Doug Williams during the screening of the Martin Lawrence 1st Amendment show at R&B Live in Hollywood.

L-R: Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan & Kevin Hart

You have got to know already that Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan, and Kevin Hart rounded out a great cast for a new film titled Death At a Funeral.

The film is about a funeral ceremony that turns into a debacle of exposed family secrets and misplaced bodies. The film also stars Danny Glover, Luke Wilson, Columbus Short, Regina Hall and Loretta Devine and is set to be released by Screen Gems on April 16, 2010. Stay tuned for more news about this.

L-R: Danny Glover, Luke Wilson, Columbus Short, Regina Hall & Loretta Devine Everyone’s favorite comedian Sinbad is gearing up to film another stand up comedy performance. It looks like Sinbad will be filming a special at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on Friday September 11th, with plans to have it broadcast on Comedy Central. This will mark another special from Sinbad as he has had several in the past with his most successful special being his Sinbad - Afros and Bellbottoms which premiered on HBO and is still the 2nd highest rated stand – up special on the network behind Eddie Murphy’s Delirious.

No word yet on the soon-to-be filmed special, but we will have more in the latest news.

Sinbad

We just discovered that the comedian known as Luenell may be the next comedian to be tapped for her own reality show and she’s in another new film. You may remember her from touring on the Katt Williams comedy tour several years ago and in last year’s comedy film Borat. Well, Luenell is also in the new film All About Steve starring Sandra Bullock which opened in theatres on September 4th. Luenell was also seen in Californication, VH1's I Love The New Millennium, and Reality Bites Back.

Luenell also performed on Martin Lawrence 1st

Sandra Bullock

Amendment Standup, Chocolate News, Spring Breakdown and Head Case, just to name a select few. No word yet on which network the reality show will broadcast on.

When we find out we’ll let you know.

Luenell

Photo: Frank Holder

Comedian DeRay Davis at the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood.

Marlon Wayans

It looks like the Wayans brothers are about to make another leap into familiar territory. Our friends at The Hollywood Reporter and Sony Pictures say the Wayans are developing a sequel to the 2004 comedy hit film White Chicks. Marlon and Shawn Wayans will reprise their roles as sibling FBI agents posing as a pair of White women. Apparently big brother Keenen Ivory Wayans is on board to direct the sequel, which all three Wayans’ are writing. Nothing yet on the plot of the film. As the story develops, we’ll give you the news!

Shawn Wayans

Keenaen Wayans

Did you know that Tyler Perry is going to adapt the 1975 play

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf for a feature to be released by Lionsgate films?

Yep. Perry will write, direct and produce, with Colored being the first project for his new production company 34th Street Pictures, which has a deal with Lionsgate. The biggest news here is it will also be his first film not based on his own work. The play, by Ntozake Shange, is structured as a series of poems that deal, via the female perspective, with issues such as love, abandonment, rape and abortion. It was previously adapted into a 1982 TV movie. Perry aims to gather an all-star cast of female actors, with a shooting start date of early November in Atlanta. Lionsgate will release the movie in 2010.

Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All by Myself, is currently in theaters. We hear that Perry will be releasing Why Did I Get Married 2? on April 2, 2010.

T-B: Spike Lee & Lemon Andersen

Tyler Perry

Ntozake Shange

Director Spike Lee returns to his roots with the release of the film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Passing Strange. Passing Strange is about conflicts in a young Black man’s life. Spike Lee will also be among the presenters of County of Kings, a show written and performed by the poet Lemon Andersen. County of Kings is a play about growing up in Brooklyn during the birth of hip-hop. The show will be performed at the Public Theater in New York City this fall. We hear that County of Kings was featured at the Public Theater’s Under The Radar festival earlier this year. Jayson Jackson, who previously oversaw the careers of Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo and Tony Award winner Sarah Jones, will also present County of Kings, while Elise Thoron will direct. Performances are scheduled to begin on Sept. 29, with an official opening on Oct. 12.

Photo: Frank Holder

Pictured here is comedian Michael Colyar outside the Mo’ Betta Mondays Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Former NBA Star and actor Rick Fox will be bringing the heat to television series Melrose Place, which is a resurrection of the popular 1990s FOX nighttime soap. Fox is tapped to play a recurring role on the new CW series. Fox will play the owner of a restaurant where aspiring actors work. His previous acting credits include Oz, One Tree Hill, The Game and films He Got Game and Meet the Browns. Fox even starred on Ugly Betty, where he featured alongside his ex-wife and series star Vanessa Williams.

Rick Fox

L-R: Tamera & Tia Mowry

Tia and Tamera Mowry are reuniting on screen. The Sister, Sister actresses will star in the Lifetime movie Double Wedding, a story about siblings who wind up dating the same man. Production on the project begins this month, with the goal of a June premiere. The twin actresses and their mother, Darlene, are serving as the movie's executive producers, along with Howard Braunstein and Michael Jaffe. The former child stars have cultivated flourishing careers in their adult years. Tamera appeared on the Lifetime series Strong Medicine, while her sister appeared on the CW's popular sitcom The

Game.

Chris Brown

Idris Elb a

T.I. Michael Ealy

Zoe Saldana Paul Walker

Matt Dillon

We’ve been told that the Chris Brown and T.I. film is finished and in post production.

The film titled Takers also stars Idris Elba, Michael Ealy, Zoe Saldana, Paul Walker, Steve Harris, Hayden Christensen, and Matt Dillon and is about a group of bank robbers who find their $20 million plan interrupted by a hard-boiled detective. This heist film, from Screen Gems, has a twist that we can’t reveal, but is listed as a must-see film. So, be on the look out for it early next year.

Photo: Frank Holder

Comedians Esau McGraw and Joey Wells after the Trippin’ On Tuesdays Comedy Show in Hollywood.

L-R: Will Packer, Columbus Short, Meagan Good, Brian White, Laz Alonso & Darrin Henson Director/producer Will Packer has begun pre-production on his new film Stomp the Yard 2, which starts shooting in October. We hear the cast from the previous film- Columbus Short, Meagan Good, Ne-Yo, Brian White, Laz Alonso and Darrin Henson are all expected to participate (along with a couple of new additions and a new story line). No word yet on what this film will be about, but we will know more soon.

Missed the original Stomp the Yard film which debuted in 2007? It was initially about a troubled 19-year-old street dancer from Los Angeles, who after the death of his younger brother, is able to bypass juvenile hall by enrolling in the historically black college named Truth University in Atlanta. But his efforts to get an education and woo the girl he likes are sidelined when he is courted by the top two campus fraternities, both of which want and need his fierce street-style dance moves to win the highly coveted national step show competition. Rumor has it that the film may go straight to DVD instead of a theatrical release.

Ne-Yo

Corey Hardict It looks like singer/songwriter-turned-actor Ne-Yo is turning his acting career up another notch. Apparently Ne-Yo is about to join actor Cory Hardrict (of Dough Boys, and Lincoln Heights fame) to appear in the Columbia Pictures sci-fi flick Battle Los Angeles as members of a platoon battling invading aliens. The duo joins a cast including Michelle Rodriguez and Michael Pena. The film is slated for release in 2011. Ne-Yo is also due to appear in the George Lucas film titled Red Tails, about the historic Tuskegee Airmen in 2010. Ne-Yo previously had roles in Stomp The Yard and Save The Last Dance 2.

L-R: John Singleton, Quinton “Rampage�

Jackson, Liam Neeson & Bradley Cooper Director John Singleton is out of the new film The A-Team and it looks like his cast went away with him. We say that because Singleton, who was in early talks to direct, had plans for Tyrese Gibson to play iconic figure BA Baracus. Well, it looks like the new role has gone to former UFC world lightweight champion Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson. Jackson will step into the role made famous by the iconic Mr. T. and join Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper who have been cast respectively as Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith and Lt. Tepleton "Faceman" Peck. Joe Carnahan is the new director who will polish the Skip Wood's script with writer Brian Bloom. Ridley and Tony Scott are producing the big-screen adaptation. Shooting begins in Vancouver this fall. The film is expected to open in theatres on June 11, 2010.

Photo: Frank Holder

Comedians Rob Stapleton and Royale Watkins after after the Trippin’ On Tuesdays Comedy Show at The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

Luenell

Photographer: Andre Bell

One Of America’s Funniest lets it Be Known that She Is Killin’ It In The Comedy Game

This issue we were able to sit down with actress and comedian Luenell as she was being followed around by a camera crew for her new reality show that is going to drop at the beginning of next year.

Anyway, if you have not heard of her, we know you have seem her face. Luenell has been climbing the comedy ladder for years and she really hit “it” when she starred in the film Borat and was one of the featured comedian on The Katt Williams Pimpin’ Pimpin’ Comedy Tour. Her life has been exploding ever since. Now in the new film All About Stave, and several radio and television appearances later, she can’t be denied. Last time we spoke to her, we asked her about some of her goals and unlike most comedians who we have talked to, we can say that she is hitting her stride and accomplishing those goals. Quietly killin’ ‘em in comedy as her nickname would say- (as L-Murder) she is a force to be reckoned with.

Here is our interview with Luenell, and as we expected she sets the record straight on many issues. Here is a portion of the interview; Humor Mill (HM) - Luenelle, how you doing today?

Luenelle (Lue) – It’s good to be here. I’m good. Thank you.

HM – I want to ask you, first of all, we always get into the interview and we ask people “how did they get into comedy?” So the first thing I want to ask you is what was your journey into comedy?

Lue – You want the long story or the condensed version? (laugh) There’s two. Basically, I did musical theater first. Went from choir, into theater, into musical theater, and it was really a fluke because I had in my mind some kind of way that I wanted to sing background for Luther [Vandross]. This was my delusional thing. Ever since “Stop To Love” I just went nuts for Luther’s background - I like background singers. I think they make the song, you know, surrounded by them, that’s what helps make the star shine.

And I wanted to sing background for Luther. That’s what I wanted to do. Then I had a girlfriend who moved to LA – Long Beach actually – and she had a penthouse apartment. And she was like, ‘come on’, so I moved down with her, and when I moved down with her I found out she was taking calls. She was like a call girl, like taking dates in the penthouse. So I didn’t mind and, you know – HM – You didn’t mind?

Lue – I didn’t mind. I didn’t care. It was that big a place. And one of her steady dates was a comedian (who I will not name0 and he was always hanging around and he would hear me and I’d be walking around probably making jibes and talking trash. And he was the host of “Ms. Wiz” which was a club in Long Beach back in the day. And he said if you ever want to go on stage - I think you’re really, really funny - whenever you come down, I will put you on. I said ‘I don’t want to be no comedian. I want to be a background singer for Luther. But, one of those hot, LA days, like today, me and my girls were out on the patio making, blending up the daiquiris, and I said, you know what? I want to go down there and I think I gotta couple things to say. Let’s go down to that club, the guy said he’d put me up. So the first time I went up was on stage at Ms. Wiz. I killed it and Robin Harris was in the house that night. He came up to me, he gave me his card, which I’ve had now for fifteen years and I have it laminated. And he said, you know, you need to go to the Regency West. You need to see Michael Williams. And on the back of the card is the address to the Regency West. And I went there and I met Michael. And then I met DL [Hughley] and we started palling up some kind of way. And we were doing Club Mahogany in Riverside and we were doing some other places around here and it just sort of like snowballed. It was easy for me to do.

HM – Well, I saw you in some films doing a little bit of films, like – you were in “The Rock”.

Lue – Yes. HM – So how does being in The Rock intersect with your comedy career? Because you were in The Rock – how long has that been out? Ten years?

Lue – Thirteen

“I think I’m more gangster with mine, actually and more like a raw, male comedian, like a Lenny Bruce or a Pryor, but with a female twist on it. I just come off kind of hard and I talk really matter-of-factly. I don’t bite my tongue.”

HM – Thirteen years.

Lue – I was pregnant. I was eight months pregnant with my daughter which nobody gets hired for a major motion picture at eight months pregnant where they have to take a boat across the San Francisco Bay to shoot on Alcatraz at night. It was total – I begged Jerry Bruckheimer for that part and I got it. And that was the part that got me into the union. It was my first speaking – second speaking role in a film. Um, I really wasn’t doing that much comedy at that time because I was pregnant. I was just doing local clubs in Oakland. So, I’ve always had this sort of like television/comedy career because I was doing local television in Oakland everyday on the Soul Beat television network. That was like the black owned and operated television station before BET ever got started 25 years ago.

HM- To my viewing audience, many know you are as a comic, what would you say to them about your type of comedy?

Lue – I think I’m more gangster with mine, actually and more like a raw, male comedian, like a Lenny Bruce or a Pryor, but with a female twist on it. I just come off kind of hard and I talk really matter-of-factly. I don’t bite my tongue.

I’m not afraid to say anything. But yet, I know how to adjust my comedy for the room that I’m in. I’m not afraid to do The Savoy ( a comedy club in Los Angeles). I’m not afraid to go do The Improv in Anaheim. I’m pretty fearless and I think maybe that’s what differentiates me from anyone else.

HM – Would you say you’ve hit your stride as a comic yet?

Lue – (pause) No, I wouldn’t say so. Because my journey is nowhere near the end I don’t feel. And there’s so much going on and I’m topical so I talk about current events so my act changes daily. I don’t have a scripted show that I do because anything that could happen – things could happen on the way to the show that I’ll have to talk about. So I wouldn’t say that I’ve hit my stride comedically at all.

HM – What do other people in the industry see of you that you obviously don’t see in yourself?

Lue – Well I don’t think I’ve hit my stride if you mean do I think I’ve peaked out.

HM – No I don’t mean that. I mean have you hit your stride where as, you know, you’re on time with your jokes, you know you can be as funny as you can be and you know you’re hitting a stride where as I’m gonna always be...?

Lue – Well, I think if that’s what you mean, then yeah. I have gotten to a level where I don’t usually do any mediocre shows. I usually try to blow the roof off of it every single time. I don’t like mediocre shows. I don’t like it when people come and giggle. I like it when people choke, they spit out their drink. They fall of the chair. They can’t catch their breath. That’s what makes me really happy. I like the sound of people laughing – really hard. (break) Well, I don’t have the money that people think I do, number one. When you go from being broke to making a lot of money…

“I have gotten to a level where I don’t usually do any mediocre shows. I usually try to blow the roof off of it every single time. I don’t like mediocre shows. I don’t like it when people come and giggle. I like it when people choke, they spit out their drink. They fall of the chair. They can’t catch their breath. That’s what makes me really happy. I like the sound of people laughing – really hard.”

Photo: L J Holder Pictured here is Luenell and Photographer Andre Bell during our photo shoot in Los Angeles.

She has not put out a CD in seven years. She might have left the scene for a while but not our hearts. Whitney Houston has returned to the game, finally looking happy, healthy and stunning. “After all my strength is gone I look to you to carry on,” she sings in her CD entitled, “I Look to You.” In “Salute,” she mentions that she is a “Soldier Girl.” That she is.

She has been through spiritual hell and now she is BACK. The jury is still out as to whether she has the vocal range that she once possessed. However, some women use to be a size two and some men had a head full of hair but who cares? At her worst, Whitney Houston can still sing circles around most people.

In another song, she says, “I didn’t know my own strength.” We are all like tea bags at various times in life. One cannot tell their flavor until in hot water. It is easy to judge. Until you have walked in a woman’s six inch stilettos, you cannot judge. If you do, I am willing to bet that you wouldn’t have the strength and courage to pick yourself back up and stand on stage in front of 5,000 people and belt out a song that includes lyrics stating, “Hold Me, Like I Never Left.” I say, embrace the courage.

In life, many of us have been misdirected and do not know our own strength until we hit rock bottom. There are A-list actors, International singers and comedians who have been on drugs for many years and Hollywood provides them with a pass the shape of a star.

Let us not focus primarily on what Whitney has been through. The good news is she has teamed up with some of the industry’s top producers and the brilliant Clive Davis in fulfilling her purpose by doing what she loves. She has a teenage daughter who has been through the seedy and murky waters of life, and if nothing else, needs to see her mom in a different light. Let’s commend her fight to rekindle her life and career.

Let us celebrate her sobriety. Some people do not make it to see their lives go full circle.

She is truly one of the original DIVA’S of my generation who exudes sexiness and who now recognizes that she is blessed and given a second chance to touch the hearts and souls of multiple generations.

If you haven’t purchased her CD, “I Look to You,” please attain it because she has contributed to our hearts, music libraries, conversations, radio stations, television, and movie world. She gave us songs such as: “Saving All My Love For You,” “Where You Are,” “Exhale (Shoop Shoop),” “You Give Good Love,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Greatest Love of All,” “I Believe in You and Me,” “Run To You,” and more. Any type of comeback requires faith, favor, and grace with a top coat of determination.

Whitney Houston is the epitome of a “Soldier Girl.” May she continue to be happy and prosperous as she tours the world and her CD goes triple platinum. Let us salute the woman and extol her triumphant return.

By Motivational Speaker and Author Sharon Braxton Seasons: 40 Ways to Affirm Your Life Crying Shame Before I Let Go: I will not settle for mediocrity www.sharonbraxton.com 818 384-0380

Photo: Frank Holder Pictured here is comedian Shang inside the Mo’ Betta Mondays Comedy Show at the Improv in Hollywood.

This past week we got a chance to catch up with comedian Lamont King outside of the Laugh Factory during the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show.

Lamont King is an actor, writer, stand-up comedian and former nationally syndicated morning radio personality who hails from Prince George's County, MD and now makes his home in Los Angeles, CA. Most recently he co-starred in the hit romantic comedy "Love For Sale" (Mya, Jackie Long, Clifton Powell), and will be seen in the feature film "Something Like A Business" (starring Kevin Hart) which is set for upcoming release. His television credits include CBS' gary Unmarried, Spike TV's Manswer, UPN's All Of Us, and BET's Comic View. He was a staff-writer for National Lampoon and a main cast member for their National Lampoon Lemmings sketch comedy show. Lamont writes and produces his own web -series called "Rundown & McCree" which is a buddy-cop series about two regular guys, with no interest in fighting crime, forced to join the police due to a slumping economy.

He also is currently developing the "Not Enough Credits" Comedy Tour geared at colleges and universities. He does a self-produced comedy/variety show called The Instant Classic (www.TheInstantClassic.info) that continues to sell out in the DC area, which is his hometown. Lamont has a heavy presence on the web with his content sites www.LamontKing.tv and www.DMVinteractive.com.

Comedian DeRay Davis and NBA Player Shawn Marion inside the Mo’ Betta Mondays Comedy Show at The Improv in Hollywood.

This weeks Star Spotlight focuses on actor Brian J. White born April 21, 1975 just outside of Boston Massachusetts. It’s understood that the eyes are the key to the soul, hence looking into Brian’s eyes it’s like his soul speaks to you. Looking at photographs of Brian is almost like he’s speaking to you without saying a single word. I’m mesmerized. He’s led an interesting life thus far, originating from a family based on work ethic and a competitive nature to win. With a financial advisor for a mother and a Boston Celtics basketball player turned sports executive for a father, White was introduced to a world where logic and finance met sports and an urgency to compete and be successful. In this case may the best man win. Rightfully his, the title of actor, philanthropist, football player and youth activist are well deserved. In his Ivy League, Dartmouth College days in Hanover New Hampshire, White studied Political Science, Psychology and Theater Arts also becoming a great success on the Football and Lacrosse teams. After becoming a college graduate, White was presented with the opportunity to go pro by both a football and lacrosse team, The New England Patriots and The Boston Blazers. He chooses the NFL and not long after, was his career overturned by a sports injury. Even though he was a certified licensed stock broker the injury led White in a different direction towards a professional modeling and acting career. The preface to the modeling world happened when White accompanied his friend to a fashion show casting where he met a talent agent and before he knew it he was signed. In building confidence and a sense of character White co-founded a professional dance and theater company called Phunk Phenomenon Urban Dance Theater Company geared toward youth outreach. People began to identify with White on screen, inquiring and crediting him as intellectual, graceful and refined. As communities all over the globe tuned in to The Shield they witnessed White caught up in the middle of police drama as he played Detective Tavon Garris. In 2007 White played Sylvester, leader of the Theta Nu Theta fraternity in the film Stomp the Yard. Most recently he played a role opposite to Dwayne Johnson as most of us know as The Rock in Disney’s The Game Plan. Just this year White appeared in 12 Rounds and the film Fighting, opposite Channing Tatum and Terrance Howard. Next on the agenda is the anticipated Tyler Perry film I can Do Bad All By Myself in theaters September 11th. In regards to future endeavors, White will emerge in a horror film The Cabin in the Woods and the new drama series, Men of a certain Age airing on TNT. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to embark on the life and times of Brian J. White. He is truly a skilled man on all accounts. With a structured background and an Ivy League College Education, White has already excelled in sports, mastered acting and embodied the foundation of a model. He’s someone who has shown that injury is not the end but clearly the beginning.

Comedians Owen Wilson and Jay Phillips outside the Comedy Store after the Trippin’ On Tuesdays Comedy Show in Hollywood.

What was it that made Good Times so good? Why did we fall in love with the Evans family and their problems? I wasn’t from the projects. They were poor as hell! But, yet, I wanted to be with the Evans family, everyday, in their poverty in the projects. I was with them at Cabrini Green. I laughed with the Evans family, and cried with them, and became a part of their lives. They never took anything away from me. They enhanced me. And so, on TV, I watched them.

I was comfortable and cozy as I snuggled up to watch Good Times. The familiar sound of the Good Times theme music playing made me secure and happy. The Evans family had problems just like me. With them I could laugh through life’s challenges. With them I could be strong. That’s what I got from the Evans family - their strength and love in the badness of things.

What it really was? The Evans gave me a family! The Evans was a bona fide family, with mother and father. I found myself always watching the father, James, to see what he thought. I watched him to see how a father would act. And as he loved his daughter, sons and wife, he loved me too. And I got some values to live by.

James Evans took no mess - would take off his belt in a minute. He actually whipped a kid on one of the shows. James made Thelma’s boyfriends come to the door and introduce themselves. He ensured that the wrong guy didn’t marry Thelma. James told Thelma she was beautiful, hugged her, and gave her that real deep fatherly love. And James would fight for JJ and give his sons the protection, discipline and love that many men miss from their fathers. James was a man’s man but openly loved his family.

I still remember the united front that James and Florida formed - unbreakable. They stood together shoulder to shoulder as a powerful force raising a family. They had each other’s back. They respected each other. They were committed to sticking it out through thick and thin. They gave us pride and respect. I depended on their strength and the humor in the way they lived their lives.

What was cool about Good Times was that James and Florida really loved each other.

They hugged and kissed and expressed their love for one another. James pats Florida’s butt. They’re attracted to each other. The entire family and neighbors show their love in one way or another. They can depend on the other being there no matter how many mistakes. They love each other in spite of the faults and lapses in judgment. This is truly what good times are about - loving in the adversity. They showed us family love. They gave me morals and principals that I could strive and live for.

Good Times gave us people loving people through the good times and the bad. The projects never gets into the family. I look back on the show as one of the good times of my life. I learned that we can love in the middle of the storm, though life may not always be stormy. That’s what I got from Good Times.

Comedians Michael D’Bey and Elisha Banks inside the Laugh Factory during the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

In our new series titled The Insider: Behind The Desk we will interview people who are behind the scenes who work diligently to bring to you films or television projects. These folks can also be producers or writers, basically anyone who has accomplished something in the Hollywood industry. This week we interview Screen Gems Executive Producer Trae Ireland who has had his hand on many projects, most notably First Sunday and the upcoming Chris Rock/ Martin Lawrence film titled Death At A Funeral, and the new Columbus Short film titled Armored. Oh did we mention he moonlights as an actor? Well, you get the idea.

Anyway here is a couple of questions for him about Hollywood.

Question: As an actor or comedian trying to get into films what is the best way to prepare for an audition?

TI: One of the best ways is to first try to get the whole script...a lot of times actors just get sides (scenes from the script) and a brief character breakdown...but you don't know that characters journey in the film. But if you can't get that...try to develop a back story for the character and when you get into the audition ask questions and tell the people auditioning you that you have a take on the character and is it correct. Secondly and very important...Look at the actions lines within the scene and just don't read the lines... Put yourself there.

Question: Once I discover information about an audition what would make me stand out from everyone else?

TI: To stand out is to come prepared off-book (memorized the lines) and come dressed as closely to the character as possible...sometimes you can't be seen coming in as that character from the naked eye...but if you come in character it really helps.

Question: What is the best way to deliver a “line” during the audition process?

TI: Deliver the line as natural as possible...meaning don't concentrate on the line itself...look at that character and think how that character would talk...if its a doctor he's going to answer his phone different from a a person off the street...

He'll say, Hello this Dr. Frank may I help you? as opposed to, "What's up?

Question: What is the best way to prepare to get in the door of an audition?

TI: The best way is to know the material...know the material...and follow the action lines...and dress the part.

Question: Is there a “tell-tale” sign to see if I had a great audition?

TI: The only tell-sign is if you did everything you were suppose to do and you know you've done everything and it flows right...but just because you delivered a great audition...doesn't mean you'll get the role...but those producers, directors, casting agents will remember you the next time.

Hey Everybody, Troy Rawlings here! Well it’s Back to School time! And I think, as adults, some of us have gotten away from the romanticism that this time of year brings. Yes, just think back to those “School Daze” lol. You know! The smell of Fall, the dew on the ground, the fresh smell of books, new school clothes, Senior hit list…oh…well…you know…the good times. But most of all, as my man Slick Rick would say, “A Teenage Love”. Do you remember those Crushes? Do you remember figuring out how to tell that special someone how you really felt about them? A note, a friend, staring at them until they put a Restraining Order out on you! Long story short, it seems as we get older we get less creative, less intrigued and the pursuit of our would-be mate just turns boring. Hmmmmm? Why is that? How do we get that desire back?

As a man, I have to admit that I don’t put forth the same effort pursuing a woman as I did when I was younger. With the stresses of day to day life, work, rent, children, and just being an adult, we toss aside the fantasy and imaginations of younger years for today’s reality. Really? Just because we have a different set of responsibilities as adults, is it mandatory to stop being creative when it comes to the pursuit of Love. I say NO!! You can be an adult and still be blissfully caught up in the wonderful world of Romanticism!!

So ladies and gentlemen, it’s Back to School time!! Back to the school of “what it took to win her/his heart is what it will take to keep it!” I believe this wholeheartedly.

You may be saying, “Troy…I lied to get them!” lol Stop Lying! Or you may be saying, “Troy, I just don’t have the time to do what I used to do.” And my response to that is, “You make time for what you want.” If you want more money, you work more hours, get a part-time gig, or start a business; how much more would you do for more honey? What would you do extra to have the love of your life; that may be in arms reach…in your same Homeroom! Well, here are some practical School to Graduate tips. Try these simple things that used to work wonders and see if they help: Passing Notes – Write a letter, email or text – How long has it been since you actually WROTE someone a letter? Especially a loved one! Include a poem, sweet or erotic….whatever will get the person’s attention in a good way

Carrying her books – Take a load off her shoulders – In today’s society most women work just as hard as men and sometimes harder! Well, make dinner for her, draw her bath, light candles, take her out to dinner, rub her feet with warm sweet smelling oil or lotion, learn to give a manicure or pedicure and give her one. Take care of the kids for a day and let her relax. WHATEVER her load is find a way to lighten her burden and I guarantee you that the response will be HEAVY in your favor.

Homecoming Dance & The Prom – Dancing and pictures – If they love to dance, if it’s been a while since you’ve taken pictures as a couple WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! Tomorrow’s not promised, so get your dancing shoes and call Segall Majestic or your boy Earl with the Polaroid. A night of dancing, or even taking dancing lessons together, and then pictures showing that look of exhausted love on your faces…priceless!

James Ingram said it best, “Find 100 Ways”. You have to do all you can in this day and age to preserve your relationship and keep Love and the hope of Love alive!

But…that’s just my opinion. Now to a couple of your questions: Q: “Hey Troy, Why do some guys think it’s necessary to lie about their “Size” knowing we will eventually find out?”

Signed: Liar, Liar, pants on fire A: Well LL, EGO! 1 word…most men are driven by a sense of competition that goes back to childhood. And the one area that we always want to be most impressive in is the size of “Mr. Bojangles”. Reason being, I believe, is it’s the one thing that men won’t openly settle by a challenge. Lol…it’s not like a race…we can’t line up and say “on your mark, get set…WHIP IT OUT!”…No…not happening. And some of us believe the more you can make a woman moan, that means you’re grown! That means you’re a “Beast” in bed and all is well with the world. As we truly grow we find out it takes soooo much more to achieve happiness in relationships and in life.

Ego…it’s a hell of a drug.

Q: “Hey Troy, Why do some men want to skip foreplay and go straight to Sex? Signed: That’s it?

A: Well TI, There is a comedian/writer who wrote for the hit show “Sex In The City” by the name of Greg Berendt. Greg wrote a book, that even got exposure on Oprah, called “He’s Just Not That into you”. The book even became a movie. Get my drift? Like I’ve said before, when a man is into you you’ll know it. Most men focus on a specific goal and they go for it wholeheartedly! Foreplay, in my opinion, is about pleasuring your partner to the point of…well…inward and or outward “explosion”!! It should be so intense that it either leads into great, extraordinary sex, or someone running away screaming “What are you trying to do to meeeeeeeeeeeee??!!!” LOL Foreplay is about taking the time to please your mate to the point of no return. If he’s not taking that time, when you want it, is he really that into you?

Until Next Time Beautiful People!

Keep sending those questions, Love Y’all, God Bless, Troy www.facebook.com/troyrawlings www.youtube.com/troyrawlings www.troy-ghosthost.com

So I’ve decided not to wait on anyone and to begin production on my project with whatever I have available in my bank account. Thus, another, no-budget production. However, I must tell you it feels liberating not to have to wait for an investor or a studio executive to validate your talent and then tell you you’re good enough to do work that you know you’re already good enough to do.

Today I went thru the casting process of a new web series that I wrote and will be launching later this year. As the actors came in and auditioned for the various roles there was a moment as I was watching an actress, who put it down today in her audition, I thought to myself, “wow, there are so many talented actors and actresses in our community that know has ever seen or heard of or anything.

At that moment I was saddened because this was a girl who had been out here for a few years doing her thing and still seeking a break. I know none of us deserve a break but so few of us ever get breaks and it’s like, wow, when will it ever change.

In any event, I’m truly excited about the project, I think it’s going to “off the charts” but I gotta keep 100 wit’cha, I really wish that there was an investor or studio backing it financially. Having finances for a project makes life a lot easier. But I’m determined not to be stopped by anything. I’m taking a motto that I believe in whole heartedly and that is “make black films by any means necessary”.

Look out for my new web series. I believe you’re going to like it.

Be Blessed yall!

I’m at the Burbank airport on my way to Phoenix to visit my family and ain’t a whole lot here that’s funny. An hour ago, I’m sure I looked funny as I ran through the airport in my silver flip-flops and peach-colored strapless sundress. I was holding down my flopping, braless 36B boobs with one arm as I tried not to trip over my rolling, bumbling suitcase that I pulled with the other. I was running like the wind for a flight for which I was not officially scheduled and was departing in twenty minutes. I’d lost ten of those twenty minutes after being detained in security for my ancient laptop and a 3.0 ounce bottle of multi-purpose contact lens solution I forgot to place in a plastic baggie. Luckily I wasn’t arrested for said mishap…which, I s’pose, coulda been funny. I kept running while hoping Gate 4 would only be three more city blocks away instead of ten; I held sparkly images of my five-yearold niece and nine-month old nephew in my minds-eye for inspiration to make it! I even let go of my boobs knowing that if I accidentally flashed anyone it would all be for a good cause – nothing is more important than family. I arrived at the Southwest gate, caught my breath, pulled up my dress and discretely rearranged my boy shorts that had ridden up my ass as I quickly learned that I was stand-by passenger number seven and it didn’t look good for gettin’ on the flight. I smiled feebly at the two stand-by party girls ahead of me who really, really, really wanted to get on the flight because the rest of their girlfriends were already in Phoenix and drunk by the pool. Their giddiness annoyed me because it reminded me that some lucky bastard at LAX was grinning from ear-to-ear as s/he learned they were gonna get to take my seat to Phoenix since I wasn’t there to claim it. I imagined them waiting at the check-in counter, the same way we were waiting for a no-show, while the clerk announced my name incorrectly over the loud speaker: “Would passenger Peep-puure Chambers report…” (Maybe they would snicker at my name and think it was funny.)

Maybe I could have laughed with the party girls as they squealed with sorority glee in learning they were actually going to make the flight. Instead, I was hissing with confusion while trying to figure out that somewhere between Orbitz and Travelocity I forgot I found a great weekend flight from LAX rather than Bob Hope’s Burbank Airport.

So here I sit. On the floor. My legs and eyes are starting to itch from the cheap multipurpose blue and grey carpet. If there were more outlets in this airport named for a funny man who was uber-popular in the 40s and 50s, maybe I wouldn’t be sitting on the floor in a corner with my laptop. Maybe if there had been room in the over-crowded bar for me to have a $10.00 Heineken, I would just roll around with the laughing four-year-old boy in front of me with the bowl haircut and orange little Croc sandals and just not give a shit. (Maybe then I’d get arrested…?)

Instead, I sit and wait for the next flight and watch and listen while hoping anxiously for something funny to happen!

Peppur (www.peppurchambers.com) is an actor, writer, creator and performer of Harlem’s Night Cabaret performed by the sultry, sassy, sophisticated and sometimes funny, Brown Betties. www.brownbetties.com Email her at peppur@brownbetties.com

Film: All About Steve Starring: Sandra Bullock, Thomas Haden Church, Bradley Cooper Director: Phil Traill While sitting through the endurance test All About Steve, the prevailing feeling--aside from abject pain, that is--is how producerstar Sandra Bullock, writer Kim Barker, and director Phil Traill completely missed the boat on a workable comic idea. After all, the story of a socially awkward, possibly mentally ill, crossword constructor who, after one less than ideal blind date, chases (or, more accurately, stalks) the title object of her obsession (Bradley Cooper) across the country has the makings for a twisted and biting dark comedy like what Seth Rogen and drector Jody Hill pulled off earlier this year with Observe and Report. But instead of going against type with gusto as she did in The Proposal, Bullock and company have turned what is an intrinsically creepy premise into a most wrongheaded and cuddly "celebration" of "uniqueness" and staying "true" to oneself--and the film's ongoing, completely exasperating delusion that this story and its unsettling lead character are "charming" and "inspiring" is the only source of laughs, however unintentional. With Cooper being as harmlessly blank as he usually is, Bullock gratingly mugs her way throughout in a desperate bid to make something, anything out of this wreck, and one has to wonder how and why she came to back this project in the first place. Grade: F Michael Dequina, A-Frame Studios | twotrey@gmail.com | michael@aframestudios.com | mrbrown@themoviereport.com | The Movie Report/Mr. Brown's Movie Site: www.themoviereport.com www.quickstopentertainment.com | www.cinemareview.com | www.aalbc.com www.johnsingletonfilms.com

Film: Extract Starring: Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck Director: Mike Judge Mike Judge returns to workplace comedy with Extract, and while the results are definitely not on the level of his 1999 cult favorite Office Space, his unmistakably dry, wry sense of humor translates into some reasonable laughs, however disposable. The storyline is a bit of a mess: a food flavoring business owner (Jason Bateman), his bartender buddy (Ben Affleck), the businessman's wife (Kristin Wiig), a gigolo (Dustin Milligan), a factory worker (Clifton Collins Jr.), and a grifter (Mila Kunis) become entangled in a complicated yet rather undernourished web of lawsuits, illicit affairs, and shady schemes. The laughs that do stick come courtesy not so much from the tangled plot but from isolated moments with the colorful characters. Milligan and Affleck obviously have a blast going for broke in their aggressively eccentric roles, while David Koechner offers some choice squirm moments as the overeager-to-the-point-of-discomfort neighbor to Wiig and Bateman, the latter of whom is an ideal fit for the harried lead. Judge's largest shortcoming is giving the game Kunis very little to do aside from looking good, but even if the whole isn't quite the sum of its parts, those parts offer enough touches of off-kilter inspiration to amuse. Grade: B-

Our fashion shoot at the beginning of the year with comedic actor Joe Torry and R&B Singer/model/actress Porscha Coleman in Hollywood. Photo: Allen Zaki

Our fashion shoot with comedian and actor Donte Barrett and model and actress and model Dayna Dooley in Hollywood. Photo: Chuck Agaoian

Our fashion shoot with comedic actress Iva LaShawn and actor Kevin Cavell in Hollywood. Photo: Richard Gumbs

Our fashion shoot with comedian Garrick Dixon and singer/actress/model Kiki Walls in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

KiKi Walls ~ Photo By Frank Holder

Mika Michelle ~ Photo By Frank Holder

It’s hard for me to understand why more and more adults have effectively given up on so many of our youth. I mean, like the song says, “Children are our future,” right?

None of us were born at age 21, were we? Becoming grown and wise didn’t happen overnight or by osmosis, did it? It was-and still is-a process. If you’re like me, you’re still growing-still discovering things about yourself everyday. Our learning mechanism is intact. I think the problem is that some of us have long-term memory lapses. It’s as if we’ve forgotten what it was like to be kids.

Think back for a moment. Being a teenager was fun in many respects. In many instances, it was also very difficult. Now, think about our kids. When you consider all of the things we had to contend with as kids back in the day, can you imagine being a kid-an urban kid in the post MTV/Cell phone/Internet/YouTube/Facebook generation?

There was no such thing as a Black President or Attorney General or a Latina on the U.S. Supreme Court. There was no such thing as HIV/AIDS. The world was a different place.

Let’s face it. Even if your kids live on the same block or even live in the same house that you grew up in, it’s not the same world today. When you put all those contributing factors in the proverbial pot and stir it up, then consider this enormous recession that were going through, plus how high everything is now, plus the Increased dangers on the streets, etc., our young people actually are, more-or-less, holding their own.

Media broadcasts and publications routinely lead with stories that depict our kids as social pariahs, drug-dealing/drug-abusing deviants-incorrigible monsters. They almost make you want to take them back and try to trade them in on new models. It’s ridiculous. You can’t lump all of our kids together, anymore than you can lump us adults together as some kind of stereotypical “monolithic trick bag.” We all know, as grown folks, one size definitely does not fit all. By that same token, I’m not blind. I’ve met a few of those undesirable types I just described, and they come in all shapes, sizes, races, religions and ages.

In recent years, it seems that people have really begun to trip off age more than ever before. I know a lot of middle age people who will bend backwards to keep their jobs today because of how tough it is out there in the job market and because of their notso-young age. I guess, at a certain age, being young is good and being old is bad. If you’re over 40 like I am (I’m still not used to saying it), it’s unsettling to see that more and more people that you’re dealing with (I’m talking about adults, mind you) are more and more likely to be younger than you. Think about that for a moment.

When it comes to kids, this age thing really starts to get tricky. Age limits have been put on programs that provide employment, education and other opportunities for youth like: financial resources, safe havens, foster care and plain ole chances. Conventional wisdom seems to indicate that once a teen reaches a certain age and they haven’t yet been thrown a life raft, they are beyond salvation.

I refuse to believe that. What about the “late bloomers?” It seems that a few misguided individuals generate enough negative press for all of our kids-just like they did when we were their age. In fact, adults often lead them astray in the first place. As a result, this toxic mix has poisoned the perception of the very people our kids need in order to point them in the right direction.

There are many excellent organizations out there that are disproving those unfair generalizations and making a difference in the community everyday. Full Vision Arts Foundation is such an organization, using the arts as the conduit, the attractant, if you will, we teach performing arts, show business and valuable life lessons. I’m proud to be its co-founder.

At Full Vision Arts Foundation, we inspire youth toward success through the arts.

I’ve been an artist and dealt with artists for decades. My heritage is that of artists. It was passed down to me. I’ve already passed that gene down through my bloodline. I know that the arts are an essential part our culture. The arts are a necessary pillar of any civilization. My goals are to share what I know about the arts and show business with young people and to make way for the next generation of inspired artists.

It really is better to give than to receive! People say things like that all the time, especially around the holiday season. How many people really believe it? Well, count me in. I’m not saying that I’ve always felt that way. Now, don’t get it twisted. I give. My wife and I have been generous givers for many years. This summer, however, I gave something more valuable to me than money. I gave of my very precious time... and I couldn’t feel more fulfilled!

This summer Full Vision Arts Foundation presented and recently completed it’s first ever Summer Youth Arts Intensive Program (SYAI). The SYAI is a six-week, multi-disciplinary performing arts workshop for Oakland Bay Area teens ages 13-19. The free workshop was held every Wednesday and Thursday in Oakland, California. The uniquely produced workshop focused on the disciplines of singing, dance, musicianship, poetry/spoken word, improvisation, comedy and the business of show business. We also stressed the importance of diversity, social responsibility and the elevation of our community.

Thirty enthusiastic and very talented young people had successful auditions and were selected to participate in the workshop. The kids had great attitudes throughout the entire program. I was greatly encouraged by their natural talents and their desire to learn. Many of our students are multi-talents and have abilities in several disciplines. They are all eager to build on their burgeoning performing skills and share their gifts with the world. It’s exciting to have a hand in developing tomorrow’s performing artists.

Our program’s kids come from different walks of life and an array of ethnic and racial backgrounds. All we required is that they come ready to work, bring open, creative minds and that they not be afraid to express themselves. Formerly introverted kids came out of their shells-right before our eyes-often using song, poetry and dance to express their innermost thoughts and emotions-and they did so with flair and artistry. This is truly what it’s all about.

My point is that it’s about passing down game to the youngsters so they can take the reins and make us proud. The last thing we want is our way of life ruined. Nor do we want to see it get high-jacked by those who Spoken Word and Hip Hop Artist Ise Lyfe refer to as, “Culture Vultures.” Moreover, we don’t want to see our way of life as artists and creative people disappear. I encourage you, please, don’t give up on our kids and maybe, just maybe, they won’t give up on us!

Thank 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 cofounder 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: ComedyDoctor@BlackComedyCompetition.com.

Visit his youth Arts Organization at: http://www.FullVisionArts.org.