The Humor Mill Magazine

Volume 4 Issue 10 October, 2009

One Of Comedy’s Most Outspoken Comics Tells It Like It Is About Hollywood & The Comedy Industry

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 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 Shang Photo Shoot Photographer- Andre Bell Stylist/ Grooming - Shang

Justin Hires Photo Shoot Photographer- Frank Holder Model- Kyeara Samuel Hair- Melinda Brown Make-Up-Sharon Reyes Transportation Provided By C Sensation- Clubsensationvip.com

Special Thanks Makeda Smith Shang Jackie Fabulous Sharon Braxton Melinda Brown Justin Hires Kyeara Samuel

Contents Comedy News

Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker, and Dave Chappelle all were seen in and around Hollywood on stage and we got the news about who is about to do a comedy tour, and who isnt.

Plus we have the latest news about the new Lebron James move into comedy, and we discovered who is going on tour without Katt Williams after having been on his tour banner for a couple of years. All of that plus more in this week comedy news!

Urban Hollywood

Following up last issue’s big news about Tyler Perry and his new film I Can Do Bad All By Myself, we got the inside scoop on the cast, plus we introduce you to Holly’s new comedy duo in film, and we even have some big news from the BET Hip Hop Awards!

Shang ~ Don’t Get It Twisted!

Never at a loss for words, comedy’s most controversial and outspoken comedian named Shang sits down with us and speaks his mind about his journey in Hollywood and his career, and even spills the beans about a couple of other reasons why he has had such a hard road in the comedy game. You are not going to want to hear his thoughts!

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~ Boris Kodjoe

By Antonia Andullerro This week’s actor needs no introduction to the urban audience as he made a name for himself in Showtime’s Soul Food. But things have changed for Boris Kodjoe since his debut as an actor in that series, things such as landing more roles in some major films such as Surrogates (with Bruce Willis) and the new Resident Evil: The Afterlife. The model/athlete never had all of this planned, but things are finally rolling for his new found fame!

The Plight Of A Filmmaker

By Reggie Gaskins

Photo: Frank Holder

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.

Pictured here is comedian DC Ervin hangin’ out upstairs at the Laugh Factory during the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Departments Comedian Of The Week~ Ron G

Easily one of the industry’s most likeable guys, things are rolling for the former finalist of the hit TV show Bill Bellamy's "Who's Got Jokes" and NBC's Last Comic Standing. Find out what is happening new and how is star is about to shine even brighter- and Hollywood is taking notice!

Style With…

Justin Hires

The newest member of MTV’s new show Diaster Date comedian Justin Hires decides to stop by so we can see him stylin’! You really need to see how the Floridian is doing his thang!

The Insider: Behind The Desk

Photo: By Frank Holder.

By Trae Ireland This issue we continue our series of our new BehindThe– 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 comedic actor Bill Bellamy on the Red Carpet at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

Departments Let Them Tell It

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; this time it’s the cable news and his thought on racism. The funny thing is his thoughts are so on point you may have to read this article twice!

Movie Reviews

By Michael Dequina

Photographer: Frank Holder

This week our new writer reviews the film More Than A Game, a shocking documentary which focuses on the Lebron James gang; his high school team mates that went on to win a state championship. 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!

Our Favorite Sitcom Series: The Flip Wilson Show

By Sacre Wills

We continue our series into the early African American family sitcoms that hit television with The Flip Wilson Show, and we look at how that shaped the way we watch TV.

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

Departments Right Place, Right Time

By Peppur Chambers

This week our writer is at another location, this time at a doctor’s office.

What transpires there while waiting to be seen by the doctor is truly a thoughtful experience!

The Best Show You Haven’t Seen…Yet!

By Megan Katz-Silverman

Our writer this week takes a look at Aaron Braxton’s only one-man show in Hollywood titled, Did You Do Your Homework? This play was the Beverly Hills Playhouse’s #1 theatrical show of all time, so we wanted to take a look at what everyone is talking about.

Sex & Love Raw & Uncut

By Troy Rawlings

Fraction Of Love

Photo: Frank Holder

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!

By Vanessa Fraction

Since we have a man’s perspective on Sex and Love, we decided to ask what a woman would think of almost the same topics. Here is her point of view.

Pictured here is actress Dawnn Lewis on the Red Carpet at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

Editor’s Page To All Of Our Readers,

Photo: Frank Holder

The past couple of weeks has been a great week in comedy. During that time I have been able to see Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle, and Martin Lawrence perform on stage trying to get their act back together to possibly tour. All I have been thinking is how great that would be if all of them would hit the stage for a tour again, and how great the comedy scene would be again. Think about it; we would get dressed, get our hair done and get our dates together and then head out to a PROPER comedy show, one that would be worth every dime of our hard earned money during the recession. That would really be a great comedy season.

All I can think of is how that would change the game now; comedy really needs a shot of some hot blood. Now I don’t know who is definitely going to go on tour, but I can say that whoever hits the stage, comedy would really be grateful for it.

Now, who’s got first dibs?

Frank Holder Publisher Humor Mill Magazine Pictured here is comedic actor and our Host of Humor Mill TV, Red Grant during the Mo’ Betta Mondays Comedy Show at The Improv in Hollywood.

Mail

Humor

Mill

Magazine;

It was great to see a big woman on your cover! The Humor Mill Magazine pulls no punches and I just love how you guys make it happen! A great choice for your cover because Luenell looks like she’s going places!

Randy Ford Sherman Oaks, CA Humor Mill Magazine; What a spread of Luenell! I loved it! Your editors made this woman look like what she truly is- beautiful! Loved it! I am even anxious to see what the next issue is going to look like!

Tesa Junell Huntsville AL

Photo: Frank Holder

Humor Mill Magazine; I had to write to say I was not too pleased with your choice before I read your issue of Luenell, but after seeing the magazine and after opening up reading the article, and watching the interview, I have to say I was truly wrong about her.

I am so glad that the Humor Mill Magazine opens up those types of doors for comedians and the entertainment industry.

THANK YOU! Stacey Morrison Los Angeles, CA Comedian Joe Clair on stage at the Laugh Factory during The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

Mail

Humor Mill Magazine; I had to write because I usually like your choices for covers. This last issue wasn’t your greatest but I still liked it enough to read it.

Anyway, I am gonna still follow you all, so keep up the good work!

STILL A FAN New York, NY Ed. NOTE: Well, thanks for staying a fan, I think.

Humor Mill Magazine; What a magazine!

Now THAT is how you do it! Humor Mill Magazine, you guys found your niche, and you are really hitting your stride! The magazine looks great so please show everyone else how to do it!

Photo: Frank Holder

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

Humor Mill Magazine; Hats off to your magazine! Love it!

Pictured here is comedian Esau McGraw inside The Belly Room during the Crack Em Up Comedy Show in Hollywood.

UNKNOWN!

Mail Humor Mill Magazine;

Photo: Frank Holder

I love the concept of your magazine, and it looks like it’s the wave of the future! Plus I think you guys have everyone beat on the digital aspect of it. Not sure, but what you are doing is great! By the way great articles!

Please let Tony Spires know he should write a book!

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

Humor Mill Magazine;

Luenell never looked so good in Any pictures except your magazine!

Pictured here is actress Tatyana Ali being interviewed on the

Red Carpet at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

UNKNOWN

Pictured here is comedian Grady, Manager Charles Patrick Gooch and comedian Larry Lancaster during the Mo’ Betta Mondays Comedy Show at the Improv in Hollywood.

Mail

Humor Mill Magazine; I got a chance to see Luenell on tour with Katt Williams and I thought she was raunchy, but thanks to your magazine I see that was all an act. Bravo to your magazine for bringing out that side of a woman comic!

Danielle Harris Boston, MA Humor Mill Magazine; Wow! Luenell?

WOW! What an elegant cover shoot! I am so amazed at your photo shoot! So, can I have one of what?

Thanks!

Cissy Brown Cleveland, OH Humor Mill Magazine;

Photo: Frank Holder Comedian Kool Aide upstairs at the Laugh Factory during The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood.

I am definitely not the biggest fan of your cover story Luenell, but I wanted to drop you a quick note to say that her interview and candid quotes about how she made it in the industry inspired me. As a little over weight woman trying to make it in entertainment, people like Luenell and Mo’Nique have shown me that its not about what’s on the outside but what’s on the inside. And inside I am truly a star! Now all I have to do is to get to Hollywood so they can see it too!

Melinda Weeks Jackson, MS

Mail Humor Mill Magazine; Okay, all I want to know is who really thinks Luenell is funny? I witnessed the Katt Williams tour and I was really pissed at her performance. I thought she should give comedy up. Her set was raunchy and most of all degrading to women. But I guess someone liked her because she booked the tour!

Maybe that’s why Katt didn’t put her on tour with him again.

UNKNOWN ED. NOTE: Well, I think Katt just wanted to change it up a little and to give a couple of other comics a shot.

Humor Mill Magazine;

Steve Wasson Los Angeles, CA Ed Note: Thanks for the compliments! We are looking at the news stand option right now!

Pictured here is the comedian known as Yvette on the Red Carpet at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event 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 I love your magazine and love your layout and design.

I wanted to add you have a new fan! AND this magazine is free! Who gives away all of this for free! What are you guys thinking about anyway?

You have to charge for this!

Roxanne Davies Cleveland, OH The Humor Mill Magazine; Great articles, and great work on the comedy scene. As an urban magazine it looks like you have that corner covered. All I wish is that there were more cultures in the Humor Mill.

UNKNOWN Ed Note: We are working on that as we speak! Or should I say write! Anyway, keep reading and remember to SPREAD THE HUMOR!

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. â˜ş 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!

Pictured here is actor Kristoff St. John at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

After six long years, comedic actor Martin Lawrence is gracing the stages in and around the Hollywood area. We got a chance to see Lawrence last week at The Comedy Store and we caught a glimpse of what is in store. We can tell you that Martin Lawrence fans will be pleasantly surprised. According to Martin, he stated, “you will see a lot more of me!” That sounded like he is about to start his comedy comeback, doesn’t it? We will see and keep you posted.

Martin Lawrence

Chris Tucker

Speaking of comedy touring, remember we announced to you that comedian and actor Chris Tucker, probably most famous for his Rush Hour film franchise and the film Friday, had recently agreed to put on a comedy tour with AEG Live. Well to add a little further proof to our claim, last week at The Laugh Factory during the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show, we got a chance to see Tucker hit the stage and work out some of his new material. Now, as we reported, there is no word yet on set tour date or who will open up for him, but we did discover the tour is set up for about 20-30 cities and is set to begin this fall.

Rodney Perry

Arsenio Hall

As we have reported several times over, The Queen of Comedy herself, Mo’Nique, is preparing for an Oct. 5 launch of her BET talk show titled The Mo’Nique Show. We even told you of some of her guests when the show launches, and they include Arsenio Hall, Morris Chestnut, David E. Talbert, Hill Harper, Boris Kodjoe with wife Nicole Ari Parker, Ms. Laura Hayes, Adele Givens and Sommore just to name a few. Now you know as talk show host you have to have an excellent co-host with you that can carry you to the finish line - we think Mo’Nique did just that as it has been announced that the official cohost of her new show is comedian Rodney Perry! You may know Perry from Bill Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes as the man on the streets, and from hitting the comedy stages across the country as a co-host with Mo’Nique on her syndicated radio show, and of course as a Host for Humor Mill TV. Well, now you will see a lot more of Perry, so stay tuned for the debut of The Mo’Nique Show on BET on Oct. 5.

Hill Harper

Nicole Ari Parker & Boris Kodjoe

Photo: Frank Holder

Pictured performing on stage is comedic actor Chris Tucker during the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood.

In case you haven’t heard, NBA superstar LeBron James is making a feature film debut playing himself in a new comedy film titled Fantasy Basketball Camp, from Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment comedy.

The film is described as a comedy about five guys from different backgrounds who go to Vegas to live out their fantasy of attending the LeBron James Adult Basketball Camp. While it should be enough that these dreamers get to breathe the same oxygen as their hero, the Martin Lawrence campers drag James into their various life issues, LeBron James Brian Grazer ranging from serious to idiotic. Brian Grazer is producing the film, and he said the picture came out of meetings he had with James and his partner Maverick Carter. Their encounters left Grazer feeling confident the Cleveland Cavaliers star could make the same easy transition to the screen that Eminem did in his screen debut on 8 Mile, which Grazer also produced. The intention is to begin production next summer of the new film.

Wanda Sykes

Mike Epps

This just in: Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes is returning to HBO for her second solo special on the network titled Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me which debuts Saturday, Oct. 10 exclusively on HBO. (Check your local listings.) Wanda Sykes has starred in sitcoms and feature films, won Emmys for her comedy writing and sports commentaries, and even entertained presidents. The special taped in August before a live audience at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. The special features the outspoken comic, Sykes, performing material featured in her current national stand-up tour, where she addresses such topics as having a new “cool” Black president, coming out, the real Michelle Obama, being a new mom, getting her first bikini wax, health care town halls, pirates and working as an entertainer on a gay cruise. Sykes has been an HBO mainstay for many years. The Emmy nominated Wanda Sykes: Sick and Tired, her first solo special on the network, debuted in 2006. As one of the writers on The Chris Rock Show, Sykes shared an Emmy in 1999 for Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program, and also won Emmy in 2002 and 2004 for her humorous commentaries on Inside the NFL. Wow! In addition, Sykes has appeared frequently on Larry David’s hit HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm, and will be featured on the new season of the show, which kicks off Sept. 20.

We just discovered that actor/comedian Mike Epps (of Friday

After Next, Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, All About the Benjamins fame) returns to the mic with a hot new stand-up comedy special titled MIKE EPPS: UNDER RATED...NEVER FADED & X-RATED premiering on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10:40 PM ET/PT on Showtime. Filmed at the historic Fox Theatre in Detroit, Epps gets the house rocking with his unique and hilarious observations of married men, Black/White family dynamics and a spot-on impersonation of a popular crime scene investigation series. Legendary hip-hop emcee Doug E. Fresh also makes a special appearance.

Photo: Frank Holder

Pictured here is comedic actor Martin Lawrence performing on stage at The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

Hot off the insanely funny Pimp Chronicles Tour with Katt Williams, comedians Luenell, Melanie Comarcho and Red Grant are now starting something of their own, without Katt. We hear they all are ready to hit the road burn some rubber and little jet fuel and make the crowds across the nation roar with their own laughter. The name of the tour they are assembling is titled More Hustlin, and there is no official amount of cities it will be touring in as of yet, but as we find out we will let you know.

Luenell

Melanie Comarcho

Red Grant

The preeminent brand in comedy has joined forces with the preeminent producer of awards shows to reboot and re-brand the American Comedy Awards, a new, annual event that will honor and celebrate the world of comedy. This was announced today by Elizabeth Porter, SVP, specials and talent, of Comedy Central. The American Comedy Awards will celebrate and reward the year's best in film, television, digital shorts and performance. Scheduled to premiere in 2010, the American Comedy Awards, will premiere simultaneously across all of MTV Networks Entertainment Group channels: Comedy Central, Spike TV and TV Land.

The New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) recently announced a new partnership with the People's Choice Awards that will provide two unique opportunities for both comedians and fans to participate in this year's festival.

For the first time ever, festival-goers will have the chance to vote on and present an official People's Choice Award during the New York's Funniest Stand-Up competition, an event that showcases the most talented newcomers and established comedians in New York. The winner of the competition will receive the prestigious crystal People's Choice Award and will be recognized during the 2010 People's Choice Award live broadcast on CBS. Additionally, the People’s Choice partnership offers aspiring comedians across the nation the opportunity to perform live as an opening act for one of the following NYCF’s headlining comedians: Tracy Morgan, Artie Lange, Mike Epps, Bill Burr, Patton Oswalt or Mike Birbiglia. Performers can submit a three-minute comedy routine from Sept. 21 through Oct. 7 on www.peopleschoice.com.

A NYCF panel will post the top three performers on the site on Oct. 9 for fans to vote for their favorite and ultimately decide which comedian to send to New York to perform during the New York Comedy Festival. The winner will be announced Oct. 23. In addition to performing in New York during the Festival, the winner is invited to attend the 2010 People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles. The 2009 NYCF is presented in association with Comedy Central. The festival is produced by Caroline’s on Broadway and United Entertainment Group. Media sponsors include Time Warner Cable Media Sales- NYC, Time Out New York, the New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, Myspace.com, and People’s Choice Awards. Jameson is the official Irish whiskey, Travelocity is the official travel sponsor, and The Shoreham Hotel is the official hotel of the 2009 New York Comedy Festival.

Tracey Morgan

Artie Lange

Mike Epps

Photo: Frank Holder Pictured here is actress JackÊe Harry and comedic Joe Torry at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

L-R: Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Cicely Tyson, Kimberly Elise, Ruby Dee & Alfree Woodard

A couple of weeks ago we reported that Lionsgate Films had tapped Tyler Perry to write, direct and produce an adaptation of the 1975 play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. The film is slated to be the first project for Perry's 34th Street Films production company, housed at Lionsgate. Well during that time, we discovered that For Colored Girls will begin shooting in Atlanta in November, with Lionsgate planning a release next year. In case you hadn't heard the play is a series of 20 poems telling stories of love, abandonment, domestic abuse and other issues faced by black women. Since the news broke about For Colored Girls, there is speculation about the casting of the film, and rumor has it that Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Cicely Tyson, Kimberly Elise, Ruby Dee, Maya Angelou, Angela Bassett, Thandie Newton, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Beyonce and Alfre Woodard have all joined the new film. Word is that the deals are being put into place and an announcement should be made soon. We will have more on this as it develops. For Colored Girls, written by Ntozake Shange, was first performed in 1975. It was made into a 1982 telepic with Shange, Laurie Carlos, Trazana Beverly, Alfre Woodard and Lynn Whitfield for PBS' American Playhouse banner. A Broadway revival, produced by Whoopi Goldberg and starring India.Arie, was announced for the 2008-09 season but got yanked last summer when funding fell through.

L-R: Angela Bassett, Thandie Newton, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Beyonce & Maya Angelou

Damon Wayans, Jr.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Samuel L. Jackson

Eva Mendes

It looks like the cast is growing of the Damon Wayans, Jr. film. News just dropped that the film titled The Other Guys, has now secured Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson in the cast, along with Eva Mendes Michael Keaton, Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg and Steve J. Coogan.

The Rock and Jackson play an elite cop team whose exploits are the envy of the department and the second-tier fellow cops, Ferrell and Wahlberg. Actor Steve J. Coogan will play the villain in the film. Be on the look out for more news, as we hear Other Guys is set to bow Aug. 6, 2010.

Photo: Frank Holder

Comedians Na’im Lynn, Rob Stapleton and Tony Roberts outside the Trippin’ On Tuesdays Comedy Show at The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

NBA superstar Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs has teamed up with a French production company named Tele Images Kids to launch a show titled Basketball Adventures, an animated series following the basketball star. The cartoon will follow Parker and his team as they participate in tournaments across the USA. Word is Parker’s wife Eva Longoria- Parker will likely guest star on the show. Word also is that the show will be in 2D and will have a hip-hop, urban touch. Basketball Adventures begins production in January 2010.

We just discovered from our sources that there is about to be an urban version of The View, ABC’s very successful day time talker. We hear that the hosts for the new show tentatively titled The Mix, are Vivica A. Foxx, Tony Rock, Miguel Nunez, Melysssa Ford, and Sheryl Underwood is created and executive produced

by Michael Mcquarn (who currently is producing Tyrese Gibson’s new show on BET titled First In) and Tracey Edmonds, and written by comedian Chris Spencer. The show’s first guest is rapper/actor Mos Def and the pilot is currently being shopped to the networks.

Eva LangoriaParker

Tony Parker

Tony Rock

Vivica A. Fox

Tony Rock

Melyssa Ford A few days ago actor Boris Kodjoe announced via his Twitter account that he’s the latest addition of the Screen Gems film titled Resident Evil: Afterlife. Kodjoe tweeted, “In Toronto meeting with the director of my new movie ‘Resident Evil: Afterlife.’ Very exciting!!! Lots of stunts, shooting guns, monsters… I play the leader of the survivors in L.A." Kodjoe said in a recent interview, "Milla Jovovich’s character, Alice, is roaming the world looking for survivors and she's wound up in L.A., which has been burning for three years. She comes across a L.A. jail surrounded by these half-dead zombies, and there's a couple of survivors and she lands on top of the roof and partners up with me to fight the guys that are coming after them.

We’re trying to get all of the survivors out of the jail to safety.” Resident Evil: Afterlife is set to release on August 27, 2010. Kodjoe can also be seen in the movie Surrogates starring Bruce Willis, which is now playing.

Sheryl Underwood

Boris Kodjoe

Bruce Willis

Photo: Frank Holder

Pictured here is actor Dule Hill at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

We hear that Spike Lee, Robert De Niro and John Ridley have recently teamed up to develop Alphaville, an ensemble drama series about Manhattan's Alphabet City for the Showtime Network. The series will be set in the 1980's and will focus on the gritty and troubled past of Alphabet City, which is now the new East Village. In the 80s, Alphabet City, the setting for the musical Rent, was a mix of struggling artists and musicians who lived alongside Black and Puerto Rican neighbors. The community was plagued by racial tensions, illegal drug activity and violent crime. The area is infamous for the Tompkins Square Park riot of 1988, which saw police clash with anarchists and homeless activists. John Ridley will write, with Lee on board to direct the pilot.

Singer-turned-actress Jill Scott (now of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and of Why Did I Get Married fame) has just signed on to star in a Lifetime tele-picture. The film, based on the Carleen Rice novel titled Orange Mint and Honey, Sins of the Mother, focuses on a grad student who returns home to face her abusive, alcoholic mother (Scott) only to discover that her mom is sober, has a 3-year-old daughter and new life. Paul Kaufman is directing from a script by Elizabeth Hunter who adapted the novel for TV. Jill Scott is also due to appear in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too? in 2010.

The BET Hip-Hop Awards '09 nominations were announced yesterday on 106 and Park, along with rapper, actor, screenwriter, film producer and director Ice Cube who will receive this year's I Am Hip-Hop Icon Award. Hosted by actor and comedian Mike Epps, the hip-hop event of the year returns to Atlanta’s Boisfeuillet Jones Civic Center on Oct. 10 to celebrate the biggest names in the game – both on the mic and in the community. The "BET Hip-Hop Awards '09" will premiere Oct. 27.

Spike Lee

Robert De Niro

Jill Scott

Mike Epps

Jay-Z

The Hip-Hop Awards Voting Academy which is comprised of journalists, industry executives, and fans has nominated rapper, producer and style aficionado Kanye West for an impressive nine awards. Jay Z and Lil Wayne follow closely behind with seven nominations, and T.I. rounds things off with six nominations.

Lil Wayne

Kanye West

Ice Cube

T.I.

Photo: Frank Holder

Pictured here is actress Salli Richardson-Whitfield and her husband actor & producer Dondre Whitfield at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

BET has added two new nomination categories to this year’s show -- MadeYou-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style) which will go to the ultimate trendsetter and Best Hip-Hop Blog Site, which will go to the online site that consistently keeps hip-hop fans in the know non-stop. Here's a sample of the list of nominations of the BET Hip Hop Awards: Soulja Boy

People's Champ Awards - Dorrough - "Ice Cream Paint Job" - Fabolous - "Throw It In The Bag" - Kid Cudi - "Day N Nite" - Soulja Boy Tell'em - "Turn My Swag On" - Kanye West - "Amazing" Fabolous

Producer of the Year - Ron Browz - Cool & Dre - Tha Bizness - T-Pain - Kanye West MVP of the Year - Drake - Jay-Z - Lil Wayne - T.I. - Kanye West

Drake

Jay-Z

Best Hip-Hop Collabo - Jim Jones, Ron Browz & Juelz Santana - "Pop Champagne" - Lil Wayne & Bobby Valentino - "Mrs. Officer" - Rick Ross & John Legend - "Magnificent" - T.I. & Rihanna - "Live Your Life" - Young Jeezy & Kanye West - "Put On" Rihanna & T.I. Bobby Valentino & Lil Wayne

T-Pain

The Comedy Industry has a very controversial comedian who speaks his mind about everything in the industry, and more!

Photos: Andre Bell Writer: Jackie Fabulous

The key to a successful career in this economy is continuity. Shang has had managed to keep the same job for almost 22 years because he continually gives customers what they pay for, an amazing performance! A lot of us remember Shang from his “Fight the Power” comedy stylings in the early 1990s or have seen him in one of his over 200 television appearances but one thing is for sure, having the same job for two decades has definitely made Shang a household name when talking about successful black comedians. His love of the art of comedy is the reason he has a permanent place with entertainers of color and the entertainment community as a whole. Shang has given audiences a relatable place to return when other comedy stars shine brightly, see what they think is a brighter light only to leave a job that is almost impossible to master the second time around. There is no second time for Shang as he manages to keep one foot lodged to the comedy stage no matter how many other opportunities cross his path. Shang is dedicated to his primary occupation of “Comedian”.

I met Shang when I became a comedian and was learning about the comedy game and was amazed that he has the same dedication and energy now that he had when I watched his television appearances years ago. Shang is dedicated to the art of laughter. He is the Hustler of Hilarious; the Make you smile Master and has made the decision to make hotel rooms and airports more of a home to him then his own living room. Shang has accepted the job to do what he does best and this interview illustrates his path, shares his beginnings and explains why Shang chooses a life of constant mobility over a life of One Nighters in Los Angeles, California where he resides. Read why Shang after so many years still feels as if every stage is an opportunity to send someone home with a lot less stress, a smile and a reason to say “This guy was hilarious! I have to tell my friends about this comedian named Shang”. Anyway, here is a portion of the interview conducted with Shang, and here is his thoughts on just a couple of the things mentioned above.

“…I started writing a little bit more main stream then so I could get some of the main stream stuff. Some black folks don’t want to hear about what’s going on so now I mix it a little bit. So if I am going to a certain place I know what to do, I do some thug stuff for the thugs, and once I get the thugs in get them thinking then I would do the political stuff.”

Humor Mill: Here we are outside after our photo shoot with a comedian who comes very hard and very strong- and people are really not aware of how hard and strong- Shang.

Shang: I’m definitely coming hard, doing different stuff. I am not trying to be like everybody else. I’m seeing too many comics being like other comics and I am trying to write stuff that people aint heard before. Ever!

HM: Well, you have been on the comedy scene for years…

Shang: For a long, long, long time.

HM: Do you feel under appreciated in the world of comedy?

Shang: No, because the general public is giving me love. I sell out about 85% of the venues I do, so, no the general public is giving me love. I don’t necessarily need the comics love but comics give me love too because they know I am a good cat and I have always tried to help black comics because we have it harder than white comics. They get put on a little bit faster and they are not strong.

HM: What do you feel about Hollywood not recognizing you and your talent right about now?

Shang: They will, and then they are gonna have to pay triple. I have almost a million people on the ’net and I am selling units when I do sell (DVDS), so when they do… I know its because its like the same deal with Paul Mooney. When you go a little too political, and you are not trying to play the same game you are not going to get on as fast. But I make a good living and my two sons eat so, its good.

HM: It’s funny you should mention Paul Mooney because you have been referred to as today’s version of Paul Mooney. How do you take that as a comparison?

Shang; That is a BOMB compliment! Are you kidding me? There’s Paul, and the cat that got me started Dick Gregory, so I’d say out of all of them I’d say it would be… You know Dick Gregory inspired me, and I actually worked with him, and for them to say I am the new Paul Mooney, that’s great! Who ever said it, AARRGHH! For real! Wow! HM: For people who haven’t seen your comedy can you explain to them what your type of humor is?

Shang: Evil stuff mixed with straight evil stuff, mixed with a lot of political point of view.

Social issues, I definitely talk about social issues. I will go from a bit about behold a pale horse to socialism to capitalism, so… I haven’t seen anyone mix it in, I have seen the same thing. Black people, white people dance different, man, Obama he crazy! If I was black…

You know it’s the same stuff and I feel like we are past that. I feel like a lot of comics are past that and that’s why sometimes they look at us like “oh he’s just a black comic, he’s just like that guy and that guy”, so I am trying to write some stuff where they go “whoa!.”

HM: So it was a conscience effort when you first started?

Shang: When I first started, yes, when I first started. I kind of sold out for a little bit, and I saw which way BET was going and I saw Chris Tucker doing coach roach jokes and getting deals, and I saw people doing f*ck jokes that weren’t even creative f*ck jokes, they were just f*ck jokes, “ I be f*ckin!’ and they are getting signed! So, I started writing a little bit more main stream then so I could get some of the main stream stuff. Some black folks don’t want to hear about what’s going on so now I mix it a little bit. So if I am going to a certain place I know what to do, I do some thug stuff for the thugs, and once I get the thugs in get them thinking then I would do the political stuff.

HM: If you could do it all over again, is there anything in your comedy career that you would do differently?

Shang: Wow! I wouldn’t snap on executives as fast. I think that the way that they talk to us sometimes insults me and I would end meetings. I would be like “Really? You don’t realize I read the contract too? And you are not going to pimp me, and I am not going to be like Little Richard, none of that, and you are going to pay me. I may not be the biggest comic, but I am going to be wealthy and my audience is going to follow me.” So I would probably be a little bit more savvy with that, be a little bit more nice about that, and network more in town. I am a road comic and I didn’t stay around enough. And I would probably stop killing hookers, that really took me out of the loop for a while (laughs), and after the second hooker I should have, you know, ARRRGGGHH! Anyway, you have a portion of the interview here! Check out the video for the complete interview with Shang and for more info on him check out his website http://www.iamshang.com!

“I am not trying to be like everybody else. I’m seeing too many comics being like other comics and I am trying to write stuff that people ain’t heard before. Ever!”

This week we were outside of The Laugh Factory and we decided right then to grab comedian Ron G and get an interview from him. Why? Well, we recently discovered that this rising star in Hollywood had recently taped an episode of Comedy Central’s Live @ Gotham (which airs at 11pm on Friday, October 30th).

It’s pretty easy to see why Hollywood likes the college graduate (who has a dual degree in finance and management from the University of South Carolina). Ron G has a stage presence and personality that Hollywood should like and adore, and he has been making his mark ever since he was given that opportunity.

It started when Ron G began his stand up career in Atlanta, GA, and was crowned 1st place winner of the 2005 Sierra Mist Late Night Laff Off, then after moving to Los Angeles to further his career as a comedian and actor, he became a finalist on the show Bill Bellamy's "Who's Got Jokes“. That eventually lead to him becoming a finalist on NBC's Last Comic Standing.

Anyway, Ron G is one of those new LA comics who continues to plug away on stage, and all the while he tries to do it with respect as he is one of the only comedians who has a totally clean set- and we mean he does not use foul language during his performance. Now that alone will make him stand out!

So when we caught up to Ron G, here is what he had to say about his career and his choices he has made so far;

Pictured here is Rapper/actress & DJ MC Lyte on the turn tables at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

Aaron Braxton’s one-man show, Did You Do Your Homework? is the Beverly Hills Playhouse’s #1 theatrical show of all time. What started out as a one-weekend run, has turned into a nine-month extravaganza with great reviews, keynote performances and television news appearances.

Braxton started out with a vision that consisted of inspiring young people to reach their highest potential. Combining his talents as an actor, singer, writer, and teacher, this brilliantly written oneman show is the “Slum Dog Millionaire” of theatre. It is simply, “The Best Show You Haven’t seen…yet!” It is a “tour de force” that leaves you ready to make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

Playing twelve different characters, including teachers, administrators, parents and students, Did You Do Your Homework? is about a substitute teacher that takes over an urban middle school classroom because the veteran teacher abruptly quits. In the show, this talented artist describes the significance of obtaining an education while going through flashbacks of his own childhood abuse and still being bold enough to shoot for the stars, while taking on the ardent task of inspiring his students to do the same.

It is a physical show and Braxton has a gift for characterization and mimicry. Each of his characters is highly developed and he glides between them with effortless precision. One minute you are howling with laugher and the next, you are ravished with tears. He is a compelling artist and activist.

Deriving from a family of singers, it was no surprise to hear his vocal skills resonate throughout the theatre. Also no stranger to the stage and screen, he was one of the first African Americans to guest star on Beverly Hills 90210. In addition, he has played opposite to Lorenz Tate in South Central, and has starred/guest starred in a host of television and film projects including “ER,” “NYPD Blue,” “The X-Files,” “CSI Miami,” “The District,” “Days of Our Lives,” and “General Hospital.”

A true renaissance man, Braxton is also the author of the inspirational book, Did You Do Your Homework? Is Not Enough! (Seven motivational principles for the comprehensive success of parent and child). If you have ever had an opportunity to hear him speak, you will leave on a chocolate high, armed with an elevated esteem, determination to be a better you, and challenged to make a difference in the world, one positive thought at a time.

“What is Time? Is it the Air we breathe or the wings that teach a newborn bird to fly? Who can tell? I don’t know. Will we change or will we grow?” Those are the lyrics to the song, Time written by Billy Porter. It is also beautifully sung by Braxton as well as being the theme song to his one-man show. Gather your friends, family and significant others to see this performance when it comes to a city near you. Next stop, BROADWAY. It will provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and change how you utilize your time on this planet.

Photo: Frank Holder Pictured here is Kiki Shepard, actress Jenifer Lewis and Ms. Lewis’ date for the night at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

This weeks Star Spotlight focuses on actor and model Boris Kodjoe born March 8, 1973 in Vienna Austria. Kodjoe is the topic of conversation in beauty salons, grocery stores and office gossip. Women of all denominations agree on one simple factor: The undeniable truth, that Boris Kodjoe is probably the finest man you’ve seen in decades. So pleasing to the human eye, we introduce to you beauty and brawns. We introduce to you a man that fluently speaks four different languages, attended Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in marketing and effortlessly hypnotizes the male and female species with his cultural background and endless charm. In 2002, People Magazine recognized the unquestionable good looks Kodjoe possesses, naming him one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World”. As a child living in Germany, Kodjoe had dreams of becoming a professional tennis player and was offered a Tennis scholarship to Virginia Commonwealth University. The hope and desire to go pro ended abruptly after a serious back injury.

When we enter this world we are taught to excel academically; being trained to understand that education will determine your future, qualifications and rank. Some of us depend on our athletic ability to succeed and make a name for ourselves but when that idea is no longer an option, that’s when we start asking ourselves what we’re good at. In Kodjoe’s case he was about to realize the alternative was modeling. He was approached by an agent from the Ford Modeling agency and signed a deal with them in 1996. His career quickly began to take off with major men’s magazines and casting directors immediately taking notice. This was just the beginning, which led him to Hollywood where he landed the role of Damon Carter on Showtime’s Original Series “Soul Food”.

Soon he was starring in movies such as “Love and Basketball” and “Brown Sugar”. I think it was important for Kodjoe to experience other avenues and to prove to people that he was more than just good looks. He wanted to prove that he could act, that not only did he look the part, that he could play the part as well. During the time Soul Food aired, Kodjoe wasn’t only developing his acting skills but also developing a relationship with his on screen girlfriend Terry, played by Nicole Ari Parker. The two connected so well on screen that they ended up getting married in real life. As I was an avid Soul Food watcher I can tell you that hands down Parker and Kodjoe made their scenes seem so genuine. When the show went off, you went to bed thinking that this was real. It was a show that people could relate to; it was about family, trust and a sense of togetherness. It was obvious that the characters were loyal to each other on and off screen. www.BorisOnLine.com is a popular website among people of all ages interested in Kodjoe and his career. His main focus is to give young people that motivation to strive for excellence and to pursue their dreams. Kodjoe and Parker reside in Atlanta with their two children. They tried to choose a state that would speak to them on a cultural level versus the fame and having their children subjected to the lime light at such a young age in Hollywood. We always hear stories about the paparazzi ruining relationships and marriages, so it’s very important to keep your family away from the Hollywood scene so there’s no confusion or mayhem.

You can currently catch Kodjoe in the 2009 Science Fiction Film, Surrogates, starring Bruce Willis and Ving Rhames released September 25th in movie theaters everywhere. On behalf of myself and The Humor Mill Magazine we look forward to seeing more of Boris Kodjoe in the near future.

Photo: Frank Holder

Pictured here is actress Olivia Brown (of Miami Vice fame) at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

Flip Wilson is a giant legend in the Black comedy world. I think of him as the first black comic. I see him this way because he was the first African American to have his own variety TV show. Actually, Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby were there with Flip Wilson and they often appeared on the show.

There was nothing more exciting than seeing Flip Wilson and Redd Foxx on stage bouncing comedy lines back and forth - complete improvisation - pure comic geniuses! Redd Foxx, with a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other. They were like the Black Frank Sinatra, all suave, debonair and probably gangster. Remember Flip Wilson often sang on his show. His movements and music were Frank Sinatraish as his shoulders swayed back and forth.

Flip Wilson’s show aired in the 1970’s, a few years after Martin Luther King’s marches. It was a pure damn miracle that Flip Wilson had a show. Lucky nobody every burned the set down. And Flip Wilson could talk back to White people. They acted like he was the boss. Flip was on TV competing with top notch comedy like Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, Lily Tomlin, Dean Martin, and Bing Crosby. He held his own in their world!

Flip Wilson was complete excellence. His platform was a circular stage - the audience sat around it. His props and costumes were elaborate, his suits and clothing first rate, and his show never lacked in professionalism or talent. Flip Wilson and his guests performed skits. That is what they did back then.

Today it’s talk show. Flip gave a lot of Black talent a home with guests like The Jackson 5, Diahann Carroll, Mohamed Ali, Lena Horne and Stevie Wonder. He also featured top White talent like Merv Griffin, Tim Conway, and Phillis Diller and Johnnie Nash.

When I watch the Flip Wilson show I can’t help but to see Arsenio Hall, the Wayans Brothers, Chris Rock, and Jamie Foxx. Wilson’s “Geraldine” paved the way for many Black brothers to use drag as comedy. Think of In Living Color, the character Wanda - she was so Flip Wilson. Wilson played many roles like blue collar Marvin, Reverend Leroy, and Sonny the White House Janitor. I see Eddie Murphy in Flip Wilson as he plays the various alter ego character roles. Martin Lawrence is in Flip Wilson, Tyler Perry, and even Kat Williams.

The memory of Flip Wilson is in our Black comics. I had to give a shout out to one of our heroes. We cannot forget this man the comic powerhouse! His light cannot die out.

Photo: Frank Holder Pictured here is actors Dule Hill and Wesley Jonathan at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

As we stated last issue, we are starting a new column with executives from the entertainment industry, and as with last issue, we were able to secure Trae Ireland of Screen Gem Pictures to ask him some more questions from behindthe-scenes. Anyway, here are some questions that are posed to him regularly so we thought you might want to get an insider look at the industry.

1) Last issue you discussed the possibilities about going to an audition. For someone like me who just got to Los Angeles, how do you even find out that there is an audition and there locations?

TI- There are a few web sites on-line, or the newspapers. or check out where the actors are going to for workshops and classes, as they have listing there sometimes for actors to find out more information.

2) After auditioning for awhile and not getting hired, when is it time to give it up?

TI- If you ever feel there is a time to give up, then you're in the wrong business.

For me, you have to have the passion of this is your means for survival. Now having said that, if you have people depending on you for their living and nothing is happening, then you might need to make a change.

3) Is there a way for someone to make a real good living just doing commercials?

TI- Very much so, especially for constant national commercials and/or being the spokes model for a brand like the Verizon guy or the Insurance girl.

4) Is being in a union better for me when going to these auditions? I am finding it difficult to book an audition and I am thinking its because I am not in the SAG union, what do you think?

TI- The main reason why its better is because one, production companies have to pay SAG to what is called a "Taft Hartley" to have you work on a union film and two it says you've done some type of union work. So you know procedures.

5) Is there a direction a person should apply to booking an audition for a film and a TV show and is there a difference? How about for a play? Should I invest in going to acting classes for these items?

TI- The direction to go in is to always improve on yourself and craft. Classes, plays, indie, films, shorts, student films or whatever is going to fine tune your craft and keep you in practice.

Photo: Frank Holder

Pictured here is actor Kelly Perine at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

Q: Hey Troy, I haven't dated in 3 years. Kind of took a break, and I haven't really been looking to get into a relationship. But I met this man, and I instantly fell in love. Funny thing is he doesn’t fit the bill visually of a man I would normally date. Three things: Dark complexion, West Indian, and 53! Yes, 53!!! But he swept me off my feet, and I am falling quick and fast and we haven't even kissed yet! That's deep; at least for me!

He is so much more mature, and really I am very child like. I'm silly and youthful. I don't want to get hurt or get my heart broken... But I can't control what I am feeling. I've been too embarrassed to share this with anyone. Plus I want to see where it is going before I let anyone in. I am so scared!”

Signed, Ms. Butterflies A: No problem Sista‘, this is what I do. Don’t be scared girl! I happen to be writing an article in my Sex & Love column titled "Butterflies". I always tell people that they had better be GIDDY, and EXCITED and HEAD OVER HEELS over someone you’re courting or thinking about being in a relationship with, especially a long term relationship! It had better start that way! Or else, what kind of foundation is there?

That child like bliss of being caught up, be it "Fairytale" like or not, is necessary baby. I believe you need that attraction to build from. Because as you get to know each other, start seeing each other more often, after the first kiss, making out, and sex, you start to "Settle in more“. Now only you know you best, so you know if you're the type that falls hard. Or the type that loves passionate intimacy when you want it. You know if you are spontaneous with your feelings and emotions or not. There are no assurances in love.

Sometimes because of past hurts and pains we try to keep our guard up to never be HURT like THAT again. But nothing on earth makes you more vulnerable than love. So to truly experience LOVE, you have to open up your heart knowing that love does come with some serious pain attached at times, I.E. childbirth! All that to say 3 very important things: 1. ASK - You have not because you ask not, You don't know because you didn't ask, never assume anything! Ask the hard questions. Life is too precious, and sometimes too short. What do you have to lose? ASK - STD's, Marriages, Kids, criminal charges, attracted to men, favorite position, do you like your mother, any hard question you can think of ask. What this does is get rid of unneeded mystery about the person you're falling for. ASK. 2. TELL - Answer your questions and theirs. Most of all tell him what you want for your future, and how you feel about him. See if you're on the same page right now.

3. FEEL - Baby don't be afraid to Feel what you feel. When you feel it, that's how God made you, and you don't have to hide it, just be ready for the good, bad and wonderful that expressing your feelings to someone can bring. Now it's up to you when you do it, but be sure to be honest at all costs.

That's the best I can give you baby! Sometimes Lust and Love can wear the same clothes! So be honest with yourself about whether you're just horny baby!

Photo: Frank Holder

Comedians Scruncho and Cisco after the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show at The Laugh Factory in Hollywood.

This week we were able to catch up with comedian Vanessa Fraction to bring back a fan favorite The Fraction Of Love column. This column is for the woman who wants the woman point of view about Love and Sex. Here are a couple of questions; Q: I have a friend that I go to see out of town. Its about 5 hrs from me and I make it up there as often as I can. The problem is he has a live-in girlfriend so when i come he doesn't give me as much time as I feel he should, I just drove all the way up there. Anyway how can i make him want me need me stay with me not that biaach?

VF: I stopped at you drove 5 hours! You got gas money like that in these times, we might need to date. I'm sure it doesn't feel good to put out so much effort and not receive much in return. But, you knew he had a girl before you got in that car and drove those five hours. You knew he wouldn’t have any time for you. So, if you’re going to agree to the game, play it, and play by the rules. Sad to say he’s not going too long for you and want you while you’re making everything so easily available to him. You’re driving hours putting up with the time he’s willing to dole out . He’s got you, his girl, and you’re willing to work around his schedule; a schedule (need I remind you again) that’s 5 hours away. Damn, he can’t meet you half way? Honestly, I could give you some tips on how to make him want you more… Point is, it’ll do nothing but make you the new “biaach” at the house!

Q: I was with a girl that probably made 3 or 4 times more money than me. But we both had jobs and we split the bills. After I gave money for the bills I also gave her extra money. But then she turns around and asks for hair and nail “money”. Now remember she makes more money than me. So why do women say they want a 50/50 relationship and then when you try to give it to them they want you to handle everything?

Confused in Missouri VF: Dear Confused in Missouri, Women say a lot of things. The truth is, when it comes to money, we’ll ask for as much as you’ll give us. I know if every time I asked you for money you gave it, I’d keep asking. I believe you need to learn how to say NO, with Love! Sit down and have another discussion about money management with/in the relationship. If that doesn’t do the trick you may need to trade her in for a more affordable woman.

Maybe pick a lady that knows how to do her own hair and nails.

Q: I am a God fearing Christian woman and I want to date a man in the church.

Now even though he's in the church just like me I'm not sure how to tell him that I don't want a relationship built on sex, that I'm saving myself for marriage. I don't want this to ruin a potentially good relationship. How do you tell a man you don’t want a relationship built on sex?

VF: This is how you tell him, “ I don’t want a relationship built on sex.” It’s just that simple. Being he’s in the church as well, he should understand, if not there was no potential good relationship to ruin.

On a side note: Be careful, I would advise to not just want a man “in the church” but a man that loves God and shares the same values as you.

Q: My girl has guy friends at her crib and I'm locked up. When i voice my mistrust she says they are just friends and that I have an overactive imagination. Am I a SUCKA? VF: No, you’re not a SUCKA --- You LOCKED UP!! My advice is to focus on the good. Do you otherwise enjoy her conversation? Does having her in your life, help you do your time? Even if she’s someone to help pass the time let it be that, ignore all else. When it boils down to it all you have to go on is what she says. You can’t do anything about it. Stop questioning her about who’s over there. You’re just upsetting yourself. If she’s accepting your calls appreciate that. Do your time and worry about that shit when you get out.

Q: I have a boyfriend that basically lives with me but says he doesn't. He eats here, sleeps here, sits here all day while I'm at work. If I ask him what we're doing because you basically live here without any worries about bills or food or anything else, he says I should learn how to go with the flow and why does everything have to have a label? Now when we met he had a job and at least took care of himself now he's started asking me for money to fix his tire, get an oil change, to smoke. Come on man this is getting out of hand! I wanna tell him to get the hell out of my house sucking up my food, and air, and running up my cable bill, renting adult movies, but whenever I do that (and i have several times) I miss him and want him back. He's fun, and cute, and the sex is off the charts. What should I do? Do you think it will ever get any better or is he a lost cause?

VF: Well as far as the adult movies go set the parental control to put an end to that, and since he’s acting like a child and your taking care of him like one, hook him up a bunk bed and assign him some chores around there. Sh*t you giving him an allowance. It comes down to YOU making a decision, I know it can be tough, but either you want him there or you don’t. If fun cute, sex, is enough for you, though it doesn’t sound like it is, quit complaining and smile with contentment. If you want more take a stand, have some discipline, set some boundaries and standards for what you’ll accept and what you won’t. Good sex doesn’t stop the power from getting cut off. Do I think it will ever get better? Yes, I do. I believe it will get better when you choose to make it better.

What a night! What a night! I just returned from the 5th Annual TV-One Urban Comedy Awards and let me be the first to say that this was the best one yet. Forget about 2014 when long winded Sheryl Underwood tearfully accepted the Best Urban Female Performance for her tour de force in “The Wesley Snipes Story” so long that Charlie Wilson had to start singing to get her off stage or 2012 when a envious and uninvited Al Toomer was pummeled by security for viciously attacking inaugural show host, Loni Love on live TV. Those were all fond memories to be sure, but tonight’s show topped them all.

For starters, host Ron G shocked the house when he took the stage in a quaint throwback to the 90s era award shows by actually walking out. Can you imagine that – a host using his legs? No horses, chariots, rigshaw or greased up slave boys carrying him – just his own two feet. From there he delivered a pitch perfect PC monologue with his patented shoulder bouncing and boyish grin while clips of Ron smiling flashed in the background. I believed they used sequins.

In the next segment all the Browns appeared on stage and tried to outdo each other. Cocoa, Spanky, Benji, Steve, Doo-Doo, Pat and Willie and his dummy were no match for Bobby, who recently joined the long running tour.

He commandeered the mike, tore his shirt from his old body, mumbled something about having soul and dropped his pants. Someone must’ve forgotten to tell the aging hip hopper that his shorts were missing as all the men in attendance were thoroughly disgusted except for the sissies, minus their leader, fresh from their hole at the radio station.

The first award came as no surprise to anyone who’s been following urban comedy in the last decade or so. Best Urban Comedy Performance – Male; of course went to Ray Lapowski. His night time outdoor concert in Central Park, “Ray Keeps It Black” was a comedy milestone. One million fans showed up and only 7,105 were fatally killed.

Joining Ray on stage to celebrate the evening’s festivities was his lovely and perpetually pregnant Samoan wife, Tutawany and their 4 husky, hairy kids.

Snoop did 2 numbers that had nothing to do with comedy, but what would any awards show be without Snoop? Whereas the rest of the winners offered few surprises there were some touching moments. Those winners include…

Best Urban Male - Comedy Series – three time winner - Gary Owen for “The Gary Owen Show”. Gary said a simple, “Thanks, bitches” and strutted off with young presenter Giuseppe Wayans.

Best Urban Female – Lisa Lampanelli for her one –woman show, “The Strep Throat Monologues”.

Lisa was escorted to the star-studded event by recently divorced, Cuba Gooding Jr, who had been conspicuously absent from these award proceedings…all urban award proceedings.

The Best Urban Comedy New Comer Award went to RT. Special mention must be given in this category because as we all know RT has been lobbying for this award since the show’s inception on the now defunct network BET and we’re glad he got the Susan Lucci curse off his back.

And I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when he performed his signature musical number and his dancers flooded the stage all wearing white T’s. So inventive. So original. So . . .

Best Urban Male - Reality Series - Roger Rodd, the host of “I Thought He Was Dead”, the show Roger created looking for rappers we all thought were still in the system or buried in a cave somewhere.

It was truly moving when Rodd, acknowledging his newly formed Roger Rodd Spook Management Agency, gave special thanks to Colonel Tom Parker for paving the way.

Best Urban Male – Mini-Series – Honest John for “Abe & Freddy”. John’s duel portrayal of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass had Eddie Murphy cheering in the aisles.

Best Urban Female – Mini-Series – “Horny Housewives of Lennox Ave” – Paula Bel. Need I say more?

Good stuff, but the highlight of the evening for me was the Lifetime Achievement Award. Many well-deserving urban comedians were up for this one, but the voters, months ago decided upon the individual who most exemplified the finest in urban comedy throughout his long and sordid career. It was practically a nobrainer. Naturally the winner was our very own, Sinbad.

Yes, Sinbad; the lanky yet bulky humorist looked quite poised and dapper as he arrived with longtime friend and traveling companion, Michael Richards.

These two “buds” have been seen everywhere together since the unfortunate incident in 2006 when Sinbad was late picking Michael up from the Laugh Factory and Richards had a bit of a hissy fit.

However that wasn’t what made it so memorable. After taking the award from presenter, Shucky Ducky, Sinbad abruptly stopped his acceptance speech, stared out into the faces of his peers and said –NO! “I can not accept this award as long as this man lives and breathes”, then he outstretched his massive arms and told George Carlin to come to the stage. Co-presenter, Demond Wilson informed him that Carlin had been dead for almost 10 years. Sinbad apologized and then gestured for Roberto Benigni to come get the award. Assistant to the co-presenter, Stoney Jackson told him that Benigni hadn’t yet learned to speak English and so hadn’t been invited.

Undaunted Sinbad had the house lights turned on. Once he surveyed the audience, he once again outstretched his arms and summoned Don Rickles to come to the stage and take the honor. Don is much more deserving he said.

And with that Rickles snatched off his oxygen tube, leapt from his wheel chair, bound onto the stage and plucked the trophy from the grasp of Sinbad right before pushing him out of frame. Don looked great for a man of 93 and I almost understood most of what he said. By what I could make out he called Sinbad a nappy-headed redbone hockey puck several times and said he’s about as urban as an Amish nose trimmer. Rickles then called the assembled crowd a bunch of Alabama porch monkeys whose biggest mistake was not letting Stepin Fetchit go far enough and closed with a few huck-a- buck, coon, jungle bunny and spear chucker references, but not a single N-Word flew from his quivering lips. A fact later acknowledged by one time recipient, Paul Mooney.

Ah, that Don. Madcap.

All in all I was a great evening and I look forward to next year when the host will be none other than Hugh Jackman.

This comedy CD by Adam Hunter is better than mediocre but less than hysterical. I’ve had the personal pleasure of seeing Adam perform his set live and he truly is very funny. However, his comedy style on cd and some of his routines being somewhat visual, doesn’t translate as well. It just doesn’t invoke those visceral images that put you in the room with an audience and Adam on stage rippin’ it up. This comes into play with the first three tracks but after that he settles in and the lines are spewed venomously one after the next. His onetwo punch liners flow like an automatic weapon that come off very original and personal.

Although I didn’t fall out of my seat rolling on the floor laughing, I did find myself laughing out loud at times. Adam is refreshingly funny like with his bit on “Myspace, Facebook and Twatter” “I cant keep up with the Myspace Facebook Twatter Twitter whatever the hell that is, they should combine em’, My twat face”. He’s good but near the end of the cd he trails off just a little bit instead of tearing the house down.

Overall its still good listening even if sometimes he could be a little stingingly sharp witted with his racial material… never the less, its pretty good.

Pictured here is comedian Ramona Stevens and friend at The Pinz Bowling Center during Kiki Shepard’s Celebrity Bowling Challenge Charity Event in Hollywood.

The latest release from Mariah should have her fans knowing that they’ve grown up witnessing the maturing process of a beautiful butterfly. Those who are not huge fans like myself may be surprised to find that this cd is actually filled with some nice smooth and mellow songs perfect for those riding around moments with your sweetie where hip hop joints would just be a little bit much. For some of the cool head nodders, check out “Betcha Gon’ Know”, “Inseparable”, “Up Out My Face” and “Standing O”.

“Memoirs” doesn’t contain the throwback style of old school slow jams nor does it have those hip hop/pop star of the moment cameos. It’s a small step away from the typical Mariah that we‘ve come to know on past works like with “The Emancipation Of Mimi, E=MC2, Butterfly or almost any of the many other hits in her long list of past cds. In fact, any hints of hip hop flavor from this day and age are mostly found in some of the simplistic beats or maybe on the hook with the ‘lovin’ on my mind’ sample on “Ribbon“. Miss Mimi has definitely matured.

The first release, “Obsessed” is the rumored response to a recent Eminem track that is burning up the airwaves in hot rotation. It’s the most up tempo song on the cd not including its remixes as bonus tracks. “Obsessed” is also without question the strongest hit on the cd but overall it’s still not the powerful outing like what we all know she normally can do, just light Mariah goodness.. I do have my favorites though like the aforementioned “Inseparable” and “Up Out My Face” but as I gave it several listens, I didn’t hear another clear cut stand out super hit coming up next. Although I also didn’t hear anything seriously wrong with this cd, I could have done without the cover song “I Want To Know What Love Is”, the reprises and the ludes, (inter or pre). Other than the few minor cloudy moments, many should and will enjoy this angel, perfect or not. Clear skies ahead so float on lovely butterfly, float on.

October 6, 2009 Meshell Ndegeocello - Devils Hero October 13, 2009 R. Kelly - TBA Brian McKnight - Evolution Of A Man The Roots - How I Got Over October 27, 2009 Mike Epps - Mike Epps Michael Jackson - This Is It November 10, 2009 Clipse - Til The Casket Drops Three 6 Mafia - Laws Of Power November 17, 2009 Boyz II Men - Love (Covers LP) Norah Jones - The Fall November 24, 2009 Lil Wayne - Rebirth Memphis Bleek - The Process E2 Sean “Diddy” Combs - Last Train To Paris

Future Releases 50 Cent - Before I Self Destruct Christine Aguilera - TBA Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee pt. 1 B.G. - TBA Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foor: The Son Of Chico Dusty Mary J. Blige - TBA Cassie - TBA Cee-Lo - TBA Cypress Hill - TBA D’Angelo - TBA Dr. Dre - Detox The Dream - Love King Eminem - Relapse 2

2009 Fall 2009 2009/10 2009 2009/10 2009 2009 2009/10 Fall 2009 2009 2009 Dec. 2009 Fall/Winter 2009

I was at a doctor’s office recently and sat next to a woman who was perhaps in her 80s, if not more. She had an elegance about her that was complimented with vintage diamond rings and bracelets that jangled slightly as she filled out her paperwork. She couldn’t read the forms very well and asked me for help to fill them out. I was elated, actually, because I wanted to learn more about her!

Not in a stalker way…I clearly had no use for knowing her medical history, but I sure wanted to know her personal history. As I moved to the seat next to her, I saw that she wore a make-up foundation that was more orange than her pale olive-y light-brown skin that suggested she was maybe from New Orleans or vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard with her family and other elite Blacks. Her hair was dyed a combo hue of auburn and chocolate brown, cut short in a stylish Lola Folana-esque poofed blow-out. Her nails, both fingers and toes, were self-manicured. Knowing that she had trouble seeing things, I took comfort in imagining how she may have sat at her Baldwin Hills kitchen table in the early evening with Wheel of Fortune on the TV in the background and a china cup of green tea nearby as she painted her long nails a bronze-gold hue. I imagined her to reach for a cigarette (said she smoked on the form) rather than a glass of brandy (said she did not drink on the form), and enjoy the experience as she’d done for thirty or more years while she waited for her nail paint to dry.

When the moment was right, I asked this woman where she was from. With a strong, raspy voice and the dignity that most older people possess that younger people do not, she said, “Upstate New York”. New York! My mind reeled as I looked at her again and wondered even more about her. Had she ever gone to Harlem in the 40s’? How did she get to Los Angeles? Was she an actor? A singer? A dancer? A mother? I wanted to ask her so much while we sat together and she laughed at how many forms there were and implored me to tell her that there simply were no more! As she signed her name on the last form, I watched her thin, long fingers grip the pen as she struggled with her cursive. I was reminded of my niece’s 1st- grade penmanship and smiled at the similarities…it’s funny how life puts you in the right place at the right time and I was happy to have shared some time with her and hope that when it’s my time to be 80 years old or more, I will be just as she was that day.

Peppur (www.peppurchambers.com) is an actor, writer and 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: More Than A Game Starring: Lebron James, Will McGee, Dri Joyce Director: Kristopher Belman

The title More Than a Game is more than a little clichĂŠ, and the most basic summary of this documentary's premise does little to refute that initial impression: the story of five inner city youths who forge something beyond friendship while pursuing their high school hoop dreams.

But the journey of the "Fab Five" who made up the core of the St. Vincent-St. Mary basketball team in Akron, Ohio earlier in the decade is not exactly your average sports saga, filled with extraordinary characters and equally extraordinary circumstances that Hollywood could craft no better in any feature script. Any filmmaker blessed with such serendipitous narrative riches would be content to simply recount the not-so-tall tale, but director Kristopher Belman takes it an added step: bringing the larger-than-life back down to a universally relatable scale.

Figures hardly come more larger-than-life than LeBron James, the Fighting Irish alum who (as the world over has come to know) first caught national sports media attention during his high school stint and has since become one of most celebrated and recognizable stars in all of sports, let alone in basketball. With the knowledge of James's ultimate NBA fairy tale fate, the temptation would be to focus the film solely on his rise, but his story is duly treated as but one of the threads borne out of what was originally the "Fab Four"--James, "Little" Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, and Sian Cotton, whom we see in some rare home video honing their individual skills and team chemistry from way back when they were pre-teens. Playing in the Amateur Athletic Union, the quartet lived up to the "Shooting Stars" team name, building on their local Ohio successes to shock observers in a national tournament down in Florida; however, the four's first taste of national success will turn out to be just shy of complete victory.

And, like most lives, that bittersweet experience reflects the greater journeys followed in More Than a Game. Given the presence of James, one expects this to be a film full of triumphs, but what make those resonate even more strongly in the end are the relatable setbacks, obstacles, and shake-ups that occur along the way. In fact, falling into that last category are two people who will come to complete the "fab" family and help lift the entire unit to new heights, Romeo Travis and "Little Dru"'s father, Dru Joyce II. But long before those heights, each initially enters the basketball picture under less than ideal circumstances: Travis in sophomore year at St. Vincent-St. Mary's, where his surly demeanor quickly clashes with the core quartet, who had just led the school to a championship the previous season; Joyce II in junior year, who takes over the head coaching position from a decorated predecessor despite minimal experience. How the four manage to evolve into a "Fab Five" and, above all else, a family of six headed by Coach Dru proves not so much a result of their hard work on the hardwood than of the growth they each must undergo as people. The film's structure reinforces that latter point. Instead of going the standard route of going through each person's background at the top, Belman gives the individual histories at appropriate, organic

moments within the overall narrative. While this approach does mean that some events early in the film unfold without a complete familiarity with or understanding of all of the players, spreading the stories out pays off in a couple of respects. Instead of blurring into a muddle, it allows each person to have their time to shine and their respective stories breathe and remain clear to the viewer. But even more effectively, the back stories are used beyond mere exposition to illuminate certain key events that affect the group as a whole--further underscoring the greater idea of how various circumstances seemingly centered on one person can cause repercussions for the collective. Chief among these developments, of course, is the hysteria and hype that arises around James after he is featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, suddenly catapulting midwestern high school hoops into a nationally televised arena.

The film admirably does not downplay any of the welldocumented dramas and tensions that then sprung forth from James's literally overnight fame, but instead of wallowing in sensational celebrity scandal, Belman keeps these developments in their proper perspective in regards to the bigger picture: how they affected the entire group and what they all aimed to accomplish.

That is an example of how and why More Than a Game works--showing the grounded, real-life terms and consequences of an increasingly surreal chain of events. Only a select few people can completely relate to being blessed with natural athletic ability and talent at such a young age; even fewer still would relate to being suddenly thrust into the media spotlight and scrutiny. But underneath that gloss and glamour is the classic tale of boys growing into men, of people learning the importance of the greater group glory over the individual shine, with the distinctly drawn personalities of each of the five offering a fairly diverse set of entry points for the viewer to understand and relate. Ironically enough, in balancing his attention between everyone on the team, Belman offers deeper, uncommonly intimate insight into the film's marquee name; one is a witness what is perhaps James's most critical, formative period through the eyes of those who not only knew him best, but had a huge hand in shaping the superstar "King James" so familiar to sports fans today. But if lifting-oneself-from-a-hard-knock-childhood-through-big-dreams is fairly commonplace film fodder, More Than a Game's trump card comes in an arc that is not as commonly told and even more empowering: the story of Coach Joyce, as the film is just as much about him coming into his own. If James's story confirms the prevailing contemporary notion that one's opportunity for success comes--and then passes--only while one is young, that of the elder Dru counters that, rather poignantly proving that one does not have to settle for comfort and complacency, for one's true calling and self-actualization may not arrive until later in life.

That statement may make More Than a Game sound pretentious, but such weightier ideas are delivered in a very accessible and entertaining package. The Fab Five make an affable and appealing, funny and fun group, and Belman accordingly has fun, fighting the trap of talking headand-news-clip documentary monotony and keeping the film visually dynamic. Beyond some snazzy (but not overdone) graphic work that gives the documentary staples of old photos and newspaper headlines some motion and flair, Belman also manages to lend some variety to the basketball footage, with each pivotal game edited and presented in their own subtly distinct way; for instance, some visual repetitiveness is avoided by simply not shooting scoreboards in the same way. Belman even has a little fun with the standard closing "where are they now" text cards without resorting to overwrought editorializing or labored stabs at profundity.

While it certainly helps to be familiar with the game of basketball and a fan of the sport to enjoy More Than a Game, it is far from necessary. Basketball is what brought the Fab Five and Coach Dru together and was and remains a shared passion, but the game is almost incidental to the larger idea: not only that those from not exactly the most privileged of backgrounds can indeed dream and succeed, but that one doesn't necessarily do it by oneself. Not looking out for number one but instead always looking out for each other is what made Coach Joyce and the Fab Five what they were as a team, who they have become as people today--and why their story and this film are so richly moving and inspirational. Grade: AMichael 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

Photos: Frank Holder Models: Justin Hires & Kyeara Samuel Hair/Stylist: Melinda Brown Make Up: Sharon Reyes

This week we get comedian Justin Hires of the new MTV show titled Disaster Date (Mon-Thurs 6PM) to do a shoot with us. Some folks say Justin Hires is the selfproclaimed future of comedy and entertainment!

Born in St. Petersburg, FL, and raised by two very supportive parents, Justin always had an extremely notable gift to make others laugh. At an early age, he began honing his craft as an entertainer. At the age of 13, Justin became the youngest cast member in the Tampa Bay Area’s popular Shakespeare in the Park productions. By the time he graduated from Gibbs High Performing Arts School with a degree in Theatre Performance, he was widely recognized as a rising local talent.

Upon graduating from high school, Justin ventured to Atlanta, GA, where he attended Clark Atlanta University. While in Atlanta, Justin was cast with speaking roles in two successful feature films--Stomp the Yard and The Gospel.

MTV then discovered Justin as an on-air personality at Clark Atlanta University’s campus radio station, WSTU 98.1. They enlisted him to become a video-jockey for their college network, mtvU. Special assignments by MTV afforded him the opportunity to travel to Cancun, New York, and Los Angeles to interview some of the elite in show business, including: Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy), Young Jeezy, Lupe Fiasco, Akon, and many others.

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

Justin graduated with honors from CAU, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Arts – Radio, TV, and Film. He then moved to Hollywood, where he immediately started performing stand-up comedy and landed his first television pilot for MTVDance Justice. He soon started producing sketch comedy videos for the web. His videos seen on the sites YouTube.com and WorldStarHipHop.com have collectively garnered over 2 million views. Recently, Justin was seen in the NBA All Star National Sprite Commercial campaign. Up next, Justin will soon be seen as a cast member in the new MTV hidden camera show, Disaster Date.

Justin Hires is determined to continue his pursuit as an actor/comedian/writer/director/ producer, until he becomes one of Hollywood’s elite brand names and an international superstar!

Mika Michelle ~ Photo By Frank Holder

KiKi Walls ~ Photo By Frank Holder

When did I become a cable news junky? Did it sneak up on me suddenly? Or did it gradually maneuver its way into my limited amount of free time and become a daily staple of my mid-life? I just don’t feel right without my daily fix of gloom, doom, global fear- mongering, and most recently (like it was 40 some odd years ago), an overdose of spewing frustration, rage and hatred. When did angry rhetoric and heated emotional outbursts take precedence over the old media standard of “If it bleeds it leads?” If you’re checking in with the news several times a day like I am, you’re witnessing a shift in America, or perhaps better put, a return.

Is it just me, or does America appear focused on race now more than any other time in recent memory? Maybe I better clarify. Racism was as much a “founding father” of this nation as George Washington or Thomas Jefferson ever were. So I’m not surprised that, as Malcolm put it a long time ago, her “chickens are coming home to roost.” Do you think it has something to do with the election of a Black President? When I asked, “is it just me,” I was being facetious but maybe it really is just me (and a few others) who’s tripping so hard off this media “refocus,” as it were.

Perhaps the most perplexing aspect of this return to race is that, as obvious as it is (at least to me) that it’s happening, the trend is so widely denied. In fact, it’s gotten so bad; I don’t know who’s lying more-the good, old-fashion, foamy-mouth racists (I’m sorry. I meant to say, the far-right ultra conservatives) or the die-hard, bleeding heart liberals. The only person on the media’s radar, with the guts to call a “spade a spade” (a tiny little pun intended) is former President Jimmy Carter. I always liked him. I don’t remember too much about those early years but I do remember that he always seemed to be cool with Black people.

Ole Jimmy calls it like he sees it, doesn’t he? As a humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, he’s known for using his position to champion causes that he believes in. The current race issue is no exception. He’s one of the only public figures to come out on TV and say the problems President Obama are facing regarding health care and other issues, are largely because he’s a Black man. Nobody else wants to do much more than admit that racism exists in this country. How’s that for a news flash? Even people who have virtually built their entire careers on race, opt out of that conversation now.

They say that it takes away from the real issues-the debates on health care, unemployment and the economy. They say that it’s only a small minority of tiny fringe groups that make up the majority of the detractors who blame Barack for every ill in America and want his head on a silver platter. I’ve seen some of these characters. They even try to pin problems on President Obama that were clearly inherited from the previous administration. The charge is led by the likes of TV and radio broadcasters: Bill O’Reilly, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and everybody’s favorite “rabble rouser,” Rush Limbaugh.

I also have to give it up to my sistah, Donna Brazile. As political pundits for TV news goes, she’s one of the best. And like James Carville, Carl Rove and others, she’s also one of the country’s top political operatives and strategists. Recently, on CNN, she and Bill Bennett, another Popular political pundit said (like I previously mentioned many also said) that although racism exists, it “wasn’t helpful or productive to discuss the racial implications of the “Teabag” Protest in Washington DC. Bennett said that Brazil agreed with him.

Donna had to correct him. She did so with the style and tactical precision that would’ve (and I’m sure actually did) made Obama proud. I know I was. She said, “I agree that we shouldn’t discuss race in connection with the health care debate because people only want to have a hollow conversation. People don’t want to discuss the history of racism in this country. They don’t want to discuss slavery or Jim Crow. They’re just having hollow conversations.” I couldn’t agree with her more. What really frustrates me is that a lot of these people are African American.

Maybe it’s the magic of television-you know-a little broadcast “slight of hand,” that’s got me fooled. Perhaps it’s only smoke and mirrors that makes it seem as if America is standing in the return and exchange line at the “Pick-a-President Store.” I persevere to remain objective and discern what really exists-not just what the media creates. I think I’m pretty good at it. What I see is an angry and very vocal mob building across the country and they all seem to be mad at the only man brave enough to truly rise above the fray and try to save the country for everybody.

Barack had to be up on what was going to be coming at him as the first Black President. It’s beyond me. I have a hard time imagining what he had to go through as the only seated Black US Senator. He proved his pedigree to me when he not only decided to run for the office of the Presidency but from jump, he made it clear that he intended to win! He’s also a man who wants to shake up the old guard and change the way that many things are done in Washington. What I like about him is that “he ain’t trippin’.” They keep throwing stones and he keeps on forging ahead-doing his best to do the right thing.

This man’s composure is already legendary. He wanted to give a speech to America’s school children. Happens all the time, right? Nothing earth shattering about that, now, is it? Presidents are always speaking to kids, aren’t they? In fact, George W. Bush was talking to kids in a Florida elementary school when the 9/11 attacks occurred. The things that were said about Obama’s desire to speak directly to America’s kids with words of encouragement were flat out hateful.

The fears (if there ever really were any real fears to begin with), were not only unfounded; they were obviously racially motivated. The whole incident was unprecedented. Is he the President or not?

I was in shock when Congressman Joe Wilson blurted out in the House of Representatives calling the President of The Untied States a liar. He did it with impunity-not only in a joint session of the House and Senate but on worldwide TV! That has never happened in America’s history. But when I saw that in the aftermath that Wilson actually grew in popularity, that he actually raised over two million dollars for his upcoming re-election campaign because of his disrespectful utterance, I was too through. During the Bush regime, people lost their jobs for doing much, much less. Wilson got off way too easy. Why? Because of the same reason he did it in the first place. It’s the same reason that President Obama can’t trip off of him or any other of his haters.

It’s race-moreover it’s racism. But let them tell it, I’m just a nihilistic conspiracy theorist. And I’m like, “yeah, but what does that have to do with the price of ‘tea’ in America?”

-#Tony Spires is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, event producer, personal manager, poet, musician, award-winning playwright, critically acclaimed director and co-writer of the 2007 NAACP Award nominated, “Ali: The Man, The Myth, The Peoples’ Champion and columnist for The Humor Mill Magazine. He is also co-founder of the youth arts organization 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.