Mrs Windy City

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noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:02:00 +0000

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Make you smile Monday: Sasha Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:27:00 +0000

She's a cutie pootie

Jennifer Hudson performs on NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Center this morning

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:07:00 +0000

Jennifer Hudson's D.Blanks shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:07:00 +0000

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Jennifer's D. Blanks shoot

Common attends the Diesel Boutique on Melrose on May 9, 2009 in West Hollywood

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:07:00 +0000

EXCLUSIVE: Mary Lindsey: Queen of Chicago comedy clubs

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:30:00 +0000

What are you doing Memorial Weekend? Hopefully you’ll be attending the Laff Mob at the UIC Forum with LIL REL, Leon Rogers, and others. This event is going to be off the chain! Male and female comedians that have the comedy game on lock! I had the distinct opportunity to interview the mastermind behind this showcase and many other comedy showcases, the lovely Mary Lindsey. She talks with Mrs Windy City about Laff Mobb, her career with comedy clubs and being a female in the comedy game.

How did you get involved in owning comedy clubs?

ML: The journey has been very interesting. We (James S. Alexander, Raymond C. Lambert) started All Jokes Aside in 1991, and then developed that club and the image over a thirteen-year period. It closed because comedy sort of flattened out.

The Midwest and Chicago were a market that people were overlooking in the comedy industry because they were going to California and New York for the talent. So I thought, ‘You know what? Comedy seems to be getting a little bit of attention. Lets see where this is going. Maybe its coming back.’ And it did. So that’s what prompted me to open Jokes and Notes. I felt like all comics in the Midwest did not have a platform to develop their craft so they can be competitive in the comedy arena in the other markets.

What would you say is your proudest moment with Jokes and Notes?

ML: Jokes and Notes has been open for about three and a half years on 47th and King Drive in Bronzeville. It is an up and coming neighborhood. I think the community has embraced us and received us very well from an entertainment standpoint. We get a lot of feedback on how pleased they are that the club is there and how well it is operated. The comics in the comedy industry have been wonderful in terms of working with me with a small venue. All Jokes Aside were a 350 seater, I have a 150 seater because I felt that was compatible to the neighborhood I was going in. They have all been extremely great.

My biggest highlight has been more than one. The first was Mo'Nique coming back and opening the club for me three and half years ago. I believe that helped us get on the map.

Secondly, seeing four or five comics be on television and part of comedy shows in a three year time frame. LIL REL is someone who did not have a big name, now he is almost a household name in other markets. Just knowing Who Got Jokes, Montréal Comedy Festival and any other major networks come to us to say ‘Can you do a showcase for us so we can look at your talent to advance them in other areas in the comedy world.’ That has been a major highlight. We have had four or five comics that are very successful in that short period.

Being a woman in the comedy industry, has it been difficult or easier for you to run these businesses as well as you have?

ML: Being a female did not affect me at all. I think because there was some history there, so some of the foundation was laid. I was a co-owner with two guys all those years, I was a very visible partner and people knew who I was. Opening this club under a comedy circuit they already knew I wasn’t new to the business, (that was) a good thing.

It does make me take a consistent platform of being very stern and implement policies in how the club is operated because I am a woman and sometimes I think in a male dominated industry you tend to be a little bit tougher.

A lot of people come into the club and say they remember me from All Jokes Aside and some people don’t. That’s why I didn’t name it All Jokes Aside. I did not want people to think it was me and the two guys. It is just me. It says that I came back and did this on my own. I do want people to know that it is a female owner.

Who are some of the new comedians we should be looking forward to?

ML: We are doing this show, the Laff Mobb and we are featuring the rising and upcoming stars. We are starting it off Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago and then if it does well then we are going to take it to underserved markets. This will be the 21st century of Def Comedy Jam. The Laff Mobb is a movement that will go to different cities, and based on the market the talent will change. What we are going after is the up and coming stars. Not the household names. In Chicago you have LIL REL who is going to be a major big star, Damn Fool another big star, Kelly Howard, Chastity Washington and a lot more.

Are there any future events, that are similar to Laugh Mobb and you will be sponsoring?

ML: After the Laff Mobb normally I do the comedy festival and that is when I bring for a whole week, comics from all around the country, every night from Monday to Sun. There are different and multiple shows. It’s just a fun time for your community and surrounding area to check out a lot of talent in a small venue at an affordable price. This event will be in late September.

Do you have a solid line up or does it vary week to week for Jokes and Notes?

ML: We have a schedule on jokesandnotes.com. It tells all about me, the club, when we started and a two-month schedule.

Every night is a different thing. Wednesday’s are open mike night where people come and work out their material. Thursday are special promotions, it varies along with the promoter. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (nights) is a national act that we showcase.

Laff Mobb --May 23rd --UIC Forum ---8p.m. hosted by Leon Rogers

Beyonce is a bag lady

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:20:00 +0000

When asked what she does with all her free swag:
“I probably get about 15 bags sent to me a month. Armani gave me this croc bag, which was huge - I could only imagine how much that thing cost. It would be so expensive that even I wouldn’t buy it.”

On what pricey bags she has her eyes on:
“There are some bags that are pretty hot. But then I haven’t bought myself a Hermes Birkin bag because I think they are just too expensive.”

Stupid of the weekend: Louis Vuitton theft on Chicago's Michigan Ave

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Around noon on Saturday, officers responded to a call that a woman who had earlier bought items with stolen credit cards at a Louis Vuitton store, 919 N. Michigan Ave., had returned and was trying to make more purchases, police said.

When officers arrived, the woman fled to a car where a male accomplice was waiting, Harrison District Cmdr. Eric Washington said. A struggle broke out when the woman was inside the car and, at one point, the woman tried to grab the officer's gun, according to Washington. The officer then shot the woman in the abdomen.

Today details were released : Sheila Ferguson, 30, of the 3700 block of West 13th Street currently has two cases pending before a judge in the Cook County Criminal Courthouse. Between the pair of cases, she has been charged with theft, using another person's credit card, aggravated battery, unlawful vehicular invasion and armed robbery.

Though she remained hospitalized today, a judge this afternoon ordered her held without bail

Jada Pinkett covers EBONY

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:52:00 +0000

Jennifer Hudson proposes to Punk!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:41:00 +0000

David Otunga aka Punk proposed to Jennifer Hudson five months ago. Last month Jennifer Hudson returned the favor by proposing to him on his bday. She presented him with a personally designed Neil Lane engagement ring rocking out at 5 carats (see pic).

"Jennifer wanted to give him something really special when she asked David to marry her," says Lane, who worked with Hudson for months to design the ring. "It was very sentimental and romantic ... They are really in love."

Photo via People

Im giving the side eye to this ish....carry on

Rihanna, Teairra Mari, Amerie (throwback) salutes Destiny's Child

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Fri, 08 May 2009 01:31:00 +0000

I never saw this..lol....effortlessly hilarious

Megan Fox covers ELLE June

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:08:00 +0000

Ummmm Angelina your youth is calling...lol

Beyonce covers Marie Claire June 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Amber Rose and Kanye West attends "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion" Costume Institute Gala

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:34:00 +0000

Niiiiice

Rihanna at the Costume Institute Gala...I loved it

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:20:00 +0000

I think Rihanna was appropriate and stunning. I don't understand all the
fuss concerning Rihanna and her outfit for 'The Model as Muse:
Embodying Fashion: Costume Institute Gala'.

I think she embodied
couture and high fashion. Make-up was flawless and she carried herself
well.

After less than 4 years her first album was released, Rihanna, who is
only 21, is the 10th artist with the most gold, platinum and
multi-platinum singles in the United States

If she will bring one more single to #1 by January 2010 at Billboard
Hot 100 list she will be named "Most successful artist of the
decade.

Jennifer Hudson's condition + Jenny McCarthy backed by Oprah

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Jennifer Hudson is taking a break this week from her national tour with Robin Thicke. Doctors are said to be treating her for a throat condition related to her singing.

No word yet on how many shows will be affected by the setback.

Chicagoan Jenny McCarthy has signed a deal with Harpo Productions to develop multi-platform projects, including a syndicated talk show and a blog. Her blog launched Friday on Oprah.com

Outside the box.....

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:23:00 +0000

What does these lovely women have in common? That and all the gossip over at In Chi City

Kanye West in May VOGUE

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:08:00 +0000

Check out Kanye and his style featured in May's VOGUE

Common May GIANT scans

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Check out our boy Common in the May issue of GIANT!

Honey Magazine is back!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:03:00 +0000

For all the black urban fashionista that miss a woman's magazine dedicated to us (remember Vibe Vixen, Suede?) then look no more!
Honey Magazine is back online for now!

Three black radio DJ's cut!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Three black female d.j.s -- V-103 Radio midday host Troi Tyler, its evening voice Irene Mojica and WGCI overnighter Ericka Sundance Campbell were let go by Clear Channel Communications Tuesday in what some industry observers described as a bloodbath in local black radio.
Via SunTimes

Spotted: Mr T serves Chicago jury duty

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Yesterday Mr.T told stories during down time, autographed books and posed for pictures with other potential jurors, county employees -- and the family of the defendant in the drug case he could have ended up hearing.

Like others called for jury duty, Mr. T will collect $17.20 for the day

Rock Out or Walk Away....siste edition

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:13:00 +0000

Khloe Kardashion first rocked these Giuseppe Zanotti in April and thenKim this weekend. Who should have Rocked Out and who should have Walked Away?

Kanye West -- Amazing Video + news on Robocop and Paranoid

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:08:00 +0000

Kanye says he and Rihanna recently filmed the video for his
“Paranoid” track off 808’s & Heartbreak. They did a remix of the song.
“Yep, she’s my Paranoid girl in the video,” Kanye
smiled.”She’s an amazing talent though. Collaborating with her
is always a pleasure!”

Also his girl Amber Rose is featured in his new “Robocop” video.

I can't wait to see both of these... I have a feeling Amber may give
Rihanna a run for her fierceness

EBONY And JET folds?

noreply@blogger.com (Brandy) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:02:00 +0000

Is it true? Rumors are circling that our beloved EBONY and Jet magazines will soon be folding. In February reports of restructuring were happening where folks had to re-apply for jobs. Johnson Publishing Co is located here in Chicago