Feature Details
- Frequency: 1/wk
- Release date: Tuesdays
- Moves with art: No
- Moves with multimedia: No
- Available: International, U.S. & Canada
Humor Hotel
No fancy doorman, no mints on pillows or gold seals on the toilet paper … only guaranteed entertainment from four talented “Hotel” guests: actress Diane Farr; columnist Mark Bazer; best-selling humor author Jen Lancaster; and comedian/writer/director Michael Showalter.
For something completely new on the humor scene, TMS’ Humor Hotel each week plays host to one of these talked-about writers. Their 600-word columns will rotate through the package on a monthly basis, covering pop culture, current events, relationships, the workplace, personal narratives and some out-the-blue takes on contemporary society. They’ll make a four-star connection with readers navigating the vagaries and absurdities of day-to-day life.
Diane Farr: Best known for her appearances on TV’s “Californication,” “Numb3rs” and “Rescue Me,” Farr is also the author of the best seller “The Girl Code” and writes for many national magazines, including Mademoiselle, Marie Claire and GQ.
Michael Showalter: Multitalented Showalter has made a mark on cutting-edge shows for MTV, CBS and Comedy Central. His comedy and writing can also be seen in feature films “The Baxter” and “Wet Hot American Summer.”
Mark Bazer: A nationally syndicated columnist who examines cultural trends, politics and the eccentricities of family life with a dry wit and unexpected perspective, Bazer also hosts Chicago’s popular live “The Interview Show” and guest hosts on WGN radio.
Jen Lancaster: Creator of the highly trafficked blog www.jennsylvania.com, Lancaster is the author of serial best-selling memoirs, including “Bitter is the New Black,” “Pretty in Plaid” and the forthcoming “My Fair Lazy,” from NAL in May.
Humor Hotel Samples
Don’t Touch the Celebrity and Other Things to Know When Approaching “The Famous”
by Diane Farr
My name is Diane Farr. I’m an actress. If you were to bump into me, your first thought might be, “I think I went to high school with that girl.” But, you didn’t.
If you keep this thought to yourself and continue jogging your memory, you might envision me with a gun or a fire hose. This is not because I’ve been lurking around your house. I have played a cop, a firefighter and an FBI agent over the last decade on TV. If you have managed to keep all of these thoughts to yourself so far, you may then approach me and say, “I know you!” Even though you don’t.
Read full sample by downloading the sample word doc.
Plastics Companies are Doing a Fine Job
by Diane Farr
Every playgroup my kids attend and every grocery checkout line I’m stuck in with another mother subjects me to another discussion about the dangers of plastic. Not credit cards, but the ubiquitous array of products to which our our kids are exposed.
But I’m not believing the hype. We were all raised with plastic in our mouths. Well, actually, when I was a toddler milk bottles were made of glass and my school sandwiches were wrapped in foil and I drank water from a tap right until college when I started drinking beer from one. Our house didn’t even have Tupperware until the 1980s and it was another 10 years before we had a microwave so we never heated it.
Read full sample by downloading the sample word doc.
Gym Etiquette
by Jen Lancaster
Did everyone resolve to lose weight in the New Year?
Having witnessed The Great Whole Foods Bagged Lettuce Riot of 2010, I’m guessing yes. I hope those pledging to slim down are doing it for health reasons, and not to conform to some arbitrary social norm. In my opinion, your butt is nobody’s business. The choice to inhale a pan of brownies is between you, your god and your gallbladder. Personally, I’d never judge anyone based on BMI. (Please note I make no such promises in regard to critiquing your driving or parenting skills.)
Read full sample by downloading the sample word doc.
The $300 Million Dollar Question
by Jen Lancaster
There’s been so much speculation in the last few weeks about Tiger Woods: “What really happened the night of his accident?” “Did the pressure of being in the spotlight cause him to crack?” “Will his personal peccadilloes affect his ability to hit the long ball?”
Sportscasters and pundits alike ponder the moral and ethical ramifications of Tiger stepping outside the bounds of his marriage. Tabloids explore the seamier side of the issue, gleefully speculating on whens, wheres and which cocktail waitresses. Fans want to understand what made him stray, while sponsors scramble to determine if he can still sell sneakers and sports drinks.
Read full sample by downloading the sample word doc.
Dear Thief: Enjoy Your New iPhone!
by Mark Bazer
An Open Letter to the Gentleman Who Stole My Wife’s iPhone out of Her Hands on the Train:
Congratulations on your new iPhone! I just know you’re going to love it, as it’s a fantastic device with an easy-to-use interface and photos of my relatives. Heck, they’re now your relatives, too -- we’re on the same family plan! That reminds me: It’s your turn this year to host Thanksgiving.
Read full sample by downloading the sample word doc.
Transforming the Senate
by Mark Bazer
Have we discussed yet how everything’s a piece of a crap nowadays?
By everything, I’m talking about children’s toys and the U.S. Senate.
I don’t think I’d have been so upset over Tuesday’s election results in Massachusetts if I hadn’t also spent the evening trying to make a Transformer transform. All in all, a frustrating night.
Read full sample by downloading the sample word doc.
Choosing a Father’s Day Gift
by Michael Showalter
If your dad is anything like mine, then you have no clue what to buy him for Father’s Day. The only Father’s Day tradition in my family is the annual conversation he and I have where I say, “Hey, Dad, what do you want for Father’s Day this year?” and he says, “Nothing.” Then I ask my mom what I should get him and she says, “He likes sandalwood soap, dangly jewelry and Chanel No 5 perfume.”
The thing about my dad it that he has this peculiar habit of not waiting until the end of December to buy himself the things that he wants and needs. How many times have I bought my dad a scarf only to realize that he already has one? Not only does he already have one, it’s the scarf that I bought him three Father’s Days ago.
Read full sample by downloading the sample word doc.
Holiday Recipes for Men
by Michael Showalter
Hey guys! Are you hosting a holiday party this year? Here’s some great ideas and cooking instructions for a great meal that will have your guests begging for more!
PUNKIN PIE
This is pumpkin pie but pronounced in a funny way. The “mp” is replaced with an “n” to give it a down-home feel. It doesn’t matter if it tastes good. You’ll get laughs for calling it “punkin pie.” Check any recipe book for cooking directions.
Read full sample by downloading the sample word doc.
Licensing and Reprints
TMS Licensing: We license popular cartoon characters, puzzles and content from renowned creators for print, interactive, TV and film, mobile and board games. TMS also licenses unique commentary in politics, travel, health, business and other categories.
TMS reprints: We grant websites, newsletters, books and other publications permission to reprint any of the 150-plus columns, cartoons, magazine articles, photos and graphics found in our catalog. This content also can be used in corporate communications and training materials.