InfoAnda - AP interview: Cosby keeps it clean for humor prize

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Six missing after small plane crash in Canada | 30 November 2009
Justin Bieber, Usher release Mistletoe duet | | 25 October 2011
Michael Jackson's Estate Livid Over Discovery Channel's MJ Autopsy Reenactment Special | 30 December 2010

Ticketmaster CEO amenable to sale of TicketsNow | 27 February 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : AP interview: Cosby keeps it clean for humor prize

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Asia Pacific World AP interview: Cosby keeps it clean for humor prize By BRETT ZONGKER,Associated Press Writer - Sunday, October 25 Send IM Story Print WASHINGTON – Bill Cosby still thinks America is funny _ like the name-calling over health care and the way we drink so much water from plastic bottles that could be toxic _ even though he says the nation has some serious problems it needs to tackle. The 72-year-old who has long drawn laughs for his wisecracks and deadpan observations will receive the nation's foremost humor prize Monday at the Kennedy Center in Washington. Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Sinbad and other top entertainers will line up to honor him with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. It's a prize Cosby has turned down twice before because he said he was disgusted with profanity and N-words thrown around by performers honoring Richard Pryor, who was the first recipient in 1998. "I told them flat out no because I will not be used, nor will Mark Twain be used, in that way," he told The Associated Press from his home in New York. The profanity bugs Cosby. He always kept it clean with the family laughs on "The Cosby Show," portraying a middle-class black family and everyday life, from 1984 to 1992. And he's not impressed with today's comedians who can't help but curse. It took a chat with Kennedy Center President Michael Kaiser this year at Sen. Edward Kennedy's birthday celebration for Cosby to accept the award this time. "What I wanted was to associate my work with why I do what I do," he said. For a man with a master's degree and doctorate in education, his life is about more than laughs. So Cosby helped craft the tribute show _ airing Nov. 4 nationwide on PBS _ to capture his overarching emphasis on taking education seriously and telling stories that teach something in the process. He's planned a special nod to his beloved Central High School in Philadelphia, with fellow alumnus James DePreist conducting their alma mater. Producers of the show are worried it won't be funny, Cosby said. But he said there will still be plenty of entertainment. Cappy McGarr, one of the show's executive producers, said they're thrilled with the lineup, which also includes Carl Reiner, Wynton Marsalis, and "Cosby" co-stars Phylicia Rashad and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. The producers shape each show around the honoree and have had Cosby on their list for years. McGarr explained the tribute to Pryor aired for a different audience on Comedy Central and wasn't meant to be offensive, but the show has aired on PBS ever since. He said the producers were grateful Cosby finally accepted. "He is a comic genius," McGarr said. "He just has a wonderful reflection of funny ... and is an absolute master at taking an ordinary human condition and giving his take on it. "He makes us laugh with us, not at us." The comedian who kept NBC viewers laughing on Thursday nights after "Cosby" went to reruns will salute the man he says reinvigorated the sit-com. Seinfeld said he started buying Cosby's comedy albums when he was 11 years old. He was watching as Cosby made the jump from nightclubs to television with the "I Spy" series and as physical education teacher Chet Kincaid on "The Bill Cosby Show" in 1969. "Watching him do those things showed me the right way for a standup comedian to play himself on television _ how you kind of transform your standup persona into a character persona," Seinfeld told the AP. "I think only comedians know and understand that this guy has reached like a virtuoso point of command over this form that most people, even the big star comedians, don't get anywhere near." Beyond the comedy that he still performs on stage, Cosby has spoken bluntly about society over the years. He has spoken out about personal responsibility in the black community and talks often about education on his Web site, Facebook and Twitter feeds. Of all things he'd wish for young people, better television is on the list. Cosby said he wishes kids had access to classic writers and their stories on TV, "so that our youth can find themselves being excited about things other than going straight for the genitalia." The longtime TV dad also has some observations on politics, though he says he's not a "wheeler, dealer" when he visits Washington. Recently, the tea party protests against President Barack Obama have struck a chord. "To see people marching down the street, talking about a tea party, they've got to be kidding ... and the name-calling, these people are hilarious," he said. "What's not funny is how seriously so many of them have come together to speak like this." He was appalled by the refusal of some public schools last month to show students an Obama speech about education, and he agrees with some observers, such as former President Jimmy Carter, that some of the opposition is driven by racism. "I just want this United States of America to be the United States of America, for which it's supposed to stand," Cosby said. His family will join him for the award show in D.C. "I don't know if the Suburban's going to look like 'Grapes of Wrath' or what," he said. ___ On the Net: Bill Cosby's Web site: http://www.billcosby.com/ Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles 'Paranormal Activity' scares up box-office delight AFP - Sunday, October 25 AP interview: Cosby keeps it clean for humor prize AP - Sunday, October 25 Hip-hop band the Roots branch out on nightly TV Reuters - Saturday, October 24 Michelle Obama's gripe: President's tennis game AP - Saturday, October 24 Carly Simon has "good time" revisiting old songs Reuters - Saturday, October 24 News Search Top Stories New German govt to slash taxes Obama declares swine flu emergency Obama urges banks to help small businesses Europe swine flu spreads, 'millions' infected in US Icahn resigns from Yahoo! board More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Europe swine flu spreads, 'millions' infected in US Mobile phone giant Nokia sues Apple over patents Microsoft beats expectations to cap off big week Icahn resigns from Yahoo! board Britain must wait to exit recession More Most Viewed » Boyzone singer Gately dies in Spain Mobile phone giant Nokia sues Apple over patents More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Sunday, 25 October 2009
Egyptian passenger trains collide, at least 14 dead
New German govt to slash taxes
Suspected ETA militants charged in France
Karzai rival says won't join Afghan government | International |
Saudi female TV journalist gets 60 lashes
Obama urges banks to help small businesses
Protesters demand UK pullout from Afghanistan
Egyptian passenger trains collide, at least 15 dead | International |
Saudi female TV journalist gets 60 lashes | International |
Influential Iran lawmakers criticise nuclear deal
Abbas should face trial for usurping power: Hamas
Russia's Medvedev says open to election law ideas | International |
UN to inspect atomic plant as Iran delays nod on deal
U.S. says Syria should release 78-year-old dissident | International |
Strong quake hits eastern Indonesia, causes panic
Lost keys lead NJ police to burglary suspects
US mulls direct talks as N.Korea nuclear envoy visits
15-year-old charged with murder of Mo. girl
Army captures Pakistani Taliban leader's hometown
Ensign resignation would set up Nevada scramble
Indonesia lifts tsunami alert after powerful quake
How does Ore. candidate roll? With MS, on a Segway
Another strong quake hits Indonesia
AP NewsAlert
Could letting pilots take a nap make flying safer?
Former child soldiers move on in Sri Lanka
Nunn not too pleased with its politicians
Maine girl born with 'mermaid syndrome' dies at 10
China-Guinea deal highlights Africa business ties
American sees changes in his North Korean hometown
Balloon boy's mother admits hoax: affidavit
Patients _ and patience _ in health care end game
Myanmar could ease Suu Kyi detention
'Paranormal Activity' scares up box-office delight
AP interview: Cosby keeps it clean for humor prize
Major quake strikes off Indonesia: seismologists
Domestic Violence Abuse Victims In Illinois Call For Reform Due To Large Number Of Unserved Protection Orders
Treasury Official Says Over $600 Million Of Credit For First-Time Home Buyers Are Suspicious
New Jersey Priest Found Dead; Police Suspect Homicide
UN team to visit Iran uranium plant
Britons killed on Kenya holiday: Foreign Office
U.N. experts in Iran to inspect new nuclear site | International |
Recession or not? US economy likely to be in limbo
Taliban call for Afghan vote boycott, threaten violence
Pakistan troops retake Taliban stronghold in Waziristan | International |
Karzai rival says won't join Afghan government | International |
Egyptian passenger trains collide, at least 14 dead
New German government to slash taxes
Ukraine PM enters tight presidential race
Obama declares swine flu emergency
Iraqi court seeks arrest of Sunni MP
Egyptian passenger trains collide, at least 15 dead | International |
Israeli police, Arabs clash near Jerusalem mosque | International |
Winds shift as fire burns Puerto Rican oil depot | International |
Pakistan troops retake Taliban stronghold in Waziristan
Church janitor charged in slaying of NJ priest
Sydney Harbor Bridge becomes grassy picnic ground
Australia, China discuss detained Rio executive: Rudd
Patients _ and patience _ in health care end game
Mother praises police searching for girl's killer
SKorea: Summit should help resolve nuclear dispute
Pakistani army takes Taliban chief's hometown
Last-gasp Smith saves Australia in Four Nations
Lawyer blasts release of affidavit in balloon case
Chinese hurdler Liu advances to 110m hurdle final
Thousands gather for worldwide climate protests
Jettisoned bomb destroyed at Utah's Hill AFB
EPA: Climate bill could cost family $100 annually
US, N.Korea hold nuclear talks in New York
SC Episcopalians to distance from national church
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 807
Taliban threaten Afghan voters in November runoff
Thailand, Philippines seek rice row solution: minister
Indian carmaker Maruti sees quarterly profit jump 93 pct
At 37, Paul Simon's son makes his musical mark
First black woman tipped for top French book prize
Placido Domingo tries out Verdi baritone role
Italian wine harvest shows good quality but drop in quantity
Anti-Semitism on the rise in France: Jewish community group
Party over mood at Russian 'Millionaire Fair'
'Sweat lodge' tragedy shines spotlight on ancient ritual
Polanski could face two years prison if extradited | Entertainment |
Sony looks for box office hit with This Is It | Entertainment |
At 37, Paul Simon's son makes his musical mark | Entertainment |
Suicide bombs kill 132 in Baghdad | International |
Young entrepreneurs get tips from Facebook-Twitter
U.N. experts inspect Iran's new nuclear site | International |
Israeli police, Arabs clash near Jerusalem mosque
Pakistan forces bomb Taliban in South Waziristan | International |
Twin suicide vehicle bombings kill 99 in Baghdad
Israeli police storm Jerusalem's holiest site
UN inspectors to check controversial Iran atomic plant
Asian leaders seek to reduce Western trade ties | International |
UN inspectors visit once-secret Iranian site
Twin suicide car bombs kill at least 38 in Baghdad
Twin Baghdad blasts kill at least 14: medics
Suicide bombs kill 132 in Baghdad
British police pursuing leads in Lockerbie case | International |
Uruguay vote pits ex-guerrilla and former president | International |
Singh to Wen: Dalai Lama an honored guest | International |
Somalia's Shabaab rebels execute two for spying | International |
Pakistan forces bomb Taliban in South Waziristan
Protests in Kashmir over a killing by Indian army
Japan navy holds review amid questions over future
Australia edge India in one-day international
Asian leaders give rival visions for economic blocs
Kidnapped priest alive but unwell, says mission
Japan PM in no hurry on US base relocation deal
World solar car race begins in Australia
Nuclear energy becomes pivotal in climate debate
Taiwan president vows to press for China detente
The nation's weather
Scottish police 'reviewing Lockerbie bombing probe'
Reformatory's closing prompts reflection
Chinese ship collides with Belgian cargo vessel
Look at insurgent groups on Afghan-Pakistan border
Obama declares swine flu a national emergency
SKorean railway workers vote to strike
Global events mark magic number on climate change
China proposes Taiwan economic cooperation talks
Pilot who overshot airport denies crew was napping
Asian leaders' rival visions for economic blocs
JAL new state-backed agency restructuring: reports
S.Korea nuclear power unit resumes operation-Yonhap
China to keep yuan weak until crisis over: experts
Japanese automakers' hydrogen car drive
'Polygamy club' draws criticism in Indonesia
Strong quake hits eastern Indonesia, causes panic
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
HK investors see wine as good bet for capital growth
From Canada to Argentina, fans shake to "Thriller"
For Zimbabwe's deportees, shame at empty-handed return
Composer Lloyd Webber has prostate cancer: BBC | Entertainment |
Ex-Smiths singer Morrissey stable after collapsing on stage | Entertainment |
Singer Morrissey released from hospital
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01