___Stress: last minute holiday shopping, cold weather, and that visiting uncle who spikes the family's eggnog. The solution: laugh at other people and feel good about it.

___From Dec. 21st - 23rd, The Tampa Improv Comedy Theater in Ybor City will be hosting "Holiday Hysterics 2004", a year's-end comedic plunge that ends with a rare treat, Tampa's own Thomas Brown. $2 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Salvation Army Christmas fund.

___Mr. Brown, who is no stranger to comedy and goodwill (he has previously been involved with "Laughs for Food"), has built quite a following over the years.

___"Tampa is where my heart is. No matter where comedy has taken me, I always know my home is here. It's the people," he explained. "They've always been supportive."

___And comedy sure has taken him places.

___What started as a dare has quickly turned into a successful full-time career for this once-labeled "class clown".

___Thomas Brown became a headliner after touring the US for just one year. Named one of the top entertainers for Carnival Cruise Line, "the most popular cruise line in the world!" Thomas was voted #1 on AOL's "Best Cruise Line Comedian" poll for the past two years as well as the "Best Comedian in Tampa Bay 2001" by Tampa Bay Magazine.

___Thomas's projects? Most recently, Thomas recorded a zany new album, "Thomas Brown Live - Stupid Things that People Do". He believes that people relate to common interests such as stupid TV commercials. "Secret - Strong enough for a man, but made for a woman" Thomas: "Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't need a woman who needs a deodorant strong enough for a man!" You will love this CD! Just pop it in the car for lots of refreshing, comical laughs on the way to work. (WARNING: Thomas is NOT responsible for auto accidents that may occur while laughing!)

___What more could Thomas Brown possibly have accomplished lately? The world's funniest cookbook - "From the Stage of the Stove" featuring a collection of great favorite recipes plus a bonus side dish of jokes from 100 of the funniest, nationally-touring comedians, including Thomas's mentor Jeff "You might be a redneck" Foxworthy, and such friends as Michael Winslow, Bill Engvall and many others.

___For more information on Thomas Brown, or to order his CD or cookbook, visit www.thomasbrown.com.

___We at Tampa's Homepage will most certainly plan to enjoy these three nights of great entertainment for a great cause, and we hope to see you there!

___For tickets and information, visit www.tampaimprov.com.