You might want to set your TiVo or similar device for next Monday. That's when Independent Lens, a PBS series that showcases documentaries, is running The Last Laugh, a film about folks trying to be funny about The Holocaust. Among those discussing that delicate topic are Rob Reiner, Harry Shearer, Sarah Silverman and (of course) Mel Brooks. I haven't seen it but it sounds worth recording.
It has been announced that this year's Tony Awards ceremony will be held on June 11 and that they'll be hosted by Kevin Spacey. He's kind of an odd choice, not that he's not a distinguished actor and a funny guy. But not since 1994 has the show been hosted by someone who wasn't thought of as a musical performer. I'm guessing the Tony folks wanted him because they thought it might snare some viewers who only know from movie stars…and he wanted to do it because he thought it would make him a contender to host the Oscars. He'll probably be very good.
I'm kinda waiting for the posting of Keith Olbermann's daily video rant. Given the news about Bill O'Reilly, Keith has to be among the happiest people on the planet. Stephen Colbert sure did well with the topic last night. I have the feeling we're going to hear from Jon Stewart very shortly.
Let us not forget that Fox News did not rid itself of Mr. O'Reilly because they were appalled at his behavior. They did it because it became public and advertisers were starting to desert him.
It really doesn't matter to me much that Bill O'Reilly has lost that show. Tucker Carlson, who's getting the time slot, has become just as insufferable and undedicated to being reasonable or factual…and of course, O'Reilly will find another job soon enough. What is nice is the message sent to men who act abominably with women that even if you're rich and powerful, you can be caught and exposed and humiliated. I'm afraid though that some of them will think, "Hey, if I get the kind of severance package O'Reilly got, fine!"