Humor: Today's News - Page Two
Recent comedy entertainment stories previously featured on our Humor: Today's News feed. (Sources may delete articles without notice.)
Academy Awards: Comedy's Crosshairs
"As host, it's often hit-or-miss. Can Jon Stewart kill the crowd or will he be the quail?" asks The Los Angeles Times.
"As host, it's often hit-or-miss. Can Jon Stewart kill the crowd or will he be the quail?" asks The Los Angeles Times.
Daily Show Confuses Ill. Governor
''Gov. Rod Blagojevich wasn't in on the joke. Blagojevich says he didn't realize The Daily Show was a comedy spoof of the news when he sat down for an interview that ended up poking fun at the sometimes-puzzled Democratic governor." --USA Today
''Gov. Rod Blagojevich wasn't in on the joke. Blagojevich says he didn't realize The Daily Show was a comedy spoof of the news when he sat down for an interview that ended up poking fun at the sometimes-puzzled Democratic governor." --USA Today
New Orleans Residents Find Humor for Mardi Gras
"Participants and celebrants use Mardi Gras to poke a little fun at their troubles." --Austin American-Statesman (Registration required.)
"Participants and celebrants use Mardi Gras to poke a little fun at their troubles." --Austin American-Statesman (Registration required.)
Bathroom Humor Wins Award
''Car dealer tells men they'd be better off holding a pencil" in unusual ad campaign. --GrandForksHerald.com
''Car dealer tells men they'd be better off holding a pencil" in unusual ad campaign. --GrandForksHerald.com
Everyday Humor
Written by Jake Oresick, a thought piece, "What comes to mind when I say the word 'funny?'" --The Carroll News
Written by Jake Oresick, a thought piece, "What comes to mind when I say the word 'funny?'" --The Carroll News
Steve Martin, 'Where Are You?'
"I love Steve Martin, so I was happy and sad for him when The Pink Panther remake was the number one movie at the box office," say David Edelstein of CBS News in this comedy commentary.
"I love Steve Martin, so I was happy and sad for him when The Pink Panther remake was the number one movie at the box office," say David Edelstein of CBS News in this comedy commentary.
Don Knotts, 81, Star of The Andy Griffith Show, Dies
''Don Knotts, the saucer-eyed, scarecrow-thin comic actor best known for his roles as the high-strung small-town deputy Barney Fife on the 1960s CBS series The Andy Griffith Show and the leisure-suit-clad landlord Ralph Furley on ABC's '70s sitcom Three's Company, has died. He was 81.'' --The Los Angeles Times
''Don Knotts, the saucer-eyed, scarecrow-thin comic actor best known for his roles as the high-strung small-town deputy Barney Fife on the 1960s CBS series The Andy Griffith Show and the leisure-suit-clad landlord Ralph Furley on ABC's '70s sitcom Three's Company, has died. He was 81.'' --The Los Angeles Times
Brokeback Spoofs: Tough Guys Unmasked
"Gay cowboys, it seems, are shaping up to be like 'Who's on first?' or 'the aristocrats': a joke that keeps on giving. While the 'Who wants to see that?' humor columns about Brokeback Mountain have waned, online parodies of the gay-cowboy movie are still proliferating faster than the curatorial video sites ... can keep up with them." --The New York Times, free registration required.
"Gay cowboys, it seems, are shaping up to be like 'Who's on first?' or 'the aristocrats': a joke that keeps on giving. While the 'Who wants to see that?' humor columns about Brokeback Mountain have waned, online parodies of the gay-cowboy movie are still proliferating faster than the curatorial video sites ... can keep up with them." --The New York Times, free registration required.
Dave Chappelle May Not Return to Comedy Central
''Comedian Dave Chappelle says he may not return to his hit Comedy Central show if the cable network goes through with plans to air new episodes from material he filmed before leaving the series.'' --MSNBC
''Comedian Dave Chappelle says he may not return to his hit Comedy Central show if the cable network goes through with plans to air new episodes from material he filmed before leaving the series.'' --MSNBC
Interview: Jim Gaffigan
''Jim Gaffigan was a bit player, a perennial guest star, the focus of a failed sitcom, and one of many faces competing for the stand-up spotlight. So when and how did he start getting so funny?'' --The Onion AV Club
''Jim Gaffigan was a bit player, a perennial guest star, the focus of a failed sitcom, and one of many faces competing for the stand-up spotlight. So when and how did he start getting so funny?'' --The Onion AV Club
Carol Burnett Gets Desperate
''Burnett will play Eleanor Mason, the icy stepmother of Bree Van De Kamp (played by Marcia Cross)" on ABC-TV's humorous soap opera, April 9. --MSNBC
''Burnett will play Eleanor Mason, the icy stepmother of Bree Van De Kamp (played by Marcia Cross)" on ABC-TV's humorous soap opera, April 9. --MSNBC
Pals Lovingly Remember Don Knotts
Andy Griffith, Joyce DeWitt, Ron Howard, and Tim Conway are among those sharing memories of the late comedian. --People/AOL
Andy Griffith, Joyce DeWitt, Ron Howard, and Tim Conway are among those sharing memories of the late comedian. --People/AOL
John Travolta Is Divine
''The Pulp Fiction star has agreed to transform into the lovably large Edna Turnblad for the film adaptation of the Broadway hit Hairspray." --Chicago Sun-Times
''The Pulp Fiction star has agreed to transform into the lovably large Edna Turnblad for the film adaptation of the Broadway hit Hairspray." --Chicago Sun-Times
Conan O'Brien, Andy Richter Reteam for Detective Comedy
NBC "has ordered Andy Barker P.I., a detective comedy pilot starring Richter, which O'Brien co-wrote and is executive producing.'' --Reuters/AOL
NBC "has ordered Andy Barker P.I., a detective comedy pilot starring Richter, which O'Brien co-wrote and is executive producing.'' --Reuters/AOL
Simon Cowell's Wacky Inventors
''Simon Cowell, TV producer and acerbic British judge of American Idol hopes his latest reality project -- American Inventor -- has the kind of warm-hearted craziness that will bring in television audiences and keep them watching.'' --News.com.au
''Simon Cowell, TV producer and acerbic British judge of American Idol hopes his latest reality project -- American Inventor -- has the kind of warm-hearted craziness that will bring in television audiences and keep them watching.'' --News.com.au
Shirley Jones Stages Roast for Husband Marty Ingels
"100 friends and colleagues of the couple, who have been married for nearly three decades, gathered at the Friars Club to roast Ingels, an actor-comedian who also manages Jones' career." --ABC News
"100 friends and colleagues of the couple, who have been married for nearly three decades, gathered at the Friars Club to roast Ingels, an actor-comedian who also manages Jones' career." --ABC News
Isaac Hayes Quits South Park
''Isaac Hayes has quit South Park, where he voices Chef, saying he can no longer stomach its take on religion.'' --USA Today
''Isaac Hayes has quit South Park, where he voices Chef, saying he can no longer stomach its take on religion.'' --USA Today
What's So Funny? Comedians Talk Comedy
''The funny business is a moving target: From Jackie Gleason's pratfalls to Dave Chappelle's hip and racially charged delivery, comedy is constantly evolving.'' A report from conversations at the 12th Annual U.S. Comedy Arts Festival. --CNN
''The funny business is a moving target: From Jackie Gleason's pratfalls to Dave Chappelle's hip and racially charged delivery, comedy is constantly evolving.'' A report from conversations at the 12th Annual U.S. Comedy Arts Festival. --CNN
Dirty Love Dominates Razzies
The risque romantic comedy Dirty Love dominated the Razzie Awards handed out Saturday in a spoof of Hollywood's Oscar ceremony." --Monsters and Critics
The risque romantic comedy Dirty Love dominated the Razzie Awards handed out Saturday in a spoof of Hollywood's Oscar ceremony." --Monsters and Critics
Oscar Winners: Wallace and Gromit's Cracking Careers
''British animated heroes Wallace and Gromit have picked up their third Academy Award, winning best animated feature for their first full movie, The Curse of the Were-Rabbi.'' --BBC
''British animated heroes Wallace and Gromit have picked up their third Academy Award, winning best animated feature for their first full movie, The Curse of the Were-Rabbi.'' --BBC
Mo Rocca: Aching, Funny Truths About Scoring
''In the exquisitely offbeat mind of Mo Rocca -- the former Daily Show regular who performed last week on a college tour stop at Northwestern University's Tech Auditorium -- Gamekillers are a male college student's worst nightmare.'' --Chicago Sun-Times
''In the exquisitely offbeat mind of Mo Rocca -- the former Daily Show regular who performed last week on a college tour stop at Northwestern University's Tech Auditorium -- Gamekillers are a male college student's worst nightmare.'' --Chicago Sun-Times
The New Faces of Saturday Night Live
"Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis, and Kristen Wiig talk about life as the latest Not Ready For Prime Time Players." --The Onion A.V. Club
"Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis, and Kristen Wiig talk about life as the latest Not Ready For Prime Time Players." --The Onion A.V. Club
Conan O'Brien in Finland
''Throngs of fans and the local press followed Conan's every move during his visit to Finland last month. He even had a meeting with Finnish president Tarja Halonen, who gained cache with young voters because she resembles their favorite late-night star.'' TVGuide.com interviews Conan O'Brien.
''Throngs of fans and the local press followed Conan's every move during his visit to Finland last month. He even had a meeting with Finnish president Tarja Halonen, who gained cache with young voters because she resembles their favorite late-night star.'' TVGuide.com interviews Conan O'Brien.
Chris Elliott, Nick Lachey Among TV Comedy Pilots
New comedy pilot deals up for series consideration at the TV networks are listed by Reuters.
New comedy pilot deals up for series consideration at the TV networks are listed by Reuters.
Pixar Whiz, John Lasseter, Reanimates Disney
Animation at The Mouse House has fallen into the hands of a man many believe to be the new Walt Disney. USA Today profiles a major figure in comedy.
Animation at The Mouse House has fallen into the hands of a man many believe to be the new Walt Disney. USA Today profiles a major figure in comedy.
Earl Hickey, Meet Stewie Griffin
''My Name Is Earl'' DVD to include a special episode with "Family Guy's'' caustic tot, reports Zap2it.
''My Name Is Earl'' DVD to include a special episode with "Family Guy's'' caustic tot, reports Zap2it.
Steve Martin Set for Another Return of The Pink Panther
The current The Pink Panther update is a hit, so Steve "Martin will be back, with costars Kevin Kline and Beyoncé Knowles also likely to return for the sequel. No word whether producers will try and tackle A Shot in the Dark, the most heralded of the original Panther sequels or start from scratch." --E!
The current The Pink Panther update is a hit, so Steve "Martin will be back, with costars Kevin Kline and Beyoncé Knowles also likely to return for the sequel. No word whether producers will try and tackle A Shot in the Dark, the most heralded of the original Panther sequels or start from scratch." --E!
Everybody Loves Raymond Alumni Try New Comedies
''Two stars and the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond may be coming back to television, but not as a package deal.'' --USA Today
''Two stars and the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond may be coming back to television, but not as a package deal.'' --USA Today
Aspen's U.S. Comedy Arts Festival Wraps
''The 12th annual U.S. Comedy Arts Festival wrapped over the weekend with talk of Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam returning to the HBO schedule, awards bestowed on performers and films and, of course, dealmaking for rising comedy stars.'' --Reuters
''The 12th annual U.S. Comedy Arts Festival wrapped over the weekend with talk of Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam returning to the HBO schedule, awards bestowed on performers and films and, of course, dealmaking for rising comedy stars.'' --Reuters
The Daily Show's Rob Corddry
''He may be best known as The Daily Show's resident 'vice-presidential firearms mishap analyst,' but Rob Corddry is more than a hard-hitting fake-news correspondent: He's also a cartoon.'' --People
''He may be best known as The Daily Show's resident 'vice-presidential firearms mishap analyst,' but Rob Corddry is more than a hard-hitting fake-news correspondent: He's also a cartoon.'' --People
Jay Leno Apologizes to Offended Viewer
''After Leno's Tonight Show aired a sketch that compared Vice President Dick Cheney's hunting accident to a 2003 videotaped shooting outside a Los Angeles courthouse, he received a letter of complaint from a viewer.'' --CNN
''After Leno's Tonight Show aired a sketch that compared Vice President Dick Cheney's hunting accident to a 2003 videotaped shooting outside a Los Angeles courthouse, he received a letter of complaint from a viewer.'' --CNN
Jerry Lewis: Tears of a Clown
''The comic formerly known as 'the Kid,' who turns 80 today, reigned in show biz for decades, whether joking on stage with partner Dean Martin, directing and starring in blockbusters like 'The Nutty Professor,' or raising millions for muscular dystrophy research via his Labor Day Telethon.'' --The Star-Ledger
''The comic formerly known as 'the Kid,' who turns 80 today, reigned in show biz for decades, whether joking on stage with partner Dean Martin, directing and starring in blockbusters like 'The Nutty Professor,' or raising millions for muscular dystrophy research via his Labor Day Telethon.'' --The Star-Ledger
Jerry Lewis Gets Legion of Honor Medal
''France formalized its fascination with Jerry Lewis Thursday with a uniquely Gallic gift for his 80th birthday: a medal and induction into the Legion of Honor.'' --USA Today
''France formalized its fascination with Jerry Lewis Thursday with a uniquely Gallic gift for his 80th birthday: a medal and induction into the Legion of Honor.'' --USA Today
Quit Your Griping and Start Laughing
''A study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may protect you against a heart attack.'' --Morning Sentinel
''A study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may protect you against a heart attack.'' --Morning Sentinel
Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Old Christine Is New Hit
''Seinfeld's Julia Louis-Dreyfus has a hit show on her hands, playing a character that would make Elaine scream: 'Get out!'" --USA Today
''Seinfeld's Julia Louis-Dreyfus has a hit show on her hands, playing a character that would make Elaine scream: 'Get out!'" --USA Today
The Simpsons Renewed Again
''Two more series of The Simpsons have been commissioned by US television network Fox, ensuring the show will be on screens until at least 2008.'' --BBC
''Two more series of The Simpsons have been commissioned by US television network Fox, ensuring the show will be on screens until at least 2008.'' --BBC
South Park-Scientology Battle
''Matt Stone and Trey Parker, creators of the animated satire, are digging in against the celebrity-endorsed religion after a controversial episode mocking outspoken Scientologist Tom Cruise was yanked abruptly from the schedule ... with Internet rumors it was covert warfare by Cruise that led to its departure.'' --USA Today
''Matt Stone and Trey Parker, creators of the animated satire, are digging in against the celebrity-endorsed religion after a controversial episode mocking outspoken Scientologist Tom Cruise was yanked abruptly from the schedule ... with Internet rumors it was covert warfare by Cruise that led to its departure.'' --USA Today