Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Event for Austism Education

Last night, New York's Beacon Theatre was filled to the gills with so many famous funny people raising money for Autism education that it's amazing the whole country didn't hear the walls shake from the rumble of laughter. Hosted by Jon Stewart, a Night of Too Many Stars was chock full of comedy, with the likes of Sarah Silverman, Stephen Colbert, Chris Rock, Joel McHale, Steve Carell, Ricky Gervais and Tiny Fey (to name only the tip of the iceberg) helping to raise money for families and individuals touched by Autism in need of assistance and educational outlets. For those lucky to nab tickets for the sold out show, many a sides were sore today, but it's all for a good cause.

Special shout out to Upright Citizens Brigade folk Anthony King, Andrew Secunda and Craig Rowan for being part of the writing team.

Night of Too Many Stars An Overbooked Even for Austism Education will air on Comedy Central October 21st at 9pm ET/8pm CT.

For more information and donations, please go to New York Center for Autism site.

For a look into the show, go over to Comedy Central's site.

Political Satire in a National of Few Laughs

Bill Maher has been one of my favorite television comedic pundits since his days at Comedy Central. When his show "Politically Incorrect" made its way into the mainstream on ABC TV, he found himself fighting off the foes of liberal minded chatter. Unfortunately, Maher's time with ABC was cut short after September 11th, when he said something about Americans being terrorists, and well, the network didn't take kindly to that remark, so off he went. Thankfully HBO gave Maher another chance with "Real Time" and a platform to speak freely, passion and all.

It's not my intent to write too much about political humor despite the fact my favorite shows are "The Daily Show", "The Colbert Report", and to some extent "Saturday Night Live". The realities of this week's stock market plunge while the nation plows through a heated presidential campaign, rendering hatred from one party to another, has made me cling to the comedy of Jon Stewart and Bill Maher. It's no wonder their ratings have soared in recent months. It's not just because people want their news with a smile. It's due to laughter being the only way to ease the fear and anger that has been stirred by accusations, lies and ignorance. Stewart points out the insanity by showing its absurity through jokes and irony. Colbert pokes fun at the right wing by becoming a characterization of them. Bill Maher creates monologues and bits such as "Exit Strategy" and "New Rules" not just to speak of liberal views, but to peel away layers of bullshit and throw the truth in the face of those who won't listen.



As Stewart, Colbert and Maher continue to make America think intelligently about the ways of politics and the downcast news of the economy, there is always the sense that despite the turbulence, we will prevail. Thank God we have comedy. If it weren't for the laughs, I think I'd ride that hobo train to hell.

SNL Highlights from the past few politically charged weeks: