Better ratings without writers!?

Media Life Magazine reports- Hefty bounces for Stewart and Colbert.

“Daily Show with Jon Stewart” so far this month is averaging 358,000 viewers in the 18-34 demographic, up 17 percent from the same time period in 2007. It’s up 9 percent among 18-49s, to 535,000 viewers. “The Colbert Report” is up 21 percent in 18-34s, to 329,000, and 15 percent in 18-49s, to 507,000 viewers, compared to a year ago.

By contrast, the late-night broadcast shows are suffering. “Tonight,” while still No. 1, is down 25 percent from last year in 18-49s. NBC’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” is down 18 percent. Both also returned without their writers. CBS’s “Letterman” is flat to last year, while ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel” is down 14 percent. Ferguson is down 14 percent.

The author Kevin Downey wonders "How long can they keep up the pace? Even the funniest of funnymen wear down in time, and in time the strain will begin to show."

Rollover Stephen

Document One blog has a revealing rollover of the Colbert Portrait.

Mr. Smith sez "No, thanks" to Stephen

Missouri Congressman Jeff Smith turns down opportunity to be on Colbert Report and promote the film "Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore"? The reason? Didn't want to cross the writers' strike.

Let his writers go!

Many people were moved by Stephens performance of Let My People Go, dedicated to the striking writers -- joined by Andrew Young, Malcolm Gladwell, and the Harlem Gospel Choir.

Colbert's 'Truthiness' Validated

Stephen Colbert's 'Truthiness' Scientifically Validated in Scientific Blogging.

Writers go to Congress

Seattle Times Newspaper reports: Writers' latest dialogue: with Congress include Stephen's writers.

Wristy Business

E! News - Colbert's High-Wrist Venture Pays Off.

Stephen in Sand in S.C.

Myrtle Beach Online reports: Mysterious 3rd sculpture appears:

"The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce had a sand sculpture built Monday night to squeeze one last drop from the deluge of publicity its presidential sand sculptures brought to town.

Although it bore a striking resemblance to one-time presidential hopeful, Comedy Central personality and Charleston native Stephen Colbert, those in the know were sworn to silence about the sculpture, including whether or when it will be shown on a cable TV network."

Colbert portrait well-hung in National Portrait Gallery

This was some of Stephen's most brilliant work -- with or without writers -- his semi-successful effort to donate his portrait to the National Portrait Gallery, where it hangs above the water fountain, between the bathrooms. See the video on Comedy Central's Colbert page.

Colbert shines; Stewart opines

Stewart stumbles, Colbert shines as shows return to air: "While The Daily Show With Jon Stewart seemed remarkably flat and even aimless, The Colbert Report was sharp, focused and filled with laughs despite the fact that producers for both were unable to book 'A'-list guests because of the strike." - Baltimore Sun

Colbert back on the ert

Strike or no-strike, Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart resume Comedy Central talk shows Monday, Jan. 7 reports The Canadian Press.