Bad, Bad Idea

The guest on Wednesday's show was Neil Patrick Harris, but first I'll quickly run through some of the other stories.

Stephen talked about Venus passing in front of the sun. Hopefully, none of you looked directly at the sun. Bad, bad idea.

The biggest event in the universe happened in America's Dairyland, the Badger State of Wisconsin, with the recall vote on Tuesday. Some will say it was a waste of time, but we gained valuable information from Stephen that no one would have known otherwise. Namely, do not try to milk a badger. Bad, bad idea.

But the good news, according to Stephen, was the end of Unions. As he waited for the festive balloon drop, he came to realize that those people pointing the camera at him, and getting stuff done for him, basically, making the show work, are Union workers. So, no balloons, but they did drop something for him.

Sad story if you like associating with others of your species. Bald Knob seniors were shut out because Bingo was shut down. You know how it is with Bingo, it leads to other crimes, it's a menace, it's morally wrong, it involves knick-knack things and what-nots. So, the seniors can go back to sitting at home alone.

Stephen welcomed Neil Patrick Harris. "You clean up real good," he said. (In my family, that is a compliment meaning "You look marvelous!") The two men have a relationship, they are friend-ish, because they both performed in "Company" together. Stephen called Neil Patrick Harris a triple threat because he is an actor, singer, and dancer. (He forgot magician.) "Why do theater?" was one of the most important questions Stephen asked, followed by, "Do you think the Olympics should allow theater?"

Neil Patrick Harris will host the Tony Awards Live June 10 on CBS. If you are likely to forget the date and place, just watch this YouTube video to help you remember.

Something that always interests me is how much everything is related to everything else. For example, Jill Biden was on the show recently. She is also known as Dr. Biden. She teaches at a Community College. Senor Chang teaches at a Community College. Interestingly enough, Chang  used to be a doctor. Neil Patrick Harris also used to be a doctor. Very interesting.


That's all, except that every once in a while, Stephen will have a bit more to share with us when he signs off / says goodbye. Ray Bradbury died recently, so to honor him, Stephen burned his copy of Fahrenheit 451 in the set's fireplace.

A Proud Tool of Viacom

Earlier today, I had predicted that Stephen Colbert would discuss the escaped Cobra over at the Bronx Zoo on tonight's episode. But he did not. But Jon Stewart did. Therefore, two points for the snake, one point for Jon Stewart, zero points for Stephen Colbert and zero points for me.

Interestingly enough, he did talk about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.

WGBH American Experience - Triangle Fire

Daily Kos - Triangle: Remembering the Fire

Cornell University - The Triangle Factory Fire ~ 100 Years Later

It's been 100 years since that tragedy. That tragedy just naturally led to Stephen talking about the Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker, and Walker's decision to strip teachers and other public union members of their collective bargaining rights.

Scapegoat found!

Tonight's guest was Roger Moore, oops, Stephen meant Michael Moore. Easy mistake, or was it? When Stephen then mentioned James Bond, it made me think that it was an intentional mistake. Michael Moore talked with Stephen about the importance of Unions in building a middle class in this country. Such things as vacation, pension, and the ending of using children as factory workers are just a few of the important concepts we can thank the Unions for.

And when Michael Moore explained that Stephen was a tool of Viacom, Stephen looked right into the camera and corrected him.

"I'm a Proud tool of Viacom!"

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

Today is the 100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. I'm sure Stephen would have talked about it if he had been on the air on a Friday.

You should read about it if you don't know what it was. It puts the events in Madison in perspective. There's a reason Unions are important.

WGBH American Experience - Triangle Fire

Daily Kos - Triangle: Remembering the Fire

Cornell University - The Triangle Factory Fire ~ 100 Years Later