Mr. TV Barn, Aaron Barnhart of the Kansas City Star, reports that Dave will wait until Friday, October 3 to tape this week's Friday episode. This will allow him to crack jokes about the Vice-Presidential debate scheduled for Thursday night. Here's the link.

Amazon is taking orders for Late Show Fun Facts, a 240-page book to be released by Hyperion on September 23, 2008. The book is a compilation of the weekly "Fun Facts" from the Federal Bureau of Miscellaneous Information. Not sold yet? Well, right here's Dave promoting the book on September 24.

Dave obviously has the cover of this week's Rolling Stone, as well as an interview in the issue. He responds to some questions about the upcoming departure of Jay Leno from Tonight in 2009, and his thoughts on his future on Late Night.

Our old friend, Hiram Bullock, 52, died on July 25, 2008. Hiram was a guitarist for Late Night with David Letterman from day one until 1984, when he moved on and Sid McGinnis joined the band. Although he's been away from the show for 24 years, we have always maintained a link to his personal Web site, where he announced his illness in March. Messages are pouring in on his Myspace site. The Jazz Network has a nice memorial for him. Will Lee has remarks on his site, as well. Legendary AFLer Boston Bill pointed out a number of YouTube videos of Hiram's performances. Read his obituary in the New York Times. We're very sorry to learn of his passing.

• Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety Or Music Program (David Letterman)
• Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series (Late Show producers)
• Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Series (#2827) (camera persons)
• Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Program (the Stangels and friends)
• Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic, Multi-Camera) For VMC Programming (Late Show #2843) (Brill & Stephenson)

You can download a PDF of all Emmy nominations.

CBS has just unveiled an HD Video Gallery. Included in the offerings is the Late Show theme song video, now in HD.

Watch interviews with Dave over the years, with Tom Snyder, Tom Brokaw and Jane Pauley. Pack a lunch. The run time is 51:58. Click in this approximate area. Dave talks about stand-up comedy, subbing for Johnny Carson, The David Letterman Show and getting ready for Late Night. Ironically, Jane Pauley told Dave 26 years ago, "You might not get another chance, so don't blow it this time!"

There's an interview with Paul in this month's issue which any fan of Paul and the Late Show will enjoy. I was fortunate enough to get a print copy. Now it's on the Web: "Paul Shaffer's Greatest Hits."

SESAC is one of three performance rights organizations in the United States. On May 8, the organization presented its Legacy Award to Paul Shaffer, songwriter and Late Show bandleader, for his outstanding contributions to the entertainment world. The lengthy and highly complimentary remarks made at the New York awards gathering are available on YouTube in two parts: 1 and 2. It was good to see Paul receiving this well-deserved recognition.

From a CBS press release: LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN will dazzle viewers when it showcases some of the best magicians in entertainment during "Magicians Week," Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9 (11:35 PM - 12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Starting things off will be world-renowned magician Lance Burton on Monday, May 5. Comic magician Mac King performs on Tuesday, May 6, while illusionist Dirk Arthur takes the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theater on Wednesday, May 7. Steve Wyrick will wow the audience with his larger-than-life illusions on Thursday, May 8. Rounding out the week will be a performance from magic superstars Penn & Teller, who appear on the LATE SHOW Friday, May 9.

Amazon is taking pre-orders for a DVD of the benefit Paul Shaffer put together for the late Mike Smith of the Dave Clark Five. Mike was paralyzed in an accident in 2003. The benefit and tribute came in two shows on August 2, 2005 at B. B. King's in New York. Groups appearing included the Fab Faux, The Zombies, Billy J. Kramer, Denny Laine and a reunion of Peter and Gordon. Cost of the DVD is currently $12.99, plus shipping.

Paul asked Mike to sit in on keyboards when he guest hosted the Late Show on March 24, 2003. Smith died 11 days before he was to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Dave Clark Five. You can read more about his career on Wikipedia.

This is amazing! An unbelievably clever individual has recreated one of Jack Hanna's
many Late Show appearances using Lego® animation. Watch it here on YouTube.

The Late Shift author, Bill Carter, has broken a story in the New York Times, announcing that Worldwide Pants has struck a deal with the striking writers. The result is writers for the Late Show and the Late Late Show will be back at work on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

LOS ANGELES -- The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) have issued the following statement regarding Contract 2007 negotiations:

"The Writers Guild has reached a binding independent agreement today with Worldwide Pants that will allow Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson to return to the air with their full writing staffs. This is a comprehensive agreement that addresses the issues important to writers, particularly New Media. Worldwide Pants has accepted the very same proposals that the Guild was prepared to present to the media conglomerates when they walked out of negotiations on December 7."

"Today's agreement dramatically illustrates that the Writers Guild wants to put people back to work, and that when a company comes to the table prepared to negotiate seriously a fair and reasonable deal can be reached quickly."

"It's time for NBC-Universal to step up to the plate and negotiate a company-wide deal that will put Jay Leno, who has supported our cause from the beginning, back on the air with his writers."

For more information about the Writers Guild of America, West, please visit www.wga.org. For more information about the Writers Guild of America, East, please visit: www.wgaeast.org.

The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) represent writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable, and new media industries in both entertainment and news. The unions conduct numerous programs, seminars, and events throughout the world on issues of interest to, and on behalf of, writers.

Novelist Richard Wright, author of Clara Callan, and Paul Shaffer, music director for David Letterman's late night talk show, are to be awarded the Order of Canada. They were among 40 Canadians named by Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean on Friday as members of the Order of Canada.

From the year-end Entertainment Weekly: "When Paris Hilton guested on the Sept. 28 Late Show with David Letterman, she may have expeced the usual fawning and enabling inquiry into her latest vanity projects (in this case, a fragrance and clothing line). Instead, Letterman — a host gloriously incapable of feigning interest — peppered her with subtly mocking questions about her recent stint in jail, deftly brushing aside her banal sloganeering ("It's made me a stronger person") and asking for a dissection of her prison menu. When she finally gave a pout, mewing that she didn't want to talk about jail anymore, Letterman — after a perfectly timed pause — fired back, "This is where you and I are different, because this is all I want to talk about." With that brilliantly blunt assessment, the host spoke for every American who's spent years wondering why Hilton is considered a celebrity in the first place. Given that she's largely famous for appearing in a sex tape, it's ironic that it took Letterman to prove that the heiress has no clothes."

— Josh Wolk

Ball State University's new communication and media building will be named in honor of one of its best-known alums, Mr. David Letterman. Look for related information under Articles in the links section. Learn more and watch streaming video of the dedication on Ball State's Web site.

Numerous media sources are reporting that David Letterman will appear on Oprah for the first time in September. The wonders never cease. For a look back at the heartwarming story of the highs and lows of Dave's adventures with Oprah, the most important person ever, visit my Fun with Oprah page.

Late Show with David Letterman received Emmy nominations today for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program (Dave), Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program. The Emmys will be broadcast on Sunday, September 16 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Download a complete list of nominations from the Emmys site.

CHEERS to David Letterman for ding a solid for his old pal Regis Philbin. The elusive Late Show emcee made a rare guest appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly on the day the host returned after heart surgery—just as Reege had done for Dave seven years ago. Letterman shared this sage advice: "Stay away from The View, 'cause they're dropping like flies over there." Welcome back, Regis!

CHEERS to David Letterman for celebrating 25 years of late-night lunacy. Dave commemorated the occasion with a visit from Bill Murray, his inaugural guest on both NBC's Late Night and CBS' Late Show. A side-splitting bit with Letterman and Murray calling CBS honcho Leslie Moonves to hit him up for Super Bowl tickets proved what we've been saying for a long time: Dave's still got it.

PRESS RELEASE — CBS announced today that David Letterman has signed a new contract to host the Late Show with David Letterman through the fall 2010.

"I'm thrilled to be continuing on at CBS," said Letterman. "At my age you really don't want to have to learn a new commute."

Letterman, who marked his 13th anniversary as host of the Late Show on August 30, will celebrate 25 years in late-night comedy this coming February. Since its debut on CBS, the Late Show has been honored with nine Emmy Awards (including six for "Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program") and 54 Emmy nominations. Previously, Letterman won five Emmys and received 35 Emmy nominations for "Late Night with David Letterman" during its 11½ years on the air.

"Thirteen years ago, David Letterman put CBS late night on the map and in the process became one of the defining icons of our network," said Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation. "His presence on our air is an ongoing source of pride, and the creativity and imagination that the Late Show puts forth every night is an ongoing display of the highest quality entertainment. We are truly honored that one of the most revered and talented entertainers of our time will continue to call CBS 'home.' "

From the start, Letterman has been credited with redefining the talk-show genre. In 1992, he received the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award for taking "one of TV's most conventional and least inventive forms — the talk show — and infusing it with freshness and imagination." Letterman has won two American Comedy Awards for "Funniest Male Performer in a Television Series," and a People's Choice Award for "Favorite Late Night Talk Show Host." In 1995 and 2001, the Television Critics Association nominated Letterman for a Career Achievement Award.

CHEERS to Late Show with David Letterman for its recent "Impressionist Week." Hot on the heels of "Ventriloquist Week," the impersonation-palooza brought old-school mimics like Rich Little and Fred Travalena (who've both aged gracefully) as well as younger talents like Gordie Brown and the amazing Frank Caliendo to the Ed Sullivan Theater. Best of all was Kevin Pollak's imitation of Christopher Walken scaring off trick-or-treaters. With inspired stunts like this one, Dave remains, in a word, inimitable.

PRESS RELEASE -- One month after launching the CBS Brand Channel on YouTube, CBS's daily feed of news, sports and entertainment clips have become some of the most widely viewed content on the site.

CBS has uploaded more than 300 clips that have a total of 29.2 million views on YouTube, averaging 857,000 views per day, since the service launched on October 18. CBS has three of the top 25 most viewed videos this month (Nov.1—17), including clips from CBS's Tuesday night hit drama NCIS, Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and The Early Show. The CBS Brand Channel is also one of the most subscribed channels of all time with more than 20,000 users subscribing to CBS programming on YouTube since the channel launch last month.

"Above all the other good news, what's most exciting here is the extent to which CBS is learning about its audience as never before," said Quincy Smith, President, CBS Interactive. "YouTube users are clearly being entertained by the CBS programming they're watching as evidenced by the sheer number of video views. Professional content seeds YouTube and allows an open dialogue between established media players and a new set of viewers. We believe this inflection point is the precursor to many exciting developments as we continue to build bridges rather than construct walls."

"CBS has done a phenomenal job at engaging and interacting with the YouTube community and we're pleased that this has brought new viewers to their broadcasts. It's been great watching our community respond so strongly and positively to their entertaining content," said Kevin Donahue, Vice President of Content for YouTube. "We look forward to working with CBS to help them promote their quality programming while bringing timely video content to our user community."

Ratings for the network's late night programs, in particular, have shown notable increases. CBS's Late Show with David Letterman has added 200,000 (+5%) new viewers while The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson is up 100,000 viewers (+7%) since the YouTube postings started.

Here's the link.

CHEERS to Late Show with David Letterman for keeping the spirit of The Ed Sullivan Show alive with "Ventriloquist Week." In the same theater that once showcased Señor Wences and Edgar Bergen, Letterman welcomed such current practitioners of the talking-dummy act as Jay Johnson, Willie Tyler and Todd Oliver. And we didn't see Dave's lips moves once.

By Cynthia Littleton

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - From the home office at the Ed Sullivan Theater: David Letterman is staying at CBS for another four years.

Letterman, 59, is close to finalizing a contract extension with CBS that will keep him at the helm of "The Late Show With David Letterman" through the 2009-10 season, sources said. Negotiations on the pact have been underway on and off for months, but sources close to the network and the Letterman camp say the talks went smoothly and there was never any doubt that the Emmy-winning late-night host would extend his tenure at "Late Show," which originates from the famed Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.

Indeed, sources say that relations between CBS, Letterman and his Worldwide Pants production company have never been better, particularly between Letterman and CBS Corp. chief Leslie Moonves. Moonves has become a semi-regular presence on "Late Show" through the "More With Les" segments, featuring Letterman conversing with Moonves by telephone.

Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing For A Series
Late Show With David Letterman • Show #2519 ("The Kaltershank Redemption" episode)

Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety Or Music Program
Late Show With David Letterman
David Letterman, Host

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
Late Show With David Letterman • CBS • Worldwide Pants Incorporated

Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video For A Series
Late Show With David Letterman • Show #2472 (Dave escorting Oprah across Broadway)

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Program
Late Show With David Letterman

Go to the Emmy® Awards site for more information. The Primetime Emmy® Awards will be broadcast on August 27.

Red Horizons is now available from CD Baby for a mere $10.98. A collaboration of Ted Lathrop and the world's #1 Letterman fan, Don Giller (Donz5), Red Horizons was many years in the making. I was fortunate enough to receive a preview copy of the CD a few months ago, and it's outstanding. Those of us who know Donz are aware of the tremendous amount of work he's put into editing, and getting everything just right. Now it's ready for prime time. You can preview some of the tracks on CD Baby. You may be excused from this site temporarily while you order the CD.

CHEERS to David Letterman's mom, Dorothy, for coming back to Late Show with David Letterman to read a Mother's Day-themed Top 10 list. Among our favorite items on the Top 10 Reasons I Love Beiong Dave's Mom: "When I see him on his show, I know he's not in jail," "I don't have to wait for a table at Red Lobster" and "It's nice that he looks older than I do." We love Dave's mom!

"Cheer of the Week to Julia Roberts for making a welcome return visit to Late Show with David Letterman after a three-year absence. Always one of Dave's favorite guests, Julia charmed her fellow relatively new parent with stories about raising her twins, Phinnaeus and Hazel, and making her Broadway debut in "Three Days of Rain." Dave waas right about one thing he said: 'Julia's never looked better.' "

SPEEDWAY, Ind. — Pole Day at Indianapolis saw 32 cars qualify, and in the end it was hard to find a driver happier than Danica Patrick, who qualified tenth. After a soggy month of difficulties, Rahal Letterman Racing safely qualified all three entries for the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500.

Danica Patrick qualified on the inside of Row 4 with a four-lap average of 224.674 mph in the No. 16 Argent Mortgage Honda/Panoz.

"That was a pretty solid run," said Patrick, the 2005 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. "The car was very consistent, and that was the fastest we have gone all month. To post those speeds in qualifying is the right time to do it so, I am pretty happy right now. We have had a hard month. It hasn't been easy like it was last year. I feel relieved to have the Argent Mortgage/Honda in the show. I saw first hand what can happen in a 500-mile race. A lot of things can go right and wrong, so the key is to be patient. The best thing, and my goal for today, was to be ahead of the rift raft that tends to happen in the middle of the pack. Since I am just ahead of that problem area, I have a real shot at running this race well. If we have a consistent car, I think that will be the best. Consistency has been a big issue for everyone, but especially for us in the Panoz chassis. At the end of the day it is about having a good race car. Look at Dan Wheldon last year. He qualified further back than what we have this year and yet he won the race. In the long run it will be good pit stops and good strategy, fast car, overtaking and that is what gets you to the front more than just sheer speed."

Buddy Rice qualified 14th in the No. 15 Argent Mortgage Honda/Panoz with a four-lap average of 224.393 mph.

"I'm pretty happy with our speed. That is the fastest we have run all month, and it was extremely consistent. So we are happy about that. I think the whole team would have liked to have run more this month but the weather held us back. But I feel pretty confident with the No. 15 Argent Honda for the race. We have worked a lot with full tanks and in race trim. I am really happy with that setup right now. Qualifying is its own thing. You have to be really good for four laps. I think we will be solid in the race because we have run with other cars in race trim. We are hearing that race day temps might be in the mid 80s, and that could really change the complexion of the race. We haven't had a very warm day all month here. I know that my car is good in traffic, and that is going to be a key for the race. We just want to be very consistent for the race and work on the car all day long. We did that in 2004, and I think we can do again."

Sam Hornish, Jr. captured the pole position for the 2006 Indianapolis 500 with a four lap average of 228.985 mph, edging his Penske Racing teammate Helio Castroneves' qualifying average of 228.008 mph. Dan Wheldon the 2005 Indy 500 champion will start third with a four-lap average of 227.338 mph.

Read the entire story here.

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Driver Paul Dana died after a two-car crash Sunday during the warmup for the season-opening Toyota Indy 300 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, ESPN reports. Rahal Letterman Racing co-owner Bobby Rahal announced that drivers Danica Patrick and Buddy Rice, teammates of Dana, will not compete in the race.

"Paul Dana's passing is a terrible tragedy, and I want to express my condolences and sympathies to his family and friends," Letterman said in a statement. "I did not know Paul personally, but we were all proud to have him on our team and are deeply saddened by his tragic passing at such a young age."

"JEERS to Late Show with David Letterman for sending Dave's comedically challenged assistant, Stephanie Birkitt, to cover the Olympics in Torino. Her repertoire of shtick seemed limited to rolling her eyes and shrugging, and the writers didn't do Stephanie any favors by giving her lame bits like reading a newspaper over a stranger's shoulder and showing off her rolling backpack to baffled locals. We know Dave's aging mom probably can't report on the Winter Games anymore like she did in 1994, but why not send stage manager Biff Henderson to do his usual gold medal-worthy job?"

Dave lives on the edge tonight as he gives shock jock Howard Stern 22 minutes to address the $500,000,000 lawsuit that CBS has filed against him. CBS alleges that Howard used CBS resources to build a base of listeners for his show, and increase stock value for Sirius satellite radio. CBS opted to not run the usual evening promos for the Late Show tonight. It'll be interesting to see if Dave gets in the doghouse for giving Howard a platform for his position. Generally the profit motive wins out in situations like this. No doubt Dave is bringing in enough dough for the network that he'll manage to survive Howard's visit.

The Villager reports: On Saturday, March 11 at the Cutting Room, for one show only, Brooks will return to her roots. On the song list, of course, will be her famous signature Crystals hit singles, "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me" from 1963, as well as material that she personally loves. She will be accompanied by the LeBlanc Brothers, a five-piece band, that "plays their butts off," she says, and on piano, special guest Paul Schaeffer [sic], musical director of the Late Show with David Letterman.

TORONTO - Quintessential sidekick Paul Shaffer has stepped into the spotlight on Canada's Walk Of Fame.

Canoe reports: Walk Of Fame broadcast partner CTV announced on the program eTalk Daily last night that Shaffer is one of eight new additions to the Walk Of Fame. In addition to Shaffer, the names of seven other individuals who will be added to the Walk in 2006 will be announced at an early-morning media conference today in Toronto. The official Walk Of Fame gala ceremony on June 3 at the Hummingbird Centre in Toronto will be hosted by Canadian pro-wrestling superstar Trish Stratus.

Shaffer, a 56-year-old native of Thunder Bay, has been David Letterman's musical director and sidekick on late-night TV for almost a quarter-century. Shaffer's musical versatility has allowed him to host and take part in countless concerts, ceremonies and awards shows through the past three decades. In 2002, Shaffer won a Grammy Award for best country instrumental performance for "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."

"CHEERS to David Letterman for being a good neighbor. To thank Rupert Jee for his 12 years of comic service, Dave replaced an out-of-date billboard near Times Square for a Rod Stewart concert with a giant ad for his pal's Hello Deli (located around the corner from Late Show's Ed Sullivan Theater). Jee, what a swell guy!"

Starbucks® Coffee Piped from atop the Space Needle through 3,100 Feet of Tubing Directly to the McCaw Hall Stage at the Company's Annual Meeting

SEATTLE -- If David Letterman can have his own cup of Starbucks® coffee piped directly to his "Late Show" desk from a neighborhood Starbucks store, so can Howard Schultz -- with a Seattle twist.

On stage at Starbucks Corporation's Annual Meeting of Shareholders at Seattle's Marion Oliver McCaw Hall today, Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, poured himself a cup of Starbucks® Sumatra coffee. Not just an ordinary cup of Starbucks® Sumatra coffee, but a cup of Starbucks® Sumatra coffee that originated at the top of the Space Needle and passed through more than 3,100 feet of specially designed tubing. The tubing containing the bold, full-bodied Indonesian coffee ran over the side of the Seattle landmark, through the Seattle Center grounds and culminated in an urn on the McCaw Hall stage.

"David Letterman was gracious enough to feature Starbucks in a very funny 'Late Show' skit, which aired this past fall," said Schultz. "We couldn't think of a more appropriate way to show how much our partners enjoyed and appreciated the good-natured humor of that skit, than to develop an honorary re-creation of it and showcase it at our shareholders' meeting."

Here's the complete story.

The Pittsburgh quarterback got a shave Monday night from David Letterman while appearing on the Late Show, finally ridding himself of the scraggly light brown facial hair he's been growing since the Steelers lost to Cincinnati in October. Here's the story on Yahoo! News.

I haven't put out the video of the O'Reilly interview. I know Bill's a tough guy who can take anything somebody throws his way, but I don't know why Dave felt the need to be so edgy with him, especially near the end. I believe at one time a while back, Mr. Factor was quoted with some sort of slam on Dave, and I expect that's part of the background story. Anyway, on the Jan. 4 Factor, Bill said, "I'll go on Letterman's program anytime he wants me. I enjoy the joust."

Someone else has put together a QuickTime video of the interview. I'd give better credit, but it's on one of those Mac sites, and I don't know who belongs to it.

Investigative Web site The Smoking Gun has obtained copies of the multi-page restraining order filed this month by Sante Fe resident Colleen Nestler. The woman is, unfortunately, delusional, and needs psychiatric help in the worst way. It remains unclear why any judge would sign an order restraining Dave from thinking of her, among other things. You can read page after page of her troubled fantasies on their site.

In a milestone week, LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN topped "The Tonight Show" in key measures for the first time in nearly six years while THE LATE LATE SHOW with CRAIG FERGUSON delivered its most watched week of broadcasts with any host, according to national Nielsen ratings for the week ending Dec. 2.

LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN posted a 4.6/12 in households with an average of 6.50m viewers, up +24% in households (from 3.7/10) and +30% in viewers (from 4.98m) from the same week last year. LATE SHOW was up +30% in adults 25-54 (2.6/10 from 2.0/08), +24% in adults 18-49 (2.1/09 from 1.7/07) and +14% in adults 18-34 (1.6/07 from 1.4/06) compared to the same week last year.

This is LATE SHOW's best weekly households and viewers delivery since the week ending 2/25/00 (when David Letterman returned from heart surgery), in adults 18-34 since 11/19/04, in adults 18-49 since 9/21/01.

LATE SHOW topped "The Tonight Show" for the week in households (vs. 4.2/11), viewers (vs. 5.99m), adults 25-54 (vs. 2.4/09) and adults 18-49 (vs. 2.0/08). This is the first time LATE SHOW topped "The Tonight Show" with first run episodes starting on time for both programs since the week ending 2/25/00 in those measures.

"CHEERS to David Letterman for welcoming back one of his best guests. The Late Show host reunited with Teri Garr, whose flirtatious banter highlighted his stint on NBC's Late Night. Promoting her book Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood (about her battle with multiple sclerosis), Garr proved she's still got a quick wit—and potent chemistry with Dave."

CBS Press Release: Last night's LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, featuring guests Oprah Winfrey and Bonnie Raitt, attracted an audience of 13.45 million viewers, the largest audience for the LATE SHOW in over a decade, according to Nielsen fast national ratings for Thursday, Dec. 1.

This marks the LATE SHOW's largest audience since Feb. 25, 1994, the night of the Olympics Women Skating finals between Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. LATE SHOW attracted more viewers than any prime program on the competition last night except for "ER." Overall, this ranks as the fourth most watched broadcast ever of LATE SHOW, behind 2/25/94, 8/30/93 (the CBS premiere) and 2/23/94 (Olympics Women Skating semi-finals).

In key demographics, LATE SHOW delivered a 5.4 in adults 25-54, also the highest since Feb. 25, 1994, 4.4 in adults 18-49, best since Feb. 21, 2000 (the night of David Letterman's return from heart surgery).

LATE SHOW enjoyed a +114% advantage over "The Tonight Show" in households (vs. 4.3/11), +117% in viewers (vs. 6.21m), +74% in adults 18-34 (vs. 1.9), +100% in adults 18-49 (vs. 2.2) and +108% in adults 25-54 (vs. 2.6).

"CHEERS to David Letterman for his heartfelt tribute to Johnny Carson at the Emmys. The Late Show host made a rare trip to L.A.-and a rare appearance in prime time-to honor the man who inspired him. Cheer-within-a-Cheer to The Daily Show's Jon Stewart for accurately observing that Dave is the new generation's Johnny."

Paul Shaffer performed at Lakehead University's 40th anniversary bash in his home town of Thunder Bay, Ont. Canada on September 29, 2005. He's wearing the hockey jersey of the Lakehead University Thunderwolves. The picture is compliments of Leith Dunick, Editor, Thunder Bay's Source.

The Late Show technical crew has won an Emmy® for Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video for a Series. Crew members bringing home hardware were: camera operators Al Cialino, David Dorsett, Karin-Lucie Grzella, Jack Young, John Hannel, John Curtin, George Rothweiler, Dan Flaherty, Fred Shimizu, Steve Kaufman, Joe Debonis, Claus Stuhlweissenburg and John Pry, Senior Video Controller William White and Video Controller Dan Campbell.

The episode that won was LSDL #2269, which featured Project Bandaloop, the acrobats who were hanging outside the theater.

Oprah Winfrey was crowned the most popular TV personality by an annual Harris Interactive poll of 1,036 adults nationwide. She was followed by a second-place tie between her sometime-nemesis David Letterman and "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart. Here's the story.

The Late Show received nominations in the categories "Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program," "Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series," "Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video for a Series" and "Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program."

Here's a complete rundown on the nominations. The 2005 Emmy awards program will be on Sunday, September 18 on CBS.

NEW YORK (Reuters / Billboard) - Paul Shaffer, band leader on the Late Show With David Letterman, is organizing a benefit concert for Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark Five. Smith was permanently crippled in an accident in 2003 in his home in Spain.

Two shows are planned for Aug. 2 at the B. B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York. Popular Beatles tribute band the Fab Faux and the Zombies are confirmed for the British Invasion-themed concert, along with Peter & Gordon, who have not publicly played together in 35 years.

Other iconic British rockers from the '60s are being considered for the shows.

With three nights remaining in the May sweep, CBS's LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN is on track to finish the month in its closest competitive position to "The Tonight Show" in viewers, adults 18-49 and adults 25-54 since 1995, according to Nielsen ratings for the week ending May 20.

Through Friday, May 20, LATE SHOW improved its competitive position against "The Tonight Show" in viewers and key demos. In May 2005, LATE SHOW trails "The Tonight Show" by -0.5 in both adults 18-34 and adults 25-54 and -0.4 in adults 18-49. This is the closest competitive position in a May sweep for LATE SHOW in both adults 18-49 and adults 25-54 since May 1995 and in adults 18-34 since May 2001. This is also the closest competitive position among viewers in a May sweep since 1995.

Season-to-date, LATE SHOW is up +4% in viewers (4.53m from 4.37m) and even in households (3.3/09), adults 25-54 (1.9/08), adults 18-49 (1.6/07) and adults 18-34 (1.2/05) compared to last season.

Season-to-date, LATE SHOW is closing the gap with "The Tonight Show." In key demos, LATE SHOW trails "The Tonight Show" by -0.5 each in adults 18-34, adults 18-49 and adults 25-54. Last year season-to-date, LATE SHOW trailed "The Tonight Show" by -0.7 in all three measures. LATE SHOW cut "The Tonight Show"'s lead in viewers from 1.78m in the first 35 weeks of last season to just 1.30m this season.

Final late night May sweep ratings will be available next week.

Late Show with David Letterman posted a 3.3/09 in households with an average of 4.45m viewers, up +3% in households (from 3.2/09) and +7% in viewers (from 4.18m) compared to the same week last year. Late Show was up +10% in adults 18-34 (1.1/05 from 1.0/05), +7% in adults18-49 (1.6/07 from 1.5/07) and +6% in adults 25-54 (1.9/08 from 1.8/08) compared to the same week last year.

Season-to-date, Late Show continues to close the gap with The Tonight Show. In key demos, Late Show trails The Tonight Show by -0.5 each in adults 18-34, adults 18-49 and adults 25-54. Last year season-to-date, Late Show trailed The Tonight Show by -0.7 each in adults 18-34, adults 18-49 and adults 25-54. Late Show cut The Tonight Show's lead in viewers from 1.78m in the first 32 weeks of last season to just 1.29m this season.

NEW YORK (AP) - On his show Monday, David Letterman thanked the Montana authorities who helped unravel an alleged plot to kidnap his young son and nanny and hold them for $5 million ransom. A painter who worked at the talk show host's ranch near Choteau was arrested last week and charged with solicitation. Authorities say Kelly A. Frank was planning the kidnap for when Letterman and his family next visited the ranch.

"Last week, my family and I were involved in a little legal activity, and fortunately everything turned out fine, but I want to just take a second here to thank some people," Letterman said on Monday's show, his first one since the arrest.

He thanked two FBI agents, Teton County Sheriff George Anderson, county attorney Joe Coble "and the great people of Choteau, Montana.

"They have always made me and my family feel entirely welcome as though it were our home and that's how we think of it," he said.

Our host says he won because they took Oprah out of his category. We know better. Anyway, he produced the hardware on the Jan. 10 show. It's a flame-shaped clear thing with applauding hands inside. Congratulations, Regis!

CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq -- Although they couldn't be home for the holidays, Marines in Iraq received a timely Christmas gift when David Letterman performed a Christmas Eve edition of "The Late Show with David Letterman" here.

Letterman, along with his musical director Paul Shaffer and stage manager Biff Henderson, brought the popular late night television show to the Marines, sailors and soldiers currently stationed at Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, Dec. 24, 2004. They were followed with a performance from "Off the Wall," a southern California band, which added to the holiday festivities.

"How about a nice hand for Jay Leno, ladies and gentlemen," joked Letterman as he started his show.

With the help of cue cards held by an Army soldier, Letterman delivered his opening monologue written specifically for the troops:

* "Anybody here from out of town?"

* "I see many of you brought your own truck."

* Regarding being in a combat zone: "I haven't seen anything like this since the last Pistons-Pacers game."

* "If I wanted to face insurgents I would've spent Christmas with my relatives."

* "Iraqi elections are in January. Hurry up and pick somebody so we can get the hell out of here."

* "Iran is developing a nuclear bomb; good news is that they're dropping it from a camel."

Letterman's guest, comedian Tom Dreesen, performed his stand-up routine, joking on everything from race relations to his time in the Marine Corps.

Following a tradition he's established on "The Late Show," Letterman allowed several members of the audience to showcase their talents onstage.

The biggest highlights for many of the male service members - Ilana, the Late Show Grinder Girl, and Anna, the Hula Hoop Girl - received a warm welcome of cheers and applause as they performed their unique acts.

The show closed with Paul Shaffer's rendition of "Dreaming of a White Christmas," tailored for the audience. "I'm dreaming of our armed forces...You guys are heroes built to last, You guard our freedom with honor unsurpassed, Pardon my French, but I gotta mention, you kick some serious ass!"

"It was great, all of the Marines getting together having a good time," said Gunnery Sgt. Ronald Trignano, 32, a tech-controller with Communication Squadron 48. "It almost makes you forget where you are for a little while."

(Variety) - NEW YORK -- David Letterman is closing the gap with late night rival Jay Leno, helped by a CBS primetime that dominated the November sweeps in key demos. Late Show With David Letterman saw its best November sweep against NBC's The Tonight Show in total viewers since 1994 and since 2001 in the prized 18-49 demo.

With three days to go in the month of November, "Letterman" was up 9% in average total viewers (5 million), while "Leno" dropped off 6% (5.9 million). "Letterman" was up 6% in adults 18-49 over the same frame last year and up an impressive 17% in 18-34. "Leno" was down 13% in adults 18-49 and 11% in 18-34.

The "Letterman" show has improved its ratings for every night of the week and now occasionally beats "Leno" in total viewers on Monday nights, CBS said.

The Late Show The LATE SHOW averaged a 3.6/10 in households with 4.96m viewers, 1.8 rating in adults 18-49 and 2.1 in adults 25-54. Compared to premiere week last year, Late Show is up +16% in households (from 3.1/09), +29% in adults 18-49 (from 1.4/07), +17% in adults 25-54 (from 1.8/07) and up +24% in viewers (from 4.00m)

Late Show is in its best competitive position against The Tonight Show in viewers since 1994 (when CBS won the week), adults 18-49 since 1996, and in households and adults 25-54 since 1995.

CBS's Late Show with David Letterman got the new fall season off to a winning start, posting its highest ratings in the Nielsen metered markets on premiere Monday since September 1993.

The Late Show, with guests Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry and musical guest Green Day, delivered a 5.4/13 in the Nielsen metered markets, the highest rating for a Late Show on premiere Monday since Sept. 20, 1993, the first year of Late Show on CBS.

The Late Show topped The Tonight Show (4.3/10) by a over a full rating point, a +26% advantage. This marks the second consecutive year that Late Show has beaten The Tonight Show on premiere Monday, topping last year's victory which was by just by +0.1 of a rating point (5.1/12 vs. 5.0/12).

Monday's 5.4/13 was the highest overall rating on any night of the week since a 5.5/14 on Monday, March 29, 2004, with guests Janet Jackson and John Mayer.

For the week, Late Show posted a 3.6/10 in households with an average of 4.88m viewers, up +38% in both households (from 2.6/07) and viewers (from 3.53m) from last year. Late Show was up +25% in adults 25-54 (2.0/09 from 1.6/07), +21% in adults 18-49 (1.7/08 from 1.4/06) and +20% in adults 18-34 (1.2/06 from 1.0/05) compared to the same week last year.

For the week, Late Show tied The Tonight Show in adults 25-54 and trailed The Tonight Show by just -0.1 in adults 18-49 and -0.2 in adults 18-34.

Summer-to-date (5/31/04-8/6/04), Late Show is up +11% in households (3.1/08 from 2.8/08), +12% in viewers (4.10m from 3.65m), +10% in adults 18-34 (1.1/05 from 1.0/05), +7% in adults 18-49 (1.5/06 from 1.4/06) and +6% in adults 18-34 (1.7/07 from 1.6/07) compared to last summer.

The Late Show is in its best competitive position in the summer against The Tonight Show since the summer of 1995 in households, since the summer of 1996 in both viewers and adults 25-54, the summer of 2002 in adults 18-34 and the summer of 2001 in adults 18-49.

Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program -- Jerry Foley -- #2170   (the 4 A.M. show)
Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic, Multi-Camera) for a VMC Program -- Steven Brill and Tim Stephenson -- #2117
Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series -- Pope, Gaines, Burnett, Brennan, Stangels and Roberts
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video for a Series -- #2048   (New York Philharmonic on the roof)
Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program - all the writers

The Fourth of July dawned cloudy and cool in Choteau with rain lightly falling by 6:30 A.M. This year's parade entries tallied eight tractors, six political campaign floats, two bands, eight fire trucks, 17 motorcycles and four-wheelers, 35 cars, 30 horseback riders and 19 floats for a total of 136 entries. The big surprise, of course, was that Late Show host and New York City celebrity David Letterman, who owns a ranch west of Choteau, rode his own Deep Creek Ranch float in the parade. Wearing a bright yellow rain jacket and olive green shorts, Letterman braved the rain just like the rest of the Choteau folk and threw candy to delighted kids who fished it out of puddles and off Main Avenue as the rain fell in sheets.

Congratulations to driver Buddy Rice, owners Bobby Rahal and David Letterman and the entire team for a great win. We have the post-race press conference transcript here. It shouldn't be overlooked that the two other Rahal Letterman cars placed in the top ten: (6) Vitor Meira and (10) Roger Yasukawa.

"CHEERS to Late Show with David Letterman for getting back to its absurdist roots. Stunts like taping an episode at 4 am, pestering CBS prez Leslie Moonves with phone calls and using Nobel prize-winning economist Robert Mundell to tell "You might be a redneck" jokes remind us of Dave's early days as a merry prankster. Now all he needs to do is bring back Larry "Bud" Melman."

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Team Rahal is now Rahal Letterman Racing, in recognition of a certain late-night TV host's longtime business partnership with car owner Bobby Rahal.

"It's a great day in my life, something I've dreamed of since I was a kid," David Letterman said Thursday in a statement distributed by the team. "I'll try not to embarrass the team."

Letterman, an Indianapolis native, has had a minority interest in the Hilliard, Ohio, operation since 1996, although the official name remained Team Rahal. Bobby Rahal, a former Indy winner as a driver, announced the name change for his Indy Car program before the start of Indianapolis 500 practice Thursday.

It's no secret that the relationship between David Letterman and afternoon talk show goddess Oprah Winfrey has cooled over the past few decades. Oprah claimed to be "totally out of town" when the Late Show came to Chicago. Mr. Letterman had a bit of fun with her name while hosting the Oscars in March of 1995 by introducing Oprah to Uma, and vice versa. Subsequent to that scandalous behavior, Uma Thurman has appeared on the Late Show six times, while Oprah hasn't come close to appearing. Even the Oprah Log ultimately failed to draw Ms. Winfrey to the Ed Sullivan Theater. Now, however, psychologist and statesman Dr. Phil McGraw will intervene as the entertainers mend their differences. Our long national nightmare will come to an end sometime in January, 2004. Tell your friends.

Jimmy Fallon: "Congratulations to David Letterman, who became a father on Monday when his girlfriend gave birth to their son, Harry Joseph Letterman. And yes... it floats!"

Members of an Internet group called FARK are amusing themselves by posting pics of Dave and baby (see below) doctored with Adobe Photoshop®. Some are way out there, but others have to be amusing to any Letterman fan.

Daddy shows a picture of his brand new son, Harry Joseph Letterman, during the Nov. 4 Late Show. Regina Lasko delivered baby Harry late on Nov. 3. He's 9 lbs., 11 oz. and is 21 in. long. He's named for Dave's late father. Here's a transcript of Dave's on-air announcement.

"I've got no business having goldfish at my age."         -- David Letterman  Feb. 9, 2004

"CHEERS to the goofiest crop circle in history: a cornfield with the visage of a grinning David Letterman mowed into it. The not-so-mysterious image is actually a maze, and Dougherty Orchards in Cambridge City, Indiana, charges admission, with proceeds going to charity."

TV Boy announced on tonight's Late Show that he and Regina Lasko are expecting a baby Letterman. He says he's so old he'll be both baby's father and grandfather. "I don't know anything about babies, and I've got to find a place for it to stay," Dave says, "and my, it's my girlfriend is having the child... Regina, bless her heart, and, and, and, uh, but I just don't want one of those kids that's always takin' a dump in its pants."

"CHEERS to an encore performance. Singer-songwriter Warren Zevon has been a guest on CBS's Late Show with David Letterman many times, even subbing for bandleader Paul Shaffer on occasion. But his most recent visit was something special. Several months ago, Zevon--best known for his quirky 1978 hit "Werewolves of London" and loved by fans (Letterman included) for his soulfully honest songwriting--disclosed his terminal lung cancer. With no advance fanfare or hype, Late Show devoted its entire October 30 episode to Zevon. No other guests, just a long, touching and, yes, funny conversation between Zevon and Letterman, on everything from music to mortality. Truly a show to remember."

In observance of its 50th anniversary, the venerable magazine compiled a ranking of the 50 best television programs of all time. Dave and friends landed at #7. Long-time fans will be surprised that Late Night is not on the list, but the excellence of those eleven years must have factored into the ranking for the Late Show on CBS. Here's an excerpt:

1. Seinfeld
2. I Love Lucy
3. The Honeymooners
4. All in the Family
5. The Sopranos
6. 60 Minutes
7. Late Show with David Letterman

"David Letterman returned the week after the attacks to host his New York City-based CBS late-night show. Trembling in palpable anger and sorrow but also bursting with pride in his city and country, he echoed our own struggles to grope toward normality. "We're going to try to feel our way through this," he said brefore welcoming his first guests, Dan Rather (who cried) and Regis Philbin (who laughed). Letterman succeeded magnificently, setting an example for all who sought the necessary release of humor in dark times."

"CHEERS to a comic's relief. If there was a more heartfelt, plainspoken tribute to a city's heroism than the one delivered September 17 by David Letterman, we didn't see it. After a week off the air, Letterman's Late Show on CBS resumed its schedule, if not business as usual. Without the familiar theme song or introduction, Letterman, nervous and self-deprecating, admitted that he questioned the appropriateness of returning to the air, but his warm praise for New York City's firefighters, police officers and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani made it clear that Letterman was right where he needed to be. Both Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien returned to their shows the night after Letterman resumed his, and both spoke from the heart about the country's loss. But if any talk-show needs a blueprint for how to proceed in times of crisis, they need only study tapes of Letterman's performance. And a Cheer within a Cheer to Letterman's first guest that evening, Dan Rather, who twice broke into tears (once describing the bravery of fallen rescuers, and again while reciting a verse from "America the Beautiful"). We were moved beyond words."

"CHEERS to saving his seat. CBS's David Letterman clearly is not fond of playing host to the weekly parade of castoffs from the network's Survivor: The Australian Outback. While the network's Early Show loudly trumpets the morning-after bookings, Letterman endures his chats with "the losers" (as he calls them) about as well as he would a trip to the dentist. In fact, he allows them only a brief few minutes of airtime as they stand on the far side of the Late Show set--never in the guest seat. Actually, we rather enjoy hearing what the non-survivors have to say (at least until the next one comes along), but Dave's refusal to play nice in the show-plugging game is even more fun to watch--not to mention a refreshing break from the typical media kowtowing. And the "losers" probably shouldn't take his disdain personally: We suspect Letterman's contempt has more to do with the network chain of command than with the castoffs themselves. Well, some of them, anyway."

"CHEERS to winning his campaign. David Letterman spent months of airtime pleading, cajoling, teasing and occasionally whining to get George W. Bush on the Late Show as a guest. When the Republican presidential candidate finally sat down with Dave on October 19, the host made the most of it. All that waiting seems to have made Letterman more dogged than many journalists we can think of. He grilled the Texas governor on capital punishment, violence in the Middle East and air pollution in Texas ("We have a lot of cars" was about all an apparently surprised Bush could muster on that one). We're not saying Letterman is ready to moderate the 2004 debates, but we certainly wouldn't mind seeing his show become a Top 10 campaign tradition."