Jon Stewart to host the Oscars

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 5 - Billy Crystal is on tour. Steve Martin is prepping a movie. Whoopi - we're not too sure what's up with her.

So, in an act of either pure inspiration or complete desperation, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has asked Jon Stewart, host of a popular fake news program on Comedy Central, to be the host of the movie industry's most prestigious event, the Academy Awards ceremony.

Mr. Stewart, 43, was appropriately humbled by the invitation. "As an avid watcher of the Oscars," he said in a statement, "I can't help but be a little disappointed with the choice."

Personally, I don't think he'll do well: he's too sharp for an awards ceremony that caters to movie stars, traditionally not the sharpest tools in the shed. Also, for an industry desperate to stay out of politics...they recruit someone who makes a living critiquing public policy through satire and acid-laced barbs at the political establishment? Methinks I'm a tad baffled by this one..