On Tuesday, Martin Short interviewed Lorne Michaels. It happened right here in Lalaland at the Beverly Hilton, as part of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society’s ongoing “newsmakers” luncheon series.

Since FishbowlLA will go to its grave wondering how spectacular the 2011 Oscars might have been if Eddie Murphy had remained at the host-helm, we couldn’t help but zero in on the last paragraph of a report by senior Hollywood Reporter TV writer Lacey Rose:

Michaels confessed that he had made that mistake [making fun of one of "his own"] years earlier with former cast member Eddie Murphy, who at that time had had a string of box office disappointments. Though SNL had stayed away from some of Murphy’s more personal stumbles, he and his writers had David Spade take a ["Hollywood Minute"] jab at his professional fumble. “I figured it was kind of a clean hit. I didn’t really think about it; but Eddie did,” he said to big laughs…

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If you’re a fan of nasal-voiced Canuck Norm MacDonald, today is a day to rejoice. It has been announced that the comedian is coming to Comedy Central this spring in a new program, Sports Show with Norm MacDonald.

Imagine The Daily Show with a much taller, non-Jewish guy and a focus on sports rather than politics. Comedy Central has ordered eight initial episodes in partnership with Jackhole Productions, the company of Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Carolla and Daniel Kellison. From the press release:

Sports Show with Norm MacDonald will feature MacDonald’s unique and comedic take on the most topical and controversial stories from the sports world. Taped in front of a live studio audience, the fast-paced and informative show will cover all sports – from the popular to the obscure…

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The notions of quiet and Robin Leach don’t usually belong together. But thanks to his ongoing efforts at website VegasDeluxe.com, the former Lifestyles barker has indeed continued to quietly re-invent himself as a reliable scooper of Strip showbiz news.

His latest article of note is a February 3rd interview with Tim Allen, who debuts a new comedy act this weekend at The Venetian. The comedian and brunt of a Ricky Gervais zinger at the recent Golden Globes is contracted for a minimum of ten weekends this coming year alongside fellow regulars David Spade and Rita Rudner. Allen tells Leach:

“In Los Angeles, you’ve really got to work hard to get people out [to a comedy club]. They’re tainted, they’ve seen other great performers in small clubs, they’re used to that. In Las Vegas, it’s a bigger deal. People are out there to have a good time…

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