Saturday Night Live alum and former Air America radio host Democrat Al Franken has won the hotly-contested Senate seat in Minnesota.

“I am proud to stand before you as the next senator from Minnesota,” Franken told reporters Monday night. “It’s clear that we have a lot of important work to do … I’m ready to go to Washington and get to work as soon as possible.”

Franken declared victory today after the Minnesota State Canvassing Board completed its recount of votes made in the contest between Franken and incumbent Republican Norm Coleman.�� Franken won by the slimmest of margins – just 225 votes.

A lawsuit is expected to be filed by Coleman.

I admit it’s trippy to see Stuart Smalley elected to the Senate.� I guess those Daily Affirmations worked after all:� “You’re good enough, you’re smart enough, and doggone it – people like you!”
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As we review celebrity news over the last year, we take a moment to remember those to whom we said goodbye in 2008.� Here are just a few.

Heath Ledger (April 4, 1979 – January 22, 2008).� His career was just beginning its upward arc when it was cut short by an accidental drug overdose.� Nearly a year later, we still miss him.

Charlton Heston (October 4, 1924 – April 5, 2008).� Before he became the National Rifle Association’s most famous spokesperson, he had a long and glorious Hollywood career.�� He died at home, with his family.

Tim Russert (May 7, 1950 – June 13, 2008).�� Celebrated journalist Russert was NBC News’ Washington Bureau Chief and host of Meet The Press.� His sudden heart attack at age 58 was tragic indeed.

George Carlin (May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008).� The great stand-up comic and fan of those seven dirty words you can’t say on television was the first person ever to host Saturday Night Live.� Thanks for the laughs, George.

Bernie Mac (October 5, 1957 – August 9, 2008).� Just 50 years old when he died of pneumonia, the Emmy-nominated actor and comedian left behind a legacy of movie and television work that will never be forgotten.

Isaac Hayes (August 20, 1942 – August 10, 2008).� He was one bad mother… shut your mouth!� Hayes’ voice was the very definition of smooth.� What more music might he have made?

Paul Newman (January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008).� Academy-award winning actor, generous philanthropist, maker of delicious salad dressings… Paul Newman was a king among men.

Richard Blackwell (August 29, 1922 – October 19, 2008).��� Mr. Blackwell’s Worst Dressed list was a January must-read for 48 years.� What in the world will the New Year be without his signature fashion critiques?

Eartha Kitt (January 17, 1927 – December 25, 2008).�� Once described as “the most exciting woman in the world,” Eartha Kitt played Catwoman to Adam West‘s Batman.�� Her signature song, Santa Baby, took writing a letter to Santa to an entirely new level.

To these and the many celebrities who passed away in 2008, rest in peace.� We will miss you all.

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Or at least she used to.

Emma Thompson recently revealed to Newsweek that she was a comedian before she became an actor… and dished about her less than polite material too:

Did you do stand-up?
Yeah. It was awful, I gave it up because I couldn’t earn a living, and it was bloody frightening.

What were your jokes about?
It was all rude. It was to do with sexually transmitted diseases, basically, herpes and things like that, which doesn’t necessarily go down well with everyone.

Are you pulling my leg?
No it’s true, it’s true. I swear to God. I did jokes about herpes all the time.

Can you imagine this?� Emma Thompson, who is now well known for playing roles by Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Evelyn Waugh, used to tell herpes jokes on stage!� In her proper British accent no less!� I would pay so much money to see that!

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