It’s fair to say there has been a shortage of good news for the comedy writer, pretty much since the debut of Survivor. So I think it’s only fair we all take a moment in celebration of a few news items today that favor the humorist scribe.

1. In the 9 p.m. time slot, Two and a Half Men was victorious over both Heroes and 24 by a million viewers. Granted, the prurient and often scatological TaaHM isn’t the thinking writer’s choice of champions. Still, the fact that it can knock out NBC’s freshman hit and the power of Bauer has to send a message that the sitcom ain’t dead yet.

2. ABC picked up 5 comedy pilots today, plus one at FOX.

3. That dramatic is not the same as good is something we all understand. The Academy’s record, however, implies that they do not. So please consider my cockles warmed by the nomination of the tiny gem Little Miss Sunshine for Best Picture. Granted, this, the only comedy in the race is not going to be a favorite to beat Babel or Iwo Jima. Still, it’s an honor just to be nominated.

Anyway, that’s my little glimpse at the silver lining, nay, a banner day for scripted comedy. You may now go back to watching American Idol.