Afterthoughts

The new "Jay Leno Show" is doing great if you overlook the fact that Leno was beaten in the ratings last week by a sponge named Bob.

SpongeBob SquarePants on Nickelodeon logged 8 million viewers to 5 million on NBC. That network also has a successful hyper-animated cartoon figure named "Conan."

SpongeBob also attracted a majority of the 18- to 49-year-old audience — leaving Leno with the coveted 3- to 7-year-olds and the 50- to 95-year-olds. Today's guests: the Teletubbies and Hugh Downs.

The ratings undoubtedly show that in these troubled times, 18- to 49-year-olds much prefer a silly, talking sponge to a human being talking about silly politicians and celebrities.