Weekend whittlings

Bill Engvall's version of Lingo is now casting. No word yet on the most important cast member other than Engvall himself, the co-host. It won't be Shandi Finnessey, apparently. Too closely identified with the deposed Chuck Woolery, I guess.

MTV's crappy Silent Library returns with more gross stunts for its gross audience. I know I'm sounding like an old fart, but this show appeals to mentally challenged teens of all ages from 15 to 15 1/2. Maybe it's a tiny plus that the genre maintains an outpost on MTV. As the network's pubescent viewers grow older and (let's hope) grow some brains, they might sample less asinine game shows.

If Internet pranksters can try to recruit game show host Drew Carey for a Senate run, why not game show contestant Ken Jennings? The Jeopardy whiz and amiable loser to Watson tells us that genuine-article Democrats tried to recruit him for a Senate race in 2004. Jennings wasn't impressed. "That was when I realized the Democratic Party was f@#$ed in '04."

Speaking of which, Pat Sajak talks about why Hollywood celebs mostly lean left. It's sensible enough commentary, though rough on limousine liberals. At least Sajak doesn't interrupt Wheel of Fortune with right-wing speechifying. Can't argue with his conclusion: "I would be appalled if anyone made an important political or lifestyle decision based on the advice of a TV game show host."