Are things slipping through the net over at HBO? Today the cablers bought this full page in Daily Variety in memory of Jack Valenti, a full 13 days (count ’em!) after the MPAA legend’s death, and over a week since his funeral. Has the assigned “deathwatch” assistant been a little tardy with his/her duties? Or does anyone else smell the politics of distraction from that annoying little situation playing out over there?

– Steven Corfe