Rachel Maddow

Rising from their seats en masse, the liberal faithful at Beverly Hills' Saban Theatre greeted Rachel Maddow like parishioners welcoming a mega-church pastor. Cellphone cameras flashed like fireworks. Lusty, and perhaps a few lustful, cheers cascaded from the Art Deco mezzanine. Bill Maher, the interviewer at Tuesday night's Writers Bloc public chat, turned to Maddow as they took the sold-out theater's stage. How much of that do you think was for you, and how much was for me?

MARCH 7 Jodi Picoult The bestselling author discusses and signs her new novel, "Lone Wolf. " Told from multiple points of view, it's the story of grown siblings wrestling with the fate of their father, who is gravely ill. Picoult is known for writing popular fiction and for her outspoken support of women's fiction that focuses on families and relationships (just don't call it "chick lit"). Presented by Vroman's Bookstore. Ramo Auditorium at Caltech, 332 S . Michigan Ave. Free.

As the highest-rated and most controversial anchor on MSNBC, Keith Olbermann never failed to get people talking. But when the "Countdown" host abruptly parted ways with the network Friday, neither side was willing to say much at all. During his on-air farewell speech, Olbermann simply explained that he'd "been told" that this would be his final "Countdown," implying that MSNBC had fired him, before wishing his fans "good night and good luck....

Cable news channel MSNBC ended its turbulent relationship with its most-popular anchor, Keith Olbermann, with a terse statement saying that Friday night's show was his last. In a six-minute farewell sign-off at the end of "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," the forceful liberal commentator didn't volunteer a reason for his abrupt departure from the channel that became an ideological counterbalance to the rival Fox News Channel. The only hint Olbermann offered for his exit was an admission that over the last couple of years there were "many occasions" when the noise and heat surrounding the show "was just too much for me. " But, he added, it was a supportive, unwearying audience that "required that I keep going.

Reporting from New York ? Keith Olbermann will return to MSNBC on Tuesday, marking the end of a short suspension from the network for making unauthorized political donations. "After several days of deliberation and discussion, I have determined that suspending Keith through and including Monday night's program is an appropriate punishment for his violation of our policy," MSNBC President Phil Griffin said in a statement released late Sunday. "We look forward to having him back on the air Tuesday night.

The Early Show Neil Patrick Harris. (N) 7 a.m. KCBS Today Tony Dungy; Anna Kendrick and Jason Schwartzman. (N) 7 a.m. KNBC KTLA Morning News Mark Wood and the Parrott Head Band performs. (N) 7 a.m. KTLA Good Morning America Ali Fedotowsky; Katie Melua performs. (N) 7 a.m. KABC Live With Regis and Kelly Cat Deeley ("So You Think You Can Dance"); Mike Posner performs. (N) 9 a.m. KABC The View David Perel; Geri and Colby Brin; Chris Hardwick. (N) 10 a.m. KABC The Oprah Winfrey Show 3 p.m. KABC Dr. Phil 4 p.m. KCBS Tavis Smiley Tony Hsieh, Zappos.

The Early Show The cast of "Dreamgirls" performs; Victoria's Secret models. (N) 7 a.m. KCBS Today Barry Manilow. (N) 7 a.m. KNBC KTLA Morning News (N) 7 a.m. KTLA Good Morning America Allison Iraheta; Howie Mandel; James Blake. (N) 7 a.m. KABC Good Day L.A. (N) 7 a.m. KTTV Live With Regis and Kelly Howie Mandel; Cheryl Hines. (N) 9 a.m. KABC The View Rod Stewart performs; Steven Seagal. (N) 10 a.m. KABC The Doctors Interpreting a child's cry; honey.