I usually dislike the Emmys for so many reasons: Lauren Graham never gets nominated, Hugh Laurie never wins and “Mad Men” wins too much. And that’s just for starters. But last night was a new kind of Emmy show, one that mixed A list movie stars with reality show cast members. The evening was positively democratic in its mix of high brow and low brow moments while being unpretentiously free of ribbons, causes, and political musings. Yes, the Emmys were upbeat and breezy just when we need a break from gloom and doom headlines and rallys on Washington.

Here are my three favorite inspiring moments from last night’s Emmys.
The Opening Number: Fallon’s twist on Springsteen’s “Born to Run” was Glee-ful as Jimmy Fallon brought the Emmys to the masses with a playful, joyous musical number that not only included the cast of “Glee” but also Tina Fey, Jon Hamm, Betty White, Kate Gosselein and Randy Jackson. It was grea to see celebs not take themselves seriously and actually, well, celebrate.
Temple Grandin: So, if you’re like me you had no idea before last night what – or who – Temple Grandin was. Now, thanks to several Emmy wins last night, I am aware of Temple Grandin’s fascinating, life-changing work with autism research. I also have the movie in my Netflix queue and can’t wait to watch it.
George Clooney, humanitarian: George didn’t receive an award for acting, but for his acts of charity via telethons for Haiti and Katrina. In a moment of grace and class Clooney reminded us,”It’s important to remember how much good can get done because we live in such strange times where bad behavior sucks up all of the attention and the press.”