Bummer

Ed McMahon, longtime second banana of 'The Tonight Show,' dies at 86

San Jose Mercury News - Richard Severo - ‎21 minutes ago‎

Ed McMahon, who for nearly 30 years was Johnny Carson's affable second banana on "The Tonight Show," introducing it with his ringing trademark line, "Heeeeere's Johnny!

Seen on Itricks.com: Lance Burton Signs At Monte Carlo For 2 More Years

Exclusive: Lance Burton Signs At Monte Carlo For 2 More Years

Posted by ITricks on June 18th, 2009

Fresh off the press on this one, a source with knowledge of the situation has told us that Lance Burton has signed an extension with the Monte Carlo casino for two years. Announcement is forthcoming.

Lance Burton's contract is up. What does this mean for the Monte Carlo?

Magician Lance Burton's 13-year contract at the Monte Carlo is up in a week, setting off speculation.

Is he re-signing? Looking elsewhere? Even the "R" word -- retirement -- has been circulating.

Asked through an intermediary to address the latter question, Burton wasn't ready to show his cards.

"He said he doesn't want to comment on it," said his publicist, Wayne Bernath.

Burton, who turns 50 in March, has been a Las Vegas fixture for 27 years, the first nine at Folies Bergere and five at the Hacienda.

The popular entertainer has had lots of time to think about his next move. He's been off his feet for five weeks after breaking a bone in his right foot while fetching "Elvis" the parakeet after it flew into the crowd at Burton's May 7 show. The injury, which occurred as Burton climbed the stage stairs, required surgery.

He was due back June 23, but the Monte Carlo box office on Saturday indicated tickets aren't available until July.

With the giant CityCenter project opening at year's end, creating more foot traffic for its neighbor, the Monte Carlo, there have been rumors that the Monte Carlo is exploring a number of options to capture more business in the hotel and, more specifically, the 1,274-seat theater

Can't be cocky

I was watching an old issue of Reel Magic (which is awesome, you should subscribe) and I saw an advertisement for Street Magic Magazine. I have never been a fan of the Magazine because it was light on content and pretty much served only to be a catalog for Black's Magic, even though some of the items never were produce like the Hoodie. The magazine hasn't been published in a long time but I felt this commercial had a cocky message.

Burt Dickenson: The Most Powerful Magician on Planet Earth

New Line conjures up 'Magician' helmer
'Walk Hard' director Jake Kasdan will take reins of film
By Borys Kit
April 5, 2009, 11:00 PM ET
Jake Kasdan will make magic for New Line, signing on to direct "Burt Dickenson: The Most Powerful Magician on Planet Earth." Benderspink's Chris Bender and JC Spink are producing along with Tyler Mitchell.

The story centers on a Burt Dickenson, one half of successful two-man team who accidentally kills is partner and loses his inner magic. He has to find a way to rekindle it to fight his rival, a magician named Xander Storm.

The projects aims to showcase the "old school/David Copperfield vs. new school/Criss Angel" rivalry in a tone that harkens back to such movies as "Austin Powers" or "Zoolander."

I hope he is an escapist

'Magician' Gets 10-Year Jail-Term
by Ndingililo Gaoswediwe

FRANCISTOWN: A man who claimed that he was performing magic has been jailed for 10 and a half years after being found guilty of arson, malicious damage to property and unlawful wounding. For arson, Chief Magistrate Lorraine Makati-Lesang jailed 31-year-old Koketso Keeme to a five-year prison term, with 18 months suspended.

For malicious damage to property, he will serve two years with six months suspended. Keeme will be in for three and a half years with six months suspended for the crime of unlawful wounding.

The magistrate said the sentences for arson and malicious damage will run concurrently but that of unlawful wounding will be served separately. She said Keeme was crazy to burn the complainant's house and the fire spread to two other houses.

The court heard that the convict proceeded to the complainant sister's house where he used an axe to damage the door. He then stabbed the complainant with a knife. The complainant was hospitalised for nine days after the stabbing and was off-duty for three weeks.

The magistrate said that the use of sharp instruments that included an axe and a knife made the offence serious. Makati-Lesang told the convict that he was disrespectful to the people who are supposed to be his in-laws.

When passing sentence the magistrate said she bore in mind that the accused pleaded guilty and was a first offender. She said he can still be productive in society.

A new movie about Magic