Evel Knievel courtesy Evel Knievel
Daredevil Evel Knievel, whose legendary exploits included a near-fatal rocket ride across Snake River Canyon, died Friday at age 69. According to the AP, Knievel's health had been failing for years, as he suffered from diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (an incurable condition that scarred his lungs).As someone who spent many a childhood day (unsuccessfully) trying to get his Mattel Evel Knievel action figure to perform the motorcycle jumps and flips seen in the Saturday-morning TV commercials, I definitely lament his passing. And remember when he guest-starred during his 1970s heyday on The Bionic Woman? Good retro times.More on Evel Knievel:• Our Online Video Guide features clips from his daring adventures.• On Saturday from 1 to 6 pm/ET: ESPN Classic Remembers Evel Knievel
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Daredevil Evel Knievel has sued Kanye West, the AP reports, taking issue with the "Touch the Sky" music video in which the rapper fancies himself as "Evel Kanyevel" and tries (oh, how they always try) to jump a rocket-powered motorcycle over a canyon. Knievel is claiming trademark infringement, among other things.I'd sympathize with the plaintiff were it not for the fact that the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle toy (from Ideal) I had as a tyke so did not perform the flips, somersaults and perfect landings shown in the TV commercials. But did I go out and lawyer up?
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Criss Angel
David Blaine is a total hack, especially compared to Criss Angel. Although the three-time Magician of the Year winner has never romanced Fiona Apple, he's seduced celebrities such as Mandy Moore, Rob Zombie and Korn's Jonathan Davis — not to mention Goth-guy-loving gals — with his fantastical illusions, feats of endurance, adorable "Noo Yawk" accent and sexy Marilyn Manson-style wardrobe (thankfully accessorized by a much hotter face and body than the shock rocker). Last year marked the debut of his riveting A&E reality show
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Samuel L. Jackson is joining John Cusack in 1408, based on the short story by Stephen King.... Sean William Scott is Gary the Tennis Coach in a comedy about a high-school janitor who trains a group of misfits.... Paul Giamatti will play Santa in Warner Bros.' Vince Vaughn-fronted comedy about the jolly one's black-sheep brother.... Brittany Snow and Kristin Cavalleri are sisters in the indie thriller Fingerprints.... Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg will play an accident-prone, Evel Knievel-worshipping daredevil in the comedy Hot Rod.
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