My Penn Jillette Joke

I recently returned from a magician's convention in Las Vegas. For those of you not in the know, yes magicians have conventions. They come from all over the world to see the latest innovations in magic and sometimes to meet some famous magicians. This particular convention was called the World Magic Seminar. It was originally named the Desert Magic Seminar and was founded back in the late 70's I believe by Sigfreid and Roy.

I had a great time at the convention, I even learned a few things and met a few new friends. However there is one displeasure that I wish to share. I've met many famous magicians over the years and almost without fail enjoyed their company. I'd never met Penn Jillette berfore, but Mr. Jillette is one of the most rude people I've ever met.

Here is the story as I perceived it. I'm sure from his pespective he must have seen it quite differently.

I was in between lectures and decided to get a quick hamburger from a little joint actually inside the casino. It is a very small place and the place was quite full for it's size. After I placed my order and waited for my food I went to sit down. The only table left was a table next to Penn Jillette and his friends. He was seated with the Amazing Jonathan and a couple of people that I don't know. Now I'm not a "star chaser," so I don't rush up to someone eating and say "Can I have your autograph?" And I was sitting there eating my sandwich just minding my own business. Another magician, Dana Daniels walked into the restaraunt and ordered his food. I didn't know Dana, but he and I had a mutual friend, Tim Simpson, a guy I worked with many years ago who later became Dana's partner.

Since we both knew Tim and I'd been unable to reach him over the last few years, I decided to introduce myself to Dana. I stood up and made a couple of steps toward him. As I did, Penn called him over to the table. Meantime, I'm standing there next to them with my mouth open. He askes Dana if he knows any new jokes stating that Jonathan is looking for some new jokes. Dana responds, "No. I don't know any new jokes."

Well, I'm not shy. I'm standing right there and I have a couple of new jokes so I say, "I've got a new joke for you." Was this rude of me? I wouldn't have said a word, but I was standing there and I thought I might help. Well here is the conversation that followed.

Penn say's "Jonathan, this guy says he's got a new joke. Okay what's your joke."

Ace, "Okay, my wife and I worked on these ... " (Penn Interupts)

Penn, "Boy that tells us something about the quality of these jokes."

Ace, "Yes we worked on these when Cheney shot his hunting ..." (Penn Interupts again.)

Penn, "Oh something topical,(sarcastically)Jonathan, he's got a topical joke."

Ace, (beginning to feel the frustration) "Well there are two jokes, first my wife's which I may not be the best of ..." (Penn Interupts again)

Penn, "You'd better just stick to the best one."

Ace, "Okay, what do you call a guy who shoots his..." Penn stands up and motions for all to leave.

Penn, "We gotta go."

Ace, "his hunting partner?" They are walking away. Ace, "Same thing we've always called them, a Dick."

They never even heard the joke. But that's okay because I have a new one. What do you call a guy who shoots his hunting partner? Penn Jillette.