After his recent suicide attempt, Carrot Top has finally issued a statement: “I’m truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support, prayers, and well wishes I’ve received over the past couple of weeks.  Every message, text, and kind thought has meant more to me than you will know.  While I haven’t been able to respond to everyone individually, please know that I’ve felt your love and appreciate each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.  Thank you for being there for me during this time.  It truly means the world to me!”  While I am glad he’s OK, I still would like to know more about this alleged extortion and claims of sexual misconduct.  Perhaps he’ll mention it during his shows at Luxor in Las Vegas, which are scheduled to resume by the time you read this.

Elsewhere in Las Vegas, Barry Manilow is making all sorts of news.  Two weeks ago, he returned to the stage of the International Theater at the Westgate Las Vegas – his first performance since recovering from bronchitis.  It was a short-lived return.  After a successful first performance back, the second show was truncated.  He left the stage after two songs, saying, “Talk amongst yourselves”.  He never returned.  The rumors started and they actually reached Barry!  When he took to the stage a week later, he asked the capacity crowd, “So, how was your week?”  He then continued: “I was reading the papers, and I read ‘singer collapses in the wings’.  I said, ‘Who can that be?’  So I read a little bit more, and it’s me!  But that was all bullshit.  That didn’t even happen at all.  But I loved it!  Has anybody here had bronchitis?  You know that you cannot sing with bronchitis, and I thought, well, I’ll give it a try.  And it didn’t work.  And we had to cancel the show.  Oy, the Jewish guilt!”  He wrapped up by saying, “But I’m feeling fine now, so thanks for giving me another chance to come to our show.”  Catch him while you can.