Not to disparage Cigarmonkel's impressive feat (to say nothing of Taboo), but anybody can do this, it's not hard at all!
"Clarence Darrow, of Scopes monkey trial fame, has a reputation as the best trial lawyer in U.S. history, an icon to many in the profession. There are many, many stories, but one of the favorites relates to a trial tactic.
Watching His Ash
Seems the inventive Mr. Darrow would push a wire through the middle of his cigar prior to trial, then light up as the opposing counsel made closing remarks. After a while, all of the jurors would be watching the huge ash "precariously" hanging off the end of his cigar, wondering when it would fall, rather than listening to the opposing counsel's arguments."
http://www.cornerbarpr.com/barrooms/bitingcommentary.cfm?article=1013