David Blaine's Watery Believe It or Not

Increasing the drama conveneintly before tonight's live re-entry into the air and terra firma, David Blaine is reportedly in "bad shape" while in his little 8-foot aquarium. It's the kind of bad shape that has his team recommending he stay in his sphere to be wrapped in chains, versus coming out, smelling that sweet NYC air and having chains put on him, and then being re-plunged into the sphere (there's something about a "shock to the system"). Oh, please, Blaine wants to tempt death, just let him already. And we totally agree with a tourist that AM New York spoke to: "I'd say he's just a little bit contrived. It's a planned stunt. I'll believe it when he dies in the middle of one of them." However, it's been visiting the Bubble extravaganza - we've visited Blaine almost every day this past week to see if he's floating at the top yet. Our prediction for tonight: It looks like he's dead, but he's actually not and everyone cheers over the miracle. David Blaine dead or alive would be a ratings boon for ABC, but we suppose they rather not have the insurance hassle of death.

Are you going to watch the show? Or go to Lincoln Center to see the David Blaine's gross skin in person? The NY Times had a few articles over the weekend about the stunt, and it did make us think that the David Blaine team should have made a bigger deal out of the fact they were at Lincoln Center - like have Juilliard students play music, or a soprano sing an aria. But copyranter has some ideas for David Blaine's new endorsement opportunities ("The official icon for The Housing Bubble"). And Gothamist was there when he entered the bubble.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment, News on May 8, 2006 5:45 PM

Comments [rss]

firerune80

david blaine is ok but criss angel is the devil's son! and he's cool

mc

did you see this guy's friggin' card tricks. they are crazy.

the water tank pales in comparison.

David Blaine

Poof!

There is a such thing as the Easter Bunny.

You have to believe.....

hot

I sense most of the haters are men who are jealous of the fact that so many women think Blaine is HOT stuff.......

Moe Golden

re: my "that must be why the models like him" comment....

although I wasn't being sarcastic, I should have included, "although models aren't necessarily great arbiters of morality." I actually thought about adding that a moment after I had posted it...

anyhow, my point was... maybe that's why women are attracted to the guy.

utw

I just discovered him through this stunt and am so impressed with the man, would love to meet him - he sure to be interesting and intriguing and weird, pushing the limits and all.

Modern age Strongman - you can't beat that in sexappeal! His body and strength is astounding.

ABC Girl

I felt a surge of respect towards David Blaine last night when I caught the last 10 minutes of his show. He had a goal-- to entertain and astound-- and he has the ability to get people to root for him. Do I understand why he chooses these stunts? Do I really care? No, but you have to give the guy credit for doing stuff that gets people's attention-- and he accomplishes this in a positive way. He's not driving with his baby in his lap or molesting little boys at his Neverland Ranch or in the middle of a messy publicized divorce...

mihow

Here are a few images of the crowd last night Not many. Pretty lame.

Scout

>>>And after reading the some of the guy's journals, he actually comes off as a pretty reasonable role model and positive influence. maybe that's why the model ladies like him so.

Surely this is a joke, right? The model ladies like him because he's a positive influence? Because they're so interested in being positive influences, right? With the eating disorders, drug use, conspicuous consumption and general good will towards others. That's what you meant, right? Sure it is!(you were supposed to read it in Stewie's voice)

S.D.

"I was hoping he might die."?

Nice.

If you don't like David Blaine, just ignore him. Me, Not a Fan, but I sure don't wish him to Die.

Die? Oh C'mon...

jackblack

The reason people hate this guy is cause it's just an illusion and the dude proclaims to do it for real and then give the defense that it's entertainment. It's just like rooting for Barry Bonds to pass Hank Aaron's record for Home Runs even thought you know Bonds does steroids.

Moe Golden

Really, what a jaded bunch here.

Blaine certainly knows illusions, but he also studies human endurance. Being that he is said to be uniquely adept at slowing his metabolism and heartrate down, i tend to believe every aspect of his stunts that concern endurance. And after reading the some of the guy's journals, he actually comes off as a pretty reasonable role model and positive influence. maybe that's why the model ladies like him so.

kevin

i don't understand all the blaine-hating :(

pPod

David Blaine got most of you people to watch him do his stunt. I'd say you guys are the losers, not him!

Harry Houdini

Hey kids, you do realize Harry Houdini also cheated a bit (look him up). The whole point was the show. If there was an internet back in his day, you'd be hating on him, too. Cheating or no, Blaine still got wet.

gazela

I was at the met tonight and during the intermissions most of the house was out watching a guy in a bubble.

catfan

not to get all paranoid suspicious, but it's pretty convenient that he failed at like 7 minutes. since the attempt wasn't certified by any freediving organization, it wouldn't have counted as a world record. that would have gotten some press stories about how he was a pussy, and maybe cheated by breathing pure oxygen. this way, he goes down as a hero in a valiant attempt. what a sucka!

read more here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4964488.stm

jack dong

Dear Toiletbowlman, Your name is toiletbowlman... also I fucked your mother in her ass.

toiletbowlman

Dear Jack Dong:

hate to break it to you but you're the real reason this country has NAVY seals....

jack dong

Did you Hear? the dude trained with NAVY seals and practiced in a tank full of live sharks!!! LOL! what a dick! and all that for nothing. the dude was in that tank for 7 days and gets all that TV money for accomplishing nothing but taking a really long bath. I hope his next trick will be to go the longest without taking a shit. It would be pretty cool. they can have a webcam focused on his anus and sphincter 24/7 to prove that his bowels will not move. That would be real magic.