David Blaine, is an illusionist and street magician, who has become very popular because of his death defying stunts. His latest was a stunt where he was submerged in a sphere in New York City, filled with salt water. He stayed there for about 2 weeks. Tonight, he tried to break the world record for holding one's breath underwater which was 8:58 but came up about 2 minutes short.
Other stunts he has performed are as follows:
Above the Below:
A 44-day stunt where he was sealed inside a transparent case and suspended 30 feet in the air.
Vertigo:
Blaine stood on a 90 foot pillar for 35 days with no water and food.
Frozen in Time:
Blaine was placed in a block of ice in Times Square for over 60 hours.
What are your thoughts on David Blaine; magician, illusionist or hoax?
David Blaine (Hover)
I don't see these stunts as magic tricks at all. They are tests of endurance, but no trickery involved. They appear more like publicity stunts than bonafide tricks. However, David Blaine is the first person I have ever seen to hover off the ground on the side walk. I don't know how he does it, but he is a show man, thats for sure. He is definitely entertaining to say the least. I really enjoy watching his street magic acts.
This is pure illusion. First you put the coins in then top it up with the coffee / chocolate. He gets him to drink without turning the cup too much to reinforce the illusion. Then if you notice he puts one hand underneath, this pushes the coins up while draining the liquid below. The cup is of course rigged.