Visit to the Blaine Box
"Magician" David Blaine has been in the glass box over the Thames for over 3 weeks,
and he is aiming for 44 days.
As this goes on, I think he will increasingly capture the attention of the public,
and of the press.
Meantime, this event is also turning a lens onto the audience.
Questions:
- Why is he doing it?
- How is he doing it? Is it a trick?
- What are his chances?
- Is it Meaningful? Can it be made meaningful?
- Why do some Brits in the audience behave so badly?
The Preparation
Blaine claims that his only preparation has been to eat more in an attempt to gain weight, hopefully increasing the body's supply of essential glycogen and delaying it from starting to break down its own muscle tissue.
But the illusionist has not gained as much as he might have done, since when he originally planned the feat he intended to mix glucose with his water supply. Currently weighing in at around 200lb, Blaine anticipates losing some 40lb during the feat of endurance.
Inside
Once inside the box, David's main challenge will be psychological: staying focused on his goal in the face of starvation and the absence of any interaction or mental stimulation. He sometimes talks to the camera in his box and communicates to his supporters by with signing and waving
Blaine says he doesn't expect to get bored. Instead he'll "start to focus on the smallest things, like breathing." One technique he'll use to keep himself occupied is to imagine he's building a house, piece by piece.
In fact, the illusionist believes he'll experience a higher spiritual state and that living without food and human contact will lead to "the purest state you can be in".
However, he has also said that he expects to start losing his mind during the final stages of his attempt, "days 30 to 44 will be a nightmare".
Outside
The audience "does their thing" with some applauding Blaine's courage, and others abusing him or trying to disturb, stop, or hurt him. Who is really getting the attention: Blaine or his audience? Does it matter to anyone?
BEFORE (he put on weight to fast) : AFTER (we don't know yet)
PREVIOUS: Frozen in Time
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LINKS:
Watch LIVE: http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/D/david_blaine/index.html
Blaine's Messageboard: http://groups.msn.com/DavidBlaineMagicMan/messageboard.msnw?pgmarket=en-us
MSN's Blaine Watch: http://entertainment.msn.co.uk/blainewatch/
Photos: http://entertainment.msn.co.uk/Blainewatch/PhotoGallery/
Photo Collection: http://blaine.fotopic.net/show_collection.php?id=51550
Betting Odds: http://msn.bestbetting.com/Default.aspx?market=10925881
Meish: http://www.meish.org/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/megp/mt/mt-comments.cgi?entry_id=8910
Other Fasts: http://www.david-blaine.river-thames.com/stunt/david_blaine/40_days_fast-famous_fasts.htm
SBB's "Ghost" thread: http://www.advfn.com/cmn/pbb/thread.php3?id=440954
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