I didn’t plan to watch the latest David Blaine stunt, mainly because I think he’s insane for doing some of the things he does.  Nevertheless, our television was on ABC when I walked into the living room last night while it was being broadcast. I’d been on the computer doing a few things, and I came in just in time to see him attempt the world record for holding his breath under water, which is nearly 9 minutes. Blaine lasted just over 7 minutes before they had to get him out. According to this article, he was “unconcious and having convulsions” when they brought him out, as well as having some issues with liver and kidney functions. He says he plans to try again to break the record at some point in the future.

Here’s what I’m thinking: someday, this guy is going to kill himself on national television. His “street magic” that they’ve shown in the past was pretty cool to watch, but these ridiculously dangerous stunts in recent years seem to bring him closer to death each time. He’s fasted 44 days while living in a box, he stood on a 100-foot-high pole for a couple of days, spent a week buried alive in a coffin and been encased in a block of ice for a few days. Now, he’s been “drowned alive.” Obviously, they don’t take these things lightly, and plan for emergency situations that might arise.  However, I still feel that eventually he’s going to go too far, and, unfortunately, everyone will be watching.