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Blaine Dives Into Hanging Stunt

Despite risks, he plans to hang for 60 hours over Central Park

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 23, 2008 5:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – Performance art magician David Blaine dove head first into his latest public show in New York yesterday, hanging upside-down over Central Park. The Brooklyn-born show off plans to hang for 60 hours, despite a doctor's warning that the increased blood pressure in his head could cause blindness, and even death in the event of a stroke or bleeding in the brain.

"My mouth is dry and I have to go to the bathroom," said Blaine as he lowered himself to talk to a New York Daily News reporter. "I feel pressure in my head, and my legs are tingling," added the celebrity stunt man, a huge Harry Houdini fan. "It gives me a whole new perspective on everything around me." Blaine plans to fall to earth—without a net—as a finale.

Magician David Blaine hangs upside down above Central Park's Wollman Rink in New York as he begins his latest endurance challenge David Blaine: Dive of Death yesterday.
Magician David Blaine hangs upside down above Central Park's Wollman Rink in New York as he begins his latest endurance challenge "David Blaine: Dive of Death" yesterday.   (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)
Magician David Blaine hangs upside down above Central Park's Wollman Rink in New York as part of his 60-day endurance test.
Magician David Blaine hangs upside down above Central Park's Wollman Rink in New York as part of his 60-day endurance test.   (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)
 Kelly Ripa interviews magician David Blaine for Live with Regis and Kelly as Blaine begins his latest endurance challenge during which he plans to hang for 60 hours.
Kelly Ripa interviews magician David Blaine for "Live with Regis and Kelly" as Blaine begins his latest endurance challenge during which he plans to hang for 60 hours.   (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)
Kelly Ripa hangs out with magician David Blaine yesterday over New York's Central Park. Blaine plans to hang upside for 60 hours in his latest endurance feat David Blaine: Dive of Death.
Kelly Ripa hangs out with magician David Blaine yesterday over New York's Central Park. Blaine plans to hang upside for 60 hours in his latest endurance feat "David Blaine: Dive of Death."   (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)
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