Illusionist David Blaine unveils latest stunt 56 minutes ago



NEW YORK (AFP) - US magician David Blaine will try to escape from shackles after spending two days in a spinning gyroscope suspended above New York next week, the illusionist said Friday, unveiling his latest stunt.

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On Tuesday, Blaine will be locked spread eagle into the gyroscope, which will then be hoisted 15 metres (50 feet) into the air and spun at up to eight revolutions a minute until Thursday, when he will try to escape.

To avoid any problematic calls of nature, the 33-year-old will not eat or drink for as long as it takes to empty his system.

Earlier this year, Blaine spent a week in a water-filled sphere in an abortive challenge that was supposed to culminate with him holding his breath for a record nine minutes.

He was pulled from the globe after seven minutes when he appeared to struggle while removing chains around his hands and feet. He said Friday the experience had shaken his confidence.

"Slightly. One hundred percent slightly," he joked.

The latest challenge was dreamed up by retail giant Target and the Salvation Army, who will give 100 needy children a shopping spree when the stunt is over and the Thanksgiving Day sales begin on Friday.

The children get the prize whether or not Blaine makes it.

Blaine said one of his biggest concerns in the challenge, besides not eating or drinking, would be dizziness.

"Just to make it more difficult on myself, I added a motor (to the gyroscope), so even when I'm sleeping there'll be continuous movement. ... I think I'm going to have to stay awake the whole time," he said.

"This one's exciting for me. This one's a fun one," he said.

The gyroscope will also leave Blaine exposed to the elements, with the performer saying that he only hoped it wouldn't rain or snow while he dangles above a vacant lot near Manhattan's Times Square.

At a publicity event Friday, Blaine was hoisted up in the air by a construction crane, holding onto a metal hook by one hand several metres in the air as he spoke to reporters.

"After this test, I'm a little bit nervous," he said.

Blaine previously spent 44 days without eating while suspended in a glass box above London's River Thames in 2003.

Other Blaine stunts have included being encased in ice for nearly 62 hours and spending 35 hours standing on a 30-meter (100-foot) pillar.