Man In The Bubble

I walk 20 blocks to work and 20 blocks back home, everyday. To some it sounds like a lot, but it really isn’t much at all, especially when ‘all the world is a stage.’ One of my favorite things to do is to walk and observe all that is going on around me. In New York City there is no lack of entertainment. Every other corner is a man tapping or chanting. Each subway stop has a Broadway-worthy performance. Dancers, singers, poets, gymnasts, preachers – there is an act for every boy and girl. And only in New York City will you see a man willing to trap himself in a giant fish bowl for 170 hours.

I live directly behind Lincoln Center. On my way to work last Tuesday I noticed a crowd congregating at the center of New York’s premiere performing arts center, which I pass everyday. I saw what appeared to be a massive marble placed in front of the fountain. As I moved closer I noticed a man inside. The sign in front read, “David Blaine: Drowned Alive.” It then continued to explain: ‘you are under risk of being video taped if you remain in this area.’ I had no clue what the new stunt was about, though I must admit I was quite intrigued. Everyday for the next several days the crowd grew bigger and bigger. Finally, I gave in, and at about midnight on Thursday I walked over to a relatively meager group of people still hovering over the famous illusionist. I waited in line for 5 minutes and made my way up to the aquatic sphere. At first I felt as though I were looking at a caged animal. It was a circus-like atmosphere, people flashing pictures, children pointing and asking to “touch.” I was just waiting for the cotton candy and clowns to come out. But as I looked into the glass I saw him, peaceful, sleeping. I put my hand on the glass; he looked up for a moment and waved at me faintly. That was it. To my surprise it was actually an invigorating experience. I can’t exactly explain why however. You just had to be there.

Tonight, he held his breath for 7 minutes and 8 seconds. Not the record he was going for, which was to break the supposed all time record of 9 minutes, though this is still up for debate. Nevertheless, Blaine is a performer, the 21st-century Houdini. Many argue whether his stunts are real mental challenges as he portrays. He’s been buried alive for seven days, remained on a 100 foot platform for 35 hours, levitated on a busy Manhattan street, stayed frozen for 61 hours – all on camera and in front of hundreds to see in the flesh (or so we think).

I am more inclined to believe than not, because let’s face it, believing is more fun. That and the fact that I grew up with a professional magician/yogi/actor for an Uncle who used to mesmerize me for hours with his Las Vegas acts (I’ll leave those details for another post ;-). In any case, I experienced the “magic” first hand this past week. Maybe it was all of the people, wanting to believe, together. All gathered to cheer on one man in his quest to break a record. There was a constant whirl of high energy and spirits all week. Real or not, it was uplifting and exciting. Sometimes illusions keep us young and inspired. Are we not all guilty of a little illusion here or there?

I wonder what stunt we have to look forward to next. One thing is certain, that Blaine sure does know how to draw in a crowd.