Yesterday we (and others) pointed out that "magician" David Blaine is a big fat cheater, because his current death-defying stunt—hanging upside-down in Central Park for 60 hours—involves hourly ten-minute breaks. As one commenter put it, "I'm going to eat a thousand hard-boiled eggs, but I'm only going to eat one a day for a thousand days, because otherwise I might get sick." Yes, that about sums it up. Blaine's flack said there was never any claim he would hang for 60 consecutive hours. Really? You couldn't tell that from his fawning media coverage: Today, the half-ass nature of Blaine's stunt is being pointed out across the UK, in India, and domestically. But did America's prestigious media outlets bother to point out the very germane fact of Blaine's hourly breaks when they initially reported on his stunt? Let's see: The AP (no mention of breaks):
What's David Blaine up to? Oh, just hanging around. The magician-daredevil is proclaiming "I'm doin' all right" after starting his latest endurance challenge - 60 hours hanging upside-down, without a net, above Wollman Rink in Manhattan's Central Park.
CBS (no mention of breaks):
Illusionist and endurance artist David Blane plans to spend 60 hours hanging upside down in Central Park without a net. He faces serious health risks such as hemorrhaging and blindness.
And most hilarious of all, ABC News (no mention of breaks):
For three days and two nights, illusionist David Blaine will enjoy an unusual view of New York City's Central Park — one that can only be enjoyed from six stories in the air, while hanging upside down... Dr. Ronald Ruden, Blaine's physician, told ABCNews.com that when he first heard the name of the stunt, "It scared the crap out of me." Considering the various health hazards Blaine may face as he hangs in the position for about 60 hours, Ruden's concern is warranted. He said the stunt will be all endurance — no smoke and mirrors. "How he does this I'm not 100 percent sure," Ruden said. "He seems to have the ability to use his mind to control his body to not experience pain and discomfort, as well as take away his basic drives to eat and sleep and defy his fear." "We don't even know what the physiology of this is," he said with a laugh. "I hate that."
ABC, of course, is airing the big TV special on Blaine's stunt tonight. Should be awesome.