David Blaine to Begin "Gyro" Stunt

We all know that David Blaine is the king of spin. But on Thanksgiving day, the magician/stuntman will be strapped into a gyroscope that is suspended 40-feet above New York’s Times Square. The gyroscope, with three spinning steel rings, will flip Blaine in assorted directions as often as eight times per minute. Blaine has until Friday morning (16 hours) to shed his shackles in the spinning scope.

In other news, Blaine is consulting for Michael Jackson who is planning a return in the New Year. According to one article, Jackson spoke with Blaine after the World Music Awards in London.

According to a recent release from Target Stores, the gyro stunt is being performed to promote the retailer’s upcoming holiday shopping day. Blaine, who will be positioned much like DaVinci's famous "Proportions of Man" drawing, will be spinning continuously, in all directions, while secured in a giant, three-ringed gyroscope. There will be no barriers to protect him from elements like wind, rain, snow or freezing temperatures. His challenge is to escape from the gyroscope in time for the Target 2-Day Sale which begins on Friday, November 24, at 6:00 a.m.

Target and David Blaine are joining together in this endeavor to benefit The Salvation Army and provide a joyful holiday season for 100 children and their families. If Blaine successfully completes this challenge, he will escort the families on a shopping excursion at Target, at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, November 24 -- one hour before the store opens to the public. Specially chosen by The Salvation Army, each family will receive a $500 Target GiftCard to help kick-off their holidays.

David Blaine says that he accepted this challenge as a way to give back to The Salvation Army, an organization that had a memorable impact on him as a child. Growing up, Blaine received much of his clothing from The Salvation Army. "This is my chance to give back to The Salvation Army and to benefit other families," Blaine says in the release. "It's my goal not only to successfully complete this challenge, but to help give others an extraordinary holiday season."

More Reading:
Profile: David Blaine
DVD Review-David Blaine: Fearless
Exposed: Blaine Levitation
David Blaine Enters Spin Cycle
David Blaine Hangs Out