In a recent release designed to coincide with David Blaine’s upcoming television special, Ellusionist.com, a seller of street-oriented magic teaching tools and tricks, discussed the magician’s impact on street magic and the interest that he builds. In his upcoming television special on ABC (May 8, 2006), David Blaine will be encased in a large aquarium for seven days and attempt to break the record of holding one's breath underwater. (The current record is eight minutes and 58 seconds.)
According to Ellusionist.com, the upcoming Blaine special, called "Drowned Alive," will show the public what magicians can do and create a fascination for magic. "When a special like David's runs, our lines start ringing off the hook,” says Brad Christian, president and founder of Ellusionist.com. "The number of people interested in learning the art of street magic is phenomenal. From teenagers and college kids to teachers and business people, everyone wants to learn how to do some magic to impress friends and develop a hidden talent."
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The release also says that magician Criss Angel, whose hit television show “Mindfreak” on A&E has received the highest ratings in the channel’s history and contributed to the popularity of street magic. The company predicts that with the next season of Mindfreak currently being filmed and Blaine's two-hour special airing on May, there will be another spike in the popularity in magic around the world.
The company says that it teaches the actual tricks David Blaine performs. In addition, Ellusionist carries David Blaine’s products that include the new “Split Spades Playing Cards,” the “Blaine Fearless DVD,” Blaine's book “Mysterious Stranger” and full color posters signed and numbered by Blaine.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
