A Breath of Fresh Air

POOR DAVID BLAINE. He failed in his efforts to break the world record for holding one's breath. We're glad this spectacle -- including the weeklong human aquarium experiment -- is over. Maybe he can get a skin-care promotions contract after this. Are there any anti-hydration products on the market?

But Blaine's real mistake was not accessorizing correctly. Floating around waving at all the people lining up in Lincoln Center to wave at him? Boring. He could have at least had an iPod -- waterproofed, of course -- to pass the time. That was GearLog's idea, anyway:

Our plan was to put the case on the iPod, immerse it in a vase full of water, then bring it to Blaine to show him the fun he could be having while underwater.

When we arrived, there he was: looking like a big fish, waving to everyone, probably bored out of his mind, with an oxygen mask and liquid nutrition being fed to him through a tube. Nuts I tell ya! Still, you couldn't help but be fascinated.

... [W]e were able to get up close and personal with Blaine, by walking right up to the sphere and taking a picture while listening to some Weezer. He gave us a thumbs-up.

So far, the DryPod has held its breath for 3 hours and 46 minutes. It works very well underwater, and Weezer sounded great.

There's always next time for those underwater stunts.
Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images
» "Magician David Blaine Leaves Hospital" [AP via ABC]
» "Drowned Alive: David Blaine and the DryPod" [Gear Log]

» SUPERNOVA: Star Jones Reynolds is shooting away from ABC's "The View," sources are telling the New York Post. If the rumors are true, where might she head to next? Maybe the Waldorf Red Lobster. When Express' Vicky Hallett asked Reynolds earlier this year about where she goes when she visits her family in Maryland, Reynolds replied that she loves Red Lobster. (She also said bacon takes her "to a safe place.") We'd keep our eyes peeled when Endless Shrimp time rolls around. [NY Post; Express]

» ODD COUPLINGS: Remember when we said that "The O.C." and "24" should team up? Well, here's what "24" would sound like if it suddenly added the musical stylings of "The Golden Girls" theme song. Or if Oprah's producers cued up "The Price is Right" theme. It creates a whole new viewing experience. [TVGasm]

» TRANSIT ART: Who said that an elevated Metrorail line through Tysons Corner isn't an ideal option for Northern Virginia transit planners? Look at this. [Gridskipper]

» FAKE PEOPLE: And finally, cyborg celebrities! [Worth 1000 via City Rag]

Posted By Michael Grass at 4:05 PM on May 9, 2006 Tagged in Free Ride

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