Magician's Chilling Stunt

By Stephen M. Silverman

Monday June 29, 1998 12:00 AM EDT

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Magician David Blaine, 27, who last year was buried alive under a New York sidewalk, now wishes to be encased in ice for 2 1/2 days. He plans to begin this stunt on Monday in Times Square, he announced at a press conference yesterday. "I'm a little worried about this feat," the bare-chested Blaine, braving large chunks of ice and New York's 40-degree weather, said. He also plans to go shirtless during his, well, whatever it is he's doing. "This is not a trick or illusion, but a skill of endurance. It's going to be tough -- no doubt about it." If all goes according to plan, the Brooklyn-born Blaine will be placed in a 6-ton slab of ice, measuring 8 feet by 6 feet, for 58 hours. His body contour will have to be cut into the ice, and a tube will feed him water and air. Those wishing to view him will be able to find Blaine at the corner of Broadway and 44th Street. Those not wishing to make the trip may also monitor his progress on the Internet.