As much as I love having my "Oprah fix" at 3:00 p.m. PST every day, this is one show that I will miss. I cannot understand the attraction of someone putting his life on the line for absolutely nothing of any purpose or consequence, other than to break a world record or "see if he can'. We look with horror on the teenagers who mimic the actions of such people as the makers of the "Jackass" movies, we hear over and over "don't try this at home", and we see people killed doing stunts that they have no business doing - and that accomplish no positive effect of any kind. To me, this is exactly the same thing. I was personally very surprised, and disappointed, that this type of event would appear on the Oprah show, which I have come to view as an extremely effective tool for helping people bring out the best in themselves and those around them. To train and perform for a goal of achieving something like breaking this kind of world record at the risk of one's own life simply for the sensationalism of it, does not seem to fulfill that kind of standard and I wish it had not been scheduled for Oprah.

I have to admit I can feel with imjanet. I realize it is being judgmental on my part to have an opinion about this show before even seeing it. I try really hard to live in the now and realize that each of us have to make our own choices. Others who might be influenced by his behavior on the show could very well make a choice that could bring great sadness into the lives of a lot of people. It is not my place to try to understand why David Blain feels the need to risk his life to set a new record. I'm grateful that the majority of people I know have enough presence in thier lives not to copy cat this kind of nonsense.

As I have followed the webcasts on Monday nights it is clear that to do this Oprah's organization is required to "play the game" of media ebb and flow, which includes advertisers and ratings. So I understand and I won't watch that particular show. My feelings about Oprah herself haven't changed; I have respect for her and appreciate all the good most of her shows do for the world. Perhaps if Mr. Blaine has a chance to visit with her she can give him a little insight concerning his need for glory. Then again, perhaps Mr. Blaine is simply one of these unfortunate folk who are driven and don't really want the glory, fame and adulation; simply get this thing done and move on to the next; always seeking that elusive feeling of contentment and fulfilled purpose.

First of all, for you to be calling david blaine's feats nonsense is just not right. You ridicule David for challenging himself and others around him to push past their fears and insecurities. For you to say Oprah is just "playing the media game" is outrageous. If you do not recall, he tried this challenge last may and failed, on live television and is back to attempt it again with the largest audience on daytime t.v., its called perseverance. To say that David is the type of person to do this only for fame and glory is just laughable, if you have ever seen or heard the man speak you would know that is not the case. He puts his body and mind through rigorous training and conditioning in order to prove to people that you cant be held back by fear in your own life. This isn't just about setting a new record its about falling off and getting back on, not giving up. However, if you only see it as a way for him to gain glory then you do not truly understand the meaning of of pushing yourself to the limit. And another thing, i will be influenced by David's stunts on Oprah, but that doesn't meant I'm going to go stick my head in a bucket of water for 16 minutes and see if i can set a new record. I'll just push myself harder to make it to the finish line next time.

Record breaking are not non-sense. I presume Oprah is curious about David and/or the record. But someone risking his life to break a record is something that hold no interet for me.

I presumed however that it is interesting to a lot of people. And that is why he's on the show... It is the thing tha make the selling of tabloids and high rating of some shows. Circus

was popular in Roman time and is still nowadays...

I agree! This show is an insult on my intelligence. This show is turning into

a Maury type of sensationalism. I really don't get. They can't really be that hard up for

intelligent subject matter, can they? I think I'll be reading a good book, or better yet, be

taking a nice long walk during this show. Oprah, please don't 'dumb down' your show.

I just wanted to ask WHY!!!!!!! why would anybody do this. There is nothing, awe inspiring about this "stunt" because this is all it is a cheap stunt. Why why why why. It's not like he is inspiring millions of people into do somthing to better this world or fellow man!!!!. "I know lets reduce our carbon foot print by sitting in a big fish bowl and see how long we can hold our breath" that will help the world.

I know everybody has the right to do what ever makes them happy or gets them through there day. But I agree with the other posts this is rating grabbing tv nothing else what purpose dose this stunt serve.

Fiona

Oprah, David Blaine is Great...but when are you having David Copperfield on again? I think the world has a lot to catch up on with him like his tours and rape scandal.

Exactly! Is this the 'Oprah' we have come to know and love? Not!

Endorsing someone who is putting his very life at risk and promoting the possiblity of deat is both pornographic and obscene. Next will we be watching the unraveling of someone who then commits suicide on air?

Don't forget, May is SWEEPS month. If you don't watch the ratings go down and ad revenues with it. Use this info wisely.

I admire Oprah and the work she is doing with Echart tolle, but I don't understand why she would have a show such as David Blaine risking his life. I wish she would cancel the show. It is complete waste of time and encourages young people to take crazy risks. The show does not show value for life and is completely against everything I thought Oprah stood for. It is never too late to cancel. What if he dies? How horrible that would be for everyone! Either it is a fake sham or you are risking life and either way you loose! PLEASE CANCEL THIS SHOW!!!!!!! It will not reflect well upon you, but could also encourage others to harm themselves. I would hate to see this happen to Oprah. The wonderful work she has done could be forever shadowed by this shameful experience.

If you read this Oprah, I ask you please to reconsider and think about what possible good could ever come from a show of this kind. I admire you and hope you will cancel. It is never too late to change and you could just do a rerun and explain. I will make a point of watching the beginning of the show to see how you will possibly try to explain this event. I will turn off the TV in protest if the show continues to be aired as planned and hope others will boycott as well.

Best to you, Oprah, Please continue with your good work and give up this crazy dangerous circus show.

For what it's worth, I am in complete agreement with "tracybruce"....although I have to admit there was a day that I might have agreed with the first poster. When I first heard of David Blaine, I was kind of creeped out by the gorey, in-your-face style of street magic he was initially known for. I was too old to be impressed by it's "hipness". As his career advanced, and the stunts became more developed, I became more interested--most likely because my son's father is a stuntman, and it was familiar territory for me. Then one fateful day I was playing brain teaser games online and came across a site for the "Mysterious Stranger $100,000 Challenge". It had me hooked, and instantly working angles on all sorts of ciphers, symbols, alliteration, and other cryptic clues that would ultimately reveal the location of a hidden treasure. There was a book--half biography, half Blaine musings--that contained all the clues. Once I purchased the book, and actually read it, I realized David's whole personal concept was right there in the title: CHALLENGE. After several months of obsessing on the puzzle, I came up with what seemed to me to be a likely solution. I seriously doubted it's validity...so much so that I posted the answer online 15 hours before I actually left to the location in search of the treasure. (My theories were not taken terribly seriously on that message board.) Had the location been more than a couple hours drive, I never would have looked there myself. But it was, and I did. And I found the hidden treasure...and that brought David Blaine smack dab into the middle of our lives. Up close, in person. And I was not prepared for the "offstage" David Blaine. David's act is intense. David is intense. But not in the way you would expect. His compassion, his sweetness, his hope--this is what you feel intensely. His laugh. His eyes. His smile. His heart. His unspoken yet palpable affinity with children. His wicked sense of humor. This is what stood before me. David's entire background has been a challenge since the day he was born. Today David continues to challenge himself and his connection to the universe in ways that most people don't understand. He believes in human triumph. He believes in mind over matter. And he wants to show the world that anything is possible if you work hard enough for it--a message I believe his mother instilled in him. Yes, a national platform for this message is intrinsic. But I strongly disagree that his events are based on personal gain. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all challenged ourselves just a little bit more? I sincerely hope the Oprah Winfrey Show does justice to David Blaine, the spiritual human being. I hope her PA's are perceptive enough to catch a clear glimpse of the solitary young man who searched for his place in life, and when he found none, made his own. I hope they recognize that his spiritual essence gives him as much strength as his physical body. I think if people got to see that side of him, they might have more appreciation and comprehension of his work. And I hope the event brings a new definition to the word CHALLENGE for viewers. --Sherri Skanes

Oprah: With all of the insane attractions on UTube and other public venues open to lure people into doing stupid and dangerous things simply for the "fame factor", why on earth would you condone and promote another antic dedicated to human stupidity. There is no positive outcome to be gained by David Blaine or the rest of the world by his proving he can hold his breath for 16+ minutes. There is a myriad of possible consequences. Why would you promote a man who is going to risk his life and/or health for sensationalism? If he lives through the stunt, but is left brain damaged or otherwise health-impaired as a consequence of the stunt, are you going to support him for the remainder of his life or are you going to pay all of the medical bills that may result? Or are you (and he) going to expect the american taxpayer to reward his stupiditiy by way of increased private insurance costs or Social Security Disability support? This is by far the stupidist and most ridiculous show you've ever promoted---with all the good things you have done, this one wipes out any credibility you may have gained in my eyes.

I never write on these things but just to see how people react is amazing!!

I must say i had quite a good giggle at how some people reacted and how others want to rip each other apart for a comment that was made. As far as David Blaine and his very interesting stunts go - thats his way of expressing himself. Someone did a survey on the aggressiveness that is caused on the internet because people feel as though they can say what they want - who can stop them? It is very scary to know that people over-react at such little provocation.

I think that some should first ask: Why am I reacting with such an aggressive attitude?

Great Show!!!!

I'm so sick of this guy. He used to be entertaining. These stunts are more excruciating to hear about than for him to do them. If they're tricks they're boring. If they're real, why doesn't he just kill himself and get it over with? He obviously has a death wish. When is Chris Angel on again?

I think there are more important issues to worry and protest about - like the war, gas prices and the economy...not David Blaine holding his breath under water....something that we all did as a child in our swimming pools to see who could hold their's the longest. Oprah's credibility comes from over 20 million devoted fans daily...and if you were a true fan like you say, and if you have recognized all the good that she has done in her life for humanity, why let one show that YOU don't agree with take away all that credibility? If you ask me that takes away any credibility you may have for being an understanding human, open-minded, unconditional fan of Oprah's. Like I said earlier...David is an adult making adult decisions. Pick up a newspaper, and find real arguments to blog about.

Haha! I am personally amused by the reactions. Nobody takes issue with runners, whose ultimate goal is to ah, is to-- well darn. Run better? Let's all get uppity about that haha. I'm curious to see how it goes with David. If your kid decides to forcibly drown his/herself in a fishbowl as a result, you've been doing too much Oprah messageboard posting and not enough parenting. Am I right? Be easy people. Of the millions of nightmarish things going on in the world... don't let this entertainer go on Oprah!