Stunt magician David Blaine is planning to stay awake for twelve days next May, setting a new world record for sleep deprivation. It’s a dangerous feat that carries a risk of permanent brain damage. To that end, Blaine is following a program of diet and exercise that’s intended to bring him to his physical peak before he stands around for twelve days not sleeping. “I am worried that this will cause some serious damage,” he acknowledges. “That’s why I’m working out so hard.” (Although you would think preparation for something like this would basically involve many, many cups of espresso.)

I’m not sure this is a serious issue. Since Blaine’s previous stunts basically involved lying still, sitting still, and standing still, moderate brain damage really shouldn’t hamper his career. If anything, it should simplify matters come May 2009, when he attempts to set a world record for something or other by staying in bed for the next decade.