Zach Karlin, 12, a resident of Manalapan and student at the Ranney School in Tinton Falls, NJ, is the winner of a national contest to suggest a new trick for magician and endurance performer David Blaine to perform underwater.
“Zach’s idea was the winner because as most people know, solving a Rubik’s puzzle underwater while holding your breath means you’d better be fast,” laughs Mr. Hoffman. “Also, as we honored Ernő Rubik, the inventor of the Cube at the Gala, it made sense on that level as well. Others made the same suggestion, but Zach’s entry was first”
Standing near a cylindrical tank of water in which Mr. Blaine had immersed himself along with a small alligator and some fish, Zach watched, amazed and thrilled, as the winning trick was performed. Two years ago, Mr. Blaine set a world record by holding his breath for more than 17 minutes on the Oprah Show. He is now he is developing an underwater show where he performs many seemingly impossible feats underwater. He recently moved into Liberty Science Center as its magician in residence – most certainly an industry first.
Zach’s winning entry was one of hundreds submitted by people ages 5-65 from across the country. Dana Karlin says, “My son is obsessed with the Rubik’s Cube. There is always one in his hands.”