David Blaine hoisted up for challenge

NEW YORK, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Endurance artist David Blaine has been hoisted 50 feet above New York's Times Square on a gyroscope as part of a holiday challenge with Target.

Target presented Blaine with the challenge of escape from his post, which has him positioned much like Da Vinci's "Proportions of Man," by 6 a.m. on Friday, when Target begins its 2-Day Sale, the company said in a news release.

With nothing to protect him from elements such as rain and wind, Blaine will spin in all directions as he attempts to escape the gyroscope. If he succeeds, he plans to take 100 deserving children, as identified by the Salvation Army, on an unforgettable shopping trip at Target.

    "I am extremely motivated to accomplish this challenge which I accepted, in large part, because of my own connection with The Salvation Army," said Blaine. "As a child I received much of my clothing from The Salvation Army, so this challenge is close to my heart,"