Is Serbian Boy Bogdan Really Magnetic?

There is a story originating in Belgrade, Serbia of a boy named Bogdan who reputedly has the ability to attract metallic objects to his body merely by standing close to them. One would think that Bogdan must be some sort of walking magnet in order to do this, but some skeptics claim the viral video of the 7 year-old boy is, well, fake.

One reason the video is considered to be a fake is that some of the objects Bogdan attracts are not even made of metal but rather glass. He even attracts remote controls and porcelain plates on his chest, two other objects that have no metal in them. So what is the story really about?

After viewing the video, it is clear that Bogdan is leaning backwards a bit, jutting out his rather muscular chest in order to balance the objects. Balance would be a more accurate word and Bogdan does an astonishing act, allowing his father to place the objects on his chest. When one thinks of the word magnetic, one automatically visualizes a giant magnet attracting objects of iron and steel willy-nilly with no careful placement of them as in this unique case. If you accidentally drop a bunch of sewing needles or pins on the floor and use a magnet to pick them up, the pins will just head in one direction - up - with no systematic arranging. Bogdan seems entertained enough in the video, proud to show off an ability that few people possess although many can practice when it comes to balancing. I knew a boy back in grade school who use to regularly balance things like crayons, pencils, and balls on his nose like a walrus. Bogdan's last name has not yet been released to the press, but that is okay, since he probably already knows he is not really magnetic, but rather a talented balancer.

As amusing as this story is, Bogdan may have a chance of gaining attention and even making money on his ability through a reality show. The boy already has the skill of balancing assorted objects on his chest. When he gets older he can even balance ladies on his chest like an acrobat. Bogdan is a nice looking boy so he will not have any trouble attracting girls - whether his body is magnetic or not - in the near future. The only thing magnetic about Bogdan right now is his personality.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41783544/ns/technology_and_science-science/

http://www.aolhealth.com/2011/02/24/magnetic-boy-7-attracts-electronic-and-metal-objects/