Magician David Blaine puts faith in New Yorkers

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2006

NEW YORK (AFP) — Illusionist David Blaine predicted that his latest stunt in New York -- living in a water-filled tank for a week -- would garner a warmer public reception than his last performance in London.

"This is New York, not London," Blaine told reporters. "This is my hometown. The support of the people is what will help me get through this."

That support was glaringly lacking in 2003 when he underwent a 44-day fast while suspended above London's River Thames in a glass box.

Detractors came up with increasingly inventive ways to taunt or unsettle Blaine such as using a remote-control model helicopter to dangle a cheeseburger in front of the starving magician.

Others drove golf balls off Tower Bridge, threw eggs, used a home-made catapult to...