Magician David Blaine, standing in a block of ice, announces he will be encased in ice for 58 hours

NEW YORK -- Spending a week underground in a coffin apparently wasn't enough of a thrill for magician David Blaine. For his next trick, Blaine announced Monday he plans to encase himself in a block of ice for 58 hours.

Beginning next Monday, Blaine, wearing only boots and pants, will be encased in a six-ton block of ice near Times Square. He'll have only a tube to provide water and air. Doctors will monitor Blaine's vital signs, watching for eye signals the magician's developed to alert them of an emergency.

Last April, Blaine, whose stunts are inspired by the legendary magician and escape artist Harry Houdini, spent a week buried and visible through a clear coffin.

Blaine, 27, hopes to end the stunt on November 29, during a live ABC special, "David Blaine: Frozen in Time." Fans can also watch the event on his Web site, www.davidblaine.com.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- Country singer Freddy Fender, whose hits include "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" and "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights," has hepatitis C and needs a kidney and liver transplant, says his publicist.

The Grammy-winning Fender, 63, was diagnosed with the disease last week. "His liver is only working at 10 percent," said publicist Kirt Webster. "His liver is so damaged he has also experienced kidney problems."

NEW YORK -- Disney is hoping it can bring in a treasure chest of loot at the box office with "Captain Kidd," a high-seas adventure movie based on the life of William Kidd, the infamous 17th-century pirate.

The "mouse house" bought the pitch for the movie from Doug Cook and David Weisberg, the writers behind "The Rock" (1996) and "Double Jeopardy" (1999) -- both of which grossed more than $100 million domestically.

Ridley Scott, who made togas and sandals fashionable again with this year's hit, "Gladiator," will direct.

Monday: Puffy Combs promises to feed homeless
Friday: Columbia flying toward 'Angels' sequel
Thursday: Photographer sues Streisand and Brolin
Wednesday: Florida recount thwarts sitcom
Tuesday: Little Nicky' not so big at the box office