Nik Wallenda makes walking across Niagara Falls sound like no fun at all

Nik Wallenda’s high-wire act across Niagara Falls is supposed to rake in $120-million for the local economy, but it would seem the daredevil won’t even make enough to cover his costs. Wallenda told the Toronto Star that his stunt will cost about $1.2 million to pull off and ABC, who is broadcasting the event, isn’t paying him very much (he declined to divulge his paycheque). Sponsors have also been scarce, so Wallenda has been trying to drum up $50,000 through Indiegogo.com, offering private wire walk lessons for $10,000 a pop or $5 for an exclusive photo. Another headache: the helicopter company that’s supposed to rig up the wire doesn’t have a permit to fly over the falls, leaving Wallenda with about a week to find alternate plans. Money problems, bureaucratic annoyances and the risk of falcon attacks? We knew there was a reason we never took up tightrope walking. [Toronto Star]