News

Burn, Baby, Burn On the last Friday in October, which happens to be Halloween this year, the people of West Sayville, New York, will dress in costume and gather around a burning boat for no particular reason. The town's annual Boat Burning Ceremony began 12 years ago when an unseaworthy boat was burned while a small group watched. Now about 1,000 people assemble around an unfit and insignificant boat at what's become an annual-and strange-tradition.

Crimson Tide As if more than 200 species of jellyfish weren't enough, scientists have discovered a new variety in the cold, dark waters of the Pacific Ocean. They nicknamed the sea blob "Big Red" because of its thick red bell and pudgy arms. Its official name, Tiburonia granrojo, comes from the scientist's research vessel, Tiburon, and the Spanish words for big red.

Angling Actors

Tinseltown's A-list has happily been doing commercials overseas for years, pitching everything from cars to coffee and getting millions for a few days' work. But most of these big names never expected their ads to be seen by people on this side of the pond. Thanks to the Internet, the once-secret spots are popping up everywhere, including one of Michael J. Fox hooked on fishing gear in Japan. We want to know what he's so embarrassed about. He does fish, doesn't he?

Hog Heaven

Boaters Beware

On a pertinent military front, boaters should be aware that some of the temporary rules put in place in the wake of September 11 may become permanent. While boating in areas near a naval base, know this: If you pass within 100 yards of a Navy ship or stop within 500 yards of one, you could be fined $250,000 or even face six years in prison.

Rain Showers