Worry is spreading through the regional angling community that Kennedy Space Center's plan for a new launch complex involves permanently closing the Mosquito Lagoon from Haulover Canal south.

That would halt fishing on half of a sport fishing area so treasured it's known as "The Redfish Capital of the World," not to mention badly tarnishing the allure of a resource that attracts untold thousands of dollars to local economies.

Tom Lelle, owner of Lelle's Bait & Tackle in Titusville, gave a hint of the potential impact new restrictions on this area might bring.

"I hate it when the shuttle is out there on the pad," he said. "Every day that it's out there it costs me $500. If people can't go surf fishing at Playalinda Beach . . . why would they come use my bait shop?"

Space Center officials said nothing has been decided yet but would not rule out possible closures.

Michael Pointer: Purdue Q&A

Question: When will the Purdue quarterback actually look off his primary receiver and go through his progressions? From what I saw Saturday, come-heck-or-high-water, Curtis Painter is going to throw to his primary, even if there is a crowd. And, on two of those interceptions, no Boiler receiver was in the area. I haven't seen anyone say that a receiver zigged when he should have zagged. Were those interceptions all on Painter? Quotes from coaches and Painter seem to suggest so. (Mike from Kokomo)

Answer: Mike, I have covered four quarterbacks since I've been on the Purdue beat: Brandon Hance, Kyle Orton, Brandon Kirsch and Painter. (I missed having the pleasure of covering Drew Brees.) I heard that complaint about everyone of them, including Orton, who had 31 touchdown passes and just five interceptions as a starter.

Car Renters Beware: Credit Card Insurance May Not Have You Covered

BOSTON, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- SmarterTravel.com, a comprehensive online travel resource, has announced a three-part article series on car rental insurance that every traveler needs to read. In the past, SmarterTravel, along with other industry experts, advised travelers not to purchase collision/loss damage waivers (CDW) because it is generally overpriced and many credit cards offer identical coverage. The advice has always been: use a credit card with collision coverage and you'll be protected through its policies. Moreover, any card that covers collision damage repair also covers "loss of use" (LOU) charges. However, in taking a closer look at the no-cost collision coverage offered by several major credit cards, SmarterTravel found that some credit card companies require a vehicle log. Travelers are learning quickly that credit card coverage is not as fool proof as it sounds.

Open Thread

What about all those people who say they're against inter-racial marriage? These are people who are so vile that they oppose OTHER people marrying outside their race! Nevertheless, where Madison Ave puts it's dough is where the culture currently IS, perhaps that's not where we'd like it to be but that's the "reality on the ground". Before you call me a race hustler please just examine the argument, okay? List all of the advertising campaigns that feature inter-racial couples of the black and white variety. As an owner of a production company in California I can tell you that it hasn't happened. Notice that I separated the "commercial" aspect from the "production" aspect. There are a few interracial couples on a few t.v shows in minor story lines, this is different from direct ad dollars in an advertising campaign.

For the Enterprise/PATRICIA SADDLER (click to enlarge)

Under sunny skies and with a cool morning breeze, more than 790 commuters left their cars at home and biked to work on Friday, May 18.

The event encourages people to find an alternate route to work, either on a bike or on the bus, said Debbie Anderson of Community Transit, one of the sponsors of Bike to Work Day in Snohomish County.

Community Transit had stations set up throughout the county providing snacks and information to area bicyclists. Anderson was working at the McCollum Park site Friday morning, passing out maps and other items to commuters.

Rep. Lovick wants to be sheriff

State Rep. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, is running for Snohomish County Sheriff.

Lovick announced his bid Wednesday, May 2, for the position that is being vacated by Sheriff Rick Bart, who is unable to run again because of term limits.

News of the Weird

On Nov. 18, two inebriated men in separate cars, driving past the Carpet Classic Floor Studio in Highland Township, Mich., lost control at the same time, and both smashed into the store.

Send Weird News to Chuck Shepherd, P.O.