Amateur historian’s look into murderous pirate finds New York beach namesake may have helped
WANTAGH, N.Y. (AP) — An amateur historian says he’s found evidence that the namesake of New York's popular Jones Beach played a key role in an infamous pirate heist in the Red Sea centuries ago. James Bailey says colonial-era documents suggest Thomas Jones was recruited to help English pirate Capt. Henry Every and his crew evade authorities after they captured the Ganj-i-Sawai. The royal Indian vessel was laden with tens of millions of dollars’ worth of gold and silver when it was attacked in 1695. Jones went on to become a prominent New Yorker who operated a whaling operation on the barrier beach on Long Island that now bears his name.
From Italy to Croatia, a warming climate threatens prized white truffles
ALBA, Italy (AP) — Climate change is increasingly threatening Europe’s prized white truffle harvests, hunters and researchers in Italy and Croatia say. Months of heat and drought have reduced yields, produced smaller truffles and pushed prices higher in Italy’s Piedmont region, home to the famous Alba white truffle. Similar trends are being reported in Croatia, where scientists say both truffle quantities and habitats are shrinking. Despite the challenges, researchers, hunters and local officials are pursuing adaptation measures including forest restoration, reforestation and experiments to improve moisture levels in truffle habitats.
Director calls Broadway revival of ‘In the Heights’ at NY City Center a ‘balm for these times’
NEW YORK (AP) — David Mendizábal is directing a revival of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s "In the Heights," a musical that was Mendizábal's introduction to theater. The show, running for three weeks at New York City Center, features a new cast of Latino artists. Mendizábal emphasizes the importance of showcasing Latino communities, especially now. Miranda, who starred in the original production, reflects on the musical's enduring relevance. The revival comes amid immigration tensions, highlighting themes of gentrification and community. New and old cast members say the musical remains a celebration of the Latino immigrant experience, with its messages resonating strongly today.
For vegans, it's not just what's on the dinner plate, but also what happens after the dinner date
AMSTERDAM (AP) — On World Vegan Day, some people are exploring vegan alternatives beyond food, including in the bedroom. Worries about the environment and concerns about animal welfare are on the rise. That has led two entrepreneurs in the Netherlands to offer animal-free and environmentally friendly erotic products for a growing market of consumers who are concerned about the planet and their own health. Their products have been an important part of a move to an increasingly animal-free lifestyle for some. A recent study by Wageningen University shows that meat consumption in the country has declined for the second year in a row.
Mexico comes alive during annual Day of the Dead celebrations
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Bright orange marigolds, glowing candles, and painted faces fill Mexico's streets during the Day of the Dead celebrations. Festivities begin in October and lead up to November 1 and 2, when the souls of deceased loved ones are believed to return to earth. The tradition is rooted in pre-Hispanic beliefs and Catholic traditions. Today, massive parades run along Mexico City's main avenue, and streets are cloaked in marigold flowers. Families decorate altars with offerings. However, the event's growing international spotlight has led to tensions around overtourism. In Janitzio, authorities closed the pantheon to tourists due to damage from crowds.
Heidi Klum reveals Halloween costume as her iconic party marks 25 years
Heidi Klum underwent a bloody transformation to become a giant, gruesome severed hand for Halloween. Klum unveiled her costume Saturday as her iconic costume party marked 25 years in New York. Klum was unrecognizable with only her eyes and mouth showing, blood dripping from her mouth as she stuck her tongue out. The top of the hand ended in a gory assortment of dangling ligaments and tendons. She had an ensemble of helpers in blood-stained hazmat suits. The supermodel-turned-TV personality went viral in 2022 when she arrived at the party on the end of a fishing line, encased in a slithering worm costume.
The dachshund is the muse in an exhibition showcasing the sausage dog's history in art
BREMEN, Germany (AP) — The humble dachshund is taking center stage in a new exhibition in Germany that explores the history of the sausage dog in art. Visitors’ four-legged friends are welcome too. Dachshund owners and fans Pablo Picasso, David Hockney and Andy Warhol are among the artists who take their place in the show. “The Dachshund: An Icon off the Leash" opens at the Kunsthalle Bremen on Saturday. The dog has a long association with Germany. But the show casts its net wider, with exhibits brought in from Edinburgh, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh among others.
In 28 years of walking, Karl Bushby has overcome jungle, desert and red tape. Now he's nearly home
MARKET RASEN, England (AP) — Karl Bushby has spent 28 years walking home, but as he approaches the finish Monday, he’s unsure if he’s ready for the journey to end. Bushby, 57, began his trek at the tip of South America in 1998 and has walked 31,000 miles across four continents. He has faced challenges like shifting ice, crocodile-infested waters, and geopolitical obstacles. Despite setbacks, he adhered to strict rules: no transport to move forward and returning home on foot. As he nears the end, Bushby is reflecting on his journey and the kindness of strangers who helped him along the way.
Karl Bushby's 28-year walk across the world is ending. A look at the trek, by the numbers
LONDON (AP) — Karl Bushby is nearing the end of an epic walk around the world that he started in 1998. The former British paratrooper was 29 then and is now 57 as he approaches his mother's home in Hull, England. He has navigated the Bering Strait, swam the Caspian Sea and crossed the English Channel. Most of his journey has been on land, through jungles, rainforests, deserts and tundra. Bushby has traveled 31,000 miles, entering 30 foreign countries. His trek has taken him through South America, North America, Asia and Europe. He has faced geopolitical conflicts, harsh weather and personal challenges along the way.
