Cape Cod

In the Mediterranean waters near Giglio, treasure hunters are preparing to dive after the lost loot of the Costa Concordia. But the riches that went down with that cruise ship pale next to what one wreck hunter thinks he's found off the coast of Massachusetts: $3 billion in platinum.

The origins of Memorial Day date to the aftermath of the Civil War, when people would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers to honor their service. The holiday still retains its reverential and patriotic spirit, but its economic consequences, though smaller than those of other holidays, cannot be overlooked.

Even Hurricane Earl can't break the spirits of those living in beach towns along the East Coast. Thanks to the hot weather, convenient location and Canadians, tourism along the coast has skyrocketed this summer.

As severe heat grips most of the East, sales in the ice cream, air conditioner, pools, seashore-related and bowling center segments have spiked with the temperature. The solid sales are welcome relief for industries burned by the recession.

It's no surprise that smaller newspapers are holding up better in the current media recession, which predates and has been exacerbated by the worldwide economic downturn. Historically, they have had wider margins and have not had to face the same competitive pressures as their urban, regional and...

Just when you think there's nothing dumb left to report, up pops "Disgruntled drug buyer calls police to complain."Now, granted, this is Cape Cod, where it was winter right through the end of April, and where rain has been and continues to be the forecast through May 9. Cape Codders aren't at their...