Hit the road Jack, was the advice Amtrak officials gave passengers when it announced it was canceling its popular popular Auto Train service between Florida and the metro Washington, D. C. area through Wednesday at least because of safety concerns. The announcement stunned some stranded vacationing passengers in Florida who had to choose between staying longer in the sunshine state or using their cars to make the long drive home.

Authorities in a Chinese town have launched a new open toilet palace which features 1,000 innovatively designed urinals set in Egyptian style facade. While some of the urinals are shaped like a woman's mouth, others resemble the crocodile's mouth and the bust of a woman.

Polar Bear Club officials blamed the rain for a poor turn out to splash around in the 48 degree waves on New Year's Day. Every year the club sponsors a New Year's Day charity swim on Coney Island in New York. This year 200 people came to celebrate and swim with the 90 member Polar Bear Club, who swim the icy waters weekly from October to April. This year the swim benefited Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. The club raised $25,000 Monday, half of their $50,000 goal. About 500 people showed last year for the swim. Club spokesman Louie Scarcella said, "It's psychological, I think. Some people don't like the rain. "

A woman received two snake bites while shopping at a Lowe's Home Improvement store in Ocala, Florida. Officials say the woman, 42, was looking at plants when she felt a "stinging feeling" in her leg. She looked down to find she was bitten.

Florida may become the tenth state to make confederate flag specialty license plates. But some say the flag represents hate and should not be accepted. The Sons of Confederate Veterans (SVC) said the flag represents their heritage but they must show that 30,000 other Floridians support the new plate before the state legislature will look at the option.