fter hearing screams coming from central Florida's Lake Parker, authorities arrived on the site to witness a scene straight out of a horror movie: a man caught in the jaws of an alligator. Four Florida sheriff's deputies managed to wade through the dark, muddy water and pry 45-year-old Adrian Apgar from the alligator's grasp. The man, who was naked when police arrived on the scene, suffered a broken right arm and major injuries to his left leg, but is lucky to be alive.

Swimmers have had to stay out of the water in a San Francisco, California park after a cranky sea lion bit 14 people and chased 10 others out of his lagoon. California sea lions are known for their intelligence, playfulness and loud barking, according to the Marine Mammal Center Web site.

The sighting of the endangered long-billed murrelet has attracted some 2,000 birdwatchers in Dawlish, Devon in England. The once sleepy seaside town is now a temporary home to avid birdwatchers after the rare bird was reportedly spotted, said the Daily Mail newspaper.

ooking to get away from it all? Well, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus may have the perfect gift idea for you: a space trip that includes a spectacular view of Earth and a chance to experience weightlessness. This year's Neiman Marcus holiday catalog offers gift seekers a slew of ideas ranging from a $25 crystal desk bell to the $1. 76 million space charter for six passengers including medical assessments, training, a ride on the Virgin Galactic spaceship and an after-party at Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson's private-island retreat in the Caribbean.

For the coming holidays, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus' holiday catalogue offers a varied selection from a $25 crystal desk bell to a $1. 76 million space charter for six passengers via the Virgin Galactic spaceship to a $139,000 limited edition black 2007 BMW M6 convertible with a V-10 engine. Published since 1926, the book draws publicity for the firm as well as brisk sales.