A quick reminder from mother nature that even small, squishy packages pack a punch in King Neptune's Garden. The monthly box jellyfish onslaught that washes ashore in Waikiki and along southern shores of Oahu sent an unsuspecting visitor to the hospital today, according to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. That's pretty rare, as these jellies have wicked stings but rarely cause serious complications.

Most likely, this poor lass had an allergic reaction to the venom, which can be terrifying. At any rate, those signs you see up about jellyfish warning in Waikiki and other beaches? They are for real. Really. The jellies wash in each month like clockwork 10 days after the full moon. Lifeguards supposedly spotted 200 this go round but the total number in the water is probably far higher. This particular invasion is nothing if not ill-timed, as surf forecasters are calling for a swell on the Southside during this week. A pity.

—Alex, 04/11/07