There certainly seems to be no shortage of skin care product lines that promise you the moon – no break-outs, clean, and healthy skin.
They’ll also tell you they can give your skin ultra elasticity plus take decades of abuse from your skin. There’s no surprise at all when people listen to the hype, then walk away feeling more confused than ever. So if they are all fabulous toners and cleansers, is there any way to know which ones are the top performers? How do you think you’re able to determine which skin care products work best for your skin? Is there a way to know if all you’re doing is dropping a lot of money on a way to clog your pores? Here are some very helpful skin tips to assist you with knowing the products that are best for your skin type, or not.
You really should discuss the matter with your doctor, first, just to rule out other possible causes for breaking-out.
Your doctor may be able to help you pinpoint other contributors for your skin condition. Perhaps dietary changes plus some exercise may be in order. Perhaps a vitamin deficiency is the root cause. Many people avoid seeing their doctor, but if all attempts to improve the situation have failed, then a doctor’s visit may be a good idea.
So find out your skin type, then simply provide what your unique situation needs. You never know, your skin may do best with a toner and moisturizer in addition to the standard cleanser. Others break out if they use toner and still others find that using a moisturizer makes their face feel itchy or heavy. Believe it or not, there are some people who only need cleanser. Of course there are many cases when all three skin products are needed, and perhaps even a specialized product for troublesome areas. If you are using only cleanser and are still prone to breakouts, consider adding in a spot treatment for acne after you finish cleansing your skin each night.
Lots of people talk to their friends who have similar problems and see what they use on their own skin.
Of course you’ll find people who don’t want to talk about any failures with skin care, but their results will always be obvious to the casual observer. Another possible benefit to speaking with as many people as you can is you may be able to get a lot of reviews and feeback on products that otherwise you would have had to spend money on to try.There are creative ways to go about learning which skin products are best for your skin type. You can always find people who have no problems with their skin, and they can use almost anything. But there are many of us who need just a little helping hand. Don’t give up on your skin, keep learning and trying and soon you’ll know what your skin likes and what it doesn’t like.
A Sudanese man was publicly beheaded last month in Saudi Arabia for being a “sorcerer”, as is shown in a shocking video.
Abdul Hamid Bin Hussain Bin Moustafa al-Fakki, who was crouched on his knees and blindfolded was executed in a car park Medina, in the west of the country, as dozens looked on.
The shocking video shows the executioner lining his sword up on the back of Abdul Hamid’s neck, before one swift stroke decapitates him.
Abdul Hamid, a Sudanese man was publicly beheaded last month in Saudi Arabia in a car parking for being a "sorcerer"
Abdul Hamid Bin Hussain Bin Moustafa al-Fakki, who was killed on September 20, is believed to have been the 44th person executed in Saudi Arabia this year – and the 11th foreign national.
This year, a total of 17 people were executed in Saudi Arabia, which is more than for the whole of 2010.
Lebanese TV host Ali Hussain Sibat, who was sentenced to death over making predictions of the future on his show, had been scheduled to be beheaded on Friday.
Ali Hussain Sibat’s attorney May El Khansa said the execution did not take place on that day – but that did not mean he has been given a reprieve.
The alarming rise in the number of executions in Saudi Arabia has led to criticism from a number of human rights charities.
It is said that Saudis prefer beheading by a sharp sword, as they think it more humane and quicker than electrocution and lethal injection.
The crime of “sorcery” is undefined in Saudi Arabian law, but it has been used to punish people for the legitimate exercise of their human rights.
The Sudanese man, Abdul Hamid is understood to have been arrested in 2005 after he was entrapped by a man working for the Mutawa’een (religious police).
Abdul Hamid was asked to concoct a spell that would cause the officer’s father to leave his second wife.
According to the officer’s account the Sudanese agreed to carry out the curse in exchange for 6,000 Saudi Arabian riyals (approximately $1,500).
Abdul Hamid was beaten after his arrest and thought to have been forced to admit to acts of sorcery.
In a secret trial, where Abdul Hamid was not allowed legal representation, he was sentenced to death by the General Court in Medina in March 2007.
Few details are available about Abdul Hamid’s trial but he is reported to have been tried behind closed doors and without legal representation.
At the time of Abdul Hamid’s arrest, English language daily The Saudi Gazette ran an article entitled Magic Maids which said that “we must face up to the threats from some maids and servants and their satanic games of witchcraft and sorcery, their robbery, murder, entrapment of husbands, corruption of children and other countless stories of crime that have been highlighted by both experts and victims of these crimes”.
Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International’s Director for the Middle East and North Africa, heavily criticized the killing.
“Abdul Hamid’s execution is appalling as is Saudi Arabia’s continuing use of this most cruel and extreme penalty.
“That he should have been executed without having committed anything that would appear to constitute a crime is yet another deeply upsetting example of why the Saudi Arabian government should immediately cease executions and take steps to abolish the death penalty.”
Amnesty International had campaigned on Abdul Hamid’s behalf following his arrest and had urged Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah to prevent his execution.
But the campaign has been to no avail, and since the end of the holy month of Ramadan a few weeks ago, the Saudi Arabian authorities have resumed executions at an alarming pace.
Amnesty International said that seven people have been executed since the killings resumed on September 5.
Currently, 140 prisoners are believed to be facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, which was one of a minority of states that voted against a United Nations general assembly resolution calling for the worldwide moratorium on executions on December 2010.
Jessica Simpson finally confirms she is pregnant, making an official announcement on her website.
Jessica Simpson, 31, wrote a short message, telling her fans: “It’s true, I am going to be a mummy.”
The reality star and former singer, who is engaged to NBA star Eric Johnson, also comically dressed up in a mummy Halloween outfit in a photograph to accompany the announcement, while cradling her bump.
Jessica Simpson finally confirms she is pregnant, making an official announcement on her website
Jessica Simpson has been at the centre of swirling pregnancy rumours for weeks now – but until today has remained mum.
According to a Boston-based gynaecologist, Jessica Simpson is at least six months gone and is heading into her third trimester.
Dr. Dave David, told RadarOnline: “She looks to be 26 weeks, which is around six months.
“It is definitely a pregnancy and not weight gain. You can by the shape of her abdomen, her belly wouldn’t be that rounded if it was just fat.”
On Monday, Jessica Simpson reunited with Eric Johnson after jetting back to the West Coast from her business trip in New York.
Jessica Simpson was seen laying a protective hand over her growing tummy as she walked hand-in-hand with her fiance.
The former singer was dressed casually in black leggings, platform Alaia boots and a holey beige jumper.
Eric Johnson was the perfect gent and helped his wife-to-be into their black BMW by holding the door open for her as she got in.
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson looked in good spirits as they put on a smiley display during their outing in Beverly Hills.
Last week Jessica Simpson, along with her mother Tina and some friends, checked out several apartments in New York.
Jessica Simpson is reportedly looking for somewhere to buy in New York City for her and fiance Eric Johnson to reside now that she spends so much time there working on her fashion lines.
Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from NBA star Kris Humphries this morning after just 72 days of marriage.
Kim Kardashian, 31, is seeking the divorce from husband Kris Humphries, 26, on the grounds of “irreconcilable differences”, according to the court documents.
Kim Kardashian said in a statement to E!, which screens her TV show:
“I hope everyone understands this was not an easy decision. I had hoped this marriage was forever, but sometimes things don’t work out as planned. We remain friends and wish each other the best.”
This morning Ryan Seacrest, the producer of Kim Kardashian‘s reality show, tweeted:
“Yes @KimKardashian is filing for divorce this morning. I touched base with her, getting a statement in just a few mins.”
Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from NBA star Kris Humphries this morning after just 72 days of marriage
Kim Kardashian ensured they both signed a prenuptial agreement before they got hitched at a lavish ceremony two months ago, on August 20 in Montecito, California.
It netted the couple a reported $18 million from magazine deals, TV coverage and endorsements, that’s $250,000 every day.
Today Kim took to Twitter, but rather than mentioning anything about her marital breakdown cynically plugged her new boutique Kardashian Khaos, which opens tomorrow at The Mirage hotel in Las Vegas.
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ separation is listed as today (October 31), according to the divorce papers logged with the Superior Court of California.
Kim Kardashian, 31, is seeking the divorce from husband Kris Humphries, 26, on the grounds of "irreconcilable differences", according to the court documents
The reality star has hired top divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, who has dealt with the likes of Britney Spears, Maria Shriver, Angelina Jolie and Ryan Reynolds.
Her husband, Kris Humphries didn’t know she was actually filing for divorce until this morning, TMZ reported.
TMZ goes on to claim that Kris Humphries is “totally bummed” about the situation and “doesn’t believe in divorce”.
E! TV today released a statement about Kim Kardashian’s divorce:
“All of us at E! are surprised and saddened by this news, and we send our support to Kim and Kris at this difficult time.
“The Kardashians have always been uniquely open with all aspects of their lives from joyous events to intimate moments to heartbreaking transitions.
“E! will continue to share the fascinating real lives and larger-than-life existence of this close-knit family.”
Earlier this month there were reports saying that Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ marriage had hit the rocks.
A source close to them said just two weeks ago: “I don’t know when they’ll announce the split or why they got married in the first place but they are done.”
“They are divorcing. Kim has been staying in a New York hotel which Kris has failed to visit.”
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries have been dogged by persistent reports that all is not well between them for several weeks now.
Star magazine claimed Kris Humphries has been spotted partying in both Miami and New York without Kim Kardashian, getting flirty with multiple women and “acting like a single man”.
Meanwhile, Life & Style magazine claimed that on a recent trip to Toronto, Kris Humphries contacted his ex-girlfriend, Bianka Kamber.
Life & Style magazine also spoke to a Kourtney & Kim Take New York producer who said: “Kim’s mapping out 2012, including holidays, and Kris isn’t a part of it. Any itineraries for the future don’t include Kris very much.”
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ fiery relationship was captured on her reality show Keeping Up With Kardashians, where strong-minded Kris frequently complained about feeling “emasculated” by his wife.
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries started dating in December 2010 soon after she ended her brief dalliance with Canadian model Gabriel Aubry (Halle Berry’s ex) and announced their engagement in May.
The divorce will mark the second failed marriage for Kim Kardashian, she eloped to Las Vegas with music producer Damon Thomas – 10 years her senior – when she was just 19, but divorced in 2004 after four years together.
Kim Kardashian has also had high-profile relationships with RnB singer Ray J, who she filmed a sex tape with, and NFL star Reggie Bush.
Canadian police officers shot and killed two cows that escaped on their way to the slaughterhouse on a rural road in Gatineau, Quebec on Thursday afternoon.
Officers later claimed that they thought the animals were “threatening” and “dangerous”.
The cows were shot repeatedly and killed as they evaded capture running amok on a rural road in Gatineau.
Canadian police officers shot and killed two cows that escaped on their way to the slaughterhouse on a rural road in Gatineau, Quebec on Thursday afternoon
A tourist, who captured the moment on video, watched in horror as the officers surrounded one of the cows with their cars, sirens blaring, before shooting it dead.
A police spokesman told CTV:
“The cops, at one point they have to decide, is it threatening for the population? Is it too dangerous?
“So they did realise, and they did decide at one point that they had no choice to shoot the animal and kill the animal.”
The video, which has been viewed over 58,000 times on YouTube, has caused anger from animal rights groups.
Esther Klein of the Animal Defence League of Canada said that officers should be better prepared to deal with animals.
She told CTV: “One way or another, there has to be responsibility taken for these situations.”
“If it’s going to end up being the police, then police need the training and the tranquilizer guns and everything that is required to deal with this situation.”
Lucille Cloutier, who took the video while on vacation from Ontario, said that she would have expected the officers to have used tranquilizers rather than shooting the cows dead.
“This would’ve been the most appropriate thing to do,” Lucille Cloutier told CTV.
Police said that they are investigating the shooting but have no plans to use tranquilizer guns.
Officers in Ottawa last year shot dead several moose after they roamed into the city.
Occupy Wall Street protesters said they are dealing with the sexual assault of a woman internally after she was attacked by a man in her tent in the early hours of the morning.
It is the second alleged sexual assault at the Occupy Wall Street camp, which organizers have warned is attracting prisoners straight out of Rikers, but have refused to call police.
It was reported that the woman was in her tent at around 06:00 a.m. yesterday when the man burst into her tent and attacked her.
After few moments, fellow protesters surrounded the attacker and shone flashlights in his face before chasing him out of Zuccotti Park where they are staying.
Occupy Wall Street protesters said they are dealing with the sexual assault of a woman internally after she was attacked by a man in her tent in the early hours of the morning
“We don’t tell anyone, we handle it internally,” a protester told the New York Post, adding that another woman was raped weeks earlier.
The woman said that fellow protesters were “yelling at him to leave”, shouting “pervert, pervert, get the f**k out.”
Occupy Wall Street organizers have raised concerns that the camp is becoming a refuge for homeless people and is attracting convicts fresh out of Rikers prison.
“They’re telling people who leave prison to go to Zuccotti Park,” Daniel Zetah, leader of the Occupy Wall Street community-relations group told the New York Post.
The newly-released criminals are thought be attracted by the free accommodation and food, and reported alcohol and drug-fuelled parties taking place at the site.
“There’s a lot of drugs, alcohol, assault [and] theft [by] the homeless groups coming in. We’ve had meetings all day to brainstorm what to do,” Daniel Zetah said.
The cold weather is continuing to plague the Occupy Wall Street protesters in New York, who have had their gas-powered generators confiscated by fire department as they are seen as a safety risk.
The movement organizers have put out an “urgent” alert on their website asking for waterproof boots, hats and gloves.
Occupy Wall Street protesters, who were drenched by snow and rain over the weekend, are reportedly “in need of emergency supplies crucial for cold weather survival”.
The protesters also want cots so that demonstrators can get off the ground and are looking for thermal heaters after the generators were taken.
It was reported that three protesters have been taken to hospital with cold-related ailments.
Other protesters say they will defiantly remain, no matter how bad the weather gets though.
Occupy Wall Street has reportedly raised $454,000 in donations. So far around $50,000 has been spent on clothing, food and medical supplies.
Photographer Dyrk Daniels captured the remarkable moments when a huge Bengal tiger bowed its head and placed a paw up to the hand of a small girl at Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah, Washington.
Dyrk Daniels, 47, noticed the 370lb Golden Bengal Tiger had taken an interest in the little girl, who was leaning against his glass enclosure.
As the tiger, called Taj, headed over to her, Dyrk Daniels got his camera ready, expecting him to snarl and bang against the glass.
But amazingly the Bengal tiger hung his head, stretched a paw out to her hand and rubbed his cheek against where the little girl’s face was.
Dyrk Daniels, a father-of-two went to Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah, Washington State, to photograph the Bengal tigers.
When the photographer got to the enclosure there were several children and families in the area, so he decided to let them see the tigers first before he tried to photograph them himself.
Photographer Dyrk Daniels captured the remarkable moments when a huge Bengal tiger bowed its head and placed a paw up to the hand of a small girl at Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah, Washington
“That is when I noticed this little girl was leaning against the glass with both hands out stretched staring at the <<big kitties>>,” Dyrk Daniels said.
“I noticed that Taj had taken an interest in the girl and was heading towards her.
“I thought for certain that the little girl would need therapy after the encounter and fear cats for the rest of her life.
“I could not believe my eyes when Taj approached the girl, bowed his head and then placed his huge right paw exactly in front of where the little girl’s left hand was.”
“It was incredible to watch. Taj let down his right paw, rubbed his cheek against the glass where the little girl’s face was and moved off.”
Far from being scared, the little girl was so excited that she started clapping as she walked back afterwards towards her mother.
“I have never seen such tenderness from such a large predator,” Dyrk Daniels said.
A hilarious video showing a bride texting during the service was posted on YouTube and had about 38,000 views.
The footage shows the bride standing with the groom directly in front of the preacher during the service and she suddenly puts her hand down her chest and pulls out her cellphone.
As the preacher talks of the sanctity of marriage and God’s love, the bride furiously sends a text message.
After the text the bride replaces the cell phone down the front of her dress.
The groom, meanwhile, looks more than just a little embarrassed.
At one point it looks as though he’s going to say something but, hey, it’s the bride’s big day so let her carry on.
Presumably the bride had the phone on vibrate.
As the preacher talks of the sanctity of marriage and God's love, the bride furiously sends a text message
The hilarious moment was captured by professional videographer Jim Costa, who uploaded it on YouTube.
Jim Costa wrote: “This is part of a wedding video I shot in August 2008 at the Mission Beach Women’s Club in San Diego, CA. It was otherwise perfectly normal except for this one funny clip of the bride TEXTING just after her dad walked her down the aisle!
“At one point, I noticed her doing it through my lens and I had to pull away from the camera to make certain I was seeing what I thought I was seeing. Totally funny!”
Janet Rodriguez from New York, who was laid off after over a decade’s time under the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, says she’s keeping their mailed severance check, even if it is 400-thousand over.
Janet Rodriguez, 54, is now playing defense, however, after the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, the world’s biggest drug maker and manufacturer of Viagra, says they want their money back.
Pfizer insists the check for $517,140.24 was an honest mistake with only $105,851.75 of the check meant to be paid.
Thecompany plans to take it every which way in court.
Pfizer says Janet Rodriguez cashed a severance check priced over $400K more than she was owed
An attorney for Janet Rodriguez told the New York Post that Pfizer waited far too long to spot their error and collect it from her.
Janet Rodriguez was laid off in December 2009 and her check arrived on March 31, the following spring
Pfizer, however, took three and a half months before they either noticed their mistake or came to collect.
“By virtue of the fact that they bring this claim so late in the game, so long after their alleged mistake, [it] is just a cheap bullying tactic that we expect the court to see right through,” Janet Rodriguez’s lawyer, Saul Zabell told the New York Post.
After ignoring a collection agency hired by Pfizer, the company totting $1.9 billion in sales last year filed a suit in the Manhattan Supreme Court against Janet Rodriguez this past week.
Janet Rodriguez just missed a change in the company’s severance package to its employees which went into affect last December after it announced the change to employees in 2009.
For years, Pfizer had offered its laid-off employees three weeks pay for each year worked, in addition to 13 weeks’ severance, the rate believed to have been received by Janet Rodriguez.
Those newly laid off Pfizer employees now receive two weeks’ pay for every year’s service, including 12 weeks of severance.
The unseasonable snowstorm which hit the US East Coast, with some areas of Massachusetts seeing more than 27 inches (68 cm) of snow, killed at least nine people and left three million houses without power.
Tv footages show snow in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Vermont while in New York, Occupy Wall Street protesters said they were not deterred by the weather.
According to authorities, at least nine people have died in snow-related accidents and more than three million homes have lost their electricity supply from Maryland to Massachusetts with some residents left without power for several days.
The snowfall had worsened as it moved north, with states of emergency declared in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and parts of New York.
It was reported that communities in western Massachusetts were among the hardest hit.
Nantucket in Massachusetts experienced wind speeds of 69mph (111km/h), a National Weather Service (NWS) statement said.
The unseasonable snowstorm which hit the US East Coast, with some areas of Massachusetts seeing more than 27 inches of snow, killed at least nine people and left three million houses without power
Four people were killed in two separate crashes on an icy road in Philadelphia, while falling snow killed an 84-year-old man in Temple, Pennsylvania.
Traffic accidents killed one person in Colchester, Connecticut, a 54-year-old New York woman, and a person in New Jersey.
In Springfield, Massachusetts, a man died when he touched a protective rail surrounding downed power lines.
Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy said over 750,000 people were without electricity in his state and that the effects of the storm would still be felt after the snowfall stopped.
“If you are without power, you should expect to be without power for a prolonged period of time,” CBS News quoted Governor Dannel P. Malloy as saying.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s house was one of the 600,000 suffering power cuts in the state.
West Milford, New Jersey, about 45 miles (70km) north-west of New York, saw 19 inches of snowfall, and Hillsboro, New Hampshire, saw 21.5 inches.
In New York City, a new record for October snowfall was set when 1.3 inches fell in Central Park.
Most of the Occupy Wall Street protesters in New York’s Zuccotti Park saw out the storm.
On Sunday, passengers were stranded for more than seven hours on one JetBlue flight in Hartford, Connecticut.
On Saturday, flights were delayed at Newark airport in New Jersey, which was being lashed by heavy rains and winds.
Amtrak reported massive disruption to train services, including a 13-hour delay for passengers on one train in central Massachusetts.
High pressure over south-eastern Canada had fed cold air south and into moisture from the North Carolina coast.
In New England it is usual for measurable snow to fall in early December.
National Weather Service meteorologist Bill Simpson said temperatures could return to normal by the middle of next week.
Danica May Camacho, born in Philippines last night, has been recognized by United Nations as one of the world’s symbolic “seven billionth” babies, presenting her with a special cake.
United Nations say Seven Billion Day – October 31 – is the date when the world’s population reaches landmark number.
The Philippines, which is ranked 12th as the most populated country in the world, joined the rest of the world as it welcomed its symbolic seven billionth baby in a simple ceremony at the hospital.
Danica May Camacho was born two minutes before midnight and arrived to a celebratory cheer at the packed Government-run Jose Fabella Hospital in Manila.
Weighing 5lbs 5oz (2,5 kg), Danica May Camacho was delivered amid an explosion of media flash bulbs in the delivery room at Manila’s Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital.
Danica May Camacho, born in Philippines last night, has been recognized by United Nations as one of the world's symbolic "seven billionth" babies, presenting her with a special cake
Danica May Camacho’s mother, Camille Dalura said:
“She looks so lovely. I can’t believe she is the world’s seventh billion.”
Danica May Camacho is the second child for Camille and her partner Florante, who quietly stood in a corner wearing a white hospital gown as television crews and photographers crowded to get a shot of his daughter.
Camille, Florante and Danica May Camacho were met by top United Nations officials in the Philippines, who presented the child with a cake.
There were also gifts from local benefactors including a scholarship grant for the child’s study, and a livelihood package to enable the parents to start a general store.
Lorrize Mae Guevarra, 12, who was declared the world’s symbolic six billionth baby in 1999 and is now in the sixth grade, was also present at the event.
Lorrize Mae Guevarra said: “I am very happy to see this cute baby. I hope like me she will grow up to become healthy and well loved by everyone.”
Danica May Camacho is one of several in countries around the world being declared a symbolic seven billionth human.
The United Nations has declared October 31 as Seven Billion day – the date when the world’s population is estimated to reach seven billion.
It was hoped Danica May Camacho would arrive at exactly midnight, but she was delivered two minutes early.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the arrival of the world’s seven billionth baby also presented the Philippines with an opportunity to assess population related issues.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) State of the World Population Report, the Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world with 94.9 million people.
China continues to have the biggest share of the population at 1.35 billion, followed by India at 1.24 billion.
According to the report, in many parts of the developing world, where population growth outpaces economic growth, reproductive health care remains a crucial issue.
Ugochi Daniels, UNFPA representative said that while the Philippines population remains young, with people under 25 making up 54% of the total, they needed to be taught proper “life skills” and about sexual issues.
Ugochi Daniels said that while women were having fewer children globally, the overall population continued to go up.
“While our world of seven billion represents a complex picture of trends and paradoxes, there are some essential global truths we observe,” Ugochi Daniels said.
“Conversely, there is no one global population outlook.”
The UNFPA said 10% of Filipino girls aged 15 to 19 have started child bearing, with many of the young also increasingly vulnerable to HIV.
There is skepticism over the accuracy of the UN’s Seven Billion Day estimation, with critics saying there is no way of truly telling when the population of the human race hits the landmark.
In the past century, the world’s population has increased fourfold. And it has only been 12 years since the planet marked six billion people.
According to independent demographers, the United Nations has jumped the gun. Early 2013 is their best guess, but it could be as late as 2019 that the landmark is reached.
In 2011 consumers are starting their Christmas shopping earlier than ever, as Black Friday websites already launched their offers.
According to a new report, nearly 40% of holiday shoppers are already buying gifts, and some consumers have even finished their Christmas shopping.
Experts say frugal shoppers are cashing in at fall clearance sales and pre-holiday events.
However, anyone holding out for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals still stands to save.
In 2011 consumers are starting their Christmas shopping earlier than ever, as Black Friday websites already launched their offers
In 2010 the average consumer saved nearly 25% on Black Friday purchases.
Experts also said that it is easier than ever to find the retailer with the best deal. That’s because many Black Friday websites are already posting holiday hours and sale products.
“In 2009, we didn’t even launch what was then BlackFriday2009.com until November 2,” Brad Wilson, editor and chief of BlackFriday2011.com, told 9NEWS.
“So this year, we were two or three weeks ahead of that and it was primarily because retailers are getting so much farther ahead of it putting out ads and early Black Friday and early Cyber Monday sales. And then consumers, we have people on our Facebook page in September and October saying, <<Hey, when is this going to start? When is this going to start?>>”
TV and laptop deals under $200 are going to be hot on Black Friday 2011.
Brad Wilson predicts there are several items that are going to be hot this Black Friday.
The editor expects to see TV and laptop deals under $200. Brad Wilson also says tablet prices will fall this holiday season, due in large part to the release of the new, lower priced Amazon Kindle. And he says Digital SLR cameras will also come down in price as digital point and shoot cameras, a popular gift in years past, are made obsolete by smartphones.
Brad Wilson also expects a repeat of one of last year’s most popular promotions, $3 kitchen electrics.
If you need more information or tips on how to prepare for a Black Friday shopping trip, you can visit BlackFriday2011.com.
200 passengers aboard a JetBlue flight diverted because of the unusual October snowstorm were forced to wait on the grounded plane for more than 7 hours with no food, water or working bathrooms.
At this moment, federal authorities are investigating why passengers aboard JetBlue flight 504 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Newark, New Jersey, were kept on the tarmac in “disgusting” conditions for so long after being diverted to Bradley International Airport in Connecticut.
Many passengers called 911 after receiving little explanation and the ordeal was only ended when police and firefighters came on board to help a paraplegic man who had difficulty with the circulation in his legs.
People wanting to leave were then told they could do so at their own risk, as the unseasonally early snow continued to fall. Loud cheers greeted the announcement.
200 passengers aboard a JetBlue flight diverted because of the unusual October snowstorm were forced to wait on the grounded plane for more than 7 hours with no food, water or working bathrooms
The JetBlue flight had left Florida at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, and sat motionless on the Bradley runway from 01:30 p.m. to 09:00 p.m.
Andrew Carter, a football writer for the Sun Sentinel newspaper in Florida who was intending to cover today’s Miami Dolphins game against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands, was one of those left stranded, the Hartford Courant reported.
“Still on the plane. We haven’t moved. Now EWR closed. Getting ugly in here. People yelling wanting to get off,” Andrew Carter posted on Twitter just before 06:00 p.m.
“This is awful customer service,” Andrew Carter added to his followers.
“Still on the runway. Still blizzarding outside. Aren’t there rules about how long they can make people sit here?
“To answer questions we’re on Tarmac. No water. Bathrooms don’t work. Don’t know the reason why we’re stuck. It changes.
“Lady on board just broke down. Like that guy who cried in his cell at the beginning of Shawshank. Can someone sneak me in Rita Hayworth?”
While on the plane, Andrew Carter told the Hartford Courant via cell phone: “It’s been a long day. There’s been no real explanation as to why we’ve been sitting here for seven hours.
“We ran out of water. The bathrooms are all clogged up and disgusting. The power would go off every 45 minutes for five minutes or so, and that would freak people out. I’ve heard about these kind of stories.
“We’re close to the terminal. We can look out the window and see other planes.”
Andrew Carter said that while a few arguments popped up, passengers had mostly been well behaved.
Victoria Lucia, JetBlue spokeswoman said last night: “JetBlue is doing everything possible to ensure our customers affected by today’s unusual combination of weather and infrastructure issues are being well cared for.
“We apologize for the experience.”
The JetBlue flight was one of 23 aeroplanes diverted to Bradley Airport yesterday, according to Governor Dannel Malloy.
Connecticut was trying to move 1,000 cots to the airport late last night to help make stranded passengers comfortable, Governor Dannel Malloy said.
Diann Ford, a 22-year-old pregnant woman from San Marcos, Texas, was struck by a hit-and-run driver while walking home from work and gave birth to a healthy baby girl before she died.
According to San Marcos police, Diann Ford was returning from her job at Long John Silver’s late on Tuesday when she was hit by the car.
Diann Ford, who was 37 weeks pregnant, was taken to an Austin hospital that night, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
Diann Ford, 22, was struck by a hit-and-run driver while walking home from work and gave birth to a healthy baby girl before she died
The woman gave birth by cesarean section on Wednesday, October 26, and the girl was taken to the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit. Diann Ford died the next day.
Diann Ford’s boss, Kris Jaccard said she was excited about her future as a mother. The 22-year-old woman knew she was having a girl and had picked out a name.
Kris Jaccard described Diann Ford as a model employee who always showed up for work on time.
Diann Ford had started at the restaurant about six months ago as a cashier.
“She was a very friendly, very nice, very caring person,” Kris Jaccard told the San Antonio Express-News.
San Marcos police are still trying to find the driver of the car.
The police report said that Diann Ford was crossing the road at night where there wasn’t a cross walk and she was wearing dark-coloured clothing.
After a car struck her and the driver fled, Diann Ford was found by a passing motorist and she was conscious when emergency responders arrived at the scene.
National Grid reported this morning that 393,800 customers are currently without power in Massachusetts due to the snowstorm. Out of them, 4,000 are in Westborough town.
The early winter weather caused wet snow to fall on trees still heavy with leaves – causing falling branches and downed power lines. National Grid emergency, restoration and tree trimming crews are in the field working to restore power.
Debbie Drew, spokesperson for National Grid said:
“We’re going through the process to assess what we have in damage.” She said the process involves starting with repairing the main transmission system.
“The bulk supply is always first.”
“After that is repaired, individual customer power can be restored,” Debbie Drew said.
“Our main concern is safety. The snow, as you know, is like wet concrete.”
National Grid reported this morning that 393,800 customers are currently without power in Massachusetts due to the snowstorm
National Grid spokesperson warned that the snapping trees and downed wires can be dangerous. People should stay away from any downed wire as it could be live.
Debbie Drew said downed wires should be reported by calling 800-465-1212.
Officer Chip Dapolite of the Westborough Police Department echoed that concern.
“Please get the word out that people should not be driving,” Chip Dapolite said.
“Power lines are down all over the place. It may be sunny and beautiful, but please don’t drive.”
Throughout the storm, fire, police and DPW employees responded to reports of downed limbs, fallen trees and wires in the roadways.
At this time, Westborough officials continue to report live wires to electric companys crews.
Because of the high volume of downed wires, attempts are being made to prioritize dangerous situations.
On its website, NSTAR reports that 114,000 customers remain without power.
“While many of our customers will have power restored within the next 24 hours; due to the difficult driving conditions, downed trees and severe damage experienced on our system, we’re anticipating our power restoration effort will last into the work week.”
The unusual October snowstorm in North East US sent trees and branches crashing down on electrical wires and equipment across the states.
In Connecticut, all of the 149 cities and towns served by Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) were affected by the snowstorm.
It was reported that about 770,000 CL&P customers were without power earlier this morning due to the snowstorm, surpassing the peak number of outages caused by Tropical Storm Irene two months ago.
Jeff Butler, president and COO at CL&P said:
“This will not be a <<quick fix>>…this may take more than a week to restore all of our customers. There are reports of trees down practically everywhere.”
“To help with damage assessments, we’re using two helicopters. Our other priorities today are handling emergency situations and working in partnership with the towns to clear the blocked roads.”
About 770,000 CL&P customers were without power due to the snowstorm, surpassing the peak number of outages caused by Tropical Storm Irene two months ago
The snowstorm effects differ from Tropical Storm Irene’s in that the storm has caused significant damage to transmission lines, which are the lines that take power from electric generating plants and feeds it to the distribution grid that serves local homes and businesses.
CL&P is scheduling crews to work around the clock until restoration efforts are complete. During a multi-day restoration such as this, approximately 75% of crews will begin their shifts around 07:00 a.m. in order to maximize daylight hours and be most productive.
The remaining 25% of CL&P crews will begin their shifts around 03:00 p.m. and will work through the night.
“The safety of our employees, contractors and our customers is of our utmost concern and we want to make sure everyone working on this restoration has appropriate time to rest between shifts,” added Jeff Butler.
For their safety, CL&P also reminds customers to stay at least 10 feet away from all wires. Assume any downed, hanging or burning power lines are live and dangerous.
“If a power line falls on your vehicle while you’re inside, stay there. Don’t touch anything outside the vehicle and wait for emergency crews. Call 9-1-1 immediately with any emergency condition,” advised CL&P.
“To report outages or check the status of an outage, visit cl-p.com or call 800-286-2000. Our automated phone and online systems can rapidly process your report and help us speed restoration efforts. For helpful tips and news updates, go to our website at cl-p.com, follow us on Twitter @CTLightandPower and like us at Facebook.com/CTLightandPower. You can also get updates on outages in your town by texting “outage” and your zip code to 24612 (texting fees may apply),” CL&P also said.
CL&P has been part of everyday life in Connecticut for more than 100 years, providing safe and reliable electric service to homes, neighborhoods and businesses. With 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns, CL&P is improving the environments you live in, by offering programs in energy conservation, economic development and environmental stewardship. CL&P is a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE: NU). For more information, please visit www.cl-p.com , like us on Facebook at facebook.com/CTLightandPower and follow us on Twitter @CTLightandPower.
The Boy Scouts of America has been accused of covering up the abuses of Rick Turley, a paedophile who was repeatedly allowed back as a leader despite admitting to abusing boys in his care.
Police has recently released documents showing that Boy Scouts of America officials didn’t call authorities after Rick Turley admitted molesting three boys and welcomed him back as a leader even after he kidnapped a boy in a stolen plane.
Rick Turley, now 58, said he is surprised at how many times he got away with it.
An investigation has found that Rick Turley molested at least 15 children in Southern California and British Columbia over 20 years, most of whom he met through American and Canadian Scouting.
“It was easy,” Rick Turley told CBC News.
Rick Turley said that he thinks if the police had been called in 1979 when he confessed to abusing three boys it “probably would have put a stop to me years and years ago”.
Instead, Rick Turley “went back to the Scouts again and again as a leader and offended against the boys,” he told CBC News.
Rick Turley is one of more than 5,000 suspected child molesters named in confidential files kept by the Boy Scouts of America.
An investigation has found that Rick Turley molested at least 15 children in Southern California and British Columbia over 20 years, most of whom he met through American and Canadian Scouting
Boy Scouts of America had long recommended that troops kept abuse allegations a secret.
In Rick Turley’s earlier known sexual abuse in 1971, he met Joey Day, a 10-year-old boy while working as a truck driver on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Rick Turley offered to take Joey Day to cubs, but instead took him to a nearby lake where he coerced him into skinny dipping and molested him.
Over the next two years, instead of taking the boy to cub meetings, Rick Turley took him to his apartment where he plied the boy alcohol, showed him pornography and abused him.
When Joey Day tried to tell his father about the abuse, he was beaten.
In January 1975, Rick Turley visited a Scout troop in Orange County and asked Eddy Iris, an 11-year-old boy, if he could show him around, saying he was one of Canada’s top Scout leaders.
Rick Turley shared a sleeping bag with Eddy Iris in the mountains, before taking him to the airport where he stole a plane and after taking off reportedly told the boy: “You do realize you’ve been kidnapped, don’t you?”
When the plane ran out of fuel and made an emergency landing, Rick Turley was arrested and pleaded guilty to child stealing.
Rick Turley was committed to Patton State Hospital as a “mentally disordered sex offender”.
He was released after 18 months on probation and ordered to return to Canada, but he instead got a job at a Boy Scout camp close to the hospital and worked at camps in San Bernardino and San Diego counties for the next three summer.
By 1978, Rick Turley had become a programme director at a Scout Camp in San Diego County. He persuaded the leader of a troop to let his son and two other boys stay at the camp for an extra night.
When they went home they reported that they had been arrested. Rick Turley admitted the offences but officials decided not to report them to police.
Buford Hill, a former Orange County Scouting official told the LA Times:
“We were following exactly the national recommendations of the Boy Scouts of America and its board who set up the rules.”
“You do not want to broadcast to the entire population that these things happen. You take care of it quietly and make sure it never happens again.”
Rick Turley returned to British Columbia where he became a Scout Master again.
At least two Canadian Scout leaders reported that Rick Turley had boys share his tent on trips.
In the mid 1980s, Boy Scouts officials decided rather than calling police or forcing Rick Turley to step down that he should be transferred to another troop.
In 1995, Rick Turley was arrested when his girlfriend told police that he was sexually attracted to children.
Rick Turley was sentenced to 7 years in prison, reduced to 5 on appeal, after he was convicted of five counts of molesting children.
In 2000, while out on parole Rick Turley was caught trying to coerce two boys into a relationship and was sent back to prison for two years.
Rick Turley now says that he is able to control his behaviour.
When questioned by CBC News at a motel in Alberta where Rick Turley now works he said that “it’s hard to put a number” on how many boys he abused.
Asked if he had a son, would he send him to Scouts, Turley said: “No, it’s still going on and will probably always go on.”
A Boy Scouts of America spokesman told the LA Times: “The BSA has continued to enhance its youth protection efforts as society has increased its understanding of the dangers children face.”
Jackie Barden, the mother of a high school student who collapsed and died after a football game was only notified of her son’s death via Facebook.
The mother wasn’t told of her 16-year-old son Ridge’s death at a high school football match because she was not listed as an emergency contact.
Jackie Barden‘s ex-husband, whom she is not on “speaking terms” with and was the boy’s emergency contact, also did not tell her.
“On Facebook, on the news, that’s how I had to learn of my son’s death,”Jackie Barden told WSYR-TV.
Once the news had finally reached her, Jackie Barden says she was told the last opportunity to view her son’s body had passed.
Jackie Barden learned about her son Ridge's death via Facebook
By the time police became involved in the Ridge’s death on October 14th, they had assumed all of boy’s family had been notified.
Being divorced and not listed as an emergency contact for her son, only Ridge’s father who was listed as a contact was notified and he never told her.
Cortland County Coroner Kevin Sharp told WSYR-TV:
“If the people that are there are not forthcoming that there is an estranged spouse or a parent who they are not speaking to, and it doesn’t need to be a spouse, it can be a parent, child, sister, brother, anyone.”
“We don’t know who to contact.”
Police Chief Dan Mack says he regrets the assumption made on the family notification and that future steps will be taken so it doesn’t happen again.
“I would really hope that people just take a look and start realizing that things have to change so that no other parent would have to suffer and go through what I went through,” Jackie Barden said.
Jackie Barden’s son, Ridge collapsed on the field and he later died at the hospital. Autopsy results showed that the teenager died from blunt force trauma.
Speaking out to the other players on his varsity team and their opponent that night, Jackie Barden hopes any possible guilt or responsibility felt for his death will be dismissed.
“He just would not want those people to think that it was their fault,” Jackie Barden explained. “It was just an accident. Everything that Ridge did, he did with full gust. I’d say just take that attitude with you,” she insists.
Ridge’s father released a statement on the loss of his son, WSYR he was too emotional for an interview. “I have no words right now. My world has been devastated. But, I want to say thank-you to all of you who have written me and are sending your prayers to me. October 14th will go down as the worst day of my life. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you Ridge. I love you so much and cannot even grasp that you are not here,” he wrote.
Jackie Barden said: “It still is shocking. He’s with us and he’s gone.”
Qantas airline announced that 68,000 passengers were affected by its grounding of 108 aircraft in 22 cities worldwide due to the industrial action yesterday.
Australian airline also announced it would lock out staff involved in industrial action, after months of strikes.
As a result, the pilots union has threatened legal action against the move.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has called for an end to industrial action which has seen Qantas ground all its international and domestic flights.
Prime Minister said the government had applied to regulator Fair Work Australia, “the industrial umpire”, to try to get planes back in the air.
Julia Gillard also said she was concerned about damage that could be caused to the national economy.
“I believe Australians want to see this dispute settled. I want to see this dispute settled and we have taken the appropriate action to bring this before the industrial umpire,” the prime minister told a news conference from the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (Chogm) being held in the western Australian city of Perth.
68,000 Qantas passengers were affected by airline grounding of 108 aircraft in 22 cities worldwide due to the industrial action yesterday
It was reported that among thousands of stranded passengers were 17 world leaders attending the Commonwealth summit in Perth, but PM Julia Gillard said they had found alternative flights.
Fair Work Australia reconvened an emergency panel at 14:00 (03:00 GMT) on Sunday, after an earlier hearing was adjourned in the early hours of the morning.
Fair Work Australia can decide whether to order an end to industrial action by both unions and Qantas airline management.
Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO said his planes could be in the air again by late Sunday if the panel ordered a termination of all industrial action, but he warned an order to simply suspend it – as the unions were seeking – would not be good enough.
Qantas airline – the world’s 10th largest – has been hit by a series of costly strikes and other industrial action, which the company said was costing A$15 million ($16 million) a week.
It was reported that pilots have been engaged in protracted talks with management over wages, conditions and outsourcing of jobs to Asia, but they have yet to walk off the job – unlike baggage handlers, engineers and ground staff.
Captain Richard Woodward, the Australian International Pilots Association (AIPA) vice-president said work stoppages were not in their plans.
“Pilots have made it clear from the start that we would not take industrial action that disrupts passengers. We have stuck to that to this day,” Richard Woodward said.
“Alan Joyce, on the other hand, has opted to disrupt passengers in the most devastating way possible.
“Pilots have not been on strike and we are not seeking anything that would damage profitability.”
Captain Richard Woodward described Qantas’s action as “a cynical act of insanity”.
A statement by the Australian airline said all employees involved in industrial action would be locked out from Monday evening and flights grounded from 06:00 GMT on Saturday with aircraft currently in the air would complete their flights, but there would be no further departures.
Qantas airline also issued a statement on its Facebook page saying customers booked on its flights should not go to the airport until further notice. Qantas said a full refund would be available to those affected.
Relations between the unions and Qantas airline management started deteriorating in August after the company announced plans for restructuring and moving some operations to Asia.
Qantas airline has a 65% share of the domestic Australian market, but has been making heavy losses on its international flights.
It was reported that restructuring is expected to mean the loss of 1,000 jobs from its 35,000-strong workforce.
Three people died and more than 2.3 million homes have lost power as the US East Coast has been hit by an unusual early period snowstorm.
New York City has been hit by more than one inch of snowfall before Halloween for the first time ever – with experts predicting much more on the way.
It was reported that an 84-year-old man from Pennsylvania died when a tree crashed into his house in Temple on Saturday afternoon, while he was having a nap in his recliner chair. He was killed “instantly” according to police.
Another death was in Colchester Connecticut, according to Governor Dannel Malloy who warned that some parts of the state could expect as much as 18 inches of snow.
A third man in his 20s died in Springfield, Massachusetts, after he ignored police warnings and cross a barricade around a downed power line. The man was killed when he touched a metal guard rail that was charged.
October snowstorm killed 3 people and left 2.3 M houses without power on East Coast.
There are reports saying that some places in mid-Atlantic states saw more than half a foot of snow on Saturday and approximately 250,000 customers lost power in Pennsylvania and Maryland, requiring utility crews from Ohio and Kentucky to fix it.
More than 1,000 flights into or out of the United States were cancelled today, with New York particularly affected. JFK airport had around 230 called off by 5:00 p.m. local time.
New York City has been hit by more than one inch of snowfall before Halloween for the first time ever - with experts predicting much more on the way
According to meteorologists, about 60 million people will experience the rare October snowstorm, which should unleash heavy, wet snow and wind, causing fallen tree branches and potential travel chaos.
Halloween weekend looks set to see huge amounts of sleet and snow covering the North East, invariably causing power outages and travel chaos.
In New York City By, 1.3 inches of snow had fallen in Central Park by 2:00 p.m.; never before in October has an inch of snow fallen on a given day in New York City, AccuWeather reported.
AccuWather website reported 10 inches of snow in Ogletown, Pennsylvania, 9.5 inches in Frostburg, Maryland, and 8.5 inches in Lost River, West Virginia.
New York has received measurable snow before Halloween only three times since 1869 – and never more than one inch, as happened today.
Autumn Street in Lodi, New Jersey, where Governor Chris Christie called a state of emergency after the October snowstorm
The heaviest snow is forecast for later in the day on Sunday in the Massachusetts Berkshires, the Litchfield Hills in northwestern Connecticut, southwestern New Hampshire and the southern Green Mountains.
Chris Vaccaro, a NWS spokesman said:
“It’s going to be wet, sticky and gloppy. It’s not going to be a dry, fluffy snow.”
The snowstorm comes on a busy weekend for many along the Eastern Seaboard, with trick-or-treaters going door-to-door in search of Halloween booty, hunting season opening in some states and a full slate of college and pro football scheduled.
Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy warned residents that they could lose power due to the anticipated wet, heavy snow.
The heaviest snows are expected between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. this evening, although the temperatures could bring light snow throughout the night.
According to meteorologists, the storm is expected to come hard and fast, with the heaviest snow set for the Virginia and West Virginia border through eastern Pennsylvania and southeastern New York state, northwestern New Jersey, northern Connecticut, Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
Six inches of snow has already fallen in New England, where is also expected to be powerful winds which could be very dangerous – bringing down trees and power lines.
Temperatures in the 30s and 40s and wind chills in the 20s will make it feel like winter has truly arrived.
Forecasters at weather.com say the heaviest amounts of snow will fall in parts of Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, upstate New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
“Precipitation will start as rain in these locations, but may change over to snow. How quickly this occurs and how much snow falls is dependent on the availability of enough cold air, which is difficult to forecast early in the season.”
Occupy Wall Street protesters in New York City remained in their tents overnight despite snowstorm and low temperatures which plunged below 40 degrees F.
In the footage from thermal imaging cameras taken late on Friday night in New York, the presence of body heat from humans is represented by yellow and red inside the tents.
On Friday, NYC authorities took away the generators they were using to keep warm and power electronic devices.
According to an Occupy Wall Street spokesman, this was “a pretext to make the protest less sustainable and more difficult for us”. But authorities insisted they had to remove the equipment for safety reasons.
Occupy Wall Street protesters in New York City remained in their tents overnight despite the snowstorm and low temperatures which plunged below 40 degrees F
A blanket of cold air that brought the first flurries of the season to Colorado on Wednesday is continuing to spread south and east, bringing the lowest temperatures to the Northeast since spring.
The unusually early snow is bad news for those camping in city centres across the country, as critics speculate that the days of the Occupy movement may now be numbered.
In the footage from thermal imaging cameras taken late on Friday night in New York, the presence of body heat from humans is represented by yellow and red inside the tents
It was reported that several Occupy Denver protesters had to be taken to hospital on Thursday night to be treated for hypothermia.
Occupy Wall Street demonstrators have erected tents and tarpaulins over parts of Zuccotti Park in Lower Manhattan, but appeared to be failing in their battle to keep warm and dry.
It seems that authorities will welcome the dramatic weather forecast. Law enforcement officials in some cities such as Oakland, California, have cleared out protests.
NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg said there is little he can do about the New York protest until the owners of the park where the camp is located, Brookfield Office Properties, file a complaint.
Meteorologists said that temperatures will plummet with some areas of the north east such as Syracuse reaching lows of 27 at night. In major cities such as New York and Boston overnight temperatures will remain in the 30s.
Snow this heavy this early is highly unusual along and near I-95 in the Northeast. In Philadelphia, the average date for the first accumulating snow is December 18.
Volunteers are being vigilant and do nightly checks for signs of hypothermia among the faithful.
The cold weather will add to the Occupy movement’s existing problems. On Tuesday, police evicted activists in Oakland using used tear gas and stun grenades.
In New York mediation is under way between demonstrators and some of the movement’s musicians, who were drumming up to 10 hours a day.
Protesters staffing the camp’s kitchen, which Occupy Wall Street says feeds up to a 1,000 people daily, have downsized their menu to deter the homeless and freeloaders who have been taking advantage of the hospitality.
Workers at Everglades National Park, Florida captured and killed a 16-foot-long Burmese python, who was found to have a whole adult deer in its stomach.
The Burmese python, one of the biggest ever found in South Florida, had recently swallowed a doe the size of a child.
An autopsy was conducted at Everglades National Park by Skip Snow, a python specialist who said the reptile had a girth of 44 inches (112 cm) with the 5st 6lb (35 kg) deer inside its stomach.
Skip Snow told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel:
“This is clearly an extreme event.
“It shows you they can eat huge things.
“The Burmese python – an ambush predator – would have staked out a known deer trail, seized the animal in its sharp teeth, crushed it by coiling around it and then eaten the corpse.”
Workers at Everglades National Park, Florida captured and killed a 16-foot-long Burmese python, who was found to have a whole adult deer in its stomach
It is the first time a snake has been caught so soon after eating a deer, allowing biologists to see just how large their prey can be.
According to Scott Hardin, exotic species coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the capture of the snake was crucial to help prevent the spread of pythons further north.
“It’s pretty clearly one of the biggest snakes we’ve seen,” Scott Hardin said.
“We haven’t gotten anything longer than 16ft in the wild in Florida.”
The Burmese python, one of the biggest ever found in South Florida, had recently swallowed a doe the size of a child
Specialists said the population of Burmese pythons in the Everglades has grown over the past several years, after being bought by people in the area as exotic pets.
According to state and federal wildlife officials, the dangerous snakes have been set loose by owners after growing too big, or escaped from enclosures destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
specialists also said the pythons primarily eat smaller mammals and birds, but larger specimens are happy to munch on alligators, deer and hogs.
The 16-foot-long python was discovered by workers from South Florida Water Management District, who were removing non-native plants from a tree island.
The world’s largest captive snake is a 25 feet, 22st (140 kg) python called Medusa, who lives in Kansas City and is capable of killing and consuming animals that weigh as much as a healthy adult.
In 2010, scientists from Denmark used computer technology to look inside the organs of a python after it had swallowed a whole rat.
The scientists noted that it took 132 hours for the snake to fully digest the rat, with the snake’s intestine expanding and its heart rate increasing to help it break down its substantial food.
According to researchers, pythons often fast for months and then eat enormous meals, and are able to consume up to 50% of their own bodyweight.
The pythons have in recent years been documented eating cockatoos, frogs and even other snakes.
Ernesto Bustamante, a University of Idaho professor shot to death Katy Benoit, one of his students he had previously dated, and then committed suicide.
The 22-year-old student, Katy Benoit was killed by psychology professor Ernesto Bustamante in August, after she and other students warned the university that he had talked in class about shooting students and was having “sex orgies” with students.
It was reported that the University officials urged Katy Benoit to take safety precautions and go to police, but that they could not tell officers details of the allegations because of confidentiality.
According to the documents released today, a student evaluating Ernesto Bustamante last fall complained his teaching was erratic and that he had discussed shooting students.
Ernesto Bustamante, a University of Idaho professor shot to death Katy Benoit, one of his students he had previously dated, and then committed suicide
In December 2010, a complaint called into a university hotline accused Ernesto Bustamante of having sex with students and coercing one into having sex with him and others.
University of Idaho have defended their response to Katy Benoit’s complaint, saying they contacted Moscow police immediately after she came forward.
They told law enforcement that a student had been involved in a domestic violence issue but did not detail Katy Benoit’s allegations, including claims she was threatened with a gun.
Katy Benoit “did not want us to discuss the allegations in her complaint with police and we honored her wishes”, University of Idaho said in a statement.
Katy Benoit was killed by psychology professor Ernesto Bustamante in August, after she and other students warned the university that he had talked in class about shooting students and was having "sex orgies" with students
According to Idaho University spokeswoman Tania Thompson, Ernesto Bustamante first had a chance to respond to the complaint, which he was served in early July after university officials received permission from Katy Benoit.
“He, at that point, has a right to respond to those allegations,” Tania Thompson said.
Ernesto Bustamante denied Katy Benoit’s allegations and told administrators that they had a friendship that had dissolved after she stole prescription pills from him.
Katy Benoit later told university officials she “screwed up” the relationship by stealing the pills, but she was really scared after he threatened her with a gun.
Ernesto Bustamante resigned his position effective August 19, and three days later, police said he shot Katy Benoit nearly a dozen times outside her Moscow home.
Ernesto Bustamante committed suicide in a hotel room shortly after shooting Katy Benoit and was found with six guns and medications for bipolar disorder and severe anxiety, according to police.
Ernesto Bustamante, who had been known to alternately refer to himself as a “psychopathic killer” and “the beast”, disclosed he took medication for bipolar disorder shortly after he was hired in 2007.
As early as he started the first semester at the university, three or four students went to psychology department chairman Ken Locke to express concerns about professor’s behavior, saying he was “flirtatious” and showed favoritism to students.
Katy Benoit had met Ernesto Bustamante in the fall of 2010 when she took a psychology course he was teaching, and by the end of the semester, they were dating.
During student evaluations of Ernesto Bustamante that fall, another student complained about the professor’s behavior.
“He talked about shooting students, which was disturbing, and implied that he was [and we should be] drunk and high every other day,” said the student, who is not identified in the teaching evaluations.
University of Idaho acknowledged that certain items in the documents, including this student’s comment, were troublesome in hindsight.
“In this case, the department chair did discuss with Bustamante his concerns regarding comments he had received from students about his classroom behavior,” the university said in a statement.
In December 2010, Ernesto Bustamante met with administrators to discuss a complaint that an anonymous caller put into a university hotline, saying professor was having sexual relationships with students.
The call reported that one of these relationships had become mentally abusive and the student had been coerced by Ernesto Bustamante into having sex with other people.
“They have also gotten into sexual orgies,” the caller said, according to a copy of the hotline complaint.
The student at the center of the abuse allegations was not Katy Benoit and denied that Ernesto Bustamante had exhibited improper behavior, refusing to file a complaint against him.
Ernesto Bustamante denied any violations of university policy during a December meeting with university administrator.
The student’s name was not mentioned during the meeting, but she later informed administrators that Ernesto Bustamante had called her immediately afterward and warned her that the dean of the college might make inquiries regarding a sexual harassment complaint.
Katy Benoit’s relationship with Ernesto Bustamante ended in May, after he put a gun to her head a third time and told her how he would use it to kill her.
Ernesto Bustamante had informed the chairman of his department April 30 that was experiencing withdrawal symptoms due to a change in his medication.
On October 3, a judge ordered Ernesto Bustamante’s personnel records to be released.
Christine Hemming, wife of British Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming, has yesterday escaped a prison sentence for stealing her husband lover’s cat during a burglary.
Christine Hemming, 53, from the city’s suburb of Moseley, was last month convicted at Birmingham Crown Court of stealing the pet from the home of Emily Cox, the mistress of her husband.
The wife was spared a stringent punishment as she was given a nine-month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Christine Hemming, wife of British Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming, has yesterday escaped a prison sentence for stealing her husband lover's cat during a burglary
Christine Hemming was also ordered to complete 150 hours of community service and pay costs of £1,000 ($1,500) after she was seen on CCTV abducting four-month-old kitten Beauty.
MP John Hemming, from Birmingham, said last week that he did not think locking up his estranged wife would “be of any benefit to anyone”.
John Hemming, who is a MP for Yardley, said he supported the decision to arrest his wife over pet’s disappearance but did not want her jailed.
MP John Hemming and his mistress Emily Cox
CCTV footage of the incident, played to the jury at Christine Hemming’s trial, showed her crawling across Emily Cox’s garden at night and leaving through the back door with Beauty tucked beneath her arm.
Christine Hemming has previously accused her husband, with whom she has three children, of having “about 26 affairs”.
MP John Hemming said that the allegation was a “much-repeated myth”, although he admitted he was unfaithful before his wife walked out on him.
Christine Hemming told ITV News yesterday: “I’m not a criminal, yet I have a conviction.
“I did not deliberately take the cat. The whole process has been very unfortunate.
“Why I stepped in, I’ll never know. And then I tried to hide in the adjacent room, but when it’s cut and clipped [the CCTV footage] it looks terrible. Particularly when I left holding the cat.
“I think that the cat’s the victim.”
The stolen kitten Beauty
During her trial, Christine Hemming said that she had no recollection of taking the kitten, describing the incident as “a blur”.
Judge Elizabeth Fisher told Christine Hemming: “Emily Cox made it clear in her evidence that you had no permission to enter her house and that you would never be welcome in her home.
“The kitten has not been seen since the burglary offence. This inevitably would have caused a degree of upset to the victim and her young daughter.”
Judge Fisher added that she accepted Christine Hemming was “under considerable emotional pressure” in the period leading up to the burglary.
MP John Hemming said last week: “My wife took Emily’s kitten in September 2010 and, having initially kept it at her home, she then put it through a fence in Sparkhill about a mile from Emily’s house.
“I supported referring the theft of the kitten to the police because I felt it was necessary to stop my wife from feeling she was free to trespass in Emily’s garden at will.
“I was aware there would be media attention in the story but my priority was protecting Emily and our daughter from any potential further harm.”
An unseasonable snowstorm warning has been issued for US East Coast on Halloween weekend, with forecasts of up to 10 inches (25 cm) of early snowfall.
A winter storm warning has been issued by the US National Weather Service (NWS) starting with Saturday morning until Sunday.
The NWS also says travel conditions may be hazardous.
About 10,000 people in Pennsylvania, as well as in Maryland and West Virginia, are without power after heavy snow has begun falling across.
In October 1979, southern New England received a record 7.5 inches of snow.
A region of low pressure brewing off the mid-Atlantic coast is expected to produce heavy, wet snow as it moves north-east, according to the NWS.
A winter storm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service from Saturday morning to Sunday
The Massachusetts Berkshires, north-western Connecticut and southern New Hampshire could see the most snow.
Big coastal cities are set to be hit, forecasters say, with New York expecting four inches (10 cm) on Saturday, and Boston 3 inches.
Winds along East Coast could reach 45 mph (72km/h), further damaging powerlines, the NWS said.
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy has warned some residents could lose power, while NWS meteorologist Bill Simpson said the snowfall could break records.
Mountainous areas in Pennsylvania could see as much as six to 10 inches of snow while more than 6 inches of snow are predicted to fall in Maine on Saturday night.
“This is very, very unusual. It has all the look and feel of a classic mid-winter nor’easter. It’s going to be very dangerous,” John LaCorte, a NWS meteorologist in Pennsylvania told the Associated Press.
John LaCorte added that the last time Pennsylvania saw a major storm so early was in 1972.
In New England it is usual for measurable snow to fall in early December.
Six inches snowfall in Vermont on Friday morning
Meteorologist Bill Simpson said temperatures could return to normal by the middle of next week.
“This doesn’t mean our winter is going to be terrible. You can’t get any correlation from a two-day event,” Bill Simpson said.
