A surprising and unsettling incident occurred when Neville Linton, a 63-year-old man from West Midlands, England, discovered a snake in a bag of broccoli he had purchased from Aldi. This unexpected encounter left him frightened, particularly because he had a fear of snakes.
Linton, who works in industrial cleaning, immediately sought help from his relatives, who assisted in safely removing the snake from his kitchen. He expressed his relief that the snake hadn’t been left loose in the house, as it posed a risk to the vulnerable individuals living with him, including his disabled son and mother-in-law.
After identifying the snake, Linton and his sister, Ann-Marie Tenkanemin, 57, trapped it in a plastic container and returned it to Aldi. Although he received some compensation, Linton believes the situation should warrant more due to the potential risks it posed to his family and the emotional impact it had on him.
Aldi responded by stating that this was an isolated incident and that their supplier has robust processes in place to prevent such issues. They apologized to Mr. Linton for not meeting their usual high standards.
The snake found in the broccoli was identified as a young ladder snake, according to Linton’s son, Donovan, 41. Although they can look intimidating, ladder snakes are not venomous and are commonly found in various European regions. They primarily feed on rodents, birds, spiders, lizards, and insects, making them non-threatening to humans. The snake has been relocated to the Dudley Zoo.
However, herpetologist Dr. Steven J. R. Allain disagreed with the identification, suggesting that the snake was a viperine water snake, which is also non-dangerous to humans. He explained that these snakes do not bite humans as a defense mechanism and are considered non-venomous. He theorized that the snake likely ended up in the broccoli due to agricultural equipment scooping it up while it was moving through a field.
Allain emphasized the need to educate the public about these species to reduce fear and misunderstanding.
In 1965, Paul Harvey’s warning was broadcast: Today, it’s sadly come true
Paul Harvey, the news commentator and talk-radio pioneer whose staccato style made him one of the United States’ most familiar voices, reached more than 24 million listeners at the peak of his career.
Although he was very accurate on everything he had to say, no one could imagine that his famous words from 54 years ago would become the reality of today.
I read this today and thought how relevant it is.
The speech was broadcast by legendary ABC Radio commentator Paul Harvey on April 3, 1965.
He starts his ‘prophesy’ by saying: If I were the Devil… and then continues discussing issues that are these days ours to face.
EVERYBODY should listen to this. Sad to say but Paul Harvey was spot on 54 years ago.
”If I Were the Devil If I were the Prince of Darkness I would want to engulf the whole earth in darkness.
I’d have a third of its real estate and four-fifths of its population, but I would not be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree.
So I should set about however necessary, to take over the United States.
I would begin with a campaign of whispers.
With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whispers to you as I whispered to Eve, “Do as you please.”
To the young I would whisper “The Bible is a myth.” I would convince them that “man created God,” instead of the other way around. I would confide that “what is bad is good and what is good is square.”
In the ears of the young married I would whisper that work is debasing, that cocktail parties are good for you. I would caution them not to be “extreme” in religion, in patriotism, in moral conduct.
And the old I would teach to pray — to say after me — “Our father which are in Washington.”
Then I’d get organized.
I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull, uninteresting.
I’d threaten TV with dirtier movies, and vice-versa.
I’d infiltrate unions and urge more loafing, less work. Idle hands usually work for me.
I’d peddle narcotics to whom I could, I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction, I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.
If I were the Devil, I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions; let those run wild.
I’d designate an atheist to front for me before the highest courts and I’d get preachers to say, “She’s right.”
With flattery and promises of power I would get the courts to vote against God and in favor of pornography.
Thus I would evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, then from the Houses of Congress.
Then in his own churches I’d substitute psychology for religion and deify science.
If I were Satan I’d make the symbol of Easter an egg
And the symbol of Christmas a bottle.
If I were the Devil I’d take from those who have and give to those who wanted until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. Then my police state would force everybody back to work.
Then I would separate families, putting children in uniform, women in coal mines and objectors in slave-labor camps.
If I were Satan I’d just keep doing what I’m doing and the whole world go to hell as sure as the Devil”
I use to listen to Paul Harvey with my mom in the 70s. He is very accurate on everything he says. All the things he mentioned 54 years ago are exactly what’s going on NOW!
Incredible man, Incredible insight. Share this if you agree.
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