
Being Spooked by a Slippery Surprise
Imagine going about your regular grocery run, picking up broccoli, only to discover something that sends chills down your spine. That’s exactly what happened to Neville Linton, a 63-year-old man from the West Midlands of England. When he unzipped the bag of broccoli he bought from Aldi, he found himself face to face with a snake! As an ophidiophobic (someone with a fear of snakes), this was Linton’s worst nightmare come true.
A Tale of Courage and Quick Thinking
Thankfully, Linton’s relatives rushed to his aid and managed to take control of the snake before any harm was done. Linton’s sister, Ann-Marie Tenkanemin, immediately recognized the creature as a snake and together they safely transported it back to Aldi. Linton expressed his relief, stating, “It’s lucky I didn’t just leave the broccoli out in the kitchen, or it would have been loose in the house. That would have been a huge risk for us because we have two vulnerable people living here.”
The Impact on Fear and Family

Linton’s experience was not just alarming; it had the potential to be even more dangerous for his disabled son and mother-in-law. He believes that the compensation he received from Aldi was insufficient considering the potential risk to his family’s well-being. He expressed his concerns, stating, “The implications for us if it had [gotten] out in the house are huge. Plus, I’m phobic of snakes, so there’s the emotional impact of that, too.”
An Unusual Reptilian Encounter
So, what kind of snake was it exactly? According to expert opinions, it was initially identified as a juvenile ladder snake by a Dudley Zoo expert. However, herpetologist Dr. Steven J. R. Allain disagrees and asserts that it is, in fact, a harmless fish-eating species called a viperine water snake (Natrix maura). These snakes are found in southwestern Europe and northern Africa.
Demystifying the Fear
Here’s the reassuring news: neither the ladder snake nor the viperine water snake pose a significant threat to humans. They are not venomous and tend to avoid human interaction. In fact, they’re more interested in feasting on insects, birds, and even rodents. Dr. Allain hopes to dispel the fear surrounding these creatures, emphasizing their non-aggressive nature and their role in maintaining ecosystems.
Pamela Anderson Stuns at the Oscars Without Makeup and Sparks Criticism, «The Hair Is Tragic»
While everyone at the Oscars 2024 was dressed to the nines, Pamela Anderson broke the norms. The 56-year-old actress ditched makeup and wore only her smile as an accessory, alongside her son who she shares with Tommy Lee.
A yellow, floral dress that stole the show.

At 56, the celebrated actress and writer graced the event in a dress as radiant as the morning sun. Adorned with sparkling sequins and delicate, translucent details, her gown was a vision of floral elegance. Her son, 27-year-old Brandon Thomas Lee, was her date to the Vanity Fair Oscar event and he complemented her style with a timeless tuxedo, complete with a classic bow tie.
Pamela’s make-up free look was refreshing to the eyes.
Pamela’s decision to embrace a makeup-free look was supported by her golden locks that framed her face with effortless grace. This isn’t the first time Pamela has attended an event bare-faced, the actress actually made a decision to go makeup-free a few months back and has stayed true to her word so far.
Her look received mixed reactions.

While fans praised Pamela for her bravery, many were not super happy about her choice and her dress. «Make up free is cool, but why did she start dressing in tablecloths?» commented a person. «I commend her courage…but there is a time and place for everything and this just ain’t it,» added another. Several people also pointed out that not wearing makeup is one thing but she could have at least gotten her hair done, «gorgeous, but can she at least comb her hair!», expressed a fan. «…the hair is tragic,» added another.
Wondering what made her embrace the natural look instead of the usual glam she was famous for? Read the story here.
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