Three dead after major winter storm hits nation

Cnn.com is reporting that three people are dead following a major winter storm that has slammed into much of the United States. 

 The storm, which is expected to hit seventeen states from California to Michigan, claimed all three lives in weather-related traffic accidents.

The first two deaths occurred on Sunday in Northern California.  A 14-year-old boy was killed when the truck he was in skidded off the road, according to California Highway Patrol Spokeswoman Jeanie Hoatson. 

 A second person died when they lost control of their vehicle and hit a second vehicle, Hoatson said. 

 The third death occurred on Monday in Indiana, northwest of Indianapolis.  A man was involved in a weather-related crash and was struck by a semitrailer truck when he stepped out of his car, according to Indiana State Police.

In addition to the three deaths, numerous weather-related traffic accidents have been reported across the country.

 Forecasters warn that the worst is yet to come.  As the storm crosses the country it is expected to worsen.  Forecasters warn of bitter cold temperatures and possible power outages in the next few days. 

My take: We’ve been lucky to not experience a lot of winter weather, but it’s obviously coming in now and making up for lost time. I love snow but winter weather can be very frightening and it affects the majority of the country.  It’s going to be interesting to see if we have a bad winter despite the late coming of the snow.

Hearing for Penn Traffic Company set for Tuesday

Wsyr.com is reporting that the bankruptcy court hearing for popular P & C Supermarkets parent company, Penn Traffic Company, is set for Tuesday in Wilmington, Delaware. .

The Penn Traffic Company filed for bankruptcy on November 18, its third bankruptcy filing in ten years.  

The company has a debt of $63.2 million dollars, not including interest.

Penn Traffic Company is trying to sell all 79 of its supermarkets and warehouses. 

On Monday, the company reported they have one bidder who has given a guaranteed minimum price of $36.5 million for the company’s assets.  The bidder’s name has not been announced, but the company said they have been involved in “extensive negotiations” with the bidder.

Schenectady-based supermarket company, Price Chopper, has offered $12.3 million for four of Penn Traffic’s stores in the North Country.  Those stores are in Canton, Gouverneur, Massena, and Potsdam.

All sales are subject to court approval.  Penn Traffic is expected to ask the court to expedite the sale to Price Chopper, so that Penn Traffic has the money to keep its others stores open while seeking buyers for the remaining stores.

Penn Traffic has said they would to have all stores sold by January 4, 2010.

My Take: I think that this story is incredibly important and interesting and I have covered it once before – when they first announced bankruptcy.  P & C are the big supermarkets around here besides Wegmans. One of the most important things, especially to students, will be the fate of the P & C on South Campus.  Most students living in apartments on South rely on that P&C for groceries, and many students also work there.  It will greatly affect a lot of the student body if it closes.

Saturday Night Live in hot water

Tmz.com is reporting about a recent Saturday Night Live (SNL) skit that could land the show in some hot water. 

The show, which aired on December 5, featured a skit based on the most recent Tiger Woods drama – the rumor that Woods’ wife, Elin Nordegren, beat him after she found out about his infidelity.

The SNL skit featured Tiger Woods, played by cast member Kenan Thompson, and Nordegren, played by guest host Blake Lively.  The skit shows Thompson visibly beaten and knocked around - he even has a golf club through his head.  Throughout the skit, Thompson holds up signs suggesting that Lively has beaten him.

However, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence isn’t laughing about this skit. 

Rita Smith, the organization’s Executive Director, said that she was “horrifed that SNL made such a mockery of abuse.”

The studio audience laughed at the skit but Smith said that there is nothing funny about it.

“I hope that SNL refrains from using this kind of skit in the future, as it diminishes people’s support for victims of domestic violence.” Smith said.

Besides scolding SNL for the skit, the organization hasn’t taken any other action.

My Take: I’m a big fan of SNL, but this skit appalled me.  I found it tasteless and not at all funny. I’m disappointed with SNL, and obviously many others are as well.  I hope that they start picking some skits that are a bit more tasteful and respectful/appropriate.I think it's going to be interesting to see if there are any repercussions for this skit or if SNL will get away with it.