The Week by the Numbers: October 27-November 2, 2013
By Matt Phifer
2 Years – Amount of Time Served by Michael Jackson’s Former Doctor, Conrad Murray
Conrad Murray, who was sentenced to four years in jail for contributing to Michael Jackson’s death by prescribing him the powerful anesthetic propofal as a sleeping aid was released from jail after serving only about two years of his sentence. A change in California law allowed the duration of Murray’s incarceration to be decreased. Murray has appealed his conviction. His medical license has been revoked or suspended in three states.
6 Weeks – Extension to the Obamacare Sign-Up Deadline
The Obama administration announced that uninsured Americans will have six more weeks to sign up for Obamacare. That means that Americans will have to possess health insurance by March 31, 2014 or pay a tax for failing to be covered by health insurance. The administration admitted that it would be unfair to penalize people using the original deadline after the Healthcare.gov technical glitches that have caused problems for Americans trying to sign up for health insurance.
100 Feet – The Estimated Height of the Wave Ridden by Surfer Carlos Burle
On October 28th, Brazilian surfer Carlos Burle rode what some believe to be the largest wave ever ridden off the coast of Portugal. Burle rode a wave estimated by some to be over 100 feet. The current world record is held by Garrett McNamara, who rode a 100 foot wave off the Portuguese coast in January.
$59.7 Million – Total of Penn State’s Settlements with 26 of Jerry Sandusky’s Victims
On October 28th, Penn State University announced that it had reached settlements with 26 men who say they were sexually abused by former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. The total of the settlements paid will be $59.7 million. Sandusky is currently serving a 30 to 60-year sentence for abusing at least 10 boys.