Peter Davi, a legendary big wave surfer, died on Tuesday after having lost his board surfing in an area notorious for its dangerous conditions. Davi died at the age of 45 doing the thing he loved most - surfing.
On Tuesday Davi had been surfing off the coast of Northern California near Pebble Beach in waters known to local surfers as "Ghost Tree." According to various accounts, Davi lost his board and attempted to swim back to shore through the swells. He was knocked unconscious, and his body was found floating in the water by local surfers mid-day on Tuesday. He was pronounced dead at 1:30pm PST.
Dangerously high surf charged by storms in the Pacific Northwest exhausted both surfers and rescuers, as 20-foot swells crashed off the Monterey Bay coastline on Tuesday. Not only did Davi lose his life, but dozens of other surfers were also forced from the water due to the inherently dangerous conditions.
The dangerous conditions brought out the biggest daredevils and experts to the waves, and even larger crowds to watch, but it also brought in extra State Park lifeguards, the city's marine rescue crew, firefighters, and paramedics. Nine lifeguards and firefighters were on the lookout for surfers in distress, watching from a cliff at the 2pm high tide. The National Weather Service cancelled the high-surf warning earlier this morning, however have extended a high-surf advisory until 4pm this afternoon.
Davi was on 60 to 70-foot waves when he lost his board, and ultimately died.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Anna Rawson, Golfer and Model Enters LPGA
The only athlete that is both a professional golfer and model, Australian Anna Rawson enters the highest platform of professional female golfers, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).
Rawson ended the Final Round of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament this past Sunday, carding three birdies, which made her first on the conditional status list of the LPGA.
"I am very excited to be apart of this elite and diverse group of athletes," said Rawson, "My continuous goal is to raise the profile of women's golf, and this new phase in my career will allow me to make more strides to do so."
Having already made a global impact on golf followers and drawn in many new fans to the sport, Rawson's experienced a flood of attention throughout the year due to her fashionable style on the course, from her signature wide-brim hats to Tom Ford Sunglasses.
The multi-talented 26 year-old had a very fruitful year from placing second at the Swiss Open on the Ladies European Tour to participating in major fashion photoshoots in a myriad of magazines all over the world, such as GQ Spain, Vogue Japan, Cosmopolitan Finland, and GQ UK.
She was also named "The Most Popular Golfer" on the Ladies European Tour by GOLF Weekly readers and earned the "Golf Babe of the Year 2007" award at Eindhovensche Golf in the Netherlands, before playing in the KLM Ladies Open.
As GQ writer Benjie Goodhart said about Rawson, "They say Tiger Woods made golf popular with people who previously felt excluded from the game. This player could make golf popular with people who hate golf."
ABOUT ANNA RAWSON
Anna has been a stellar golf talent since she was 13, as well as a much sought-after model. After winning the National Dolly Magazine Cover Girl Contest, Anna began her modeling career, making her a rarity in sports, with an impactful mix of femininity, raw athletic talent, and intelligence . Anna graduated from USC before turning pro in golf and is noted for her fashion on the golf course. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.
Rawson ended the Final Round of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament this past Sunday, carding three birdies, which made her first on the conditional status list of the LPGA.
"I am very excited to be apart of this elite and diverse group of athletes," said Rawson, "My continuous goal is to raise the profile of women's golf, and this new phase in my career will allow me to make more strides to do so."
Having already made a global impact on golf followers and drawn in many new fans to the sport, Rawson's experienced a flood of attention throughout the year due to her fashionable style on the course, from her signature wide-brim hats to Tom Ford Sunglasses.
The multi-talented 26 year-old had a very fruitful year from placing second at the Swiss Open on the Ladies European Tour to participating in major fashion photoshoots in a myriad of magazines all over the world, such as GQ Spain, Vogue Japan, Cosmopolitan Finland, and GQ UK.
She was also named "The Most Popular Golfer" on the Ladies European Tour by GOLF Weekly readers and earned the "Golf Babe of the Year 2007" award at Eindhovensche Golf in the Netherlands, before playing in the KLM Ladies Open.
As GQ writer Benjie Goodhart said about Rawson, "They say Tiger Woods made golf popular with people who previously felt excluded from the game. This player could make golf popular with people who hate golf."
ABOUT ANNA RAWSON
Anna has been a stellar golf talent since she was 13, as well as a much sought-after model. After winning the National Dolly Magazine Cover Girl Contest, Anna began her modeling career, making her a rarity in sports, with an impactful mix of femininity, raw athletic talent, and intelligence . Anna graduated from USC before turning pro in golf and is noted for her fashion on the golf course. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.
GE Microwave Oven Recall Information
A dangerous microwave recall out today, as General Electric admits the appliance poses a fire hazard in the kitchen.
The company is recalling 92,000 built-in combination wall and microwave ovens.
GE says there have been 35 reports of minor property damage and one incident in which a fire spread to nearby kitchen cabinets. No injuries have been reported.
The brand names affected are sold under the brand names GE, GE Profile, and Kenmore. It's believed the door switch can overheat and ignite.
If you have one of these microwaves, you can call GE (888) 240-2745
The company is recalling 92,000 built-in combination wall and microwave ovens.
GE says there have been 35 reports of minor property damage and one incident in which a fire spread to nearby kitchen cabinets. No injuries have been reported.
The brand names affected are sold under the brand names GE, GE Profile, and Kenmore. It's believed the door switch can overheat and ignite.
If you have one of these microwaves, you can call GE (888) 240-2745
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Karen Zerby of The Family International, Child Suicide Due To Cult Practices
The suicide of a young man and the murder he committed before he killed himself are being blamed on a cult led by his mother.
Ricky Rodriguez made this video before killing his former nanny and then taking his own life.
Also disturbing, former members who spoke to CNN say they witnessed Ricky Rodriguez having sex with his mother, Karen Zerby, the leader of the sect now known as "The Family International."
The sect's activities and history are detailed in a newly released book, "Jesus Freaks." The sect was founded in California in the 1960s by David Berg, who referred to himself as "Mo," short for Moses. Berg was a self-proclaimed prophet.
Former sect members tell CNN Berg encouraged adult-child sex. More often than not, they say, the chosen child was Rodriguez, the son of Karen Zerby, who Berg called his queen. Zerby became the leader of the sect when Berg died in 1994.
"Jesus Freaks" author Don Lattin says Berg "wanted his child to embrace sexuality, to be a sexual being as an infant and growing up."
Former members say Berg and Zerby wrote about their beliefs in papers distributed to members. It was Berg's how-to guide for raising sexual children. The Family International now says all "questionable publications were officially renounced and expunged between the late 1980s and early 1990s."
In Berg and Zerby's manifesto, Rodriguez was the main character.
Former member Davida Kelley told CNN, "I actually witnessed Karen Zerby having intercourse with her own son, Rick Rodriguez, at age 11." Kelley says she, too, had been abused by Berg, starting at age 5. "You were only required to have actual intimate intercourse with David Berg once you were, like, the mature age of, like, 12," she says sarcastically.
Berg was apparently so obsessed with sex he used it to expand his group around the world. Lattin says Berg sent women out to seduce men and lure them in to accept his gospel of Jesus. Lattin says Berg called the practice "Flirty Fishing."
CNN made several attempts to interview The Family International, but it refused. In a statement, the group acknowledged Berg taught sexual liberty without "instituting safeguards for the protection of minors." But it says that was corrected in 1986 and any infractions are an "excommunicable offense." The group also told CNN all of Davida Kelley's allegations are false and Zerby never abused her son.
Rodriguez, who escaped from "The Family International" in 2001, apparently was so deeply scarred that he was making plans to kill his mother. CNN has obtained a copy of a videotape he made two years ago, in which he warned, "She's gonna pay dearly, one way or the other," while brandishing a knife and loading guns at his kitchen table.
Within hours of finishing the tape, in January 2005, Rodriguez tracked down his childhood nanny, Angela Smith. Former member Kelley says "she was one of the many female adults that had intercourse with Rick Rodriguez."
In his first bloody act of revenge, Rodriguez murdered his nanny. He cut her throat and left her body in his Arizona apartment. But he was still on the hunt for his mother. Lattin says Rodriguez felt the need to take justice into his own hands because "most of the abuse was, like, 20 years ago, so the statute of limitations had expired. Most of it happened outside the U.S., so it's very difficult to prosecute."
A spokesman for the group told CNN its "policy for the protection of minors was adopted in 1986. We regret that prior to the adoption of this policy, cases occurred where minors were exposed to sexually inappropriate behavior between 1978 and 1986."
Some of those exposed to the alleged abuse may have chosen suicide to escape the pain. A Web site set up by people who grew up as children in the cult says at least 30 of them have committed suicide, though CNN has no way of verifying that.
Rodriguez became a part of that group. He failed to find his mother, something his wife says he couldn't live with. Elixcia Munumel remembers their last phone call: "He's like 'Baby, I love you.' He said, 'Come die with me.' "
Rodriguez died alone at age 29 in January 2005 on a deserted road, four years after he fled the sect. A single shot to the head ended the misery he fought so hard to escape. His mother is still the leader of the family. She has not been charged with a crime and lives in seclusion.
Ricky Rodriguez made this video before killing his former nanny and then taking his own life.
Also disturbing, former members who spoke to CNN say they witnessed Ricky Rodriguez having sex with his mother, Karen Zerby, the leader of the sect now known as "The Family International."
The sect's activities and history are detailed in a newly released book, "Jesus Freaks." The sect was founded in California in the 1960s by David Berg, who referred to himself as "Mo," short for Moses. Berg was a self-proclaimed prophet.
Former sect members tell CNN Berg encouraged adult-child sex. More often than not, they say, the chosen child was Rodriguez, the son of Karen Zerby, who Berg called his queen. Zerby became the leader of the sect when Berg died in 1994.
"Jesus Freaks" author Don Lattin says Berg "wanted his child to embrace sexuality, to be a sexual being as an infant and growing up."
Former members say Berg and Zerby wrote about their beliefs in papers distributed to members. It was Berg's how-to guide for raising sexual children. The Family International now says all "questionable publications were officially renounced and expunged between the late 1980s and early 1990s."
In Berg and Zerby's manifesto, Rodriguez was the main character.
Former member Davida Kelley told CNN, "I actually witnessed Karen Zerby having intercourse with her own son, Rick Rodriguez, at age 11." Kelley says she, too, had been abused by Berg, starting at age 5. "You were only required to have actual intimate intercourse with David Berg once you were, like, the mature age of, like, 12," she says sarcastically.
Berg was apparently so obsessed with sex he used it to expand his group around the world. Lattin says Berg sent women out to seduce men and lure them in to accept his gospel of Jesus. Lattin says Berg called the practice "Flirty Fishing."
CNN made several attempts to interview The Family International, but it refused. In a statement, the group acknowledged Berg taught sexual liberty without "instituting safeguards for the protection of minors." But it says that was corrected in 1986 and any infractions are an "excommunicable offense." The group also told CNN all of Davida Kelley's allegations are false and Zerby never abused her son.
Rodriguez, who escaped from "The Family International" in 2001, apparently was so deeply scarred that he was making plans to kill his mother. CNN has obtained a copy of a videotape he made two years ago, in which he warned, "She's gonna pay dearly, one way or the other," while brandishing a knife and loading guns at his kitchen table.
Within hours of finishing the tape, in January 2005, Rodriguez tracked down his childhood nanny, Angela Smith. Former member Kelley says "she was one of the many female adults that had intercourse with Rick Rodriguez."
In his first bloody act of revenge, Rodriguez murdered his nanny. He cut her throat and left her body in his Arizona apartment. But he was still on the hunt for his mother. Lattin says Rodriguez felt the need to take justice into his own hands because "most of the abuse was, like, 20 years ago, so the statute of limitations had expired. Most of it happened outside the U.S., so it's very difficult to prosecute."
A spokesman for the group told CNN its "policy for the protection of minors was adopted in 1986. We regret that prior to the adoption of this policy, cases occurred where minors were exposed to sexually inappropriate behavior between 1978 and 1986."
Some of those exposed to the alleged abuse may have chosen suicide to escape the pain. A Web site set up by people who grew up as children in the cult says at least 30 of them have committed suicide, though CNN has no way of verifying that.
Rodriguez became a part of that group. He failed to find his mother, something his wife says he couldn't live with. Elixcia Munumel remembers their last phone call: "He's like 'Baby, I love you.' He said, 'Come die with me.' "
Rodriguez died alone at age 29 in January 2005 on a deserted road, four years after he fled the sect. A single shot to the head ended the misery he fought so hard to escape. His mother is still the leader of the family. She has not been charged with a crime and lives in seclusion.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Nelson Chai Named CFO For Merrill Lynch
Chief Executive of Merrill Lynch, John Thain, in his first big move named Nelson Chai CFO. Mr. Chai was his former finance chief at NYSE.
Mr. Chai will start his new position new week.
The previous CFO Jeffrey Edwards will remain on with Merrill Lynch in a new executive position which is still unknown.
Most of these decision are directly related to management changes due to a reported almost $8 billion in credit costs only a few weeks after estimating them at $4.5 billion.
Former CEO Stan O'Neal was fired in November on the heels of many other Wall Street executive cuts due to the subprime mortgage debacle.
Thain expressed with confidence that Mr. Chai will be successful at Merrill Lynch.
Mr. Chai will start his new position new week.
The previous CFO Jeffrey Edwards will remain on with Merrill Lynch in a new executive position which is still unknown.
Most of these decision are directly related to management changes due to a reported almost $8 billion in credit costs only a few weeks after estimating them at $4.5 billion.
Former CEO Stan O'Neal was fired in November on the heels of many other Wall Street executive cuts due to the subprime mortgage debacle.
Thain expressed with confidence that Mr. Chai will be successful at Merrill Lynch.
Sean Taylor Funeral, The Loss of a Hero
There were a few who shed tears for the athlete. Some more for the classmate and neighbor. But all mourned the hero.
Thousands were at the wake and vigil on Sunday during a large funeral for the murdered NFL star.
On the other side of the state, four men were taken into custody for killing the Redskins playeril cells on the other side of the state.
"We lost one of our best. The whole community feels it," said Khary Pestaina a former neighbor. A freshman in highschool Josh Persad said, "He's like my hero."
Taylor's jersey bearing the number 26 along with a photo of him in his Hurricanes uniform were on display.
His father Pedro Taylor said that he believes Sean is in heaven with God now. The family huddled together in prayer trying to stick to their faith.
The four men charge were all denied bond. One of the attorneys, Sawyer Smith for defendant Jason Mitchell said, "He looks like he's in shock." The other defendants include Eric Rivera, Charles Wardlow, and Venjah Hunte. All 4 are under the age of 20 and have now been charged with unpremeditated murder, home invasion with a deadly weapon, and burglary. It is unknown when they will be brought to Miami for trial.
Two confessed to armed burglary, Mitchell and Rivera. They also said that someone had a gun which was used on Taylor, who was unidentified. Police have also indicated that other confessions were made but had no comment.
Thousands were at the wake and vigil on Sunday during a large funeral for the murdered NFL star.
On the other side of the state, four men were taken into custody for killing the Redskins playeril cells on the other side of the state.
"We lost one of our best. The whole community feels it," said Khary Pestaina a former neighbor. A freshman in highschool Josh Persad said, "He's like my hero."
Taylor's jersey bearing the number 26 along with a photo of him in his Hurricanes uniform were on display.
His father Pedro Taylor said that he believes Sean is in heaven with God now. The family huddled together in prayer trying to stick to their faith.
The four men charge were all denied bond. One of the attorneys, Sawyer Smith for defendant Jason Mitchell said, "He looks like he's in shock." The other defendants include Eric Rivera, Charles Wardlow, and Venjah Hunte. All 4 are under the age of 20 and have now been charged with unpremeditated murder, home invasion with a deadly weapon, and burglary. It is unknown when they will be brought to Miami for trial.
Two confessed to armed burglary, Mitchell and Rivera. They also said that someone had a gun which was used on Taylor, who was unidentified. Police have also indicated that other confessions were made but had no comment.
Poughkeepsie Tapes
According to Shock Til You Drop, The Poughkeepsie Tapes will be hitting our theatres in the first part of 2008. The film, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival on the 27th April 2007, sees a return to the Horror movies of yonder years.
This film is very much like Rosemary’s Baby, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, taking us back to the horror movies which seemed so real that you slept with one eye open for months after watching them.
The thing that makes this film totally different to the run of the mill horrors that have recently graced the silver screen is that it was shot in documentary style. This totally adds to the sheer horror and suspense. It’s a technique I find really exciting and provides a completely different viewing experience.
The film follows the story of the Water Street Butcher, a serial killer from Poughkeepsie for over ten years. The butcher’s slight mistake lead to SWAT team descending on his house only to find that the butcher was long gone. However, what the team found was just as horrific. A catalogued library of VHS tapes which he used to document his murderous career.
This film is very much like Rosemary’s Baby, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, taking us back to the horror movies which seemed so real that you slept with one eye open for months after watching them.
The thing that makes this film totally different to the run of the mill horrors that have recently graced the silver screen is that it was shot in documentary style. This totally adds to the sheer horror and suspense. It’s a technique I find really exciting and provides a completely different viewing experience.
The film follows the story of the Water Street Butcher, a serial killer from Poughkeepsie for over ten years. The butcher’s slight mistake lead to SWAT team descending on his house only to find that the butcher was long gone. However, what the team found was just as horrific. A catalogued library of VHS tapes which he used to document his murderous career.
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