Van Der Spuy was riding for Team Jeep South Africa at Albert Falls Dam in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa when the accident occurred. In the video, his teammate, Travis Walker, warns him to “watch the buck” but an accident is unavoidable.
Former Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh, 40, died this weekend of a suspected drug overdose at his hotel in Chicago. The musician-turned-artist eerily predicted his death two weeks ago on Twitter.
On September 26, Welsh took to Twitter and wrote that he had dreamt his own death. Was his message a call for help?
A little bit later, Welsh updated his earlier message and changed the date of his death to this past weekend.
Welsh hailed from Burlington, Vermont and played with Weezer from 1998-2001 until he suffered a nervous breakdown. Following his musical career, Welsh devoted himself to painting and drawing.
He was supposed to attend a Weezer concert on Sunday night in Chicago. The band went ahead with the show and dedicated it to their former bandmate.
“A unique talent, a deeply loving friend and father, and a great artist is gone, but we will never forget him. His chapter in the weezer story (’98 – ’01) was vital, essential, wild, and amazing,” the band wrote on their website.
Legendary Apple co-founder and technological innovator Steve Jobs has passed away at the age of 56. He had waged a public battle against pancreatic cancer for the better part of a decade.
Jobs was a visionary who fundamentally changed the way people interact. The iPod, iPad and iPhone are just a couple of his inventions.
The company’s Board of Directors posted a short message online. “Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”
A statement from the Jobs family said tech visionary passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. “In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories. We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.”
Tributes poured in from around the world, including the White House. “Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it… The world has lost a visionary.”
Microsoft c0-founder Bill Gates offered his condolences to the family and paid tribute to his longtime rival. “The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.”
Google CEO and co-founder Larry Page said Jobs’ focus on the user experience influenced him as he launched the world’s greatest search engine. “I am very, very sad to hear the news about Steve. He was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance. He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it.”
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg wrote a short statement on his wall. “Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.”
Twitter CEO Dick Costolo paid tribute in a tweet. “Once in a rare while, somebody comes along who doesnt just raise the bar, they create an entirely new standard of measurement.”
Speaker of the House John Boehner used Twitter as well. “Steve Jobs changed the world for the better w/ his innovations & genius. R.I.P.”
Here’s a collection of celebrity reaction to the sad news.
Lastly, for those people who have not seen it, here’s Jobs addressing Stanford University in 2005. His speech is moving and well-worth a look.
It was a decision expected by most people but yet still unexpected. Former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin has decided, after months of buzz and speculation, not to run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination.
The news first broke on the radio show of conservative commentator Mark Levin. Here’s the full-text of her letter to supporters:
October 5, 2011
Wasilla, Alaska
After much prayer and serious consideration, I have decided that I will not be seeking the 2012 GOP nomination for President of the United States. As always, my family comes first and obviously Todd and I put great consideration into family life before making this decision. When we serve, we devote ourselves to God, family and country. My decision maintains this order.
My decision is based upon a review of what common sense Conservatives and Independents have accomplished, especially over the last year. I believe that at this time I can be more effective in a decisive role to help elect other true public servants to office – from the nation’s governors to Congressional seats and the Presidency. We need to continue to actively and aggressively help those who will stop the “fundamental transformation” of our nation and instead seek the restoration of our greatness, our goodness and our constitutional republic based on the rule of law.
From the bottom of my heart I thank those who have supported me and defended my record throughout the years, and encouraged me to run for President. Know that by working together we can bring this country back – and as I’ve always said, one doesn’t need a title to help do it.
I will continue driving the discussion for freedom and free markets, including in the race for President where our candidates must embrace immediate action toward energy independence through domestic resource developments of conventional energy sources, along with renewables. We must reduce tax burdens and onerous regulations that kill American industry, and our candidates must always push to minimize government to strengthen the economy and allow the private sector to create jobs.
Those will be our priorities so Americans can be confident that a smaller, smarter government that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people can better serve this most exceptional nation.
In the coming weeks I will help coordinate strategies to assist in replacing the President, re-taking the Senate, and maintaining the House.
Thank you again for all your support. Let’s unite to restore this country!
God bless America.
– Sarah Palin
Palin’s decision comes on the same day that Fox News chief Roger Ailes admitted to hiring her as a commentator because she is “hot and got ratings.” Back in September, 74 percent of conservatives said they hoped Palin would not run for the GOP nomination.
Well, here’s something you don’t see everyday on America’s version of “Dancing With the Stars” (Nancy Grace nipple slip not withstanding).
Cinthia Fernandez is appearing on the latest version of Argentina’s “Bailando por un Sueño.” In the most recent episode, Fernandez and her partner start off dancing in togas. In a short time, Fernandez removes her entire top, revealing her gold-painted breasts. The performance gets more raunchy until Fernandez’s partner finally rips off her g-string. She is completely naked.
The performance was a shock, even by Latin American standards. Also, her parents were in the audience. Wow. You can watch the performance on YouTube while it’s still up. It’s very clearly NSFW.