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CNN Live Sunday

West Coast Getting Hit With Massive Storm; Western England Facing Floods; Interview with Ray Kurtzweil

Aired January 09, 2005 - 16:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Well, welcome to CNN SUNDAY.
This man you're about to see is being called a miracle man: 2 weeks under rubble with no food, no water. Satinder Bindra today with his story.

Hello and welcome to CNN LIVE SUNDAY. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. That and more after this check of the headlines.

New video today showing the enormity of the tsunami that hit Banda Aceh, Indonesia. More of that tape coming up.

The worldwide death toll has fluctuated. It now stands at more than 140,000.

Also, a new concern, health officials say measles has been detected in tsunami-hit areas.

In northwest England, people scramble to escape flood waters to escape heavy rains. The rains are part of a major storm lashing Northern Europe from Ireland to Russia. The storm has claimed the lives of 15 across Europe. Hundreds of thousands are without power.

The U.S. Navy says one of the 24 sailors injured in a nuclear submarine accident has died. The USS San Francisco ran aground yesterday during training exercises in the Western Pacific. The Navy says the sub sustained some damage to its exterior, but the reactor was not damaged.

Polls are closed in the historic Palestinian elections. Election officials report turnout at about 65 percent. Senator John Kerry is part of a U.S. delegation there. The former Democratic presidential candidate says he has high hopes the election will move the peace process forward.

And former President Jimmy Carter complained that initial chaos and confusion kept some Palestinians from casting their votes. International monitors say the problems were sorted out. CNN's Ben Wedeman reports from Gaza City.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At 83 years old, voting is no small feat for Sobha Farhan (ph), but she was up bright and early Sunday morning to cast her vote in Gaza's Gibalia refugee camp. I asked her what she wants from her candidate, front-runner Mahmoud Abbas.

We want our land back, she says. We want our children to prosper.

Like politicians everywhere, the candidates have promised far more than they may ever be able to deliver. But for one voter, an end to the violence is the key.

UNIDENTIIFED MALE: When we stop the Intifatah, we will be able to achieve all these. That's the point.

WEDEMAN: While others cast their ballots, 26-year-old Mahmoud Saleh stayed at work making kabobs. He had better things to do than vote in what he described as a useless election.

Nothing will change, he says. Gaza and the West Bank will never change.

Back at the voting station, frustration. This man went from place to place, trying to vote. He called the toll-free number set up to straighten out such problems. The line was busy.

Worker Mohammed Ibrahim voted early to avoid such problems and savor what he said was special.

I wish all Arabs had this kind of democracy, he says. They've been deprived all these years.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: In this country, it's a winter wonderland out west. Skiers are anxious to get on the slopes as well. Jason Bellini is in Heavenly Mountain in South Lake Tahoe, California.

JASON BELLINI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the skiers are on the slopes today. I just made my way up the mountain a little bit earlier. I'm going to show you a little bit of that video I just shot of skiers in the deep powder, certainly enjoying it, enjoying -- the mountains are open. And I'm told that all of the mountains in this area of South Lake Tahoe are now open. Many have been closed because of the very high winds, the avalanche danger and just because the roads have been closed leading to many of these mountains.

The snow has lightened up a bit in the last few hours. It's still very windy at the top of the mountain. Here at Heavenly, the top of the mountain is not open at this particular moment. The rest of the mountain is. As you can see, there are a lot of skiers here and snowborders walking right behind me at the moment.

I can also tell you that I talked to some people at the hotel I was staying in today. Many have been couped up in the hotel for the last several days waiting to go skiing, and today was the day they decided they'd go out, hoping the mountains would be open, and they are. Back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right, Jason Bellini, thanks so much. Well, it apparently takes a rare set of circumstances to drum up this kind of wild weather out west. Our meteorologist Jacqui Jeras is keeping an eye on the storm and apparently, jacqui, it's not over, is it?

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Oh, no, definitely not. We've got more than 24 hours to go, in fact, almost 48 hours to go before all is said and done. You talked about those unique circumstances. Well, we have two different things going on here across the west, and our satellite picture here depicts that very, very well.

Two things I want you to know. First of all, the big swirl up here into the Pacific Northwest. And then also, look at this swell of moisture, this big plume which is pushing in across Southern California.

This right now is mostly what's bringing in the very heavy, heavy rains. And this system is going to be diving southward to bring you yet another round.

So, here are features at the surface. And this one, the primary concern for today, this is bringing in more of a southwesterly flow, and so our biggest concern is going on it on the south facing mountains today across Southern California for that threat of the flash flooding in addition to possible mudslides and rockslides once again for today.

The rainfall amounts, in general, are going to be about maybe a quarter of an inch to a half of an inch per hour, but locally heavier rain can be expected. So, all of the flood watches and warnings do remain in place in a across much of Southern California.

And we also have some watches now which have been posted across Arizona. Your ground also rather saturated so anything on top of what you have, not looking good.

The system is going to make its way out of the Southwest, making its way through the Rockies and eventually making its way into the nation's mid sections.

Our forecast for tomorrow has everything kind of coming together. The low, which is way up here in the Pacific Northwest, making its way into Northern California. We'll watch the rain just start to increase into Northern California for today, while you've had -- tomorrow rather while you've had a break for today. And eventually, this will dip down to the Southwest, move into the plains states.

Now, take note of the temperature differentiation here. 27 in Minneapolis, 55 in Denver and look at the 70s across parts of the south. So, once the system comes into place, it provides a little oomph, a little bit of lift and a little bit of energy, we may see some very ugly weather across the plains states we think by the middle of the week, possibly severe -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Thanks a lot, Jacqui. Well, let's take a closer look now at a saturated California, particularly Southern California where the problem is rain. CNN's Miguel Marquez is tracking all of it for us from Los Angeles.

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka, this is about as saturated as it gets. We're in Santa Clarita, California. And this is normally a dry river behind us, or a creek behind us. And you can see, it's flowing quite strong today.

Two people got swept here earlier. I'm going to show you how quickly this thing is flowing by doing the old stick test, try to follow that downriver. It's flowing incredibly fast. Rain has been coming down here incredibly hard since Thursday. The National Weather Service saying this is the strongest pulse in the storm that started Thursday, since this storm began.

But the problem isn't just here, it's also down in Los Angeles. In the Hollywood Hills, today a frightening situation down there and a 5,000 square foot two-story house collapsed. Inside it was a father, 33-years-old, his son, 10-years-old, and his daughter, 5-years-old. All three escaped, walked out of it with only minor scrapes and injuries.

The 10-year-old had actually been buried up to his neck in mud. The fire department said because mud is 108 pounds per cubic foot that kid is lucky to be alive. A neighbor described what she saw.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My window was open and I hear this woman from this car oh, my God, oh my God (UNINTELLIGLBE). So, I ran in my pajamas to all of my neighbors, and we came and called 911 and that's what we saw.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MARQUEZ: Now back here at the Polynesian Deluxe Mobile Home Park in Santa Clarita, California, about 160 people had to be evacuated out of this place. It often floods when it rains, but not this bad.

Right up the creek from here is the Los Angeles National Forest. It's where the foothill fire was last year, and a lot of this runoff is due to the fact that you had fires in the area, and nothing is there to stop the water now.

The weather service saying that tomorrow night, Monday night, they expect yet another pulse to come through Southern California and that one is expected to be maybe as big as this current pulse.

This current pulse, they say, is going to last for several more hours. And then tomorrow night around midnight and into Tuesday we're expecting it all over again -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Not at all encouraging. All right. Thanks so much.

Well, the American West is not the only place experiencing weather woes. In parts of Britain, at least 3 people have died after torrential rains led to flooding there. The storm caused the River Eden to spill over its banks and flood the city of Carlisle.

And one man was swept away in the River Ayre, while another is believed to have been swept away in the River Findhorn.

Another powerful look at the tsunami coming up.

In addition to that, the amazing story of a man found buried alive under debris two weeks after the tsunami.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Two weeks after those devastating tsunamis hit, we have new video today showing the raging power and force of the fast- moving water as it hit Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Take a look at this.

Unbelievable view there. Despite that, there are some encouraging signs that life is beginning to return to at least some semblance of routine. Debris is being cleared away from this mosque as worshippers return to prayers.

Still, most emotional scars will take time to heal. Psychologists in Thailand say this is especially true among children, many of whom witnessed their entire families' and homes being swept away. ITN reporter, Shulie Ghosh has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHULIE GHOSH, ITN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Nearly two weeks on and residents in Thailand are trying to put their lives back together. It's National Children's Day here, a day of celebration. In Phuket, British volunteers have bought gifts for some of these young survivors.

REV. BRIAN BURTON, PHUKET CHRISTIAN CENTER: People say that time heals, but you can't replace your mom, you can't replace your dad. No one will be able to replace that, but what we can do is give them some other reason to live.

GHOSH (on camera): Every child here has lost someone, a family member, someone they knew, someone they loved. Many of them have also lost their homes. But today, for a few hours at least, they can put their sadness behind them.

(voice-over): But the psychological scars run deep. This little girl lost her mother. I asked if she could ever be happy again.

No, she said.

Gina is being cared for by her grandmother. Her mother is dead and their home has been destroyed. She's now terrified of water.

Thai psychologists are now working with this damaged generation.

DR. PORTIMON LOHSAKUN, PSYCHIATRIST: Some are in a situation in the tsunami and saw dead people, some they know them.

GHOSH: It's thought some 20,000 Thai children will need psychological help. While the physical evidence of the tsunami is being cleared away, the mental scars will last longer. Shulie Ghosh, ITV news, Phuket.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is touring the devastation. But on his visit to Sri Lanka, he did not go into the tsunami-stricken areas held by the Tamil rebels. The Sri Lankan government asked him not to. And despite that request, government officials say they're working well with the rebels in the aftermath of the disaster. Annan says he hopes his decision not to visit that area does not strain relations between the rebel group and the U.N.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Back now to one of our top stories, the deadly storms out west. In the California mountains, the snow is so deep, ski resorts are taking unusual steps to deal with it. Sean Callebs is in Tahoe City, California -- Sean.

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well Fredricka, you can just see how the snow has been building up here, just that wall back there, the amount of snow that's built up in this area since January 1. These guys, these private contractors are making a mint right now doing what they can to clean up the area.

A lot of people are trying to get out of this area today. But as we heard earlier in that news cast, a lot of people really enjoying the ski resorts right now.

Still with all of that this snow, there is great danger.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CALLEBS (voice-over): There are those who relish the ten-feet of snow that has buried the tahoe area.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it's the most we've seen in 15 years, something like that.

CALLEBS: But here, at Alpine Meadows, hours earlier, members of the ski patrol go through their morning safety briefing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: History has shown us that bad things happen here when we get as much snowfall as we've had over a short period of time.

CALLEBS: Ski patrol manager Jeff Goldstone says the risk comes in the form of an avalanche. Members of the ski patrol take explosives up the mountain to trigger blasts, reducing dangerous snow buildup into harmless powder, but it doesn't always work. JEFF GOLDSTONE, SKI PATROL MANAGER: Quite often, our winds here don't allow us to access the ridges, and during a prolonged storm period where we may have as much as ten feet of new snow up there we have to control that.

CALLEBS: That's when Alpine Meadows brings out the big gun, a World War II era Howitzer.

Alpine is one of only 14 ski areas in the country using artillery to reduce the threat of an avalanche. Until a year ago, this resort had a more modern weapon, but it's now being used to protect U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

BOB MOORE, U.S. FORESTRY SERVICE: Working with the Department of Defense, they found some weapons that the Marines had, and we had them rebuilt and we pressed them back into service.

GOLDSTONE: We got some avalanches. We is it not see really large slides, but I feel well because we have placed large amounts of explosives on suspect slopes.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CALLEBS: And here's part of the problem with the suspect slopes, the snow coming down now heavier, much more wet than the light snow yesterday. As the wind comes in, blows it out from underneath, carves it down and that's what causes the avalanche.

Now, we saw them fire the Howitzer 11 times today, and they're confident that that ski area is safe today. However, with all of the snow coming down tonight, tomorrow perhaps even the next day, they're certain they're going to pull out the big weapon again -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Folks being asked to be real cautious out there. All right. Sean Callebs in Tahoe City, California, thanks so much.

Here are some other stories making news across America now, underground explosions made a few folks rather nervous in downtown Indianapolis. One of three blasts yesterday occurred near the Indiana State House. Three people were injured and dozens of condominium residents were forced to evacuate. Officials suspect heavy rains may have caused underground utility lines to short circuit.

A new sink hole has opened up in Orange City, Florida 4 miles from where another hole caved in two weeks ago. The 110 foot diameter hole damaged two houses. No injuries have been reported.

And Paul Newman is said to be just fine after walking away from the burning race car he was testing at Daytona Beach. The 79-year-old actor was practicing yesterday for next month's Rolex 24 when his car engine caught fire.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is promoting a fresh new book outlining what he calls a new contract for America. There's speculation the firebrand Republican may ask voters in 2008 for a contract to run America. To Washington we go and CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider.

All right, Bill, well we haven't heard a whole lot about Newt in awhile. It's not like he's disappeared into obscurity, but now it seems like he's back in a big way with the promotion of his new book tomorrow.

BILL SCHNEIDER, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: He certainly is. And he's even floating his name as a possible candidate for president.

He says that's not very likely, but he's going try to influence the debate with this new book.

And the big surprise in this book is that he, a former Republican Speaker of the House, criticizes President Bush's policies in Iraq. He says he blames president -- first Paul Bremer, and then ultimately Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld and President Bush for setting up a U.S. controlled provisional authority instead of immediately starting an interim government in Iraq the way they did in Afghanistan. And he says it just isn't working. Not many Republicans are willing to take on the president's Iraq policy.

WHITFIELD: With this strong language in his book called "Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract With america" you have to wonder if he's alienated himself from the Republican party as a whole.

SCHNEIDER: Well, you can't bet on that. He still has a base among Republicans. He is one of the more interesting and certainly one of the more divisive figures in American politics. He's been out of office for 6 years. If he were to run for president, at least explore the waters, there would be a constituency out there that likes Newt Gingrich.

You got to remember something, 2008 will be the first elections since 1952 in which we're not going to have either an incumbent president or incumbent vice president on the ticket. So, that means it's more wide open than we've seen it in over half a century. And that's going to invite a lot of people to test the waters, one of whom may be Gingrich.

WHITFIELD: Are there folks inside the Beltway saying that, you know, all of this talk of 2008 is a little bit premature? I mean, we haven't even inaugurated President Bush yet for his second term.

SCHNEIDER: Well, it's never premature here in Washington.

I tell you something, there are an awful lot of people rubbing their hands with glee when they heard this news and saying, boy, oh, boy, we may finally get the race we've been playing for, Hillary Clinton running for the Democrats, Newt Gingrich for the Republicans. If that were to happen, I guarantee you, every hotel room in Canada would be booked for the day after the election by Americans who say I'm not going to remain in this country if the other party elects its president. WHITFIELD: But then there are other Republican names who've been tossed around, too, that I guess would give Newt Gingrich, if it were him, a run for his money. John McCain, Rudy Guiliani, are those names still being taken as seriously just as they would be for Newt?

SCHNEIDER: Every name is being taken seriously. From what I just said, the race is wide open. Dick Cheney is not expected to run for president, so that means anybody can run. Bill Frist is another name you hearing. It's wide nope both political parties, which makes it particularly exciting. And means the speculation begins before the inauguration.

WHITFIELD: Begins now. Open season. All right. Thanks so much, Bill Schneider in Washington.

President Bush issued a statement on the peace agreement signed today in Sudan. Let's go to Washington, back to Washington in front of the White House right now with Suzanne Malveaux -- Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well Fredricka, of course, good news: We know that Secretary of State Colin Powell is in the region. He is actually in Nairobi, Kenya. That is where he was participating. He was watching that peace accord being signed.

This of course relating to Southern Sudan. The government and the rebels of Southern Sudan finally coming to a peace agreement here, ending more than 20 years of civil strife in that country.

Of course, the big question here is whether or not this is going to have an impact on Western Sudan and the Darfur region. That is where Secretary Powell months ago said that they were engaging in genocide and said that he still believed that it was continuing.

The president releasing a statement saying, and I'm quoting here, "the comprehensive peace agreement should serve as an inspiration and model for both sides in their work towards negotiating a peaceful resolution of the Darfur conflict. I call the government of Sudan and all Darfur rebel groups to live up to their cease-fire commitments and to end atrocities."

So that is something, of course, the United States, United Nations, certainly hoping it will have some sort of impact on that really devastated area.

On another note, of course, Fredricka, we're looking at the successful elections of the Palestinian people. That is something the United States has been looking forward to as well. The results aren't in. We understand that about 65 percent of the results have come in, and about 66 percent of those votes are going to Mahmoud Abbas.

Now, certainly this would be a welcome change for the White House. They like Abbas. They believe that he has spoken out in the past against violence when it comes to the Palestinian uprise. They also believe that he is truly representative of the government. They have to be careful, however, not to appear too close to Abbas because they don't want to undermine his authority. And this is just one of the two critical elections that will be a key test for the Bush administration. As you know, just weeks to come they're looking at Iraqi elections to see how successful those will be as well -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: And Suzanne, the White House is considering the elections in the Palestinian area to be relatively successful, even though there are some numbers that show voter turnout only about 35 percent.

MALVEAUX: Well, they released a statement, the president saying, and I'm quoting here, we look forward to working with him, meaning the new Palestinian president, and the Palestinian people to address the challenges and to advance the cause of Middle East peace that's consistent with the president's vision.

He talked about 2 states: Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. This is something they certainly hope they can work with Abbas on or whoever this leader would be, presumably it would be Abbas. It is something that the White House did not believe was possible with the late Yasser Arafat.

WHITFIELD: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House, thanks so much.

A report out today says the Pentagon may send special forces to Iraq to develop Iraqi assassination groups. I'll talk with a retired general about the report coming up.

And then, why exercise may not be your only weapon in the fight against aging. One expert's theories on longevity coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIED: Welcome back. A quick look at the top stories. After staying open an extra two hours polls are closed in the Palestinian elections. Mahmoud Abbas is widely expected to be elected new Palestinian authority president.

Former presidential candidate, Senator John Kerry is observing the Palestinian elections, at least he did earlier when the polls were open. Earlier today, Kerry met with several Palestinian candidates. The Massachusetts senator says he hopes the election will move the peace process forward.

And U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan continued his tour of tsunami-stricken areas today. Annan visited Maldives Islands where 82 people died in the disaster. The new estimate of the death toll overall in the disaster stands at more than 140,000.

Response to the tsunami disaster has been overwhelming and quick, and while progress is definitely being made in the recovery process, there are still a few glitches out there. John King is in Banda Aceh, Indonesia with an update on how relief efforts are turning the tide of the disaster.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) JOHN KING, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Sunday morning the market bustling on the Aceh two weeks later. There is nothing normal here any more. But some streets are busy again. Mardia (ph) comes for salted fish, some chilis, watercress and with her groceries carries hope that from disaster will ultimately come better days.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (translator): Lets see what happens after these foreigners come, with the aid coming in, maybe it will become a greater city. There is so much help coming in.

KING: Coming in by the planeload. Though at the two-week mark, there is still significant problems delivering help to the devastated coastal areas to the west of Banda Aceh.

MARK BAK (ph), U.S. AID: There will be no road access to large portions of the coast. It will be by boat and helicopter.

KING: This line near the town center at times runs two hours. At the end, cheerful Australian troops and a cherished commodity drinking water. New video shows on Indonesian television shows the devastation as the tsunami hits Banda Aceh. Ritzi (ph) was on a bridge and saw it coming.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I run with my friend. I have eight friends. And I run, run. You don't think about. Don't think about -- just running.

KING: Two weeks later she still worries it could happen again.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can't explain. Trauma.

KING: When it comes to the daunting cleanup operation, there is heavy equipment and heavy equipment. These elephants off to their next job. A playful scene but a sanitation nightmare. A dirty irrigation canal used for bathing and laundry across from a roadside refugee camp. Zimo (ph) wants a new house but far from the water this time in case the wave comes back.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (translator): Lots of people say there will be but only Allah knows.

KING: She found her two children after three days but says others were taken away from Banda Aceh by the government and two weeks later their parents know nothing.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (translator): There is no information. They should return the kids to their parents. The poor parents, they are tired of looking.

KING: Look on the roadside and this is an all too familiar scene. Here, three women and a child found Sunday morning in an alley. Banda Aceh still counting its dead. Two horrible weeks later.

John King, CNN, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

(END VIDEOTAPE) WHITFIELD: New questions today about possible strategies to quell the continuing violence in Iraq, and something called the Salvador Option, a secret plan which dates back to the Reagan administration and tactics used to battle rebels in El Salvador. According to "Newsweek" magazine "one Pentagon proposal would send special forces teams, to target Sunni insurgents and their sympathizers even across the border into Syria." We are going to get some insights on this from our military analyst, retired Major General James "Spider" Marks in Washington. Good to see you Major.

MAJ. GEN. JAMES "SPIDER" MARKS, U.S. ARMY (RET): How are you?

WHITFIELD: Is this a real possibility or pipe dream?

MARKS: Well, I don't think it's a real possibility to see U.S. forces going across any borders. That's not going to happen and frankly, the article from "Newsweek" is news-worthy but it's not new.

WHITFIELD: But a real possibility to use specialty forces as death squads?

MARKS: I wouldn't characterize them as death squads, but U.S. special forces, both what we call acknowledged and unacknowledged operations are ongoing in Iraq right now and there's a great effort to train Iraqis to assist in that. Frankly, why wouldn't we want to do that? Look a lot of bad people have got to die if we're going to get a handle on this terrorism, and that's what's going to happen.

WHITFIELD: So if there's going to be a greater number of U.S. military forces that are to go into Iraq, outside of the total of 150 that were supposed to be in Iraq by the time of elections, would you see that special forces would be utilized in order to help weed out some of this insurgency, that is disrupting the upcoming election process thus far?

MARKS: Fredricka absolutely. The use of special operating forces is extant, in place right now. They're all over Iraq, and I would certainly an increase. I wouldn't call this a tipping point. I wouldn't necessarily say this is an acknowledgment, at this very moment that the insurgency is out of control and that the department of defense has to do something differently. The coalition forces have been employing special operation forces from the outset.

WHITFIELD: Well reportedly according to this "Newsweek" article, that this really does comes out of the concern of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who has in various ways and people around him have articulated that it appears as though the U.S. is on the defense and they're not winning against the insurgency, and so something new has got to take place, and that this perhaps is a solution.

MARKS: This is one of many solutions. There is no silver bullet, as we would all acknowledge, but how you increase the employment of special operating forces is clearly an assistance to what the ongoing operations are. WHITFIELD: An assistance, meaning perhaps special forces would be used to help train Iraqi forces or, as this article points out, perhaps Peshmerga fires or maybe even training some Kurd fighters.

MARKS: Sure, and I will tell you that is on going on right now. The department of defense is expanding the use of special operating forces in Iraq, as it is throughout the region. Again, that's not new, but it's newsworthy to put the spotlight on this capability that's certainly being employed.

WHITFIELD: Do you see how this plan could potentially backfire, however?

MARKS: I don't think it's going to backfire. Certainly could you have somebody get out of control and not represent themselves as professionally as they could, sure, that could happen, but that what is in place and what is being planned and what is being executed right now is a very clear effort to go after bad guys in Iraq and kill as many of those and their leaders as the coalition can.

WHITFIELD: And wouldn't a persistent problem still be identifying the insurgency, and if it's Peshmerga fighters or Kurdish fighters that would be used, perhaps even identifying them, and how would special forces or any other faction of the U.S. military know who to trust? Because that's already become, or it's become evident to be a major obstacle in training some Iraqi forces.

MARKS: Fredricka, you're going to see, and we have seen coalition forces working coincidentally with Iraqi forces, Peshmerga, Kurd forces. So certainly there is no better way to get intelligence on Iraqis than to get the assistance of Iraqis.

WHITFIELD: All right retired Major General James "Spider" Marks in Washington, thanks so much.

MARKS: Thanks Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Well perhaps you've thought about aging and slowing down the process. Then you'll want to hear what our next guest has to say. Straight ahead, why he says you can actually stop the aging process.

And then a day at the spa. It's not just for ladies, and CNN's Ali Velshi is proving that point in his latest adventure. You're watching CNN LIVE SUNDAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: People have been searching for the fountain of youth probably for as long as there have been, well, people. Now along comes a book called "Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever." Its authors say it's possible to delay the aging process and know the secret. Ray Kurtzweil co-wrote the book along with Terry Grossman and Ray joins us from Boston. Good to see you Ray.

RAY KURTZWEIL, CO-AUTHOR, "FANTASTIC VOYAGE: LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO LIVE FOREVER:" Glad to be here.

WHITFIELD: All right so apparently you are 56, but the aging test that you have taken say that your body really is 40. How did you do that?

KURTZWEIL: I haven't aged much really in 16 years, and really reprogramming my biochemistry through diet, lifestyle, aggressive supplementation by taking supplements that actually dramatically slow down the aging and disease process.

WHITFIELD: And you just don't take just a few supplements, I understand 250 a day?

KURTZWEIL: That's right. I mean 20 years ago, I was actually diagnosed with type II diabetes. I have a genetic predisposition to heart disease, and I've overcome these conditions with a supplement program and my lifestyle, and this program, which Dr. Grossman and I devised can keep us healthy in good shape until the full blossoming of the biotechnology revolution. Ten to 15 years from now we'll have very powerful new tools to really stop the aging process and keep us healthy much longer.

WHITFIELD: Well you make it sound really simple that it is as simple as just diet and exercise that will allow all of us to live longer, but if it is that simple, then why is it we need to delve into your book? It seems like your formula is a lot more extensive than that.

KURTZWEIL: I wouldn't say it's simple. The book is not a silver bullet. In fact, it's a customized program. We give you guidance to find out what your issues are. Do you have high levels of homocysteine? In that case, take follow folic acid and b vitamins. If you don't then you don't have to worry about that. Find out what your specific issues are through testing and develop a personalized program and we provide guidance to do that. It's not a simple program but it's quite feasible to do.

WHITFIELD: Let's talk about these revolutions that you spell out in your book. Number one, the biotechnology revolution, what do you mean?

KURTZWEIL: We're actually learning the information processes that underlie biology, and aging, and disease. We're learning the specific steps that lead up to heart disease, cancer, the different processes underlying aging. We already have the means to slow these down, and that can keep us in new shape until we have the tools to really enable us to change biology we're gaining means to change the expression of your genes. We will be able to turn off genes that cause disease and aging for example.

WHITFIELD: And then another type of revolution, the nano- technology revolution, something that would create what you call nano- robots that would be probing inside of your body to help clean up or better preserve your body?

KURTZWEIL: We call this a bridge to a bridge to a bridge. The last bridge is the nano-technology revolution, where we'll have nano- bots basically robots the size of blood cells that can go inside your body and actually keep you healthy from inside. And if that sounds futuristic We're actually doing experiments like this already in animals and in 2020, we'll really have nano-bots that can go in, destroy cancer cells, stuff like that.

WHITFIELD: Hence the title "Fantastic Voyage" "Fantastic Voyage, Live Long Enough to Live Forever." Ray Kurtzweil thanks for joining us from Boston.

KURTZWEIL: My pleasure.

WHITFIELD: What good is living forever if you don't pamper yourself every now and then? In the latest installment of Ali Velshi's adventures, Ali takes a look at the latest trend of day spas exclusively for men.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALI VELSHI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): How many blades can dance on the head of a razor? It's been on my mind since Schick introduced the four-blade Quattro in 2003. Gillette says there is no need for four blades, what you really need is its new battery operated m-3 power. It vibrates which Gillette says makes hair stand on end, resulting in a closer shave. Quattro versus m-3 power don't be fooled by the turbo charged language. The appeal is much more basic.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Most of the razor ads you see a guy shaving in the morning and attractive woman is coming up behind him feeling his face.

VELSHI: That sounds like fun. Let's see if I can get a closer shave. Last year, Boris and I compared Gillette's top selling Mach 3 turbo to Schick's Quattro. No discernible difference then. Now we'll shave half of my face with the four-blade Schick. The other half with Gillette's new m3p. I enjoyed the m3p's vibration but once again into real difference in the shave that Boris and I could feel.

Until someone comes out with the perfect blade we men have to spend our money somewhere. So from the bottom of my face to the top of my head and another so-called barber shop. I could do it at home but doing it here makes it smoother than a baby's bottom. While it's clearly manly to show up at an old style barber shop, edgy modern guy- only spas like this one pronounced Knick-el offer pampering pedicures and facials.

Now facials are the sort of thing that were reserved for women, or guys who were particularly fashionable. Now it is that sort of thing that more men are getting comfortable with. Less equally sensory is John Allen's Men's Club in Manhattan. Staffed mainly by attractive women. For $65 bucks you get a scalp massage, shoe shine, haircut and shampoo in the time it takes to eat lunch.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's about taking 40 minutes out of your month or out of every three weeks and say, you know, I just deserve this. VELSHI: Deserve it, maybe, but why does a guy really need a manicure?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ask any woman that had a guy touch her, and they're like oh! That's the answer, that's the reason.

VELSHI: Not that this needs any explanation, but if anyone asks me why I need a manicure, to so my hands look good when I'm playing pool. Ali Velshi, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And we'll return to the tsunami devastated region of south Asia in just a few minutes. Coming up a story of survival, and a story of hope. We'll introduce you to one 60-year-old man who is being called a miracle.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Among the many buildings destroyed in the tsunamis was the Samaritan Children's Home, an orphanage in Sri Lanka. Gary Nurembourg introduces us to an American family thousands of miles away making a difference.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello, hi.

GARY NUREMBOURG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): They came by the hundreds this weekend to a church fellowship hall in Gaithersburg, Maryland. They came with checks, personal checks.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We just felt we needed to do something for the kids.

NUREMBOURG: Checks from kids.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We'd like to give you $3,105.20.

NUREMBOURG: And checks from corporations like the Ford Motor Company, $70,000.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're just glad we could help.

NUREMBOURG: Help this man.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I knew that I had to act fast. There was no time to think.

NUREMBOURG: Daylon Sanders saw the tsunami racing toward the Samaritan Children's Home he found it on the coast of Sri Lanka and had only seconds to get two dozens orphans out of the way.

DAYLON SANDERS, FOUNDER: I just threw them over the fence.

NUREMBOURG: And loaded them into his small boat which powered its way to the top of the huge wave.

DAYLON SANDERS: The only safe place was on top of it.

NUREMBOURG: The courage gamble worked. The kids survived. The orphanage didn't.

DAYLON SANDERS: Every penny I saved I put in here. Twenty years of all my labor, just vanished in 20 seconds.

DYANA SANDERS, SISTER: I work with kids all the time and this orphanage is very close to my heart.

NUREMBOURG: She's Daylon's sister.

KAMALAW SANDERS, MOTHER: They are overwhelmed with joy.

NUREMBOURG: She's Daylon's mother. And she's Daylon's sister. They told CNN about Daylon and the world responded.

KAMYA SANDERS, SISTER: From the UK, from Switzerland.

NUREMBOURG: Kids in the families Maryland neighborhood have held bake sales. This land was made for you and me. And have song to raise money for a new orphanage estimated to cost $400,000. By Sunday morning the family had raised $220,000.

DYANA SANDERS: I think the children of Samaritan Children's Home are really lucky and blessed that we have such kind, generous people here. Thank you.

NUREMBOURG: Daylon's hope is for a new orphanage that will house more children, a hope kept alive by family and friends half a world away. Gary Nurembourg for CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And as incredible as it may seem a man in Galle, Sri Lanka has been pulled alive from the rubble two weeks after a tsunami flattened that city. CNN's Satinder Bindra has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SATINDER BINDRA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Meet the most pampered man in all of Sri Lanka as nurses fret and fuss over him 60- year-old Sirus Sanas has done nothing but snore since he was brought here by this rescue worker who found him in this tsunami-shattered neighborhood in the city of Galle. Do you think you are a hero?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, I do.

BINDRA: You think you have done good work for your country?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

BINDRA: Guruna (ph) tells me he and other workers cleared this area of tons of debris only on Saturday, that is when they got the shock of their lives. The man was found in this drain with only his head above water. He wasn't wearing any clothes, couldn't speak a word, and his rescuers say he was very weak, hungry, and cold. When he was pulled out of the water, Sirus Sana (ph) was so weak, his rescuer says he slumped to the ground, but all that matters then was he was alive.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Really happy, and this is a very good occasion in my lifetime. I will never forget this.

BINDRA: Nor can this entire country, desperate for even a sliver of good news in the face of so much suffering. Sri Lanka's media has been following Sirus Sana (ph) progress closely. Dozens of journalists watch as doctors treat him for malnourishment, dehydration, and a broken right wrist. He is also suffering from ammonia, a condition common to other tsunami survivors. The 60-year-old is now on a drip expected to make a complete recovery.

The only disappointing news? Nothing can shake him out of his slumber. He's also said very little, giving just his name and telling nurses he has one son and a daughter. Doctors are warning reporters not to jump to conclusions, saying his true story will only be known when he talks, but many Sri Lankans, including his rescuers, are already celebrating. Is this one of the happiest moments of your life?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

BINDRA: Tell me why it is the happiest?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In our lifetime, we must help the other peoples.

BINDRA: More help and hope is what Sri Lanka needs most. A country desperately praying for more stories like this man's. Satinder Bindra, CNN, Galle, southern Sri Lanka.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: That is going to do it for this hour. Up next, CNN's Hugh Riminton with a special report on life after the tsunami. He'll have the latest on relief efforts in that region.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired January 9, 2005 - 16:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Well, welcome to CNN SUNDAY.
This man you're about to see is being called a miracle man: 2 weeks under rubble with no food, no water. Satinder Bindra today with his story.

Hello and welcome to CNN LIVE SUNDAY. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. That and more after this check of the headlines.

New video today showing the enormity of the tsunami that hit Banda Aceh, Indonesia. More of that tape coming up.

The worldwide death toll has fluctuated. It now stands at more than 140,000.

Also, a new concern, health officials say measles has been detected in tsunami-hit areas.

In northwest England, people scramble to escape flood waters to escape heavy rains. The rains are part of a major storm lashing Northern Europe from Ireland to Russia. The storm has claimed the lives of 15 across Europe. Hundreds of thousands are without power.

The U.S. Navy says one of the 24 sailors injured in a nuclear submarine accident has died. The USS San Francisco ran aground yesterday during training exercises in the Western Pacific. The Navy says the sub sustained some damage to its exterior, but the reactor was not damaged.

Polls are closed in the historic Palestinian elections. Election officials report turnout at about 65 percent. Senator John Kerry is part of a U.S. delegation there. The former Democratic presidential candidate says he has high hopes the election will move the peace process forward.

And former President Jimmy Carter complained that initial chaos and confusion kept some Palestinians from casting their votes. International monitors say the problems were sorted out. CNN's Ben Wedeman reports from Gaza City.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At 83 years old, voting is no small feat for Sobha Farhan (ph), but she was up bright and early Sunday morning to cast her vote in Gaza's Gibalia refugee camp. I asked her what she wants from her candidate, front-runner Mahmoud Abbas.

We want our land back, she says. We want our children to prosper.

Like politicians everywhere, the candidates have promised far more than they may ever be able to deliver. But for one voter, an end to the violence is the key.

UNIDENTIIFED MALE: When we stop the Intifatah, we will be able to achieve all these. That's the point.

WEDEMAN: While others cast their ballots, 26-year-old Mahmoud Saleh stayed at work making kabobs. He had better things to do than vote in what he described as a useless election.

Nothing will change, he says. Gaza and the West Bank will never change.

Back at the voting station, frustration. This man went from place to place, trying to vote. He called the toll-free number set up to straighten out such problems. The line was busy.

Worker Mohammed Ibrahim voted early to avoid such problems and savor what he said was special.

I wish all Arabs had this kind of democracy, he says. They've been deprived all these years.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: In this country, it's a winter wonderland out west. Skiers are anxious to get on the slopes as well. Jason Bellini is in Heavenly Mountain in South Lake Tahoe, California.

JASON BELLINI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the skiers are on the slopes today. I just made my way up the mountain a little bit earlier. I'm going to show you a little bit of that video I just shot of skiers in the deep powder, certainly enjoying it, enjoying -- the mountains are open. And I'm told that all of the mountains in this area of South Lake Tahoe are now open. Many have been closed because of the very high winds, the avalanche danger and just because the roads have been closed leading to many of these mountains.

The snow has lightened up a bit in the last few hours. It's still very windy at the top of the mountain. Here at Heavenly, the top of the mountain is not open at this particular moment. The rest of the mountain is. As you can see, there are a lot of skiers here and snowborders walking right behind me at the moment.

I can also tell you that I talked to some people at the hotel I was staying in today. Many have been couped up in the hotel for the last several days waiting to go skiing, and today was the day they decided they'd go out, hoping the mountains would be open, and they are. Back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right, Jason Bellini, thanks so much. Well, it apparently takes a rare set of circumstances to drum up this kind of wild weather out west. Our meteorologist Jacqui Jeras is keeping an eye on the storm and apparently, jacqui, it's not over, is it?

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Oh, no, definitely not. We've got more than 24 hours to go, in fact, almost 48 hours to go before all is said and done. You talked about those unique circumstances. Well, we have two different things going on here across the west, and our satellite picture here depicts that very, very well.

Two things I want you to know. First of all, the big swirl up here into the Pacific Northwest. And then also, look at this swell of moisture, this big plume which is pushing in across Southern California.

This right now is mostly what's bringing in the very heavy, heavy rains. And this system is going to be diving southward to bring you yet another round.

So, here are features at the surface. And this one, the primary concern for today, this is bringing in more of a southwesterly flow, and so our biggest concern is going on it on the south facing mountains today across Southern California for that threat of the flash flooding in addition to possible mudslides and rockslides once again for today.

The rainfall amounts, in general, are going to be about maybe a quarter of an inch to a half of an inch per hour, but locally heavier rain can be expected. So, all of the flood watches and warnings do remain in place in a across much of Southern California.

And we also have some watches now which have been posted across Arizona. Your ground also rather saturated so anything on top of what you have, not looking good.

The system is going to make its way out of the Southwest, making its way through the Rockies and eventually making its way into the nation's mid sections.

Our forecast for tomorrow has everything kind of coming together. The low, which is way up here in the Pacific Northwest, making its way into Northern California. We'll watch the rain just start to increase into Northern California for today, while you've had -- tomorrow rather while you've had a break for today. And eventually, this will dip down to the Southwest, move into the plains states.

Now, take note of the temperature differentiation here. 27 in Minneapolis, 55 in Denver and look at the 70s across parts of the south. So, once the system comes into place, it provides a little oomph, a little bit of lift and a little bit of energy, we may see some very ugly weather across the plains states we think by the middle of the week, possibly severe -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Thanks a lot, Jacqui. Well, let's take a closer look now at a saturated California, particularly Southern California where the problem is rain. CNN's Miguel Marquez is tracking all of it for us from Los Angeles.

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka, this is about as saturated as it gets. We're in Santa Clarita, California. And this is normally a dry river behind us, or a creek behind us. And you can see, it's flowing quite strong today.

Two people got swept here earlier. I'm going to show you how quickly this thing is flowing by doing the old stick test, try to follow that downriver. It's flowing incredibly fast. Rain has been coming down here incredibly hard since Thursday. The National Weather Service saying this is the strongest pulse in the storm that started Thursday, since this storm began.

But the problem isn't just here, it's also down in Los Angeles. In the Hollywood Hills, today a frightening situation down there and a 5,000 square foot two-story house collapsed. Inside it was a father, 33-years-old, his son, 10-years-old, and his daughter, 5-years-old. All three escaped, walked out of it with only minor scrapes and injuries.

The 10-year-old had actually been buried up to his neck in mud. The fire department said because mud is 108 pounds per cubic foot that kid is lucky to be alive. A neighbor described what she saw.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My window was open and I hear this woman from this car oh, my God, oh my God (UNINTELLIGLBE). So, I ran in my pajamas to all of my neighbors, and we came and called 911 and that's what we saw.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MARQUEZ: Now back here at the Polynesian Deluxe Mobile Home Park in Santa Clarita, California, about 160 people had to be evacuated out of this place. It often floods when it rains, but not this bad.

Right up the creek from here is the Los Angeles National Forest. It's where the foothill fire was last year, and a lot of this runoff is due to the fact that you had fires in the area, and nothing is there to stop the water now.

The weather service saying that tomorrow night, Monday night, they expect yet another pulse to come through Southern California and that one is expected to be maybe as big as this current pulse.

This current pulse, they say, is going to last for several more hours. And then tomorrow night around midnight and into Tuesday we're expecting it all over again -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Not at all encouraging. All right. Thanks so much.

Well, the American West is not the only place experiencing weather woes. In parts of Britain, at least 3 people have died after torrential rains led to flooding there. The storm caused the River Eden to spill over its banks and flood the city of Carlisle.

And one man was swept away in the River Ayre, while another is believed to have been swept away in the River Findhorn.

Another powerful look at the tsunami coming up.

In addition to that, the amazing story of a man found buried alive under debris two weeks after the tsunami.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Two weeks after those devastating tsunamis hit, we have new video today showing the raging power and force of the fast- moving water as it hit Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Take a look at this.

Unbelievable view there. Despite that, there are some encouraging signs that life is beginning to return to at least some semblance of routine. Debris is being cleared away from this mosque as worshippers return to prayers.

Still, most emotional scars will take time to heal. Psychologists in Thailand say this is especially true among children, many of whom witnessed their entire families' and homes being swept away. ITN reporter, Shulie Ghosh has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHULIE GHOSH, ITN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Nearly two weeks on and residents in Thailand are trying to put their lives back together. It's National Children's Day here, a day of celebration. In Phuket, British volunteers have bought gifts for some of these young survivors.

REV. BRIAN BURTON, PHUKET CHRISTIAN CENTER: People say that time heals, but you can't replace your mom, you can't replace your dad. No one will be able to replace that, but what we can do is give them some other reason to live.

GHOSH (on camera): Every child here has lost someone, a family member, someone they knew, someone they loved. Many of them have also lost their homes. But today, for a few hours at least, they can put their sadness behind them.

(voice-over): But the psychological scars run deep. This little girl lost her mother. I asked if she could ever be happy again.

No, she said.

Gina is being cared for by her grandmother. Her mother is dead and their home has been destroyed. She's now terrified of water.

Thai psychologists are now working with this damaged generation.

DR. PORTIMON LOHSAKUN, PSYCHIATRIST: Some are in a situation in the tsunami and saw dead people, some they know them.

GHOSH: It's thought some 20,000 Thai children will need psychological help. While the physical evidence of the tsunami is being cleared away, the mental scars will last longer. Shulie Ghosh, ITV news, Phuket.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is touring the devastation. But on his visit to Sri Lanka, he did not go into the tsunami-stricken areas held by the Tamil rebels. The Sri Lankan government asked him not to. And despite that request, government officials say they're working well with the rebels in the aftermath of the disaster. Annan says he hopes his decision not to visit that area does not strain relations between the rebel group and the U.N.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Back now to one of our top stories, the deadly storms out west. In the California mountains, the snow is so deep, ski resorts are taking unusual steps to deal with it. Sean Callebs is in Tahoe City, California -- Sean.

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well Fredricka, you can just see how the snow has been building up here, just that wall back there, the amount of snow that's built up in this area since January 1. These guys, these private contractors are making a mint right now doing what they can to clean up the area.

A lot of people are trying to get out of this area today. But as we heard earlier in that news cast, a lot of people really enjoying the ski resorts right now.

Still with all of that this snow, there is great danger.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CALLEBS (voice-over): There are those who relish the ten-feet of snow that has buried the tahoe area.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it's the most we've seen in 15 years, something like that.

CALLEBS: But here, at Alpine Meadows, hours earlier, members of the ski patrol go through their morning safety briefing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: History has shown us that bad things happen here when we get as much snowfall as we've had over a short period of time.

CALLEBS: Ski patrol manager Jeff Goldstone says the risk comes in the form of an avalanche. Members of the ski patrol take explosives up the mountain to trigger blasts, reducing dangerous snow buildup into harmless powder, but it doesn't always work. JEFF GOLDSTONE, SKI PATROL MANAGER: Quite often, our winds here don't allow us to access the ridges, and during a prolonged storm period where we may have as much as ten feet of new snow up there we have to control that.

CALLEBS: That's when Alpine Meadows brings out the big gun, a World War II era Howitzer.

Alpine is one of only 14 ski areas in the country using artillery to reduce the threat of an avalanche. Until a year ago, this resort had a more modern weapon, but it's now being used to protect U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

BOB MOORE, U.S. FORESTRY SERVICE: Working with the Department of Defense, they found some weapons that the Marines had, and we had them rebuilt and we pressed them back into service.

GOLDSTONE: We got some avalanches. We is it not see really large slides, but I feel well because we have placed large amounts of explosives on suspect slopes.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CALLEBS: And here's part of the problem with the suspect slopes, the snow coming down now heavier, much more wet than the light snow yesterday. As the wind comes in, blows it out from underneath, carves it down and that's what causes the avalanche.

Now, we saw them fire the Howitzer 11 times today, and they're confident that that ski area is safe today. However, with all of the snow coming down tonight, tomorrow perhaps even the next day, they're certain they're going to pull out the big weapon again -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Folks being asked to be real cautious out there. All right. Sean Callebs in Tahoe City, California, thanks so much.

Here are some other stories making news across America now, underground explosions made a few folks rather nervous in downtown Indianapolis. One of three blasts yesterday occurred near the Indiana State House. Three people were injured and dozens of condominium residents were forced to evacuate. Officials suspect heavy rains may have caused underground utility lines to short circuit.

A new sink hole has opened up in Orange City, Florida 4 miles from where another hole caved in two weeks ago. The 110 foot diameter hole damaged two houses. No injuries have been reported.

And Paul Newman is said to be just fine after walking away from the burning race car he was testing at Daytona Beach. The 79-year-old actor was practicing yesterday for next month's Rolex 24 when his car engine caught fire.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is promoting a fresh new book outlining what he calls a new contract for America. There's speculation the firebrand Republican may ask voters in 2008 for a contract to run America. To Washington we go and CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider.

All right, Bill, well we haven't heard a whole lot about Newt in awhile. It's not like he's disappeared into obscurity, but now it seems like he's back in a big way with the promotion of his new book tomorrow.

BILL SCHNEIDER, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: He certainly is. And he's even floating his name as a possible candidate for president.

He says that's not very likely, but he's going try to influence the debate with this new book.

And the big surprise in this book is that he, a former Republican Speaker of the House, criticizes President Bush's policies in Iraq. He says he blames president -- first Paul Bremer, and then ultimately Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld and President Bush for setting up a U.S. controlled provisional authority instead of immediately starting an interim government in Iraq the way they did in Afghanistan. And he says it just isn't working. Not many Republicans are willing to take on the president's Iraq policy.

WHITFIELD: With this strong language in his book called "Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract With america" you have to wonder if he's alienated himself from the Republican party as a whole.

SCHNEIDER: Well, you can't bet on that. He still has a base among Republicans. He is one of the more interesting and certainly one of the more divisive figures in American politics. He's been out of office for 6 years. If he were to run for president, at least explore the waters, there would be a constituency out there that likes Newt Gingrich.

You got to remember something, 2008 will be the first elections since 1952 in which we're not going to have either an incumbent president or incumbent vice president on the ticket. So, that means it's more wide open than we've seen it in over half a century. And that's going to invite a lot of people to test the waters, one of whom may be Gingrich.

WHITFIELD: Are there folks inside the Beltway saying that, you know, all of this talk of 2008 is a little bit premature? I mean, we haven't even inaugurated President Bush yet for his second term.

SCHNEIDER: Well, it's never premature here in Washington.

I tell you something, there are an awful lot of people rubbing their hands with glee when they heard this news and saying, boy, oh, boy, we may finally get the race we've been playing for, Hillary Clinton running for the Democrats, Newt Gingrich for the Republicans. If that were to happen, I guarantee you, every hotel room in Canada would be booked for the day after the election by Americans who say I'm not going to remain in this country if the other party elects its president. WHITFIELD: But then there are other Republican names who've been tossed around, too, that I guess would give Newt Gingrich, if it were him, a run for his money. John McCain, Rudy Guiliani, are those names still being taken as seriously just as they would be for Newt?

SCHNEIDER: Every name is being taken seriously. From what I just said, the race is wide open. Dick Cheney is not expected to run for president, so that means anybody can run. Bill Frist is another name you hearing. It's wide nope both political parties, which makes it particularly exciting. And means the speculation begins before the inauguration.

WHITFIELD: Begins now. Open season. All right. Thanks so much, Bill Schneider in Washington.

President Bush issued a statement on the peace agreement signed today in Sudan. Let's go to Washington, back to Washington in front of the White House right now with Suzanne Malveaux -- Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well Fredricka, of course, good news: We know that Secretary of State Colin Powell is in the region. He is actually in Nairobi, Kenya. That is where he was participating. He was watching that peace accord being signed.

This of course relating to Southern Sudan. The government and the rebels of Southern Sudan finally coming to a peace agreement here, ending more than 20 years of civil strife in that country.

Of course, the big question here is whether or not this is going to have an impact on Western Sudan and the Darfur region. That is where Secretary Powell months ago said that they were engaging in genocide and said that he still believed that it was continuing.

The president releasing a statement saying, and I'm quoting here, "the comprehensive peace agreement should serve as an inspiration and model for both sides in their work towards negotiating a peaceful resolution of the Darfur conflict. I call the government of Sudan and all Darfur rebel groups to live up to their cease-fire commitments and to end atrocities."

So that is something, of course, the United States, United Nations, certainly hoping it will have some sort of impact on that really devastated area.

On another note, of course, Fredricka, we're looking at the successful elections of the Palestinian people. That is something the United States has been looking forward to as well. The results aren't in. We understand that about 65 percent of the results have come in, and about 66 percent of those votes are going to Mahmoud Abbas.

Now, certainly this would be a welcome change for the White House. They like Abbas. They believe that he has spoken out in the past against violence when it comes to the Palestinian uprise. They also believe that he is truly representative of the government. They have to be careful, however, not to appear too close to Abbas because they don't want to undermine his authority. And this is just one of the two critical elections that will be a key test for the Bush administration. As you know, just weeks to come they're looking at Iraqi elections to see how successful those will be as well -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: And Suzanne, the White House is considering the elections in the Palestinian area to be relatively successful, even though there are some numbers that show voter turnout only about 35 percent.

MALVEAUX: Well, they released a statement, the president saying, and I'm quoting here, we look forward to working with him, meaning the new Palestinian president, and the Palestinian people to address the challenges and to advance the cause of Middle East peace that's consistent with the president's vision.

He talked about 2 states: Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. This is something they certainly hope they can work with Abbas on or whoever this leader would be, presumably it would be Abbas. It is something that the White House did not believe was possible with the late Yasser Arafat.

WHITFIELD: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House, thanks so much.

A report out today says the Pentagon may send special forces to Iraq to develop Iraqi assassination groups. I'll talk with a retired general about the report coming up.

And then, why exercise may not be your only weapon in the fight against aging. One expert's theories on longevity coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIED: Welcome back. A quick look at the top stories. After staying open an extra two hours polls are closed in the Palestinian elections. Mahmoud Abbas is widely expected to be elected new Palestinian authority president.

Former presidential candidate, Senator John Kerry is observing the Palestinian elections, at least he did earlier when the polls were open. Earlier today, Kerry met with several Palestinian candidates. The Massachusetts senator says he hopes the election will move the peace process forward.

And U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan continued his tour of tsunami-stricken areas today. Annan visited Maldives Islands where 82 people died in the disaster. The new estimate of the death toll overall in the disaster stands at more than 140,000.

Response to the tsunami disaster has been overwhelming and quick, and while progress is definitely being made in the recovery process, there are still a few glitches out there. John King is in Banda Aceh, Indonesia with an update on how relief efforts are turning the tide of the disaster.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) JOHN KING, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Sunday morning the market bustling on the Aceh two weeks later. There is nothing normal here any more. But some streets are busy again. Mardia (ph) comes for salted fish, some chilis, watercress and with her groceries carries hope that from disaster will ultimately come better days.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (translator): Lets see what happens after these foreigners come, with the aid coming in, maybe it will become a greater city. There is so much help coming in.

KING: Coming in by the planeload. Though at the two-week mark, there is still significant problems delivering help to the devastated coastal areas to the west of Banda Aceh.

MARK BAK (ph), U.S. AID: There will be no road access to large portions of the coast. It will be by boat and helicopter.

KING: This line near the town center at times runs two hours. At the end, cheerful Australian troops and a cherished commodity drinking water. New video shows on Indonesian television shows the devastation as the tsunami hits Banda Aceh. Ritzi (ph) was on a bridge and saw it coming.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I run with my friend. I have eight friends. And I run, run. You don't think about. Don't think about -- just running.

KING: Two weeks later she still worries it could happen again.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can't explain. Trauma.

KING: When it comes to the daunting cleanup operation, there is heavy equipment and heavy equipment. These elephants off to their next job. A playful scene but a sanitation nightmare. A dirty irrigation canal used for bathing and laundry across from a roadside refugee camp. Zimo (ph) wants a new house but far from the water this time in case the wave comes back.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (translator): Lots of people say there will be but only Allah knows.

KING: She found her two children after three days but says others were taken away from Banda Aceh by the government and two weeks later their parents know nothing.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (translator): There is no information. They should return the kids to their parents. The poor parents, they are tired of looking.

KING: Look on the roadside and this is an all too familiar scene. Here, three women and a child found Sunday morning in an alley. Banda Aceh still counting its dead. Two horrible weeks later.

John King, CNN, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

(END VIDEOTAPE) WHITFIELD: New questions today about possible strategies to quell the continuing violence in Iraq, and something called the Salvador Option, a secret plan which dates back to the Reagan administration and tactics used to battle rebels in El Salvador. According to "Newsweek" magazine "one Pentagon proposal would send special forces teams, to target Sunni insurgents and their sympathizers even across the border into Syria." We are going to get some insights on this from our military analyst, retired Major General James "Spider" Marks in Washington. Good to see you Major.

MAJ. GEN. JAMES "SPIDER" MARKS, U.S. ARMY (RET): How are you?

WHITFIELD: Is this a real possibility or pipe dream?

MARKS: Well, I don't think it's a real possibility to see U.S. forces going across any borders. That's not going to happen and frankly, the article from "Newsweek" is news-worthy but it's not new.

WHITFIELD: But a real possibility to use specialty forces as death squads?

MARKS: I wouldn't characterize them as death squads, but U.S. special forces, both what we call acknowledged and unacknowledged operations are ongoing in Iraq right now and there's a great effort to train Iraqis to assist in that. Frankly, why wouldn't we want to do that? Look a lot of bad people have got to die if we're going to get a handle on this terrorism, and that's what's going to happen.

WHITFIELD: So if there's going to be a greater number of U.S. military forces that are to go into Iraq, outside of the total of 150 that were supposed to be in Iraq by the time of elections, would you see that special forces would be utilized in order to help weed out some of this insurgency, that is disrupting the upcoming election process thus far?

MARKS: Fredricka absolutely. The use of special operating forces is extant, in place right now. They're all over Iraq, and I would certainly an increase. I wouldn't call this a tipping point. I wouldn't necessarily say this is an acknowledgment, at this very moment that the insurgency is out of control and that the department of defense has to do something differently. The coalition forces have been employing special operation forces from the outset.

WHITFIELD: Well reportedly according to this "Newsweek" article, that this really does comes out of the concern of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who has in various ways and people around him have articulated that it appears as though the U.S. is on the defense and they're not winning against the insurgency, and so something new has got to take place, and that this perhaps is a solution.

MARKS: This is one of many solutions. There is no silver bullet, as we would all acknowledge, but how you increase the employment of special operating forces is clearly an assistance to what the ongoing operations are. WHITFIELD: An assistance, meaning perhaps special forces would be used to help train Iraqi forces or, as this article points out, perhaps Peshmerga fires or maybe even training some Kurd fighters.

MARKS: Sure, and I will tell you that is on going on right now. The department of defense is expanding the use of special operating forces in Iraq, as it is throughout the region. Again, that's not new, but it's newsworthy to put the spotlight on this capability that's certainly being employed.

WHITFIELD: Do you see how this plan could potentially backfire, however?

MARKS: I don't think it's going to backfire. Certainly could you have somebody get out of control and not represent themselves as professionally as they could, sure, that could happen, but that what is in place and what is being planned and what is being executed right now is a very clear effort to go after bad guys in Iraq and kill as many of those and their leaders as the coalition can.

WHITFIELD: And wouldn't a persistent problem still be identifying the insurgency, and if it's Peshmerga fighters or Kurdish fighters that would be used, perhaps even identifying them, and how would special forces or any other faction of the U.S. military know who to trust? Because that's already become, or it's become evident to be a major obstacle in training some Iraqi forces.

MARKS: Fredricka, you're going to see, and we have seen coalition forces working coincidentally with Iraqi forces, Peshmerga, Kurd forces. So certainly there is no better way to get intelligence on Iraqis than to get the assistance of Iraqis.

WHITFIELD: All right retired Major General James "Spider" Marks in Washington, thanks so much.

MARKS: Thanks Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Well perhaps you've thought about aging and slowing down the process. Then you'll want to hear what our next guest has to say. Straight ahead, why he says you can actually stop the aging process.

And then a day at the spa. It's not just for ladies, and CNN's Ali Velshi is proving that point in his latest adventure. You're watching CNN LIVE SUNDAY.

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WHITFIELD: People have been searching for the fountain of youth probably for as long as there have been, well, people. Now along comes a book called "Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever." Its authors say it's possible to delay the aging process and know the secret. Ray Kurtzweil co-wrote the book along with Terry Grossman and Ray joins us from Boston. Good to see you Ray.

RAY KURTZWEIL, CO-AUTHOR, "FANTASTIC VOYAGE: LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO LIVE FOREVER:" Glad to be here.

WHITFIELD: All right so apparently you are 56, but the aging test that you have taken say that your body really is 40. How did you do that?

KURTZWEIL: I haven't aged much really in 16 years, and really reprogramming my biochemistry through diet, lifestyle, aggressive supplementation by taking supplements that actually dramatically slow down the aging and disease process.

WHITFIELD: And you just don't take just a few supplements, I understand 250 a day?

KURTZWEIL: That's right. I mean 20 years ago, I was actually diagnosed with type II diabetes. I have a genetic predisposition to heart disease, and I've overcome these conditions with a supplement program and my lifestyle, and this program, which Dr. Grossman and I devised can keep us healthy in good shape until the full blossoming of the biotechnology revolution. Ten to 15 years from now we'll have very powerful new tools to really stop the aging process and keep us healthy much longer.

WHITFIELD: Well you make it sound really simple that it is as simple as just diet and exercise that will allow all of us to live longer, but if it is that simple, then why is it we need to delve into your book? It seems like your formula is a lot more extensive than that.

KURTZWEIL: I wouldn't say it's simple. The book is not a silver bullet. In fact, it's a customized program. We give you guidance to find out what your issues are. Do you have high levels of homocysteine? In that case, take follow folic acid and b vitamins. If you don't then you don't have to worry about that. Find out what your specific issues are through testing and develop a personalized program and we provide guidance to do that. It's not a simple program but it's quite feasible to do.

WHITFIELD: Let's talk about these revolutions that you spell out in your book. Number one, the biotechnology revolution, what do you mean?

KURTZWEIL: We're actually learning the information processes that underlie biology, and aging, and disease. We're learning the specific steps that lead up to heart disease, cancer, the different processes underlying aging. We already have the means to slow these down, and that can keep us in new shape until we have the tools to really enable us to change biology we're gaining means to change the expression of your genes. We will be able to turn off genes that cause disease and aging for example.

WHITFIELD: And then another type of revolution, the nano- technology revolution, something that would create what you call nano- robots that would be probing inside of your body to help clean up or better preserve your body?

KURTZWEIL: We call this a bridge to a bridge to a bridge. The last bridge is the nano-technology revolution, where we'll have nano- bots basically robots the size of blood cells that can go inside your body and actually keep you healthy from inside. And if that sounds futuristic We're actually doing experiments like this already in animals and in 2020, we'll really have nano-bots that can go in, destroy cancer cells, stuff like that.

WHITFIELD: Hence the title "Fantastic Voyage" "Fantastic Voyage, Live Long Enough to Live Forever." Ray Kurtzweil thanks for joining us from Boston.

KURTZWEIL: My pleasure.

WHITFIELD: What good is living forever if you don't pamper yourself every now and then? In the latest installment of Ali Velshi's adventures, Ali takes a look at the latest trend of day spas exclusively for men.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALI VELSHI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): How many blades can dance on the head of a razor? It's been on my mind since Schick introduced the four-blade Quattro in 2003. Gillette says there is no need for four blades, what you really need is its new battery operated m-3 power. It vibrates which Gillette says makes hair stand on end, resulting in a closer shave. Quattro versus m-3 power don't be fooled by the turbo charged language. The appeal is much more basic.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Most of the razor ads you see a guy shaving in the morning and attractive woman is coming up behind him feeling his face.

VELSHI: That sounds like fun. Let's see if I can get a closer shave. Last year, Boris and I compared Gillette's top selling Mach 3 turbo to Schick's Quattro. No discernible difference then. Now we'll shave half of my face with the four-blade Schick. The other half with Gillette's new m3p. I enjoyed the m3p's vibration but once again into real difference in the shave that Boris and I could feel.

Until someone comes out with the perfect blade we men have to spend our money somewhere. So from the bottom of my face to the top of my head and another so-called barber shop. I could do it at home but doing it here makes it smoother than a baby's bottom. While it's clearly manly to show up at an old style barber shop, edgy modern guy- only spas like this one pronounced Knick-el offer pampering pedicures and facials.

Now facials are the sort of thing that were reserved for women, or guys who were particularly fashionable. Now it is that sort of thing that more men are getting comfortable with. Less equally sensory is John Allen's Men's Club in Manhattan. Staffed mainly by attractive women. For $65 bucks you get a scalp massage, shoe shine, haircut and shampoo in the time it takes to eat lunch.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's about taking 40 minutes out of your month or out of every three weeks and say, you know, I just deserve this. VELSHI: Deserve it, maybe, but why does a guy really need a manicure?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ask any woman that had a guy touch her, and they're like oh! That's the answer, that's the reason.

VELSHI: Not that this needs any explanation, but if anyone asks me why I need a manicure, to so my hands look good when I'm playing pool. Ali Velshi, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And we'll return to the tsunami devastated region of south Asia in just a few minutes. Coming up a story of survival, and a story of hope. We'll introduce you to one 60-year-old man who is being called a miracle.

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WHITFIELD: Among the many buildings destroyed in the tsunamis was the Samaritan Children's Home, an orphanage in Sri Lanka. Gary Nurembourg introduces us to an American family thousands of miles away making a difference.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello, hi.

GARY NUREMBOURG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): They came by the hundreds this weekend to a church fellowship hall in Gaithersburg, Maryland. They came with checks, personal checks.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We just felt we needed to do something for the kids.

NUREMBOURG: Checks from kids.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We'd like to give you $3,105.20.

NUREMBOURG: And checks from corporations like the Ford Motor Company, $70,000.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're just glad we could help.

NUREMBOURG: Help this man.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I knew that I had to act fast. There was no time to think.

NUREMBOURG: Daylon Sanders saw the tsunami racing toward the Samaritan Children's Home he found it on the coast of Sri Lanka and had only seconds to get two dozens orphans out of the way.

DAYLON SANDERS, FOUNDER: I just threw them over the fence.

NUREMBOURG: And loaded them into his small boat which powered its way to the top of the huge wave.

DAYLON SANDERS: The only safe place was on top of it.

NUREMBOURG: The courage gamble worked. The kids survived. The orphanage didn't.

DAYLON SANDERS: Every penny I saved I put in here. Twenty years of all my labor, just vanished in 20 seconds.

DYANA SANDERS, SISTER: I work with kids all the time and this orphanage is very close to my heart.

NUREMBOURG: She's Daylon's sister.

KAMALAW SANDERS, MOTHER: They are overwhelmed with joy.

NUREMBOURG: She's Daylon's mother. And she's Daylon's sister. They told CNN about Daylon and the world responded.

KAMYA SANDERS, SISTER: From the UK, from Switzerland.

NUREMBOURG: Kids in the families Maryland neighborhood have held bake sales. This land was made for you and me. And have song to raise money for a new orphanage estimated to cost $400,000. By Sunday morning the family had raised $220,000.

DYANA SANDERS: I think the children of Samaritan Children's Home are really lucky and blessed that we have such kind, generous people here. Thank you.

NUREMBOURG: Daylon's hope is for a new orphanage that will house more children, a hope kept alive by family and friends half a world away. Gary Nurembourg for CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And as incredible as it may seem a man in Galle, Sri Lanka has been pulled alive from the rubble two weeks after a tsunami flattened that city. CNN's Satinder Bindra has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SATINDER BINDRA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Meet the most pampered man in all of Sri Lanka as nurses fret and fuss over him 60- year-old Sirus Sanas has done nothing but snore since he was brought here by this rescue worker who found him in this tsunami-shattered neighborhood in the city of Galle. Do you think you are a hero?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, I do.

BINDRA: You think you have done good work for your country?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

BINDRA: Guruna (ph) tells me he and other workers cleared this area of tons of debris only on Saturday, that is when they got the shock of their lives. The man was found in this drain with only his head above water. He wasn't wearing any clothes, couldn't speak a word, and his rescuers say he was very weak, hungry, and cold. When he was pulled out of the water, Sirus Sana (ph) was so weak, his rescuer says he slumped to the ground, but all that matters then was he was alive.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Really happy, and this is a very good occasion in my lifetime. I will never forget this.

BINDRA: Nor can this entire country, desperate for even a sliver of good news in the face of so much suffering. Sri Lanka's media has been following Sirus Sana (ph) progress closely. Dozens of journalists watch as doctors treat him for malnourishment, dehydration, and a broken right wrist. He is also suffering from ammonia, a condition common to other tsunami survivors. The 60-year-old is now on a drip expected to make a complete recovery.

The only disappointing news? Nothing can shake him out of his slumber. He's also said very little, giving just his name and telling nurses he has one son and a daughter. Doctors are warning reporters not to jump to conclusions, saying his true story will only be known when he talks, but many Sri Lankans, including his rescuers, are already celebrating. Is this one of the happiest moments of your life?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

BINDRA: Tell me why it is the happiest?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In our lifetime, we must help the other peoples.

BINDRA: More help and hope is what Sri Lanka needs most. A country desperately praying for more stories like this man's. Satinder Bindra, CNN, Galle, southern Sri Lanka.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: That is going to do it for this hour. Up next, CNN's Hugh Riminton with a special report on life after the tsunami. He'll have the latest on relief efforts in that region.

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