25 Ogos 2011

Kapsul belon untuk pelancong lihat Bumi


KAPSUL yang bergerak ke lapisan stratosfera Bumi dengan belon.


BARCELONA - Sebuah syarikat Sepanyol mencipta sebuah kapsul yang akan membawa pelancong ke stratosfera Bumi dengan menggunakan belon helium pada 2013, lapor sebuah akhbar kelmarin.

Stratosfera berada pada ketinggian di antara 12 hingga 50 kilometer dari Bumi.

Syarikat Zero 2 Infinity itu mengenakan tambang sebanyak £90,000 (RM442,734) untuk setiap pelancong yang berada di dalam kapsul tersebut selama lima jam.

Para pelancong akan menikmati pemandangan Bumi. Kapsul tersebut direka supaya mereka boleh memakai baju-T semasa berada di dalamnya.


BENTUK kapsul yang akan dinaiki oleh pelancong.


Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Zero 2 Infinity, Jose Mariano Lopez-Urdiales berkata, dia mendapat idea untuk melaksanakan projek tersebut sepuluh tahun lalu.

Setakat ini tiga ujian sudah dilakukan pada jarak 32.18 kilometer dari bumi.

Para pelancong akan disajikan makanan semasa mereka berada di dalam kapsul itu. - Agensi

Nelayan tangkap ketam ganjil


RUPA bentuk ketam ganjil yang kini dipelihara di Akuarium Blue Reef, Southsea, Hampshire, Britain.


SOUTHSEA - Seorang nelayan menangkap seekor ketam ganjil yang wajahnya dikatakan mirip makhluk asing dalam filem Predator yang dibintangi pelakon Arnold Schwazenegger pada tahun 1980-an, lapor sebuah akhbar semalam.

Ketam itu kini ditempatkan di Akuarium Blue Reef di Southsea, Hampshire, Britain selepas haiwan tersebut diserahkan untuk dipamerkan baru-baru ini.

Haiwan tersebut turut dikenali sebagai ketam span dan ia boleh menyamar dan mengelak daripada dilihat menerusi pemandangan mata semasa haiwan tersebut berada di dasar laut.

Ketam itu akan dipamerkan kepada orang ramai selepas ia selesai dikuarantin. - Agensi

24 Ogos 2011

This port ain't big enough for the both of us

Even billionaires sometimes struggle to find space to park.

For Roman Abramovich, that moment came when he tried to moor his £1billion yacht Eclipse - the largest in the world at 557ft long.

The Russian tycoon was beaten to the only space in the harbour big enough to moor his giant vessel, Eclipse.

Chelsea battleship: Eclipse, the world's biggest yacht, owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, lies at anchor off the coast of Antibes, near Nice, south-eastern France

Chelsea battleship: Eclipse, the world's biggest yacht, owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, lies at anchor off the coast of Antibes, near Nice, south-eastern France

Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Alsaud - whose own yacht Kingdom KR5 is a mere 265ft long - took the coveted mooring in ‘Millionaire’s Quay’ in Antibes, in the French Riviera.

Prince Al-Waleed is the world’s 26th richest man with £12.3billion, according to Forbes magazine, while Mr Abramovich is 53rd with a fortune of £8.4billion.

Holiday on the Med: Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and girlfriend Dasha Zhukova

Holiday on the Med: Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and girlfriend Dasha Zhukova

The last space in Europe’s biggest yachting harbour simply wasn’t big enough for the two superyachts.

So the Chelsea FC owner was left with little option but to drop anchor several hundred feet out at sea - and then travel to his villa on the shore by motorboat.

Mr Abramovich’s crew had pleaded to be allowed to moor in the harbour, but were told it would be impossible to ‘squeeze Eclipse in’ as it was ‘far too big’.

‘Mr Abramovich has a villa in the town, and is, of course, always welcome to disembark with his family, but with a yacht this size it was not possible,’ a source at the port said yesterday.

‘Instead Eclipse had to be sailed out to sea and left there.’

Mr Abramovich, 41, who has six children with his first wife Irina and girlfriend Daria Zhukova, often uses his fleet of luxury boats to ferry his family up and down the Mediterranean.

But none has ever compared to Eclipse, which has two swimming pools, two helicopter pads, a dedicated disco hall, around 30 cabins, a mini-submarine, and even a missile defence system.

Inconvenient: Eclipse is too large to fit in next to all the other tycoons' boats moored in Antibes, said port authorities

Inconvenient: Eclipse is too large to fit in next to all the other tycoons' boats moored in Antibes, said port authorities

People carrier: Mr Abramovich often uses his fleet of yachts to ferry his family, including his six children, up and down the Mediterranean

People carrier: Mr Abramovich often uses his fleet of yachts to ferry his family, including his six children, up and down the Mediterranean

Luxury: Eclipse had an initial order cost of £300million, but this rose to nearly £1billion after all the fixtures and fittings Mr Abramovich wanted were added to the boat

Luxury: Eclipse had an initial order cost of £300million, but this rose to nearly £1billion after all the fixtures and fittings Mr Abramovich wanted were added to the boat

This port ain't big enough for the both of us: The super yacht of Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Alsaud was already moored in Antibes preventing Abramovich from parking his vessel

This port ain't big enough for the both of us: The super yacht of Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Alsaud was already moored in Antibes preventing Abramovich from parking his vessel

It also has armour-plating around Abramovich’s master suite, bullet-proof windows and a laser system designed to dazzle long-lens photographers.

Fabulous wealth: Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Alsaud

Fabulous wealth: Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Alsaud

When it was ordered the initial cost was estimated at around £330million, but by the time Mr Abramovich took delivery last year it was spiralling towards the £1billion mark because of the extra luxury fittings and security measures.

Prince Al-Waleed’s vessel, though smaller, has a fascinating history of its own.

The boat, which can carry 22 passengers and 31 crew, was built in 1980 and bought by Saudi billionaire, Adnan Khashoggi under the name Nabila.

It featured in the 1983 James Bond film Never Say Never Again – as ‘The Flying Saucer’ – owned by villain Maximilian Largo.

Its other owners have included Donald Trump, who named it the Trump Princess.

Prince Al-Waleed bought the yacht in 1991, and renamed it Kingdom 5KR after his investment company Kingdom Holdings, his lucky number 5 and the initials of two of his children.

The prince is the owner of the Savoy hotel in London, and his investment company plans to finance the construction of the world’s tallest building - the Kingdom Tower - in Saudi Arabia.

Antibes is the largest yachting harbour in Europe with more than 2,000 moorings - but only one spot big enough for Eclipse.

Mr Abramovich had applied to Antibes council three years ago to build his own pontoon at the villa, but the plans were rejected.

A spokesman for the Antibes International Yacht Club said: ‘The only space where it could fit is already taken, though there are plans to build another large berth in the coming coming years.’

Eclipse was built by the Blohm and Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, and delivered to Abramovich last December.

The oligarch also owns three other mega-yachts, the Pelorus (377ft), the Ecstasea (282ft) and the Sussurro (161ft).

Abramovich once lent the Pelorus to Chelsea footballers Frank Lampard and John Terry as a ‘bonus’ for playing well.

Annual running costs for his fleet are around £16million including full tanks of petrol at around £70,000 per yacht.

Ferrari 458 Spider

Ferrari 458 Spider 468x337 Ferrari 458 Spider

Ferrari officially released today the first images, together with all the details and a video of the new open-top, Ferrari 458 Spider.

The top is made from aluminium, achieving a 25 kilogram weight reduction over the previous system, and Ferrari says it can be raised or lowered in 14 seconds.

Power is supplied by the same 4.5 liter V8 unit from the 458 Italis coupe which delivers 570 PS (425 kW / 563 bhp) and 540 Nm of torque (398 lb-ft).

Ferrari 458 Spider photo 468x337 Ferrari 458 Spider

Ferrari claims a 0-to-62-mph time of 3.5 seconds, or a tenth of a second slower than the fixed-roof model, and a top speed of 198 mph.

The way the top is stowed has also freed up a storage compartment behind the seats – but removing the roof hasn’t harmed the 458’s striking appearance.

Ferrari 458 Spider picture 468x324 Ferrari 458 Spider

With the hood down, the main attraction is a pair of buttresses, allowing air to be channelled to the engine intakes and radiators.

Ferrari also includes an electrically adjustable wind deflector, which bosses claim allows occupants to have a normal conversation even at speeds of up to 124mph.

The Ferrari 458 Spider price list and exact “on sale” date will be announced later.

Cadillac Ciel Concept unveiled

Cadillac Ciel Picture 468x312 Cadillac Ciel Concept unveiled

Iconic American luxury auto brand Cadillac has unveiled its new hybrid concept, described as an “expression of Cadillac’s historical grandeur.”

The Ciel concept, which will be on show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, is a four-seat convertible powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, paired with hybrid drive.

Designed to fit in with the touring cars on display at Pebble Beach, the model is “about the romance of the drive,” says Cadillac-owner General Motors, featuring generous room for two couples across two rows.

The Cadillac Ciel 468x312 Cadillac Ciel Concept unveiled

Complete with rear-hinged rear doors, the Ciel concept is clearly trying to evoke a sense of the freedom and history of motoring through the great outdoors, with a polished aluminium windshield frame and vertical lights.

Cadillac Ciel inside 468x312 Cadillac Ciel Concept unveiled

Inside, the passenger space is characterized by Italian olive wood, machined aluminium and hand-tipped leather designed to add to the romance, with interior design manager Gael Buzyn likening the design to a “vintage wooden boat.”

Cadillac Ciel interior 468x312 Cadillac Ciel Concept unveiled

Luxury touches include a small humidor for holding cigars and an in-built cashmere blanket which appears at the pull of a tag to cover up the rear seat passengers, should they get chilly.

Cadillac Ciel wheels 468x312 Cadillac Ciel Concept unveiled

The concept is among several new models on show at this week’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, including models from Infiniti and Lexus.

Kerching! Samuel Eto'o quits Inter Milan to earn £345,000 a week AFTER tax at Anzhi

QUIDS IN ... Samuel Eto'o is the highest paid player in the world on £345,000 a week AFTER tax
QUIDS IN ... Samuel Eto'o is the highest paid player in the world on £345,000 a week AFTER tax

SAMUEL ETO'O has become the highest paid player in the world after quitting Inter Milan to join Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Cameroon striker, 30, will pocket a mind boggling £345,000 per week AFTER tax with Anzhi agreeing a £22million transfer fee for his services.

A statement on Anzhi's website read: "Today an agreement was reached between the football clubs, Anzhi and Inter, for the transfer of Samuel Eto'o.

"The terms of the transfer are completely agreed on both sides.

"Anzhi expresses gratitude to the leadership of Inter Milan for their professional and constructive approach in the negotiations.

"Tomorrow the player will undergo a medical examination, following which the player will be awarded a three-year contract.

"On Thursday, Samuel will arrive at the location of his new team and will begin preparations for the match against FC Rostov."

Anzhi are owned by billionaire Russian Suleyman Kerimov and also have Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos and former Chelsea player Yuri Zhirkov on their playing staff.

Eto'o scored 21 goals in 35 Serie A appearances for Inter last season, having helped Barcelona to Champions League glory in 2006 and 2009. He scored in the final victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.

23 Ogos 2011

Rock star Amazing rope free climber at 1,700ft

High life ... Alex Honnold
High life ... Alex Honnold Jimmy Chin

'Best' ... Alex Honnold
'Best' ... Alex Honnold
Jimmy Chin

FEARLESS Alex Honnold shows why he is a climbing ledge-end - perching on a sheer rock face 1,700ft up with no safety equipment.

The 26-year-old used no ropes as he shuffled along an outcrop less than a foot wide.

The breathtaking snap was taken on the iconic Half Dome rock in California's Yosemite National Park.

Alex said: "Some climbers sit on their backsides and edge themselves across that way. I felt though, that walking across it was cooler. You are literally peering over the sheer drop."

Big hangover ... perilous climbs in California, left, and Asia
Big hangover ... perilous climbs in California, left, and Asia

Free solo climber Alex - hailed as the best of his generation due to remarkable upper body strength and agility - made his name by reaching the summit in two hours and fifty minutes.

Rock hard ... Alex stays calm as he pulls himself up cliff face
Rock hard ... Alex stays calm as he pulls himself up cliff face

The trek usually takes one or two days.

He has also conquered 2,500ft peaks in Borneo and cliff faces in Chad that had never been attempted.

Sheer delight ... Alex climbs at great heights fearlessly
Sheer delight ... Alex climbs at great heights fearlessly

Alex said: "When you're climbing well, the fear isn't there."

On the up ... Alex practises closer to the ground
On the up ... Alex practises closer to the ground

19 Ogos 2011

Fernandes pemilik QPR

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LONDON: Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes - pemilik syarikat penerbangan tambang murah AirAsia - sudah berjaya melengkapkan misi mengambil alih Queens Park Rangers, menurut kelab Liga Perdana Inggeris itu, semalam.

Usahawan Malaysia itu kini sudah disahkan selaku pemegang saham 66 peratus kelab berkenaan daripada bekas pemegang, Bernie Ecclestone dan Flavio Briatore.
Fernandes, 47, yang juga pemilik pasukan Formula Satu, Team Lotus akan bergandi­ngan dengan keluarga Mittal yang mengekalkan 33 peratus saham dalam kelab berkenaan.“Saya adalah peminat setia West Ham sejak kecil tapi saya juga meminati QPR dan anggap mereka permata yang belum digilap. Saya sentiasa mahu terbabit dalam bola sepak sejak kecil dan tidak mahu menolak tawaran baik ini,” katanya. - Agensi

15 Ogos 2011

Topi keledar unik


BENTUK topi keledar yang kelihatan seperti otak manusia.


ASTANA - Sebuah firma di Kazakhstan menghasilkan topi keledar yang mempunyai imej hiasan seperti buah tembikai dan otak manusia, lapor sebuah akhbar kelmarin.

Rekaan aneh itu juga mengandungi imej kepala botak dan bola tenis serta potongan rambut.

Kesemua rekaan tersebut diilhamkan oleh syarikat itu yang ingin menjadikan idea tersebut suatu realiti.

"Kami cuba melakukan sesuatu sekadar untuk hiburan. Namun, buat masa kini kami telah mempunyai cadangan untuk meminta hak pengeluaran di Amerika Syarikat dan Jepun," kata pereka topi keledar itu, Renat Abdrakhmanov. - Agensi

Treler mewah milik Kutcher untuk disewa


TRELER mewah yang dimiliki Ashton Kutcher.


LOS ANGELES - Aktor terkenal, Ashton Kutcher mempunyai kediaman mewah di dalam sebuah treler yang disewakan untuk para selebriti, lapor sebuah akhbar semalam.

Sebelum ini isteri Kutcher, Demi Moore pernah menggunakan treler dua tingkat itu yang memiliki ukuran panjangnya 16 meter (m) dan seberat 30 tan.

Treler itu mempunyai teknologi hidraulik bagi menampung ruang skrin wayang tiga dimensi, ruang tamu yang luas dan dua bilik mandi.

Ia juga mempunyai dapur yang mempunyai hiasan granit dan ruang persidangan.

Di luar treler itu, terdapat kamera keselamatan dan apabila loceng pintu dibunyikan, bunyi sistem stereo dan televisyen akan tergendala.

Televisyen di dalam treler itu akan menyiarkan imej individu yang menekan loceng tersebut.

Sistem imbasan ibu jari tangan turut dipasang di pintu masuk ke bilik tidur utama.

Selebriti lain yang pernah menggunakan treler rekaan Ron Anderson dari firma Anderson Mobile Estates itu ialah Mariah Carey, Sharon Stone dan Vin Diesel.

Bayaran AS$8,750 (RM26,263) dikenakan kepada pelanggan yang mahu mendiami treler tersebut selama seminggu. - Agensi

DUIT