Powerful falcon...

Puffins are well-known for their clown-like facial markings and pleasant demeanor.
But for one unlucky bird being caught by this huge falcon was no laughing matter as it quickly became lunch.
The series of pictures documenting the puffin's final moments was taken by Audun Dahl at Hornxya, Varanger, in Northern Norway.

A gyrfalcon, the largest of all falcon species, has been pictured grabbing a puffin in mid-air for lunch

Putting up a fight: Despite being less than half the falcon's size, the tiny puffin put up a brave fight

Predatory: The gyrfalcon feeds mostly on other birds, including puffins and gulls, but also small mammals

The 27-year-old photography guide from the island of Smola, Norway, runs a guiding company specialising in white-tailed eagles and hide photography.
Audun said: 'The falcon broke the Puffins neck in just a few seconds, it seemed for me, that the falcon had full control of the situation all the time.
'I was so excited when shooting this incredible sequence - I just thought to myself I must keep calm and keep the gyrfalcon in focus.

'When shooting nature, anything can happen, the fight is natural behavior, so I did not feel sorry for the puffin.

Final moments: Despite the struggles of its prey the falcon clings on with its powerful talons so there is no escape

No contest: Photographer Audun Dahl, from Norway, said the falcon was always in control

'This happens every day in these remote cliffs - but this is the first time I have seen it happen so close, and I was very lucky I was at the right place, at the right moment.'
The gyrfalcon is the largest of all falcon species, and it is also the only falcon to be a sea bird, spending as much as 40 days living on pack-ice and hunting gulls during the winter season.
It can be found throughout most of the northern hemisphere, from America to Asia and Europe, and varies in appearance from all-white to dark brown depending on location.
 

Dispatched: Using its beak the falcon breaks the puffins neck in mid-air before taking it away to eat

Lunch: The falcon flies off with its kill. The majestic bird was prized by the Vikings and is the symbol of Iceland

The birds were highly prized by the Vikings, and are thought to have been hunted and eaten for food, but also captured and kept as intimidating pets. The bird is also the national symbol of Iceland.
Its prey includes other birds, from puffins to geese and gulls, and also small mammals such as lemmings, hares and voles. The species has also been spotted eating carrion meat, though this is rare.
Meanwhile puffins are much smaller birds which usually nest in large colonies on cliff faces or in burrows, making them an ideal target for gyrfalcons which often perch in similar areas.
The birds are known for their clown-like facial markings and bright beaks, and feed on small fish which they catch by diving into the sea.

Tajaan Baru MU...

That's one pricey prancing horse!

A classic Ferrari has become the most expensive car ever sold in Britain after changing hands for an estimated £24 million.

The 1957 prototype of the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa won high-profile races and competed twice at 24 Hours of Le Mans, the oldest active car race in the world.

It has now been sold to a so-far anonymous enthusiast - and the price is understood to be three times what was paid for a Testa Rossa in 2009.

Just popping to the shops: This Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa has sold for an estimated £24 million, smashing the British record. It was raced by Formula 1 world champion Phil Hill and competed at the world's oldest car race

Mid-life crisis? The car features leather seating, an original steering wheel and only reasonable wear and tear

Hailed by an expert as one of the five best Ferraris in the world, the model was also raced by the Formula 1 world champion Phil Hill.

It was previously owned by the millionaire investor Eric Heerema until he was persuaded to sell it to Derbyshire dealer Tom Hartley Jr.

Mr Hartley revealed he has now sold the Ferrari, but wouldn’t confirm the exact selling price.

However, well-placed sources said the anonymous buyer paid in excess of £24.1 million - making it the most expensive car ever sold publicly.

The highest was previously the £22.5 million paid in 2012 for a Ferrari 250 GTO, also owned by Mr Heerema. 

The Testa Rossa achieved the record figure because of its looks, racing pedigree, rarity and the fact is in 'unmolested' - completely original - condition. 

Another Testa Rossa was sold in 2011 at a U.S. auction for £10 million ($16.4 million), but they were both far inferior examples to the latest model.

The specialist dealer, who sold his first supercar at the age of 11, said: 'I can confirm that the car has sold, although due to client confidentiality we will not disclose the buyer or the price achieved.

'This Ferrari is without question one of the most important cars on the planet if not the most important because of its originality. 

'While I won’t go into the terms of the sale, I am sure it will prove to be a great investment for the new owner.

Legendary: Chassis 0704 remained a favourite of Ferrari designer Sergio Scaglietti until his death aged 91

'Now it is done, my only disappointment is the fact I don’t think it can ever be bettered as I truly think it is the greatest car in the world.'

The model sold was the second prototype and factory team car for two seasons with Ferrari, when then made a further 19 customer cars. 

Top spec: The V12 engine helps the car achieve 0-60 in about six seconds, spellbinding for its day

Known as Chassis 0704, it was designed by legendary Ferrari pioneer Sergio Scaglietti and was one of his favourite models up until his death aged 91.

At the 1957 Le Mans race the prototype ran as high as second position but did not finish the race. The next year, however, Chassis 0704 picked up two wins - in the 1,000km Buenos Aires and 12 Hour Sebring races - with Formula 1 legends Phil Hill and Peter Collins behind the wheel in both. 

It was later sold to a U.S. customer and was driven to victory in 16 races on the other side of the Atlantic. 

In 1967 the car was donated to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, where it stayed for 30 years. 

Ferrari historian Marcel Massini described the prototype as 'one of the top five Ferraris on the planet'.

He added: 'It is so valuable because it is totally unmolested and not restored, genuine and very original. It also comes with a fantastic history which is most important.

'I believe the Ferrari market will continue to go up as more and more wealthy people need to reinvest their cash but there are not many more top quality cars available. 

'It’s simple supply and demand. Classic cars as hard assets are just one of several asset classes nowadays.'

The HAGI index, which tracks the market, estimates the classic Ferrari market has increased fourfold over the past decade.

This has seen savvy investors and car collectors ploughing their cash into the classic market which is seen by some as safer and more profitable than stocks and shares - not to mention more fun.

Relic: In 1967 it was donated to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, where it stayed for 30 years

Mystery: So far the car's owner is anonymous, though that is unlikely to last if it gets driven around town

Formula One mogul Eddie Jordan spends £32MILLION on a new 155ft super yacht

A brand new superyacht has been unveiled to the world for the first time ahead of being delivered to its new owner - Formula One mogul Eddie Jordan.

The Sunseeker 155 has been under development for 18 months, and will cost a total of £32million when it is finally completed.

This week it was taken out of the shed in Poole, Dorset where it is being built, as it is now too large to be housed in the hangar.

Unveiled: The Sunseeker 155 superyacht, commissioned by Eddie Jordan, has been unveiled to the public

Under construction: The boat has been moved out of the shed where it was built because it is now too large

It was transported at a glacial place by a radio-controlled unit as it was manoeuvred out of the shed with just a few inches to spare.

The four-deck yacht includes five bedrooms, enabling Mr Jordan to host up to 10 guests at once, while the boat also has space for 11 members of staff.

 

Other perks include a nightclub, day room, 'beach club' and a panoramic viewing platform - which could allow guests a perfect view of the Monaco Grand Prix if Mr Jordan decides to attend the society event.

The yacht is 155ft long and weighs a total of 200 tonnes, with a maximum speed of 22 knots (25mph), and can travel 4,000 nautical miles in a single journey.

New owner: Eddie Jordan, pictured with Jenson Button, is paying £32million for the Sunseeker 155

Emerging: The yacht was taken out of the shed on a radio-controlled system

Plans: These floor plans show the layout of the yacht, which includes five guest bedrooms and a nightclub

Sunseeker International, the company building the boat, expects to be able to begin testing it on the water next month, before delivering it to Mr Jordan in the spring.

But even after the businessman has taken delivery of his new pride and joy, handing over £32million in the process, the Sunseeker 155 will not come cheap.

Filling up the boat's 60,000-litre engine with diesel will cost £30,000 every time.

Despite the gigantic scale of the Sunseeker 155, it is still very far from the record for the biggest yacht in the world - the Azzam, completed last year, measures almost 600ft.

Glamorous: But the boat has a top speed of just 22 knots (25mph) due to its vast size

Vast: However, the 155ft yacht is still some way off the world record, which stands at a staggering 600ft

Stewart McIntyre, managing director at Sunseeker International, said: 'This is an extremely exciting time for Sunseeker as we inch ever closer to the completion of the 155 Yacht.

'This is the biggest project we have ever undertaken and since the announcement of its build it has been the talk of the industry.

'We are incredibly proud of what we have created and look forward to showcasing it to the world.'

Mr Jordan, who commissioned the yacht, grew up in Ireland and ran a number of racing teams before setting up Jordan Grand Prix, whose drivers included Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill.

After the team shut down in 2005, the 65-year-old became a racing commentator for the BBC.

Seo-yeon dapat RM30,931 sebulan kerana program makan

ISEO-YEON makan di depan kamera di dalam apartmenya di Incheon pada 22 Januari lalu.

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INCHEON - Seorang wanita, Park Seo-yeon memperoleh pendapatan melebihi £5,600 (RM30,931) sebulan dengan hanya makan dan berbual di hadapan kamera yang disaksikan beribu-ribu orang di internet secara langsung.

Seo-yeon, 34, yang tinggal di sebuah apartmen di Seoul memakan pelbagai jenis makanan antaranya telur dan nasi dalam satu sesi program yang berlangsung selama hampir tiga jam pada setiap hari.

Siaran langsung itu juga dibuat dengan menggunakan komputer.

Semasa siaran langsung itu, penonton akan menghantar belon maya yang bernilai AS$0.09 (RM0.30) kepadanya.

Trend makan di hadapan beribu-ribu orang di internet itu mampu menjana pendapatan tinggi melalui iklan serta sumbangan para peminatnya.

Wanita itu berkata, dia berhenti bekerja di sebuah firma tiga tahun lalu bagi memberi sepenuh perhatian kepada pekerjaan baharunya itu yang bermula sebagai hobi tiga tahun lalu.

"Saya berasa sangat gembira apabila ada peminat memberitahu, mereka pulih daripada masalah anoreksia selepas melihat saya makan," katanya. - Reuters

Pembelian Baru Chelsea...

'W1N Plate'

Chelsea beat Liverpool to sign £11m Basle forward Salah

Chelsea have beaten Liverpool to land FC Basle's Mohamed Salah for £11million, according to Sportsmail sources in Switzerland.

Sportsmail revealed the Reds' interest in the Egypt forward and talks were reaching an advanced stage until Chelsea gazumped Brendan Rodgers' side on Wednesday. 

With Juan Mata sealing his exit to Manchester United, the Blues have looked to replace the Spaniard with Salah, who impressed against them in the Champions League this season scoring in both of their group stage games, including the winner in Switzerland.

Done deal: Chelsea have signed Basle's Mohamed Salah, who has scored twice against them this season

Gazumped: Jose Mourinho's side beat competition from Liverpool for the £11m Egyptian forward

 

Salah's preference was understood to have been Liverpool, believing he will get more game time, but Chelsea's financial muscle - plus the persuasive powers of Jose Mourinho - have swung the deal. 

Chelsea confirmed on their official website on Thursday afternoon: 'An agreement has been reached with FC Basel for the transfer of their 21-year-old attacking midfielder Mohamed Salah.

'The move is subject to the Egyptian international agreeing personal terms and completing a medical examination.'

Salah later tweeted: 'Mohamed Salah Officially in @chelseafc.'

While impressing in Europe, the forward has also scored 17 goals in 27 games for Egypt.

But he has struggled to find the net as often in Switzerland this season, scoring just four times in the league for Basle to go with those strikes against Chelsea.

On his way out: Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata will be allowed to leave the club by Jose Mourinho

Well-known threat: Salah also scored for Basle in last season's Europa League semi-final against Chelsea

Bye bye, Jose!

Manchester United have agreed a club record £37million fee for Chelsea's Juan Mata to ease the pain of their Capital One Cup KO. 

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho signed off on the deal following talks with club executives and Mata is expected for a medical in Manchester on Thursday. 

United chief executive Ed Woodward agreed to break the club's transfer record for Mata as they attempt to salvage their season. 

Wave goodbye: Juan Mata is set to join Manchester United after a £37m fee was agreed with Chelsea

Dejected: Moyes will be hoping the capture of Mata will arrest his new side's slide into mediocrity

Bitter pill to swallow: Moyes had to watch as Sunderland beat his United team on penalties in the Capital One Cup semi-final at Old Trafford

Glum faces: Manchester United players look on during the unsuccessful penalty shootout against Sunderland

Seven defeats in the Barclays Premier League have left United six points off the pace in the race for fourth place - and Champions League football next season - but Mata's addition will cause a huge stir. 

The Spanish playmaker, 25, trained alone in the fitness centre at Cobham on Wednesday as his team-mates prepared for Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Stamford Bridge against Stoke City.

After the Sunderland defeat at Old Trafford, Moyes refused to talk about the Mata deal. 

Mourinho had given his players two days off following their 3-1 victory over United in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.

No Spanish inquisition: The Chelsea squad trained at Cobham and Mata was not present for the session

They returned to training on Wednesday to discover that Mata was ‘90 per cent sure’ that he would be leaving Chelsea, three years after he arrived in a £23.5m deal from Valencia.

He has not played for the club since he was substituted in the 53rd minute of their 3-0 victory at Southampton on New Year’s Day.

Mata was replaced by Oscar when the score was still 0-0 and he ignored Mourinho as he walked off the field at St Mary’s. Mata then kicked a plastic chair in the technical area in frustration and team-mates had to calm him down.

Crucial moment: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho substituted Mata in the match against Southampton on January 1 and the Spaniard has not played for the club since

After the game Mourinho claimed the door was open for any player who wanted to leave and Mata was one of them. 

He believes he will be given a fresh start at United and it’s a huge statement of intent by the champions after an indifferent first season under new manager David Moyes.

Mata, who was Chelsea’s player of the year for the past two seasons, will sign a lengthy contract at United when he has completed his medical.

United believe they have signed a world class player and he is expected to make his debut for the club against Cardiff on Tuesday. 

Providing Mata passes his medical, he will be free to play his first game in front of 76,000 supporters at Old Trafford.

London calling? Basle forward Mohamed Salah is a target for Chelsea

Striking option: Chelsea are believed to be interested in Atletico Madrid's Brazilian forward Diego Costa

Chelsea may decide to spend the Mata money quickly, and were vying with Liverpool to sign Basle’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah on Wednesday night. Chelsea are also keen on Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa. 

While Radamel Falcao at Monaco is still on the Stamford Bridge club’s list, he has suffered a serious knee injury that could rule him out for six months.

Mata is determined to push through the move and Mourinho is understood to have accepted that he wants to leave in search of first-team football.

The midfielder has concerns about his inclusion in Spain’s World Cup squad this summer if he is not playing regularly for his club side and Moyes will give him that opportunity as he starts building a team for the future.

This mother had to trek for nine days in -35C just to get to hospital

The birth of a child is one of the most significant moments in a family's life. 

Many are fortunate enough to experience this in the comfort of a hospital, before driving home with nothing but a table-load of presents and sleepless nights to worry about.

For this family from Ladakh, Northern India, the situation was quite different, as they were forced to travel on foot for 45 miles to get to the nearest hospital.

A different world: As there is no doctor or hospital facility in the village where the family live, they were forced to travel on foot down river Chadar, at an altitude of 11,123ft, for nine days - and then make the same journey back when the baby was born

Latest addition: The newborn baby is wrapped up warm for the nine-day journey back to their home town in Ladakh, Northern India

Long journey: Another member of the family carries the newborn's older sibling as they make their way up the frozen river, walking for eight hours a day

It took them nine days to get to their destination, Lingshed, the nearest town with a hospital, after which they had to return the same way they came - up a frozen mountain river in temperatures of -35C.

A photographer encountered the family during their nine-day journey home with their newborn baby in a basket, carrying a young child.

 

The frozen river Chadar is at an altitude of 11,123 ft,and the family walked for eight hours-a-day over the frozen river often up to their knees in bitingly cold water.

The family were forced to carry both provisions and children, and camped in mountain caves at night as they trekked back to their home town.

The photos were captured by photographer Tim Vollmer from Iceland who was trekking up the Chadar with his friends when he spotted the weather-beaten family.

No other option: The family had to bring food, blankets and other provisions on their backs or on sleds and camped out in caves at night before continuing their gruelling walk in the morning

Tough trek: The family were sometimes forced to wade through icy water and snow after the cold weather blocked the roads from Ladakh to the hospital in Lingshed

Keeping warm: A cave in the mountainside serves as shelter for the night as the family gathers around a fire in the freezing cold night

Tim said: ‘One day we met then this family with the little son and newborn, I was amazed what it is normal for someone to go through to get a child!

‘For me its just incredible, how easy and how much help we get in the western world to give birth in comparison - when you saw this little child and baby, how cold they have been, what they have to do.’

‘The Zanskar River is big and fast flowing. For most if its length between Chillimg and the Zanskar Valley the River is confined within a steep canyon.

‘Walking over the frozen river and very cold rushing water just a few inches below your feet is terrifying.

‘Travelling from Leh, the capital of Ladakh to Lingshed takes four to five days under the best conditions and the long winter snow closes the roads and passes entirely for six months annually.

‘The local people use the river to carry goods for their livelihood and sometimes people die during the dangerous trip.’

As one: Family members brought larger sleds to be able to provide some relief for the mother as she recovers from giving birth

Travelling from Leh, the capital of Ladakh to Lingshed, where the hospital is takes around five days in the summer, but during the winder, snow closes the roads and mountain passes and the frozen river is the only way out