11 Februari 2014
10 Februari 2014
Sweet smell of success! Snuffles
A Belgian Shepherd dog born with two
noses, who was struggling to find a new home because of his rare defect,
is set to begin a new life after offers to adopt him flooded in from
around the globe.
Five-month-old Snuffles had previously been rejected by four owners and was in the care of the Dog's Trust Rehoming Centre in Uddingston, Glasgow.
But after issuing an appeal, the centre received 40 messages and 20 calls from people in the USA and South Africa, as well as Britain.
Pamela Jackson from the centre, told The Mirror: 'Some families just turned up hoping to adopt him.
'We wanted to pick the best home for him.
'The eventual new owner took him for a walk to get to know him and they got on brilliantly.
'He said Snuffles was perfect and everything he was looking for.'
Snuffles was born with a rare congenital defect which gives him the appearance of having two noses.
Vet Angela McAllister explained: 'Instead of his nostrils being fused together he's got some sort of split there.
'It's a defect in his palate which gives him the appearance of having two noses as his nostrils can move completely independently of each other.
'I've never seen the condition in my 20-year career.'
To add to his unique appearance, Snuffles can also move both noses independently of each other.
The centre's manager Sandra Lawton said: 'He may not have been blessed with the looks of Lassie but he has a heart of gold and really can claim to be a dog in several million.'
Snuffles will begin his new life with a family from East Lothian next week.
Five-month-old Snuffles had previously been rejected by four owners and was in the care of the Dog's Trust Rehoming Centre in Uddingston, Glasgow.
But after issuing an appeal, the centre received 40 messages and 20 calls from people in the USA and South Africa, as well as Britain.
Happy tail: Snuffles, the dog with two noses, has finally found a new owner
Looking up: Snuffles will begin a new life next week after finding an owner from East Lothian
Supportive: Staff at the care home gave him the endearing name because of his odd appearance
Pamela Jackson from the centre, told The Mirror: 'Some families just turned up hoping to adopt him.
'We wanted to pick the best home for him.
'The eventual new owner took him for a walk to get to know him and they got on brilliantly.
'He said Snuffles was perfect and everything he was looking for.'
Snuffles was born with a rare congenital defect which gives him the appearance of having two noses.
Vet Angela McAllister explained: 'Instead of his nostrils being fused together he's got some sort of split there.
'It's a defect in his palate which gives him the appearance of having two noses as his nostrils can move completely independently of each other.
'I've never seen the condition in my 20-year career.'
To add to his unique appearance, Snuffles can also move both noses independently of each other.
The centre's manager Sandra Lawton said: 'He may not have been blessed with the looks of Lassie but he has a heart of gold and really can claim to be a dog in several million.'
Snuffles will begin his new life with a family from East Lothian next week.
Rare: Snuffles was born with an unusual defect to his nose
Striking: The dog has four nostrils and can move each side independently
Care: The Dog's Trust Rehoming Centre in Uddingston, Glasgow has been looking after Snuffles
Obedient: Staff at the centre say Snuffles would be a perfect dog to train
Young: Snuffles is only five months old, but has already been re-homed four times
TWO... OR THREE IS BETTER THAN ONE - OTHER ANIMALS WITH BIZARRE MUTATIONS
The deformed calf which was born with two heads in Morocco
The piglet from Changtai County in southern China's Fujian Province was born with three eyes and two mouths
Special Two: Graceful Hazard and powerful Matic
Chelsea are producing their own adaptation of fairytale classic Beauty and the Beast.
Eden Hazard plays the Beauty: gracefully balanced and two-footed, with the vision to initiate attacking moves before the opposition even realise danger is at hand.
Nemanja Matic embodies the Beast: the driven and energetic central midfield powerhouse who provides the platform for ‘Hazard the Beauty’ to flourish.
Belgium international Hazard received
all the plaudits as his scintillating hat-trick — his first for Chelsea —
fired his team to the Barclays Premier League summit.
But in Matic, the Stamford Bridge look to have found their own version of Yaya Toure.
At 6ft 4in, the Serbian has the physical attributes to cope with the brutal demands of life in Chelsea’s midfield.
His energy levels, it seems, are endless. He covered more ground than any player on Saturday, running a 7.6 miles.
He’s quick across the ground, too; his huge stride eating up the ground. He is strong in the tackle but is just as comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Eyebrows were raised when Mourinho sanctioned a £21million move to bring Matic back to Chelsea — just three years after the club used him as a makeweight to sign David Luiz from Benfica.
Not any more, though. Chelsea looked to have signed the complete modern midfielder.
Add Hazard to the equation and Chelsea look to have the makings of a flourishing partnership that will lead the next Mourinho era.
The diminutive Belgian was unplayable at the weekend, much to Alan Pardew’s detriment.
‘I think when a player of his quality has the confidence he has at the minute, because all the great players have little bouts of super-confidence, it’s very difficult,’ said Pardew.
Barring Luis Suarez, there isn’t a more accomplished attacking player in the Premier League than Hazard right now.
But Mourinho thinks his performances transcend England, saying: ‘I think in this moment he’s the best young player in the world.
‘I don’t want to compare him with the monsters, because the monsters have 10 years of career, winning trophies, scoring goals. I think it’s not fair for the monsters and it’s not fair for the kid to make that comparison.
‘But as a young player I don’t see a better young player. Neymar is also a fantastic player but this season his season is very up and down — injured, plays, doesn’t play, injured again.
‘This season Neymar is not Neymar, but potentially, of course, is also a fantastic player.
‘He’s a fantastic player and we need fantastic players if we want to be strong. I think a team is made of 11 guys, but obviously he is special.’
Hazard’s three goals took his Chelsea tally to 27 goals — 182 behind Frank Lampard’s club record.
But in the 23-year-old, the Blues look to have the natural successor to Lampard’s throne as the Stamford Bridge king of goals from midfield.
‘Frank’s record is amazing and it’s over years and years and years,’ said Mourinho. ‘It’s a very difficult record. But Frank, when he allowed Eden to take the penalty against Newcastle, he opened the door for that to happen.
‘If the kid also has a chance to score on penalties, he can do it.’
Eden Hazard plays the Beauty: gracefully balanced and two-footed, with the vision to initiate attacking moves before the opposition even realise danger is at hand.
Nemanja Matic embodies the Beast: the driven and energetic central midfield powerhouse who provides the platform for ‘Hazard the Beauty’ to flourish.
Special: Eden Hazard (left) and Nemanja Matic are becoming Beauty and the Beast for a charging Chelsea team
In charge: Jose Mourinho saw his Chelsea team leapfrog Manchester City and Arsenal into top spot
But in Matic, the Stamford Bridge look to have found their own version of Yaya Toure.
At 6ft 4in, the Serbian has the physical attributes to cope with the brutal demands of life in Chelsea’s midfield.
His energy levels, it seems, are endless. He covered more ground than any player on Saturday, running a 7.6 miles.
Scintillating: Hazard scored a hat-trick as Chelsea sunk Newcastle 3-0
Dominating: Matic has all the skills needed to be a perfect central midfielder
He’s quick across the ground, too; his huge stride eating up the ground. He is strong in the tackle but is just as comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Eyebrows were raised when Mourinho sanctioned a £21million move to bring Matic back to Chelsea — just three years after the club used him as a makeweight to sign David Luiz from Benfica.
Not any more, though. Chelsea looked to have signed the complete modern midfielder.
Add Hazard to the equation and Chelsea look to have the makings of a flourishing partnership that will lead the next Mourinho era.
The diminutive Belgian was unplayable at the weekend, much to Alan Pardew’s detriment.
Skilled: Not only is Matic an excellent tackler and powerful runner, he is also comfortable with the ball at his feet
‘I think when a player of his quality has the confidence he has at the minute, because all the great players have little bouts of super-confidence, it’s very difficult,’ said Pardew.
Barring Luis Suarez, there isn’t a more accomplished attacking player in the Premier League than Hazard right now.
But Mourinho thinks his performances transcend England, saying: ‘I think in this moment he’s the best young player in the world.
Impressed: Alan Pardew could not find a way to stop Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge
‘I don’t want to compare him with the monsters, because the monsters have 10 years of career, winning trophies, scoring goals. I think it’s not fair for the monsters and it’s not fair for the kid to make that comparison.
‘But as a young player I don’t see a better young player. Neymar is also a fantastic player but this season his season is very up and down — injured, plays, doesn’t play, injured again.
‘This season Neymar is not Neymar, but potentially, of course, is also a fantastic player.
The best? Mourinho has claimed Eden Hazard is the best young player in the world
‘He’s a fantastic player and we need fantastic players if we want to be strong. I think a team is made of 11 guys, but obviously he is special.’
Hazard’s three goals took his Chelsea tally to 27 goals — 182 behind Frank Lampard’s club record.
But in the 23-year-old, the Blues look to have the natural successor to Lampard’s throne as the Stamford Bridge king of goals from midfield.
Successor: Mourinho hopes Hazard can take over Frank Lampard's fantastic penchant for goals
‘Frank’s record is amazing and it’s over years and years and years,’ said Mourinho. ‘It’s a very difficult record. But Frank, when he allowed Eden to take the penalty against Newcastle, he opened the door for that to happen.
‘If the kid also has a chance to score on penalties, he can do it.’
07 Februari 2014
EXCLUSIVE: United and Chelsea face battle for £54m Cavani
Manchester United and Chelsea are ready to go head-to-head in a summer battle to sign £54million striker Edinson Cavani.
The Uruguayan’s representatives were in London as they consider a move away from Paris Saint-Germain, where Cavani has become unsettled.
The 26-year-old has been a success in France but is uncomfortable playing in a wide role to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the central striker.
United manager David Moyes has Cavani on his shortlist but knows he will face competition from Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.
Both clubs want to bolster their strikeforce in the summer with Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa and Bayern Munich’s Mario Mandzukic also figuring prominently in their thinking.
United sounded out PSG last month but were told they would not sell Cavani in January.
Now Cavani’s camp are ready to hold preliminary discussions with would-be suitors about what financial figures would be involved.
Cavani is currently out for three weeks with a thigh injury but remains an important signing for the wealthy French club and they would not sell for less than the £54m they paid to Napoli last summer.
They also know that Cavani could star for Uruguay at the World Cup, making his price rise even further.
Moyes has warned United players to expect greater competition while Chelsea will sell Demba Ba and possibly Samuel Eto’o and Fernando Torres too.
United will consider offers for Javier Hernandez in the summer with Borussia Dortmund among those interested while qualification for the Champions League and where they finish could yet have a bearing on Robin van Persie's Old Trafford future.
PSG owner Nasser El-Khelaifi has threatened to retaliate with counter offers for Premier League players should clubs pursue his players, so bids for Cavani could make for an interesting summer.
The Uruguayan’s representatives were in London as they consider a move away from Paris Saint-Germain, where Cavani has become unsettled.
The 26-year-old has been a success in France but is uncomfortable playing in a wide role to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the central striker.
Pushing off: Edinson Cavani has admirers in the Premier League with Chelsea and Manchester United keen
Big hit: Cavani has been a success since joining PSG from Serie A outfit Napoli in a £54m transfer
United manager David Moyes has Cavani on his shortlist but knows he will face competition from Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.
Both clubs want to bolster their strikeforce in the summer with Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa and Bayern Munich’s Mario Mandzukic also figuring prominently in their thinking.
United sounded out PSG last month but were told they would not sell Cavani in January.
Two's company: Cavani has been used in a wider role beside PSG's Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Now Cavani’s camp are ready to hold preliminary discussions with would-be suitors about what financial figures would be involved.
Cavani is currently out for three weeks with a thigh injury but remains an important signing for the wealthy French club and they would not sell for less than the £54m they paid to Napoli last summer.
They also know that Cavani could star for Uruguay at the World Cup, making his price rise even further.
Moyes has warned United players to expect greater competition while Chelsea will sell Demba Ba and possibly Samuel Eto’o and Fernando Torres too.
Targets: Diego Costa (left) and Mario Mandzukic have been on the radars of Manchester United and Chelsea
United will consider offers for Javier Hernandez in the summer with Borussia Dortmund among those interested while qualification for the Champions League and where they finish could yet have a bearing on Robin van Persie's Old Trafford future.
PSG owner Nasser El-Khelaifi has threatened to retaliate with counter offers for Premier League players should clubs pursue his players, so bids for Cavani could make for an interesting summer.
He won't do a runner, will he? Robin van Persie's future may hinge on Champions League qualification
04 Februari 2014
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
30 Januari 2014
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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
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