Thursday, July 29, 2010

Smallest man

The man, 40, who measures only 2ft 6in and is bidding for title of world's smallest man

By Mail Foreign Service
Last updated at 1:23 AM on 29th July 2010

A 40-year-old Chinese man who measures only 2ft 6in (76cm) is bidding for the title of the world's smallest man.
Following the death of the former record-holder earlier this year, Huang Kaiquan, from Hejiang County, Sichuan province, has stepped forward hoping to claim the record.
He Pingping was the world's smallest man until his death in March this year at the age of just 21.
Huang Kaiquan, who is only 2ft 5.91in and pictured here with mother Cheng Fuxiu, is bidding for the title of world's smallest man
Huang Kaiquan, who is only 2ft 5.91in and pictured here with mother Cheng Fuxiu, is bidding for the title of world's smallest man
Huang, or 'short brother' as he is known locally, is only 1.4cm taller than Pingping.
The 40-year-old, who weighs just 26 lb (12kg), the same as a three-year-old, is now hoping to claim the record.
According to his mother Cheng Fuxiu, Huang was born in February 1970. He is the second child and only son and all the other family members are of normal height.
Huang may never have a normal life but he takes consolation from the fact that even at 40 his mother can still pick him up for a cuddle.
He said: 'My mother always picked me up when I was little and as I'm still little she can still manage it.
'All my friends grew too big to be picked up, but I never grow any bigger which means that every day I can still get a cuddle from my mum. 
'People have always mistaken me for a toddler because of my height - and now I'm going bald I look even more like a baby,' he joked.
Following the death of former record-holder He Pingping earlier this year, Huang, from Hejiang County, Sichuan province, has stepped forward hoping to claim the title
Following the death of former record-holder He Pingping earlier this year, Huang, from Sichuan province, has stepped forward hoping to claim the title
Former actor Huang, who retired aged 30 after falling ill, lives with his 58-year-old mother in southwest China's Sichuan province.
'He's not so heavy - he's actually lighter now that he's getting older,' she said.
'When he was three we realised he did not seem to be growing and we took him to various hospitals which were unable to help us. People in the village advised us just to abandon him but of course we didn't.
'It got really bad when he was just six-years-old and my husband died. I had the children to raise and had to earn money as well and it was very difficult.
'He has always been a good boy though. He tries to help around the house and he sweeps the floors and does whatever else he can,' Cheng explained.
Huang added: 'I guess I will always be her little boy. And although people are often cruel to me because of my height, it is good to know that there is somebody who loves me.'

Flying giants

Flying giants: Incredibly rare display as manta rays leap 9ft out of water into the air

By Mail Foreign Service
Last updated at 4:32 PM on 28th July 2010

They could be mistaken for strange-looking birds but these creatures are actually manta rays, leaping a staggering nine feet in the air.
The plucky animals, which measure just over three feet wide, demonstrate their acrobatic skills by bursting out of the water.
Once airborne they to flap their impressive fins in what looks like an attempt to fly.
Water leap! A manta ray soars out of the sea a staggering three metres in the air
Water leap! A manta ray soars out of the sea a staggering three metres in the air

Somersault: Two flying manta rays put on a display before diving back into the water
Somersault: Two flying manta rays put on a display before diving back into the water
And, if they're feeling particularly playful, some even manage a somersault before plummeting back into the water with an impressive splash.
Incredibly rare: Roland and Julia Seitre were treated to an extraordinary acrobatic display
Incredibly rare: Roland and Julia Seitre were treated to an extraordinary acrobatic display
Photographers Roland and Julia Seitre captured the spectacle off the coast of Costa Rica, Central America.
The French couple had sailed six miles out to sea in the hope of catching sight of some whales but were also treated to this extraordinary rare acrobatic display.
Mr Seitre said: 'The males jumped clear out of the water, up to three metres [9ft] high.
'They flapped their wings during the few seconds of flight, before hitting the surface with a loud banging noise.
'Some think it is a way to attract female attention as we saw pairs close by.
'Numerous males take off and land one after another.
'The bangs are so loud it's like you're being close to a hunting party with guns.
'Occasionally one seems to have even more fun by doing a somersault.
'This kind of behaviour is extremely unpredictable and incredibly rare to witness.
'We were so lucky, it was a complete coincidence that we were there in the first place.' 

He added: 'These manta rays are beautiful.
'Their large wing-shaped bodies and slow motion make them excellent sea gliders.
'They not only impress with their size but also with their very elegant flight into the blue oceans.' 

The manta ray is the largest of the all the rays.
They can grow up to 25ft across and weigh around 5,100lb.
Graceful: Looking as though it's flapping its 'wings' the amazing animal leaps through the air
Graceful: Looking as though it's flapping its 'wings' the amazing animal leaps through the air
The species are found in tropical waters and feed mostly on plankton, which is filtered into their bodies through their gills as swim.
Perfectly stream-lined for gliding through the water, the manta ray can reach speeds of up to 7mph.
They are often spotted swimming with divers and will sometimes surface alongside boats.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Sotong, jus oren dan matador

Sotong, jus oren dan matador
Abdul Rahim Sabri
Jul 10, 10
10:38am
Dia didakwa 'pengkhianat'. Dilahirkan di England, tetapi berpaling tadah dengan menyokong pasukan Jerman.

"Apa yang England boleh buat? Dia sudah dapat kerakyatan Jerman dan memegang pasport negara," kata seorang peminat sukan sambil ketawa.

Itulah Paul, si sotong kurita yang dikatakan mempunyai kuasa psikik mampu meramalkan - kemenangan dan kekalahan - semua enam perlawanan yang membabitkan Jerman sepanjang Piala Dunia berlangsung.

Dia dilahirkan di Weymouth, England pada tahun 2006, tetapi 'membesar dan bermastautin' di akuarium Sea Life di Oberhausen di Jerman.

Ramalannya - setakat ini - semuanya tepat bahawa Jerman menang bergaya dengan negara kuasa besar bola sepak dunia iaitu England, Argentina di samping menewaskan Australia, Ghana serta meramal ketewasan Jerman di peringkat kumpulan di tangan Serbia.

Sungguh menakjubkan!

Malah perlawanan separuh akhir pun, dia turut memilih Sepanyol sebagai pemenang, dan memilih 'mengkhianati' negara sendiri.

"Marvelous, bravo, fantastic, superb!"

Itulah kata-kata yang diluahkan oleh peminat bola sepak.

“Ya, 6-0 setakat ini.” Semua ramalannya tepat belaka.

Umum mengetahui, kehadiran dan ramalannya menjadi satu fenomena dan bualan di seluruh dunia. Bahkan menjadi buah mulut dan cerita sensasi di akhbar, televisyen tentang keupayaannya sehingga cakap-cakap tentangnya berlarutan ke kedai-kedai kopi, termasuklah di Malaysia.

Ada yang marah, benci dan tidak kurang pula, ada yang sayang. Setakat ini, orang paling membencinya adalah bookie judi dan penyokong Argentina kerana ia meramalkan pasukan dari Amerika Latin dan negara lain itu tewas.
Hampir menangis

Kawan saya, hampir menangis dan kecewa kerana pasukan pilihannya, Jerman kalah dek kerana ramalan tepat si sotong kurita ini.

Saya hanya mampu berkata "sabarlah".

Begitulah kehadiran si Paul yang membentuk suasana dan fenomena baru dalam peminat sukan bola sepak.

Dan berita terbaru, Paul sudah membuat pridiksinya. Dia memilih Sepanyol sebagai juara.

Da
n sebagai 'ahli nujum' negaranya, dia memilih Jerman mengalahkan Uruguay untuk merangkul tempat ketiga.

Jadi sekarang, semua orang tertumpu kepadanya termasuklah bookie-bookie judi besar yang bertaruh untuk memilih pasukan yang bakal juara.

Persoalannya, apakah ramalan Paul itu benar-benar berlaku atau sekadar kebetulan.

Atau memang betul ia mempunyai kuasa psikik yang rasional?
Rasional atas padang

Tak mengapa, biarkan sahaja dia di dalam akuarium itu. Mari kita tengok rasional 'di atas padang'.

Realiti di atas padang, kedua-dua pasukan mempunyai kekuatan tersendiri dan kedua-dua akan menunjukkan kelebihan masing-masing kerana kedua-duanya masih belum pernah mengecapi piala yang paling berprestij itu.

Bagi Sepanyol, memetik kata-kata jurulatih Jerman Joachim Loew bahawa, pasukan itu tidak mempunyai seorang 'Messi' tetapi ada ramai pemain sepertinya yang boleh mengatur dan menentu permainan.

Bagi yang mengikuti semua perlawanan yang melibatkan pasukan 'La Roja' ini, mungkin boleh bersetuju dengan pandangan itu.

Hampir semua pemainnya, saya tahu mereka bermain di kelab mana dan selalu mengikuti cara mereka bermain.
Contohnya tiga pemain tengah mereka, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta dan Xabi Alonso.

Hampir semua gerakan dan hantaran pasukan itu dimulakan dengan ketiga-tiga pemain Sepanyol ini.

Ia dimulakan dengan hantaran-hantaran pendek kemudiannya 'dipam' kepada penyerang sama ada David Villa, Fernando Torres atau Pedro Rodriguez.

Perkara yang sama juga dilakukan - Xavi dan Iniesta - sewaktu bermain mewakili kelab Barcelona.

Sebab itu Barcelona menjadi juara liga dengan mencatatkan jumlah jaringan gol yang banyak.

Manakala Alonso juga akan bertindak 'menjolok' bola melalui lorongan 'through pass' kepada rakannya yang lain.

Atau beliau sendiri akan membuat rembatan dari jarak jauh sepertimana yang dilakukannya sewaktu mewakili Liverpool dan Real Madrid sekarang ini.

Ketiga-tiganya juga akan merancang melalui 'set pieces' dari sepakan percuma di hadapan kotak penalti atau mengambil sepakan sudut.

Xavi adalah punca kekalahan Jerman di tangan Sepanyol apabila sepakan sudut yang diambilnya membolehkan Carles Puyol membuat tandukan.
Jaga ayam tambatan

Saya yakin, mereka akan melakukannya sekali lagi dalam perlawanan akhir nanti. Belanda, kalau nak menang, jaga ayam-ayam tambatan ini!

Di bahagian midfield, Sepanyol mempunyai pbarisan pemain yang mantap. Jurulatih Vicente del Bosque tidak perlu peningkan kepala kerana 'hubungan kimia' antara Xavi-Iniesta sudah lama terbentuk.

Kedua-dua mereka ternyata berbisa dan mampu menjaringkan gol kemenangan untuk pasukan itu.

Di bahagian pertahanan, Sepanyol ada 'dua kereta kebal' - Gerard Pique dan Carles Puyol - yang tinggi, kental dan juga mampu membuat kejutan dengan menjaringkan gol.

Sekali lagi del Bosque tidak perlu peningkan kepala kerana, kedua-duanya adalah dari kelab yang sama, Barcelona - mereka tahu corak dan rentak satu sama lain.

Sergio Ramos di bek kanan, akan membuat gerakan di sebelah kanan untuk menyerang pintu gol lawan. Sebab itu jika diperhatikan dalam perlawanan, beliau akan meminta bola dari rakan, sebelum membuat hantaran lintang ke kotak penalti.

Di bahagian serangan, saya tidak perlu menghurai panjang. Peminta sukan bolasepak mana yang tidak kenal dengan Torres dan David Villa.

Prestasi Torres di Liverpool cukup membanggakan dan Villa, di Kelab Valencia, beliau menjadi antara penjaring terbanyak dalam kempen 'La Liga' di negara itu.

Jadi, saya menjangkakan permainan Sepanyol dalam perlawanan akhir kelak nanti umpama seorang matador.

Matador akan mengacah-acah lembu dengan kain berwarna merah sehingga lembu 'naik minyak' lalu menanduk. Di situlah kelembutan matador melentokkan badan - sebelah kiri dan kanan - bagi mengelak daripada ditanduk.
Sembah bumi

Akhirnya, matador akan mengambil besi tajam menikam bahagian belakang lembu itu sehingga ia tersungkur menyembah bumi mengaku kalah.

Begitu jugalah kepada Sepanyol. Dalam kelembutan permainan ada kekuatannya tersendiri mengalahkan lawan. Menyerang dari setiap sudut, bertahan dan menyerang kembali.

Apabila lembu rebah, akhirnya matador menyambut kegembiraan mengangkat tangan sambil memusing badan mengucapkan "persembahan itu untuk semua, terima kasih" seperti gaya yang dilakukan oleh David Villa meraikan jaringan gol. "Gol itu untuk semua penyokong".

Di situ, saya melihat ramalan psikik si sotong kurita itu 'nampak rasional'.

Tapi harus diingat, kelebihan skuad 'The Oranje' Belanda pimpinan jurulatih Bert Van Marwijk tidak harus diketepikan begitu sahaja.

Mereka ada kelebihan tersendiri. Setakat ini pasukan Belanda tidak pernah tewas semua enam perlawanan dalam kempen Piala Dunia ini.

Saya tidak fikir mereka juga akan meleburkan rekod cemerlang itu, tambahan pula inilah penantian selama 32 tahun sejak 1978.

Wesley Scneijder dan Arjen Robben - akan menjadi tonggak dan penggerak di barisan tengah.

Malah Scneijder akan bertindak melorong bola kepada Robin van Persie dan kepada Robben sendiri untuk menjaringkan gol.

Ini bermakna, pada pandangan saya, pertembungan pada 11 Julai nanti adalah perseteruan 'kuasa' di bahagian tengah.

Bahagian inilah yang menentukan kemenangan pasukan masing-masing di samping tidak menafikan fungsi bahagian lain.

Jika diperhatikan prestasi kedua-dua pemain ini, yang mana kedua-duanya menjaringkan gol pada tiga perlawanan terakhir menentang Uruguay, Brazil dan Slovakia.

Ia hasil gerakan yang diciptakan mereka, melalui hantaran panjang dan dekat, 'one-touch football' dan 'counter attack' sendiri akan dilakukan oleh Robben atau Scneijder.

Dirk Kuyt, yang rajin mengejar bola akan membuat hantaran-hantaran jauh malah beliau sendiri akan menggelecek bagi mengucar-ngacirkan pertahanan pihak lawan. Van Persie pula akan bergerak di sebelah kiri pintu gol lawan.

Pendek kata semuanya dalam pasukan Belanda, dilihat 'juicy' seolah-olah meminum jus 'Oranje' manis.

Kita menghirupnya dengan lancar, penuh nikmat untuk menghilangkan dahaga.

Begitulah kita melihat permainan Belanda yang lancar hantaran dan gerakannya, tepat hantarannya dan 'juicy' gaya gelecek pemainnya, pastinya akan membuatkan kita terhibur.

Jadi, apakah Belanda mampu memberi tentangan sengit kepada Sepanyol dalam perlawanan akhir nanti?

Atau kita terus sahaja menerima bulat-bulat ramalan Paul, si sotong kurita atau sudah membuat pilihan tersendiri?

Terserah dan kita saksikan nanti.

Oh ya, tidak lupa bagi peminat yang mana pasukannya tidak layak, gagal dan tersingkir, hanya satu cara sahaja untuk mengubat kekecewaan.

"Makan sotong goreng tepung sambil minum jus oren dan tengok filem Matador. Dan selepas itu, ketawa puas-puas."

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Unmanned stealth

Taranis: The £143million unmanned stealth jet that will hit targets in another continent

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 5:22 PM on 12th July 2010
Looming ominously like a space ship from Star Wars, this is the future of unmanned flight.
Defence firm BAE Systems today officially unveiled its first ever high-tech unmanned stealth jet.
The Taranis, named after the Celtic god of thunder, is about the same size as a Hawk jet and is equipped with stealth equipment and an 'autonomous' artificial intelligence system.
The plane will test the possibility of developing the first ever autonomous stealthy Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) that would ultimately be capable of precisely striking targets at long range, even in another continent.
Taranis, the prototype of an unmanned combat aircraft of the 
future, which was unveiled today
Taranis, the prototype of an unmanned combat aircraft of the future, which was unveiled today
The trial aircraft cost £143 million pounds to construct and spearheads BAE's drive to convince the Ministry of Defence to invest in the next generation of unmanned aircraft.
Almost invisible to ground radar, it is designed to travel at high jet speeds and cover massive distances between continents.
The plane is built to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance on enemy territory using onboard sensors.
And it has been designed to carry a cache of weapons - including bombs and missiles -, giving it a potential long-range strike capability.
It can be controlled from anywhere in the world with satellite communications.
Experts say the cutting-edge design is at the forefront of world technology and as advanced as any US development.
The plane began development in December 2006, and is intended to prove the UK's ability to produce a stealthy UAV.
Taranis will be stealthy, fast, able to carry out use a number of on-board weapons systems and be able to defend itself against manned and other unmanned enemy aircraft.
The concept demonstrator will test the possibility of developing 
the first ever autonomous stealthy Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) 
that would ultimately be capable of precisely striking targets at long 
range, even in another continent
The concept demonstrator will test the possibility of developing the first ever autonomous stealthy Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) that would ultimately be capable of precisely striking targets at long range, even in another continent

Any future need hinges on the outcome of the Strategic Defence and Security Review, which will conclude around October.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at BAE Systems in Warton, Lancashire, Minister for International Security Strategy Gerald Howarth said: 'Taranis is a truly trailblazing project.
'The first of its kind in the UK, it reflects the best of our nation’s advanced design and technology skills and is a leading programme on the global stage.'
He added: 'Taranis shows the UK's advanced engineering, research, technology and innovation sector at its world-beating best.'
Taranis is an informal partnership of the UK MoD and industry  British engineering firms including BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, QinetiQ and GE Aviation.
Rolls-Royce will focus on the next generation propulsion system for the Taranis demonstrator.
Speaking on behalf of the industry team, Nigel Whitehead, Group managing director of BAE Systems' Programmes & Support business, said: 'Taranis has been three and a half years in the making and is the product of more than a million man-hours.
'It represents a significant step forward in this country's fast-jet capability. This technology is key to sustaining a strong industrial base and to maintain the UK's leading position as a centre for engineering excellence and innovation."
The Taranis prototype will provide the MOD with knowledge on the technical and manufacturing challenges and the potential capabilities of Unmanned Combat Air Systems.
Test flights for the Taranis plane are due to start in 2011.

Giant unmanned airships

Giant unmanned airships to patrol Afghanistan skies for up to three weeks at a time

By Niall Firth
Last updated at 10:19 AM on 12th July 2010

Giant unmanned airships that can fly for up to three weeks at a time could soon be providing cover for British soldiers in Afghanistan.
The LEMV (long endurance multi intelligence vehicle) is being developed by a team of British and American engineers and will give troops on the ground valuable surveillance information.
The helium-filled drone will, when it takes to the skies sometime next summer, become the world’s longest endurance UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).
Packed with reconnaissance systems, the LEMV will be able to operate autonomously at altitudes of around 22000 feet for 21 days at a time, and travelling at speeds of up to 80 knots.
The LEMV will be able to stay in the sky for up to three weeks at a
 time, constantly beaming back information for troops on the ground
The LEMV will be able to stay in the sky for up to three weeks at a time, constantly beaming back information for troops on the ground
Alan Metzger, director for airship programmes at defence firm Northrop Grumman, which received half a billion dollars from the US military for the project, said that the airship’s ability to stay in the air for long periods make it perfect for surveillance missions.
Mr Metzger told The Engineer magazine: ‘This is going to be the longest endurance UAV in the world, it’s got the ability to stay up for three weeks with unblinking stare.
‘There will be no gaps in the data that gets put down to the war-fighter.  I don’t know of anything equivalent that could stay up for three or four weeks.’
The firm claims that the LEMV’s skin - a blend of Vectran, Kevlar and Mylar - will be able to cope with a reasonable amount of small arms fire from Taliban fighters on the ground.
British engineering firm Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd is developing much of the key technology behind the aircraft which, officially, is not a true airship.
Instead it is known as a hybrid air vehicle (HAV) and it has a number of advantages over fixed-wing UAVS like the Global Hawk.
A HAV uses aerodynamic lift like a conventional plane to take off before using helium to keep it in the sky once it is airborne. Engines on board are then used to move while it monitors events on the ground.
The project has received half a billion dollars of US funding and 
involves British engineers
The project has received half a billion dollars of US funding and involves British engineers
The LEMV could also be used to move heavy equipment while in Afghanistan, a massive advantage over competing UAVS.
HAV’s Gordon Taylor told The Engineer: ‘Traditional airships only float when they’re in equilibrium.  If you put ten people on board you’ve got to take ballast off before you go anywhere.
‘Then, as you fly you burn off fuel becoming too light and making it hard to land: a hybrid overcomes these issues.’
The aircraft - the first of three similar three similar vehicles - is expected to make its maiden flight next summer and will be deployed in Afghanistan by January 2012.
There are 7,000 unmanned aerial vehicles in use by the armed forces and the Predator UAV has already been used on many occasions to carry out attacks on Taliban positions in Afghanistan
In March last year an attack by an Israeli UAV was blamed for the deaths of 48 Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.
The current world record for unmanned flight stands at 31 hours held by Global Hawk, also developed by Northrop Grumman.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Viva Espana!

Beasts 0 Beauty 1: Spain on top of the world as they defeat Dutch cloggers

Ecstasy: Fernando Torres celebrates with the World Cup trophy
Ecstasy: Fernando Torres celebrates with the World Cup trophy

By Ian Ladyman in Johannesburg
Last updated at 1:30 AM on 12th July 2010
Spain won the World Cup for the first time on Sunday night but the final descended into a blizzard of cards and bitterness.
El fire: Andres Iniesta fires a stunning shot past Holland 
goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg for the extra-time winner
El fire: Andres Iniesta fires a stunning shot past Holland goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg for the extra-time winner

English referee Howard Webb dished out 13 yellow cards and a red in a bruising encounter settled by Andres Iniesta’s goal four minutes from the end of extra time.
Viva Espana: Iker Casillas celebrates Spain's first ever World Cu[
 triumph with team-mates Sergio Ramos and David Villa
Viva Espana: Iker Casillas celebrates Spain's first ever World Cu[ triumph with team-mates Sergio Ramos and David Villa
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk bizarrely accused Webb of favouring Spain, despite the Rotherham official failing to send off Nigel de Jong for a gruesome kung-fu style kick into Xabi Alonso’s chest in the first half.
Webb finally dismissed Everton defender John Heitinga in extra time for a second bookable offence as Spain refused to be intimidated.
Unpleasant: Nigel de Jong was one of 13 players cautioned in the 
match, although he was lucky not to be dismissed
Unpleasant: Nigel de Jong was one of 13 players cautioned in the match, although he was lucky not to be dismissed
Their coach Vicente del Bosque said: ‘We have fantastic players who knew how to respond to problems.’
Holland betrayed their Total Football heritage and Dutch legend Ruud Gullit said: ‘It was a terrible game. The Dutch must blame themselves.’
Agony: Fernando Torres lies on the floor
Agony: Fernando Torres lies on the floor
'Dani Jarque is always with us': Iniesta paid tribute to the 
deceased Espanyol and Spain player after scoring
'Dani Jarque is always with us': Iniesta paid tribute to the deceased Espanyol and Spain player after scoring
Shame game: Nigel de Jong lands a boot in the chest of Spain's 
Xabi Alonso... yet saw only yellow
Shame game: Nigel de Jong lands a boot in the chest of Spain's Xabi Alonso... yet saw only yellow
Flying Dutchman: Holland keeper Maarten Stekelenburg makes a smart
 save to deny an early header from Spain defender Sergio Ramos
Flying Dutchman: Holland keeper Maarten Stekelenburg makes a smart save to deny an early header from Spain defender Sergio Ramos
Total violence: Spain players surround referee Webb as he cautions
 Mark van Bommel, one of five first half bookings between the sides
Total violence: Spain players surround referee Webb as he cautions Mark van Bommel, one of five first half bookings between the sides
Up and over: Spain captain Iker Casillas collects the ball in an 
unorthodox manner to upend his own defender Carles Puyol as Van Persie 
looks on
Up and over: Spain captain Iker Casillas collects the ball in an unorthodox manner to upend his own defender Carles Puyol as Van Persie looks on
Getting forward: Gerard Pique drives forward for Spain as Dirk 
Kuyt looks on
Forward march: Spain's Gerard Pique drives ahead from defence as Dirk Kuyt looks on
Last ditch: Everton defender John Heitinga makes a superb recovery
 block to deny David Villa just yards away from breaking the deadlock 
for Spain in the second half
Last ditch: Everton defender John Heitinga makes a superb recovery block to deny David Villa just yards away from breaking the deadlock for Spain in the second half
One on one: A world class save from the foot of Casillas stuns 
Arjen Robben, after the former Chelsea star broke clear through on goal
One on one: A world class save from the foot of Casillas stuns Arjen Robben, after the former Chelsea star broke clear through on goal
So close: Unmarked Sergio Ramos sees his free header sail 
agonisingly over the crossbar
So close: Unmarked Sergio Ramos sees his free header sail agonisingly over the crossbar
Total disgrace: Heitinga is sent for for a double-bookable offence
 after earning a record breaking tenth yellow card in the final in extra
 time from Webb
Total disgrace: Heitinga is sent for for a double-bookable offence after earning a record breaking tenth yellow card in the final in extra time from Webb
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/07_02/Netherlands_650x521.jpg 
 

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Flying Car

Cleared for take-off: £132,000 flying car given the go-ahead by aviation chiefs

By Ray Massey
Last updated at 9:20 PM on 6th July 2010

It was designed to soar above traffic jams, but had been grounded by paperwork.
Now, finally, the flying car has been officially cleared to take to the skies.
The sticking point had been the weight of the Terrafugia Transition - it was 110lb over the limit for light aircraft.
How it works: All you need to know about the Terrafugia Transition
 flying car
How it works: All you need to know about the Terrafugia Transition flying car
But U.S. aviation authorities have given it a special exemption because the vehicle is also required to comply with car safety standards  -  including airbags, energy absorbing crumple zones and a safety cage. The vehicle had previously passed test flights and has now gone into commercial production.

Though not the world's first flying car, its makers say it is the first to have wings that fold up automatically at the push of a button.

There have already been 70 customers who have paid a £6,500 deposit for the vehicle, which costs

£132,000  -  about the same as a Bentley or Ferrari supercar.

But Terrafugia vice chairman Richard Gersh points out that for the money it gives you a great 'wow factor'.

He said: 'Anybody can buy a Ferrari. But Ferraris don't fly.'

As well as needing a healthy bank balance, owners of the Terrafugia Transition will require plenty of space  -  1,700ft of uncluttered road is needed for take-off.
The Terrafugia Transition will enable drivers to lift off from 
almost any long straight road, traffic permitting
The Terrafugia Transition will enable drivers to lift off from almost any long straight road, traffic permitting
Its inventors at Terrafugia, who include former Nasa engineers, say the vehicle is easy to keep and run because it uses normal unleaded fuel, can be re-fuelled at petrol station, and will fit into a normal domestic garage.

The 19ft long car can reach 65mph on the road but can fly at speeds of up to 115mph and has a range of up to 500 miles in the air.

Powered by a 100-horse-power four- stroke engine  -  about the same as Ford Fiesta  -  it can switch from being a two-seater road car to a plane at the touch of a button in under 30 seconds.

In car mode it has a steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, but no gearstick. As a plane, it is controlled with a joystick near the steering wheel.

As it will be certified as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition will require a pilot's licence to be flown  -  and of course a valid driver's licence for use on the ground. Carl Dietrich, Terrafugia chief executive, said: 'This breakthrough changes the world of personal mobility.'

Colonel Phil Meteer, who carried out its first test flight last year, said: 'It's a real smooth stable vehicle on the runway. It comes up smoothly into the air. It's just rock solid.'

The company said the first planes would be delivered to customers in autumn of next year.
The Transition still needs to be washed every Sunday
The Transition still needs to be washed every Sunday

Gadis Penan terus diperkosa pembalak

PSG: Gadis Penan terus diperkosa pembalak
Keruah Usit
Jul 6, 10
2:18pm
Tujuh mangsa Penan yang dirogol dan dicabuli oleh pembalak di Baram, Sarawak tampil menuntut keadilan.

Pen
deritaan dan kesengsaraan yang dialami oleh kaum pribumi itu yang dijadikan mangsa seks itu diluahkan melalui Kumpulan Penyokong Penan (PSG) - sebuah pertubuhan 36 badan bukan kerajaan NGO yang hari ini mengemukakan laporan terperinci kepada Parlimen.

Menurut PSG, wanita Penan secara sistematik diperkosa pembalak di Baram dan ia masih berterusan meskipun dinafikan oleh kerajaan negeri Sarawak dan polis pula didakwa gagal bertindak.

Me
nurut laporan berkenaan, jenayah seks itu berterusan kerana kemiskinan tegar yang menular, pencabulan hak tanah, kerakyatan dan juga rasa tidak hormat kepada masyarakat pribumi.

Laporan PSG berkata berikutan desakan ketua wanita PKR, Zuraida Kamaruddin, kerajaan akhirnya menubuhkan pasukan penyelidik dan hasil siasatan mereka mengesahkan terdapat lapan kejadian yang di mana gadis Penan termasuk seorang kanak-kanak sekolah berusia 10 tahun dijadikan mangsa seks.

PSG kemudiannya membuat siasatan sendiri selepas pihak polis memungkiri janji mereka untuk menyiasat serangan seksual oleh pembalak ke atas gadis Penan atas alasan kekurangan dana.
Diperkosa pembalak

Mereka melawat Long Lamam, Long Ajeng and Long Mobui, selama seminggu pada November lalu dan mendengar rintihan daripada masyarakat Penan yang terdiri daripada 13 komuniti yang berhimpun dari sekitar Baram.

K
etujuh-tujuh mangsa yang diperkosa pembalak itu belum pernah membuat laporan sebelum ini.

Gadis paling muda daripada tujuh mangsa itu berkata dia hanya berusia 14 tahun apabila diserang. Selain tujuh mereka, lapan yang lain yang disahkan oleh kerajaan juga diperkosa.

Pemerkosaan gadis dan wanita Penan mendapat bantahan antarabangsa tetapi ditolak oleh Ketua Menteri Sarawak, Tan Sri Taib Mahmud yang sebaliknya memberi amaran: ”semak maklumat anda atau tidak anda akan dituduh cuba mensabotaj kami”.

Menteri Pembangunan Tanah Sarawak, Datuk Seri James Masing, memberitahu BBC bahawa “masyarakat Penan pandai mereka cerita' dan mendakwa hubungan seks bebas di kalangan masyarakat Penan adalah sesuatu yang lazim.

Me
nteri Muda Di Jabatan Ketua Menteri Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman yang bertanggungjawab terhadap hal ehwal agama Islam pula terus menafikan laporan itu.

“Bagi saya, laporan gadis Penan dicabul itu tidak benar”.
Cerita dirogol

Berikut catatan tiga daripada tujuh laporan yang dikemukakan oleh mangsa yang dirogol berkenaan.

Cerita J

Menurut laporan PSG, J adalah gadis Penan yang berusia 23 tahun. Dia anak anak gadis tunggal dan sering-kali dibiarkan keseorangan apabila anggota keluarganya keluar memburu.
Menurut J, kebanyakan pembalak akan singgah di perkampungannya dalam keadaan mabuk dan menimbulkan huru-hara.
J dirogol ketika berusia 14 tahun oleh seorang pembalak yang berusia dalam lingkungan 30an.
Pembalak itu pernah melamarnya tetapi ditolak dan lelaki itu pergi ke rumahnya dan merogolnya.
J tidak memberitahu keluarganya kerana takut mereka dibunuh oleh pembalak itu.

Selepas dirogol, menurut J, pembalak itu terus memaksanya supaya berkahwin dan dia akhirnya bersetuju kerana bimbangkan keselamatan keluarganya.

Kata J, dia didera secara fizikal dan psikologi dan sekiranya menolak permintaan seks pembalak itu, dia dipukul dengan sebatang kayu. Apabila J mengandung pada 2003, dia dihantar ke kampungnya dan pembalak itu menghilangkan diri. Anaknya kini berusia tujuh tahun.

Cerita A

A diculik bersama adiknya oleh dua pembalak yang menceroboh rumah mereka pada 2001. Kedua-dua mereka kemudiannya dibawa ke kem pembalakan.
A kemudian dipisahkan dengan adiknya dan setiap hari dia dirogol dan sekiranya dia menolak tuntutan nafsu pembalak, dia akan dipukul. Apabila dia mengandung, A dihantar pulang ke rumahnya semula.
A kini sakit dan anak luar nikahnya itu dijaga oleh kakaknya. Dia ingin membuat laporan polis tetapi tidak tahu caranya dan tidak mempunyai wang untuk tambang ke balai polis.

Nasib adik A juga tidak diketahui sehingga hari ini. A tidak pasti tetapi berpendapat adiknya yang diculik itu masih di kem pembalakan berkenaan.

Cerita E

E di
tangkap ketika membonceng motosikal dan dirogol oleh dua lelaki di kem pembalakan pada tahun 1996. Dia berjaya diselamatkan oleh penduduk kampungnya yang berjaya mengesannya dan menyerbu tempat tahanannya.

Kebanyakan penduduk kampung marah tetapi tidak berdaya berbuat apa-apa kerana syarikat pembalakan itu terlalu 'berkuasa' dan mendakwa polis sentiasa di pihak mereka.

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