An Iranian-born long-distance runner who tried to “walk” across the ocean from Florida to New York has had to abandon his attempt after only 40 kilometres, landing his giant hamster wheel-like vessel on a beach packed with sunbathers.
Reza Baluchi, 49, said he had planned on raising money for charity by travelling from St Augustine, Florida, to New York using only his leg power — hopefully receiving a little boost from the Gulf Stream.
But The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that he was forced to turn back on Saturday after realising some of his navigation gear and other equipment had been stolen from his so-called hydropod before he set out.
The vessel is a rotating, drum-like cage with laddered steps stretching all the way around the inside. Video on Mr Baluchi's website shows the propelling motion is akin to a hamster on a wheel.
The Sun-Sentinel said Mr Baluchi had been jailed and tortured by Iranian authorities before fleeing to Germany in his 20s and eventually securing political asylum in the US.
His website states Mr Baluchi has spent years biking and running long distances across dozens of countries.
“He delivered a message of peace everywhere he went, shared love and began to experience life in a way many people only dream of,” the website says.
In 2007, Mr Baluchi ran the perimeter of US, notching up about 19,000km over 202 consecutive days and donating the money he raised to The Children’s Hospital of Denver, his website states.
The local sheriff's department at the beach where Mr Baluchi ended his attempt to reach New York said he was unharmed and had come across “some complications that brought him back to shore".
The US Coastguard had previously rescued Mr Baluchi during a failed attempt to reach Bermuda from Florida in 2014.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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PAKISTAN v SRI LANKA
Twenty20 International series
Thu Oct 26, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
Fri Oct 27, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
Sun Oct 29, 3rd T20I, Lahore
Tickets are available at www.q-tickets.com
'Of Love & War'
Lynsey Addario, Penguin Press
The%20Sandman
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Company%20Profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
Student Of The Year 2
Director: Punit Malhotra
Stars: Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria, Ananya Pandey, Aditya Seal
1.5 stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months
Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers Henderson, Johnstone, Pickford, Ramsdale
Defenders Alexander-Arnold, Chilwell, Coady, Godfrey, James, Maguire, Mings, Shaw, Stones, Trippier, Walker, White
Midfielders Bellingham, Henderson, Lingard, Mount, Phillips, Rice, Ward-Prowse
Forwards Calvert-Lewin, Foden, Grealish, Greenwood, Kane, Rashford, Saka, Sancho, Sterling, Watkins
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The%20specs
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