2013年3月28日星期四

The secret life of your pet revealed: Owner develops 'cat nav' device which tracks wandering felines' progress by mapping it on Google


Ever wondered what Tiddles gets up to once he’s disappeared through the cat flap?
Now you can find out, thanks to a tracking device fitted to his collar.
The device tracks the every move of pets and maps it on Google. Father-of-two Dave Evans came up with the idea because his own silver tabby Yollo was mysteriously disappearing and putting on weight each day.
Inventor: Pet owner Dave Evans has developed a new tracking device for animals dubbed ¿Cat Nav¿ - which tracks their every move and maps it on Google
Inventor: Pet owner Dave Evans has developed a new tracking device for animals dubbed ¿Cat Nav¿ - which tracks their every move and maps it on Google

Helpful: Mr Evans came up with the idea because his own silver tabby Yollo, pictured, was mysteriously disappearing and putting on weight each day
Helpful: Mr Evans came up with the idea because his own silver tabby Yollo, pictured, was mysteriously disappearing and putting on weight each day
He developed an ultra-light GPS which fixes to the pet’s collar and records where it has been.
When the animal returns home the information is downloaded via a USB cable direct to a website which reveals its secret life on Google Earth satellite images.
Mr Evans, 41, said the weatherproof tracker, weighing just 15g, will cost £50 and can be used for cats and dogs.
 

He said: 'My cat was getting fat even though I was feeding him less and I needed to know what was going on.
'Now I know he travels a couple of miles each day, exactly where he goes every night and who’s feeding him.
Clever: This is an image from the G-Paws Cat sat nav website which owners can visit to see where their cat has been visiting
Clever: This is an image from the G-Paws Cat sat nav website which owners can visit to see where their cat has been visiting

Explorer: This map shows the routes that Mr Evans's cat Yollo made over a three hour period
Explorer: This map shows the routes that Mr Evans's cat Yollo made over a three hour period
'I know he also enjoys chasing chickens at 6am every morning and can see his favourite hangouts.
'The tracker will provide answers for other cat users if Tiddles is playing away or simply show where they go when they’re out on the tiles.'
Mr Evans, of Marlborough, Wiltshire, added: 'It can equally be used for dogs, for example to show how much exercise they are getting.
'For dog owners who pay for "professional walkers" it will record exactly how far and fast their dog is travelling and show if they are getting value for money.'
Mr Evans is also developing a social networking site for pets to accompany his ‘G-Paws’ device which will be available in the summer.
He said: 'It will enable users to see where their pets have been wandering on Google Earth as well as share photos, videos and other information on their pets.
Light: The weatherproof tracker weighs just 15g and will cost £50
Light: The weatherproof tracker weighs just 15g and will cost £50
'Owners will be able to see which other pets their animals have been interacting with.
'For too long we have been kept in the dark about the secret lives of our pets.
'At last we will know what they get up to, what "second homes" they have, how far they travel and where their favourite hang-outs are.'
Mr Evans, who has a background in sat nav marketing, is using a Chinese developer to manufacture his own device.
Other GPS devices for animals provide real-time information via SIM cards but are a lot more expensive at around £200 and too heavy for smaller pets.

Natasha Hamilton has revealed Atomic Kitten are working on new material and are currently recording their comeback single

They've enjoyed somewhat of a comeback thanks to being part of TV show The Big Reunion and are preparing to set off on a tour with their fellow reformed bands.
And it seems the series has done the world of good for Atomic Kitten, as Natasha Hamilton has now revealed they're recording their new album and are in the midst of recording their 'comeback single'.
The singer revealed to the MailOnline that they're even in the middle of setting in stone a recording contract.
 
Ready for new songs: Natasha Hamilton has revealed Atomic Kitten are working on new material and are currently recording their comeback singleReady for new songs: Natasha Hamilton has revealed Atomic Kitten are working on new material and are currently recording their comeback single
 
New music: Natasha told the MailOnline they're closed to signing a new record deal and revealed on Twitter they're working on their comeback singleNew music: Natasha told the MailOnline they're closed to signing a new record deal and revealed on Twitter they're working on their comeback single
When asked what their plans are for when The Big Reunion tour ends, Natasha said: 'We're definitely, definitely concentrating on the band. We've already got a record deal underway.'
She then added to the MailOnline: 'We are writing songs for our new album as well.'
Her interview comes as she also revealed on Twitter that she spent her Wednesday morning recording what they think could be their new comeback single.
The 30-year-old wrote: 'I'm off the studio to vocal @AtomicKOfficial potential come-back single!! Could today get anymore freakin' exciting!'
The comment caused lots of messages from lots of followers, to which she responded revealing they had plenty of material: 'Well, we have that many to choose from!;).'
 
As they were: On The Big Reunion they've been singing their old hits but Natasha has now revealed they have plenty of new songs they'll be bringing outAs they were: On The Big Reunion they've been singing their old hits but Natasha has now revealed they have plenty of new songs they'll be bringing out
And it seems performing back on stage has given the singer the taste for continuing her pop career once more.
She said of the tour, which kicks off in May: 'Can not wait, it's quite intense though. It's every night for two and a half weeks.
'We're going to have to be well behaved. We won't be able to go to the bar, we'll have to rest our voices!
'We've had the best time. I'm not going to lie, going into it I was nervous because I thought what if we don't have the chemistry that we had when we were kids? But literally the first day back to work together was back to business and we all slotted back into our old funny ways... Loud and hyperactive.'
Natasha added: 'I mean, I just love working, working defines me. I love being a mum and being at home with my kids but I feel really inspired when I'm working and being on stage performing, doing what I love doing.'
 
Getting the taste for it: Natasha and her bandmates Liz McLarnon and Kerry Katona reunited for TV show the Big Reunion and are about to go on a tour in MayGetting the taste for it: Natasha and her bandmates Liz McLarnon and Kerry Katona reunited for TV show the Big Reunion and are about to go on a tour in May
This week it was revealed that Atomic Kitten and the rest of the Big Reunion bands will also take part in the Big Reunion Christmas tour in December.
Natasha was speaking to the MailOnline as part of her bid to raise awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Hamilton is helping to support Macmillan’s new fundraising event, 'A Really Good Night In', which will take place nationally on the evening of Friday 26 April.
Cancer has affected Natasha’s family ever since she can remember - her nannies, aunts, uncles, both mother and father-in-law have all been diagnosed with or died from cancer.
 
They're back: Hamilton revealed they'll still be concentrating on the band once the Big Reunion tour wraps upThey're back: Hamilton revealed they'll still be concentrating on the band once the Big Reunion tour wraps up
And so she wants to do everything she can to raise funds and awareness to help beat cancer, including holding her own Really Good Night In with her friends.
She told the MailOnline about the campaign: 'Well, it's all about having a really good night in. We want everybody to get all your friends and their family around, either have a dinner party or a girlie pamper night or a poker night - or anything that just gets you to interact with your friends. And charge on the door or put a donation in the pot. It's just a new fun way of bringing awareness.
'As a young child my grandmother had throat cancer so that was many years of tough times.
'We have to be really careful, we have to have more checks. One in three people will end up with some form of cancer, it's a lot of people. And we need awareness and that's what Macmillan gives.'
 
New tunes: Natasha has admitted she's been thrilled with the response and getting back on stageNew tunes: Natasha has admitted she's been thrilled with the response and getting back on stage
Speaking of her own Really Good Night In, she added: 'I'm going to have a dinner party. I'm going to cook a dinner, I've got my meal planned already, mozzarella and dried tomatoes and I'm going to have champagne and nice pedicures and manicures.
'I've been so busy with the girls and working so it will be a nice night for us all. It's just close family and friends this time. I wish I could invite my Big Reunion family but we all live miles away from each other. We should do another night and get them to donate as well.
The event focuses on close friendships and could include a variety of themes from a girly pamper night; a chance to get crafty and swap skills or simply drinks and nibbles, to help make sure no one goes through cancer alone.

How to Distiguish A Hermes Belt

Hermes Womens Belts  is known for their durability and quality. Its accessories are also wonderful. And they are suitable for for both men and women. There are many Hermes men accessories such as watches and belts. All of them are fantastic and luxury. Women love to buy Hermes belt for men as gifts for their husband or boyfriend. However, there are many fakes around the world.
May be you spend a lot of money on it. At last, you found it is a fake one. So in order to avoid buying a fake one, we have to know how to distinguish it.
The first things you should remember, Hermes spares no details with their products. By seeing the package you can know whether it is authentic or not. The boxes of real Hermes belts must be orange. At the same time, they are tied with a black ribbon which is emblazoned also with the logo of the brand. If the products you are going to buy have such a package, you can expect it as an authentic one. However, this is not enough.
Observe the buckle carefully. It is made of expensive metal such as real gold. And it also comes with a logo of the brand. And there is a detail that most people ignore. The authentic product of Hermes has a logo which has an accent over the second "e" in the word. And you can feel it. The buckle feels well as it is made of top material.
Feel the products again. This time you have to see whether the leather feels soft or not. The leather of a belt of Hermes will never smell like plastic or feel cheap. And it is always double-sided. The color of each side is different from each other. By using this method you can easily identify a fake one.
The easiest way for you to get the authentic products of this brand is to buy them from the specialty shop of it. Goods there are sure to be authentic.
As there are more and more fake branded accessories in the market, to buy an original one is becoming more and more difficult. You have to remember all the methods to avoid a fake one.
After knowing this ways to avoid buying fake belts, I beg that you have already taken charge of something. So as Christmas is coming, how about choosing a Hermes belt for men for your lover to show your love. Anyways, when you buy it, you need more patinet. If you buy the fake one, I do not think you will have a good mood in this happy festival, right?

2013年3月20日星期三

From Joanna to Boris, stars sign up for Mail's history festival where subject will be brought to life

One minute, Roman legionaries will cross swords in a historical re-enactment, the next a Spitfire could roar overhead.
Or if you fancy something more sedate, there is a dazzling cast of speakers to choose from at this year’s Chalke Valley History Festival, sponsored by the Daily Mail.

An incredible line-up of household names including Boris Johnson, Joanna Lumley, Rupert Everett, Tom Stoppard, Sebastian Faulks, Ian Hislop, Paddy Ashdown and Max Hastings is confirmed for the event, which combines Britain’s largest festival devoted entirely to history with imaginative ‘living history’ displays.

A brilliant set of speakers: Joanna Lumley will appear at the Chalke Valley History Festival, sponsored by the Daily Mail
A brilliant set of speakers: Joanna Lumley will appear at the Chalke Valley History Festival, sponsored by the Daily Mail
A brilliant set of speakers: Joanna Lumley will appear at the Chalke Valley History Festival, sponsored by the Daily Mail
Also among the speakers will be Conn Iggulden, author of the best-selling Emperor and Conqueror historical fiction series and co-author, with his brother Hal, of 2006’s British Book of The Year, The Dangerous Book for Boys.

At the festival’s launch event yesterday at Waterstones in Piccadilly, central London, he said: ‘The way I look at it, the French have got cooking, the Italians have got style and the British have got history.

‘We have the best stories and they make us who we are. I’m very much looking forward to a crowd who have come to see and talk about history.’
A new feature will be an air show featuring Second World War planes like Hurricanes, Mustangs, Messerschmitts and Spitfires (pictured)
A new feature will be an air show featuring Second World War planes like Hurricanes, Mustangs, Messerschmitts and Spitfires (pictured)
Explaining the appeal of the festival, now in its third year and held in an area of outstanding natural beauty near Salisbury, Wiltshire, fellow author Tom Holland, who will also appear, said: ‘It’s a  magical world. The setting is absolutely stunning, like a vision of Wessex.
‘The roster of speakers is amazing – it’s not often you get the chance to see Boris Johnson and Tom Stoppard in the same field as someone dressed up in Dark Ages armour.’
Knight in shining armour: There will be a variety of historical displays and re-enactments
Knight in shining armour: There will be a variety of historical displays and re-enactments
He added: ‘Even if you think you know nothing about history, you do because the raw material of history is what goes into films, novels and television.

‘When you come to the festival you feel you’re going into a slightly different dimension of reality – it has the feel of a Doctor Who episode where they have to time-travel and gather people from different eras.’

The festival, which runs from June 24 to 30, also hosts a history writing prize, in partnership with the Daily Mail and Penguin Books.

Mr Iggulden said: ‘The thrill in historical writing is you get the facts and you want to know more. Historical fiction helps you to imagine what it was like to be there.’

A new feature will be an air show featuring Hurricanes, Mustangs, Messerschmitts and Spitfires.
Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown, a former Royal Navy officer and test pilot who has flown more types of aircraft than anyone else in history, will also give a talk.
Other speakers include the team behind the recent discovery of Richard III’s bones in a Leicester car park.

Living history events include ‘Have-a-Go Archery’ and a First World War trench experience.
For the first time, there will also be a two-day schools programme, delivered by leading historians, for Year 10 and 12 students.
past life graphic.jpg

he moment before Rihanna hit the stage was captured by her photographer friend Melissa Forde

Her super sexy and exquisitely constructed shows are a familiar sight, but Rihanna - inveterate Tweeter though she is - hasn't shown us what it's like for her before she hits the stage.
Until now, that is, because he friend Melissa Forde has captured some intimate - and not so intimate - moments of the beauty psyching herself up to perform with the help of her dancers.
The 25-year-old seems to go through a ritual which is akin to footballers huddling before a game, and it could in part explain why she was late to to stage by a whopping 70 minutes in Toronto on Sunday.
Ritual: The moment before Rihanna hit the stage was captured by her photographer friend Melissa Forde
Ritual: The moment before Rihanna hit the stage was captured by her photographer friend Melissa Forde
In a series of shots, you can spot the Bahan beauty holding hands with her dancers, then they put their hands into the middle of the circle before raising them to the ceiling and yelling out a rallying cry.
Rihanna's 777 promotional tour for new album Unapologetic is set to show further behind-the-scenes excitement, as its being made into a documentary for Fox.
The singer took 256 fans and journalists onto a Boeing 777 airplane and took them with her as she performed seven concerts in seven days in seven cities around the world.
I wanna hold your hand: Rihanna shared these pictures via a photographer friend
I wanna hold your hand: Rihanna shared these pictures via a photographer friend

Team talk: Rihanna and her dancers huddled together like they were preparing to play a match
Team talk: Rihanna and her dancers huddled together like they were preparing to play a match

Strong spirit: It's clear that Rihanna and her team have got great camaraderie
Strong spirit: It's clear that Rihanna and her team have got great camaraderie
The new documentary, Rihanna 777, which her Fenty Films produced, is said to go behind the scenes of the trip, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Unapologetic debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and her single hit the top of the Hot 100 chart the day after the tour finished.
The singer lived up the album name as she took to the stage 70 minutes late for her Diamonds world tour in Montreal on Sunday night.
In the zone: RiRi larked around backstage, as captured by her friend
In the zone: RiRi larked around backstage, as captured by her friend

Chilling out: The atmosphere seems fairly jolly at Rihanna's gigs... even backstage
Chilling out: The atmosphere seems fairly jolly at Rihanna's gigs... even backstage
Chilling out: The atmosphere seems fairly jolly at Rihanna's gigs... even backstage
Splendid show: Rihanna kept her fans waiting in Toronto on Sunday night but it was worth it
Splendid show: Rihanna kept her fans waiting in Toronto on Sunday night but it was worth it
Luckily for her patient fans she proved worth waiting for, showing her figure in a pair of thigh high white boots.
She teamed the boots with a transparent T-shirt dress baring the legend 'sea of desire' and black underwear.
The outfit proved just one of six equally outrageous outfits.
They included a pop art inspired two-piece, in clinging red and yellow PVC, and studded black leather underwear, which she wore with another pair of over-the-knee boots.
Raunchy: The Bahan beauty likes to sex up her shows
Raunchy: The Bahan beauty likes to sex up her shows
Raunchy: The Bahan beauty likes to sex up her shows


Vera Farmiga was snapped looking laidback in trainers and jeans while leaving her hotel with her family on Tuesday, before donning a sophisticated dress and heels later in the day in New York City

As an experienced actress, she's used to portraying different personas.

So for Vera Farmiga, going from casual mother to glamorous screen siren is a cinch.

The 39-year-old was snapped looking laid-back and comfortable in trainers and jeans as she left her hotel with her two toddlers and husband Renn Hawkey on Tuesday in New York City.

The actress was then spotted looking stylish and elegant in a flouncy dress and strappy platform heels as she arrived back at her Soho hotel later in the day.
From casual to glamorous: Vera Farmiga was snapped looking laidback in trainers and jeans while leaving her hotel with her family on Tuesday, before donning a sophisticated dress and heels later in the day in New York City
From casual to glamorous: Vera Farmiga was snapped looking laidback in trainers and jeans while leaving her hotel with her family on Tuesday, before donning a sophisticated dress and heels later in the day in New York City
From casual to glamorous: Vera Farmiga was snapped looking laidback in trainers and jeans while leaving her hotel with her family on Tuesday, before donning a sophisticated dress and heels later in the day in New York City
The Up In The Air star was cool and casual in dark skinny jeans and light blue Converse hightop trainers in the morning.
She covered up in a black raincoat and blue scarf as she headed out into the rain while carrying her adorable two-year-old daughter Gytta.

Walking ahead of Vera was her carpenter husband and four-year-old son Fynn, who looked cute as a button in a puffy down jacket, grey jeans and a jaunty fedora.
Picture of maternal bliss: The 39-year-old glowed while carrying her two-year-old daughter Gytta as she left her hotel in Soho accompanied by her husband Renn Hawkey and four-year-old son Fynn
Picture of maternal bliss: The 39-year-old glowed while carrying her two-year-old daughter Gytta as she left her hotel in Soho accompanied by her husband Renn Hawkey and four-year-old son Fynn

Happy family: Renn led the way while holding his son's hand, while Vera and Gytta followed as the foursome headed out in the rain
Happy family: Renn led the way while holding his son's hand, while Vera and Gytta followed as the foursome headed out in the rain

Look at the lights! Gytta jostled her brother to get a closer look at the sparkly lights in the window of the hotel
Look at the lights! Gytta jostled her brother to get a closer look at the sparkly lights in the window of the hotel
Vera was the picture of maternal contentment, grinning as she walked with her brood.
Despite her dressed-down look, the Ukrainian-born actress wore her highlighted blonde hair in a chic messy updo and brightened up her appearance with a slick of rosy pink lipgloss.
At one point, her tiny tots were seen admiring some glittering lights in the hotel window, with Gytta jostling her big brother as she tried to get a closer look.

Covered on all sides: The Oscar nominee had not one but two doormen holding umbrellas above her and Gytta's heads to shelter the pair from the rain
Covered on all sides: The Oscar nominee had not one but two doormen holding umbrellas above her and Gytta's heads to shelter the pair from the rain

Stylish tot: Fynn gave a mischievous smile as he stood looking adorable in a puffy down jacket and stylish fedora
Stylish tot: Fynn gave a mischievous smile as he stood looking adorable in a puffy down jacket and stylish fedora
Later in the day, the Bates Motel star was seen hurrying back to her hotel dressed in a black-and-white patterned Fifties-style dress and wooden platform heels that sported black straps.
Vera wore the same black raincoat from earlier in the day as she made a dash into the building while a doorman gallantly held an umbrella over the star's head.

The Oscar nominee wore her hair in a romantic low ponytail, her wispy fringe framing her striking features.

She highlighted her blue eyes with smokey eyeshadow and wore the same pink lipgloss as earlier in the day.
Upped the glamour factor: Vera transformed into a Fifties-era siren in a flouncy black-and-white dress and strappy platform heels as she arrived back at her hotel later in the day
Upped the glamour factor: Vera transformed into a Fifties-era siren in a flouncy black-and-white dress and strappy platform heels as she arrived back at her hotel later in the day
Upped the glamour factor: Vera transformed into a Fifties-era siren in a flouncy black-and-white dress and strappy platform heels as she arrived back at her hotel later in the day

Promotional duties: The actress is currently promoting her new series Bates Motel, in which she plays the mother to the future murderer Norman Bates from Alfred Hitchcock's classic film Psycho
Promotional duties: The actress is currently promoting her new series Bates Motel, in which she plays the mother to the future murderer Norman Bates from Alfred Hitchcock's classic film Psycho
Vera is currently promoting her new A&E series Bates Motel, a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's classic film Psycho.

She plays Norma, the mother to the future murderer Norman Bates.

The actress said recently she analysed her own as well as other maternal relationships around her to help her develop the character. She said that she believes Norma is trying to be a good role model for her son. 
'Yeah, she's insane as any mother goes insane sometimes,' Farmiga told the Associated Press.
'It's a very typical portrayal of maternity and its function and dysfunction and its victories and defeats. She doesn't always make the right decisions.'
Mother of a killer: Vera plays Norma Bates, the mother to future murderer Norman Bates in the new television series Bates Motel
Mother of a killer: Vera plays Norma Bates, the mother to future murderer Norman Bates in the new television series Bates Motel



Modern Family star Sofia Vergara is seen exiting her taxi in New York on Monday; she has revealed she is taking steps to ensure she can have a family with boyfriend Nick Loeb

Sofia Vergara has confirmed that she is freezing her eggs with an eye to having a child with her boyfriend Nick Loeb.
The 40-year-old made the admission in a frank interview with Vogue magazine, in which she spelled out her plans.
'I have to be careful what I eat because they’re freezing my eggs!' she said.
Freezing her eggs: Modern Family star Sofia Vergara is seen exiting her taxi in New York on Monday; she has revealed she is taking steps to ensure she can have a family with boyfriend Nick Loeb
Freezing her eggs: Modern Family star Sofia Vergara is seen exiting her taxi in New York on Monday; she has revealed she is taking steps to ensure she can have a family with boyfriend Nick Loeb
'They want to get as many eggs as they can because usually you produce them but they’re not good. They have to be perfect, perfect, perfect ones.'
Sofia already has one child, her 21-year-old son Manolo Gonzales, born when she was a teen.
But she explained that she was now thinking of staring a family with businessman Loeb, who is widely thought to be her fiance.
A Modern Family of her own: Sofia was reported to be using a surrogate to carry her child
A Modern Family of her own: Sofia was reported to be using a surrogate to carry her child

'My boyfriend is 37, younger than me, never had kids,' said Sofia.
The Modern Family star was seen out and about in New York on Monday, dressed in a black padded coat, suede wedge heels, and carrying a Chanel handbag.
She looked preoccupied but smiled when she saw photographers.
Sofia's revelation comes just days after the National Enquirer reported she and Loeb were already expecting a baby via surrogate.
The magazine claimed Sofia chose one of her closest friends to act as a surrogate.
Sofia Vergara
Sofia Vergara
Baby on the way? Sofia is also reported to be expecting a child with a surrogate
‘Rather than going through the trying process of hiring a stranger to serve as a surrogate, Sofia hand-picked one of her healthiest and closest friends,’ a source told The National Enquirer.
However the publication alleges that Sofia’s hopes were almost dashed when the surrogate was rushed to hospital late last month after suffering symptoms of a miscarriage.
‘Sofia’s surrogate had developed pain and went to the hospital, fearing that she was going to have a miscarriage,’ the source claimed.
Planning a family: Sofia and boyfriend Nick Loeb at the SAG awards in January
Planning a family: Sofia and boyfriend Nick Loeb at the SAG awards in January
Sofia and Nick were seen leaving a date night at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood on February 22, and reportedly headed straight to hospital from the restaurant after learning the news.
‘After several hours, it was determined that the baby was fine, and so was the surrogate mom,’ the source added. ‘Sofia thanked God that everything was OK.’
Isn't she sweet enough? Sofia shared an image of herself with co-star Jesse Tyler Ferguson surrounded by candy
Isn't she sweet enough? Sofia shared an image of herself with co-star Jesse Tyler Ferguson surrounded by candy
Say cheese: Vergara tweeted a snap of herself on Monday with Modern Family co-star Sarah Hyland
Say cheese: Vergara tweeted a snap of herself on Monday with Modern Family co-star Sarah Hyland

Out and about: Sarah and fellow Modern Family co-star Julie Bowen were also spotted out in New York on Monday
Out and about: Sarah and fellow Modern Family co-star Julie Bowen were also spotted out in New York on Monday
Out and about: Sarah and fellow Modern Family co-star Julie Bowen were also spotted out in New York on Monday