http:// 2013-04-17T01:57:24Z 2013-04-17T01:57:24Z record-breaking-flight-helps-greyhound-plight

Tim Howes, who took his first flight at age 13 years old, is reaching for the skies to break a new Australian aviation record. Tim plans to set a new Australian record for the number take-off and landings completed in a single day – all in the name of helping greyhounds. He will attempt to beat the current record of 102 take offs and landings aiming for 120. He’ll complete the feat in an open cockpit ultra-light aircraft called a Drifter near Lismore, on May 4, 2013. As well as breaking records, Tim also hopes to raise awareness of the plight of greyhounds and how great they are as pets. As a proud owner of a greyhound adopted from ‘Friends of the Hound’, raising awareness about these dogs is close to Tim’s heart. Friends of the Hound Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer based group that aims is to raise awareness and educate the public about greyhound welfare and the breed’s suitability as family pets and companions.  Money raised from the event will help Friends of the Hound to continue its work to save the lives of greyhounds. “It is a record that I have wanted to crack for some time now. I also wanted some way of letting people know about this cause. So this was a perfect opportunity to do both”, explained Tim. “Greyhounds are gentle, friendly and really affectionate. They are quiet, great with kids and other animals, and surprisingly lazy,” Tim said. Lisa White, President of Friends of the Hound said, “There are widespread misconceptions about the breed and with Tim’s help we can promote greyhounds as pets and change the perception of them as ‘just a racing dog’.” Tim hopes to achieve this record and raise funds for Friends of the Hound with help of friends and sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and sponsorship opportunities go to fly.friendsofthehound.org.au.

2012-09-28T07:22:11Z how-to-use-a-solar-charger-for-your-mobile-phone

Having a solar charger means that you have power for your mobile gear, anywhere the sun shines. No more flat battery inspired disasters - and when your family carries one, no more excuses that "But my battery was dead, and I couldn't call to say I was running late!" too.Solar power for your mobile devices also means you are taking less power from the grid - saving the planet AND saving money one recharge at a time.Here are some tips for getting the most out of your solar charger:A great way to use a solar charger for your mobile phone or tablet while camping or bushwalking is to WEAR IT! Strap it to your backpack and recharge your portable battery anywhere you go. Then its on hand to charge up your phone, camera, GPS or the kid's iPod (so you can enjoy the serenity a bit longer).Pop it onto the car console or dashboard while driving to catch some rays. Leave it on the windowsill at home through the day so you can recharge off the grid at night. If you are charging through a window, windscreen, etc, be aware that the charging times will be increased especially if your windows are tinted.The power of the sun's rays depend on the season, as during summer the earth faces more directly towards the sun. So charge times can vary depending on the season where you are.To increase the efficiency of your solar charger, make sure the panels directly face the sun at all times. As the sun moves across the sky throughout the day, adjust your solar charger accordingly. The time of day is also an important factor to consider when using your solar charger. You will get the best performance when the sun is at the highest point in the sky, usually at noon. In fact, an hour charging at Noon will give better charge than a few hours later on the same day.Extreme weather can affect your solar charger's efficiency, so if its baking hot, protect your charger from until its a little cooler, ideally less than 45deg C.About the author Pia Argiratos is the marketing manager and owner of Powered Life www.poweredlife.com.au, an Australian company that helps people enjoy their mobile technology wherever they are. Powered Life is an online store with the best brands for solar chargers, portable power packs and protective, tough cases for mobile devices all in one place.Powered Life has solar chargers from leading brands including Powertraveller. From pocket sized Powermonkey Explorer to family sized Powergorilla + Solargorilla, from waterproof Powermonkey Extreme to the brand new all in one Solarmonkey Adventure, we have a solar charger to suit your lifestyle and mobile devices.