Monday, 20 April 2015

Loads of new emojis launch on Apple's iOS update

Loads of new emojis are now available on Apple's latest iPhone update.



New skin tones have appeared, along with lots of different flags and gadgets, for anyone who has updated to the latest software, iOS 8.3.
A whole load of new-look faces, families and hand gestures are available at the bottom of the keypad too.
Listen to Hayley who's been asking kids what they make of the new symbols.

From CBBC Newsround

Robot receptionist starts work in Tokyo department store

A super-life-like robot has started work at a department store in Tokyo, Japan.

The robot will help to welcome customers who visit the shop, and offer directions.
Mio Sakai has been working as the store's human receptionist for two years now, and says she feels honoured to work alongside the robot-lady.
The new robo-receptionist will be welcoming visitors to the store for the next few days, before working elsewhere in the store as a guide.
From BBC Newsround



Dressed in a kimono and smiling, Aiko Chihira greets shoppers at the entrance of Tokyo's Mitsukoshi department store. But Chihira is no regular employee — she is a humanoid robot.

Developed by Toshiba last year, the robot made its debut at the store on Monday in a new role interacting with customers.


Speaking Japanese, Chihira, which has human-like features and blinks, can also be programmed to speak in other languages such as Chinese.
"It would be good if we can have her provide guidance, or recommend various things in Chinese," said Hitoshi Tokuda, Toshiba's new business development division group manager.
"... People can be looking around and think, 'Oh if Aiko is around, she can speak Chinese'. That's what I hope will happen."

Sign language

Toshiba has said Chihira has 43 motors which allow it to move. The robot is also programmed to do Japanese sign language.
At Monday's unveiling, Chihira accompanied Japanese opera singer Shoko Iwashita in a performance.
"I would like you to listen to the song that I've put a lot of effort into," the robot said.
After the performance, in which it appeared as if Chihira had lip-synched, the robot asked for applause for Iwashita.
Chihira, currently not programmed to respond to customer complaints or questions, is not the only robot to work in retail. Last year, Nestle said it would enlist SoftBank Corp's humanoid robots, Pepper, to help sell its coffee makers at home appliances stores across Japan.

From CBCNews




Friday, 17 April 2015

Verb There to be and the House







Multiple Choice Exercise

There is or there are - English exercises

There is
Use "there is" (there's) for a  noun - singular.

There are
Use "there are" for a noun - plural.

Examples:
There is a mouse in the bag.

There are four girls in a team.

 a swimming pool.

 five books on the table.

 one book under the table.

 seven days in a week.

 three bad films.

 a teacher in the classroom.

 teachers in the school.
 Check answer 

Tuesday, 7 April 2015

Amazing artwork on a pencil tip

You might be sharpening your pencils ready for school after the holidays, but check out the way a Russian artist carves his pencils.
Salavat Fidai carefully carves tiny sculptures into the tips of pencils.
To create his miniature artwork he uses a craft knife and magnifying glass.


Padlocks on the tips of pencils
When the works are completed, he photographs them with a special magnifying camera lens.

Heart on the tip of pencil

He creates all types of sculptures on pencils, including well known characters like Bart Simpson.
Bart Simpson on the tips of pencils

And robot WALL-E from the Disney film.
Robot on the tips of pencils

Remember don't try this at home, Salavat Fidai is an experienced artist.


From CBBC Newsround

Friday, 3 April 2015

Election 2015: Fox makes a bid for Downing Street

The general election campaign is under way, after Parliament was officially dissolved. Journalists waiting outside 10 Downing Street on Monday morning spotted a fox, apparently chasing a duck.( From BBC News)

We already know how smart and sly foxes are, but this one is much more than that. She revealds really  bold . Maybe this wasn't her first raid on the area and for some reason she didn't feel any kind of threat, so she wasn't afraid of being chased and there she was, right in front of the Prime Minister's official residence, chasin a duck, a delicacy for her sharp teeth enough to fill her belly for the day.
Spot on this video!