Rockford's Rock Opera, An Adventure in Sound (3 CDs)

Far away in the Sea of Tranquillity lies the island of Infinity, home to the last one of every extinct animal species. Here, beneath a mystical swirling sky, live the world's lost creatures. And the creatures have a secret for the world.

Created by Sweetapple and written by Steve Punt, Rockford's Rock Opera is an adventure like no other. An amazing story where sound effects, narration, characters and wonderful songs combine to create a unique adventure in sound. Although it is a 'Rock Opera', it is not operatic music and it's not rock music either! In fact, it's not like anything else .....


http://www.rockfordsrockopera.com/home/

A triple CD pack containing the full story, told through both song and narration. The main character is a boy called Moog and his dog called Rockford.  


Each CD is individually packaged (they can be bought separately) and each CD has a little book included, which includes the song words and also has beautiful artwork to enable imagination of the scenery. Each CD also includes a video which can be watched at any time to enhance the story experience.


I am sure that this CD set will become as popular as the traditional tales of Peter and the Wolf. It is suitable for both children and adults and the three CD's combined amount to 2 1/2 hours of story and song, perfect for a long car journey.


The recording is of a very high quality with story telling and songs being enhanced by sound effects giving listeners the entire experience.  There are parts of the story that I think will be more relevant to older listeners, giving the hidden message of there being hope in all situations, but children will enjoy the CD's for the story telling. 


This is a perfect gift for a family, where children are of varying ages - the younger children will enjoy the music, older children will enjoy the story and adults the whole package.


Thank you to the Rock and Roll Baby World for sending me this product to review.

Philips Aquatouch AT750 Wet and Dry Rechargeable Electric Shaver

Philips Introduces The AquaTouch - The Affordable Wet Shaver Most men in their 20s and 30s are unaware that electric shaving can be used wet. They also don't know that wet electric shaving has great benefits for the skin. Philips aims to redress this balance with the introduction of AquaTouch, the affordable electric shaver that is fully waterproof, meaning it can be used wet with foam or gel for a smoother, more comfortable shave and greater skin protection. Philips research has shown that there is a growing group of men that now use an electric shaver as well as blade to achieve their desired look. But when shaving with a blade, they at times experience skin damage issues such as nicks and cuts, visible redness and 'razor burn', which undermines their look. With the introduction of Philips AquaTouch, not only will they benefit from the convenience of the electric dry shave, but they will also benefit from the skin benefits of using an electric shaver wet. Philips has the right shaving solution for you When you want to look your very best, Philips has the right shaving solution for you. Philips offers a complete range of shavers to suit your needs and deliver the perfect shaving experience, every time. The AquaTouch Series is for a convenient and quick wet and dry electric shave without any skin damage to make your shaving routine simpler, easier and faster. That is why, with Philips, men will always look their best. Philips AT750 AquaTouch Electric Shaver Philips AquaTouch has been created for men who want the closeness of a wet shave but without the skin damage. Philips AquaTouch shaver range can be used dry for a convenient, speedy option but is also fully waterproof, meaning it can also be used wet with foam or gel to provide a closer, more comfortable shave with greater skin protection. Philips AquaTouch range combines the reliability and new technology, with improved functionality and a better looking design and feel. AquaTech Wet & Dry - Shave In or Out of the Shower Does your skin sometimes feel dry or irritated after shaving? Philips AquaTouch finds a solution that gives you a smooth shave and healthy skin, all at once. The AquaTech technology used in the AquaTouch shaver range helps you to optimise the shaving experience by the use of gel or foam. You can enjoy the enhanced skin comfort with soothing, moisturising shaving experience by using it in or out of the shower. Shaving in the shower opens pores for a closer shave. Advised Shaving Method Rotary shavers require a rotating movement to get a close shave, contrary to a blade, where a rotating movement is dangerous and a linear movement is the standard. When shaving the neck, look down to catch all hairs (again, this is quite dangerous with a blade). Skin Protection System Philips AquaTouch shaver range offers skin protection system; the caps covering the cutters to prevent the rotary blades from damaging skin. The rounded low-friction protection heads that adjust automatically to the curves of your face prevents skin damage. For Philips Shavers, precision translates into the pursuit of creating a perfect shave, the shave that gives the ultimate in closeness and comfort. The AquaTouch is the latest in technological innovation from Philips Shavers, for example, combines cutting edge design and revolutionary new technology for a perfect shave. Patented Super Lift & Cut Technology The Philips AquaTouch AT750 Shaver is equipped with dual blade system to give you ultra-close shave. The advantage of having two-blade system is that you enjoy a comfortable and soothing shave. Philips AT750 Super Lift and Cut System is designed to give you the closer yet secure shave as first blade lifts and second blade cuts for a comfortable close shave. The advances double action Super Lift and Cut Action means that first the blade lifts the hair and second the blade shaves it off, so we get close the root of the hair. It means the shave is able to cut the longest hairs and then the shortest stubble even on the neck. Replacement Shaving Head Philips offers a range of replacement shaver head for its AquaTouch shaver range. All Philips shavers come with one shaver head that can be replaced after every two years for optimal shaving results. To get the most out of your shaver, you should clean its shaving head after every 3 months. Philips AT750 - A Rechargeable Shaver With Efficient Power System Philips AT750 is a rechargeable shaver so you can enjoy the comfort of cordless shave which make it perfect for traveling. Charging your shaver is a piece of cake; just plug it in the adapter. After charging it for 8 hours, it gives you approximate 40+ minutes of cordless power, which is approx 10 shaves. 100% Waterproof Shaver AquaTouch features an inbuilt seal, Aquatec, which means that the shaver is 100% waterproof and optimized for use with shaving gel or foam for enhanced skin comfort and minimizing skin irritation. Philips AT750 electric shaver is a 100% waterproof, means it is very easy to keep it clean and hygienic, as you can simply rinse this waterproof shaver under tap. It also includes a cleaning brush to remove even the smallest dust particles and hairs. Your Philips AquaTouch Shavers come with corrosion free heads to give it a brand-new like look even after many uses. Keep your shaver in optimal shape by rinsing it in hot water after every use.


A very easy to use shaver- can be used either wet or dry. It gives a close shave. Easy to clean. 
It was my husbands first time using electric shaver and after using it for a  dry shave it did leave skin feeling sensitive (however husband does have sensitive skin). 


A few downsides to the shaver - the plug is a two pin and therefore you need an adaptor to charge it and also the instruction manual. THere is very little included in the manual - dos and don'ts and specification. There is a second booklet which is all pictures, no words. Is this because men prefer pictorial instructions? 


My husband is unable to try the shaver for a wet shave until his skin has recovered - i will be adding to the review in a few weeks to cover this.


I received this product through the Amazon Vine programme.

Mr Poppers Penguin (Cinema Visit)

• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Film running length: 94 min
  (excl trailers and advertisements)
• UK release date: 5/8/2011
• Directed by: Mark Waters
• Country: United States
• Language: English
• Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox Film Co

Who´s in it?
Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury

What´s the plot?

Until he shared his New York penthouse with 6 penguins, Mr. Popper led a simple life. He went to work, he made good money, he knew of nothing more.

But as he swaps his home for a winter wonderland, Popper’s life turns upside-down. He warms to his frosty new friends. He enjoys his everyday chores of preparing sushi for seven while wearing gloves. But in these snowy square feet of Manhattan, it doesn’t take long before the cracks start to show.

Filmed almost entirely in refrigeration, ‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’ is Carey comedy genius at its very best.

Jim Carrey is not one of my favorite actors, however the chance to see lots of cute penguins on screen swayed my decision to go to an exclusive advance screening of Mr Poppers Penguin at Merryhill Odeon Cinema.


When I think of Jim Carrey, I think Ace Ventura Pet Detective, The Mask or Liar Liar, where Jim Carrey appears to have  a rubber face, pulling funny faces or expressions, and there is a simple storyline throughout the film. However, Mr Popper's Penguin sees Carrey as having grown up - he looks suave and quite gorgeous in his suits that he wears for most of the film and pulls very few weird faces. The penguins are all cute and provide many laughs throughout the film.


The film's storyline is very simple, doesn't take much to follow and was easy to pick up again after the many toilet breaks young children seem to need throughout the film.! Mr Popper's father was an explorer who visited far away lands, following his death he left his son, Mr Popper, a penguin in his will. Mr Popper has two children who live with his ex-wife and do not like having weekends at his apartment until the penguin appears and Mr Popper gives the penguin to his son for his birthday, promising him it will live at his apartment. Mr Popper is also a successful businessman, who, before he can become a partner must buy a property that the owner does not want to sell, a restaurant where Popper used to go with his father. However, Mr Popper must change the owners mind and convince his prospective partners that he is not going mad when they spring a surprise visit to Popper's apartment and meet his pets.


There are funny parts to the film, all including the penguins - although there is also quite a bit of penguin poo about too!  Captain escaping the zoo keepers with the kite is great as are the penguins swimming in Popper's flooded bathroom behind a glass door to name just a few. I also loved Popper's assistant - who knew you could get so many words beginning with P into a sentence.


In summary, if you want to take the kids to see a film over the summer that will make them laugh, this is the film. There is humour on their level as well as an adults level. The storyline isn't great but the cute penguins make up for that.


Thank you to @Merryhillcentre (on twitter) for the competition win of 4 tickets to an exclusive advance screening of Mr Popper Penguins.

Powermat and accessories

Enjoying the freedom and convenience of charging without plugging and unplugging and the tangle of wires is simple!
Upgrade your favourite gear with a Powermat Receiver or use the Powercube Universal Receiver. The Powercube works with hundreds of devices and is the perfect accessory for your Powermat.
The Powermat Wireless Charging System provides a simple, fast and efficient way to keep all of your favourite personal electronic devices charged. Enabling your devices with Powermat Receivers allows you to Drop and Charge them on any Powermat Mat to experience wireless charging.


The first thing to admit on this review is that I am not that good with new technology, I will have a play and then resort to the instruction book on new gadgets and when I opened the parcel containing my powermat and accessories I was a little nervous and ready to shout my husband to work it out!

Anyway, the three packages I received included:
• Powermat 2x
• Nintendo DSi back panel
• Powermat Powercube
• Travel plug adapter

The powermat is the base unit which will charge the devices attached and has a power supply. The power supply had a plug for overseas fitted and therefore had to plugged into a travel adaptor.

The Nintendo DSi back panel fits onto the back of the DSi, with a connector that fits to the DSi where you attach a mains charger.

The powermat Powercube attaches to the powermat and has 8 separate connectors which attach to a number of different devices including DSi tip, anything which uses a mini USB; LG tip, DS lite tip; Nokia tip; Samsung 2 tip; Sony PSP tip and a Sony/Eriksson tip.

I first tried charging my own LG phone – the LG tip did not fit my phone but the micro USB tip fitted my phone. This attached to the Powercube, which then fitted magnetically to the power plate and the powermat activation sound sounded and the light indicator shone to show correct position and that charging had commenced. The phone charged in a similar time to if it had been charged using the phone charger.

I then tried charging a Nintendo DSi. I attached the DSi back panel, which fitted directly onto the powermat, the activation sound sounded and the light indicator shone as before. I think the DSi charged quicker using the powermat.

After testing the above items I found the following advantages and disadvantages to the system:

Advantages

• Possibility to charge two items using only one power socket
• It was easy to set up
• Small and compact unit
• Both activation sound and light confirmation that device is correctly positioned and the unit is charging
• The powermat will not overcharge any device – it automatically stops charging when the device is fully charged

Disadvantages

• The powermat having a power supply for overseas and therefore having to use a travel adaptor in the socket – I was worried that someone would knock the plug out of the adaptor.
• The need to attach my phone to the Powercube via a wire and adaptor. One of the selling points of the Powercube is wireless charging however I had a wire to the plug socket and then another wire attaching Powercube to my phone and there was a chance of knocking the wire or phone off.

In conclusion I can see the advantages to the powermat and I do like the idea of being able to charge two items using one plug, meaning fewer wires over work surfaces etc. I would however like to see a few modifications before I used it instead of other chargers. The main one being the use of a UK power plug and maybe also having a mini USB connector on the actual powermat instead of having to have the Powercube and then a connector as well.

In summary, the powermat is a great idea and I think for people who use lots of devices which need lots of chargers, this is a great idea and space saver.
Thank you to Holly from Skywrite PR and Michael from the School Run Forum for sending me this to review.

Wild Britain with Ray Mears DVD

In this series, television’s original survivalist, Ray Mears, takes us on an incredible journey, travelling the length and breadth of Great Britain. Each episode is themed around a different habitat to discover some of the varied landscapes and fascinating wildlife that these islands have to offer. From the dramatic heather moorlands of the Peak District, to the beautiful North Norfolk shingle shore and the quintessentially British hay meadow, Ray reveals the hidden world that lives just beyond our doorstep. Sharing his knowledge of field and craft and his passion for British wildlife, Ray shows us how to decode the landscape.

Deciduous Forest
The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire is one of the few remaining ancient forests in England. It’s Spring and the forest floor is carpeted with bluebells and Ray’s favourite woodland creature, the hazel dormouse, is emerging from hibernation.

Shingle Shore
Britain’s bird-watching capital the beautiful North Norfolk coast where Ray explores the shingle spit that attracts grey and common seals, nesting sand martins and natterjack toads.

Breckland
One of the country’s least known habitats, ‘The Breckland’ in East Anglia, home of the rare stone curlew.

Heather Moorlands and Uplands
One of the best-loved spectacles in the British countryside--the mighty Peak District--where Ray discovers short-eared owls and great-crested newts.

Wetlands
Ray travels to the beautiful Somerset Levels to explore the atmospheric waterways that are home to otters and an important breeding ground for herons.

Hay Meadow
Ray visits the quintessential British habitat--the beautiful hay meadow. Ray reveals the vital link between this precious habitat and some of our most glorious wildlife from bees to Barn owls.

An informative, educational and interesting look into Britain in the wild. Ray Mears takes us on a walk around Britain introducing us to the wildlife and plants etc and encourages viewers to investigate Britain themselves.

I really enjoyed the DVDs, having never watched any of his shows on television before. The last episode with the Barn Owls was my favorite and although cameras captured this footage, it never felt that they had intruded into their privacy. A breathtaking set of DVDs.

Thank you to Michael from The School Run Forum for sending me these DVDs to watch.

Tinga Tinga Tales - Why Elephant has a Trunk

Why do zebras have stripes and leopards spots, rhinos horns and camels humps? Tinga Tinga Tales tells a modern, young audience what really happened.

You see there was a time when Elephant had no nose. He couldn't swat away the flies, or scrub his belly - he couldn't even blow his nose. Then one day snappy Crocodile snapped! Crocodile pulled and he pulled and he pulled - until ker-doing! Crocodile let go and Elephant's nose was all long and wiggly! And that's why Elephant has a trunk.


*Why Elephant Has A Trunk
*Why Snake Has No Legs
*Why Hippo Has No Hair
*Why Hen Pecks The Ground
*Why Bat Hangs Upside Down
*Why Warthog Is So Ugly

These popular television programmes are now available on DVD for the first time and are at the moment on promotional offer in most retailers.

When watching the DVD I was immediately drawn to the bright colours and all the animals included in each episode. The colours are ones which I immediately think of when thinking about traditional African art and tales.

I have always loved elephants and the story of Why Elephants have a trunk has always been a favorite, and it is well animated and illustrated. The African voices add to the whole theme and I loved the colouring pages included on the DVD.

The stories are from traditional African tales and I think they have been beautifully adapted into these DVDs. The music and voices all carry on the African theme and make you believe you are too in an African village.

The DVDs also have added extras - interactive games, downloadable wallpapers and printable colouring pictures which can continue the learning after the programmes have finished.

The DVDs are perfect for young children and will capture their attention and imagination. I know from friends these are popular programmes and the DVDs will be great additions to your DVD library.

Thank you to Michael from The School Run Forum for sending me these DVDs to review.

Tinga Tinga Tales DVD - Why Lions Roar

Why do zebras have stripes, leopards spots, rhinos horns and camels humps? Tinga Tinga Tales tells a modern, young audience what really happened.

You see there was a time when Lion had lost his roar. Crocodile was snapping at all the animals in Tinga Tinga and ruling over the Waterhole. Lion could do nothing about it as he had lost his roar. Then one day Flea told Lion that if Lion dares to enter the Great Cave of Tinga Tinga, maybe he will find his roar. Lion plucked up his courage and confronted the Great Cave. He roared with all his might. An even bigger roar came back, but Lion stood strong. He roared again and an even bigger roar came back. Lion's very own Echo! He found his roar! From that day on Lion has always roared with pride, showing any beast who's the real King of Tinga Tinga.He roars again and an even bigger roar comes back. Lion's very own Echo! He has found his roar! From that day on Lion always roars with pride, showing any beast who's the real King of Tinga Tinga.

Episodes Comprise:

1. Why Owl's head turns all the way round
2. Why Tickbird Sits on Hippo's Back
3. Why Frog Croaks
4. Why Vulture is Bald
5. Why Giraffe Has a Long Neck

These popular television programmes are now available on DVD for the first time and are at the moment on promotional offer in most retailers.

When watching the DVD I was immediately drawn to the bright colours and all the animals included in each episode. The colours are ones which I immediately think of when thinking about traditional African art and tales. I love the Frog story and remember reading this when I was younger and the Giraffe story is beautiful.

The stories are from traditional African tales and I think they have been beautifully adapted into these DVDs. The music and voices all carry on the African theme and make you believe you are too in an African village.

The DVDs also have added extras - interactive games, downloadable wallpapers and printable colouring pictures which can continue the learning after the programmes have finished.

The DVDs are perfect for young children and will capture their attention and imagination. I know from friends these are popular programmes and the DVDs will be great additions to your DVD library.

Thank you to Michael from The School Run Forum for sending me these DVDs to review.