Tuesday 29 January 2008

Dominoes - You just can't beat the old classics!


Now I am a self-confessed techno freak. I love any new games, gadgets, inventions and what have you that hits the shops. But have you ever noticed the way tastes do a full 360 degree turn every so often? ABBA hit the charts in the 70's and then dissapeared only to hit the charts again every four or five years... Retro is all in again at the moment when it comes to home furnishings, fashion, even Dr Who is back in!


Here is another classic that is making a comeback along with many of the traditional board games - Dominoes.


Isn't it about time you switch off your XBox or Widescreen and spent some time with other humans? Well, this is a good way to start! Try it - I bet you've forgotten how much fun it is.

Friday 25 January 2008

Valentine's Day is around the corner...


Well, I will be getting in chocs and wine and all the usual stuff, but here's something a bit more original and it'll last well after St. Valentine's Day.


Its the 'I Love You' Egg. It comes as an egg (same size as a standard egg) resting on a bed of straw, in a transparent can. All you do is open the can, add water and follow the instructions. In 5-7 days, a bean sprouts up with the message 'I Love You' on the bean!


Now isn't that a bit different?!


Wednesday 23 January 2008

Its always fun to play with pets...



I like this particular one but I'm definitely going to get a wider variety in because they really have been a favourite with Pressieporters. Its basically a rubber ball with a long red rubber tongue. The dog grabs the ball and ends up looking a bit.... well... I'll let you decide how to describe it :-)
Its called a Humunga Tongue and it doesn't require batteries!

Thursday 17 January 2008

My favourite invention of the year... and its practical!

Not only is it practical, but it looks really sexy and is extremely easy to set up. On the downside, its very likely that you'll find yourself staring at it like a rabbit does at oncoming cars. It will probably shock you as much as it did me, when you see how much electricity you are using at home. This is what it looks like...


Its about 7 inches long and works wireless to read how much electricity your home or business is using. It then display this information in real-time in either Watts or in Euro to show you how much your using. The display works in two parts (both controllable). You can view the information on the top of the unit, but on top of that, the 'mood' lights change depending on how much you're using up. So if you're using a lot of electricity, the lighting underneath glows red to let you know.

You can connect Wattson to your computer also which allows you to download the information to your PC and see how much you've been using, when you were using the most or least and also to compare it to other days or weeks. This is done through Holmes, the application which works alongside Wattson, to help you keep an eye on your usage.

This is how it connects up to your home...



They say solar panels repay their cost over 7-10 years. This little unit repays itself over 2 years! The only downside to having one of these is that you'll find yourself switching off more and more things until eventually, you may end up living in the dark...
It really is very addictive and more to the point, its likely to be one of the best green actions that you're likely to take that will have an immediate impact on what you are doing to the environment and your bank account.
It has won numerous awards in Stuff Magazine and the the Guardian to name just two. You'll be hearing a lot more about this one in the future!

Monday 14 January 2008

The R2 DAB Radio from Vita Audio


This is probably one of the coolest new developments in audio technology. The DAB Radio! What makes it different to conventional radio?


DAB Radios receive their signals digitally which allows a lot more scope for what the radio can do. Apart from the superior, no-hissing sound quality, the technology allows you to view scrolling information on the radio's panel. The broadcasting station sends out information such as contact numbers, program details, song information, the quality and speed of the signal to name just a few possibilities. This little thing is not something that you're going to see in someone else's place - this is a piece of the highlife!


All that aside, it is probably the ultimate in audio experience and all in a smart, sleek unit.


The R1 (or single speaker) model of the radio will be coming on to the site in the next few days.


Here's some more techie information about the radio. Let me know what you think...




Still on the lookout for a funky stereo? This R2 radio system from Vita Audio is the cutting edge in style, technology and quality. In a very high quality ivory or walnut finish, this unit features a DAB/FM tuner and can be connected to an MP3 player via the socket on the front panel for playback.


Ideal for the bedroom, kitchen, office etc.


Features - DAB and FM with 10 direct-access station presets - Easy to use clock & alarm functions include sleep timer - RDS & data: RDS & DAB text - Navigate using up/down or ergonomic RotoDial - 2 x 3.5" custom hi-fi drive units and 2 x 10 watt amplifier produce superb sound quality - Switchable 3D Wide stereo sound, adjustable EQ settings - Backlit display with 2 line LCD readout - Stereo minijack (3.5mm) line input for playback of MP3 player or other audio device through system - Stereo minijack (3.5mm) headphone socket - Stereo line out via 2 x gold-plated RCA/phono sockets - Stereo line in via 2 x gold-plated RCA/phono sockets - Power supply: 12 volt mains transformer (included) - Remote control handset.


Size: 340W x 120H x 170D - 3kg