Possibly the Most Hated Toy Ever - Floam

by John P. Barker

Floam has an interesting history. It also has the dubious reputation of being one of the most despised creations on the planet. But why?

2 comments

Erector Spykee Robot--Fun with Practical Applications

by John P. Barker

Toy robots have come a long way since the wind-up tin-toy that would clunk along the floor with sparks erupting from the "guns" in it's chest. The Erector Spykee The Spy Robot is a great example of a toy that can also be used for practical applications around the house--or for taunting certain pets...

Solar Car Kit Turns Sunlight into Zippy Fun

by John P. Barker

Research continues the search for efficient solar powered vehicles. While it may be many years before a viable solar charging system becomes a reality, toys benefit from the data. And this little car is a great example of education meets fun...

Miniature Railgun Kit Demonstrates Weapon of the Future

by John P. Barker

Magnetic acceleration could redefine weaponry and space travel. And while none of us has the multi-million dollars necessary to actually mess around with one of these things, we can afford a pint-sized example of what they do in the form of the Abong Magnetic Accelerator Kit.

Laser Safe Affords Kids Freedom to Store Treasures

by John P. Barker

When it comes to privacy, kids get the short end of the stick. This little toy allows kids a "safe" place to store their valuables (you know... things like rocks, stickers, action figures, etc.)--all with a cool whiz-bang-neato security system.

Human Hamster Ball Makes Walking on Water a Reality... Sort of

by John P. Barker

Want to walk on water? Well, with a little practice... maybe more like a LOT of practice... The Inflatable Water Ball may let you do just that!

4 comments

Stunt Granny: A Myth in the Making

by John P. Barker

Want to see an eighty-year-old woman on a motorcycle hurtle through a blazing hoop of fire? Well... you might not find that here. But rest assured: this Stunt Granny has the guts to jump INCHES into the air!

Love Your Barbie The Alfred Hitchcock Way

by John P. Barker

"The Birds" Barbie. Hitchcock would be proud that his motion picture classic has been adapted into a child's toy... wouldn't he? I'm a little on the fence with this one...

7 comments

The Force is Unleashed on the Wii! - Product Review

by John P. Barker

Wanna unleash your inner Yoda? The innovative control system of the Wii allows for quite an immersive Star Wars experience with The Force Unleashed.

2 comments

ZOOBs Offer Some Speedy Creativity

by John P. Barker

Want a way to trick your kids into working on their eye/hand coordination? This cool ZOOB vehicle kit may just be the answer.

Advent Calendar Legos? What????

by John P. Barker

I consider myself reasonably intelligent and well-educated. But I had no idea what an Advent Calendar was. And when Lego started producing an Advent Calendar set, I had to dig in and do some research. Let's just say that my tiny brain can't quite wrap around the concept...

5 comments

New Robot Dances Better Than I Do...

by John P. Barker

I'm starting to get a complex. There now exists a robt that can dance better than I can. Well... to be fair, a half-eaten bag of Doritos can dance better than me. But I have to say this: Move over John Travolta! This robot owns the dance floor!