Robot Returns to Educate Children
There are expensive robots that clean houses, serve drinks and deliver the office mail. But none is as cheap--$40 to $50--or charming as 2-XL, the little talking robot that teaches.
A toy hit in the late ‘70s, 2-XL has been reintroduced by Tiger Electronics for children. The 10 1/2-inch-tall robot uses 18 special cassettes (each is 30 or 32 minutes) to quiz kids on topics ranging from sports to space. It also tells jokes and stories and chides the child when he or she gives a wrong answer.
It flashes its red eyes and mouth. Children answer multiple choice, true or false and yes and no questions by selecting buttons on the front of the robot.
“Monsters, Myths and Dinosaurs,” for children ages 7 to 12, tells about Big Foot, Frankenstein, ghosts, witches and dinosaurs. Or, for 4- to-7-year olds, there’s “Storymaker,” a tape that lets kids test their memories about such stories as Pinocchio or Cinderella and lets them create their own stories by picking characters, deciding on endings and choosing music.
Cassettes for the free-standing, lightweight robot cost $6 each, and six additional ones will be offered in December, among them Incredible Sports Feats, African Safari and World of Science. 2-XL is available nationwide in toy stores and mass merchandise outlets.
Non-Chemical Bug Killers Cross Border
Chemfree Environment Inc., a Canada-based company, is marketing its Insectigone line of non-chemical bug killers across the United States. The all-natural insecticide powders won the Best New Canadian Product Award in 1990.
Insectigone is an odorless talcum-like powder that can be used indoors or out. It won’t stain, is long-lasting if kept dry and will kill a variety of insects within 48 hours, according to a Chemfree representative. The insecticide is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Insectigone is made from the fossilized remains of marine plants and algae known as diatomaceous earth or silicon dioxide, which is combined with various protein baits. There are a crawling insect formula, ant killer, roach and ant killer and earwig killer. The 7-ounce bottles cost $6.99; 2-pound jugs $19.99. The product is available nationwide in many True Value and Ace hardware stores or by ordering from Chemfree by calling the company’s toll-free number, (800) 663-5858. Add $2 per bottle for shipping and handling.
Socks Keep Seat Belts From Sizzling the Skin
A Los Angeles firefighter has designed an unusual safety product, SeatBelt Sock, knitted covers that slip over the metal buckles on automobile seat belts so they don’t get burning hot when the car is parked in the sun.
Gray in color, SeatBelt Sock is $5.95 (plus $1 shipping and handling) for one pair. With an order for three pairs, ($17.85 plus $3 shipping and handling), a fourth is included free.
To order, call (800) 572-5170 or write: SeatBelt Sock, 23705 Vanowen St., Suite 300, West Hills, Calif. 91307.
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