St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri • Page 157

EV8 ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH HELPH 0 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1999 http:www.postnet.com febwatch mfamn -ft rV 'J A Amazing Ally, a virtual best friend, takes high technology into the playroom What can I get for? About $25 An electronic gift certificate that works like a credit card at Zales Jewelers, which sells watches and jewelry Instead of a gift certificate, give a gift card this Christmas. The Zale Corp. has introduced an electronic gift card that can be purchased in any denomination from $25 to $10,000. The card fits in a wallet and can be used at Zales Jewelers, Gordon's Jewelers and Bailey Banks Biddle Fine Jewelers.

The card is designed as an option for the customer who wants to give a gift of lasting value but may be undecided on selection and working with limited time. The electronic cards allow recipients to make their own selections from an assortment of jewelry and watches. Card holders can redeem their cards for merchandise, increase their balances or verify their balances at any store. Price: $25 to $10,000 (unknown whether change is available) Address: Zales stores About $40 An NFL paper shredder and NFL Universal Remote including stickers of favored teams Football fans can get their gadget fix this season as Kash 'N Gold delivers the NFL Paper Shredder and NFL Universal Remote. Aimed squarely at gridiron fanatics, the shredder and remote include adhesive logos for all 31 NFL teams.

The shredder handles up to six sheets, plus staples, and features an arm that extends across the top of most wastebaskets to hold it in place. It has an auto onoff switch and a reverse function to clear jams. Hide the remote from the children. Besides being able to control your TV, VCR; cable box, satellite receiver or DVD player, it comes with football sounds that are loud a referee's whistle, a cheering crowd and the like. Although the game noises can be disabled, the volume for them isn't adjustable.

Price: $39.99 Information: 800-354-8785 About $75 A wireless mouse that works from a sensor The optical sensor tracking mechanism of the Microsoft Intel-liMouse Explorer incorporates a sensor at the bottom of the mouse that detects movements and replaces the common rubber ball. The IntelliEye Explorer glides smoothly over almost any surface. It doesn't gather dirt or skip like a dirty ball can. This pointing device, for righthanders, fits nicely in your palm. It has two standard buttons on top, a scrolling wheel in the middle that doubles as a third button and two additional buttons on the left side.

AH buttons are programmable. The $75 IntelliMouse Explorer is a bit expensive, but it tested flawlessly. It works with all 32-bit Windows operating systems and connects to either a Universal Serial Bus or a round PS2 port. Price: $75; $55 for the smaller, more conventional-looking mouse Information: 800-426-9400 Address: http:www.microsoft.commouse About $180 A cordless phone system that The Web can provide a stairway to the stars From solar eclipses to meteor showers, August brought in the season of heavy activity in the heavens. The Web brings space down to Earth for users of all astronomy disciplines.

A simple "astronomy" search will return numerous sites from amateurs with a passing interest to international organizations of global reputation. Following are a few places to start. The Astronomical Society of the Pacific httpv7www.aspsky.org This organization, based in California, has been around since 1889. Boasting membership from more than 70 countries, it also claims to be the largest general astronomy society in the world. Take your time to search through this extensive site and find information on its various newsletters, catalog (which can be used to order merchandise online), professional publications or other links.

Astronomy Magazine http:www2.astronomy.cornastro Astronomy Magazine's online presence is just as entertaining and informative as the popular periodical. Clicking on the Sky Events link takes astronomers to a comprehensive list of special events. The magazine has also chosen this medium to re-introduce Deep Sky Online, an updated version of its popular magazine in the 1970s and 1980s. Sky and Telescope Magazine http:www.skypub.com Sky and Telescope brings its print version to the Internet as well as a well of information, tips and resources for the astronomer in all of us. Follow along the navigation area on the left for more information about the magazine.

The site also has a link to the PBS Star Gazer (http:www.jackstargazer.com). Bradford Robotic Telescope http:www.telescope.orgrti This Web site is online courtesy of the University of Bradford (http:www.brad.ac.uk) in the United Kingdom, but this site is for the interactive Web user. Its online CD-ROM has audio and video clips but the feature of this site is the interactive telescope. Users will to obtain a free user name and password, but anyone can request a picture to be taken of any galactic object or occurrence. There are preset selections novices can use and a more detailed section for advanced users.

All requests are handled, but check in frequently to see if your picture is ready. International Space Physics Education Consortium http:ispec.scibemet.com Geared more for elementary ages, this site nonetheless has tons of information to offer. Some of the features include a daily update of stories from news Web sites, a solar system tour through the Internet Space Station and a fun page tour. Users can also find a resource page list of more than 100 additional sites related to the study of astronomy. NASA's Observatorium http:observe.ivv.iiasa.gov With the power of the U.S.

Government and NASA, this site provides some very entertaining stuff. Some of the features require Java and JavaScript on browsers and Macromedia's Shockwave. Many features on this site are not about space but viewing and researching Earth. In any case, a very organized and well-rounded site with a wealth of information. MadSciNet http:www.madsci.org In affiliation and conjunction with Washington University in St.

Louis, the Mad Sci Network is online. The site encompasses the entire science profession, but in a fun, sort of maddening experience. Take the time to use this educational tool and search its many different areas online. The resources list is expansive and detailed, and may be a good place to start if looking for any science-related site on the Web. Hubble telescope shots http:www.hubblepix.com If all you want is to look at shots of space, and even pull down some extremely neat wallpaper or screen savers, this is the site for you.

But be forewarned: Unlike many Web sites that provide dinky JPEG format photos that explode into foggy nothing when you capture them, NASA and the Hubble people give some big BIG! files to capture 750KB and up. On average, most -Web graphics on other sites range from 1KB to 50KB, flimsy by graphic standards. The shots are worth the time needed to download or capture. The site recently had 35 interstellar photos, all of them brilliant and suitable for framing. University of Missouri-St.

Louis Observatory and Astronomy Department http:newton.umsl.eduwelcome.html Normally, local sites go to the top of the list. But the site for UMSL's observatory is at best immature and at worst not well-maintained. Many of the hot-buttons produce site-not-found messages or indecipherable text. But some of the buttons bring up interesting graphics and very engaging discussions especially for astrophysics hobbyists. Some buttons link to Hubble, NASA and other places.

But frankly, this site is too hit-or-miss and fails to take advantage of the marvelous opportunity the university has to keep browsers in its Web area. This place could be a lot of fun, and local. All it needs is a little decoration and TLC (tender, loving care). Until then, it stays at the bottom of the list. Neil Joellenbeck NJoellenbeckpostnet.com Amazing Ally What: An interactive doll billed as a programmable "best friend" Playmates Toys Price: $55465; for upgrades Ages: 5 and older Address: playmatestoys.com Questions: e-mail toysplaymatestoys.com Fully functioning timekeeping computer (CPU) with 32mb of voice memory (ROM) One doll, many adventures.

Ally's world grows with each 8 mb (ROM) AdventureWare Pack Intricate sensors all over her body enable Ally to identify her accessories, clothes, hat barrettes, and even her shoes! Ally's internal clock helps her remember your favorite things, your birthday, and even the holidays you like to celebrate. Ally's mouth really moves with state-of-the-art animatronics! Parents can purchase upgrades and add-ons for the doll, including more computer memory for more games, more stories and interaction. The doll comes with the first adventure playware set, where girls can enjoy a tea party with the doll. The manufacturer has produced 15 playware sets for Amazing Ally. Each play set includes an outfit, play accessories, hair accessories, game and story cards, and are themed to specific adventures such as Cheerleader, Slumber Party, School, Ballerina and In-Line Skater.

Each play set comes with 8 megs of voice ROM that expand the doll's memory. doors have used the circumstance to write stories, novels and movies about apocalyptic accidents caused by hackers getting into secret computers and nearly destroying the world. Harry Jackson Jr. hjaxsonpostnet.com Her personality, wit and ability to remember important information are designed to keep little girls entertained. The doll has sensors all over her body.

Interactive playpieces such as outfits, hair accessories, bookcards, hats and snacks react with these sensors and trigger appropriate verbal responses. Amazing Ally can recognize her accessories and talk with high-tech realistic mouth movements. On a girl's first play date the doll will prompt a child to enter information into her keypad book accessory. The doll remembers the input, including the child's birthday, her favorite color, holidays, activities and pets, and will bring them up during play times. She plays several games, such as Silly Scramble, Tea for Two Matching Game, Follow-Along Game and Guessing Games.

Then, she can share stories and jokes. S'- She also can tell when a child is i i i uiushimk ner hair and if TV she puts In the correct hair bar- rette. I I Definition: This source of numerous science fiction plots, is where computer programmers access computers without having to pass through bothersome security protocols. The purpose is to allow programmers to fix problems quickly. Writers who learned of the concept of back holiday watch It A3 Donkey Kong 64 and Final Fantasy egy and adjust to it.

The American release of the Dreamcast has been long anticipated. But with a price tag of $199, Sega expects to be a hit with hard-core gamers more than casual gamers. Children might enjoy the Dreamcast game "Toy Commander." In this game, toys fight for control of the playroom. Nintendo N64 The big ticket item for Nintendo's N64 this year will be "Donkey Kong 64," the first Donkey Kong game for the system. Shop --j From News Services This is frightening.

Playmate Electronix has taken another step in removing the human element from a child's upbringing. Amazing Amy was the best-selling doll of 1998. Now comes Amazing Ally, an even more advanced doll who, er, that, acts as a virtual best friend, plays games, tells stories and shares adventures with her child pal. Amazing Ally combines electronic technology with themes of make-believe and friendship to create the most engaging and activity-oriented doll ever. Toys 'R' Us and Toysrus.com has selected Amazing Ally as a top pick for this holiday season.

Amazing Ally has a fully functioning, time-keeping computer with 32 megs of voice memory (ROM), plus realistic movements that are synchronized to her speech. The doll's ability for extensive interaction with children and her vocabulary allow her to really get to know her owner. The doll tells jokes, plays games and takes her best friend through i exciting adven- tures. 1 as. Todays word BACK DOOR Here's the By Ernard McGhee Scripps Howard News Service For game fans, the holiday season is a time for giving, loving, sharing, bringing the gift of death to hordes of demons, speeding down racetracks, slam-dunking basketballs and training little monsters to do battle with their brethren.

But whether they like making their way through the whimsical world of "Donkey Kong 64" or body slamming their opponents into submission in "WCW Mayhem," game fans have a wide variety to choose from this year. But fear not, parents. The underage set will still have games to choose from this year as well. Retailers and game makers expect the hottest games may include: Sega Dreamcast The Sega Dreamcast is the newcomer to the video game scene. Dreamcast lets players go online and trade tips with other players.

But its most noteworthy feature is artificial intelligence, which lets the games learn the players' strat- list for game platforms 7 7 -m takes up to 12 phones, which can each recharge In wall sockets The new MA-240 from Casio is the latest in an emerging class of phones that free us from the tyranny of the wall jack. A base unit, about the size of a small digital answering machine, must be plugged into a phone line. Up to 12 small handsets link wirelessly to the base. The handsets are recharged in skinny stations that plug into the wall for AC power. The system is clear with digital connections between handsets and the base.

The MA-240 includes two-line operation, handset-to-handset intercom, headset jacks and Call WaitingCaller ID capability. You can even set up conference calls between the two phone lines. It comes with the base and one handset. Price: $180; $90 for additional handsets Information: 310-320-9810 Address: i h3gSf A to's Rage," the sequel to the popular "Spyro the Dragon" game. PC games Eidos Interactive will be coming out with a PC version of "Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation." Also available will be "Omikron: The Nomad Soul." This game stars singer David Bowie and features eight original songs by Bowie.

It's unclear whether "Diablo II," which fans have been awaiting, will be out for Christmas, said a spokesperson for its maker, Blizzard Entertainment. Game Boy Color For young children, Nintendo has several choices with its Game Boy Color system. As Pokemon fever continues to sweep the country, Nintendo will offer "Pokemon Yellow." Also, in partnership with Disney, Nintendo will offer "Beauty and the Beast" and "Mickey's Racing Adventure." Also coming out is "Star Wars Episode One Racer" for the Game Boy. The Star Wars cartridge has a built-in rumble pack that makes the Game Boy vibrate when the engine revs up or when the player hits a wall. A Game Boy Color system costs about $75.

$100. The system also offers "PDkemon Snap" for children. Players go on a safari to take pictures of poke-mons. Nintendo also has several "Super Mario" games that are kid-friendly. Both have ratings, available the equivalent of a movie's rating.

Sony PlayStation The epic role-playing game "Final Fantasy VIII" will be the PlayStation's hottest ticket this season, Circuit City predicts. Sports games such as "Gran Tur-ismo II" and "WCW Mayhem" are also expected to do well. Fans can also look forward to the latest installment in the "Tomb Raider" series with "Tomb Raider: The Last Younger gamers can enjoy PlayStation titles such as "Crash Team Racing" and "Spyro: Rip- VIII are but two of the hottest titles pers can expect to pay about $70 for it. But the game will come with an expansion pack to accommodate the large memory the game requires. The N64 also will feature a space action game called "Jet Force Gemini" and a sports game called "NBA Courtside II with Kobe Bryant." For those trying to save money in the sold-separately world of video games, Nintendo will be offering limited-edition, jungle-green N64 consoles with the "Donkey Kong 64" game pack.

The set will cost about $130, but it has been seen on sale for under i.