Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Toys for Grownups

Editor, Diane Beall

FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL:
* Stuff We Love: Battle of the Sexes Board Game and Talking
Electronic Dart Board
* Brain Teasers: Mahjong, Grandmaster Tournament Size Auto
Sensory Chess
* Toys Under $20: Chicken Soup for the Soul Game, Dilbert's
Attitude Adjusters, BC Juggling Set, and Pocket Foosball
* Top Sellers


STUFF WE LOVE
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Battle of the Sexes Board Game (Ages 16 and older)
by University Games
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000J00P/entertainmentsit
Would many women know what Grolsch is or what a Zamboni
does? For the record, Grolsch is a European beer, and a
Zamboni is the machine that resurfaces ice rinks. Would many
men know who traditionally throws a bridal shower, or how
many birth control pills come in a single pack? They'd have
to really be in touch with their feminine side to know that
the maid of honor hosts showers, and that there are 28 pills
in a pack. Those are just a sampling of questions that can
lead to potentially explosive/hilarious scenarios when
couples play Battle of the Sexes. It's the perfect
icebreaker for get-togethers (or fireside squabbling). Be
prepared to learn more about your mate's gender stereotypes
with this fun trivia game than you ever thought possible.

Talking Electronic Dart Board (Ages 7 and older)
by Excalibur
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000J1BF/entertainmentsit
Excalibur is always on the cutting edge of electronic
games. Now it offers "smart" darts. For lovers of this
classic game, the Talking Electronic Dart Board provides the
same competitive play with more accurate scoring on LCD. The
board features up to 25 different dart games, several levels
of difficulty, a sensitivity detector for split opinions
(they do arise), and even electronic coaching and tips if
you're unfamiliar with some games, such as Cricket or
Straight Edge. Scoring--up to 900--varies with each game.


BRAIN TEASERS
*************
Mahjong (Ages 10 and older)
by Gamesource, Ltd
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IVVD/entertainmentsit
Mahjong is based on the ancient Mandarin game of mah jongg.
It bears some physical similarity to dominoes, which has
origins in ancient West Africa, but that's where the
similarity ends. Mahjong has elegant, thoughtful rules for
play, but the rest is up to the skill and luck of individual
players. Playing tiles feature three "suits" (bearing
bamboo, character, and circle symbols) and involve various
complex rules for play. Once understood, however, Mahjong
may become a household or game night favorite, especially
for anyone who loves the feel of smooth tiles tucked under
their thumbs. Although the game is scribbled with Mandarin
words and spellings, you don't need to know them to play.
This set comes in a very sophisticated black case that was
built for long storage, several generations of use, and
travel.

Grandmaster Tournament Size Auto Sensory Chess (Ages 12 and
older)
by Excalibur
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K2TH/entertainmentsit
Confidence in your game will soar after a few sessions with
the Grandmaster, a tournament-size chessboard with
programming based on actual games and counsel by chess
champion Anatoly Karpov. The set features an auto-sensory
playing surface and large, weighted playing pieces. An LCD
window modernizes and fine-tunes games, which come in 100
levels. The Grandmaster lives up to its name, even for
beginners, who can take advantage of hints, game analyses,
and five instruction modes.


TOYS UNDER $20
**************
Chicken Soup for the Soul Game (All ages)
by Cardinal Industries
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000ISJY/entertainmentsit
Based on the series of inspiring, insightful self-help books
by author Jack Canfield, the Chicken Soup for the Soul Game
aims to warm your heart and heal your mind as much as the
books do. Just like a hot bowl of chicken soup, this game
does wonders for a spirit that's been a bit under the
weather. The objective is to navigate the day-to-day
situations that make up our lives and address the issues
they raise with affirmative, purposeful action. Not only
will you be entertained, but you might walk away with a new,
better perspective about something you've taken for granted,
or never noticed about yourself.

Dilbert Attitude Adjusters (Ages 16 and older)
by Gibson Toys
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K1AI/entertainmentsit
This set of six hilariously depressing "attitude adjusters"
is just the thing for decorating or livening up your
cell... uh, cubicle. Dilbert--champion of the workplace
scapegoat and cubicle gopher--is featured in each of the
"motivational" scenes, which focus on leadership,
initiative, success, etc. An affirmation is offered by the
pitiable but hard-working Dilbert on each miniposter. See
which one fits your circumstance or attitude best. If they
all do, it's time for a corporate retreat.

BC Juggling Set in Red & Yellow (Ages 8 and older)
by What's Next Mfg.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IV3H/entertainmentsit
Juggling incites an interest that is almost impossible to
override, because good jugglers make it look so easy. After
a while, you just have to try it. Next thing you know,
you've joined Cirque du Soleil. The BC 3-Ball Juggling Set
(Red & Yellow) is the way to go if you want to jump in with
both feet--and both hands. It's stylish and durable, and it
comes with step-by-step instructions for various tricks.
Slightly smaller than the master set (don't bite off more
than you can chew here), this set still provides superior,
linseed-filled balance and weightiness (80 grams) that
enhance motor skills and performance creativity.

Pocket Foosball (Ages 6 and older)
by Basic Fun, Inc.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IV3G/entertainmentsit
This pocket-sized foosball set is a superior companion for
travel, whether by car, train, or plane (now you can do
something on those little retractable airline trays, besides
spill your coffee). The object of the game is the same as it
is for the arcade-sized version: knock and block until your
"puck" goes into your opponent's compartment. Chess it
isn't, but foosball is still a game of strategy and logic,
requiring concentration and attention. That means it'll be a
welcome diversion during those endless migrations from coast
to coast, or even in a vanpool to work.


TOP SELLERS
***********
This list features a variety of items to fit the tastes of
every toy lover. There's the traditional but unlikely
bestseller, the gyroscope, as well as current popular
favorites such as audacious Austin Powers figures, and the
latest from Dreamcast and Wizards of the Coast. Look at it
as a study in cultural dynamics, where you'll find out what
fellow adult children (admit it) are toying around with.
Enjoy!
Toys for Grownups

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******

Being a grownup doesn't mean you always have to act like
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