Robocon

No, not every toy I seek has something to do with today's culture. I'll dig into the past sometimes. This is one of those times.

Robocon was an unforgettable, yet very minor part of the J-Robot revolution in TV watching during Hawaii's KIKU explosion of the 1970s. Robocon was no super android. He was just a creation that served people, or attempted to. At the end of each episode, his 'creater' gave him a final score for his efforts. Instead of a top score of 100, Robocon almost always scored a 0. Or negative number. It was destiny. He was constantly wrecking cars, houses and anything of material value, all out of clumsiness. It was funny, annoying and one of a kind.

Robocon was anti-cool. But Robocon appealed to the little kids because he was basically a little kid in a giant robot's body.

Robot Japan has some cool pics (below) of Robocon toys that are available today, 30 years later. I can't say I'm interested in buying the stuff, but it sure is fun to see after all these years.

Elmo goes 'extreme'

Seems like just yesterday that I had my nephew on my lap as we enjoyed Sesame Street's website together. I always loved Sesame Street, especially Bert and Ernie, and Mr. Hooper's ice cream shop. What intrigued my nephew, who was 4, was Elmo.

Fast forward seven years and I'm playing with my other nephew (1). I surf to Sesame Street's site. Yep, he was captivated by Elmo. So I wonder, what kind of Elmo toys are out there? It was interesting. Instead of just basic Elmo, there's "extreme" Elmo, or T.M.X™. Here's the intro of an explanation of the concept from Fisher-Price.

Tickle your funny bone with the most "x-treme" Elmo yet! Elmo has three interactive tickle spots on his chin, tummy or toe.

It goes on, and the new Elmo will both entertain and frighten kids. The toy moves!

T.M.X.™
Fisher-Price $40

Silver Surfer collectible

Growing up on Marvel Comics -- I'd spend a chunk of my hard-earned newspaper route money on them -- was a great thing in the 1970s. Stan Lee knew how to push our buttons, at least with Spiderman. A human superhero.

And then there was Silver Surfer, who gave up his own future to spare his home planet destruction at the hands of Galactus. Though I think the recent Fantastic Four movie did us Marvel fans a disservice by reducing Galactus to some milkish form in the skies, I did like the way Silver Surfer was drawn and portrayed. Truly a hero, and though I didn't think about it as a kid, he is definitely a Christ-like figure.

At Superherotimes.com, a limited edition of 1,000 action figures are on sale (painted). The chrome version of Silver Surfer will have a 2,500 pieces. Going rate is $160 to $180. I won't be buying, not at these prices, but it's cool to see nonetheless.

Silver Surfer (chrome) $180
Superherotimes.com

Hail the Bull market!

Welp, it's been a few days since I posted that stuffed bear picture, and now the stock market is getting bullish again. So, in honor of the new (and happy) direction, here's a cute little stuffed bull from Stuffed Ark.

"Tumbleweed" Stuffed Plush Bull, $12.50

Bear market can be cuddly

With the stock market gnashing its teeth all week long, the bears have been gleeful. It's time to celebrate the bear, even if my wallet is lighter as a result.

I like these little stuffed bears. They are different from the Smokey the Bear one I had as a toddler. Smokey had a sheriff's hat and denim blue jeans. I loved that little guy. He disappeared, though, one day, and my mother refused to tell me what happened. I don't know if I ever really forgave her for that.

Anyway, the bears below come from the Lil' Bear Shoppe. Barney ($29.98), Axel ($24.98) and Souffle ($16.95) are 15 to 17 inches in height.

RipStik

The RipStik is all the rage and, according to my nephew the expert, slightly better than the Wave board. Hey, don't get mad at me. I just get the info and pass it along.

Check out the RipStik ride guide video below the pics.

The headquarters of all things RipStik is the RipStikAmerica site. The site doesn't actually sell customers the product, but it has a list of store sites that have it. At Toys R Us, the RipStik sells for $99. Same price as a Wave board, apparently.

RipStik
Toys R Us $99


Epilogue: Catherine was nice enough to leave a comment noting that RipStiks are totally available at the RipStik site. Just look for the "Buy Now" image. Tah-daaa!

Ripstik ride guide

I was never any good at skateboarding, but just watching what people can do with the RipStik is pretty cool.