Hit the ice … or go airborne

When it comes to sports, we've just entered our favorite time of the year. We offer a halfhearted apology to the many gridiron fans out there, but we're talking about hockey season. For us, nothing matches the excitement--and the fast pace--of the game. Even though we don't get the opportunity to play much anymore, we never miss the chance to take on all comers in air hockey. However, space limitations have prevented us from having a table at home, but we've found an alternative in Hover Hockey from Geospace International, Seattle, Wash.

[ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Hover Hockey ($9.99) consists of a lightweight plastic puck with a turbofan inside that lifts it about a millimeter off the table. This makes any smooth surface an air hockey table. It has a soft, rubber bumper that allows it to carom off objects and change directions. The kit includes two disc strikers and a pair of cardboard goals. For more information, visit www.geospaceplay.com.

If taking flight is more your fancy, Radio Shack, Ft. Worth, Tex., has a radio controlled plane that is micro-sized, making it ideal to use in most backyards. The Star Scream Micro Flyer ($39.99) is realistically designed based on the movie "Transformers."

The landing gear lets you take off and land like a pro, and it has a 150-foot range for operation in open outdoor areas. The digital proportional throttle plus left/right hand controls allow for precision aerial maneuvers, while the electric operation provides quick climbing and stable cruising. The flyer can reach speeds of up to 18.6 mph.

The controller requires six AA batteries and it can recharge the plane when not in use. The plane is best suited for flying outdoors in calm skies with winds of 5 mph or less. An intermediate skill level is recommended.

For more information, visit www.radioshack.com.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning