ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, December 22, 1995 TAG: 9512220011
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Friday Something
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER
It's almost a written law that the more something disgusts you, the more your kids will think it's hilarious. Although it may be too late for Christmas, here are some ideas for gifts that may gross out your little darlings and get you off that bottom rung of the coolness scale.
``The Gas We Pass'' and ``The Holes in Your Nose'' are really science books with a humorous (unavoidable) twist. Your children can be the first on their block to really answer questions like, ``Why does gas smell so bad?'', ``Where do boogers come from?'' and ``Why does Uncle Bill have hair growing out of his nose?'' Their science teachers may not be impressed, but your kids will be the hit of the lunch room.
Young dinner guests will swarm to your table when you cook with recipes from ``Entertaining With Insects,'' including Mealworm Chow Mein and Chocolate Chirpies. Yes, they're made with the real stuff. Although we're told the crawling critters make a healthy meal, I'd personally have to be lost behind enemy lines in Bosnia to eat them.
An anatomically correct hand with wicks at the fingertips is really a candle that's sure to light up a birthday party. Perfect if your child is 5 or 10. (Discriminates against lefties. Only right hands are available.)
My favorite, and one that made even my kids say ``EEOOOHH'' (similar to the sound they make when they smell something really bad and then insist you smell it) are plastic gelatin molds that create a three-dimensional, life-size heart, brain or hand - quivering blobs that your kids might think are even too sick to eat.
The catalog is called ``Brainstorms'' (call 800-231-6000). It's not completely full of weirdness, but I don't think I'd invite its creators to any parties - unless Mosquito Mousse is on the menu.
LENGTH: Short : 40 linesby CNB