The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

8 Supplement of The Canadian Statesman, November 21, 1979 Choose Toys, Games that Outlast Holidays! Games and toys are "best bet" gift ideas for adults and children. But, too often, games and toys bought by fr4ntic, last- minute shoppers run the risk of providing only a few hours' entertainment on Christmas morning-with their appeal being played out by the end of the day. Here are some tips on choosing toys and games, including the new electronic ones, that will provide fun on Christmas morning- and ail through the year. Know what you're buy- ing. Major game-publishers simplify the task by de- scribing the game play and age ranges right on the package. These game com- pallies have studied child- ren at play and know what kinds of games appeal to each age group: board games for very young children should be simple, with few rules and winning based mostly on chance. For children who can't yet read, Parker Brothers has created special, no-reading- required games which are based on classic storybooks and timely themes. Once a parent explains the game, the youngsters can play without adult supervision. There are games based on the merry, magical "Frosty the Snowman," "Holly Hobbie" and "Peter Rabbit," to name a few. For the six to twelve set, kids who keep up with the latest TV shows, there are board 'games based on pop- ular television series: "Mork and Mindy," "The Muppet Show" and "Fangface" games. These allow pre-teens to play out the adventures of their fav- orite home-screen charac- ters. About age ten, many children begin to show a bent for strategy games like chess and checkers, which offer challenging, mental stimuation and give Mom and Dad a chance to get in- volved in the fun, too. For chess buffs who hate to wait while their partner agonizes over a move, a strategy game called "All the King's Men" is an inno- vative game for two. Play- ers move their knights and archers in strategic battle formations to capture their opponent's king. Designed to accommodate different levels of skill, "All the King's Men" can be played by beginners and experts. Games the whole family can play together are a good buy and offer hours of fun, laughter and enter- tainment. For "What, me worry?" fans and any fam- ily who is prone to be a lit- tle "mad" at times, there's the brand new "Mad Mag- azine Game," as zany and unpredictable as the pop- ular magazine. The popularity of elec- tronic and computerized games and toys has soared in the past few years, and they are sure to be on a great many children's- and adults'-"most- wanted" lists this Christ- mas. More than 75 electronic items are available this year, and it takes a smart shopper to sort out the great gadgets from the gim- micks. When shopping for an electronic plaything: Read the warranty and instruction book before you buy. If the game or toy isn't guaranteed or there's no return policy at the store, you may be disap- pointed later. Reputable manufacturers have good quality controls, but if you have any problems, contact the nanufacturer's con- suner response depart- ment. Look at the way the game or toy is con'structed. It should look and feel sturdy enough to be hand- led often. Compare different com- panies' offerings. Some games have more features --for about the same price. For example, "Merlin, the electronic wizard," plays six different games. Look for a game where the computer really does perform a unique function -something that can't be done with a dice or spinner, for example. Most electronic and com- puterized toys and games CAREFULLY-CHOSEN GAMES AND TOYS will give children lots of fun on Christmas morning-and ail through the year. "The Mad Magazine Game"' is a zany, unpredictable board game the whole family can enjoy. "ROM, the Space Knight, is an electronic action figure com- plete with dazzling, audio-visual effects and three sci-fi accessories. Both games are from Parker Brothers.†1 operate on batteries, but many can also be powered by an adapter. It's a good idea to have the game with you when shopping for an adapter so that you buy the right one. Look for a theme the re- cipient will enjoy. There are electronic games based on sports, detectives, strategy and science fiction, to name a few. An original game from Parker Brothers this Christmas is "Stop Thief," an electronic board game of cops and robbers, in which players use a computer to track down and arrest a thief. For young sci-fi fans, there's "ROM, the Space Knight," an electronic action figure that comes to life withglowing eyes and futuristic sound effects. His three accessories light up and emit an exciting re- pertoire of zaps and buzzes. Good, hand-held elec- tronic games should offer different levels of skill so that they're still challeng- ing, even after many hours of play. "Wildfire," for in- stance, a new, hand-held, electronic pinball game, can be set at three speed levels and can keep score for up to four players. It's fun for beginner or expert, adult or child. This Çhristmas, take a good look at your game and toy department pur- chases before wrapping them up to set under the tree. Shop wisely, and you'll be sure to find that those playthings will last for years.t Roses - Gifts of Love, Peace and True Friendship In the language of flowers, roses symbolize love, peace and friendship. It's not surprising, then, that these blooms are holi- day favorites. The true, vel- vety red of an American rose and the deep, forest green of pine neediles form an expressive combination of seasonal colors and scents. Rose gifts are always the right size, shape and color. They make great stocking stuffers and striking pack- age decorations. For an "unwrappable" present, such as a week's dishwash- ing services, place a bou- quet of roses under the tree, along with a message de- scribing your gift. Another imaginative idea is to tuck one perfect bloom into each napkin on the holiday dining table. If you're invited out to a party, a few roses make a welcome and memorable gift for the host or hostess. Roses also are a bright and cheerful way to greet the new year. If one of your resolutions includes a pro- mise to your spouse or other special friend, say it with a rose for added meaning. -F7 Free Parking in the rear lsinte and3hair5 AS YOU TRAVEL, GM Lovemobile Protect your child with LO0E from car to stroller Jusi $49.95 Love Seat Only Just $28M95 w 4 't '4 Custom Mud Flaps General Motos Running for Pontiac-Buick Floor Mats Boards GMCInes Front$12.95 for your pick-up Reg. $945 Reg. $150.00 SPECIAL Rear-$10.36 SPECIAL Protection for your $1 3.00 6.50car. "Bowmanville's General Motors Dealer" GMC lines , s s' r "r s 1 1,4 Silve r Street 623-5455