When I was a kid (albeit, that wasn't too long ago), I had a set of multi-colored sands - I think it was called "Magic Sand" - that when you poured into water, stayed dry. You could literally spoon the sand out of the water and it would be dry to the touch. I thought it was cool then. Had I known it had space applications as well, there's no telling how much I would have begged my parents for more.
Apparently, the nation has re-discovered the sand, now marketed as Mars Space Sand by Dunecraft as its been on several holiday gift guide lists this week. "Family Fun" magazine (published by Disney) first featured it, which led to an appearance on "Live with Regis and Kelly". Tomorrow, Mars Space Sand is scheduled for a segment on Good Morning America on ABC.
We've had Mars Space Sand available at Rocket Town for several weeks now, and its been a good seller as part of our Space Station Laboratory line of science products, but this week its just taken off! We're expecting a large supply to be delivered next week.
Whether buying it for your kid, or as a kid-at-heart, my six-year-old self can highly recommend it.
[This message has been edited by Robert Pearlman (edited December 10, 2004).]