World Vignettes — Russia has piece of Hitler’s skull

In January 1996 the newspaper of the FSB (formerly the KGB intelligence organisation) reported that the Russian security service had stored in its vaults Hitler’s jaws and one of his military hats.

Brainy Barbie

EL SEGUNDO: Barbie is about to show she’s more than just a pretty face. Mattel Inc. in November will release a talking Barbie with a little computer on a pink desk, of course — and real computer software that can be used to customise what she has to say. A demonstration yesterday of the 90 dollars `Talk With Me Barbie’ doll started with Barbie quivering her little chin to say: “I’m ready to sit at my computer.”

Talking has gotten Barbie in trouble before. In 1992, Teen Talk Barbie was denounced by women’s groups for reinforcing stereotypes with such lines such as, “Math class is tough.” Talk With Me Barbie comes with a minicomputer on a desk, cables to connect to a home computer and a CD-ROM.

Barbie owners put the CD-ROM on their home computer and use it to choose conversation topics ranging from careers and dating to make-believe and playing house. They can also program in their name, birthday, hair and eye color and information about four of their friends.

Then the computer sends the information to Barbie’s PC. It transmits the information by infrared beam to her gold necklace in much the same way a TV remote control works.

Beware of the sun

LONDON: THE British Health Education has asked its citizens to use sun block creams when exposed to the sun. One out of every three persons uses sun creams during summer.

According to health authorities, beaches are not the only place where these creams are to be used as it is important for people to protect themselves when they are in the park, outdoors or exercising in the open.