TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: KIDS SITES / SCI-FACT-FI / WOW

In today's TOURBUS, you'll learn how to say no to your pre-teen when they ask for a Myspace account. My Top Ten Kids Sites will keep them busy for a few years with age-appropriate content. And while we're on a Top Ten theme, I've got a batch of very cool Weird Science and Science Fiction sites for you to check out. You'll also learn what MMORPG means, and get the scoop on World of Warcraft. Read on!

Top Ten Sites for Kids

A reader asked: "My eleven year old wants a Myspace account, but I think she's a bit young for that. Are there some other sites I can encourage her to visit, with activities that are appropriate for pre-teen kids?" In my response, I told her I agree that kids under 14 should be steered away from Myspace. At that age, I wouldn't even want my child to have her own email account. The good news is that there are some really great sites out there for pre-teen kids. Here are my Top Ten sites for kids to find games, chat, social interaction and even learning...

KIDS - http://askbobrankin.com/top_sites_for_kids.html

Science Fact or Science Fiction?

It’s sometimes difficult these days to differentiate between fact and science fiction, because the two worlds often borrow ideas from each other. If you've ever read Alfred Bester's classic 1956 sci-fi thriller "The Stars My Destination", or Ray Bradbury's space novels from the same era, you can't help but think that scientists in years to come were influenced when designing computers and space vehicles.

I love science, science fiction, and especially offbeat and weird science. During my Internet travels I've come across some amazing resources in this arena -- some informative, some strange, but all of them fascinating. Here are my Top Ten picks in the Weird Science and Sci-Fi categories:

WEIRD SCIENCE - http://askbobrankin.com/weird_science.html

SCIFI -http://askbobrankin.com/science_fiction_sites.html

What is World of Warcraft?

World Of Warcraft is an online game, virtual universe and social networking space that has attracted the fancy of millions of people all around the world. This pay-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) was released in November 2004, and is now the world's most popular MMORPG, with an estimated 8.5 million users.

As in most MMORPGs, WoW players assume an identity and an avatar which represents them in the game world. Players explore the virtual world, fight monsters, perform quests, or do battle with enemy factions. Success in the game is rewarded with virtual possessions, gold, and the prestige associated with reaching higher skill levels.

But who plays World Of Warcraft, and what motivates them? The answers are surprising... Read on to learn more about WoW, and pick up some tips on succeeding in the game if you're already into it.

WOW - http://askbobrankin.com/world_of_warcraft.html

Stop Telemarketers With the Do Not Call Registry

I've gotten several questions from people who have received emails advising them to add their cell phone numbers to a Do Not Call list. They wanted to know if the Do Not Call Registry is for real, and if so, should people add both their home and mobile numbers to it? Well yes, the US Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call Registry is a legitimate service where you can enter your telephone number and stop (most of) those annoying telemarketing calls. And although you CAN enter a cell phone number, it's not really necessary. Here's the scoop on how to add your numbers to the No Call list, which callers are exempt from the regulations (and the $11,000 fine) and how to report telemarketers who violate the Do Not Call rules.

NO CALL - http://askbobrankin.com/do_not_call_registry.html

That's all for now, see you next time! -- Bob Rankin