If you’re looking at the picture to the left and wondering, “What the hell is that?” That was my first thought/question when I showed up to work and found “Wolley” the BeanStalk straddling my monitor.

“Wolley” was a “gift” from Theresa Walker, an Orange County Register editor, who had received this odd looking toy in the mail along with a rather strange press kit.

The BeanStalks are “new friends to look up to,” and are “not quite alien, not quite human, BeanStalks are a new family of plush creatures that are extremely tall, distinctly thin and forever unique.”

Um…okay. This is more like the toy your aunt and uncle from Arkansas get you for Christmas because they really don’t know you that well. “Thanks aunt and uncle,” you say while maintaining a happy grin and trying desperately not to let your eyes show your disaponitment.

My new yellow friend, “Wolley,” is just one of three of these plush characters that stand 26 inches tall and he can really stand on his own. “Wolley’s” friends, “Droc” and “Arbez” come with button hands that can be linked with other BeanStalks so they can all “hold hands.”

“Wolley” is described as the BeanStalk that is “out of this world, appearing to always be in motion with his dazzling yellow appearance, he can brighten anyone’s day.”

This might be an okay toy for a tired and easily amused journalist - but I don’t think it’s for the kids. The BeanStalks don’t “do” anything, besides stand there and stare and get toppled over by devious co-workers (Roxanne Hack, who likes to push the poor guy over to hear him go “thunk” onto my desk). I wouldn’t be surprised if this funky thing came to life when no one’s around and gets in our candy stash.

- KELLI SKYE

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