Move Over, Magic Eight-Ball, for the Smart Cookie

The Magic Eight-Ball has been around since 1946, as a toy invented by Abe Bookman of the Alabe Toy Company. Perhaps it's time for it to move aside for something both older and newer: the Smart Cookie.

The fortune cookie was originated in either 1909 or 1918, depending on who you believe. The Smart Cookie, on the other hand, is brand-new.

While the Magic Eight-Ball just answer yes, no, or vaguely (ten of the possible standard answers are variations of "yes", five are ambiguous and five are variations of "no"), the Smart Cookie adds an Eastern flavor to the mix.

Examples of possible answers are:

• Future sticky like rice
• You don't wonton know
• Answer sweet and sour
• Don't mock the cookie
• Try the eggroll
• Cookie busy - try later

Some answers may be a little too Abercrombie & Fitch-ish for me, but the Smart Cookie is only $9.99. And you get a smart-looking (OK, don't put any real food in it) Chinese food container as well.