31.   The bereaved can register their virtual pets on a series of memorial pages in any language.

32.   The idea of virtual pets is not new.

33.   The new PortaBush virtual pet, a handheld cartoon game, shows our hometown hero in some less-than-presidential situations.

34.   The new Pocket Puppy virtual pet from Cooltec eliminates the element of death and adds a second sound chip for barking, yelping and whining.

35.   The spirit of Christmas died like a neglected virtual pet when shoppers clamoring for the latest fad turned abusive early Friday.

36.   Though some toy companies report the Tamagotchi portable pet craze has started to fade, other stores say the virtual pet is still a popular item.

37.   Treider says she thinks the virtual pets are good for some kids and bad for others.

38.   Virtual pets are a bit of a yawn this year, and youngsters finally seem to have grown weary of some of those wiggle-and-giggle toys.

39.   Virtual pets, the rage two years ago, have fizzled.

40.   A local dressed as Santa Claus says a few words about the owner, how long the virtual pet lived and why it died.