Fun with Lasers

My mom has asked for a laser pointer for Christmas two years in a row now. (Laser pointers are the best cat toys EVER! The darting red dot gets even the fattest, laziest cats to race around like kittens.) Last year, I tried to buy a laser pointer at WalMart but was told that due to the risk of retinal injury, WalMart refuses to sell them. I was kind of shocked and blurted out, "But WalMart sells GUNS!" I mean, I'm no physician, but it seems like the potential for causing bodily harm and/or death via rifle is quite a bit higher than the potential for injury via laser pointer. Anyway, I headed over to the pet store and bought one for my mom there. Unfortunately, the pet store's laser pointer was kind of cheap (and my mom's cats spend hours every week happily chasing the red dot), so now it is no longer working. This year, I got smart and went straight to Staples--they sell the high quality, ergonomically designed laser pointers. I guess their philosophy is that if their customers are smart enough to figure out copiers and fax machines, they are smart enough to use a laser pointer without putting anyone's eye out! And best of all, with that last purchase, I do believe my Christmas shopping is done--woo hoo!