Popular Mechanics for Kids: X-treme Sports & Other Action Adventures

Hosted by corny, charismatic teens (including former 24 star Elisha Cuthbert and Vanessa Lengies of American Dreams), this four episode "X-treme" compilation, culled from the award-winning Canadian series, kicks off with “Sports,” which features young host Jay pitted against former Toronto Raptors Rookie of the Year Damon Stoudamire, before taking a trip to Nike headquarters for a neat peek at the shoe design process. Other segments feature biking (and safety) tips from three-time cross-country mountain bike world champion Alison Sydor; pitching and stretching techniques from former Montreal Expos player Pedro Martinez; and brief segments on Nike founder Bill Bowerman's vision (he got the sneaker design idea from a waffle iron!), skateboarding champ Tony Hawk, a ramp/jump builder (with skatepark footage), sexism in skateboarding, cleaning skates, and…um…why feet stink. Also including the episodes “X-treme Rides” and “Sports: Riding, Gliding & Sliding,” the program concludes with “Fun in the Desert,” which features various facts about desert safety (including the importance of conserving energy and avoiding sunburn or heat stroke), and more. A fast-paced, fact-packed account of “the science behind all the fun,” this is highly recommended for inquisitive minds of all ages. [Note: also newly available in the Popular Mechanics for Kids series is Gators & Dragons and Other Wild Beasts.] Aud: E, I, P. (J. Williams-Wood)