Remember the yo-yo?

It actually has a new life now, the results of a little crossbreeding with a juggling ball. It has been developed into a new plaything called the Astro Jax.

Students in a marketing class at Leaves Of Learning's Young Entrepreneurs program in Loveland are introducing the toy to Greater Cincinnati. They gave a demonstration on Fountain Square last week.

"I am learning how to present myself to people, and all the steps it takes to introduce a new product,'' said Evan Mathis, 17.

Astro Jax is three weighted balls attached by a piece of string. The students who demonstrated the toy say it is a cross between the yo-yo and juggling balls.

Records indicate that Astro Jax was discovered by physicist Larry Shaw of San Francisco while experimenting with hex nuts and dental floss in a physics laboratory. He then developed the toy by using high-density, precision-machined metal weight inside the protective mantel of each ball, we are told.

The fast spinning motion of the balls is based on principles of rotational dynamics.

According to Chris Santoro, Young Entrepreneurs instructor, the toy has been a big hit overseas.

Leaves of Learning, Inc, is a nonprofit educational enrichment program. It was established six years ago. Director and founder Diana Osborne said the classes are hands-on that involve the students in real-life projects.

All proceeds from the sale of Astro Jax go to Leaves of Learning.

Bob Lento, senior vice president of Convergys, presented a $10,000 check to John Cerniglia, director of Cincinnati's Habitat for Humanity.

The presentation took place at 116 Winkler St., Mount Auburn, at a recently renovated Habitat house.

The idea was started by the Sales Leadership Team after Sept. 11, 2001.

Christmas on the River, a celebration in story, music and crafts of the Appalachian and African American Cultures, will be presented at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 20 at the Pendleton Heritage Center, 2760 Eastern Ave., East End.

The event has a rich history, bringing together two cultures, one black and one white, that have lived together while maintaining their own identity and developing a common bond by living close to the Ohio River, said Melissa English, building manager at the Heritage Center.

"Many East Enders can trace their ancestors to the hills of Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia,'' Ms. English said.

"The East End was a popular settling point for many runaway slaves and freedmen after the Civil War. Some of today's African-American East Enders are descendents of those original inhabitants.''

The celebration will include storyteller Omope Carter Dabolku of College Hill and the Bear Foot team of Barb and Russ Childers of Batavia.

They will lead participation in making traditional handmade ornaments.

Ms. English said Christmas on the River is funded in part by a grant from the Community Arts Fund of the Fine Arts Fund. Admission is free.

Information: 321-4928

Allen Howard's "Some Good News" column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.