A week from tomorrow I will write my last daily column for Motley Fool. But, I'm not going to leave my readers high and dry without any source of answers to their questions about the economy. After I'm gone you can direct your inquiries to: Ask Merlin -- The Talking Electronic Wizard! All you have to do is Ask a Question, Push the Button and MERLIN WILL ANSWER YOU!

The Ask Merlin unit is an 8 1/2 inch tall plastic figure of Merlin, complete with pointed hat and crystal ball, and offers 35 different answers to your yes-or-no questions. When you press the button you are greeted with the sound of a gong and the crystal ball flashes several times while Merlin speaks his answer. The whole thing winds up with the tinkling of some sort of ethereal windchimes.

As a trial, I asked Merlin whether I should sell my Coca-Cola shares, which are currently in a strong uptrend with the price-to-earnings ratio setting historic highs. Merlin responded "It is not certain; but, I think not." Now where else could you find advice like that for $12.50 plus $4.95 shipping and handling?

Ask Merlin is suitable for ages 5 and up; but, it scared my cat and she ran and hid in the closet.

The unit is available from The Paragon Gifts at 1-800-343-3095.

Note: I am furnishing this information strictly as a public service and I have no affiliation with Paragon Gifts or Hilco Corporation, the manufacturer of Ask Merlin.

Pat Lafferty (MF Merlin)