Abstract: The present invention is a jump rope having a pair of opposing handles connected to a rope portion which extends there between. The rope portion has a plurality of lights which flash and change color intermittently during use. At least one of the handles has a processor and memory which are connected to a speaker and a microphone for recording, playing and amplifying music or sounds.

Abstract: We disclose a composition containing a polyester comprising about 1 mole part diol units and from about 0.98 mole parts fumaric acid units to about 1.01 mole parts fumaric acid units. In one embodiment, the diol units are 1,3-propanediol units or 1,2-propanediol units. In one embodiment, the polyester is blended with polylactide. In another embodiment, the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of a plate, a tray, a bowl, a cup, a bowl lid, a cup lid, a fork, a spoon, a knife, a jewel case, and a packaging article. We also disclose a method of manufacturing the composition. The method includes combining about 1 mole part diol, from about 0.98 mole parts fumaric acid to about 1.01 mole parts fumaric acid, and from about 0.0002 mole parts to about 0.0020 mole parts of a polyesterfication catalyst, to yield a combination of diol and fumaric acid; maintaining the combination of diol and fumaric acid under an inert atmosphere at a temperature from about 130° C. to about 190° C.