Fork Smoothes Way for Pasta Lovers

If you’re looking for a neater way to eat spaghetti, there’s a new utensil you may want to consider--the rotating pasta forchetta. That’s Italian for fork, but this isn’t Italian. It’s a fork with a crank handle.

Although most pasta aficionados probably would shun such a device, others may find it refreshingly utilitarian. To use, anchor a forkful of spaghetti, linguini or other pasta against the plate and with your other hand slowly turn the crank handle at the top of the fork, wrapping the pasta neatly around the tines. Manufactured in New York by A. Davis Designs, the forks are made of stainless steel with plastic handles and can be put in the dishwasher.

The forchettas-- a set of four costs $19.50--are available at Hammacher Schlemmer stores in New York, Chicago or Beverly Hills--call (213) 859-7255--or can be ordered through the company catalogue by calling (800) 543-3366.

Tunes for Wet Set

For swimmers, divers and other water-sports enthusiasts, there’s a new submersible headset that converts most any water resistant radio or cassette deck to an underwater stereo so you can hear your favorite music at the bottom of the pool or lagoon.

Called Swimman, the device is being marketed by Hydrophonics of Van Nuys and has been tested, according to the manufacturer, by professional surfers, members of the National Scholastic Surfing Assn. team, and by Los Angeles City Department of Parks and Recreation director Charles James. James recommends Swimman as a way of promoting lap swimming because “it is definitely much more enjoyable swimming laps while listening to stereo music.”

To use Swimman, you simply insert your water-resistant radio or cassette deck into the clear vinyl pouch that comes with a belt to strap around your waist, put the headband on and insert the waterproof earplugs. A sealed cord goes from the pouch to the Swimman headset at the back of the headband. Swimman inventor Michael Silverman noted that “high energy water-sports enthusiasts, surfers, wind surfers, jet and water skiers prefer to wear the headphones around their necks to avoid accidental loss.”

Even if the headset falls off in the water, Silverman said the earplugs, which come in three different sizes, are watertight and won’t be ruined. The entire Swimman system--pouch, waistbelt and headset--floats and weighs less than one pound.

The suggested retail price for Swimman is $49.95. Additional information may be obtained by calling Hydrophonics at (213) 892-9535 or writing 14526 Sherman Way, Suite 1414, Van Nuys, Calif. 91405.

It is also available at Natural Progression in Santa Monica, Del Rey Water Sports in Marina del Rey, Perfect Balance in Agoura Hills, Safari Surf and Sport, and Hydrophonics Distributing in Sepulveda, Val Surf in North Hollywood, Altered States in West Hollywood, Sports Chalet in La Canada, Valley Ski Chalet in Chatsworth and Affordable Portables in Sherman Oaks, Westwood and Costa Mesa.

Essential Tool Kit

The Essentials looks like a sporty briefcase, but it’s really a handy kit full of tools and accessories for minor home repairs. Just introduced by Stanley Tools of New Britain, Conn., the lightweight (5.3 pounds) canvas carrying case contains seven basic tools--three screwdrivers, two kinds of pliers, a hammer, an adjustable wrench--plus scissors, a knife, glue, electrical tape and a tape measure.

For good measure, the company has added a home maintenance booklet that describes the proper use of each tool and gives you step-by-step instructions in simple repairs around the house. The case can be hung in an open position on a wall or closet door.

Essentials retails for about $85 and is available in Southern California at Home Express and Salutations Ltd. stores or through the John Deere catalogue, (800) 544-2122.