Ultra-Slim Clocks That Travel Well

Germany’s Braun Co. is manufacturing a new ultra-slim quartz travel alarm clock--less than an inch thick--with a protective cover that lists worldwide time zones, so no matter where you roam, you’ll know what time it is there and at home.

The compact black clock, which is 4 inches wide, 2 1/2 inches in height, comes in two models--one that activates a snooze function by voice; the other by reflex. You can tell it to turn off, or you can simply wave your hand in front of it. It will then reactivate the alarm every four minutes. The clock takes two AA batteries and its dial is illuminated. There’s also a flashlight built into the side of the unit.

Braun’s travel clock is available nationwide at selected deparment and electronics stores. It’s $39.95 for the voice-activated model (AB313vsl) and $49.95 for the reflex-motion model (AB313rsl). In Southern California, you can find them at all Future Tronics stores. If you can’t locate it in your area, contact Braun Inc., 66 Broadway, Route 1, Lynnfield, Mass. 01940; (617) 596-7300.

QuikWash: Conserving Water as You Clean

Trying to conserve water? Consider QuikWash, a concentrated cleaning solution that takes only a capful--half an ounce--in two quarts of water, to clean your car. You don’t have to hose down the car first or rinse it afterward.

The new liquid cleanser has “catalytic agents that loosen and lift dirt off the automobile’s surface as you towel it on,” according to Rick Mellor, president of the Santa Barbara company that markets QuikWash. He advises washing the car in sections, starting at the top, with a sponge or cloth. Then wipe off the cleaner immediately with a towel. It takes about 15 minutes to wash an average car.

A 16-ounce bottle will provide 32 washings of a mid-size car. In the Los Angeles area, QuikWash is available at Sav-on Drugs and the Price Club. Or you can order it for $4.99, plus $1.95 shipping and handling, from Santa Barbara Promotions Inc., 925 De La Vina, Suite 101, Santa Barbara, Calif. 93101; (805) 962-9119.

Puzzling Games for Accountants, Doctors

he Physician and the Accountant are the two latest puzzles released by Puzzles for Professionals, a series that began last year with the Attorney. The 42-page books contain 12 puzzles, with solutions and word explanations for each puzzle in the back of each volume. The Physician seeks answers to various fill-in-the-blank medical questions in which part of the answer is given.

The Accountant wants solutions to, for example, “Monetary unit for the member nations of the EEC: Initials” in three letters; “An adding machine function that means erase whatever is carried in this accumulator” in five letters.

Puzzles for Professionals are sold nationwide in selected bookstores and college bookshops. In the Los Angeles area, they’re available at Fowler Brothers downtown and Law Distributors Inc. in Gardena. Or you can order the booklets, for $10 each, plus $1.25 postage and handling, from David Traeger, Puzzles for Professionals, 6109 Carpenter St., Downers Grove, Ill. 60516.