‘Nightstick’ Shrieks at Car Thieves
The Electronic Nightstick is a new automobile security device that combines a steering wheel lock with an alarm system.
When locked horizontally on the top of the steering wheel, the black 21-inch baton prevents the wheel from turning; the motion and shock sensor alarm in the end of the stick emits a loud siren and flashing strobe light when it detects entry. A button inside the steel lock--with 30-second exit and 15-second entry delays--arms and disarms the alarm system.
Made of carbonized steel, the baton is “virtually impossible to cut,” according to representatives for Kraco, the California manufacturer of the device. The alarm operates by battery or by plugging it into the car’s cigarette lighter.
The stick is lightweight (2 pounds), easy to mount and remove and can be stored under the seat. And it can be used independently as an emergency flashlight.
The Electronic Nightstick ($99.95, suggested retail) is available at Pep Boys, Chief Auto Parts, Montgomery Ward Auto Express, Target and Grand Auto. A non-electronic model called the Autobar ($59.95) is sold at Sears, K mart, Fedco and Western Auto.
If you can’t find the security stick in your area, contact Kraco Enterprises, 505 E. Euclid Ave., Compton, Calif. 90222; in California, (213) 639-0666; outside California, (800) 421-1910.
Protector Strips Keep Metals Shiny
If you hate to clean silver, consider Silver Protector Strips from 3M. They aren’t new--they’ve been around almost 15 years--but they certainly keep silver, copper, brass or bronze from tarnishing so fast.
The 2-by-7-inch strips prevent tarnish for up to six months, but they do not remove existing tarnish.
Silver Protector Strips don’t have to touch an item to protect it; they simply have to be located near it. The strip absorbs natural, airborne, tarnish-causing pollutants before they turn the silver dark.
3M representatives recommend one strip per foot of storage-space width.
Silver Protector Strips (about $4.99 for an eight-strip package) are available nationwide in selected specialty shops, hardware and jewelry stores. In Southern California, you can find them at San Marino Hardware in San Marino, Belmark Sheffield Silver in Los Angeles, Kaleidoscope Jewelry in Escondido and Alan Ladd store in Palm Springs. For a store near you, call (800) 328-1449.
If you can’t find the strips in your area, you can order them from 3M by writing Silver Care Products, 3535 Hoffman Road East, St. Paul, Minn. 55110. The eight-strip package is $4.99, plus $1 for shipping and handling; a three-pack (24 strips) is $12.99, plus $1 for shipping and handling.
Greeting Cards With a Bonus
Tired of sending the same old greeting cards? You might try the new Hot Chocolate Cards from Great Northwestern Greeting Seed Co. Printed on recycled paper, each card includes a package of cocoa mix. There are three birthday versions, two friendship and one get well card.
The cocoa cards are the latest edition of unusual greeting cards from the Oregon-based company, which also offers cards combined with bubble bath, teas, spices, garden seeds and potpourri.
Hot Chocolate Cards (suggested retail $1.95) are available in selected card, gift and flower shops. In the Los Angeles area, you can find them at the Card Factory stores, the Pampered Lady and Naaila Cards and Gifts in Los Angeles, Elegant Home Creations and Palos Verdes Begonia Farm in Torrance, Flowers by Florence and Wildflowers in San Pedro, Dooley Country Store, Ann’s Flowers and Long Beach Flowers in Long Beach.
For stores in your area, contact Great Northwestern Greeting Seed Co., P.O. Box 776, Oregon City, Ore. 97045; (800) 992-4769. The company will ship minimum orders of 25 cards.
