BOATERS, GOOD NEWS. NEVER BUY FLARES AGAIN!

Every boating season I get the USCG Auxiliary Safety Inspection which requires three fresh dated flares to be aboard. When you buy new flares they're dated to expire after abouit 3 boating seasons. It's about $35 to replace them for another three years. But now there's something way better - the SOS Distress Light! It's the first and only LED Visual Distress Signal Device that meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements to completely replace traditional pyrotechnic flares. Unlike traditional flares, this electronic flare never expires which solves the big and annoying challenge of flare disposal. Weems and Plath, the inventor, says this floating electronic flare can be hand-held, tethered, or hoisted aloft. Visible up to 10+ nautical miles, it lights for up to 60 hours, unlike traditional flares which last minutes or less. (It requires 3 “C” batteries, not included.) With the included SOS flag, this combo fulfills all Coast guard requirements for marine distress signals. And it's made in the USA. This is a great safety device for boaters! Under $100.00.

Company website: www.weems-plath.com

From the 2016 National Hardware Show, Las Vegas.

When is a lock, not a lock?

Not A Lock is designed as a theft deterrent with the appearance of a locking padlock, but surprise -- it does not lock! Just like folks who have security system signs outside their house and no security system installed, or have fake security cameras, Not A Lock offers the look of a heavy duty lock while not needing keys, combinations, Bluetooth, etc. Not A Lock snaps closed like a locking padlock, but opens with a sharp pull-down. Randall, from EKUSA, the company that makes the lock said think of it as using a gate locking latch, except the gate locking mechanism is inside the heavy-duty padlock. I think this is a great idea to guard things that aren't expensive, but you like to guard with some sort of security without having to worrying about losing the key, carrying an extra key, or not having the key with you. I think it's a clever idea, probably the most inventive thing I saw the 2016 National Hardware Show.$14.99. 

http://ekusa.com/product-category/not-a-lock/

A lot of features, for not a lot of money.

The “TACT” is WASPcam’s newest camera model, (#9905). The TACT records HD video up to 1080p, and snaps still-images up to 12-megapixels. Built-in Wi-Fi connects the camera to an iPhone or Android for live viewing, recording and sharing content online. The TACT camera package also includes a wireless wrist remote, (which is worn like a wristwatch) which can control video and photo recording up to 5 meters (15 feet) away. The WASPcam TACT is completely waterproof, down to 98 feet, without the addition of a waterproof case, and includes a 1.5-inch LCD viewing screen on the back of the camera. There's even a built-in speaker. Cyclic recording and an auto looping function allows the camera to be used as a dash camera. Unique on this model are two LED safety lights that be set to steady on for camera use, or flashing for safety. And it comes with a great assortment of accessories, including the Wireless Wrist Remote. / Bar Mount. / Helmet Mount. / Tripod Mount Adapter / Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery / Wall charger. / USB Cable. The #9905 TACT Camera supports microSD cards up to 32GB. Battery is included, but not the micro SD card is not. But they're very inexpensive these days! There's a video here too where you'll see two other model WASPcams, one under $100!

The 5200 mAh Power Stubbie can power the TACT camera for 6+ hours, and power other brand cameras too via it's USB port. It can also be used to charge cell phones, etc. It has a MSRP of $79.99. It's due out May/June 2016.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/pL-8F35v4Q4

Company website: http://www.waspcam.com/

A light that's light enough to travel.

A compact folding LED travel lamp for under $27.00. Hate it when there's not a desk lamp at the hotel or cabin when you travel. Now can bring your own. The Premer LED Desk Lamp has a built-in battery, but also can be powered via USB, or the included AC adapter. It's dimmable and folds flat for packing. It's weighs a little over a pound, even though Amazon says 2 pounds+. It's good for camping too, even for emergencies with up to 8 hours of light on the built in battery. The touch-sensitive switch offers 3 brightness levels. The company says it 950 lumens at its brighest setting, but being LED, it only uses 6W. Built in 1800mAh Rechargeable Lithium Battery. The only downside for me was the charging cable. It special to the lamp, so you have to carry it with you, but it won't take up much room. Here's a video description I made: 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/IzjMLnRhEv8

Hopefully, I creep Leo Laporte out with Darth Vader's Scary Deep Breathing!

If you love Star Wars, you're in luck. Underground Toys makes every conceivable gadget you can think of in a Star Wars Theme. These are all from The International Housewares + Home Show and NY Preview.

Love everything Star Wars? Then you'll want to see what Underground Toys has.

From left to right, we have:  

Darth Vader Breathing Sounds Cookie Jar Under $25. Open the lid and you'll hear the scary deep breathing Darth Vader sounds which right from the original movie. 

R2-D2 Sound Effects Cookie Jar - Under $25. Open the lid and you'll hear bleep-bleep sounds and see flashing LED lights.  

Not enough Star Wars Stuff? Well, there's also: 

Star Wars Popcorn Maker under $50. Just add kernels to R2-D2's dome (he has a flip up measure cup), flip a switch and an internal heater will pop the kernels. Turn enjoy your popcorn as you watch -- what else? Star Wars.  

Star Wars Droid Salt & Pepper Shakers Under $20 (They'll look good on your table, especially if you're a Star Wars fan. R2-D2 for salt, R2-Q5 for pepper. 

There's a whole catalog of Star Wars Housewares and goodies, plus plenty of Dr. Who gadgets at the company website:  

www.underground-toys.com