Why does Roger always get the credit for the skull and crossbones pirate flag? We feel it is time to share and have elected Barry to the post because he just walked by the vast editorial department here at A.S.&S. (AKA "my desk") Our Jolly Barry flag is 3ft x 5 ft., black polyester with a reinforced edge containing grommets for flying. It has the traditional skull and crossbones in white with the added fillip that the skull is wearing an eye patch! Sail Away!!

Cut your own. Our each is 16 feet of black flexible wire coated with 3/16" dia soft rubber, ready for you to snip off for your heavy-duty, padded twist-tie needs. Very nice stuff. Reusable. We're thinking cable bundling, sports equipments, tools, hoses, like that.

Time ago, burlap bags're all over the place, child. Sisal sacks too. We used 'em to make sandbags, protect winterin' plants and keep down weeds, sew up scratchy britches, and collect frogs. Made dog beds out of 'em, fulla wood chips. Mama called 'em tote sacks or croker sacks, and daddy aluss kep' a few in the bed of the pick-up. 'Course daddy went and died and them plastic bags took over. Mama hated that. These here burlap bags used to have coffee inside and they say they're from lotta different countries and your'n might could be anywhere from about (3) to (4) foot long by 28" wide, good fer big dogs or small dogs-lotta frogs either way.

Now you can have a good, strong hook without drilling any holes. This plated magnetic hook sticks to any ferrous metal surface via a 2" dia alnico magnet with a 10-12 pound pull. Handy gadget to hold a tool, towel, broom or key ring (and if the ring is too heavy, consider throwing away the keys to your 1983 Chevy, and maybe a few more). The 3/4" long J-hooks have threaded ends and are removable. Our each is a package of (2).

Hey, steampunk! We got your bag-o-gears right here, mostly the sort of thing that went into clocks and watches before quartz crystals and cell phones, when stuff was much cooler. But wait. Don't plan on building an actual machine with these gears--they're strictly decorative. No one will know that, though, when these industrial beauties are hanging from a chain around your neck. You get about (20) gears and flywheels in sizes ranging from 1/4" to maybe 1-1/4" in brass, bronze and gold tones.

Build your own quartz antenna. These (2) 4-3/8" x 3" x 1-5/16" plastic boxes each have (2) boxes of quartz crystals inside and (2) aluminum U-brackets that are attached to a single screw terminal on one short side of the box. Back in the early 70's, they were originally made to be used in pairs as part of a 300 Ohm antenna. Not sure if they will work with today's TV's but all you need is cabling to connect them and give it a try. Made in Brazil, the antenna capital of South America, probably.

A bright little flashlight with (8) super-bright white LEDs in a circle and a less-than-5mW red laser right in the middle. One click and it's a flashlight, another click and it's a laser pointer. (Note: flashlight and pointer can't be on at the same time.) Measures 4-3/8" long x 1-1/8" dia in assorted colors dark silver, red or blue aluminum with knurled grips at both ends. Lasts 30 hours on a set of new alkaline batteries (3 "AAA" heavy duty batteries included).

There is an entire class of transformers that surplus dealers call "AC Adapters." What we really mean is transformers or wall warts that plug directly into the wall (primary voltage 110 VAC), and via a cord and/or plug provide various levels of output current at various voltages. It is a rare buyer of surplus that gets the plug configuration he/she wants, and many get snipped off (plugs that is). They are handy power supplies, battery charging units, substitutes for batteries in toys and games, or for providing safe illumination to models and displays. Be sure to note whether the output is AC or DC (Direct Current, like a battery) and whether it can provide enough current for your application. Unless otherwise noted, all are suitable for indoor use only. Stick with us and you'll get the hang of adapting to AC...and at much lower prices than your friendly appliance/game/computer/calculator shop asks. Unless otherwise noted, all adapters are for 115 volt AC primaries, and all have about 6 ft. cords. (MA=Milliamp) (A=Ampere) (VDC= Volts DC) (VAC= Volts AC).