Da Mare could use this to point out cracks in the infrastructure at Wrigley Field. You, having a forgiving nature, will resist the urge to point out cracks in da mayor's infrastructure. You will, of course, use it to point out chimney cracks to the tuck-pointer, a cracked limb to the tree-trimmer, and the crack in your profit picture during a slide presentation. You can do all that and much, much more with the bright light from this 5mW green laser pointer. It's an unbelievable tool. If you need a laser pointer that seems to go on forever and is so strong that you can actually see the beam in the dark, it will be the best low-cost investment you ever made. Or the coolest high-end toy. The 532nm Class IIIa light is 5-5/8" long x 1/2" dia, with (2) "AAA" batteries (not included), a momentary-on switch, pocket clip. (Sorry case not included). An absolute necessity for construction, surveying, warehousing, inspection and other large sites. And for playing in the dark.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!! Mystery boxes of stuff like what you see in the catalog. Maybe we had a little left but not enough to continue the listing. Maybe we only got a few as part of an odd lot. Maybe we lost some, and just found them in the warehouse. You will get items which originally listed for at least $25.00 total in our catalog (or would have, if we had enough). You pick. The “electro-mechanical” box has things like motors, switches, hardware and components that are useful parts but want to be worked into something bigger. The “consumer” box has more ready-to-go type items, and things that don’t have as technical a flavor, like bottles, toys, books, and giant rubber bands. The fun is in the mystery and surprise. Perfect if you don’t know what to give Aunt Maude and Uncle Ned, or if you can’t decide how to bring your order up to the minimum. Every couple of months the contents will keep changing, so even if you have gotten a box before, feel free to order again! (Please note: Ordering multiple boxes at the same time will result in duplicate items.)

Shibusa Studio has miniaturized the business of table-top photography, which we do a lot of, and you should too, don’t you think? Their folding plastic photo booths have a 4-1/4” dia hole in the tops with an attached cover, (2) COB LED light strips powered via USB port or wall adapter that you supply. (We like these). Also have black and white foam backdrops, and fit into black canvas zippered carrying cases. You pick: the small studio measuring approx 11” cubed when assembled; or the large studio, 15-5/8” cubed when assembled. For 3-D photos, add the motorized white plastic photo-booth turntable. Measures 7-3/4" dia x 2-1/4" tall, and will spin approx 5 rpm when plugged in via the 5-foot USB cord. Rated to hold up to 11 lbs.

Hang it all with this set of (10) magnetic hooks. The 1-3/16" long x 9/64" hooks screw into 1-3/8" dia magnetic bases with an approx 8-lb pull, which is lighter than most jackets and keys. Good for horizontal or vertical mounts, and dandy for adding hooks to gym or school lockers.

Call it a gonzo version of our best work-light, this 4-5/8" x 2-1/4" x 1" cigarette-pack-size light has (60) white LEDs in a 3" x 1-1/2" window with a bright mode and a way brighter mode that would blind a turkey vulture, plus (4) more for a standard flashlight mode. Includes a flip-out easel, hook and a disc magnet. Comes with (3) "AAA"s. Manufacturer rates this bad boy at 900 lumens. 

Works on all of them except the ones stuck to your eyeballs. Corrosion-Be-Gone is a gel made to remove the schmutz from all types of battery terminals, circuit boards and contacts, on everything from cars to computer boards. Our each is a 0.3 oz jar.

Freeze-dried Neapolitan ice cream sandwich, it says on the foil package, just like the astronauts got if they ate all of their freeze-dried peas. Not frozen, of course, or even chilled, but you get one yummy pack, ready to eat, just under half an ounce, which is more than you'd think. 

Our hand-held knife and scissors sharpener has a pair of tungsten carbide heads pre-set at the correct angle for keeping an edge on things. Just rest the blade in the notch and pull. Pistol-grip style with a guard, in black plastic. Measures 6" x 5/8" wide, with reversible and replaceable carbide cutting heads.

Hunting Pokémon® makes you thirsty, and now you can pair your favorite beverage with your favorite Pokémon®. This officially licensed Evolution Set of (4) 16-oz glasses features the three first-generation starters and their evolutions, plus the iconic mascot Pikachu®. A certain 11-year old in Pat's house is giddy for them, as are a couple of 30-somethings in the office. This highly collectible set is difficult to find, period, let alone at our price. Target® sells the beginner series for $29.95, and we’ve seen individual glasses go for $10 each. Our rare set is top-rack dishwasher safe, but we’d hand-wash them, just because we care. Limited quantity--catch them if you can!

This isn't a book, but it's definitely book-ish. Looks like a leather-bound volume from the Bodleian but it's just a little wooden box, approx 8-1/2" x 5" x 2" (7" x 3-7/8" x 1-5/8" inside) that's perfect for stashing the jewels, cash, or whatever you need to stash in plain sight on the shelves.

And more. This accessory kit for smart phones (works with iPhone, Samsung, HTC, iPad, tablets and many others) has a 2” long clip-on bracket with screw-in macro, wide-angle and fish-eye lenses. Paul loves his kit and he’s our optics expert. Use the macro for insects, coins and diamonds. Fish-eye and wide-angle for great visual effects. Includes a little pouch to carry it all in, and tiny lens caps.

Note: Two lenses come threaded together to conserve space. 

Could be a really flexible ear of sweet corn, but it’s not. Here’s what it is: a super-bright, 30-element COB light in a 3-3/4" hex x 1-1/2” housing mounted on a tension-locking ball and socket joint that’s attached to 2-1/2” hex base with a 2.5-lb pull magnet. Ready for hanging on to any ferrous surface, like a fender during a nocturnal tire change, for instance. Throws a hefty 250 lumens, has a rubberized on/off switch on the side and comes with (3) “AA”s.

Mats-R-Us, and we’ll prove it with this 3-piece set of flexible cooking mats, including a 15" x 12" white plastic, flexible chopping mat; a 13" x 15-1/2" black plastic (PTFE) grill mat to keep smaller items from falling onto the coals; and our fave, a 14-1/2" square crispy cooker that prevents frozen pizza soggification, among other things.

It's either a telescoping aluminum backscratcher, a fork for people whose elbows don't bend, or a sand rake for miniature Zen gardens. You pick. The 5-draw shaft extends from 6-5/8" to 20-3/8" long, the 5-tine rake is 1-3/16" wide, and it has a pocket clip.

Don't toss it and buy a universal remote. (How many things are really universal, after all?) Try this jar of Keypad Fix, designed to clean and restore conductivity to the carbon on the keys and the copper PC board pads that make up the rubber-coated switches on remotes, game controllers, and security keypads. Contains enough to coat over 200 button contacts.

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!!

This 2” dia x approx 3/4” thick disc holds a retractable 1/4" wide, 60” long vinyl tape measure inside. Marked in 1/16” increments, it has 150mm, in 1mm increments, on the other. Has stop clicks and push-button rewind, and is on a 1” chain with a very cute 1-1/2” carabiner for attaching it to a key chain. In white and translucent neon colors, which we’ll select for you because in your busy life who has the time?

Just ask him where he got his bag. Probably here. This sturdy messenger bag in olive drab nylon measures 13” x 10” x approx 5” with a deep pocket, little pocket, long pocket, snapped pocket, clips for keys, straps for an umbrella, and a padded strap. On the smaller side for messengers, it’s perfect for students, commuters, travelers and anyone who carries a bunch of stuff. (Mr. Mom alert: nothing looks less like a diaper bag.) Manufacturer suggests a price of $44.95, but phooey on them, we say.