Offbeat items brighten CES

NF Reporter · 01-10-2008, 07:50 PM

AP - It probably goes without saying that no one actually needs a dancing MP3 player or a music-playing Taser holster or a drink cooler that can be ridden like a scooter.

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waltky · 05-24-2008, 07:51 PM

A Taser-ware party?...

Tasers give jolt to party format
May 24, 2008 - HOME sales parties began with Tupperware, cleaning products and lingerie, but now a shocking new trend is blazing a trail in the United States - Tasers.

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Arizona entrepreneur Dana Shafman, 35, is selling a sleek new range of stun guns rolled out last year by Scottsdale-based Taser International using the party format. Originally only available in a law enforcement model, the so-called "Lady Taser" is made in nine different colours and patterns, ranging from fashion pink to leopard skin and two varieties of camouflage. Schmoozing with clients at her home, and in a presentation aided by two male defence teachers, Ms Shafman says the device has a lot of appeal to women and is catching on fast.

Since starting out late last year, she has held some 30-40 home sales parties in several states across the US, marketing the gadgets to fashion conscious women concerned for their safety. "Women are asking for it, and there is a lot of interest," Ms Shafman said of the stylish C2 Taser models that retail at $US350 ($364), plus a $US10 registration fee. "The biggest hit seems to be fashion pink at the parties."

The stun gun works by scrambling the electrical signals sent by the brain to the muscles of the body, temporarily immobilising an attacker. The debut of the "Lady Taser" last year spiked concern among some police and human rights groups over possible misuse in civilian hands. While Tasers are banned in some states, Ms Shafman says she plans to extend her parties to all 43 where they are legal, offering mostly women clients what she says is protection from violent assaults.

More Tasers give jolt to party format | NEWS.com.au Business

waltky · 10-06-2008, 03:44 AM

Here sheepie, here lil' sheep, sheep, sheep - Zap!...

Police Taser sheep blocking traffic
October 06, 2008 - POLICE zapped a runaway sheep that was blocking traffic with a Taser stun gun, a weapon issued for use in violent situations.

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Motorists trapped in the traffic jam caused when the sheep got out of a field in north Wales in Britain were horrified to see the sheep stunned by police then carried to the side of the road where it continued to convulse, the Daily Mail reported. They and animal welfare advocates say police did not have to use the weapon on a defenceless sheep. But officers said they had to prevent the ram "causing major disruption and possible danger to motorists" on the A55, the Mail reported.

Motorist Mark Faulkes said his 13-year-old daughter Amy was distressed after seeing the sheep Tasered. "We came across a traffic jam and we saw there was a sheep in the road. Everyone had stopped their cars and a few people had got out and were trying to herd the sheep away from the carriageway. "The police then arrived and they went towards the sheep but it moved away from them. Then one of the officers got out his Taser gun and fired it at the sheep. Then he carried it to the side of the carriageway. "Amy was very distressed. I don't know if the sheep was all right. When we left it was lying by the side of the road, shaking. "I thought it was excessive to use a Taser on a defenceless sheep," he said. A north Wales police spokeswoman said Sparky, as the sheep was nicknamed by locals afterwards, was unhurt.

The RSPCA said it would investigate the incident, which happened last Wednesday. Home Office Minister Tony McNulty eased restrictions on the use of stun guns last year, saying they could be used "where officers are facing violence or threats of violence of such severity that they would need to use force to protect the public, themselves and or the subjects of their action".

Police Taser sheep blocking traffic | NEWS.com.au