Consumer columnist and West Hartford resident Harlan Levy has more than 20 years of experience writing stories about everyday experiences that anyone could encounter.

Harlan Levy. Courtesy photo

By Harlan Levy

Amid a turbulent, unprintably chaotic time in our world, my wife and I decided to go to the peaceful “Signs of Spring” annual Flower & Garden Show at the Connecticut Convention Center held in the mammoth main hall Feb. 20-23. There in the midst of hundreds of sweet-smelling exhibits I found a few useful or just plain remarkable items I want to share with you all (See photos):

• Garlic  preparer: We bought and used the rubbery garlic shell remover and “Ceramic Garlic Grater” package from International Housewares Inc. of Warwick RI for $25. First you place your garlic in the robbery tube, then you roll it back and forth, which takes off the garlic shell. Then you grate the garlic on the special fine-pronged dish, and brush it onto whatever meat or fish dish you’re cooking.

We bought and used the rubbery garlic shell remover and “Ceramic Garlic Grater” package from International Housewares Inc. of Warwick RI for $25. First you place your garlic in the robbery tube.then you roll it back and forth, which takes off the garlic shell. Photo credit: Harlan Levy

With your garlic in the tube you roll the garlic shell remover back and forth, which takes off the garlic shell. Photo credit: Harlan Levy

After removing the garlic shell you grate the garlic on the special fine-pronged dish. Photo credit: Harlan Levy

After grating the garlic you use the included brush to brush it onto whatever meat or fish dish you’re cooking. Photo credit: Harlan Levy

• Hose nozzle: The Ultimate Innovations Hose Nozzle ($35 at the show, $29.22 on Amazon) is a 5-setting rubber leak-proof hose nozzle that works easily, easily shifting from a fine spray to the power-wash mode with an “easy grip” knob.

The Ultimate Innovations Hose Nozzle ($35 at the show, $29.22 on Amazon) is a 5-setting rubber leak-proof hose nozzle that works easily, easily shifting from a fine spray to the power-wash mode with an “easy grip” knob. Photo credit: Harlan Levy

• Bonsai trees: We always wanted to have a Bonsai tree, and I found a charming 16-year-old Juniper Bonsai from Bonsai Art Gallery was priced at $125. Because I got it at the very end of the day I bargained the seller down to $35.
• Bird houses: Eric’s Aviaries, Dudley, MA. I marvelled at the collection of unique, huge, hand-carved birdhouses from Eric’s Aviaries that I found along the back wall of the show. Priced anywhere from $600 to $800, these creations made by artist Eric Kalwarczyk, were standout examples of original art.

Here’s the collection of unique, remarkable hand-carved birdhouses from Eric’s Aviaries that I found along the back wall of the show. Priced anywhere from $600 to $800, these creations made by artist Eric Kalwarczyk, were standout examples of original art. Photo credit: Harlan Levy

“Vitality” pill warning

One Source Nutrition is recalling all lots of Vitality capsules, described as dietary products, because Food and Drug Administration analysis has found the product to be tainted with sildenafil and tadalafil. Tadalafil is the generic name for brand-name Cialis, and sildenafil is the generic of Viagra, FDA approved products for treatment of male erectile dysfunction. So taking these supplements can cause a big unexpected surprise

Products containing sildenafil and tadalafil cannot be marketed as dietary supplements. Vitality capsules are an unapproved new drug for which safety and efficacy have not been established and, therefore, subject to recall, the FDA said.

The problem is that consumption of products with undeclared sildenafil and tadalafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may cause a significant drop in blood pressure that may be life threatening. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. Among the adult male population, who are most likely to use this product, adult males who use nitrates for cardiac conditions are most at risk.

Now you know.

NOTE: If you have a consumer problem, contact me at [email protected] (“Consumer” in subject line), and, with the power of the press, maybe I can help.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.