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Everything you need in one tool

The company that brought us the Phillips screwdriver has created the Swiss army knife of tools.

The Tradesberry Multi Tool has a calculator, compass, flashlight, clock, knife, spirit level with laser and tape measure — and a Phillips screwdriver. A spring-loaded clip lets you attach it to a belt loop.

It can be ordered for $39.99 plus shipping at www.phillips-screwinnovation.com.

Mesh or strips might shun birds

Q: Is there any type of product you can use to keep birds from setting up residence in the contours of your awnings?

A: There’s no product you can put on your awning that wouldn’t endanger the birds, said Anne Hobbs of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, N.Y.

She recommended a couple of strategies: You can keep birds out by hanging deer netting or some other kind of mesh so it hangs down a little lower than the edge of the awning. Or you can make the awning unattractive to birds by using something that moves frequently and randomly. Hanging strips of Mylar or lightweight colored plastic from the inside of the awning ought to do the trick if they’re positioned so they can catch the wind.

HEALTH

Yoga for board sports

Peggy Hall, a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer in Aliso Viejo, Calif., is taking her Yoga for Surfers DVDs beyond the beach.

Her new title, Yoga for Board Sports, intertwines yoga with board sports from surfing to snowboarding. Along with the rest of the series, it’s available for order at $19.95 on www.YogaFor Surfers.com, Hall’s Web site.

Hall focuses on breathing, balance and meditation along with a blend of yoga poses that target key muscles.