Back in 1971 anything seemed possible, including products which never should have seen the light of day. The advertisement for the Flame Gun snow removal system claims that the dial-a-flame action is so easy that even your wife can use it. It promised to be the easy way to clear snow and ice from driveways, walkways, and stairs, though they do point out that one should not use it on wood. That’s a good tip. The ad also says: “Here’s a tool so versatile, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it. With its long feeder tube you can reach out-of-the-way places [to] destroy insects, anthills, old wasp nests, all at a safe distance.” It’s not hard to believe that this product never really caught on.