ALTERNATIVE USES FOR THE SLINKY

ALTERNATIVE USES FOR THE SLINKY

LOS ANGELES (Wireless Flash) -- You may think of a Slinky as just a toy, but it's also a great tool to keep your rain gutters clean. That's according to Slinky historian Joey Green, author of "The Official Slinky Book" (Berkley), a new book all about the springy coil toy. It seems placing a Slinky into your rain gutter before the rainy season will prevent leaves and dirt from clogging the pipes. Green says you can also attach a Slinky to an AM radio to improve reception -- a trick used by soldiers in Vietnam. -- Surgeons at the University of Florida have discovered that placing a miniature Slinky into the lungs can help unblock bronchial passages in lung cancer patients. -- Stick a few Slinkies into your boots and they'll help the shoe keep its shape when not in use. -- And, finally, Green claims that a Slinky can even be used as a cheese grater -- but only if you're absolutely desperate.