I’m all into self-defense, and really, I’d rather not kill the guy who’s mugging me. So Taser International’s Taser C2 just throws me into a tizzy–in a good way. As described in their literature, it has a "small non-gun design" (presumably to make sure your attacker doesn’t just simply run away at the site of a real gun)," fires up to 15 feet, and can penetrate up to two inches of clothing. It’s called an "Electronic Control Device," because it "use(s) wires or direct contact to conduct energy to affect the sensory and motor functions of the nervous system." Now come on, admit it: you gotta get one of these, right? Comes in four colors, including pink. Yes ladies, pink. $349.99 with Laser site, $299.99 without.

Utilizing a standard 12-gauge shotgun, Taser’s XREP projectiles can be fired from it. Stability is ensured with its three fins. Incapacitation is ensured with its four barbs which deliver the punch for about 20 seconds. It’s all in field testing now.

What if you could drop everyone in a given area to the ground at the push of a button? Taser Shockwave aims to find out with its 6-shooter module covering a 20-degree arc at 25-feet. The pilot system will be released later this year with plans for field release sometime in 2008.

Tasers emit sparks, at least some of them do. Remember that fact as you read this.

Juan Flores Lopez, 47, had poured gasoline all over himself after threatening to burn himself and his house down. His wife naturally wanted him out of there.

Police used pepper spray to try and subdue the man, but it did not work. Then they tried a taser and the man got what he wanted – fire. He died at a hospital in Texas.

Two of his sons who live nearby said their father had been threatening for months to burn himself and his house. His wife was seeking a divorce and he did not want to have to leave the house, the sons said.