Sky News reports on the rather interesting news story below...
"A handheld laser likened to a Star Wars lightsabre and so powerful it can instantly blind and "set fire to skin and other body parts" can be bought online and shipped to the UK.
The device - with a beam 1,000 times stronger than sunlight on the skin - is touted by makers as "the most dangerous laser ever created".
Trading standards chiefs said they were "seriously concerned" about the sale of the model and have warned against its use.
As well as blinding, burning and causing cancer, its Hong Kong-based maker admits that "a split-second laser light in a plane cockpit (...) can be disastrous".
Star Wars fans are among hundreds of people who have already shown an interest in buying the laser, for sale to the general public for ?135."
Read the full story here and for crying out loud take a lightsaber safety course or something.
UPDATE:Gizmodo reports that Lucasfilm has issued a cease and desist order to Wicked Lasers in regards to the Spyder III Arctic laser, along with the following press release:
SAN FRANCISCO--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Earlier this week, Wicked Lasers released photos and information regarding the "Pro Arctic Laser," a product designed to resemble the famous lightsaber hilt from the Star Wars Saga. Described by Wicked Lasers as "the most dangerous laser ever created," the product description goes on to say that "extremely dangerous is an understatement."
Lucasfilm's General Counsel David Anderman had this response:
?It has come to our attention that a company called Wicked Lasers is selling a highly dangerous product out of Hong Kong that is designed to look like a lightsaber from Star Wars. This product is not licensed or approved by Lucasfilm in any way. We have demanded that Wicked Lasers immediately cease and desist their infringing activities. As Wicked Lasers itself admits, this product can cause serious injury to the user and other people. We strongly discourage consumers from purchasing it.?
STAR WARS?, and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & ? Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.