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      The Giz Wiz is also a "Special Correspondent" to Computer America. (Read as: Non-paid lackey, but it's fun!)

      My next appearance on Computer America is Wednesday, December 16th, from 11 PM to midnight. That's when I join hosts Craig Crossman (USA Today) and Carey Holzman (Author, Techno-Wiz).

      To hear the show, or to go to the archives (which now covers thepast two years) go here:
      www.computeramerica.com

      To hear the Daily Giz Wiz:

      www.twit.tv/dgw

       
      Wednesday
      25Nov2009

      A quick way to add soap when you wash your hands.

      This is the latest Touch-Free soap dispenser from Simple Human. With a really bad flu session upon us, there’s whole new awareness of washing hands often to get rid of germs. That’s why this gizmo could be a welcome addition to your kitchen or bathroom. If you have trouble getting your kids to wash their hands, having this “magic” gadget will most likely have them washing their hands often. Simply place your hand under the sensor and it will dispense a measured amount of soap automatically and stop. An LED display lights up when the sensor is activated. By pressing a button on the unit you can select any of the four volume settings that allow the pump to dispense preset amounts of soap or lotion. I’m using Dial Antibacterial Liquid Soap and I found the lowest setting works best. You can use it to dispense hand soap by the bathroom sink or dishwashing soap by a kitchen sink. It can also be used to dispense hand lotion or hand sanitizer. But it’s not recommended for very thin liquids or exfoliants. It operates on 4 AA batteries, which are not included. Right now it’s available only on the Simple Human website, but it will be available in stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond soon. Price is $29.95 on the website, but that might be less when it’s in retail.

      http://www.simplehuman.com/products/soap-pumps/sensor-soap-pump-2.html

      Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw954

      Wednesday
      25Nov2009

      Blowing our own horn!

      2009 Quick Facts about the Podcast Awards.
        
      More than 321,000 people submitted nominations!
        
      Over 3500 shows nominated.
       
      Total Page loads to podcastawards.com during nomination and review process: 3,642,000
        
      Among Ten Nominees for People's Choice: The Daily Giz Wiz
        
      Among Ten Nominees for Best Comedy Podcast: The Daily Giz Wiz.
       
      You can vote daily until November 30th. www.podcastawards.com
      Wednesday
      25Nov2009

      An easy way to help keep that Pacifier germ-free.

      Pacifiers act as a breeding ground for germs. Now there’s an easier way than constantly washing it. It’s the new Pipila UV Pacifier Sanitizer. The Pipila preserves your baby’s health and your sanity when the ‘fier hits the floor. With this first ever-portable UV Pacifier device, you won’t be slowed down each time your tot’s toy needs a good cleaning. •Eliminates up to 99.9% of harmful germs in about 6 minutes. It accommodates all standard pacifiers and the pacifier nipple shape not changed by the sterilization process. It’s portable and compact, so you can take it on the road, in the airplane, on trips anywhere. It operates with only 2 AAA batteries, which are not included. Manufacturer’s suggested age: Newborn and Up. Weighs only 0.3 Lb. This device has been a big hit in Europe and now it’s in America. Right now it’s available at Target for $29.95.

      http://www.target.com/Pipila-Portable-UV-Pacifier-Sterilizer/dp/B001P3V64U/sr=1-10/qid=1258597908/ref=sr_1_10/175-4302414-1119816?ie=UTF8&search-alias=tgt-index&frombrowse=0&index=target&rh=k%3Apacifier&page=1

      Company website: www.pipilausa.com  

      Tuesday
      24Nov2009

      Burr grinding and a lot more in this high end coffee maker.

      I’m a big fan of the Capresso Coffee Team Therm. But about two months ago the folks at Capresso asked if I’d like to try to new machine that was about to hit the marketplace. Me, try out a new gadget? I guess that sounds okay. Of course I told them: “Yes!!!”. The new machine is the Capresso CoffeeTeam GS. It’s a fully programmable 10-Cup Coffee Maker with a built in conical burr grinder.  As soon as I mention burr grinder on the Daily Giz Wiz, Leo jumped in with – “burr grinder - that’s the best kind!” And it is to get the most aroma and favor from coffee beans without heating them the way some other grinders do. My last two Capresso coffee makers had a mechanical arm that moved the filter with the freshly ground beans into place over the carafe before the brewing process started. In this latest GS version the beans are custom ground and the water flows through them with no mechanical arm necessary. It makes for a very high tech, streamed look. (It’s black with Stainless Steel accents.) Clean up is still quick & easy. There’s a 6-ounce capacity bean container with a detachable see-through cover for easy cleaning of the grinder channel. The Digital Control Panel has a programmable Clock/Timer, 5 programmable brew amounts for 2-10 cups, and 3 programmable coffee strength settings. There are 2 Mode settings: “Grind/Brew” - for grinding programmed amount of whole beans directly into the Gold Tone Filter, (I’m using paper filters) or “Brew” if you’re using coffee that’s already ground. A filter release button opens the swing out filter holder for simple cleaning or changing. If you need it, a charcoal water filtration removes up to 82% of chlorine and other impurities from tap water. The filter holder and one charcoal filter are included. And if you leave in a hurry and forget to shut the pot, a 2-hour safety shut-off will do it for you, Finally, I can’t live without the Stop-and-Serve feature. You can grab a quick cup of freshly made hot coffee before the brewing cycle is finished. The nonstick-coated warming plate holds the coffee at a nice, hot 200-degree brew temperature. $180.00

       

      http://www.capresso.com/coffee-makers-coffee-team-gs.shtml

      Here’s a listing on Amazon, but I haven’t shopped here:

      http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-464-05-CoffeeTeam-Digital-Coffeemaker/dp/B002EVOVPI

      Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw968

      Tuesday
      24Nov2009

      Here’s Something Very Inexpensive That Will Be Worth It’s Weight in Gold if You Need It!


       
      The Toiletry Travel Pack. 
      This little plastic pack is great for those unknown restrooms when you travel. Throw one in your pocket, even for a day trip. Perfect for luggage, the glove compartment, backpack, etc. Then when you open that door and find the restroom from hell, you're set. Inside each packet you’ll find   • Toilet seat cover • Toilet seat wipe • Germicidal Hand wipe • Tissue • Paper towel • and Disposable glove! And they’re at the Jet Travel website they’re just a buck twenty-five a pack, plus shipping. I think this is a great idea!  

       http://www.letravelstore.com/TTPK_028.html