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Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

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    Dick's Blog & Log...

    Here's info on stuff and photos I found interesting, and you might find them interesting too. And yes, our disclaimer too!

    Friday
    Apr072017

    A Power Cleaner That Can Clean Even If You're Not Near A Hose Hook-up.

    The all-new Hydroshotfrom WORX is the first-of-its-kind. It's a battery operated, portable, self-pressurized power cleaning and watering device. It's compact and ideal for quick and easy cleaning tasks. The dual-system design allows for remote watering capabilities and converts to a strong but gentle power cleaner delivering up to 5X more power (320psi) than your conventional garden hose alone. But a hose is not necessary, which is what makes this device so unique. It can draw fresh water from a pool, a bucket, or any other fresh water source. (20 foot clear hose, with filter included.) Two-speed operation allows for additional power when your project demands it, or increased runtime depending on your preference. Notice Worx calls this a power cleaning device and not a full-power pressure washer. It's way-more portable, but less powerful. I love using it for my boat, where it way easier to use than draggin a bigger unit on the dock.) The Hydroshot is a member of the WORX 20V Power Share platform so the battery is compatible with the entire line of WORX 20V DIY yard and power tools. It comes with an extension wand, 20' hose, & carrying bag. It's under $106.00 at Amazon, about $72 if you already have a Worx 20V battery & charger.

    http://amzn.to/2scSjfF

    Tuesday
    Mar142017

    A Bucket With A Lot Of Unique Features.

    This is a very clever idea. A bucket with a padded lid, so it can double as a seat. Plus a bucket base so the bucket won't tip or slide around. The Deluxe ONE Bucket System includes:
    The Shurhold Deluxe One Bucket System
    World's Best Rope Handle 5 gallon Bucket in black or white.
    Bucket Lid / Padded Seat combo Bucket Base (So your bucket won't slip or tip) Buckt Grate (Keeps your wash utensils in clean water) Bucket Caddy (Keeps everything you store in your bucket organized) MSRP: $59.99

    Company website: https://shurhold.com/marine/buckets/one-bucket-system/

    Thursday
    Feb162017

    The New LG G6, Three Cameras And So Much More.


     
    The new   LG G6 phone has all the features you expect in a smart phone, plus the company built their phone to be amazingly rugged. They say the G6 has passed 14 military standards tests, including shock, humidity, sand and high temperature tests. Then there's another unique feature among Android phones that makes this great for travel. It has 3 HD cameras! The front facing camera is a 5MP wide angle (100 degree) camera, great for selfies. The two rear cameras are both 13MP, but one is standard view (71 degrees) and the other is wide angle (125 degrees). To change cameras just slide your finger between two icons at the top of the photo view screen. (Seperate cameras off much better resolution than using a digital zoom as you do with most regular smart phones.) I love found the wide angle great for shooting pictures at trade shows. You can get so much information without to try to back up in crowded spaces. Here's a couple of pictures I took the day I got the LG G6. 

    LG G6 photo with regular camera: https://goo.gl/photos/tzKUNthJzHZKGUqw8

     

    Same time/location with wide angle camera: https://goo.gl/photos/6xxqK1sFFzvsrdux6

     

    Company website: http://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/g6

    Thursday
    Jan192017

    Did I Take My Pills? How Many Hours Ago?

    If you take pills, or even vitamins, those are probably questions you've asked yourself often. Well, here's an innovative way to help you keep track of when you last took your medications and vitamins. CalledTimer Caps, they have a built-in stopwatch that keeps track of exactly how much time passed since it was last opened. The company says it boosts medication adherence by more than 33%. Instead of wondering if you took your pills or not, you'll know just by looking at the cap. It’s easy to use, with NO alarms to program or buttons to press. The patented timer works like an automatic stopwatch, every time you open the cap, the timer resets to zero. When you close the cap, the timer starts counting UP again displaying exactly how many hours and minutes have passed. Some Timer Caps convert between child resistant and non-child resistant. There is a wide variety of Timer Caps and prices. You can get them as low as about $4+ in quantities. The link below takes to the Amazon page that shows many choices. 

    Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2muVSfp

     

    Giz Wiz Video with more info: https://youtu.be/2dJt-n7M-gI 

    Tuesday
    Dec132016

    Polk, A Big Name In Speakers, Designs Their Smallest Ever.

    If you're an older fan of music, you know the name Polk. They've been making speakers for probably 50 years or so. So at CES 2017, I was surprised to see one of the smallest speakers anywhere. It's so small, you wear it! Called the Polk Boom Bit, this wireless micro wearable Bluetooth speaker is designed to clip securely to your clothing. The object is to able to listen to music without headphones that could block out things you might want to hear as you bike, jog, walk, etc. But wait, there's more. It has also a built in mic that will let you make/answer phone calls on the go. The Ipx7 waterproof enclosure keep water and dirt out. 3-Hour battery life should be enough to get you to and from your destination. There's a standard USB connection with waterproof cap for charging. For the size of the unit I was impressed with the sound. And when I heard the price, well that made it even more impressive. It retails for under $30! And it's available in many colors. This Amazon page will show you many choices. Since the speaker is just coming into the market place there are only a few reviews on line, but the ones I saw posted already are very positive. $29.99. UPDATE: Prices have dropped a lot. Check the link below.

    http://amzn.to/2jNXLSH

     

    Giz Wiz Link. You pay the same price as everyone else but Amazon gives Giz Wiz Biz a bit of credit to buy more stuff for the show. And thank you.