The Eclipse is coming! The Eclipse is coming!

Yes, it's on Monday, August 21st, 2017

I don't know a lot about the eclipse except I'm pretty sure you'll be looking up rather than down. So here's info from the Nasa website:

On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun. Anyone within the path of totality can see one of nature’s most awe inspiring sights - a total solar eclipse. This path, where the moon will completely cover the sun and the sun's tenuous atmosphere - the corona - can be seen, will stretch from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. Observers outside this path will still see a partial solar eclipse where the moon covers part of the sun's disk. NASA created this website to provide a guide to this amazing event. Here you will find activities, events, broadcasts, and resources from NASA and our partners across the nation.

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/

Eye Safety Info: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety

Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters & Viewers
https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters

New York City is expected to get a 71% eclipse. Petaluma, Ca. a 77.3% eclipse. Time for Petaluma -- start 9:01 AM ---end 11:30 AM.

What the eclipse will look like via zip code: https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/7/25/16019892/solar-eclipse-2017-interactive-map  

Months ago I bought Eclipse Glasses as a deal of the day, 10 pair for $12. They're cheapie cardboard like the old 3D glasses if you're old enough to remember. Now I'm not sure if I should trust them although they do bear the important "Meets Requirement for ISO 12312-2" (Adapted in 2015). So not to take any chances, I just ordered ten more pair for $19.99. They're listed as from Lunt Solar Systems which is on that NASA list, so hopefully they're the real deal. I did find that a lot of eclipse glasses on the approved list are already sold out. This is the Amazon link. It's a GizWiz link. You pay the same $19.99 and GizWizBiz gets a small credit to buy more stuff on Amazon. UPDATE: When I checked on 8/10/17, I found these are sold out at the $19.99 price.

IMPORTANT SAFETY UPDATE!!!! Today 8/12/17 Amazon emailed: Amazon has not received confirmation from the supplier of your order that they sourced the item from a recommended manufacturer. We recommend that you DO NOT use this product to view the sun or the eclipse. (They are issuing a refund.)

So I won't be using my solar glasses although they do say 'Lunt Solar Systems', which is on the approved NASA list of manufacturers. I think that's the only way to be truly safe at this point. You may want to do the same if yours came from Amazon, although you will probably get the same safety email.

A Phone Designed For Very Young Kids 4 & Up.

The Kids Connect Phone is a parent's "all in one security solution". It is the best way for parents to obtain piece of mind while their children are away from home. The kids connect phone is GPS equipped which allows real time tracking of the phone via the android or IOS app or on any web enabled device. Parents can also see where their children have been with the location history feature. The SOS feature when activated will send a text message with the GPS location to up to 4 cell phone numbers and then it will auto-dial the numbers on the SOS list until one is answered. The SOS feature can also be programmed to call a help center where a live operator will answer the phone and assist the child at an additional cost. The geo fencing feature allows parents to set a predetermined area and receive an alert if the phone enters or leaves the area. The voice monitoring feature allows parents to send a text message to the phone and within a minute the phone will call back without activating the screen allowing them the ability to monitor the child's surroundings. The kids connect phone is equipped with 4 speed dial numbers as well as a 20 number phone book. These pre-programmed numbers are the only numbers that the child can call as well as being the only numbers that can call the phone. There are many more details and limitations of the phone and GPS at the company website, so check them out before ordering. $79.95. Phone plans through Kids Connect range from about $13 to $17 a month. Their plans use the TMobile Network.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/L0FsIE4aN2s 

Company website: http://www.mykidsconnect.com/ 

Amazon: (Under $65.00 here as of 7/13/17) http://amzn.to/2tjFnl9

The No-Hole Men's Belt!

Meet the Perfect Fit No Hole Dress Belt. I don['t know how long these have been around, but I discovered them a few months ago. And I like these a lot! (I bought 3 so far.) The holeless pants belt buckle has a hidden ratchet adjustment system that features 32 different positions for a custom fit from waist sizes 28 to 48 inches. When you receive the belt, trim it down to the size you want for a the perfect amount of overlap. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and trim the straight end of the belt, not the tapered end that will be visible. The no-holes dress belt tightens with a gently pull and releases by lifting the front of the buckle. Adjust quickly and discreetly, about 1/4” at a time after meals, when sitting down or standing. It's available in Black or brown. There are many variates online. I tried two.

I prefer the Perfect Fit version because it's the easier to adjust. It was under $15 on 7/16/17 here:http://amzn.to/2usnmFB (Choose black or brown before ordering.)

 

But also check out the Danteversion.

With that version you get a choice of more than two dozen buckles, but I find the little release hook at the bottom on the buckle makes it harder to adjust the belt than the version above where you just lift the whole buckle.

It was under $17 here http://amzn.to/2uouu68 on 7/16/17

Above are Giz Wiz Links. Pay exactly the same as anyone else, but Giz Wiz Biz gets a small credit to buy more stuff for the show. Thanks. 

Meet Logitech's Brio - 4K's an option.

From CE Week in NYC, July 2017, here's info on their Brio 4K webcam:

Logitech’s best webcam ever is packed with industry firsts. Whether you’re a business or home office professional, streamer, YouTuber, vlogger or anyone else looking for a top-of-the-line webcam, BRIO brings you one of the highest quality desktop video experience available. Dim light? Back light? Bright sunlight? No problem. Advanced Logitech RightLight 3 with High Dynamic Range (HDR) auto adjusts exposure and contrast so you always look your best in any lighting. 4k Ultra HD Video BRIO delivers a premier video collaboration, streaming and recording experience. Record professional-quality video in stunning 4K Ultra HD. (4K requires Skype for Business, a USB 3.0 port and cable - cable not supplied.) With multiple resolutions, including 1080p and 720p, BRIO supports every video app, monitor and bandwidth. Logitech’s first webcam with an infrared sensor supports Windows Hello and other facial recognition applications for speedier logins with a higher level of security. MSRP $199.99.

Amazon: ($179.99 http://amzn.to/2tR6BBu (Not great reviews online here.)

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/6revdmGUhlE

Company website: http://www.logitech.com/

A Smart Button For Baby.

The MonBaby Smart Button tracks your baby’s movements and sends an alert to your smart phone or tablet when your attention is needed so YOU CAN GET SOME SLEEP! It alerts you about stomach sleeping, stoppage in breathing movements, falls and unusual activity – all of the data is sent to your smart phone or tablet with easy access through the MonBaby app on iOS or Android devices. It has a small form factor design to fit over any typical baby clothing. You will be able to continue to use the monitor at different stages of your child’s development. Now the company says it works optimally when placed in the same room with your smartphone. But you can extend the range via the free MonBridge app available on compatible Android devices via Google Play and the Amazon App Store. Compatible with iPhone 5 and above and Android devices with 4.4 software and Bluetooth 4.0. Comes with an extra battery and a mini screwdriver for convenience. $99.99 

Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2riTNW5

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/nkUAnNt7NaE

Company website: http://www.monbaby.com/