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About Me

 

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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    please start using:

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    This site will no longer update as of October 1, 2022.  

       Gadgets I showed on WORLD NEWS NOW are here the new site:            

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    Thursday
    Aug202020

    Dick Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video & Win An Autographed MAD Magazine.

    Our viewer video this week is from our most loyal fan and frequent contributor Mo Torres. Mo emails us:

    Hey Guys

    I have a new gadget to show you
    I think Dick will LOVE it.
    Chad might want one also.

    YouTube: https://youtu.be/wzUgjSaFWxI

    OttLite Travel Bed Side Table Rechargeable LED Task Lamp White
    Model:CSRD300W SKU:6409979

    Cost: $16.99     Mo

    (From the Giz Wiz: Mo got a very good deal. It's now $19.99, but Chad & I agree that is still a great price for a lamp with this many features.)

    BestBuy: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/ottlite-travel-rechargeable-led-task-lamp-white/6409979.p?skuId=6409979 

    See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1793  

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show! Here's what we're looking for! Your home shot video – 2 to 3 minutes long, in any of the following categories:
    I bought a piece of crap: Did you buy something you ended up
    hating? We won't get you a refund, but we might be able to give a platform to vent your disappointment. Remember, "family friendly" language applies.
    -
    I invented this! Did you invent something? (Or did a friend or relative invent something.) We can't market it for you, but we can help get the word out. Show us what it is, and how it works. Even if it's a prototype, you can get our (and the audience) reactions. No professional ads please.
    -
    My Gadget Warehouse: Okay, so you don't have a warehouse. It doesn't matter. Just tell us about your favorite old gadget(s). When and where you bought it, and why you're still hanging on to it.
    -
    My Favorite Gadget (favorite old, or favorite new): Show us what it is, tell us what it does and why you love, or loved it! It can be a new gadget you just bought too.
    -
    Post them on YouTube and send us the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long! Low production value is fine, but we should be able to hear you and see you! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you’ll earn a tiny amount of fame (hopefully). And if you live in the US, you'll also get an autographed 38+ year old Alfred E. Neuman picture and a MAD surprise (most likely the current issue of MAD.) But no matter where you live outside of US, I can autograph an Alfred E. Neuman photo to you, scan it & email you a high res copy if we show your video. Just print it out, frame it, or just hang it up and no one will know it's a copy. We've tested it out and fans say they look terrific! If you submitting warehouse videos for a second, third time, etc., you'll get the current issue of MAD as a thank you.

    All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     

    Emails of the week:

     

    Subject: Fondue mugs

    Bruce Hill writes: I noticed in your description of the mugs, that they where microwavable. I would probably start the melt in the microwave and just use the candle to keep your fondue warm. Bruce, Ridgefield CT.



    Subject: Fondue mug From: Mark Heil

    Chad, I think the dull "finish" you see on the one mug is actually soot from the candle that you burned in it. If the mug was anything but black it would be more noticeable. Try using one of those "magic eraser" pads to clean it. Mark

    Friday
    Aug142020

    Giz Wiz Show #1792 August 13, 2020 Independent Show #273

    This is our 5th year of Independent Production! (First Giz Wiz show was February 20th, 2006.) Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters we're now going into year 15. If it wasn't for our supporters the Giz Wiz Show would be gone. If you'd like to support OMGchad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves, including travel) just click the Patreon link at the top of our show web page: http://www.gizwiz.tv/

    Back To School? Or perhaps more learning at home? Either way, check out the Acer Spin 3.

    This 2020 Acer Spin 3 is an all-around versatile notebook that offers tablet mode and “tent-mode” for viewing lessons, game, videos, etc. with it's 360-degree dual-torque hinge. It has a great 14" Full HD IPS Screen. There is a built-in garage for the active stylus using Wacom AES technology, which keeps it safe from being misplaced and also charges it for up to 90 minutes of use in just 15 seconds. It’s powered by 10th Generation Intel Core processors, so it’s super-fast AND it delivers up to 12 hours of battery life. It has an integrated fingerprint reader, webcam, microphone, stereo speakers, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5 and Thunderbolt 3. A single Thunderbolt 3 connector can be used for charging, connecting multiple 4k displays, and ultra-quick data transfer with speeds up to 40Gbps. It has has HDMI out and a dual audio port. Plus it's housed in a stylish and durable aluminum chassis. The Spin 3 is available starting at $500 and is sold at various retailers including WalMart, Amazon and Costco. There are many options so make sure you compare models carefully.

     

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/zkYWVNYZF-w

     

    Retail links: Amazon doesn't seem to be the best price for this:

     

    Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Convertible-Fingerprint-Rechargeable-SP314-54N-50W3/dp/B0866PDL8W/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=SP314-54N&qid=1595619573&sr=8-1 As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more. But Walmart beats this Amazon price.

     

    Walmart was less $ for better features: https://tinyurl.com/TGW-Walmart-Acer2020Spin3  (I have no association with Walmart, I just think it's a way better price than Amazon.)

     

    It's also at Costco.

     

    See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1792  

    Friday
    Aug142020

    I'm No Fan Of This Fan!

    A week or two ago Chad showed his solar hat with built-in fan and found it wasn't very good. Then in a burst of stupidity I decided to buy a different kind of solar fan. One designed to fit on any kind of baseball cap. That way I could wear my MAD cap, or even my World News Now cap and have a nice breeze from the solar fan. Big mistake! There's actually no description of this gadget on Amazon. Everything about it is in the Amazon name: “Yosoo Portable Solar Cap Fan, Solar Power Cap Hat Clip on Mini Fan Pocket Clips Solar Hat Sport Fan USB Hanging Cooler for Indoor Outdoor.” Got all that? Well forget it. And if you need proof just watch this week's show, or the Giz Wiz Video below. I show you all the ways this fan is hopeless and worthless. $14.33

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/c965eBWAz1M

    Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Cnv8qm (Not recommended!!)

    The very useful multi-voltage device I used to power the crappy fan is the: SoulBay 15W Universal AC Adapter 3V 4.5V 5V 6V 7.5V 9V 1500mA 12V 1250mA DC Switching Power Supply for CCTV Security IP Camera Keyboard Speaker Router Household Electronics, 12W Compatible​ https://amzn.to/2EebyOt     As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

    See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1792  

    Friday
    Aug142020

    Ever Heard Of An Eggliner?

    Eggliner Flies By At SpeedWell, you have now. This is especially good if you happen to be a 'G Scale Model Train Fan like the Giz Wiz is. It's a way to brighten your G Scale railroad with a whimsical, colorful Bachmann Eggliner. The self-propelled unit is equipped with LED headlights and marker lights. The Eggliner is perfect for keeping any layout fun! And if you want an outdoor G scale layout and have no room, see the Giz Wiz Video on this show to see what a small oval of G-scale track an Eggliner can run on. There are versions for most major holidays like 4th of July, Holiday Gift Giving, and just whimsical things like the Lady Bug Eggliner, the pastel Easter Egg, and a couple designed to reflect real railroads, like the Santa Fe version you'll see in this week's show. MSRP is $239.99, but they are selling for about $100 less on websites like Train World, link below.

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/iZ6POY6Y4nE

     

    Train World: https://www.trainworld.com/search/?q=eggliner (I have no affiliaton with this website, but I've bought train stuff there.)

     

    See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1792

    Friday
    Aug142020

    Chad Crappy Corner & His New August Theme as voted on by our loyal Patreons.

    Chad polled our loyal Patreons and for Chad's August theme they picked “Cheap Gadgets That Have Something To Do With Fire.” This could be a hot topic for the hot month of August. Chad second gadget is the Kovot Personal Fondue Mug Set.

    Here's what Amazon says about it: Easy fondue at home! With this personal fondue mug set by Kovot, melt cheese or chocolate for dipping fruit, veggies, breads and more. Ceramic personal fondue mugs feature bottom openings for tea lights (not included) to heat your favorite dip. Set of 2 fondue mugs and 4 dipping forks. In order for the tea light to burn most efficiently, make sure there is air flow (I.e. fan/window) so that the flame does not suffocate. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Black mugs measure 3″L x 5″W x 4 3/4″H. Forks are 4 5/8″L . $15.95, free shipping, but not Amazon Prime.

     

    And Chad's take? Chad liked the set, along he worried that if you carried the mug around with the lit candle to keep your fondue warm, it could easily fall out and be a fire hazard. In this week's show you'll see Chad actually make his 'secret fondue' from a recipe passed on for generations. Or perhaps made up at the moment. You'll have to decide for yourself when you watch the show. Also although the picture shows candles, they are not included. The four Fondue forks are included.

     

    Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3kLuc0nAs an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

     

    See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1792