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

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Entries from April 1, 2019 - April 30, 2019

Saturday
Apr132019

Giz Wiz Show 1722 April 11, 2019 Independent Show #204

Wow! The Giz Wiz Show started year 13 overall & our 5th year of Independent Production! (First Giz Wiz show was February 20th, 2006.) Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters we continue on! If it wasn't for them, 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/.  You can also contribute just once via the PayPal link that's there too. Thank you for doing that! Our show wouldn't exist without our viewer's support, but a bit more support would be a big help. Thanks from OMGchad & DickDe!

Meet the Nite Ize RunOff Tru Zip Travel Collection.

The RunOff line of waterproof bags are submersible, dustproof, and compressible and they use the unique patented TRU Zip waterproof zipper. The slide-to-secure zipper features a waterproof seal (tested to IP67) that's strong, snag-proof, and creates a confident closure you can feel. In the company video you can see one underwater, but I came up with a different test. I put water IN one of TRU Zip bags and left it standing on end in a glass tube for 6 days. Then I beat it on the desk several times. Not a drop leaked out! The line ranges in size from the pocket-sized RunOff Waterproof Wallet to larger packing cubes, making these bags versatile companions for everything from business travel to trips to the beach. MSRP starts at $24.99 for the RunOff Waterproof Wallet. I didn't see them on Amazon yet, but they should be there very soon. Lots more info on the entire line is at the company website.

Giz Wiz Video w/ some company video: https://youtu.be/f2NEUjwXEks

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

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1722

Friday
Apr122019

Swiffer introduces the 2.0 version of their Continuous Clean Air Cleaning System.

In August of 2018 at a New Products Show I came across a clever electric device from Swiffer. I'm sure you know about Swiffer products. I use a small Swiffer to dust my shelves, pictures, etc., but I wondered why they had a such a large device on their display table. The spokesperson said: "Our engineers figured since the Swiffer material attracts dust, why not make a big Swiffer filter to trap dust in the air before it settles on furniture, floors, etc. And so The Swiffer Continuous Clean Air Cleaning System was born. The company says you'll be able to clean less often by using this device. By continuously circulating and filtering airborne dust and dirt, it prevents them from settling on your furniture, so you can go longer between cleanings. And the device is quiet. The company says their patented Swiffer technology uses Triple Layer Filtration to Trap and Lock away dirt, dust and allergens. Great for pets! And replacement filters sell for a fraction of the cost of more expensive HEPA filters, roughly $8. (Swiffer filters are NOT HEPA filters.) They asked me to test one myself and I did. It works really great as you saw in my World News Now spot when I showed a new filter and one that I used for about a month in the Continuous Clean device. But now Swiffer has introduced version 2.0, that adds 4 LED lights so you'll know when to change the filter. The new unit MSRP is about $90, the same price as the original unit, but it's often on sale for less. I was told the only difference is the new four LED light system. With the new 2.0 unit out, I've seen the original Swiffer Continuous Clean down to around $50, so if you prefer to decide for yourself when to change the filter, which is about every 30 days, you can save some money with the original Swiffer Continuous Air Cleaner. There are more details about the difference below after seeing some reviews on Amazon.

 

Giz Wiz Video from August 2018 talking about the first Swiffer Continuous Air Cleaner: https://youtu.be/80ezD2hGxHw

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2V1qMNf This is a link to the new 2.0 model.  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

 

This is the original model w/o the LED lights or filter chip system. It came with four filters, while the new 2.0 version comes with one filter.

 

https://amzn.to/2Cv9E7M    As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

 

Friday
Apr122019

I don't own a car, but this seems like a great inexpensive car gadget.

I was looking for neat auto gadgets for an ABC News spot I'm working when I came across this device. Amazon calls it a multifunctional 6 in 1 Car Phone Charger Adapter, Seat Belt Cutter, Window Breaker, LED Torch Flashlight, Red Flashing Warming Beacon and Portable Power Bank. It could be useful if you have to escape life-threatening situations like being trapped in a sinking, over-turned, or burning car when you can't release your seatbelt, or open a window to escape. The safeguarded sharp blade is recessed in the device to help prevent accidental injuries. A hidden pin in the charging tip acts as window breaker. Also built in the 2200 mAH rechargeable external power bank is a two level white light flashlight plus a red flashing beacon. The companys says this device has FCC, CE, & RoHS Certifications and Smart Charging with built-in safeguards protection, against excessive current, overheating and overcharging. The price $12.99 on 4/13/19. There are other devices on the Amazon page that look exactly like this one and they have the same description, but sell for a lot more. My guess is this is one of those giants bought overseas and then labeled by various buyers to sell online.

https://youtu.be/ld9H0VlcTdM

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UToH5D  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

Friday
Apr122019

Chad's Crappy Corner & His Second Gadget For His New April Theme! 

The theme the Patreons picked is: Cheap Gadgets to Help You Sleep. Chad's 2nd  Gadget To Help You Sleep is DC Comic's Projectables LED Batman Night Light. Yes, it's a second sleep gadget mainly for kids or anyone who really loves Batman! Here's what Amazon says about it: Light up your little one’s room for bedtime and bring their favorite characters to life with the Projectables LED Night Lights by Jasco. These night lights project characters from Nickelodeon, Disney, Marvel, and more. With battery-operated and plug-in night lights available, Projectables provide a soothing guide light and rotating globe for easy positioning of a projected image on the wall, ceiling or floor.

And Chad's take: Chad thought it would be fun for kids to be able to project Batman on the ceiling of their bedroom, or actually any room. He liked the auto on when the room gets dark and auto off with it becomes light. But he was very disappointed that the device itself has no Batman ID on it at all. It's just a blank yellow ball on plain black base. But the price was good, under $9.00! Chad got his at a store on sale.

Friday
Apr122019

Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How to Submit Your Viewer Video On Any Gadget!

In this edition of Dick's Gadget Warehouse I show an old video of lots of MAD stuff sitting there at $425 a month in Dick's Gadget Warehouse. I uncovered the video when I decided to check out the “new” MySpace. Yes, who knew MySpace was still around and that there was a new version. So I went there and discovered I had posted several “backstage at MAD Magazine Videos” there. But surprise! The titles of the videos are there, but the videos I learned, are gone forever! Yes, MySpace managed to move most people photos onto their new platform, but sadly, “if your videos are not there, there is no way to get them back”. That set me on a search for a backup of the videos, but after drilling down through six external hard drives, I have not been able to find them all. I got 4 of the six videos back, but one is gone forever, and it's possible video was never made, just misnumbered. But while searching for those videos I found an old look at MAD stuff I still have in Dick's Gadget Warehouse. I don't believe this video was ever shown on The Giz Wiz, so here it is now:

https://youtu.be/m0U9gekKReM

 

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We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show, so 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 35-year-old Alfred E. Neuman picture and a MAD surprise (most likely the current issue of MAD.) But no matter where you live, I canemail an autographed to you Alfred E. Neuman photo 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!

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv 

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From our very loyal and very frequent contributor Mo, comes this email:

 

Saw this, & it reminded me of you.

http://tinyurl.com/mustachesforbabies

Just sharing – Mo

The Giz Wiz found a lot of these 'mustaches for babies' on Amazon too: https://amzn.to/2IdIyXy