Giz Wiz Show 1738 August 1, 2019 Independent Show #220

Wow! The Giz Wiz Show is in 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!

We start this week's show with one final gadget from the New Products Holiday Showcase.

It's the Bluetooth Retro Manual Keyboard with Cherry Key Switches from Hammacher.

I've something like this before, but what make this Hammacher version different is that each of the keys is a manual Cherry key switch. Many people love the feel and the 'click' sound of the Cherry keys because it reminds them of typing on old manual keyboards. (You probably have to be older to appreciate this.) The spokesperson at the Holiday Showcase said that this keyboard can be hooked up to four different devices at the same time. Three via Bluetooth and one hard wired via USB. What looks like the old fashioned 'carriage return' lever is programmable. The built in integrated tablet stand can accommodate smart phones and tablets up with up to 10.5 inch screens. It can also accommodate some 12 inch tablets depending on their thickness. It will be out by fall 2019 and the MSRP is $299.99. It was not on the Hammacher website as of 8/3/19. Amazon may have a version of it too.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/KLqnKO2GdBQ

Hammacher website: (Keyboard was not here as of 8/3/19.) http://www.hammacher.com/

See or hear this show: : www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1738 

Meet the Retro Nostalgia Frankfurter & Bun Toaster

Here's what Amazon says it. The Nostalgia Retro Series Pop-Up Hot Dog Toaster is great for entertaining and as a fast meal solution for the whole family. The large hot dog cage fits two regular-size or extra-plump hot dogs. Adjust the heat setting to cook hot dogs to your preference. Easily remove the hot dog cage and use the included mini tongs for removing the hot dogs. Color: Retro Red.

And the Giz Wiz says: Well, I thought this was a pretty good idea at first; then I used it. Watch the video in this week's show to  see the initial results... like buns not toasted but burned on the edges. Also I found it strange that it includes a metal tong to remove franks or buns from the toaster. (MAKE SURE THE TOASTER IS OFF, OR YOU COULD GET ELECTROCUTED if you touch the elements while it's on.) After making a few more franks, I thought that while adults might think this device is crappy, kids would probably love it. But you need to realize you're buying an appliance that only does one thing: make franks & toast buns, sometimes unevenly. It does get some points for it's looks. It looks smart on the counter, but may end up as a smart-looking dust collector. The price is low! I paid $19.67 for mine, check the link for the current price. You can also buy a version that cooks four franks and four hot dog rolls for under $30.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/PENmlLw9w5c

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2LUI9eg   Cook twice as many dogs & buns for $29.99: https://amzn.to/2SYNGBi    As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1738

Weather too hot? Meet the 2Kool Sports Cooling Towel

Here's what Amazon says about the 2Kool Sports Cooling Towel: Pack Contains 2 - Super soft cooling towels made from 100% polyester fabric instantly cools your body providing relief from the heat. The hyper-evaporative breathable fabric provides an instant cooling effect as water evaporates. Just moisten it, stretch it, and use it…. Reduces body temperatures by up to 30 degrees. Stays chilled up to 3 hours. Just add more water to reactivate. Machine washable. . . Use over and over again. Great for athletes, runners, hikers, gym & fitness, hot flashes, and relief from the heat for anyone spending time outdoors hot weather. Can be used as yoga towel, pilates towel, gym towel, camping towel, travel towel. Measures 31.5" x 11.8" Hot Pink or Purple color choice. The pouch they come in has a Carabiner so you clip it on your belt, backpack, etc. I paid $9.99 for 2.

And the Giz Wiz says: The day I tried one of these Cooling Towels it was 98F, so it felt really good. The cool effect lasted about an hour. But you can just dip it in cold water start the colling effort again. For $5 -- well, I paid $9.99, I'd say these were worth it for swealtering days.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/lbzWAR7oQzY  

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2SVf2rN  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1738

Chad's Crappy Corner & his new August theme gadget as voted on by our loyal Patreon members.

Chad's new August theme is “Sketchy” gadgets. No, not like stuff for artists, but stuff that might used by spies, undercover agents, or more likely, kids playing spies or even detectives.

Chad's first 'sketchy' gadget is Spy Paper!

Here's what Amazon says about one of the many Spy Papers they have online and a way to use it. Dissolvo is a unique water soluble paper that looks and feels like ordinary paper. Ask your audience if they have heard of the Bermuda Triangle and how planes and ships would vanish when they entered the area. After assuring your audience that you have a glass of authentic water from within the mysterious triangle, proceed to make a paper airplane and a paper boat. Drop the paper into a clear bowl of water, and watch it disappear! You can also write, print, stamp etc., on Dissolvo. To dissolve, immerse it in water and with one swish, it is gone without a trace. Works faster in warm water, slower in cold. A very powerful and dramatic effect. 25 sheets, 4 1/2" x 2 1/2"

And Chad's take: Chad thought this was pretty good. You have to watch this week's show to see how the paper behaves when you use a magic marker to write on it. It seems the paper disappears faster than the letters or number Chad wrote. They stayed a few seconds in the water until Chad gave them a stir to dissolve them. Chad paid $9.99 for his small pad. (I don't know exactly what size he bought.) But if you want to try this out for yourself I found a link to a small pad of 25 disappearing pages for under $7 on Amazon. And it's Amazon Prime, so free shipping for members.

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2KoR5Fu   As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: : www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1738  

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

Our gadget video this week is from Steve D in chat, aka Steve Davison. It's about a gadget you just may want to avoid buying. Steve bought a camcorder you wear that shoots video of everything around you as you walk. But as you'll learn in this week's show, it didn't work that way at all for Steve.

Here is the link to the camera Steve bought at B&H ---

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1438680-REG/veho_vcc_003_muvi_nm_muvi_micro_hd10l_camcorder.html 

Watch this week's show to see how it performed!  Here's Steve email, edited for space.

I tried recording video for several days. There were 30 mp4 files, but only 2 worked & one of them was while it was in my pocket walking. I tried for several days to get another video to work. This morning, I turned it on, made the video & left it on till I got inside. I trimmed the video. I was going to combine them, but that might alter the video quality, so I left them trimmed as original video. Both of these short videos are on this week's show.

(Steve continues with his story of returning the camera.) I have been on hold with B&H regarding the return. I was already disconnected once. I'm being connected to my 5th person there. This will probably take a while. (Then!) I just got the packing label from B&H. Heading to a trusted Fed-Ex staffed location now.

Steve Davison  /  SteveD in chat

See or hear this show: : www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1738

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 can email 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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Letter of the week from Dan Linder
I've been a long time viewer, and I have submitted a couple videos over the years.  I saw this in my local makers groups email list and thought you might be interested.  I don't have any connection to them, but thought they could use some exposure through your show if you're open.

A local family (I live in Omaha Nebraska), has started an Indigogo page to fund their invention: A nerf darts with no metal parts

Their videos and link are are below.

---------- Forwarded message ---------

Hello!  My name is Dawn Andersen. My 14 year old son is a maker, and has invented a Nerf dart that you can pick up with a magnet, but there is no metal in it!

We are Omaha  natives and are trying to get the word out about his invention. 

There are two ways we need help.  First, we need to spread the word.  Any kind of sharing would be great!

Secondly, please support the campaign by going to Indiegogo and buying some darts!

Thirdly, (a little extra),  we welcome your suggestions in both dart design, and in growing the campaign. 

Thank you, Omaha Makers!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rpg-magnetic-pick-up-blaster-darts-2#/

Dawn

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