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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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Entries from August 1, 2020 - August 31, 2020

Friday
Aug212020

Giz Wiz Show #1793 August 20, 2020 Independent Show #274

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: www.gizwiz.tv  

With no more in-person trade shows for the foreseeable future we now turn to virtual events like the Sweet Suite Zoom showcase. At that event I saw 3 realistic and fun toy vehicles from Ride-On Toys. After the event I asked Ryan Birkicht, Sr. Communications Manager, if it would be possible for him to make a special video for The Giz Wiz show explaining in detail each of the vehicles I loved most. Ryan said that would be no problem, and you'll see the results on this week's show. Also in the videos is quickie 'sizzle videos' of the toys in action. None are available yet, but will be soon.

We start with the Semi-Truck & Trailer Ride-On Toy + Silly Skaters Unicorn Inflatable Ride. (Info via Trax Ride-On Toys.)
 
The Semi-Truck Ride-On features a removable trailer with dual hinged opening trailer doors – just like a real semi-truck. This kid-sized ride is ready for driveway and sidewalk excursions. Working cab lights, PA system, horn and engine sound effects plus real foot pedal acceleration. Top speed of 4 MPH. Power Trax rubber traction strip tires helps keep the ride smooth and steady. The 12-volt battery has the One Step Direct Connect Charging System. (MSRP: $349/ Available August 2020/ Ages 3-5 years/ Available at Walmart)

Silly Skaters Unicorn Inflatable Ride. This soft, inflatable unicorn on roller skates is perfect for young children to ride or push along. For extra fun, the skates include motion activated LEDs so they light up as you roll. The unicorn is constructed of a soft, durable rubber material and an air pump is included for easy inflation. (MSRP: $39/ Available Sept 2020/ Ages 1-3 years/ Available at Target, Amazon, and KidTraxToys.com)

Trax Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/znwcJJc79is  

Preorder SemiTruck for Aug 31 delivery: https://tinyurl.com/TraxSemiTruck

As of 8/21/20 Silly Skaters was not on preorder yet.

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

Thursday
Aug202020

A Really Hard To Guess 'What The Heck Is It?' Gadget. But A Great Gadget.

I think is the best 'What The Heck Gadget' ever! It just doesn't look like what it turns into as you'll see on this week's show. The brand I bought Yin Kai Cyber Celebrity – yep, that's the real name, no longer shows up on Amazon, but here's one that seems identical: Gerymu Brand says: Our collapsible stools are very compact and portable. When opened, you can adjust its height between 2.56 and 18 inches. Hand straps and shoulder straps provide two ways to carry. Our Portable telescoping stool each layer has a complete streamlined clasp provides better stability, and the anti-slip legs on the bottom are safe and reliable. $24.69. Free Prime Shipping. From the Giz Wiz. I think this collapsible stool is great! Takes up very little space & it would be easy to carry any place you might expect a long line. You'll be able to sit and be comfortable. Price can change at any time. Also check the bottom of the page at that link because there are dozens of these chairs in many colors. Some seem low priced, but then they add $$ shipping.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/jRG5_nJaSHo

The I bought is no longer available, but this looks & cost about the same:
https://amzn.to/2EfvIXS  (Plenty of other options at the bottom of that page!)
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/1793

Thursday
Aug202020

Meet The Truck That Has Already Been Nominated For A "Toy Of The Year" Award.

It's the Real Rigs Recycling Truck by Kid Trax. Info from the company: Help save the day and the earth with the interactive Recycling Truck ride-on toy by Kid Trax. This tot-sized recycling truck has a big personality, featuring over 100 voice lines, sound effects, songs, and expressions based on interactions with your child. Nine recyclable accessories are included for collection and sorting. The truck’s push button acceleration is easy for little hands to operate, while the top speed of 1.5 MPH provides the perfect blend of fun and safety. The Power Trax rubber traction strip tires keep the ride smooth and steady. And don’t forget, the Recycle Truck comes with a rechargeable 6-volt battery and wall charger so the fun never has to stop for long. Recycling has never been more fun! Make playtime meaningful with the Recycling Truck by Kid Trax. (MSRP: $199/ Available Sept 2020/ Ages 18mos-4years/ Available at Target, Amazon, and KidTraxToys.com)

Trax video shot for the Giz Wiz Show + teaser video: https://youtu.be/_v3jKEiD8LU

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

Thursday
Aug202020

Chad Crappy Corner & His Next Gadgets For His August Theme.

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 third gadget is the SURVIVE Permanent Match.

Here's what the company says about it: The Permanent Match is the ultimate fire starter. Regardless of the weather this basically reusable match will light up anywhere. When your lighters and matches won't light just pull out your Permanent Match! All you have to do is fill the container with lighter fluid, dip the match inside, then scrape it against the side to create a flame! With its added key ring you can easily attach it to your keys or lanyard to have with you at all times.

 

And Chad's take? Chad, and a lot of us watching, thought this is a great idea to have around for emergencies. You'll see Chad demo how easy it is to light. And also how big the flame is! You do have to supply your own lighter fluid, but in the kit you get 5 Permanent Match units and spare wicks. After you watch this week's show I think you'll agree this is one of Chad's least crappy gadgets. 5/$19.99

 

https://amzn.to/3himQzt - 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/1793  

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.
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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.
-
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