The Giz Wiz Show #1609 for February 10th 2017, Our 93rd Independent Production.

Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters The Giz Wiz Show not only continues, but is heading toward the end of its 2nd year of independent production. 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. And thank you for doing that! Our show wouldn't exist without our viewer's support. And now on to this week's show. 

As a preview to the 2017 International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago, there's a great preview of the preview here in New York City! So this week and next we'll take a look at new and useful gadgets soon available for your apartment, home, RV, etc.

Meet the new Hamilton Beach Spiralizer

The Hamilton Beach 4-in- 1 Electric Spiralizer  is a way to easily transform vegetables and fruits into spirals and ribbons for nutritious and visually appetizing meals. Hamilton Beach calls some of them zoodles and swoodles, but they're a fun and tasty way to get more good stuff into your family’s diet. I thought they looked delicious at the demo table, but was disappointed to learn what I thought was bacon was actually a red carrot. There are several options; from thin spirals like spaghetti to thicker spirals like linguine and fettucini, or even ribbons. The 4-in- 1 Spiralizer is perfect for zucchini, squash, cucumbers, large carrots, potatoes and more. It comes with a 2.5” chute that fits a variety of vegetables and fruits whole. The included bowl holds up to six cups of spiralized contents and comes with a lid for easy storage of anything left over. But wait, there's more! The device comes with a cleaning brush, as well as cord storage. Plus the chute flips upside down and the cutting cones fit neatly into the bowl for compact storage. The Hamilton Beach 4-in- 1 Electric Spiralizer (Model 70935) has a MSRP: $49.99 and will be available starting April 2017 exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond. Now go eat your vegetables!

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/_ex7OV_46Z0

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1609

Slice fruits and vegetables without worrying about slicing a finger!

Progressive International introduced their Professional Slicer, now in black, and featuring 40% more Stainless Steel. One of the features I liked best about this device is the integrated hand guard. It allows great control while it keeps your hands away from the blades. This is their latest model which looks very techie in black. Features include three slicing thicknesses, classic julienne, and a French fry cut. Simply designed controls: one switch takes you from paper-thin slices to a slab cut; a second switch raises and lowers the integrated julienne and French fry blades. Safety lock for cleaning and storage. Oversized safety hand guard secures food for stable slicing. There's a soft grip handle and non-skid feet to hold the device securely when slicing over a cutting board or bowl. Model PL8-1105. Available Spring 2017 MSRP: $39.99 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/BIoU2Uz6MDk

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

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1609

It's easy to take this mop for a 'spin'!

I've seen TV ads for spin mops, but never saw one in person. So at the Housewares Preview I made sure to stop by to see the Black + Decker Spin Mop. After speaking with Michael at the booth, I learned spin mop technology is available from many companies who put their own 'spin' on it. On TV, I've seen many versions, including ones with a pedal that you pump to spin the mop dry. This Black + Decker model was easy-to-use because by just moving the handle up and down, it spins the mop. In the video of this week's show you'll see Michael pour some cranberry juice on the wood floor. (It was real cranberry juice he borrowed from another booth.) He was able to clean it up quickly with the microfiber mop. Microfiber holds far more water than a regular mop and it also has the ability to spin itself dry very quickly. Plus it's more stain resistant. I have no experience with any other spin mop to compare this too, but from what I saw at the show, this seems like a good deal for under $30.00. It should be at retail stores now or very soon. (I didn't see it available on the web when I searched on 2/6/17)

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/sLfhjsNs30U

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1609

Chad's Crappy Corner & A Not So 'Cheap Desk Toy' - His Theme For February, 2017

Chad polled our great Patreon members to pick a theme for February. They picked “toys for the desk”. You know things you could have on your desk to entertainment yourself or guests, when you don't feel like working.

Chad's second crappy 'toys for the desk' turns out not to be crappy at all! Also it's a bit more than 'cheap' in price. It's The Brookstone Message Fan with Floating LED Display. Here's what Brookstone says about it:

Our Message Fan with Floating LED Display is simply the coolest way to send a message. Its wide, triple-blade design blows big air for such a compact fan, and the large, easy-to-read LED text seems to float in air. Customize your messages (up to 20 characters) and colors using the included software for PC. The fan tilts to direct airflow, so it's just the way you want it. Use at your desk, office or any other personal space where you need to stay cool. $39.99, plus $7.99 shipping.

http://www.brookstone.com/pd/message-fan-with-floating-led-display/939770p.html

And Chad's take? Chad like this fan and so did the chat room, so did I! You'll have to view the video to watch Chad demonstrate all the functions of this fan. On your computer you can create up to 20 messages consisting of 20 characters and/or symbols each. Then you can set the color for them using a limited color scheme. Then you pick the way you want them to display, like fade in, unfurl top to bottom, etc. When you're done you send them to the fan via a USB cable. The results are pretty impressive. But Chad pointed out a serious downside. The software is very limiting, and it only comes on a CD. You can download it online from Brookstone, but Chad says the download is missing an important file you need to use the software. That limits who will be use this fan. In the reviews online, people really HATE the software and say it's okay, but only if you're computer literate.

NOTE! Someone in the chatroom found this on eBay...it seems to be the exact same fan for under $28.00 with free shipping. I might buy one, but that software issues has me thinking, maybe not.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/322351959037?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1609 

Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How to Submit Your Viewer Video.

If you're a fan of the show, you know Dick's Gadget Warehouse is where we feature all our viewer videos, warehouse or not. This week's video is about a current (as of 2/1/17) cheap, but decent Bluetooth keyboard a viewer bought and likes. I was impressed too.

This week's video arrived with this email: 

Hi Dick and Chad,

You may think I’m a bit weird as I’ve listened to every GizWiz since episode 1. While I’ve owned many gadgets throughout my life, this is the first time I’ve created a video for one. I hope it meets with GizWiz’s crappy:) standards for inclusion in the podcast. Enjoy. (This is a Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard). 

https://youtu.be/h8vAcYm64Gc  

Mark Astmann 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1609 (Goes live late Friday, Feb 10, 2017)- 

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We’re looking for more Viewer Videos! 

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 a tiny amount of fame (hopefully), an autographed MAD magazine and a 35-year-old Alfred E. Neuman picture. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video!

IMPORTANT: We'll just shower you with praise for your video if you live outside the US or Canada since we can't afford to send stuff outside of those two places. (Thanks for understanding.) 

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv   

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Letter of the week:

From: steve c

Subject: Episode 1574?

In Episode 1574 when Chad is demonstrating the Neewer microscope on his phone, how are you able to retrieve the picture from the phone to show on the screen?

Steve C

Watch this week episode to see Chad do a demo of the software he used to 'cast' what was on his phone to one of this computer screens. But, if you're in a hurry, he used the Air Server software. It's not free, but costs $14.99 for a lifetime license. They are discounts for students and some others. Visit:

http://www.airserver.com/ 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1609