Giz Wiz Show 1717 March 7, 2019 Independent Show #199

Happy Anniversary!!!The Giz Wiz Show starts 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!  

The first week of March brings the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago. Luckily for those reporters who live in NY there was a gadget-filled preview right here in the big apple. Here are 3 of the more unique ones we found at the event.  

It's time to say goodbye to throw away plastic straws. 

Yes, plastic straws can harm the environment and kill aquatic sea life. This company says you can be part of the solution, by using their Asobu Eco Friendly Re-Usable Straws! Made of recyclable stainless steel, these straws are equipped with a bendable silicone section giving you 360° degree access to your favorite beverage. The straws and flexible silicone sections tuck neatly into a convenient silicone carry holder. The attached strap makes it convenient to attach it where you need it. They disassemble for cleaning and come with an easy-to-use brush. In this age of helping save our environment, this would be a good time to replace your throw away straws with the Eco Friendly Re-Usable Straws. 2 straws, brush, + carrying case: $9.99. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/ek7c2GN4tsY  

Company website: https://www.asobubottle.com/product/113

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

This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1717

Moving on to a straw that does something completely different!

This is something perfect for emergencies, or a trip into the wilderness, camping, etc. LifeStraw says: You can have clean drinking water anywhere. The hollow fiber membrane technology inside of the LifeStraw keeps you safe during outdoor adventures. All of our filters are rigorously tested. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter will transform 4,000 Liters (1,000 Gallons) of contaminated water into clean and safe drinking water. That is more water than the average person drinks in a year! No need to worry about lugging water on your next backpacking trip. At only 2oz, the LifeStraw is an easy, lightweight addition to your pack. During any natural disaster or emergency event, locating safe drinking water is vital. The LifeStraw never expires, and its small footprint makes it a perfect fit for most emergency kits. Let rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and glaciers be your drinking water source. LifeStraw will protect you from bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. BUT! While the LifeStraw may remove parasites and bacteria, it does nothing about salt. It cannot be used to make ocean water or other salt water drinkable! 4.6 stars out of 5 from over 7700 Amazon reviews.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/Jtn7iKmW0eI

The Personal LifeStraw Water Filter on Amazon https://amzn.to/2tQzZsl As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

The LifeStraw pitcher in the video is not on Amazon yet.

However it on Kickstarter and will available to order there until about March 25th. On Kickstarter they say the pitchers will start shipping in April. 

Here's the Kickstarter link: 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lifestraw/lifestraw-home-advanced-glass-water-filter-pitcher

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1717

The Upcart Can Help You Get Your Stuff Up & Down Stairs.

I originally saw the first UpLift Cartat the National Hardware Show a few years ago. Since then they've introduced two newer models and we saw them both at Home + Housewares event.

The smallest one is the UpCart VersaTrolley. The company says it's significant because it is the most lightweight and compact cart in their product line, folding completely flat for easy storage. But yes,it's still capable of reducing effort while going up and down stairs or traversing rough terrain. This new UpCart folds to 4.5 inches flat and weighs in at 8 pounds. Even with its ability to be compactly stored it still offers a 77 pound weight capacity. But wait, there's more. It also comes with a custom-fitted bag to help transport anything from groceries to laundry. I like the fact that you can the bag off and use the handles to hold it, while you fold up the cart to ride public transportation. It's $79.99 and available about June 2019.

The cart I was rolled around on in the video on this week's show is also new. It's the UpCart Lift which the company says is a powerhouse of a hand truck that’s light, easy to maneuver and readily hauls up to 200 lbs. over uneven surfaces. It’s the first folding hand truck to offer an all-terrain stair climbing chassis. Another real advantage is that it features the tallest handle in its class. That's great because most of the time the load your handling is a step below where you're standing. This cart too folds flat in seconds for convenient storage. It's $99.99 and available now. Hundreds of reviews on the company website are very positive, but the chatroom pointed out they're not so great on Amazon, so check out both.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/32w89_Zehwc   

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

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1717  

Chad polls our loyal Patreon fans & they vote on the new theme for March.

And the theme is something near and dear to many gadget lovers --- it's Stupid & Pointless Gadgets!!

Chad's first Stupid and Pointless gadget may actually have a use, provided you don't mind look a bit dorky. It's the Wine Yoke.This is a hands free wine glass lanyard perfect for wine tastings, parties, etc. A neoprene sling holds your wine glass when you need both hands for other pursuits. Rubberized lining offers extra gripping power.

And Chad's take: Chad was surprised that it actually holds the wine glass in a decent position. He used soda in his mini-test you'll see in this week's show, and it didn't spill. But he like others in the chatroom wondered if you would actually wear it a party. Perhaps if everyone in the room had one, it would be easier.

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

This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1717

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

This week we have another neat find from our frequent contributor and gadget lover, Mo Torres:

This version costs a few bucks more but adds 2 nice features.Hey guys, look at this new item / gadget - try to guess what it is. Mo

YouTube: https://youtu.be/b1Quc5M7_P4  

As you'll see in the video it's something online they call: A Doorstep Vehicle Folding Ladder Foot Peg - Peg Easy Access Car Van Rooftop Safety Hammer. Car Doorstep Vehicle Folding Ladder Foot Pegs Easy Access to Car Rooftop with Safety Hammer for Jeep Car SUV.

It is no longer available at the link Mo emailed us.

But you can do a search and probably come up with something similar.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1717  

********************************

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