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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 May 1, 2015 - May 31, 2015

Wednesday
May202015

Giz Wiz Show #1519 May 21st , 2015. Our 3rd Independently Produced Giz Wiz  Show!

Our new video home is www.gizwiz.tv! If you wish to support our new independent venture, you can do it there too.

And now more from the National Hardware Show.

A Tool Box You Wear On Your Wrist!

Leatherman is famous for things like pliers that actually contain many other tools. And they always come with a leather carrying case. At the National Hardware Show 2015, they introduced something new. And here’s how they describe it. “Anytime, anywhere. The functionality of a Leatherman tool, with you everywhere. Our engineers designed multiple tools in each 17-4 stainless steel bracelet link, making usable tools like Allen wrenches, screwdrivers and box wrenches available at a moment’s notice. Adjustable to ¼” to accommodate any wrist size and fully customizable with the links you need most, the Leatherman Tread is as stylish as it is functional.” And now back to me. The Tread is coming August, 2015. And as you’ll see in the video, it’s available in stainless and a specially diamond like black coated stainless for $150 and $200. Yep, almost the price of a smart watch. But wait, there’s more! A version of the Tread bracelet that will include a watch is said to be available in Fall 2015. It will be called the Leatherman Tread QM1 and feature a unique Leatherman-designed and Swiss-made timepiece. It’s said to feature a precision quartz movement, and a shock resistant sapphire crystal to ensure scratch resistance for heavy duty wear. The price for that was not announced. In case you’re dying to know, the Tread Tools include: Cutting Hook, Bottle Opener, Oxygen Tank Wrench, Carbide Glass Breaker, 1/4” Flat Screwdriver, 5/16" Screwdriver, 1/8" Flat Screwdriver, 8mm Box Wrench, 10mm Box Wrench, 1/4" Box Wrench, 3/8" Box Wrench, 3/32" Screwdriver, 3/16" Screwdriver, #1-2 Phillips, #1 Phillips, 3/32" Hex Drive, 1/8" Hex Drive, 3/16" Box Wrench, 1/4" Hex Drive, 3/16" Hex Drive, 5mm Hex Drive, 6mm Hex Drive, 4mm Hex Drive, 3mm Hex Drive, #2 Square Drive, #2 Phillips, 6mm Box Wrench and 1/4" Socket Drive. I don't think it comes with a leather case like most original Leatherman tools. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/l6TTleR7Rvs  

Company Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=72&v=gp8xR07rBH4  

Company Website: http://www.leatherman.com/ 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1519 

Wednesday
May202015

A mini-tool kit you wear on your key chain.

$150 to $200 too much to spend so you can carry tools around with you. Well for just about $6 you can carry 5 useful mini-tools with you.

The DoohicKey SkullKey Tool is a simple, key-shaped tool that attaches to your key ring. This product features a file, a #2 flat-head screwdriver, a scoring point, a serrated edge, and a bottle opener. Made of durable stainless steel, the DoohicKey SkullKey Tool is travel and airport friendly. PRODUCT FEATURES: Key-sized multi-tool that easily attaches to an existing key ring Durable Stainless Steel construction A variety of useful tools in a compact, easy to use design Features the following tools: scoring point, bottle opener, file, serrated edge, and #2 flat head screwdriver Travel and airport friendly SkullKey-Size: 2.5" x 1.0" x 0.2" SkullKey-Weight: 0.73oz KMTSK-11-R3 , Nite Ize DoohicKey SkullKey Tool , multi tool , multitool , multi-tool , knife , screwdriver , key chain , key ring. And under $6 as of 5/16/15 on Amazon. They also make the same key without the skelteton design as seen in the photo at left. And Amazon Prime, so free shipping if you're a Prime Member. 

Nite Ize DoohicKey SkullKey, Stainless  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1519 

Wednesday
May202015

How much do you like your coffee at work? $299 worth?

Well if you work in construction, you’ll want to know about the OXX COFFEEBOXX. The company says it’s designed to work in the world’s harshest environments to brew a perfect cup of coffee in under 90 seconds at the touch of a button. It features an impact-resistant shell, a crush-proof core that can withstand a ¼ ton load, water-resistant and dust-resistant protection, rust-resistant hardware and construction, and a watertight system design that makes it spill-proof. (You’ll see a lot of that in the company video.) It has a 2.5L (84.5 ounce) water capacity, enough to make about a dozen cups of single-serve K-Cup Coffee. But wait, there’s more. There’s also a hot water outlet, so you can also make soup or brew tea. The unit empty weighs 12 pounds. And although the video shows it in many outdoor scenes, you have to remember that the OXX COFFEEBOXX has to be plugged into AC power. At the Hardware Show, the spokesperson said it required 1500 watts for operation. Price is $299, and it’s expected to ship in July 2015. 

Company video: https://vimeo.com/123667930 

http://www.oxx.com/ 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1519 

Wednesday
May202015

Chad's Crappy Corner and another "moving" gadget!

Chad’s Theme for May is ‘moving gadgets’ since he just moved from Petaluma to Los Angeles, California.  And Chad’s gadget for this week is Moving and Storage Tape. 

Here’s what Amazon says about it and it seems a very bad description, so listen to the show to see and hear Chad’s version. From Amazon: 3M Scotch 371CP standard packaging tape comes in a 1.88 in width, uses a rubber adhesive and is packaged 6 rolls per pack. When purchasing this product, consider the thickness. The variances in thickness often make an important difference in proper performance. This packaging tape has a 1.9 mil thickness. 

And Chad’s take?

Chad likes this tape. He said that unfortunately he learned about it after his move, but he bought it anyway so he could show people how helpful it could be if they had a move coming up. He said it's not the strongest tape he's used (and Chad used to work in a shipping warehouse) but it was adequate for the job. It's especially good for people using cartons that already has stuff written on them. The labels printed right on the tape make it easy for you or the movers to know which room the boxes should go on. And Chad agreed with a few of the reviews on Amazon, that the white writing on a yellow tape doesn't show up. But if you keep in mind 'yellow' means kitchen, you'll be okay.

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A7I64R8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1   As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1519 

Wednesday
May202015

Back To Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video To The Show.

Seems the sender of this week's viewer video has had videos shown on Giz Wiz before, but did receive any crap in return. We're going to fix that with this video! Meantime here's George's email:

Hi Dick and Chad, well you guys have used two videos on the show that i have submitted in the past (2012 and then in 2013) and I never even got a box of crap or anything so I figured I would give it another try who knows maybe third times a charm as they say. 

I included a video which you can read the email over as I didn't talk during it. 

I took an old Mac-Mini and have Windows 7 running on it and all it has running is a few applications. One is the screen saver which is its main function as you can see I made a folder and just placed movie posters, music album covers, comic book covers and video game box covers. The movies and comic books fit the best but I also like seeing the album covers and games to spark the memories of games I've owned or played.

I also found a use for my Leap Motion (the little device in front of the giant pencil http://www.leapmotion.com/ which was just sitting on a shelf it can track you movement and then display it on the screen. When this happens the screensaver is stopped and your "hand is displayed on the screen. once there is no motion sensed screen saver kicks off again.

This was a great way to reuse a monitor that was going to be thrown away by my employers.

link to the video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuYM_MoZxlk&feature=youtu.be

Keep up the great work. Do this finally get me some crap or maybe something to make up for the other two videos :)

George from New York

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1519 

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

We’re looking for more Viewer Videos! We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show, so let’s go going! You’ll get an autographed copy of MAD Magazine and a 35-year-old Alfred E. Neuman picture if we show your video, and who knows, maybe you’ll be discovered by a YouTube Talent Agent! 

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 of All Time: 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!   

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv. (NOTICE! This is a new email address!) 

Letter of the week:  

From Kevin Stern

Chad & Dick or Dick & Chad

Here is  a cheaper plastic strainer that attaches to you pots for draining water etc and it's prime on Amazon.  I just ordered it.

Expandable Colander Strainer By HomeLifeBasics.