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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, 2016 - May 31, 2016

Wednesday
May112016

Giz Wiz #1570 May 13th, 2016 - Our 54th Independent Produced Giz Wiz Show!!  

Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters The Giz Wiz Show not only continues - but enters our 2nd year of independent production!

If you'd like to support OMGChad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves) just click the Patreon link at the top of this page: http://www.gizwiz.tv/ You can also contribute just once via the PayPal link that's there too. And thank you! Our show wouldn't exist without our viewer's support.   

And now Gadgets from The National Hardware Show!

When is a lock, not a lock?

 

Not A Lock is designed as a theft deterrent with the appearance of a locking padlock, but surprise -- it does not lock! Just like folks who have security system signs outside their house and no security system installed, or have fake security cameras, Not A Lock offers the look of a heavy duty lock while not needing keys, combinations, Bluetooth, etc. Not A Lock snaps closed like a locking padlock, but opens with a sharp pull-down. Randall, from EKUSA, the company that makes the lock said think of it as using a gate locking latch, except the gate locking mechanism is inside the heavy-duty padlock. I think this is a great idea to guard things that aren't expensive, but you like to guard with some sort of security without having to worrying about losing the key, carrying an extra key, or not having the key with you. I think it's a clever idea, probably the most inventive thing I saw the 2016 National Hardware Show.$14.99.


Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/vpQbgrhsG0Q

 

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

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1570

Wednesday
May112016

Look COOL, be COOL, stay COOL with The Shady Breeze.

The Shady Breeze is a collapsible, easy-to-carry, outdoor chair with a built-in canopy. But wait, there's more! In that adjustable canopy is 2 speed fan that creates a downward breeze for maximum comfort on hot and sunny days. There have been a lot of chairs with fans in them before at the National Hardware Show, but they used regular flashlight batteries. That meant a lot of $$ to keep cool and a lot of batteries for the trash. The fan in the Shady Breeze operates via a USB rechargeable battery pack. Depending on the speed it can run the fan from 6 to 8 hours. But since it's a standard USB connection, you can use your own rechargable battery pack too when you're away from power. The chair comes complete with a cup holder on each side, a roomy storage pouch on the right side, adjustable canopy, rechargeable USB battery power pack and a carry bag. It's available in red, blue and gray. The chair weighs a bit under 10 pounds in its carrying bag and can support a person up to 250 pound. As you'll see in the video, the spokesperson says it's $59.99, but on the website it says $69.99, but they're offering a 10% discount till mid-May which makes it about $63.00. It should be available late May/early June.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/rgQ69x4bszc 

 

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

 

 See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1570

 

Wednesday
May112016

They Built A Better Mouse Trap, And I Bought Four.

I had never seen the Kness Snap-E Mouse Trap before, but it seems it's been around a while. No matter, if you don't know about it either, and hate setting mouse traps, listen up. Even though I got a product sample at the National Hardware Show, I already ordered four more on Amazon. Why? Mainly because it's so easy to set without worrying about getting your fingers caught. I hate setting mouse traps and this one solves that scary job. With the Snap-E trap, just lift that yellow bar to set it. Here's what Amazon says about them: Escape-proof and you never touch another mouse. The mechanism is smart, the materials are rugged. Snap-E Mousetraps are easy to use and made to last. Use them year after year. They're safe, simple and sanitary. Steel and durable polystyrene materials make them tough. Smart engineering - including a larger trip paddle and strike bar - makes them work every time. Easy to bait. Easy to set. Easy to release. Easy to outsmart pesky pests. …....... And they got 4.4 stars out of 5 from 570 Amazon reviewers. 

Here's a YouTube Video I found that explains the difference in mousetraps very well:

 

https://youtu.be/N1-P8Gp0J4Q

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1570

Wednesday
May112016

Chad's Crappy Corner and another gadget for his theme for May, backyard & bbq gadgets.

Chad's theme for May (as voted on by our loving Patreons) is Grill/BBQ, and his gadgets for this week's show is the Igrill Ambient Probe Thermometer

Here are the features as listed on Amazon: High Heat Resistance: This probe can withstand temperatures as high as 620°F for extreme grilling and smoking. - Wind It Up: The unique design of the probe wrap means less time untangling and makes for more organized storage. -Simple Storage: With a magnetic backing, the probe wrap conveniently stacks with your iGrill2 or iGrillmini. -Take It Hot or Cold: Measures temperatures between -22 and 572 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature readings can be changed to Celsius within the app. -Color Coded: Easily identify multiple tracked temperatures within the app using the four colored probe indicators.

http://amzn.to/1Wt0SMU As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

 And Chad's take?

Chad got faked out with this item. As you can see by the description above from Amazon its hard to know that this gadget does NOTHING by itself. It must be plugged into an iGrill2 or iGrill-mini device to work. So unless you have one of those iDevices already, certainly DO NOT buy this gadget. All you'll get is disappointment and severe annoyance as Chad did which you'll see when you watch this episode. 

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1570

Wednesday
May112016

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

My favorite gadget video via Moses Torres.

Moses tells us about an 8mm movie film camera (yes, film) camera his dad owned many, many years ago. His wife and son were able to find one just like it at a used camera shop. (That's it above!) 

Moses' video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjDBO3Lo6Z8&feature=youtu.be

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1570

 

   ***********************

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 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! 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

 

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

 

Letter of the week:

 

I thought I'd give you some interesting content for Giz Wiz Letters. Check out this ad from the February 1982 issue of PC Magazine. 

https://books.google.com/books?id=w_OhaFDePS4C&lpg=PP1&dq=pc%20magazine&pg=RA2-PA141#v=onepage&q&f=false

Almost two thousand dollars for five megabytes! The issue also has an interview with Bill Gates.

Dave Mayes