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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, 2020 - May 31, 2020

Saturday
May232020

Giz Wiz Show #1780 May 21, 2020 Independent Show #261

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.  

It's still May, Bike Safety Month, so let's start with one more useful bike gadget.

It's the RearViz Wearable Bike Mirror. RearViz is, I assume, short for 'rear vision'. This folding and fully rotatable mirror allows for adjustment to find perfect angle of vision. Although it looks a bit large to me, the company calls it a slim fit housing, and I guess it is considering it's a wide-angle mirror. The wide elastic arm band fits any arm size. Because this is mirror is designed to be worn on the body instead of on the bike that should help eliminate road vibrations while letting you see what's coming up from behind you. This also great for those who rent bikes too, like Citibike. Some additional info from the company: The Slim Line RearViz is lightweight and half the size of the Sports and Classic styles, making it suitable for riders with slimmer arms. We suggest this edition RearViz is worn on the wrist. The armband is universal (one size fits all) and interchangeable with the RearViz Universal Camera Mount. Colours available: Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow & Red. ….It's about $38 from RearViz although there are many wearable versions from other companies online.  

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/BukXvDhNZR8

 

Here's the company website: https://www.rviactive.com/products/rearviz-slim-line-mirror

 

Here are other Amazon choices: https://amzn.to/2SSESOi 

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1780  

Saturday
May232020

Get Some Cable Control.

Meet Gadget Klips

Do you like plug-in gadgets, but hate the cords that go with them? I seem to take great care wrapping up the cables when I put them away only to find them tangled when I get them out of a drawer or bin. To solve that problem, there's GadgetKlip bills itself as a space-saving, chaos corralling marvel designed to hug, not pinch all those cables, cords, wires, etc. The stainless steel wings and special industrial strength plastic make them perfect for indoor and outdoor uses. I like the inner curve that allows wires to be bundled securely with pinching them. GadgetKlip comes in three sizes: small, medium and large as well as multiple colors; black, white, blue and green. The price depends on how many you buy. I bought the 20 piece, 3 sizes kit which was $29.99. That comes to $1.50 per GadgetKlip. If you buy the 12 pack, it's $23.99, so they're more like $2 each. They're available on Amazon and directly from the company.

 

Giz Wiz Video https://youtu.be/isnaw4I1Ez4  

 

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/36kzhWE  

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1780  

Saturday
May232020

Light Bulbs Like No Other I've Seen!

What kind of light bulbs are these? They're Light Up Terrarium Glass Bulbs!

It's a home decor conversation piece that adds10 tiny LED's inside a bulb that also holds a (fake) succulent Agave or Torch Plant! They're super cool accent decorations will spruce up any bookcase, shelf or table top in your home. (But read about battery life below.) Inside the thick glass light bulb is a mini succulent surrounded by small river rocks. They plants are artificial but they look real. (Make sure no one tries to water them.) The screw in part of the upside down light bulb has a push button on/off switch. They're battery powered, so they don't need to be plugged in. But wait, here's more you should know. The company says you'll get 4 hours of constant light from one set of 2032 batteries, but I left one bulb on constantly for a few days and it still had some power in the single 2032 battery. When they 1st arrive be sure to twist off the top and pull out the plastic battery protector tab which is not mentioned in the instructions printed on the box. Also the box says “BONUS Additional 2 CR2032 Batteries Included.” I could find anything in the box. The secret of where the two extra batteries are will be found on this week's show, or the video link below. They were two for only $9.90 at Pluse TV, link below also. They were still available as of 5/23/20. They're branded iZoom.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/nx2Ui3E5TOw

PulseTV: https://www.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?ss=ac&number=8791  

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1780

Saturday
May232020

Chad's Crappy Corner & His New Cheap Gadget Theme For May.

Chad's 'Cheap Gadgets Theme For May' picked by our loyal Patreons is Gadgets You Can Hack!

Well, this gadget is actually software and it's not cheap, it's free! It's called Octoprint and Chad uses it, along with his Raspberry Pi 3 model B and his Monoprice 3D printer to make a 3D Giz Wiz Logo.

I'm afraid I don't understand how all these things worked together, so be sure to watch this week's video as Chad's explains it all.

The one thing I do know is the resulting 3D Giz Wiz logo looks pretty neat. Maybe it could be used it a coaster for the table?

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1780

 

Saturday
May232020

Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video & Get An Autographed MAD Magazine!

Our viewer video this week is from Mo Torres, our most frequent contributor and loyal fan.

Mo writes:   Hey guys

Lets see if you could guess what this is, before the reveal

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/HP0xRtzs3O8

Look further down for all details. Mo

Lick'em Tongue Cat Brush Scratcher Groomer Gag Gift For Cat Lovers. 
From Fairly Odd Novelties. Cost:  $10.99

AmaZon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRP73C7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1780

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Angela Newhook emails us:

Hey Chad, Watching the show tonight you mentioned how frustrating it is ordering things for your show, you should order from eBay. I’m here in Canada & since this forced hibernation I’ve been doing a little extra ordering things cause I’m bored & I’ve been getting my things pretty close to the expected shipping date. Ang