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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 October 1, 2020 - October 31, 2020

Friday
Oct302020

Giz Wiz Show #1803 October 29, 2020 Independent Show #283

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/  

Here's Another Clever Gadget I Found At Virtual Pepcom 2020 another new gadget fromAmpere. Shower Power is a hydropowered shower speaker that the company says delivers 360° sound. Made to fit with any showerhead, it uses the water flow from your shower to power it up. Always charged and always waiting there, Shower Power syncs with any Bluetooth-enabled device so you’ll be able to listen to your favorite music, podcasts or audiobooks in the shower. People liked this idea because they reached their $15,000 Kickstarter goal in the 1st hour! This is also great: Shower Power is made from 100% recycled ocean plastic. The use of recycled materials in its construction greatly reduces its environmental footprint and clears out some of that plastic from our oceans. The device measures 3” by 2” and weighs around a pound. If the shower head is out of the way, there's a mini remote control included. There's also an optional Dropletmini waterproof speaker that pairs directly with Shower Power so you can build better sound throughout your bathroom. Launched on Kickstarter October 28. It will become available for pre-order on the Ampere website on November 16 and begin shipping in December. Shower Power starts from $59.95 on Kickstarter and starts shipping in December 2020.  

It's called Shower Power,

Company Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ampere/shower-power-waterproof-bluetooth-speaker-hydropower

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1803  

Friday
Oct302020

Let These Friendly Critters Help Keep Our Drafts Under Doors & Windows!

Instead of rolling up some beat-up old towels under a door or window, why not really cute Animal Door Draft Stoppers? I bought the Evelots Cat/Dog Draft Stopper Set. For under a door or a window these 36" long adorable animal-themed energy-saving draft stopper set makes heating and cooling your home more efficient. They help save energy and money by keeping cold air out and heat in. Along with blocking drafts, they also helps to block dust, noise and even creepy, crawly things from getting under the door or window. The door draft guard is made of hand-washable plush polyester fabric and weighted down to keep your home sealed and insulated. To clean, simply hand wash with warm water and a mild detergent. Line dry. Measures approximately 36 Inches Long x 4 Inches Wide x 3.5 Inches Height over all. As of 10/31/20 they were $29.99 for the pair of them. Prices on Amazon can change at any minute. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/Th31nrbO1eU  

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/35IUTw0  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1803

Friday
Oct302020

Cold Weather Is On The Way! Here's An Electronic Way To Stay Warm Outdoors.

It's the Comlife Digital Hand Warmer/Charger. Who knew there was such a thing?

Here's some of what the company says about it: Comlife 2-in-1 Hand Warmer & 20000mah Power Bank features an easy-to-grip shape and size with plenty of battery power to keep your hands warm and toasty for hours. There's no better companion on a cold day or whenever you're feeling chilly! Not only can it be your hand warmer, but it can also be your power bank when your cell phone is power low. Rapidly warm up single side or double sides in seconds, press the switch and instantly release the warmth for you. (Giz Wiz: Well, really not in seconds, but maybe a couple of minutes.) Built-in 20000mAh polymer lithium battery and Type-C charging port, only 7-8 hours charging time can make sure 5-10 hours working time. (It charges faster via USB-C which is what I use.) Made of high quality Aluminum alloy and flame retardant PC material. Small enough to put it anywhere you want, hold it in your hand or put it in your pocket. (Giz Wiz:  Not too small. Approx 6 1/2" X 3" X 1" & on my scale it weighed 1lb 1.1 ounces.) I paid roughly $38, but it had dropped by $5 on 10/30/20. That price can change at any time!

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/biM8pyRzuZY  

 

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/34H5d8F  

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1803   

Friday
Oct302020

Chad's Crappy Corner & his final gadget for his October Theme.

Our loyal Patreons picked "Spooky Gadgets" for this month's Cha'd Crappy Corner. Chad's Final Spooky Gadget is the: Animated LED Skull Plasma Ball Halloween Decorative Prop - Hyde & EEK! Boutique

Here's What Target says about it: Whether you're looking to impress party guests or just decorate your home for the season, this Animated LED Skull Plasma Ball Halloween Decorative Prop from Hyde & EEK! Boutique™ lends electrifyingly scary vibes to your space. The Halloween prop skull is set on an antique-styled base with a plaque reading "Electropathic Vessel," and the skull has a plasma ball design for added spookiness to illuminate any ghoulish night. $15.00 at Target.

 

And Chad's Take: Chad loved this. I loved this. It's battery powered (4 AA's) and contains one of those fun plasma balls inside the skull that reacts to your fingers touching it. Not only did Chad, the chatroom and me like this, but my guess as to the price was $29.99, but it was just $15. (Might be cheaper right after Halloween.) Watch this week's show to see it in action!

 

https://www.target.com/p/animated-led-skull-plasma-ball-halloween-decorative-prop-hyde-38-eek-boutique-8482/-/A-78638750#lnk=sametab

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1803

Friday
Oct302020

Dick Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video & Win An Autographed MAD Magazine.

Our email this week is from a long time fan & gadget warehouse creator, Buddy Yates. He discusses a gadget I never saw before. Here's his email.

Hey Guys-

 

Buddy Yates from Palm Springs, again.  

 

Here is my review of the Amazon Echo Loop.  It’s an Alexa for your finger. 

  

It is not available to the public without an invitation from Amazon.  They invited me so I’m sure anyone can get it.  

 

https://youtu.be/vTiq0rvi84g

 

Amazon page:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Echo-Loop/dp/B07K57PBKT/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0  

 

It’s $130 and they say $180 after the introductory period. It’s a complex device but I managed to keep this video less than 4 minutes.

 

-Hilbert (Buddy) Yates

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1803  

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.
-
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 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
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Letter of the week:

  

Hi Dick & Chad

 I saw the last show , & Dick was making a statement about the lack of daylight, in NYC, during the winters. I wondered how he would do in Alaska. Daylight hours in Alaska depends on where in Alaska you live. The farther north you go, the longer the day. Just north of Fairbanks, the day is 24 hours long. In Fairbanks, there are nearly 22 hours of daylight, about 19.5 hours in Anchorage and 18.2 hours in Juneau.

 

Was just curious. Stay safe. Mo Torres

 

(The Giz Wiz gives his answer on this week's show.)