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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 September 1, 2021 - September 30, 2021

Saturday
Sep182021

Show #1849 (Recorded Weds Sept 15th 2021) Independent Show 328 

Wow! We're in year 16 of The Giz Wiz Show! (The first Giz Wiz Show – called The Daily Giz Wiz back then – was February 20th 2006!) If it wasn't for our loyal 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: http://www.gizwiz.tv/

 At an outdoor party at the marina, I brought along the Faux Fire/Bright White Light Lantern I talked about on the Giz Wiz Show almost 2 years ago. I knew the party would go into the evening hours and it would be dark on the dock. People loved the lantern and wanted to know where to buy one. I couldn't find the exact model I had, but I found the Lichamp 4 Pack LED Camping Lantern. It's a battery powered dual function, energy-efficient LED light for 360 degree illumination. The company says it's made of military-grade and water-resistant plastic. Foldaway handles make it easy to carry and they fold to store when not in use. Pull up the handles to open and turn it on or control the brightness, no switches required. Each time you open and close the lantern the light changes from white to flame back to white, etc. An ideal gift, great for camping, emergencies, backyard, etc. It's a small number of ratings but it got 4.5 out of 5 stars from 21 reviews. And they're inexpensive. 

 

Price: $26.99 BUT ---- Coupon $10.00 extra savings coupon applied at checkout. Was working as of 9/18/21 afternoon. Price comes to 4 lanterns for $16.99 - that's only $4.25 each! Amazing.

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/mIDn7H8OUpA

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AmoV72   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/1849

Saturday
Sep182021

Time For A 'Chad Extra'!

Here's a gadget I never knew about. How would you like to have a USB Charging cable that is exactly a certain length? No extra cable cluttering your desk, nightstand, etc. Well, Chad found such a cable, one that is totally customize-able. It's been referred to as a “repairable Micro USB Cable”, because if it gets crushed or cut, you can 'repair' it. You'll enjoy Chad's demo when he takes the charging cable and cuts the end off. But it's not ruined, it's now just shorter. Be aware only one end of the cable has this feature, the end with the micro USB plug,  USB-C plug, or Apple plug. Once you cut the wire, you clamp the charging end back on the newly shortened wire. Chad got his at Aliexpress. There's a more expensive version on Amazon and with that one you can shorten back ends if you want to. Be aware however, it got terrible reviews. Chad also reminds folks that this is a charging cable only. It doesn't carry data. I believe the one on Amazon says 'charging and data'.

Aliexpress link: https://a.aliexpress.com/_mq8oO0j   (Not an affiliate link.)

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hEtMcn (Only 2 stars out of 5!)  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/1849

Friday
Sep172021

Going Camping? Emergency? Meet The Sharpal 6-in-1 Survival Tool. 

First, some info on the Sharpal Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool from the company: 6 Functions: 1. Knife Sharpener. This pocket knife sharpener not only quickly sharpens very dull or damaged blades, but also hone for razor sharp; Not only for straight edge but also serrated knife. V-Notch slot (Coarse CARBIDE)-Quickly set a new edge; 2. (Fine CERAMIC)-Hone for a smooth finished edge; 3. Tapered diamond rod (Medium 400 Grit) for serrations & gut hooks; 4. Diamond rod with groove for fishhooks; 5. Ferro rod (This is the one I couldn't get to spark.) 6. High-pitched emergency whistle.

From the Giz Wiz: The Sharpal knife sharpeners worked okay, especially for the size of the device. The whistle blew, the file seems useful on a camping trip, but, as you'll see on this week's show, the fire-starter seemed 'spark-free'. I'm pretty sure I did it correctly after looking at their online video, but I could not get it to generate a single spark. UPDATE: When I did it live while we were recording this episode it did spark! So I think you should practice before you head out to a situation where you might need it to use. That way you'll know what to do if you need to start a fire. It is a compact unit and it's under $10.00. It received decent Amazon reviews too.

 

G iz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/VKUgy51ug8U

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zmoaJG 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/1849

Friday
Sep172021

Chad's Crappy Corner & his third gadget for his new September Theme.

Chad's Cheap Gadget theme for September as picked by our loyal Patreons is “Gadgets for your tech gadgets.” Chad describes that theme as companion gadgets to use with tech you already own. Or even, “gadgets you can use with other gadgets you have”. Chad's third cheap gadget to use with gadgets you already own is the CYK STUDIO Cellphone Mount. It's a plastic clip that lets you mount your smartphone on the slim monitor of a laptop or desktop monitor, except sports' equipment screens. There are all sorts of width limitations listed on Amazon. Also the recommended phone width should not exceed 80mm. The monitor clip can be turned 180 degrees to hold the phone on either side of monitor.

And Chad's take? Chad thought this device didn't work at all well. It held his phone at on odd angle and there was very little adjustment available. You'll see it all in Chad's demo on this week's show. Even at $12.99 Chad thought it wasn't worth buying.

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/39hYGTb     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/1849 

Friday
Sep172021

Dick’s Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video To Win An Autographed Copy of MAD Magazine.

Our viewer video is from frequent contributors Jeff Slomovitz and his son, Adam.

Here's Jeff's email: 

Good Afternoon Gentlemen,

I wanted to send you this Gadget Warehouse video regarding a different type of an everyday item that is suppose to be useful. I highlight the words “suppose to be”. It is a wall clock with a twist or something that looks similar to a “word search”. I received this one as a gift.  The one I own is not from a famous brand, but I am sending you similar from “Sharper Image”. It is a truly conversation piece - if the conversation starts out as “do not buy”. It is a real chore to set the clock- especially if you lose power or if it happens to be Daylight Savings Time. I am including a link to the similar item.

Take care! Jeff and Adam Slomovitz

https://youtu.be/NUrYH4xwrdM

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3klAh5o   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/1849
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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
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Email of the week!

Mo Torres, our most loyal fan and frequent contributors asks:

Would you guys ever get this?

https://www.nextuas.com/?utm_source=thisiswhyimbroke.com&utm_medium=referral

Mo