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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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    After more than a dozen years as "Special Correspondent" - once a month, for a full hour, where I joined Craig Crossman and later in the series, Ben Crossman on Computer America, it was time to take a break from the series. But this longest running nationally syndicated talk show continues on! You can find the latest shows here: www.computeramerica.com

    Monday
    Feb202017

    Turn wine into wine that taste like more a expensive wine.

    That's what the folks at the Eparé Pocket Wine Aerator booth says. You can use their device to enhance the flavor and finish of wine by releasing its natural bouquet. Just push the button, and watch the aerating motor create tiny air bubbles which rapidly introduce oxygen into the wine, freeing its tertiary aroma. The heightened aroma enriches each glass’ flavor, completing your wine experience. It accommodates all styles of wine, with 3 aeration settings, and it's small enough to store in your pocket. (Take it to a restaurant, bar, even a picnic too.) Aerate your glass on demand in as little as 15 seconds. The website says you can make a $10 bottle of wine taste like a $30 bottle in as little as 15 seconds. I feel cheated. Eugene at the booth said I could make a $10 wine taste like a $20 win. So where did the other $10 go? The Eparé Pocket Wine Aerato has three different settings (White, Red, and Port) which lets the user customize the aerating experience. The aerator measures 6" long, 1" tall and 1 ¼" wide, and weighs just 3 oz. Under $20.

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/SIsUBb5wMfU

     

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

     

    Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/2kv6slP

    Monday
    Feb202017

    The new Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven is not like what you would expect.

    Two Functions, One Product is the way Hamilton Beach describes this new kitchen appliance. It's a way to free up more of that highly coveted counter space. This toaster oven provides all the traditional oven functions, while also offering an extra wide, long-slot toaster across the top. Hamilton Beach says the toaster slot option toasts 40% faster and more evenly than the leading competitor. Use the independent toast shade selector to get the exact toast you want. The long toaster slots are wide enough for artisan breads and bagels. The oven accommodates a nine-inch personal pizza and provides enough height for baked muffins. Alternate between functions with the slide of a button. Other features include front access crumb tray, 60-minute oven timer with auto shut-off and an adjustable temperature dial ranging from 200-450°F. 

    MSRP: $79.95, available starting April 2017.    

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/LQH7uUGH-6Q   

     

    Okay, not enough functions for you in the $79.95 Hamilton Beach Oven. Well, our highest- tech of the tech folks, Leo Laporte told me about another oven that is billed as being more like a computer that can cook! And the company is right. It does some amazing things. Leo loves his, but the price point is higher than the temperatures of the June Oven. It's $1495.00. Here's a compay video with showing features you've never seen before:  

     Company Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCuLxqGd0go 

     June Oven on Amazon http://amzn.to/2kIgDiM  

    Monday
    Feb202017

    Meet the new Hamilton Beach Spiralizer 

    The Hamilton Beach 4-in- 1 Electric Spiralizer  is a way to easily transform vegetables and fruits into spirals and ribbons for nutritious and visually appetizing meals. Hamilton Beach calls some of them zoodles and swoodles, but they're a fun and tasty way to get more good stuff into your family’s diet. I thought they looked delicious at the demo table, but was disappointed to learn what I thought was bacon was actually a red carrot. There are several options; from thin spirals like spaghetti to thicker spirals like linguine and fettucini, or even ribbons. The 4-in- 1 Spiralizer is perfect for zucchini, squash, cucumbers, large carrots, potatoes and more. It comes with a 2.5” chute that fits a variety of vegetables and fruits whole. The included bowl holds up to six cups of spiralized contents and comes with a lid for easy storage of anything left over. But wait, there's more! The device comes with a cleaning brush, as well as cord storage. Plus the chute flips upside down and the cutting cones fit neatly into the bowl for compact storage. The Hamilton Beach 4-in- 1 Electric Spiralizer (Model 70935) has a MSRP: $49.99 and will be available starting April 2017 exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond. Now go eat your vegetables!

     

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/_ex7OV_46Z0

    Monday
    Feb202017

    Slice fruits and vegetables without worrying about slicing a finger!

    Progressive International introduced their Professional Slicer, now in black, and featuring 40% more Stainless Steel. One of the features I liked best about this device is the integrated hand guard. It allows great control while it keeps your hands away from the blades. This is their latest model which looks very techie in black. Features include three slicing thicknesses, classic julienne, and a French fry cut. Simply designed controls: one switch takes you from paper-thin slices to a slab cut; a second switch raises and lowers the integrated julienne and French fry blades. Safety lock for cleaning and storage. Oversized safety hand guard secures food for stable slicing. There's a soft grip handle and non-skid feet to hold the device securely when slicing over a cutting board or bowl. Model PL8-1105. Available Spring 2017 MSRP: $39.99 

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/BIoU2Uz6MDk

     

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

    Monday
    Feb202017

    It's easy to take this mop for a 'spin'!

    I've seen TV ads for spin mops, but never saw one in person. So at the Housewares Preview I made sure to stop by to see the Black + Decker Spin Mop. After speaking with Michael at the booth, I learned spin mop technology is available from many companies who put their own 'spin' on it. On TV, I've seen many versions, including ones with a pedal that you pump to spin the mop dry. This Black + Decker model was easy-to-use because by just moving the handle up and down, it spins the mop. In the video of this week's show you'll see Michael pour some cranberry juice on the wood floor. (It was real cranberry juice he borrowed from another booth.) He was able to clean it up quickly with the microfiber mop. Microfiber holds far more water than a regular mop and it also has the ability to spin itself dry very quickly. Plus it's more stain resistant. I have no experience with any other spin mop to compare this too, but from what I saw at the show, this seems like a good deal for under $30.00. It should be at retail stores now or very soon. (I didn't see it available on the web when I searched on 2/6/17)

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/sLfhjsNs30U