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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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    The Giz Wiz is a weekly guest on The Tech Guy Show with -- who else? - The Tech Guy himself, Leo Laporte.

    Leo Laporte & I chat about some sort of fun or weird gadget weekly his The Tech Guy Radio Show. The show is syndicated by Premiere to over 180 radio stations around the country. Leo's closing in on 1.5 million listeners! I'm on the Saturday Show with The Giz Wiz Gadget of the Week. My spot is on about 1:45 PM PST / 4:45 PM EST. 

    And if you watch The Tech Guy stay tuned. Because after the Tech Guy Show  Leo does The New Screen Savers Show, and then I return to do Giz Fiz PM, a show with viewer questions, Match Game questions, videos, guest of the week and more! That starts when New Screen Saver ends..about 5:00 PM PST/ 8:00 PM EST. Watch it all at

    http://www.twitlive.tv/

    All The Tech Guy Labs show notes, shows & info can be found here:

    http://techguylabs.com/radio/ 

    Below are the gadgets we've talked about on the show.

    Saturday
    May302015

    A Tool Box You Wear On Your Wrist!

    Leatherman is famous for things like pliers that actually contain many other tools. And they always come with a leather carrying case. At the National Hardware Show 2015, they introduced something new. And here’s how they describe it. “Anytime, anywhere. The functionality of a Leatherman tool, with you everywhere. Our engineers designed multiple tools in each 17-4 stainless steel bracelet link, making usable tools like Allen wrenches, screwdrivers and box wrenches available at a moment’s notice. Adjustable to ¼” to accommodate any wrist size and fully customizable with the links you need most, the Leatherman Tread is as stylish as it is functional.” And now back to me. The Tread is coming August, 2015. And as you’ll see in the video, it’s available in stainless and a specially diamond like black coated stainless for $150 and $200. Yep, almost the price of a smart watch. But wait, there’s more! A version of the Tread bracelet that will include a watch is said to be available in Fall 2015. It will be called the Leatherman Tread QM1 and feature a unique Leatherman-designed and Swiss-made timepiece. It’s said to feature a precision quartz movement, and a shock resistant sapphire crystal to ensure scratch resistance for heavy duty wear. The price for that was not announced. In case you’re dying to know, the Tread Tools include: Cutting Hook, Bottle Opener, Oxygen Tank Wrench, Carbide Glass Breaker, 1/4” Flat Screwdriver, 5/16" Screwdriver, 1/8" Flat Screwdriver, 8mm Box Wrench, 10mm Box Wrench, 1/4" Box Wrench, 3/8" Box Wrench, 3/32" Screwdriver, 3/16" Screwdriver, #1-2 Phillips, #1 Phillips, 3/32" Hex Drive, 1/8" Hex Drive, 3/16" Box Wrench, 1/4" Hex Drive, 3/16" Hex Drive, 5mm Hex Drive, 6mm Hex Drive, 4mm Hex Drive, 3mm Hex Drive, #2 Square Drive, #2 Phillips, 6mm Box Wrench and 1/4" Socket Drive. I don't think it comes with a leather case like most original Leatherman tools. 

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/l6TTleR7Rvs  

    Company Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=72&v=gp8xR07rBH4  

    Company Website: http://www.leatherman.com/

    Saturday
    May162015

    A unique and useful gadget I found at the National Hardware Show 2015, Las Vegas. 

      A New Cart Designed To Make it Easier To Go Up and Down Steps & Stairs. 

    The UpCart and its six-wheel design caught my eye as I roamed the aisles of the Hardware Show. The UpCart is capable of "walking" over curbs and stairs, or moving over irregular terrain. It combines a three-wheel chassis with a folding handcart. The company says their unique engineering design means it’s just as capable hauling a 100-pound cabinet up multiple stairwells, as it is to bringing the groceries home in comfort. When not in use, the UpCart folds to a depth of just over four inches, allowing for convenient storage. It has rubber tires and ball bearings in the wheels to lower rolling resistance and to make sure the UpCart lasts longer than other carts. It’s under $90 and available for preorder on the company website. (As of 5/14/15).

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/_vgdf9pyUgM 

    Company Website: http://www.upcart.com/ 

    Saturday
    May162015

    An under $6 'tool kit' that fits on your key ring!

    The DoohicKey SkullKey Tool is a simple, key-shaped tool that attaches to your key ring. This product features a file, a #2 flat-head screwdriver, a scoring point, a serrated edge, and a bottle opener. Made of durable stainless steel, the DoohicKey SkullKey Tool is travel and airport friendly. PRODUCT FEATURES: Key-sized multi-tool that easily attaches to an existing key ring Durable Stainless Steel construction A variety of useful tools in a compact, easy to use design Features the following tools: scoring point, bottle opener, file, serrated edge, and #2 flat head screwdriver Travel and airport friendly SkullKey-Size: 2.5" x 1.0" x 0.2" SkullKey-Weight: 0.73oz KMTSK-11-R3 , Nite Ize DoohicKey SkullKey Tool , multi tool , multitool , multi-tool , knife , screwdriver , key chain , key ring. And under $6 as of 5/16/15 on Amazon. They also make the same key without the skelteton design as seen in the photo at left. And Amazon Prime, so free shipping if you're a Prime Member. 

    Nite Ize DoohicKey SkullKey, Stainless

    Friday
    May082015

    You're four years old. Isn't it time you had your own Action Cam?

    Vtech’s new Kidizoom Action Cam made the TTPM Summer Playlist, an annual roundup of the season's hottest toys. The Action Cam is a great first video and photo camera for kids because Vtech says it’s durable enough to handle drops and tumbles. It comes with two mounts so kids can attach it to their bike, skateboard and more, plus a waterproof case, making it perfect for interactive play. The Action Cam features a 1.4" color LCD screen, can take stop-motion videos and time-lapse photos. But wait, there’s more. It also offers games, fun effects, frames and photo filters. For the top resolution you’ll need to add a memory card, up to 32GB, which is not included. Although the resolution range isn’t HD, I don’t think kids will notice or care. They’ll just be thrilled to be able to enjoy and share their adventures via video using their own action cam. Recommended for ages 4 years and up, MSRP $59.99. The Action Cam will be available in stores, starting with Wal-Mart, mid-May, 2015. 

    http://www.vtechkids.com/

    Giz Wiz Video:  https://youtu.be/mNY56Ftlq1g

    Friday
    May082015

    Minion Safety Gear for kids. I bet they'll ask to wear them!

    It’s Spring which means it’s time for the annual "Time To Play Magazine Spring Showcase." It’s an event to give the press a first look at the hottest new toys, video games, baby products, and playthings people will be talking about this season. .....As you probably know, especially if you have kids, the 3rd Minion movie arrives June, 2015, so there's a lot of tie-in merchandise on the way. Some clever gadgets I saw at the TTPM Spring showcase are from Sky Rocket Toys. Its their Minion Safety Gear for kids, that include helmets, knee and elbow pads, even goggles. I think this is a great idea because kids will want to wear their Minion safety gear while biking, skating, etc. There’s even a fun piece of Minion equipment for peering under the water at the beach or pool. And there’s even a Minion Music and Sound Board. Prices range from about $10 to $25. These are shipping already and should be available at the big box stories and online at places like Amazon. 

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/F5NJb4WiOS0 

    Company Website: http://www.skyrockettoys.com/  (As of 5/3/15, their Minion Gear was not yet online.)