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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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    WORLD NEWS NOW

    Starting Oct 1 2022:   GO HERE FOR GADGETS I SHOWED ON WORLD NEWS NOW             

      https://www.gizwiz.me/world-news-now

     

    With co-host Rhiannon Ally & Andrew Dymburt.

    "Where more insomniacs get their news than any other source!"

    On these pages are gadgets I've shown over the past few years on the show. 

    To find out when I'm on TV again, or to learn about new gadgets between shows, follow me on Twitter:

    www.twitter.com/thegizwiz

    Want more Dick De?

    The Giz Wiz does a gadget show every week with co-host OMGchad Johnson:

                                                      www.gizwiz.tv

    Friday
    Apr132018

    Worried that your train or plane seat hasn't been cleaned in a while?

    How clean are airplane seats? The COO of MedJet Assist says that as a rule of thumb, an aircraft is supposed to be completely wiped down after every 30 days of service or at 100 flying-hour intervals. But in theory, that means that an aircraft can be used for dozens of flights between deep cleanings. That's where Seat Sitters come in. They are disposable seat covers that are easy to pack or carry with you. Great to use on airplanes, at movie theaters, special events, or anywhere where you want to be sure you're sitting on a clean seat. The company says they're perfect for cold, flu and allergy season and make an excellent guard against contact with peanut and food allergens. The kit includes a disposable tray table cover (but there's no way to secure it to the tray on an airplane), two sanitary wipes and one allergy mask. The lightweight fabric is soft and 100% recyclable - both disposable and reusable. (There's no hint as to what the fabric is made of anywhere in the description or on the package.)  The company adds: the black fabric is non-woven, and machine washable in cold water; use air dry dryer settings. Approximate size is 24” x 55”. I checked on Seat Guru and most coach and business class seats or less than 24". And if you're lucky enough to be in first class, you probably don't want to be seen covering your seat. There's also a Kids Version, which seems to be the same kit, but it adds crayons for drawing on the tray dover. Kits are each $14.99, and there are many more options on the company website.

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/2Bc5RJRP12o 

    Regular Kit: https://amzn.to/2H4zIKE / Kid's edition: https://amzn.to/2Hi2O6T -As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    For even more options, the company website has many: www.seatsitters.com 

    Friday
    Apr132018

    Give yourself some extra tray space when you occupy the window seat on a flight.

    spAIRtray says it's the world's first window shelf for extra room on most commercial aircraft window seats. Using it is easy. Just unfold it, insert one end of the back plate low in the alignment channel for the window’s sun visor and slide the other end into the channel on the other side of the window. Adjust to level out the tray and now have some extra space for your phone, eyeglasses, snack, etc. The company says you can even hang a jacket on it. On my flight back from CES I had a seat on the aisle, but since I boarded before my seatmate, I was able to give the tray a quick try. "Installing" it takes just a few seconds. Now, the space on the tray is not a lot, 4" X 12", but in a cramped coach seat, it could be an enormous help. I did not try this with the plane in motion, but the non-slip pad certainly seemed like it would hold your phone or plastic cup in place. The holes on both ends of the tray are for your eyeglasses/sunglasses. While spAIRtray doesn't claim your tray is germ free, at least you know where its been and you can clean it before you pack. It's washable in warm soapy water. And of course, it shouldn't be used during taxi, take-off, and landing. The company did a careful review of TSA and FAA requirements, and says you should have no trouble using it in flight. It comes with a convenient cloth travel bag. $25.00 and it's Amazon Prime.  

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/H5JjKZU7q28

     

    Company website: http://www.spairtray.net

    Friday
    Apr132018

    Soarigami introduces a way to share an armrest in comfort in coach.

    Coach seats on an airplane are uncomfortable enough, but having to fight over the small armrest between coach seats makes it even wore. There's a neat solution for that. Soarigami doubles the existing armrest space and provides a friendly barrier, so you and your seatmate can comfortably share fair. However the company strongly suggests that before using the device, you simply ask your seat-mate neighbor if they're willing to share. My guess is that when you show them the Soarigami, they'll be very interested in sharing it. The device can be adjusted to fit a wide range of armrests using the built in screws. A rubberized silicone molding on the underside creates a firm grip on existing armrests, making it fully stable. The armrest covers are removable for hand washing and the entire Soarigami folds flat to fit into any carry-on. It was $24.99 on Amazon as of 4/14/18.

    Giz Wiz Video:https://youtu.be/a1fwf7WELVo 

    Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2qEgy42 -As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Friday
    Apr132018

    Waterpik Introduces a sleek new travel water flosser.

    I saw this new device several weeks ago at a Waterpik Press Event. I've been using a Waterpik for probably more than 50 years. (Lots of different models, of course.) This new one has ultra-compact and convenient design. Dubbed the Waterpik Sidekick Water Flosser, it's great for travel and makes it easy to water floss anywhere, anytime. As you see in my video it collapses easily for storage and fits in almost any purse or briefcase. It comes with a new flossing stylus with integrated classic tip and swivel handle. The tips are not changeable, so this is designed for a single user. The company says it removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas. One neat feature is the global voltage plug. (The unit is not battery powered.) At first I thought they left the plug out of the box, but then I discovered it stores in the base of the unit and is held there magnetically. So techie! Kit includes storage case, flossing stylus, 13 ounce (400 ml) water reservoir, global voltage (100 240VAC, 60/50Hz) plus, and 3-year warranty. It ships in white, black (my favorite) and I believe there is a rose and white version too. MSRP is $129.99. 

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/EJ3_aPXjyr4

    Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2JNn5lz  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Monday
    Mar192018

    Unique Kitchen Gadgets I Showed on World News Now.

    Here's my spot as it appeared on World News Now, March 22, 2018: http://abcnews.go.com/WNN/video/kitchen-gadgets-53927231

    Like coffee with less acidity?

    For coffee with less acidity you should know about the Asobu Coldbrew Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Here's what the company says about cold brew: “Using hot water on your coffee granules creates a more acidic bitter drink while using cold water with coffee and allowing it to steep as with the Asobu cold brew creates 80% lower acidity, smoother, naturally sweet taste and also gives it that extra punch of caffeine. Now I had a company spokesperson explain this gadget a month or so ago, but now I had the chance to use one. Making cold brew coffee is easy, but once you mix the coffee and water, you have to wait 12-24 hours for it to be ready to drink. You'll see the whole process in my video in this show, or at the link below. The company adds: The Asobu Brewer hold 6 servings so you can leave in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and still get that same great rich and fresh concentrate. It's available in copper, silver, black and white. MSRP: $50.00 

    Giz Wiz Makes Cold Brew Coffee: https://youtu.be/pdBVbQ5bOQ0  

    Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/2FDMaB5 - As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Giz Wiz with company spokespersonhttps://youtu.be/P8pcmVDWtVA