18 posts tagged “safety”
CartStopper
Shopping Cart Safety
Link: CartStopper
A heads-up from a listener, Charles from Berkeley, California. No need to worry about your shopping cart with your child sitting in it rolling down the slope. At one end of the CartStopper is a giant suction cup, connected to a bungee cord with a hook at the other end which you attach to the shopping cart. The device is strong enough to hold in place a full shopping cart with a child in it.
Leo thinks the CartStopper might be another Purseguard (Episode 406). That's not going to please Shopping Mom Dyanne who designed the device!
CES 2009 Preview
Dick was at the CES 2009 Preview last week. CES has to hold a preview in order to announce the CES awards in January.
Busy Bee
Busy Bee Ludwik Trammer is at work again. He has some ideas for Dick's site, and is going to show Dick on Go To Meeting. By the way, Giz Wiz Search now has a new .com URL: www.gizwizsearch.com.
The Joy of Gadgets
The Kodak Disc Camera (Episode 690) brings back fond memories of a strong and vibrant company for Brent [Cascamenti] from Rochester, New York, who has been working for Kodak as an electrical engineer for 27 years. Brent has been a faithful listener since Episode 1, and thanks Dick and Leo for bringing him the joy of gadgets.
Skunk Works
Brent uses the word "Skunk Works" in his letter, which Leo explains to Dick, with a little help from Wikipedia, first used by Lockheed Martin in 1938. The name has its origin in Al Capp's comic strip L'il Abner.
Dick's Thanksgiving
No small talk for Dick's party at Thanksgiving, where his pineapple upside down cake is de rigueur (in addition to the gravy of course). For more on Dick's Thanksgiving celebrations, go back to Episode 199. Whenever Dick misses his Thanksgiving fare, he can go to "Good Enough To Eat", all year round. This is also the restaurant Dick took Leo for a huge breakfast when Leo was in New York (listen to the beginning of Episode 334).
Ready for TTTT
Leo had numerous ideas for last week's TTTT (see Episode 697), but only after the recording had ended. This time, he's ready.
Listen to Episode 701
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
CES 2009 Preview
Dick was at the CES 2009 Preview last week. CES has to hold a preview in order to announce the CES awards in January.
Busy Bee
Busy Bee Ludwik Trammer is at work again. He has some ideas for Dick's site, and is going to show Dick on Go To Meeting. By the way, Giz Wiz Search now has a new .com URL: www.gizwizsearch.com.
The Joy of Gadgets
The Kodak Disc Camera (Episode 690) brings back fond memories of a strong and vibrant company for Brent [Cascamenti] from Rochester, New York, who has been working for Kodak as an electrical engineer for 27 years. Brent has been a faithful listener since Episode 1, and thanks Dick and Leo for bringing him the joy of gadgets.
Skunk Works
Brent uses the word "Skunk Works" in his letter, which Leo explains to Dick, with a little help from Wikipedia, first used by Lockheed Martin in 1938. The name has its origin in Al Capp's comic strip L'il Abner.
Dick's Thanksgiving
No small talk for Dick's party at Thanksgiving, where his pineapple upside down cake is de rigueur (in addition to the gravy of course). For more on Dick's Thanksgiving celebrations, go back to Episode 199. Whenever Dick misses his Thanksgiving fare, he can go to "Good Enough To Eat", all year round. This is also the restaurant Dick took Leo for a huge breakfast when Leo was in New York (listen to the beginning of Episode 334).
Ready for TTTT
Leo had numerous ideas for last week's TTTT (see Episode 697), but only after the recording had ended. This time, he's ready.
Listen to Episode 701
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
AutoTether
Boating Safety
Link: AutoTether
An important device for boating is the emergency stop lanyard, which is connected to the engine kill switch and worn by the boat operator, so that if the operator falls overboard, the engine will stop. However, it does restrict movements and can cause false emergency stops when the connection gets pulled off accidentally.
The AutoTether solves this problem by doing it wirelessly. The main unit, which has a wireless signal receiver, is connected to the engine kill switch. A mobile remote unit worn by the operator (or any passenger) sends radio signals to the main unit. If the operator or passenger falls overboard, the radio signal transmission is cut off, since radio signals cannot travel through water. The main unit detects the signal cut-off, stops the engine and sounds an alarm at the same time. The system operates by AAA batteries, with low-battery warning indicators.
The AutoTether kit comes with one main unit and 2 mobile remote units. It can accommodate a total of 4 remote units (extras can be bought separately). Other applications include using it at a beach or around a pool, if you don't want a young child to go into the water unsupervised. You can also set a range for the remote unit so that when the remote unit goes out of range, the main unit will sound an alarm.
Dick has written a fuller article on this gadget in PowerBoat Magazine. Here's the link.
Did you know?
... that Dick was involved in the production of a Playboy Club musical Little Annie Fanny, and Leo did a TV commercial for Clarks Shoes.
Party Line
The PhoneMate Just In Case Beeper (Episode 540) brings back memories for Paul Pigozzo from London, Ontario, not only of his grandmother's rotary phone with 30 feet of cord, but also her "party line" - one telephone shared by several households, and the telephone gives off different rings for different households.
Naturally, whenever a rotary phone is mentioned, Leo inexorably talks about Steve Wozniak's Rotary Cellphone again.
Listen to Episode 614
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
The AutoTether solves this problem by doing it wirelessly. The main unit, which has a wireless signal receiver, is connected to the engine kill switch. A mobile remote unit worn by the operator (or any passenger) sends radio signals to the main unit. If the operator or passenger falls overboard, the radio signal transmission is cut off, since radio signals cannot travel through water. The main unit detects the signal cut-off, stops the engine and sounds an alarm at the same time. The system operates by AAA batteries, with low-battery warning indicators.
The AutoTether kit comes with one main unit and 2 mobile remote units. It can accommodate a total of 4 remote units (extras can be bought separately). Other applications include using it at a beach or around a pool, if you don't want a young child to go into the water unsupervised. You can also set a range for the remote unit so that when the remote unit goes out of range, the main unit will sound an alarm.
Dick has written a fuller article on this gadget in PowerBoat Magazine. Here's the link.
Did you know?
... that Dick was involved in the production of a Playboy Club musical Little Annie Fanny, and Leo did a TV commercial for Clarks Shoes.
Party Line
The PhoneMate Just In Case Beeper (Episode 540) brings back memories for Paul Pigozzo from London, Ontario, not only of his grandmother's rotary phone with 30 feet of cord, but also her "party line" - one telephone shared by several households, and the telephone gives off different rings for different households.
Naturally, whenever a rotary phone is mentioned, Leo inexorably talks about Steve Wozniak's Rotary Cellphone again.
Listen to Episode 614
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
SpokeLit
Bicycle Wheel Light
Link: Nite Ize
The SpokeLit is an LED lighting device which you can attach to any bicycle wheel (with a 3-cross spoke pattern) which glows as a lighted circle when you ride on your bike, to announce your presence to other traffic in dark conditions. Available in Red, Green and Blue. Available from Nite Ize, which also sells the Fibre Optic Flashlight Adapter, the Dec '06 WTHII gadget (see Episode 226).
Copyrighting Gadget
Dick explains that the reason so many gadgets are spelt in funny ways, such as SpokeLit and Nite Ize is so that they can be more easily copyrighted.
The Birth of DGW
Dick and Leo think it was the Hudson Hotel in New York where the idea for DGW was born, while Leo was in town to appear on Regis, after the Hardware Show Preview.
Another Trivia Question
"What is a pregnant goldfish called?" a listener asks Leo. "A mamafish," replies Leo. All right, it's a twit. Read The Straight Dope to learn more than you want to know about it.
Leo's Autobiography
Another listener suggests a name for Leo's autobiography, "TWiT'll Be Me", although Leo now prefers "I Never Stopped Talking".
600th Episode
Episode 600 is coming on in 2 weeks, and Dick and Leo may well be recording it on 20 June when Dick is at the TWiTLive Studio. They might get Wild Planet to give away some prizes, or get ThinkGeek to make some monogrammed Sporks, or SpearHats.
Listen to Episode 589
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Dick explains that the reason so many gadgets are spelt in funny ways, such as SpokeLit and Nite Ize is so that they can be more easily copyrighted.
The Birth of DGW
Dick and Leo think it was the Hudson Hotel in New York where the idea for DGW was born, while Leo was in town to appear on Regis, after the Hardware Show Preview.
Another Trivia Question
"What is a pregnant goldfish called?" a listener asks Leo. "A mamafish," replies Leo. All right, it's a twit. Read The Straight Dope to learn more than you want to know about it.
Leo's Autobiography
Another listener suggests a name for Leo's autobiography, "TWiT'll Be Me", although Leo now prefers "I Never Stopped Talking".
600th Episode
Episode 600 is coming on in 2 weeks, and Dick and Leo may well be recording it on 20 June when Dick is at the TWiTLive Studio. They might get Wild Planet to give away some prizes, or get ThinkGeek to make some monogrammed Sporks, or SpearHats.
Listen to Episode 589
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
HotStop
Bathroom Accessories/Anti-Scalding Devices
Link: HotStop
HotStop is a collection of anti-scalding devices (spout, shower head, and hand shower) which slow down the water flow to a trickle when the water gets too hot. When the water temperature comes down again to a safe level, the water flow will resume, usually within 30 seconds. No special tools required, and you can install them yourself.
A little more sophisticated than the Temperature Faucet Light (Episode 269).
Twitter TWiT Derby Result
Apart from not begging (Episode 573), Leo doesn't play dirty either, to win the Hubdub Twitter TWiT Derby, ending at midnight on 25 May 2008. He only asked listeners to follow him and Dvorak, and unfollow Kevin Rose, in return for a chance to win the new Ultimate Gaming Machine (in TWiT Episode 143). To his credit, Leo quickly realised how silly it was and gave a retraction and apology on Twitter.
Leo has also been asking his radio audience on The Tech Guy to follow him on Twitter to send him questions and comments. Top that, Kevin!
With all these desperate moves, Leo has now won the TWiT Derby. His mid-life crisis is officially over; we can all delete our accounts (and our false names) on Twitter; and dare we hope that in return the TWits may finally stop talking about Twitter?
The Ultimate Gaming Machine
It was 10 years ago on TechTV on ZDTV that Leo built the "Ultimate Gaming Machine". Read Leo's explanation on his blog.
Another Reason for Audible
Girl Geek, aka Myra Joyce, has found a motivation for subscribing to Audible for city-dwellers who don't need to commute to work, and another reason for writing to Dick. It drags her away from her computer to go for long walks.
Leo's Autobiography
Leo struggles to think of a name for his autobiography. Dick and Leo came up with lame suggestions "It Wasn't Just A Rubber Ball" and "After The Ball Is Busted". Nothing like the name of his unauthorised boigraphy, "I Never Met The Man". See Episodes 320 and 324.
Listen to Episode 568
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Twitter TWiT Derby Result
Apart from not begging (Episode 573), Leo doesn't play dirty either, to win the Hubdub Twitter TWiT Derby, ending at midnight on 25 May 2008. He only asked listeners to follow him and Dvorak, and unfollow Kevin Rose, in return for a chance to win the new Ultimate Gaming Machine (in TWiT Episode 143). To his credit, Leo quickly realised how silly it was and gave a retraction and apology on Twitter.
Leo has also been asking his radio audience on The Tech Guy to follow him on Twitter to send him questions and comments. Top that, Kevin!
With all these desperate moves, Leo has now won the TWiT Derby. His mid-life crisis is officially over; we can all delete our accounts (and our false names) on Twitter; and dare we hope that in return the TWits may finally stop talking about Twitter?
The Ultimate Gaming Machine
It was 10 years ago on TechTV on ZDTV that Leo built the "Ultimate Gaming Machine". Read Leo's explanation on his blog.
Another Reason for Audible
Girl Geek, aka Myra Joyce, has found a motivation for subscribing to Audible for city-dwellers who don't need to commute to work, and another reason for writing to Dick. It drags her away from her computer to go for long walks.
Leo's Autobiography
Leo struggles to think of a name for his autobiography. Dick and Leo came up with lame suggestions "It Wasn't Just A Rubber Ball" and "After The Ball Is Busted". Nothing like the name of his unauthorised boigraphy, "I Never Met The Man". See Episodes 320 and 324.
Listen to Episode 568
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Power Failure Light
Emergency Light
Link: Hammacher Schlemmer
Hammacher Schlemmer has come up with this emergency light called the Power Failure Light. This device attaches itself between the socket and the bulb. It has a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery, so that if there is a power cut or power failure, the LEDs on the device will automatically light up to save you groping for a flashlight in the dark. An alternative to Energizer's Light-On-Demand (Episode 539).
Film Set
Dick's 1974, 50-foot long houseboat is in the final shortlist for Woody Allen's next film. Dick has met the location manager, Woody's production designer Santo Loquasto, and now the man himself. They like the boat, although it may look too grand from the outside.
Leo's Sense of Direction
Ian writes in to correct Leo on what he said in Episode 520 about Tasmania's location in Australia. It's an island state in the southeast corner of Australia, not the southwest.
Listen to Episode 544
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Film Set
Dick's 1974, 50-foot long houseboat is in the final shortlist for Woody Allen's next film. Dick has met the location manager, Woody's production designer Santo Loquasto, and now the man himself. They like the boat, although it may look too grand from the outside.
Leo's Sense of Direction
Ian writes in to correct Leo on what he said in Episode 520 about Tasmania's location in Australia. It's an island state in the southeast corner of Australia, not the southwest.
Listen to Episode 544
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
The Safety Stick
Car Emergency 4-in-1 Tool
Link: SafetyBright
Another "What's In The Box?" session with Dick and Leo. It's the Safety Stick from Safety Bright, a 4-in-1 emergency tool for the car. It combines a flashlight, a blinking emergency light, a seat belt cutter and a hammer for breaking glass. The base is magnetic for easy attachment to a metallic surface for use as a flashlight or emergency light. Operates on 2 AA batteries.
Where Have I Heard It Before?
Rick from Zanesville, Ohio was surprised to hear his hometown mentioned on DGW by Leo. Leo can't remember that he did, or why, only that he used to have a girlfriend called Sue from Zanesville, Ohio, about 35 years ago. Dick advises Sue that if she's not married yet, she'd better do something about it soon, coz if she waits too long for her ship to come in, her pier might collapse. Leo can't remember where he's heard it before either.
Leo's memory is being obsoleted pretty quickly. For where we've heard about Zanesville before, and Leo's obscure reference to it, think Dick Cheney, or listen again to Episode 507.
For the ship and pier joke, think Johnny Olson, or listen again to Episode 535.
Listen to Episode 541
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Where Have I Heard It Before?
Rick from Zanesville, Ohio was surprised to hear his hometown mentioned on DGW by Leo. Leo can't remember that he did, or why, only that he used to have a girlfriend called Sue from Zanesville, Ohio, about 35 years ago. Dick advises Sue that if she's not married yet, she'd better do something about it soon, coz if she waits too long for her ship to come in, her pier might collapse. Leo can't remember where he's heard it before either.
Leo's memory is being obsoleted pretty quickly. For where we've heard about Zanesville before, and Leo's obscure reference to it, think Dick Cheney, or listen again to Episode 507.
For the ship and pier joke, think Johnny Olson, or listen again to Episode 535.
Listen to Episode 541
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Backpack Shield
Bulletproof Shield
Link: Backpack Shield
A bulletproof shield which can fit into most backpacks. According to Backpack Shield's website, it is supposed to stop bullets from virtually all handguns. Essentially a Kevlar sheet, it will protect you from the back, but can also be used as a shield when you put the backpack in front of you. A sad commentary on American society, Leo says.
The company also sells backpacks, including see-through or transparent varieties, for convenient security checks.
VeggieTales
Technopiliac from Toronto, Ontario writes in about the VeggieTales which often parody popular TV shows and films. There's a parody of the Lord of the Rings, called the Lord of the Beans, in which the beans are scared of - an army of Sporks - forged by Lord Scaryman. In the end, the sporks were defeated by Keebler cookies. The parody is available on DVD on Amazon.
That brings back bitter memories for Leo, of the sponsorship that never was, by To[s]tino pizza rolls.
Listen to Episode 524
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
The company also sells backpacks, including see-through or transparent varieties, for convenient security checks.
VeggieTales
Technopiliac from Toronto, Ontario writes in about the VeggieTales which often parody popular TV shows and films. There's a parody of the Lord of the Rings, called the Lord of the Beans, in which the beans are scared of - an army of Sporks - forged by Lord Scaryman. In the end, the sporks were defeated by Keebler cookies. The parody is available on DVD on Amazon.
That brings back bitter memories for Leo, of the sponsorship that never was, by To[s]tino pizza rolls.
Listen to Episode 524
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
TeleSpy
Security System/Home Intrusion Alert System
Link: TeleSpy
The TeleSpy is a home intrusion alert system which has a motion sensor which, if turned on, when it detects motion in your home, dials a telephone number you have preset before you leave home, to alert you of the intrusion. You pick up the phone and can listen in and decide whether the intruder is a friend or foe. After 30 seconds, TeleSpy disconnects the line and re-arms itself for another detection. Otherwise, it can be used as a regular phone.
Off To Tasmania
Leo will be going to Tasmania in Australia for about 2 weeks in April on a working trip. Perhaps he could make a hop to Tuvalu as well.
Congratulations on Episode 500
A long-time listener writes in to congratulate Dick and Leo on their Episode 500. His favourite days of the week are Turn-The-Tables-Tuesday and Warehouse Friday.
Listen to Episode 513
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
Off To Tasmania
Leo will be going to Tasmania in Australia for about 2 weeks in April on a working trip. Perhaps he could make a hop to Tuvalu as well.
Congratulations on Episode 500
A long-time listener writes in to congratulate Dick and Leo on their Episode 500. His favourite days of the week are Turn-The-Tables-Tuesday and Warehouse Friday.
Listen to Episode 513
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
JerkStopper
Cable Retention Device/Computer Accessory
Link: JerkStopper
Turn-The-Tables Tuesday
Bob Crossman of Damage Control Products invented and manufactured this cable detention device to keep the AC power connector on your laptop connected, and protect it from the day to day tugging and pulling the power cord gets. You put the power cable into the U-loop of the JerkStopper, which fits snugly on to the "teeth" of the JerkStopper plug, and then you plug the entire device into an ethernet or modem port or USB port. An ethernet port or a modem port are preferred because they are lock ports.
A Message from ...
... InsideDGW who is not in a position to divulge his identity, over which Leo speculated in Episode 494. All he can say is he looks forward to Episode 747 on 20 January, 2009. For the milestone Episode 500, he thanks Dick for his hard work, Dane for the editing, and Leo for just being there; and as long as Dick and Leo will keep saying "I'll be here," so will he.
Listen to Episode 507
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
A Message from ...
... InsideDGW who is not in a position to divulge his identity, over which Leo speculated in Episode 494. All he can say is he looks forward to Episode 747 on 20 January, 2009. For the milestone Episode 500, he thanks Dick for his hard work, Dane for the editing, and Leo for just being there; and as long as Dick and Leo will keep saying "I'll be here," so will he.
Listen to Episode 507
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
Upek Eikon Digital Privacy Manager
USB Fingerprint Reader and Password Manager
Link: Upek
Turn-The-Tables-Tuesday
The Eikon from Upek is a USB fingerprint reader, compatible with Windows and Mac, for use as a Privacy Manager. Just install the software to ensure security for access to various functions on your computer. Swipe your finger over Eikon to log on to your Windows or Mac, switch users, access your websites or special applications. Your finger image itself is not stored. Only a mathematical representation (an encrypted template) of your finger print is used.
Criswell Strikes Again
Leo said on a previous TTTT (Episode 487) that the voice in the Meade MySky was Sandy Wood of the podcast StarDate, and Leo really liked him. Criswell, who has corrected Dick and Leo twice before (Episodes 176, 442), corrects Leo again. Sandy Wood is a she. Criswell also says 87% of Criswell's predictions have come true, and suggests certain tips for helping Leo with his gender issue. Leo thanks "him" for writing. Not sure. Our own DGW Amazing Criswell may well be a "she" as well (see Episode 176).
Listen to Episode 497
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
Criswell Strikes Again
Leo said on a previous TTTT (Episode 487) that the voice in the Meade MySky was Sandy Wood of the podcast StarDate, and Leo really liked him. Criswell, who has corrected Dick and Leo twice before (Episodes 176, 442), corrects Leo again. Sandy Wood is a she. Criswell also says 87% of Criswell's predictions have come true, and suggests certain tips for helping Leo with his gender issue. Leo thanks "him" for writing. Not sure. Our own DGW Amazing Criswell may well be a "she" as well (see Episode 176).
Listen to Episode 497
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
