Thursday, November 26, 2009

50% off GREAT portables cases, more by Uniea; fine, little known brand.NOW thru 11/27.Use code "Uthanksgiving". Deals at www.unieastore.com

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Don't miss Black Fri deals on SRS goodies for PC, Mac, iPods http://bit.ly/7aVhyo.Ends 11/30.Search "SRS" @www.MrGadget.com for my reviews.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Enter our Holiday Giveaway at www.MrGadget.com! FREE, FUN, spread the word, please. Click the High Tech Holidays link for details, entry.
Please visit, follow the NEW Official Mr. Gadget Facebook Page for TV appearance info, more: http://bit.ly/7i86bN
Happy almost Thanksgiving to all. Lots new at the ol' Mr. G. Website. Check in at the High Tech Holidays link - www.MrGadget.com. More2come

Friday, October 30, 2009

Get a case for your Netbook-I like CaseCrown. Read my reviewhttp://bit.ly/4nZRQ2

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Friday, October 16, 2009

I just learned of a Halloween station on Slacker, FREE, of course.Check it out at www.Slacker.com. I am listening now, and it's fun. Try it.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

WOW!Unlimited email, text; my fave device for the masses-Peek Pronto, now only $50 from Costco+2 mo free svc, thru 10/18http://bit.ly/YDtgA

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

New Mundial FreeStyle scissors are a cut above, inexpensive, innovative, with lifetime quality. Head on over to www.MrGadget.com for a look!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Fun, interesting stuff for Back-to-School, reviewed and recommended by Mr. Gadget at www.MrGadget.com. Pass it on; http://bit.ly/16jSfW
Chicago, early tomorrow morning watch the news on WMAQ, NBC 5. While you're at it, catch Mr. Gadget there LIVE in the AM at about 6:10!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Hey, Minneapolis! Tune in tomorrow morning to Fox 9 before 8:30 and stick around for Mr. Gadget's Cool Tools for Back-to-School segment

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Come to think of it, check out my Cool Tools for Back-to-School link at www.MrGadget.com. Lots to learn! Pass it on.
Cool your cool laptop - 2 simple ideas featured at www.MrGadget.com
I sure would like your take on BIGWORDS - details at www.MrGadget.com. Save money for you and yours on textbooks, more.
Good ideas - Kensington Smart Tips and Accessories - at www.MrGadget.com
Check out BenQ Joybee GP1 Mini Projector, not a toy, worth knowing about . . . at www.MrGadget.com
Hey Detroit! Wake up . . . with WJBK, Fox 2, and ME, tomorrow morning between 8 & 9 AND again between 11 and noon. A Mr. Gadget two-fer!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Phones 4 Back2School-For Sprint users I like Sanyo SCP-2700. Read why with links @http://bit.ly/vuGaH. More recommendations to come . . .

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Coming your way, Seattle, Monday 8/17 on KOMO (ABC) 4. Scheduled at 4:20pm. Thanks for your support!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Headed for Tampa to tape Daytime tomorrow. That show scheduled to air Friday in their markets. http://ping.fm/qiDx2 for info.
I find that TSA is likely involved in theft of my property while in Dallas outbound to Atlanta. Read story@http://ping.fm/jhwYL

Monday, August 10, 2009

TSA personnel trouble at DFW airport!! You're going to love this tale . . .

This is just maddening!

I'm on my annual national Cool Tools for Back-to-School with Mr. Gadget tour. After TV on WFAA (ABC) in Dallas this morning, it was off the DFW for my American Airlines flight to Atlanta. I arrived at the AA counter at DFW a couple of hours before my flight, picked up my boarding pass, then, as instructed, took my bag to the TSA screening area just to the left of the AA counter. I dropped my bag and answered YES to the question, "Is your bag locked?"

I use SearchAlert TSA-approved luggage locks by CCL Security - http://bit.ly/1ay3re - As you can learn from the linked story, these are combo locks that consumers open by way of user-settable combination, and the TSA can get into using their special key. Using this key trips an indicator that changes from green to red, alerting the owner that the TSA has used the special key and gained entry to the bag for inspection. Then, the user can inspect for anything out of sorts, knowing it was the TSA person who was inside. These locks are not hardened steel. They will not deter a determined thief. A pair of pliers can be used to bend the metal to disengage the lock, and then that loop of metal can be bent back into place closely resembling the way the lock should look. Besides, going through baggage handling equipment these locks take a beating and get bent out of shape in normal handling.

Fast forward to arrival in Atlanta. I exited the AA flight, walked across the hall to the escalator which took me directly to the baggage claim area, certainly less than 300 feet from the belly of the plane. Bags from my flight were not delayed. My bag came out with the others, and even was part of the middle group of off-loaded bags. Keep this in mind.

My bag appeared to be normal, except that the main compartment's twin zipper pulls with the lock holding them together was at the opposite end of its travel from where I had left it. Oh, well, these things happen. Visually, on cursory inspection, all appeared normal. Off I went to a cab that would take me to my hotel.

Into my room I went, asking the bellman to place my big and heavy bag on a luggage rack. That detail accomplished, I puttered around and eventually opened the suitcase.

To my surprise, all was not right. I had carefully packed the contents, my clothes and other personal travel needs along with the products to be shown on the tour. I had placed some in tacky textured bubble wrap that stays wrapped, along with others that were in boxes. Two of the boxes were FedEx-type boxes. All was neatly placed for maximum protection and efficiency. On top of all the contents was a multi-layer of bubble wrap and then, on top of it all were the straps that lock in the middle holding everything neatly in place beneath. Experience has made me a good packer, if I do say so myself!

What I saw when I opened my suitcase was that the contents were askew. Not all contents, mind you. My clothes and other personals on the left side were relatively in place and seemingly undisturbed. However, the bubble wrap that had been so neatly laid out on top was bunched and wrongly placed and the big cross strap over the bubble wrap was unfastened and seemed hastily placed back in the bag. And then I saw the box in which were bubble wrapped products that included one $19.99 Sanyo SCP2700 messaging phone in its box and another simply in bubble wrap. There was an obvious lack of products in that box, and the phones were the missing objects. Both phones were activated. Not missing is a pair of TI Nspire graphing calculators, half a dozen Logitech V220 cordless optical mice and a bubble-wrapped set of Vtech Bugsby Reading System books plus a starter kit of the same product.

Isn't that weird??

Upon closer inspection of the lock on that part of my suitcase, I checked to see if the alert had been triggered. Nope, still green. However, the metal shackle looked out of sorts. I notices that it was bent in a way that would make the part that sticks into the lock only when the lock is closed was not mating with its hole as it should. Remember this, too.

So, now I was thinking about how this would have likely gone down and I think I have figured it out. You will have to let me know. Here is my forensic analysis:

After I dropped off my bag, the TSA personnel ran it through the baggage scanner. Someone had to be observing the monitor in an effort to spot contraband. The trained observer is accustomed to seeing the visual signatures of common and not so common items, including what a mobile phone might look like. This observer had to notice two in my suitcase. Mobile phones are small. If activated, they might be able to be used until shut off, perhaps for a few hours or more until their rightful owner could report the problem. Further, mobile phones can also be used, that is, activated for nefarious purposes. It may not be apparent to the TSA checker whether the phones are of the type that can have a SIM card inserted, thus making them, possibly, useful most places in the world. Even if just for a little while, my phones could go into the hands of, say, a drug dealer, who could use them for his or her dastardly deeds.

So, it is my guess that the topside observer noticed the visual X-ray signature of phones and then alerted an accomplice below to segregate that bag, also noticing that there was plenty of time before it would need to be loaded aboard the departing aircraft. I think that the second perp was clued in to where in my bag was his or her target. Then, that person saw the opportunity to bend the lock's shackle just enough to part the pieces so it could be slipped off the zipper pull. Then, the zipper was opened, the inner strap opened, the bubble wrap moved aside and then, down a layer was the object of the theft. Quick as can be, the phones were snatched, and everything else was haphazardly placed back in the bag. Neatness, at this point, did not count! My bag was zipped back up and the lock put in place, bent back the right way just enough for it to appear close to normal, yet not revealing that a legitimate opening had been made.

The responsible, or, rather, the irresponsible party what copped my stuff had to know the exact location of his quarry. Nothing else was disturbed. How could it be known that there was nothing of material value or interest in any other closed organizers within my suitcase, and there are a few of these? Yes, quite clearly, the person or persons responsible for this crime simply had to know before entering what to take and where they were. Perhaps even the thief looks only for mobile phones? Maybe digital cameras and jewelry? None of these items are in my suitcase.

Once secured after the theft, on its way went my bag, minus a couple of items. The thief may be part of a larger operation. I cannot imagine that he or she was able to do this without others knowing, seeing what was happening. How could a bag be separated from the others, surgically opened, pilfered, and then closed up, even if it took only a minute for an experienced thief to act, without something being noticed by a co-worker? Of these details I am not certain. Similarly, I have no idea what occurred next. How did the thief make off with the goods? Where were they placed immediately after removal? Was the crook wearing a jacket into which the merchandise could be secreted? It was a characteristically hot day, so wearing added clothing would raise suspicion. I am wondering about all these details.

The fact remains that there is at least one dishonest individual in the system and I believe I have presented a case suggesting that the rotten egg is on the Dallas side of the travel equation.

I put in a call to an AA Baggage Claims rep, who, for all her courtesy and sympathy could offer nothing beyond sympathy. I am going to see if I cn find someone in AA customer Service to call tomorrow morning just to let them know. And MAYBE, just MAYBE some other unlucky soul was picked today and reported it. Maybe the dots can get connected. In addition, I will communicate with the TSA in their HQ. I know they know when my bag was scanned at each step of the process. They can learn who was on duty and where. They could even mount what might be a simple sting operation. Surely, the person or persons who stole my stuff did not do this as a first and only effort. The job was just too cleanly done. So, why not bait the trap and see what they catch!

Have YOU taken all due care in your travels only to have been victimized in similar fashion? I'd be happy to see the results of your venting, so let me see your story and share it with others here.

-------
Update 8/11/09 9:45am

Recieved a call from TSA supervisor at DFW airport. He listened and sympathesized. He indicated there will be an investigation as he would like very much to find and prosecute the bad eggs in the system. He also asked that I call DFW PD (like many big cities, the airport has its own police department) to file a police report. I will do this later, after I can call home to get at least one phone's identification numbers. Just how great would it be if they actually find and prosecute in this matter!
Dallas was great this AM! Off to Atlanta. Watch me there on WAGA (Fox 5) tomorrow morning at about 8:10. Visit me at www.MrGadget.com

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Just learned that the best spray can handle is now in stores; http://cangun1.com/. Spread the word. Should be in YOUR tool assortment
I'm loving the Char-Broil Quantum Infrared Grill - read my story - http://bit.ly/gPoAH
Dallas, tune in Monday morning to Good Morning Texas, WFAA (ABC) Channel 8, 9-10AM for Cool Tools for Back-to-School with Mr. Gadget

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

New iPhone/Smartphone? Protect it. My suggestions.
http://bit.ly/LYSyQ

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Don't look now, but it's Cool Tools for Back-to-School time in my world! Lots of info, numerous suggestions to follow, so stay tuned, please

Saturday, August 01, 2009

COLLEGE STUDENTS find best textbook prices via FREE Bigwords iPhone/iPod touch app. Share this with others, please - http://bit.ly/2mUwKJ

Thursday, July 30, 2009

We're all getting screwed by our wireless carriers. Read this, please, and take suggested action as I did: http://bit.ly/5HnM2. Thanks!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

G-Force in 3D. See it for the fun, the 3D, the gophers, surprises and THE GADGETS! A fun time for the fam not to be missed.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Regardless of your political persuasion, this video has to cause you to shake your head in wonder, even disgust http://bit.ly/DnFxn

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Hmmm. Get great realtime deals all the time. Ck them out 1st @http://ping.fm/RmuYb then follow http://ping.fm/6ZIjk
Another super printer/deal @Costco til 7/19.students, home/dorms. Wireless Brother HL-2170W mono laser. $100 delivered. http://tiny.cc/DJUpP

Monday, June 29, 2009

Have you tried magicJack? I'm a fan. Works great, though hokey Website smacks of bad infomercial. Big new plans - http://bit.ly/fBtPm
Logitech Squeezebox Boom STILL the top Internet radio, head and shoulders above the others. My review - http://bit.ly/4g2Wj.
Hot where you are? I recommend Vornado fans to help keep cool. Better than others, long life, efficient.
www.scanpancookware.com to see my cookware brand of choice. You likely don't know the brand, but you should. Heirloom quality, priced right
Look at Prima cases, www.primacases.com. More quality leather designs 4 your handhelds. Protect your investment, don't skimp on a case.
Be sure to check Sena cases, www.senacases.com, for many handheld devices. Rich, handcrafted leather, quality, longevity. Theirs r my faves.
Received iPhone 3GS. Say what you will, but it's generally great. What it does, it does excellently and a pleasure to use. Battery life good
Got a sledgehammer to test? That's what I want to use on Windows Mobile-based smartphones. All I've tried otherwise fine suffer from the OS!
Looking forward to trying Palm Pre this week.
Busy, busy, busy. Received the new Sidekick XL mobile. Like an old friend; fun, functional, fast, great browser. Should NOT be overlooked!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Headed west to San Diego. Get up early with me tomorrow on KNSD (NBC) Ch 7 around 6:15am. Spread the word, please! Thx for your support.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Monday, catch Mr. Gadget® on The Daily Buzz in YOUR town @8:20am ET. Find local stations - http://ping.fm/RZD6x
Finished in Chicago. Off the Baltimore. Tomorrow, 6/14, on WBAL, NBC 11 @ about 7:20am. Thanks for your support! Please tell your friends.
With the updates to Facebook, we are pleased to report that The One and Only Mr. Gadget® is found @ www.facebook.com/MrGadget!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Chicago followers - Catch me Saturday morning on WMAQ (NBC) 5 between 6 and 7am. Thanks for your support. Pass it on, please.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Friday, Cleveland followers catch me on WKYC (NBC) 3 - GOOD COMPANY between 10 and 11am. Pass it on, please. Dads 'n Grads suggestions.
It's UP and it's GOOD, I think, and it will grow. The all-new Housewares & Hardware Guide. Feedback, please! @www.MrGadget.com
Headed for Nashville! Nashvillians (?) watch me on WSMV (NBC) CH 4 Thursday, Noon News! Please help spread the Mr. Gadget news.

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Hello, Phoenix! I'll be on TWICE tomorrow morning in Phoenix on KTVK Channel 3 - at about 7:15 & 8:15. Thanks to all. Pls spread the word!

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Done in Dallas! Philly phollowers tune in tmo morning @7:30, KYW TV, Ch 3. See Dads 'n Grads goodies. Tell your friends! Thx 4 your support

Thursday, June 04, 2009

With 0 staff, my mission; provide accurate, useful, timely hands-on info, guiding all to what's best. Yours truly, Mr. Gadget®
Thanks for following, supporting The One and Only Mr. Gadget! Lots more 2 come! Please tell your friends to check us out @ www.MrGadget.com
Tomorrow night, see more Dads 'n Grads recommendations,+ HUGE new Anytime Gifts and NEW Housewares & Hardware guide. http://bit.ly/i5rEN
Pharos Traveler 137, unlocked Windows 3G Smartphone like no other, includes assisted GPS. Smartest Smartphone? Read why @ www.MrGadget.com
Cool, inexpensive Duracell LED flashlights worth a look. Read why @ www.MrGadget.com
Kill A Watt EZ shows cost of electricity of anything plugged into it. Simple, empowering, revealing. Read why @ www.MrGadget.com
Telenav Shotgun. Unique, connected, dedicated portable GPS unlike any I've seen. WOW! Best for business users? My take @ www.MrGadget.com
I love Pogoplug! Your files from home, office, anywhere you want, shared, too, + iPod access. W/o computer Read why @ www.Mrgadget.com
Still the best wine opener. Penguin EZ Pull. Review @ www.MrGadget.com
Mmm Grate! Grill Grates for your grill gets you better results. Read why @www.MrGadget.com
Pure fun. Dad can bond with the kids playing together with Punch Out!! for Wii. Get my take @www.MrGadget.com
Western Digital's WD TV the MUST HAVE 4 High Def video takers & movie rippers to see it all best, easiest on HDTV? Why? @www.MrGadget.com
Check out my review of the Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker at www.MrGadget.com
Dallas followers - Catch my Dads 'n Grads segment, Sat. 6/6, KDFW, Fox 4, about 8:20am. Thx 4 watching!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Readying lots to share for Dads 'n Grads 10-city tour starting next Wednesday. More info to follow. Stay tuned!
Coveroo's laser-personalized phone covers, more reviewed on www.MrGadget.com. Cool Stuff. Check it out!
Magellan RoadMate 1470 reviewed on www.MrGadget.com
I'm back and I've been busy - Seagate Replica PC backup reviewed on www.MrGadget.com

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Hdwre Show.Pure fun, useful Cruzin Cooler. I had fun trying one @ the show.
Wheeee! http://cruzincooler.com
Hdwre Show.Peak Performance Products PKC0BL looks cool. See it, best price
found at http://cabelas.com. $110
Hdwre Show.Most impressive outdoor grill? Infrared technology from
Char-Broil. Looks like good value, too. Planning review!
http://charbroil.com
Hdwre Show.Be gone wasps, hornets, flies, soon mice! Inexpensively,
repeatedly, no mess with Fatal Funnel. http://fatal-funnel.com
Nat'l Hdwre Show.End broken sprinkler "geysers" with
http://ping.fm/aTabv Watch the video demo. This is cool!
Hdwre Show.Saw Grillex. Like it. Brazilian BBQ indoors on stove. $60 New to
US. Testing soon! http://grillex.com
Hdwre Show.NEW! Hang pix on walls better with Deco Nails. Soon in US.
http://ping.fm/IwfKt
Hdwre Show.Stoppy, the ultimate door, window stopper. Soon! Best for the
job. http://ping.fm/x54c0
Nat'l Hdwre Show."Hang & Level," perfect assist to hang, level ANY picture,
perfect every time. Unique, useful only $20. <a href="http://hangandlevel.com">http://hangandlevel.com</a>
Hdwre Show.Grip-Tite Super Sockets. For all uses, prevents, grips rounded
nuts, bolts. I like 'em! www.mygriptite.com
Hdwre Show.Best spray can trigger by a mile. CanGun1. I tried @the show.
Worth waiting until available. http://cangun1.com

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

From Hdwre Show.Check out the SuperWhipper. Whip, Whisk, Beat or Mix. For light duty use. $15 http://superwhipper.com
From Hdwre Show.Check out the SuperWhipper. Whip, Whisk, Beat or Mix. For
light duty use. $15 http://superwhipper.com
<a href="http://ping.fm/p/vHZoY"><img src="http://p.ping.fm/img/abEsOZxU/ea2dbba4d1d22e1e.jpg" width="300" height="200" alt="From Hdwre Show.I like Green Toad Pivoting Paint Brush. Innovative,
effective, "Green!" http://thegreentoad.net" /></a><br />From Hdwre Show.I like Green Toad Pivoting Paint Brush. Innovative,
effective, "Green!" http://thegreentoad.net
Hdwre Show.Usually don't work well, this did 4 me. I'm impressed! Bio-Matic Fingerprint Door Lock, new from http://itouchless.com
Hdwre Show.Usually don't work well, this did 4 me. I'm impressed! Bio-Matic
Fingerprint Door Lock, new from http://itouchless.com
From Hdwre Show.Fix anything that wobbles with Mighty Wedge. Smart, simple, cheap, useful to all! http://mightywedge.com
From Hdwre Show.Fix anything that wobbles with Mighty Wedge. Smart, simple,
cheap, useful to all! http://mightywedge.com
From Hdwre Show.A real find-NEW! RapidFix is beyond super glue. I watched
compelling booth demo. http://rapid-fix.com
From Hdwre Show.Water saving, convenience, hygiene benefits. $15 Smart Faucet. http://ping.fm/d6N3K
From Hdwre Show.Water saving, convenience, hygiene benefits. $15 Smart
Faucet. http://ping.fm/d6N3K
From Hdwre Show. Does it work?. Anti Monkey Butt. http://ping.fm/MfD1O
From Hdwre Show. Does it work?. Anti Monkey Butt. http://ping.fm/MfD1O
Hdwre Show.Green up, lower monthly water bill to 40%. Info @http://cyber-rain.com. Unique, smart, easy. Testing soon!
Hdwre Show.Green up, lower monthly water bill to 40%. Info
@http://cyber-rain.com. Unique, smart, easy. Testing soon!
From Hdwre Show.Use words not numbers with WordLock. Like it! http://wordlock.com
From Hdwre Show.Use words not numbers with WordLock. Like it!
http://wordlock.com
From Hdwre Show.Light your way with Tool-Light by TweezeLight. http://tweezlight.com
From Hdwre Show.Light your way with Tool-Light by TweezeLight.
http://tweezlight.com
From Hdwre Show.Hmmm, it's different - organic fertilizer, chicken poo by
the bag from http://ping.fm/6ip1T
Hdwre Show.Door @home/ofc sag, rub, off kilter? Adjustable Door Hinge 2 the rescue! http://ping.fm/wgsO1
Hdwre Show.Door @home/ofc sag, rub, off kilter? Adjustable Door Hinge 2 the
rescue! http://ping.fm/wgsO1
From Hdwre Show.TerraLUX LightStar220 VERY bright Hi/Lo, small, quality LED flashlight $30.Oh, my! See others. http://terraluxcorp.com
From Hdwre Show.TerraLUX LightStar220 VERY bright Hi/Lo, small, quality LED
flashlight $30.Oh, my! See others. http://terraluxcorp.com
From Hdwre Show.BEST ever MultiTool line from SOG, esp PowerAssist series.
Lifetime, heirloom quality like no other. http://sogknives.com
From Hdwre Show.Innovative NEW bike storage device, Gladiator Claw, $50? http://ping.fm/hWJSP
From Hdwre Show.Innovative NEW bike storage device, Gladiator Claw, $50?
http://ping.fm/hWJSP
From Nat'l Hdwre Show.Super-G Ratchet Driver, $20, Tool 4 the masses, worth the wait for every home! http://ping.fm/NoJp0 ml
From Nat'l Hdwre Show.Super-G Ratchet Driver, $20, Tool 4 the masses, worth
the wait for every home!
http://ping.fm/NoJp0
ml
From Nat'l Hdwre Show, Las Vegas...iTouchless no-hands and almost no-hands gadgets for kitchen, bath, more. See the goodies at www.itouchless.net
From Nat'l Hdwre Show, Las Vegas...SIMPLE, the ultimate door, window stop is called Stoppy. www.ultradecorating.com
From Nat'l Hdwre Show, Las Vegas...Modular garage organization with Gladiator. www.gladiatorGW.com
From Nat'l Hdwre Show, Las Vegas...Grillex by Gigagrill indoor BBQ from Brazil fits over stove burner, $60. www.grillex.com
From the Nat'l Hdwre Show, Las Vegas...6' gearless wind turbine 4 homes by Honeywell gnr8 electricity. www.earthtronics.com
From the Nat'l Hdwre Show, Las Vegas...Detect/correct dryer exhaust probs that can be de dangerous with LintAlert. www.lintalert.com
From the Nat'l Hdwre Show, Las Vegas...check out the new Aussie grills & smokers at www.meco.com
Day 1, Nat'l Hdwre Show Las Vegas. Starting with...Convert toilets to dual flush with One2flush at www.one2flush.com