Monthly Archives: April 2015

Xerox CEO gets over 18 Million for 2014

Must have been a good year for Xerox….better than what I can tell anyways, since the CEO got a HUGE bump in pay this year in bonuses.  I think last year was only 2-3 million.  This year is over 18 … Continue reading

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Xerox Medicaid in NH finally approved

Apparently after 7 years behind schedule, and way over budget, Xerox’s solution for New Hampshire’s medicaid billing system is approved and ready to go live.  Wow….7 years behind schedule, its like they where designing a new fighter jet. http://www.fosters.com/article/20150404/AP02/304049976/-1/ROCNEWS

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Simple PVC water balloon launcher

Nice write-up from Make Mag, on how to make your own water balloon launcher. I wonder if a different valve could be used for the release.  And if a wider mouth for bigger balloons too. http://makezine.com/projects/win-water-war-water-balloon-cannon/

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Gee you think? IoT a big security hole

Another article talking about a study from Vercode that the IoT (Internet of Things) is full of security issues and could have problems not just for remote, but for things like local burglars and stalkers too. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/04/08/internet_of_things_is_terrifying_criminal_paradise/

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Make candles with a microwave

Clever idea and I like how the author uses crayons for dye.  My 2 cents, I wonder if you can get this cheaper by using a twine for a wick instead of a bought wick. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-candles-apartment-therapy-tutorials-217768?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+apartmenttherapy%2Fmain+%28AT+Channel%3A+Main%29

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Use your bike seat post to store stuff

Another nice build where the author stuffs things into the hollow part of his bike seat, and then uses a piece of wood to cork it.  Me, I wonder if a real cork would work instead. http://www.instructables.com/id/Bike-Seat-Secret-CompartmentSurvival-Kit/

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Simple and cheap coin battery holder

2 paperclips and a bottle top and presto, you have a holder for your coin battery(s). http://www.instructables.com/id/Coin-Cell-Battery-Holder/

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Hack a USB lighter for a cheap rechargeable battery

I like this, the author found the Igniter (sp?) USB rechargable lighter has a good battery in it and build in charger for USB that you could “repurpose” for other devices.  Oh it costs about $6. http://hackaweek.com/hacks/?p=1700

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How to update an old android phone

So you have an old android phone you would like to modernize the OS on it.  Well you may beable to CyanogenMod on it (variant of Android).  It is relatively easy to do if you phone is supported on its … Continue reading

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Building a simple ATiny board

This is the ultimate in cheaping for the ATiny, Total cost is 2-3 dollars to build your own.  I think a simple ATiny board runs around 7-10 dollars. www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-cheap-Attiny-Arduino-Board/

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