Electronics Basics: How to read schematics

My father-in-law got me a little gift project for my birthday. I'm brushing up on some basics as they will come in handy.

Video: Collin’s Lab: Schematics
Link: Skill Set: Reading circuit diagrams

Baby Skynet

Here (Rock-Paper-Scissors: You vs. the Computer) is where it all begins. Can the machine learn enough to beat you?

Google AdWords

Even if you aren't trying to sell something, I think it is interesting to see how ads are selected for display to you. It isn't just about the price an advertiser is willing to pay - there is a quality rating.
Infographic by Pulpmedia Online Marketing

Do(ooley) or Die

Dooley!!!

From Project Phantom

Airsoft

It is all the rage.(And a follow-up.) I see the potential value. I just don't need another hobby right now or I might be more enthusiastic.

Ragnar Relay

If I could find 11 friends and a big van, this might be fun to try one year... a 196 mile relay race from Chattanooga to Nashville. I had not realized how much of the time you would be running alone. That would be a dramatically different experience from the Buddy's Race Against Cancer this last week-end with 2,800 participants on the 5K.

Cheap eBooks

George R. R. Martin announced a sale of his Wild Cards eBooks. Four of the books are available for $2.99. Basically, they want to sell a few and get you hooked on the series. It may work with me. I bought one last night and have already been burning through the electronic pages.

Wouxun.US is now ImportCommunications.com

I guess it is official now. I'd figured it out a while ago - not that it was a big secret as far as I could tell. But I have no idea why Ed didn't make some sort of announcement. He could have changed his e-mail signature with a little note or something without even having to do a post about it to the UV-3R or Wouxun Yahoo Groups.

In any case, if you go to ImportCommunications.com, it will forward you to Wouxun.us.

I think the new name makes sense. He can sell radios from more manufacturers now without being locked in to the Wouxun name.

I've mentioned before that I bought a radio from him and was very pleased with his service. Best wishes to Ed with Import Communications!

Now Hiring

Speaking of companies that are hiring... you may have given up on being a professional baseball player or a fireman, but it's not too late to be an astronaut.

Apply here.

Via Slashdot.org

The Most Interesting Engineer

Are you the world's most interesting engineer? If so, apply at Scopely, get hired, and receive:

• $11,000 cash - wrapped in bacon
• Spear gun
• One year's supply of Dos Equis
• Beard grooming oil
• An oil painting of yourself
• Fancy tux
• Sex Panther cologne
• Cuban Cigars

Via news.cnet.com