Linux for Makers, by Aaron Newcomb

Mark Frauenfelder 11:53 am Wed May 30, 2018

I've had very little experience with Linux but now that I'm using Raspberry Pis (a cheap single board computer that runs Linux) I need to know how to use Linux. Online how-tos are good, but Linux for Makers, by Aaron Newcomb, is better. In fact, this book is pure gold. It assumes zero prior knowledge of Linux. Everything is clearly explained. I learned how to install Raspbian Linux on an SD Card (Raspberry Pis use SD cards as their hard drive), log the output of a script, schedule jobs with cron, use lots of different commands, write scripts, use PI with IFTTT, and lots more.

Simone Giertz makes a chair/bed for her special needs dog Scraps

In Simone's latest video, she makes a seat/bed for her dog, Scraps, that she can also sit on as she works. Scraps only has three legs, so Simone had to create something that Scraps felt secure in getting on/off of. There are lots of endearing and funny moments in this video. I laughed out loud… READ THE REST
Making a liquid crystal "mood ring" keyboard

In this Evan and Katelyn video, the dynamic duo (they of the mood ring toilet seat) try turning a regular mechanical keyboard into a thermo-chromatic board using color liquid crystals sealed in resin. It was a ridiculous amount of work, but the results do look cool. Image: YouTube READ THE REST
Look at this guy play "Tom Sawyer" on a drum kit made from old junk

This reminds me of the enthusiasts in South Asia who make cool looking motorcycles with tiny insect-fumigation engines. READ THE REST
Get up to 65% off on 12 gardening tools, planters, and other yard accessories

Now that everyone is starting to emerge back out into the world again, this might be the first time you're really checking out the current state of your home gardening and landscaping in a while. If your snap reaction is… not so great, this might be a good time to roll up your sleeves, tool… READ THE REST
Luminox watches are more than timepieces and these models are on sale for half off

Back in 1992, Luminox was a fledgling sports watch manufacturer when it began working with the U.S. Navy to create a new watch for use by elite Navy SEALs. After that popular Navy SEAL watch was born, other elite units reached out to follow suit as Luminox crafted timepieces for the U.S. Coast Guard, the… READ THE REST
This cool $40 humidifier works like a beast and doesn't leave a huge mess

The humidifier has been around for almost 100 years, going through all kinds of design variations and advancements along the way. Considering all that potential research and development time, it begs an important question. Why do you have to fill most humidifiers from the bottom? It seems like a pretty significant design flaw that most… READ THE REST