Sunday, May 31, 2026
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
The Best Used EVs (2026)
New electric cars are expensive, but there are plenty of great budget-priced used EVs whether you're looking for a cheap runabout or something with more range:
Vitamin B12 Dosage for Older Adults: Safe Amounts & Expert Tips
Most articles are very vague on dosages, this one appears to provide reasonable ranges: https://seniorcitizenwellbeing.com/vitamin-b12-dosage-for-older-adults/
Drill Press Table for holding work pieces in various ways
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Convert Excel to MySQL
Methods to Convert Excel to MySQL
Online Conversion Tools
You can use various online tools to convert your Excel spreadsheet directly into a MySQL database. These tools allow you to upload your Excel file and generate SQL statements that can be executed in MySQL. Here are some popular options:
| Tool Name | Features |
|---|---|
| konbert.com | - Upload Excel files or paste data directly - Converts to SQL format for MySQL |
| tableconvert.com | - Supports multiple formats including SQL - Handles complex formats and large files |
| ConvertCSV.com | - Simple interface for CSV and Excel to SQL conversion - Generates SQL INSERT statements |
Steps to Convert Excel to MySQL:
- Choose a Conversion Tool: Select one of the online tools mentioned above.
- Upload Your Excel File: Use the upload feature to select your Excel file (.xls or .xlsx).
- Select Output Format: Choose MySQL as the output format to generate SQL statements.
- Review and Download: Check the generated SQL code for accuracy, then download it.
- Execute SQL in MySQL: Use a MySQL client or command line to run the SQL statements, creating tables and inserting data into your MySQL database.
Considerations:
Data Integrity: Ensure that the data types in your Excel file are compatible with MySQL.
Limitations: Some tools may have file size limits or may not support all Excel features like macros.
Using these methods, you can efficiently convert your Excel data into a MySQL database format.
How to Import Excel into MySQL Database?
The Kindle For PC App Is Being Discontinued — And Its Replacement Might Not Work For You
How to ‘Jailbreak’ Your Kindle / Running Linux on Kindle Devices
"Kindle Linux refers to a Linux-based operating system or shell environment running on a Kindle device, either natively or through a lightweight terminal emulation layer that is lightweight. Since Kindles run on a custom version of Linux, this essentially means you have unlocked the Kindle and enhanced its internal environment.
This will enable you to:
Have access to command-line utilities
SSH into the Kindle
Utilize the Kindle as a simple display of a Raspberry Pi or another computer
Enable functionality that goes beyond reading on the Kindle."
"Kindle devices that support the installation of Linux are:
Kindle Paperwhite (1st – 5th Gen)
Kindle Touch
Kindle Keyboard (3rd Gen)"
"You need to jailbreak your Kindle in order to gain access to the Linux system. This will allow you root access to your Kindle."
"You will need to download and install KUAL to complete the installation, which is a must-have launcher in the Kindle unified application launcher."
"Install either USBNetwork or SSH access"
"After gaining access, you can install lightweight Linux utilities or run scripts for display and system integration."
See article for examples ...
I put this open-source reader on my Kindle, and I wish I had done it sooner:
https://www.howtogeek.com/i-put-this-open-source-reader-on-my-kindle-and-i-wish-i-had-done-it-sooner/
How to ‘Jailbreak’ Your Kindle Out of Amazon's Clutches - Jailbreaking can add years to your unsupported Kindle's life:
https://lifehacker.com/tech/how-to-jailbreak-your-kindle
"Amazon recently announced that starting May 20th, 2026, they are planning to stop supporting Kindle devices that were released in 2012 and earlier. It's not just software support that Amazon is dropping, either: These devices will no longer be able to access the Amazon store to download, purchase, or borrow books ..."
"Jailbreaking your Kindle essentially means installing a custom operating system with extra features. One popular choice is KOReader (https://koreader.rocks/user_guide/#L1-whatcanyoudo), a simple yet feature-filled document reader that supports a number of formats."
"You'll have to sideload the books, which means you'll get them from external sources, but you can do so wirelessly using a ebook management app like Calibre."
"f you're using an older Kindle, and it's running anything below firmware 5.14.2, you will have to use the WatchThis jailbreak method. This includes all older Kindle models that Amazon isn't supporting anymore. This can be complex, so if you fall into this category, follow David Gewirtz's excellent guide on our sister site ZDNet (https://www.zdnet.com/article/your-kindles-not-obsolete-it-needs-a-jailbreak-ill-show-you-how-its-done/).
"Given the fact that Amazon no longer lets you download the books you already own to your computer, there's an incentive to go the jailbreak route."
Your Kindle's not obsolete, it just needs a jailbreak:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/your-kindles-not-obsolete-it-needs-a-jailbreak-ill-show-you-how-its-done/
"As of May 20, 2026, users of all Kindle devices released before 2013 will be completely cut off from the Kindle ecosystem. You will not be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content via the Kindle Store."
A detailed process ...
"Thanks to a tool called WinterBreak, it's possible to jailbreak just about any Kindle eReader model. This article will provide a brief overview of the jailbreaking process to show how simple it is. Since these things are subject to change, I encourage you to follow the step-by-step guide from the Kindle Modding Wiki (https://kindlemodding.org/), which will have all the up-to-date information and files."
"... make sure to download the correct files for your specific Kindle model."
Kindle Modding Wiki - Your one-stop shop for all things related to hacking Kindles:
https://kindlemodding.org/
This site has instructions for several different techniques to jailbreak registered and unregistered Kindles.
Friday, May 22, 2026
Monitor Barrel Temperatures with Handy Stick-On Temp Strips
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Ruger RXM Reviews
- Stealth Gray (the stock grip from Ruger)
- Black
- Flat Dark Earth (FDE), and
- Olive Drab Green (ODG)"
Best Glock Clones [2026]: Custom Glock 19 Alternatives
-
Best Overall: Ruger RXM
-
Best Value: PSA Sabre Dagger Full Size
-
Best Semi-Custom: Shadow Systems CR920 Elite
-
Best Premium Duty Gun: Zev Technologies OZ9 V2 Combat Pistol
-
Best Alternative Grip Profile: Lone Wolf Dusk 19
-
Best Competition: Matrix Arms MXI 5.3"
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
How Hybrid Engines actually work (and more) video
This video is a bit long (55+ minutes), but it does a great job of explaining how a hybrid drive-train dramatically improves the gas mileage of a vehicle. It includes good visualizations of conventional Otto cycle and Atkinson cycle internal combustion engines (ICE) - this is important because the modern Atkinson cycle engine (as used in Toyota's Hybrids) provides much better mileage, but would be unpleasant to drive without the hybrid's electric assistance.
Note: Toyota's Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) is quite different from traditional CVTs, and has proven to be quite a lot more durable. Initially designed for their excellent Prius models, Toyota's eCVT has been scaled up for use in their minivan and SUVs.
There is also a brief discussion here of the economics of Plug-In Hybrids and why you should charge them at home (or work) daily.
FYI - our Toyota Sienna Hybrid is our 3rd Toyota minivan since 2002. It easily drives as well as the previous two, while giving us a 50% improvement in gas mileage.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Build a workbench, but avoid cheap 2X4s
Story notes: quotes for characters
“My CPAP machine was smiling out both sides of it’s display, indicating that everything was fine. But I woke up with a very dry mouth, so even though the machine didn’t think it was leaking my mouth did.” Thanks, Adrian
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Free Nmap Security Scanner for Linux/Mac/Windows
https://nmap.org/download
Saturday, May 16, 2026
10 Best Projector For Phone of 2025
Top 10 Mobile Phones with Projector
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Tails (operating system) - Wikipedia
An interesting OS designed to run from a thumb drive on nearly any PC and leave no trace after you shut down:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tails_(operating_system)
HomePage | PicoDash.org - automotive upgrades for non-CANBUS vehicles
9 Amazon Prime perks you may not be using
Prime members get access to epic discounts at Whole Foods. Sales change on a weekly basis, but past deals include 20% off select seafood, organic turkeys from $1.99/lb., 15% off pastries, and bouquets for as little as $9.99.
Prime members also get access to Whole Foods' annual sales, such as the market's popular "12 days of cheese" sale, which knocks up to 50% off select cheeses for 12 days in December. If you shop in-store, the Whole Foods app is a must as it makes it easy to stay on top of the latest deals.
Note: ... last year Amazon added a $9.95 service fee to all Whole Foods deliveries.
Fwd: Bear Creek Supply - Coated Lead Bullets for reloading
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Best Used Electric Cars for 2026 - Road & Track Expert Picks
There are some practical choices here (among others): https://www.roadandtrack.com/rankings/g43917934/best-used-electric-cars/
Saturday, May 9, 2026
DIY Budget Small Form Factor PC with Intel CPU
Build a Low Cost Tiny Gaming Rig That Hits 1440p Smoothly (2025):
https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/sff-budget-gaming-pc-build-guide/
A comprehensive article.
How to Build a Tiny PC: https://www.howtogeek.com/896254/how-to-build-a-tiny-pc/
"There are plenty of pre-built tiny PCs out there. But what if you want to undertake the challenge, and build your very own, tiny PC? It's certainly a complicated task, but not an impossible one, as long as you control your expectations."
How to Build a Low Cost SFF 1440p Gaming PC:
https://kittybnk.com/how-to-build-a-low-cost-sff-1440p-gaming-pc/
"This guide ... provides a detailed walkthrough of the process, covering essential components, assembly tips, performance benchmarks, and strategies to save money ..."
How to Build a Compact Gaming PC With Serious RGB for Well Under $1,500:
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-compact-gaming-pc-with-serious-rgb-for-well-under-1500
"... a recipe for a stellar mainstream PC that's perfect for all-out 1080p or 1440p AAA gaming and much more."
Compact, but bigger than a Mini-ITX setup.
It's easy to build a compact PC for work and play:
https://www.xda-developers.com/can-you-build-your-own-mini-pc/
"Because these systems are so compact, you don't have much room for expansion, which is why there are limitations in place for storage, RAM, and other internal components."
Distinguishes between Mini-PCs and Small Form Factor (SFF) PCs.
Mini ITX DIY vs. Pre-built SFF: Is it worth it for an everyday computer (2013)?
https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/mini-itx-diy-vs-pre-built-sff-is-it-worth-it-for-an-everyday-computer.2319063/
"DIY PCs are very weak in terms of value/$ in the low end--you can't really beat a Dell Outlet refurbished @ Amazon & other vendors. in power for the price, especially with a Windows license factored in."
Dell Desktop Computers and All-in-One PCs:
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/scr/desktops/appref=all-intel-processors-processor-brand,all-in-one-form-factor
Includes several PC / monitor combinations ...
Budget SFF PC build: https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=600337531%20100897449&d=budget+pc+build&Order=1
Mostly refurbished PCs - compare to Amazon.
Thin Mini-ITX Intel CPU motherboards:
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=100007627&d=thin+mini-itx+motherboards&isdeptsrh=1&Order=1
Includes refurbished M/Bs from $52 ... Socket LGA-1150 - 1155 (possibly getting a bit old). More expensive M/Bs naturally support more modern CPUs, NVMe M.2 SSDs, and more.
Mini-ITX cases (may need compact power supplies):
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?d=mini-itx+case&Order=1&N=600545970%20100007583
Some include power supplies ...
Mini-ITX power supply:
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=100007657%20600014011&d=mini-itx+power+supply&isdeptsrh=1&Order=1
These power supplies can cost as much as some cases.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Chiappa RAK-9 Review: Budget 9mm AK PCC
The included furniture is poor. It includes an ATI one-piece thumbhole stock that looks like it was taken off a discount Dragunov.
My main issue is that the length of pull is 14.25 inches, which is absurdly long for a PCC. The grip is fine, and the cheek riser is nice, but the stock itself is bad.
While the handguard feels fine in the hand, it does block the rear sight, as mentioned before.
I decided to swap everything out for Magpul AK furniture. I used a K2 grip, MOE stock, and MOE AK handguard. Installing the handguard was a hassle. I had to break out a file and trim some parts of the handguard to finally get it to fit and lock into place."
5 common Dexcom errors and how to fix them
https://www.dexcom.com/en-NZ/faqs/how-do-i-share-my-glucose-data-with-the-apple-health-app
Sunday, May 3, 2026
REMINGTON 1911 BARREL 40S&W MATCH BUSHINGLESS 5IN
Worth a try? https://www.cdnnsports.com/remington-1911-barrel-40s-w-match-bushingless-5in.html
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT Yearlong Review: Road-Trip Range Strategies
"First, allow us to recap our Michigan Lightning XLT's official Motor Trend Road-Trip range: 240 miles. That reflects the reasonable distance you can hope to drive after charging up to 100 percent at home, pulling onto a lightly traveled highway that allows mostly constant cruising at 70 mph, and driving the battery down to 5 percent charge (a reasonable safety cushion)."
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Telo Trucks - American-built compact electric pickup with a 350 mi range
Friday, May 1, 2026
After a Long Wait, Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2025 Is Finally Here - GeekChamp
https://geekchamp.com/after-a-long-wait-windows-11-iot-enterprise-ltsc-2025-is-finally-here/
Asunder Rips and Encodes Audio Without the Bloody Mess
Reputed to be one of the best Linux tools for ripping CDs to other media like USB drives for listening in the car … https://www.linuxinsider.com/story/asunder-rips-and-encodes-audio-without-the-bloody-mess-73323.html
Top 20 Best AI Code Generator Tools [2026 Updated List]
https://morsoftware.com/blog/ai-code-generator
15 Best AI Code Generators of 2026 (Free & Paid)
https://www.f22labs.com/blogs/15-best-ai-code-generators-of-2025-reviewed/
12 AI Code Generators Tested: Which Is Best? (2026)
https://prismic.io/blog/ai-code-generators Lots of tools are available to create applications in various languages, some even include documentation of the project in its current state.
Free Pascal (FPC) for older systems - Intel x86 (16 and 32 bit), AMD64/x86-64, PowerPC, etc.
"Downloads
- The official releases of the Free Pascal Compiler, source code and documentation can be downloaded from the Free Pascal site.
- See Installation Instructions and Release Notes."