Monitor Barrel Temperatures with Handy Stick-On Temp Strips

Several variations are available on Amazon also ... accuracy (and barrel life) will suffer as barrels get hotter than 120 - 140°F.

https://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2026/05/monitor-barrel-temperatures-with-handy-stick-on-temp-strips/

Ruger RXM Reviews

Ruger RXM Review: 1,500+ Rounds With the Magpul-Designed Glock Alternative

https://www.americanfirearms.org/ruger-rxm-review/

Not Just Another Glock 19 Clone, Ruger Offers Real Innovation with the RXM:

https://www.guns.com/news/reviews/ruger-rxm

Ruger X Magpul (RXM):

https://magpul.com/rxm

"The RXM is designed for personalization and customization for your self-defense needs.

Want a different look? The Ruger Fire Control Insert (FCI) is compatible with other Magpul EHG RG9 grips, which are available in:

• Stealth Gray (the stock grip from Ruger)
• Black
• Flat Dark Earth (FDE), and 
• Olive Drab Green (ODG)"

The RXM® Pistol is a result of a tremendous collaboration between Ruger and Magpul:

https://ruger.com/products/rxm/models.html

Best Glock Clones [2026]: Custom Glock 19 Alternatives

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-glock-clones/

"The Ruger RXM might be the best Glock clone of them all. A modular fire control unit, improved ergonomics, and the ability to mount an optic directly to the slide make this pistol a home run. Best of all, updates from Ruger and Magpul are keeping it fresh."

"THE QUICK LIST

1. Best Overall:  Ruger RXM
2. Best Value: PSA Sabre Dagger Full Size
3. Best Semi-Custom: Shadow Systems CR920 Elite
4. Best Premium Duty Gun: Zev Technologies OZ9 V2 Combat Pistol
5. Best Alternative Grip Profile: Lone Wolf Dusk 19
6. Best Competition: Matrix Arms MXI 5.3"

How Hybrid Engines actually work (and more) video

https://youtu.be/KnUFH5GX_fI?si=v019lC0wC3xdrEwk
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.

Build a workbench, but avoid cheap 2X4s

Buy 2X8s or 2X10s and cut the heartwood out of the center so it isn't used.

https://youtu.be/b0v1fB0WJuU?si=MPGvt9A0IuOxS7hJ

This workbench has all the cool features I could dream of.

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

Free Nmap Security Scanner for Linux/Mac/Windows

Downllsd and try this - automate the reports if valuable …
https://nmap.org/download

Wikipedia: “Nmap is used to discover hosts and services on a computer network by sending packets and analyzing the responses.”

10 Best Projector For Phone of 2025

Probably a better solution than buying a phone with a built-in projector:

https://reviews.oneclearwinner.com/product/projector-for-phone/

Top 10 Mobile Phones with Projector

On my list of cool things I probably don't need (these could be convenient when setting up an unfurnished house ...).

https://www.techspecs.info/blog/mobile-phones-with-projector/

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)

https://tails.net/ 

HomePage | PicoDash.org - automotive upgrades for non-CANBUS vehicles

http://picodash.org/tiki-index.php?page=HomePage

From FB: “Basically it's a modular digital extension for old pre-CANBUS cars.  

One part of the project is a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 that interfaces with various sensors on the car and either feeds a data stream to a separate GUI module or displays a simple automotive-style instrument cluster via HDMI.

Stuff like the coolant temperature sensor, washer fluid, and knock sensor are working fine.  The current problem I'm having is with the vehicle speed distance sensor or the VSS.”

CANADUINO Sale – Shop Deals On DIY Kits & Parts

Some interesting little electronic bits here:

    https://www.universal-solder.ca/sale/

9 Amazon Prime perks you may not be using

9 best Amazon Prime perks you're paying for but probably not using -

https://www.tomsguide.com/sales-events/ive-had-amazon-prime-for-over-a-decade-heres-the-9-best-perks-youre-paying-for-but-probably-not-using -

Amazon Prime's complimentary Grubhub+ membership ... Grubhub+ traditionally costs at $9.99/month ($119/year) and includes $0 delivery fees, lower service fees, and exclusive offers for members. Grubhub+ members also get 5% cash back on pickup orders.

Prime members can save $0.10 per gallon at more than 7,500 BP, Amoco, and participating AmPm and Thorntons locations across the U.S. ... Amazon suggests that filling up with its discount will save you around $70 per year... 

Note: There are a few steps you need to make before obtaining your discount, but it's well worth the effort. Make sure to check out our Amazon gas how-to guide to start saving.

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

https://www.bearcreeksupplybullets.com/

https://www.bearcreeksupplybullets.com/38fp180

https://www.bearcreeksupplybullets.com/bulletselection

https://www.bearcreeksupplybullets.com/price-sheet

Price sheet available for download.  At present, orders are by phone.  Good reviews for the heavy 9mm bullets on FB.

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/

DIY Budget Small Form Factor PC with Intel CPU

Depending on objectives, a refurbished SFF PC may be the best choice.

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.

Chiappa RAK-9 Review: Budget 9mm AK PCC

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/chiappa-rak-9-review/?c=a2db0517dacc01abdb2b

"The 9mm Chiappa RAK-9 brings us an affordable AK with a modular magazine well that is a ton of fun at the range. Out of the box, it has a few issues. But if you are willing to spend a bit of money and some time with a file, you can turn it into a competent pistol-caliber carbine."

$549 at Palmetto State Armory (May, 2026)

"Glock and Beretta 92 magwell adapters (sold separately)." About $20

"I noticed I could not use the rear sight because the handguard sat too high. Not exactly optimal. I shot a few rounds and decided I had to make a swap. One Magpul MOE AK handguard and gas tube cover later, and I could see the sights.

AK sights are not fancy. For rifle rounds, they tend to be lacking, but for a 9mm PCC, they are fine."

"While irons are fine, I mounted a Primary Arms Classic Mini red dot using an old AK optics I had lying around."

"Using the red dot ... while shooting off-hand at 50 yards. I could rapidly shoot a reduced-size steel IPSC target from an off-hand standing position ... The RAK-9 shines at 50 yards and in."

"Ergonomics: Fit and Feel:
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."

"The whole Magpul setup cost me $130, keeping the gun still below many other AK PCCs in price."

5 common Dexcom errors and how to fix them

Tips to resolve issues with the app, smartwatch, and more ... 

https://www.myhealthyapple.com/5-common-dexcom-errors-and-how-to-fix-them/

NOTE: Dexcom enforces a 3 hour delay in updated to Apple Health:
https://www.dexcom.com/en-NZ/faqs/how-do-i-share-my-glucose-data-with-the-apple-health-app

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

Increasing average speed from 55 to 80 MPH cuts range by about 1/3.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2023-ford-f-150-lightning-xlt-yearlong-review-update-3-road-trip-speed

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/motortrends-2023-f-150-lightning-xlt-yearlong-review-speed-vs-range-study-for-road-trips.18122/

"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)."

"...  at highway speeds, aero drag dwarfs the power consumption attributable to factors like rolling resistance, climate-control, or accessory loads."

"..  the real-world driving range is more than 100 miles below the EPA combined estimate at 80 mph."

"...  the best long-trip strategy for our imperfect world with scattered charging stations in varying states of repair typically involves programming your EV's native navigation system and then possibly getting a second opinion from an app like Plug Share or A Better Route Planner (the former's users are great about reporting malfunctioning chargers). Those apps will tend to minimize trip duration by running the battery down to around the 20-percent mark, at which point the battery can typically accept max charging and scheduling shorter charges."

" Yes, over a 1,000-mile trip, maintaining a constant 80 mph saves 50 minutes of driving time versus driving 75 mph, but 45 minutes of that are consumed by the three additional 15-minute charging stops, for an ideal savings of less than 5 minutes (which the time of slowing, hooking up, etc. surely consumes). 

If you can tolerate 70 mph driving, you'll eliminate another two charging stops, stretching the total journey time by another 28 minutes relative to the 75-mph time, but quite possibly clawing some of that back in logistical time savings. 

We extrapolated an estimate for 85 mph, and wow does that extend the journey!"

" If you just hate frequent stops, you're welcome to extend the charging sessions to 30 or 45 minutes (though some of the latter could potentially stray above the 80-percent charge point at which fast chargers significantly slow down, which would throw off our numbers). The overall time penalty is less than we'd have expected (and seems small enough to be offset by savings in actual time slowing, hooking up, unhooking, and resuming travel). The 55 mph trip duration is only extended by 3 percent (30 minutes) by swapping seven 15-minute stops for three 45-minute ones, while the 80 mph one is 8 percent longer (75 minutes) with ten 45-minute chargers instead of 22 15-minute ones."

Telo Trucks - American-built compact electric pickup with a 350 mi range

Telo Trucks:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telo_Trucks

Hands on and first ride in TELO’s tiny electric truck that’s as big as a Mini:

https://electrek.co/2025/03/06/hands-on-and-first-ride-in-telos-tiny-electric-truck-thats-as-big-as-a-mini/

"... Focusing on a truck with maximum utility and minimum footprint – and says it will be able to offer utility on par with today’s mid-size pickup trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, but in a package that’s only 152 inches long ..."

TELO MT1: America’s Compact Electric Truck That Packs a Punch:

https://ev.motorwatt.com/ev-database/database-electric-trucks/telo-mt1

We Drove Telo’s Tiny 500-HP Electric Truck - 

and We Have Some Suggestions

Telo’s little pickup truck could be a big success. It just needs to focus on a few things first:

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/telo-ev-mini-pickup-truck-prototype-first-drive-review

Hello TELO - Meet the MT1, the all-electric mini truck: https://www.telotrucks.com/

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.

https://www.freepascal.org/

"Free Pascal is a mature, versatile, open source Pascal compiler. 

It can target many processor architectures: Intel x86 (16 and 32 bit), AMD64/x86-64, PowerPC, PowerPC64, SPARC, SPARC64, ARM, AArch64, MIPS, Motorola 68k, AVR, and the JVM.

Supported operating systems include Windows (16/32/64 bit, CE, and native NT), Linux, Mac OS X/iOS/iPhoneSimulator/Darwin, FreeBSD and other BSD flavors, DOS (16 bit, or 32 bit DPMI), OS/2, AIX, Android, Haiku, Nintendo GBA/DS/Wii, AmigaOS, MorphOS, AROS, Atari TOS, and various embedded platforms."

https://wiki.freepascal.org/

"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."

"Free Pascal Compiler (FPC) is a compiler for the closely related programming-language dialects Pascal and Object Pascal."  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Pascal

"It supports its own Object Pascal dialect, as well as the dialects of several other Pascal family compilers to a certain extent, including those of Borland Pascal (named "Turbo Pascal" until the 1990 version 6), Borland (later Embarcadero) Delphi, and some historical Macintosh compilers. The dialect is selected on a per-unit (module) basis, and more than one dialect can be used per program."

Free Pascal Compiler - Open source professional Pascal compiler:  https://github.com/fpc

SvarDOS - an open-source DOS distribution for PCs of the 1980-2000 era

http://svardos.org/

"SvarDOS aims to collect available DOS software and make it easy to find and install applications using a network-enabled package manager (like apt-get, but for DOS and able to run on a 8086 PC)."

"SvarDOS uses a fork of the Enhanced DR-DOS kernel, whose development is kept on the EDR github repository."

http://svardos.org/?p=repo

"This page lists all packages that are available in the SvarDOS repository. These packages can be downloaded from within SvarDOS using the pkgnet tool, or you can download them from here."

Programming languages, utilities, games, etc. - selectable by processor version ...