An open notebook of my attempts to teach myself about electronics and microcontrollers, starting from the Arduino platform and working from there. With so many great tutorials online, what can I offer? Ignorance. Writing from the perspective of a beginner, I hope to address topics that more experienced writers might overlook. Hopefully, making available the solutions I find might help others who try to do the same things.

Spy Equipment a la James Bond January 1st, 2010

The wonders of miniaturization and computerization have made a lot of spy equipment possible to conceal in almost any ordinary object that you would not suspect that it contains covert wireless hidden cameras and listening devices. What used to be staples of fictional detectives and police work are now commonplace and hard to detect. It is now possible to hide tiny cameras in watches, pens, buttons, books, stuffed animals or any everyday items. You can also use listening devices and listening to conversations from long distances. You can customize your own applications for business purposes or home use so they blend into the place where you locate them. This will allow you to monitor the people you need to observe and prevent potential criminal activity on your premises while you are in another place. There are also voice activated digital recorders and night vision gears so you can remain safely and anonymously hidden from your subjects.

There are many applications of spy equipment and they do not necessarily involve covert operations. If you need to find out some information and knowing several surveillance options can give you the edge in finding that information quickly, safely and without any legal complications. Just make sure you do not use any of them for illegal purposes.

Electric Infant Swing for Multi-Tasking Moms January 1st, 2010

Moms need to multi-task around the house if they want to maintain a well-ordered home. There are plenty of tips on how to do this and many of them involve skills on how to organize tasks and which ones to prioritize over the others. Moms need all the help so they can keep everybody happy, from the baby to the daddy. But babies can be so demanding of mommy’s time that she may not have time to do anything else. What she needs is an electric infant swing that can soothe, entertain and make baby happy. Many electric infant swings available in the market are equipped with toy bars, mobiles, and trays to ensure that baby is always occupied so mommy can do what she has to do. These swings have several speed settings so you can adjust it depending on baby’s needs. You want to lull him to sleep? A gentle slow rocking speed will have him dozing off in a jiffy.

Electric infant swings come in many designs and styles. Each model combines many features that will certainly make baby a joy to take care of. A full size type can have all the best features and convenience if you have a large baby’s room while a compact and foldable type is your best option if you are always on the go or if your house is small. There are models that run on batteries but if you have to use it for long periods, electric ones are best so baby can enjoy being on the swing without interruption for long stretches.

Hip Hop Hoop Earrings for the Extraordinary You January 1st, 2010

Many hip hop artists are fond of wearing large hoop earrings. These hip hop hoop earrings are stylish and unique. Many types feature small details and several hand set stones. Some use cubic zirconia (CZ) stones instead of inexpensive glass diamond imitation or plastic replicas. There are platinum, white gold, yellow gold, sterling silver and even bamboo hip hop hoop earrings that are sure to excite you. They can be as plain as you want or as textured or fully packed with diamonds and rhinestones. You don’t have to be as extravagant as hip hop artists but you can still be the object of everyone’s attention when you wear hip hop hoop earrings according to your own preference and style.

Those large blings hanging on hip hop artists may look good on them but because they need to attract your attention. You can mimic the same look by wearing large hip hop hoop earrings and be attractive while looking stylish and fashionable. You don’t want to overpower your looks but highlight them and these type of earrings can either distract people from noticing your flaws or have the opposite effect of emphasizing your distinct facial features. Hip hop hoop earrings are fun, elegant and sassy all at the same time.

Glass Tile Backsplash for Your Kitchen January 1st, 2010

Your kitchen will look its best if you install glass tile backsplash. There are many other types of tiles that you can choose such as stone, porcelain or ceramic tiles. While these are cost –effective and easy to install, glass backsplash tiles give your kitchen a very modern look and will go very well with your other modern kitchen appliances. These tiles come in various colors and are available in several sizes. If your kitchen backsplash design is mosaic, then the best material for it is glass, which you can also buy in pre-mixed variety of colored glass tiles. There are different types of glass tiles such as clear glass, gem stone glass and recycled glass, which is excellent if you want to go green.

There are many advantages of using glass tiles for your kitchen backsplash. They can easily resist mold and mildew and most common stains. With the available colors, you can mix and match them to create your own unique design. Glass tiles reflect light so your kitchen will look brighter and bigger because of them. They are vibrant and have dept of color which can give a dramatic effect to your kitchen. Because they will not lose their color, they will continue to dazzle your eyes for many years, or until you decide to change their design.

A Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet for my Daughter January 1st, 2010

My teenage daughter just loves the sterling silver charm bracelet I gave her. She was quite surprised that I gave it to her even when there was no occasion at all. Her 15th birthday is still a few months away but I just got so excited when I saw the bracelet I had to buy if for her. I remember my own sterling silver charm bracelet when I was her age. The one I had was so easy to personalize that every piece in it expressed who I am and what I wanted to be in life. The bracelet was a gift from my mother too and the charms were given to me by my special friends who had their own silver charm bracelets.

I wanted to continue giving silver charm bracelets as a tradition in my family so I bought one for my daughter. I am hoping that she would also do the same to her daughter when her turn comes.
You can create a themed charmed bracelet such as stars and planets, or even a nature themed one where you can add trees or any object that you like. You don’t have to possess an expensive charm bracelet. It should be something that tells the world of the person who proudly wears it.

The Right Individual Medical Insurance August 18th, 2009

Individual medical insurance come in different sizes and shapes. The maximum amount an insurance company will cover or pay for a specific medical service varies from a few thousands to a few million. Deductibles also vary, thus you may have to pay an initial US$500 to US$5,000 before your insurance starts paying your medical bills, depending on your premium payments. Again, exclusions, or the services excluded from coverage, can also vary widely. The start of coverage can also be different, with some beginning as soon as your payment is received, while others may only begin after a specific period. Examine these details carefully to determine if they suit you before signing up.

Also, be sure that your plan is non-cancellable and that you are provided with the guarantee to renew your coverage when the current plan expires. It is unfortunate that some states allow insurance companies to cancel health plans once the insured become sick.

If a company will not give you a number of days to study and scrutinize the documents, don’t even think of buying their product. Insurance policies often come with a lot of small print. You will need to read all of it before giving them your check or credit card number.

Tidying Up August 12th, 2009

Bess is tidying up her room today. She has been scolded by her Grandma over three times this week for not cleaning her room. Finally, she summoned enough energy and time to finally do so.

Starting with the carpet, Bess vacuumed the whole area a few times to make sure that the entire floor is dust free. She even made sure to vacuum under her bed and table too. Bess also emptied put his closet and rearranged shoe boxes, clothes, footwear and other items. She also made it a point to take out the unnecessary items and useless junk including old, unwearable clothes and small, out f style shoes.

Bess started to clean his vanity too. She chucked various beauty products that are empty and expired. She can’t believe she had been keeping those still. She arranged her makeup, perfumes, and creams as well as her ceramic hair straightener. Bess’ room was looking neat and tidy by the minute.

After the vanity, it was time to change the sheets and pillowcases. Bess also changed her curtains and dusted her bedside table, her figurines, guitar, DVDs, CDs and some of her stuffed toys. Bess’ room was finally clean, much to her grandmother’s pleasure.

Daniel Dan August 9th, 2009

Daniel Dan is having some friends over tonight. They will play some poker, watch some movies, and drink some beer. Daniel Dan has prepared enough food including buffalo wings, popcorn, nachos and sandwiches. He already had lots of cold beer in the fridge and cooler. Also, they were some wine and vodka on the kitchen counter.

It has been a year since he last saw his friends. Daniel Dan was out of the country for some Red Cross voluntary work and he just got back last week. Everyone is so excited to see Daniel Dan, they missed him while he was away.

Daniel Dan took out his portable power generators and set it up. He heard on the radio that there might be a power interruption tonight. He hoped that all of his friends will have a great time tonight. Maybe then, he can tell them the news.

Daniel Dan has married someone he met while doing voluntary work. But sadly, his wife died while giving birth to his son. It was about time that he moved on with his life and just concentrate on raising his son. He has left his son in the care of his parents for the night.

The Vacation August 6th, 2009

Kim is excited to go on a vacation with her parents. They are going to Hawaii for the first time and Kim can’t hardly wait.

They have a reservation at a very posh beach resort. Based on the brochures, the beach resort has a beautiful infinity pool that stretches out into the ocean. The place also has a large patio with an outdoor fire place and grill. The beach resort’s amenities include a day spa and massage parlor, scuba diving, snorkelling, banana boat ride and jet skiing.

As soon as Kim and her parents arrived at the beach resort, she ran towards the beach and got her feet wet. She also picked up some starfishes and shells to bring to her room. Kim spent her days swimming and making new friends. She even met a guy just her age and was Italian. She never met an Italian before and this excited Kim even more.

At times, she and her new friends would stay up late at night and just chill in the sand. They would make a large bonfire to keep them warm while exchanging stories. Kim and her parents stayed in the beach resort for two weeks. They had a really great time.

Typical Day August 3rd, 2009

At the office, Suzy was busy filing some paperworks. After ten minutes, she was done. Suzy was a secretary at an Accounting firm. She can be quite busy at times but today, everything was slow and calm. She was glad to have a bit of rest.

By ten in the morning, her boss came into the office. Suzy liked her boss, Ms. Steele. Ms. Steele is an intelligent, smart and beautiful woman. Her boss was not married but is currently dating. Suzy was fond of her boss as her boss was of her. They would sometimes spend lunch together and just talk about things. Yesterday, they discussed about a particular kitchen lighting design since Ms. Steele was currently doing a home remodelling project.

Suzy stood up and went to Ms. Steele’s office, she ask if her boss would like something to drink. Hot coffee or tea perhaps? Ms. Steele’s drink of choice varies every morning depending on her mood. Today, Ms. Steele chose cold orange juice.

By lunch time, Suzy was pooped. She was quite busy and still has not finished reconciling some accounts. She can’t wait to get home and soak in a warm bath. Suzy got up and stretched her neck and legs.