Monthly Archives: July 2013

Xerox laying off again

Posted on July 2, 2013 by robertwilkie

Saw this coming, 2 call centers in Texas are laying off, 440 and 80 folks (total 520).  Just as I predicted since Xerox typically does this when it opens a new center, it closes and old one. http://www.ktsm.com/news/xerox-call-center-lay-439-employees http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2013/07/01/xerox-to-terminate-81-houston-call.html  

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There is no shortage of engineers?

Posted on July 1, 2013 by robertwilkie

Some joker prof in Stanford is saying there is a shortage of engineers and we need to bring more in. OK in Silicon Valley, there is ALWAYS a shortage, but if those companies started looking around the country, you will … Continue reading →

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3D printed cast

Posted on July 1, 2013 by robertwilkie

Wow what a good idea, using a 3D printer to make a custom cast that is breathable.  I wonder how long this will take to get thru the FDA. http://gizmodo.com/its-almost-worth-breaking-your-arm-for-this-crazy-3d-618059549

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Turn a soda bottle into an airsoft machine gun

Posted on July 1, 2013 by robertwilkie

The video is worth watching as the authors pop bottle goes crazy shooting out the pellets. http://hackedgadgets.com/2013/06/30/diy-pop-bottle-airsoft-machine-gun/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HackedGadgets+%28Hacked+Gadgets%29

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Make a starfish like air rubber gripper

Posted on July 1, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting build, looks nicer than the balloon with coffee grinds solution (and cleaner). http://www.instructables.com/id/Air-Powered-Soft-Robotic-Gripper/

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Another interesting Stirling Engine build

Posted on July 1, 2013 by robertwilkie

Good write-up on how to make a simple stirling engine. http://www.instructables.com/id/A-Working-Old-Timey-Stirling-Engine-Hand-tools-/  

Posted in Teaching and Learning, Tinkering | Comments Off on Another interesting Stirling Engine build