Author: Bob Mixon
Arduino Launches a New Modular Platform for IoT Development
Arduino, the open-source hardware platform, yesterday (1/7/2020) announced the launch of a new low-code platform and modular hardware system for IoT development. The idea here is to give small and medium businesses the tools to develop IoT solutions without having to invest in specialized engineering resources.
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SharePoint Audience Targeting – It’s Back!
SharePoint audience targeting has been revamped and renewed, and it’s back! First I’ll tell you how it works, then for those of you who have been using SharePoint for years and remember the old way, I’ll tell you how it’s different. First of all, as of right now, December 2019, there is no audience targeting […]
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A Beginners Guide to Microcontrollers (by Jen Fox)
What do video game controllers, WiFi routers, and radios all have in common? Microcontrollers! Microcontrollers are what power many of our electronic devices and can be used to build all sorts of projects. They are also a fun way to learn and practice coding and building circuits! This beginner’s guide will walk you through popular […]
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The Nobel Peace Prize in Chemistry 2019 – Lithium-ion Batteries
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2019 was awarded jointly to John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino “for the development of lithium-ion batteries.” The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2019. NobelPrize.org
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Arduino and Raspberry Pi Project Ideas
I’ve decided to keep a list of sites and articles that provide instructions for building Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects. Below you will find a list of the sites I visit when searching for ideas and answers. As I find new resources, I will update this list. If you have a resource you’d like added […]
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Microsoft Flow Online Conference, Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Come and join some of the best teachers, trainers and Microsoft Flow MVP’s from around the world as they bring 9 hours of back-to-back Microsoft Flow training and tutorial sessions live and on-demand to you!
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Microsoft Teams is Your Hub for Teamwork
Skype for Business Online is retiring
As Microsoft Teams has become the core communications client for Office 365, we are announcing that Skype for Business Online will retire on July 31, 2021. After that time, the Skype for Business Online service will no longer be accessible or supported. For additional details and resources for planning your upgrade to Teams, read our blog post.
July 30, 2019 is National Cheesecake Day!
In case all you #Foodies out there are unaware, today is National Cheesecake Day. For me, this is obviously something that needs to be taken advantage of so I thought I’d share the recipe I use when making a cheesecake. If you’re making or having cheesecake today, don’t hide it … show us in the […]
Continue ReadingKnowledge Management (KM) Requires Records Management: The Role of Retention Schedules in Businesses with KM Programs
[toc] Daniel Anderson’s masters paper, for his degree at University of North Carolina, about the role of retention schedules in business with Knowledge Management (KM). Abstract “Knowledge management (KM) is revolutionizing the ways business and public institutions preserve institutional memory and knowledge sharing. Companies found KM important for competitive advantage in the marketplace, because it […]
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RMR2 Hunter Robot
[toc] I’ve built quite a few small robots over the years. Track driven with differential steering to small two wheel self-balancing. I wanted to build a robot/vehicle that could be a platform for different types of tests in the future. My initial thoughts are to include the following requirements. Requirements A modular build approach that […]
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Visual Studio Code – May 2019 (v1.35) Released
The Visual Studio Code team has released the May 2019 (v1.35) updates. Find the details here: https://code.visualstudio.com/updates/v1_35
Continue ReadingSharePoint + Flow (+ Azure Functions): Launching a Microsoft Flow from Client-Side Code
Microsoft MVP, Julie Turner, wrote (2017) a great article on how to launch a Microsoft Flow from client-side code. “The requirement seemed deceptively simple… and it was, somewhat… simple. I’ll start with showing you how very simple it is to launch a Microsoft Flow (“flow”) from your client-side code hosted, well… wherever. I will give […]
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Updated Features for Office 365 Admin Center – #48639
[toc] Updated feature: Microsoft 365 Admin Center Major update: General Availability rollout started Applied to: All customers The Microsoft 365 admin center, available at admin.microsoft.com, is the common entry point for managing all your Microsoft 365 services. We’ll begin rolling out the new Microsoft 365 admin center with enhanced features and functionality in April. This […]
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Change Raspberry Pi Password
[toc] I’m setting up a new Raspberry Pi this morning and one of the first things I do with any new Pi is change the pi user password. Doing so is a very simple task. Sources of Information Much of this information comes from the following articles. Official Raspberry Site – Linux Users (add, edit […]
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5v and 3.3v Breadboard Power Supply
[toc] One thing I do quite a bit of is testing and development on both the Arduino micro-controller and Raspberry Pi micro-computer. I have a few different test environments and they all use some sort of breadboard. When I’m using multiple controllers/computers, sensors and input devices, I need the breadboards to be powered. This can, […]
Continue Reading3.14 – National Pi Day
Today is National Pi Day! Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi). Pi Day is observed on March 14 (3/14 in the month/day format) since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant digits of π. In 2009, the United States House of Representatives supported the designation of Pi […]
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DHT22/AM2302 Temperature and Humidity Sensor Accuracy
[toc] Earlier this week I wrote an article about how to use the DHT22/AM2302 temperature and humidity sensor with interrupts on an Arduino.; you can see that article here. After spending more time with the DHT22/AM2302 sensor, I’ve learned the humidity part of the sensor is not accurate at all. The temperature part of the […]
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Arduino: Read DHT22/AM2302 Temperature and Humidity Sensor Using Interrupts
[toc] There are many sites where you can find Arduino schematics and code to read a temperature and humidity sensor then display that data on the Serial Monitor. I have not worked with the (more accurate) DHT22/AM2302 sensors and wanted to test them. In addition, I will be demonstrating how to use interrupts (instead of […]
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RMRoboTest: Let the Journey Begin
Over the last year or so I’ve been toying around with the idea of building a robot test platform. Because everything I build has to have a name, I have coined this “RMRoboTest”!
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DRDUINO Arduino UNO Starter Kit
Recently I purchased a DRDUINO Arduino UNO Starter Kit. I saw it on Facebook and thought it might be a great tool for testing new circuits and Arduino Sketches (programs).
Continue ReadingSPWebApplication Class
[toc] Namespace Microsoft.SharePoint.Administration Assembly Microsoft.SharePoint.dll A SharePoint Server web application is composed of an Internet Information Services (IIS) web site that acts as a logical unit for the site collections that you create. Before you can create a site collection, you must first create a Web application. Each web application is represented by a different […]
Continue ReadingExport-SPAllSitesForMigration
[toc] Function Name Export-SPAllSitesForMigration Download Source Code Export-SPAllSitesForMigration.zip Description The code in this module will gather all site collections in your farm and write the details to a CSV file. The CSV file will be formatted to support a migration effort. Parameters Parameter Name $CsvFilename Data Type [System.String] Required Yes Description Use this parameter to specify […]
Continue ReadingChicken and Dumplings Recipe by Ree Drummond
Yesterday we tried Ree Drummond’s Chicken and Dumplings recipe. I made a few small modifications, described below, but other than that it’s one of the best Chicken and Dumplings recipe I’ve ever tried. And it’s so simple to make. I watch Ree Drummond on Food Network TV quite often and really enjoy the show. I’ve […]
Continue ReadingSharePoint 2016 Site Templates and ID’s
I’m constantly needing a list of all the site templates available in SharePoint 2016. I decided to start maintaining this list on my blog so I don’t have to search for it anymore. Note – I did not come up with this list in a vacuum. I’m making updates here but the original list came […]
Continue ReadingSharePoint Sites versus Webs
SharePoint Sites versus Webs This is a post I wrote long ago for my previous blog. I’ve been asked what the difference is between Site and Web; here I’m going to tackle that question head on! First and foremost, Microsoft didn’t make the differentiation of these two easy to follow as they use the terms […]
Continue ReadingPowerShell and SharePoint Modules
[toc] There are a lot of posts about creating modules, for SharePoint, in PowerShell. I decided to write this post so everything I’ve learned is in one place. I’m hoping you learn something from this (as I did). I have tested the code in this article in SharePoint On-premise 2010, 2013 and 2016. Modules do […]
Continue ReadingDocument Libraries and Folders
I am asked on a regular basis how I feel about the use of Document Library folders. To be honest, I always tell people “avoid them” unless you thoroughly understand the consequences of using folders or have a controlled means of promoting consistent use. This response always stirs up controversy so I thought I’d write […]
Continue ReadingRed Wine Braised Short Ribs
This is one of my favorite meals; so flavorful, moist and tender! Served with potatoes, rice or grits makes for a relaxing dinner. Ingredients 5 pounds bone-in beef short ribs, cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 medium onions, chopped 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped […]
Continue ReadingLegacy Aviation 72″ Muscle Coupe – Build Day 1
Last week I saw that Extreme Flight/Legacy Aviation released a new 72″ Muscle Coupe and it looked really cool, so I had to have one. The red and white scheme really caught my eye so its the one I selected. I opened the box when it arrived earlier this week and immediately noticed the build […]
Continue ReadingGrandma’s Perfect Caramels
Soft, chewy, and melt in your mouth caramel is the perfect candy to set out for guests or gift giving. With only a few staple ingredients and a little bit of time, homemade candy has never been easier. Ingredients 1 cup granulated sugar ¾ cup corn syrup ½ cup unsalted butter 1 cup heavy cream […]
Continue ReadingSupport Your Local Organic Farmer
Looking for fresh, organic herbs from a farm near you? The following directory is a list of recommended certified organic local herb growers with fewer than 40 acres in cultivation, sorted by region. I’ve always encouraged folks to buy fresh and to buy local, support your local economy. Take a look at the directory here […]
Continue ReadingPowerShell: Retrieve All Sites With or Without Personal Sites (MySites)
[toc] I love using the pipeline in PowerShell. Recently I was in a situation where, if a PS script what a one-liner I didn’t have to submit it through the review/approval/change management process. Its amazing what you can do in PowerShell in a single line of code! Retrieve all site collections, for all web applications […]
Continue ReadingMom’s Shortbread Cookies
I was very lucky to have a mom who was not only a great mom, but a great cook too! I always enjoyed the holiday season because mom and the other wonderful cooks in our family tree broke out their mixers, cookie sheets and delicious recipes. One of my all-time favorites was (and still is) […]
Continue ReadingCountry Style Pork Ribs
Found a great buy on Country Style Pork Ribs and its hard for to pass that up. A great Country Style Pork Ribs is about 1 pount per rib with fat marbled throughout. Its that fat that makes them taste so good. I’ve always said, fat makes everything taste delicious. So, if you were hoping […]
Continue ReadingJamaican Jerk Chicken
The other night I had a craving for Jamaican Jerk Chicken. I’ve made this recipe before and it’s so good, I just had to make it again. However, this time I decided to share it with you. Jerk Marinade This marinade will make enough for 10 to 12 chicken thighs. I always cook extra because […]
Continue ReadingKale, Sausage and Potato Soup
Rainy days and soup. IMHO, that’s comfort food at its best. Kale? I always thought Kale was inedible and even rarely used as a garnish. However, I remember my first experience eating Zuppa Toscana Soup at Olive Garden. All of my previous thoughts about Kale went away. That soup was amazing. And served with their […]
Continue ReadingChicken Piccata, Jasmati Rice and Peas
Tonight I made Chicken Piccata, Jasmati Rice with Garlic and Shallot and Peas for dinner. It turned out very good, so I thought I would share it with you. Chicken Piccata Ingredients 3 Skinless and boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and then cut in half Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper All-purpose flour, for dredging […]
Continue ReadingDebugging SharePoint Issues and ULS Log Files
I often see administrators and developers new to SharePoint find debugging difficult and complex. When working with SharePoint, log files are your friend. In large on-premise farms, locating issues within large log files can be time consuming and sometimes difficult. When I am presented with an error that contains a correlation ID, I first resort […]
Continue ReadingPerfect Breakfast Potatoes
I was eating brunch at a restaurant, in Fresno, this last week and breakfast potatoes that were hard and seemed undone. If you have ever had this problem with your potatoes, here is a guide for making the perfect potatoes. This technique doesn’t have to be just for breakfast potatoes, I use it for scalloped […]
Continue ReadingAutoSPInstaller: SharePoint 2013 March 10, 2015 CU (KB2956166)
[toc] The AutoSPInstaller tool is not something I’ve written about in the past. I’m not sure why because its a fantastic tool and I use it on a regular basis. In general, it is a PowerShell based SharePoint installation tool. If you are unfamiliar with it, I do recommend you take a look at it […]
Continue ReadingSplit Pea Soup
[toc]There have been a few times in my life when I ask “where have you been all my life?”. Okay, okay its happened more than once. But my point is, why do I wait so long before I make this soup? Sure, I live in Arizona now, and its hot; but who cares? Peas and […]
Continue ReadingEvolution of SharePoint
Interesting article, from Julia White, general manager for the Office Product Management team, about the Evolution of SharePoint. Exciting times ahead! Excerpt from Intro: “In the conversations I have with customers and partners, I’m often asked how SharePoint will evolve in Office 365, and what the future holds for SharePoint on-premises. As we move into […]
Continue ReadingRedirect Users to a New Location Automatically
[toc] Recently, while working with a client, I noticed they had purchased a 3rd party web part to redirect users from one location to another. There are other posts that describe a simple, out of box, solution; however, I wanted to include it here for my readers and clients. There isn’t any need to write […]
Continue ReadingCountry Sausage and Gravy, Grits and Poached Eggs
I was in the mood for brunch today so I decided to make Country Sausage and Gravy, Grits and Poached Eggs. It’s quick, simple and, oh so, delicious! I absolutely love grits. However, by themselves, they can be bland and boring. The next time you make grits, consider spicing them up; the possibilities are endless. […]
Continue ReadingeBook – SharePoint Governance Best Practices, by Christian Buckley
Christian Buckley, Metalogix, has released a new eBook covering SharePoint Governance Best Practices. This is a great read and I highly recommend it. Click here to get the free eBook…
Continue Reading10 Key Elements of Enterprise Information Architecture (#IA) – #3 Presentation
This article is the third in a series of ten that will help you better understand the 10 key elements of Enterprise Information Architecture. To read the previous articles and the complete table of contents in this series, please click here. Presenting Information The manner in which information is presented can dramatically improve its value. […]
Continue Reading10 Key Elements of Enterprise Information Architecture (#IA) – #2 Understanding
This article is the second in a series of ten that will help you better understand the 10 key elements of Enterprise Information Architecture. To read the first article and the complete table of contents in this series, please click here. Understanding Information Understanding information is the most important aspect of Information Architecture. Before we […]
Continue ReadingContent Categorization – Common Categorization and Grouping Mistake
Staying in alignment with my 10 Key Elements of Enterprise Information Architecture, this article will describe a common categorization and grouping mistake I see on a regular basis. With regards to content categorization and grouping, a common mistake I see is storing and managing all documents of similar type, across ownership boundaries, in to a […]
Continue Reading10 Key Elements of Enterprise Information Architecture (#IA) – #1 Content Categorization
This article is the first in a series of ten that will help you better understand the 10 key elements of Enterprise Information Architecture (#IA).
Information Architecture consists of many techniques and principals that are required to ultimately add value to day-to-day business operations. When we look at everything involved with Information Architecture, it can be overwhelming and complex. For these reasons, I have broken down Information Architecture in to the following 10 Key Elements. These are by no means all inclusive but what can be considered the most important.
Continue ReadingWordX Add-in for Mindjet 14
Olympic Unlimited has released a new version of their Microsoft Word export add-in for Mindjet 14, MindManager map files. Named WordX, this add-in allows you to assign a specific Word template, mark topics for export then export your map. As many of you already know, I use Mindjet 14 (MindManager) extensively to document SharePoint designs. […]
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