Z-Car

Ramblings about everything from Cars to Computers

Database Admin Controller for Code Igniter and Ext JS 4

By Jimmy February 3, 2012 MySQL, Programming, Software 5 Comments

I have been using Code Igniter and Ext JS 4 for several months. In that time, I have created a couple basic templates to display MySQL tables and perform CRUD on those tables. In addition, I have wanted to create some basic admin screens for the Core Igniter configured databases. In my configuration, I have multiple databases defined, using Code Igniter’s built-in support for multiple database access. So, given all of that, I have created a controller that will display all Code Igniter configured databases, list the contained tables, and allow you to display and edit those tables.

Right now the basic template supports simple pagination, as well as Adding, Deleting, and Updating records. While fairly full-featured, it does not yet handle remote sorting. In addition, I am sure you will find some minor display issues with data fields that are not your standard integer or varchar. I will look to address these later. As an added bonus, the template references Ext JS remotely, so you do not need to install Ext JS 4 for these admin screens to work. If you are interested in giving Ext JS 4 a try, this is a great way to explore with it.

One feature of this controller is that the panel for the table admin is dynamically generated. This will allow you to save the created JS file, and modify it to suit your needs. You can easily create very custom screens from this generated template.

If you would like to see updates, or have any issues, leave me a message here and I will try to address them.

You can download the zip file here.

To install, just add the enclosed files to your controllers and views directory and make sure you have a valid database configured.

Infiniti G35x Belt Replacement

By Jimmy January 29, 2012 Cars, DIY, Infiniti No Comments

This is a pretty simple procedure.

1) Remove belly pan
2) Loosen both idler pulley lock nuts
3) Turn tension adjusting bolt to loosen the belt
4) Remove old belts
5) Replace new belts
6) Tighten tension adjusting bolts
7) Tighten idler pulley lock belts
8) Congratulate yourself for saving $150.

Alternator Belt – 11720-4P102
Compressor Belt – 11920-AG900

Should I hire a SEO consultant? – Search Engine Marketing in Maryland, DC, and Virginia

By Prodromus January 19, 2012 Pro Bono, SEO - Search Engine Optimization No Comments

A common question that I get from many clients is should they invest in a SEO consultant? In most cases, I encourage folks to save their money and focus on the standard SEO best practices. But, if a client does not have the time, or a staff, then by all means hire someone to help out. However, do NOT believe the hype. There are very few magic bullets or tricks that will get you a legitimate high ranking that will not eventually get crushed by Google if the find you “cheating”. Focus on White Hat SEO, focus on content, focus on your customers, and if you follow those rules, you will typically be rewarded by the search gods.

Don’t fall for paid link programs, make sure you understand what your SEO firm is doing, and check up on them. Many practices that SEO firms will advocate will eventually cause problems due to Google eventually catching your cheating. If you are a SEO SPAMer, it is no big deal, just change your domain, and start again. However, if you are a reputable company, you are putting your Internet Reputation on the line. If the SEO pitch is too good to be true, don’t believe it. If you want to see how even big companies can get crushed, read about how JC Penny seriously harmed their Internet Reputation by not closely watching what their SEO consultant was doing.

Did you know that over 20% of all search queries are now being generated by mobile devices? And, in many of these cases, the search results are heavily influenced by the customer’s location. No matter what business you are in, it is even more important that your business is visible, and preferably at the top. And in areas like the Maryland, DC, Virginia region, optimizing your site to reflect where customers could be searching from is important. You can’t just provide your business address and hope customers can guess what areas you may service. Make it clear where your service areas are.

And, while talking about your address, a couple of tips are in order. First, make your address and phone number easy to read, and to copy and paste. Do not embed your address in a graphic. Yes, I have seen this, and if I had known the designer that did it I would have fired them. Interestingly, the address for this company was Thomas Johnson Drive in Frederick, Maryland. I tried to copy and paste, but no luck. Guess how I typed it into Google? That is right, Thomas JEFFERSON! Mobile search fail…

If you are still interested in finding some help with your SEO projects, drop us an email. We would be happy to help you find the proper resource.

Apple Bumper a rip-off – Best Cheap iPhone bumper/case

By Jimmy January 18, 2012 Electronics, Other No Comments

Like most new iPhone 4 buyers, I knew that I had to purchase a bumper to insure no antenna issues, and I wanted something to protect my fancy new purchase, especially since I have a tendency to drop small expensive items. So, I told the sales guy to ring up a black bumper and I would be on my way. Imagine my surprise when I got home and realized I paid $29 for a shockingly small amount of rubber stretched around my iPhone!

At least I was happy with my new phone, and the bumper did perform as advertised, it kept my phone safe, provided a grippy handle, and masked any antenna problems. However, after six months it finally started to fall apart.

Being cheap, I just found it very difficult to accept that I would need to budget $30 every six months to the gods at Cupertino. So, while placing an order for live crickets or some such on Amazon, I decided to buy a couple different cases and try and figure out which I liked better. And, as a bonus I would have the opportunity to share my findings with the two other folks who read this blog.

The first up was the Apple iPhone 4 Semi-Hard Polymer Crystal Case – Smokey for a cool $3.49. This one was a bit of surprise, as I was expecting a softer (semi-hard?) feel. In fact, this was the sturdiest of the three I tested. While I am confident that it would do a good job protecting the phone, and it feels solid when gripping, it was a bit too industrial for my tastes. But, I would use this as a back-up in a pinch if needed, no doubt.

The Yellow and Black Premium Bumper Case for the Apple iPhone 4 for AT&T was a tasty $2.99. Really, how could you go wrong at this price? The bumper slipped on with no problems, all teh buttons worked perfectly. But, it had a fatal flaw for me. The iPhone connecter in my car would not fit through the opening in the bottom. The newer iPhone cable fitted fine. I am tempted to do some minor surgery to fix this over-sight. When completed, I will post an update. If you only use the standard iPhone cable, this bumper will do the job for you, and it is an order of magnitude cheaper than the Apple original.

The last case I tried as the most expensive (if you can call it that), and the one going into the test that I expected to win. That case is the Incipio NGP for iPhone 4/4S in Matte Black at a still very affordable $12.55. This case is solid all the way around. It is actually a case rather then just a bumper, it features an enclosed back. The unit is made out of a very tough plastic that still has a bit of a rubber feel. I am really enjoying this case, and again, the price is right.

As always, I am a huge fan of Amazon Prime. The fact that I can buy a quality bumper for under $3 and have it shipped to my door in two days is really a pretty amazing thing. Each of these cases/bumpers is a good value, I think most folks would be happy with any one of them, and at the rock bottom prices, but one of each like I did and pick your favorite. You can then use the other two as backups, or switch it up every now and then to give your phone a new feel.

Does Newt Gingrich look like Dwight Schrute? Picture of both

By Jimmy January 18, 2012 Humor, Politics No Comments

Some folks are claiming that Dwight and Newt are one and the same person. I find this hard to believe. Certainly the age difference seems to be a factor, and, as everyone knows Dwight is a beet farmer from Pennsylvania while Newt was a College Professor from Georgia.

Some folks will claim that it is not really Dwight, but the actor Rainn Wilson who is the true Doppelgänger.

What do you think folks, do you see a resemblance?

Verizon FIOS – Fuse HD, Fox Soccer HD and other channels not coming in

By Jimmy January 16, 2012 DIY, Repair No Comments

The other day I was watching Fuse HD, I know, but I like to watch the music videos in the background while working. Suddenly the screen went black and I got a searching for channel message. I thought that was odd, and figured Verizon was having a glitch. After a couple days, I noticed that it never came back. I contacted Verizon Tech Support, but as usual they were not very helpful.

I should add that I have a Tivo with a cable card, although it has worked flawless since originally installed. I tried rebooting the Tivo, but no luck. I did a quick Google search to see if Verizon perhaps dropped Fuse, but Verizon claimed that they did not, and I should be receiving it with my subscription.

Once again I did some searching, and found some posts that seemed to indicate that this was a somewhat common problem with FIOS. Others were reporting missing channels, the most common were E HD (696), IFC HD (734), Hallmark HD, MLB Network, YES, SNY, Fuse HD, and Fox SoccerHD. So, I did not have a solution, but felt somewhat better knowing that this seemed to be a common problem and I was not alone.

Finally, I stumbled on the solution. It appears that Fuse HD and Fox Soccer HD are both on 69Mhz, which I have been told is one of the lower frequencies, and one that is commonly affected by noise on the cable line. The suggestion was to look for leakages between the ONT (Optical Network Terminal), splitters, jacks, and receiver. I had recently moved one of the splitters, so that was the first place I checked. Sure enough, the incoming cable was loose, and as I was tightening it, the picture came right in! Apparently, others have found that some of the older ONT units (MOT 611 IIR) have a known problem with passing the lower frequencies, so if a simple jack tightening does not solve your problem, you may want to also look into this.