September, 2007
You are looking at posts that were written in the month of September in the year 2007.
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20 years since TNG
Categories: Star Trek; Tagged with: 20, countdown, star trek, the next generation, TNG
Star Trek: The Next Generation was truly remarkable. Through its seven amazing years, with its ups and downs, some of the greatest episodes in this science fiction series tackled issues in life today.
A few hours ago, TheStar.com (The Toronto Star) published an article with a top-20 countdown of things from Star Trek. I wouldn’t necessarily agree with everything, especially the ranking of The Inner Light, but it’s worth taking a look at. It’s called “20 things we love about Star Trek: The Next Generation“.
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Loading ...More changes
Categories: Geekie.org; Tagged with: arial, beta, changes, compression, CSS, design, font, geekie, JavaScript, optimization, test
Over the past few days, I’ve developed a few more ideas for Geekie.org that are being implemented. In addition to the obvious switch in wallpaper — from now on I’ll be swapping the background every once in a while — I’m also experimenting with fonts.
A user using the default theme on our web site can click on “Opt in to the Arial font beta” beneath the header title. Doing so will reload the page, and create a session variable that will show you the Arial design for as long as your session lasts. I didn’t use cookies for this particular feature, but it is a possibility. You can click to opt out if you don’t like it.
The Arial font beta will make most text a bit smaller. This usually isn’t a problem, but if it is for you, drop us a line (leave a comment) and let me know. Remember, you can always switch back.
I’ve also decided to start optimizing the site’s CSS and JavaScript files for efficiency. In the past, the site loaded way too slowly — even on a fast connection — but with the implementation of compression, and optimization, we should be getting better.
(1 votes, average: 1 out of 5) Loading ...PHP compression without ob_start
PHP compression is a popular feature that many have used over the years. Unfortunately, many have implemented the simple type of compression without reading what the online manual had to say - “note that using zlib.output_compression is preferred over ob_gzhandler().”
In this article, I will discuss the differences in implementation.
(2 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5) Loading ...Changes on Geekie.org
Categories: Geekie.org
Over the previous few days, we’ve made some not-so-subtle changes to the design of the site. Firstly, we’ve modified the header section to remove the unnecessary wallpaper-switching thumbnails — this will cut down on file size. At the same time, the slogan of the site has been changed to “Geeks and nerds unite!” Secondly, we’ve enabled zlib.compression, which should help reduce bandwidth, and have pages load more quickly. Thirdly, we’ve switched back to the original semi-transparent black scheme, which, by consensus, is a more pleasing appearance than the bright yellow theme. Fourthly, we’ve moved the sidebar back to the right side of the blog. Finally, we’ve changed the background to a mountain-reflection picture.
By removing the option to change wallpapers, we have reduced the worth of the WordPress theme, but due to the immense size of the Geekie.org site and design, it makes sense to us that users do not load every other wallpaper even if they have no intention of changing it. This also indicates a change in the size of the header, allowing for some content to be clearly visible above the fold.
zlib.compression is an important and useful feature of PHP that can compress the output of PHP files upon request, but only if the browser accepts compressed output. zlib.compression is more efficient than gzip_compress, and has many of the same benefits. Most users will not notice any difference, except those on extremely slow connections.
The WordPress theme used, Vistered Little, has many colour schemes, including black, silver, and yellow. We’ve experimented with yellow over the past few weeks, but are switching back to black for obvious aesthetic reasons. It is now understood that users prefer the black scheme.
The sidebar has useful functions for users of a blog. By moving it to the right side, we place more emphasis on the actual content — that is, the posts — rather than the menus. In any case, our shift should not drastically affect users.
Finally, we are attempting to find a good wallpaper that suits the majority of users, since they can no longer change their wallpaper preferences.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Insurance for individuals and families
Categories: Words of Logic
Most employees nowadays have some sort of employee benefit plan that includes insurance of some sort. Unfortunately, these employee benefit plans don’t cover everything.
Whether you’re a student, employee, parent, or more than one, insurance for protection is one of the key investments in life. (As long as you can avoid the scams.) Student insurance for those in high school is crucial for those involved in dangerous activities, such as contact sports. Auto insurance is necessary for all drivers. Home insurance would certainly be smart, and life insurance will help your family through a significant loss.
Insurance coverage in this era is important to protect individuals and families. That’s why Geekie.org has accepted the sponsorship of SecureInsuranceQuotes.com, a well-designed and well-targeted site with many articles and the advice of insurance experts.
It seems relatively straightforward to get a quote on this site. Despite the fact that a large deal of personal information is required, this company provides insurance rates on a well-designed (from a technological standpoint) web site.
The types of insurance offered by SecureInsuranceQuotes.com also include Health Insurance. Additionally, they have a searchable insurance broker directory.
Though Geekie.org doesn’t necessarily endorse this site, I do support anyone who decides to visit the site to get a little information. (Especially those who aren’t covered by the various sorts of insurance as they should be.)
This post is sponsored by SecureInsuranceQuotes.com.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...WordPress 2.3 nearly ready
Categories: PHP
WordPress, as one of the most popular blogging platforms available to be installed on any PHP/MySQL system, is getting ready to release another new version, 2.3. For anyone that is using 2.2, as we are, it is a new release that will bring improvements, bug fixes, and hopefully improved security.
The final release is prepared for Monday, September 24th, but you can download the current Release Candidate 1 at http://wordpress.org/wordpress-2.3-RC1.zip.
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