Scott Vinkle's Blog

First jQuery Plugin: containerHeight

2012-03-02T09:20:00.000-05:00

I just finished my first jQuery plugin. It's a very simple plugin which regulates the height of all matched elements. If you see anything wrong, please let me know!

(function($) {
    $.fn.containerHeight = function() {
        var max_value = 0;

        // Find max height from each matched element
        this.each(function() {
            var container = $(this);
            if (container.height() > max_value) {
                max_value = container.height();
            }
        });
        
        // Apply height to each matched element
        this.each(function() {
            $(this).height(max_value);
        });
    };
})(jQuery);

Call the plugin on any set of elements:

$(".box").containerHeight();

You can see it in action at JSFiddle, containerHeight.

5 Pieces of Tech Used Daily

2012-02-05T00:53:00.000-05:00

Here's a short list of technology I use on a daily basis. Enjoy!

Chrome

Google Chrome is my browser of choice. Its Webkit base ensures that I have all the latest HTML5 and CSS3 bells and whistles to play with. The Webkit web inspector is also a selling point. Unlike Firebug for Firefox, you don't have to install the inspector as a separate extension. It's available right from the get-go.

My favorite feature is Google sync. Sure, most browsers today feature some sort of bookmark sync service, but Chrome takes it a step further. It doesn't just sync bookmarks but also your extensions, plug-ins, history, bookmark favicons, and web apps. All your data is available seconds after first login, without any export/import process.

Gmail

I don't need to explain what Gmail is or why it's great. I'm confident you already know.

DropBox

I actually don't use Dropbox as much as I could. My main use is actually for desktop and mobile wallpaper sync. Since Dropbox syncs files right to your desktop file system, it's a convenient way to change and add new wallpapers to my collection.

Evernote

When I first loaded the web interface for Evernote, it quickly reminded me of a modern email application. One could make the argument that it almost is. Instead of sending messages to other people, you send them to yourself!

I use Evernote to take notes in meetings, save web clips, and to create grocery lists. Desktop and mobile apps are available, but I just stick with the web + mobile app combo to meet my needs.

Steam

If you play computer games, you probably use Steam already. All my games are through Steam, and with its Windows and Mac clients and cloud sync feature, gaming on almost any computer is simple and easy. Remember the days of CD-Rom installs, patching, patching and more patching, just so you could play the latest version of Counter-Strike with your friends? Yeah, me neither.

The best part about with Steam? Its crazy awesome sales! Games so cheap there's no excuse not to play!
The only problem with Steam? Its crazy awesome sales! Watch your e-wallet, it may empty a little too fast. ;-)

(Add me on Steam)

Nexus S Rooted

2011-10-01T02:13:00.000-04:00

I've been playing with my Nexus S for quite a few hours tonight. I went ahead and rooted the thing, something I was not planning on doing.

If you have the same device and are curious about the topic, here's the straight-forward video I watched to complete the task. It was a lot less painful than I would have thought.

I'm currently running a stock ROM with android 2.3.6. You can find the details on that ROM here: XDA-Developers Forum.

Enjoy!

Three Android App Updates That Need To Happen [Update]

2011-09-04T23:22:00.000-04:00

My Android device is awesome, but it's far from perfect. Here are some apps that need to be updated in order to make my life complete.

1. Netflix

Netflix is awesome. After the debacle that was the Netflix for Android release, I was sorely disappointed to discover the Netflix App was not available for download in my home country. Why is this? I'm a paying customer who would like to use the Netflix on my mobile device.

It's true you can find the netflix.apk for download elsewhere, but it still refuses to load a movie to play on my device.

Netflix, you know you're cool. I know you're cool. Many other movie and TV show loving Canadians know it as well. Netflix, please make this happen.

2. Comixology

Comics are awesome. Comixology makes acquiring and reading comics a pure joy. The problem I have is the Comixology Android app does not have (or is not allowed) access to any of the Marvel comics available through the service. I'm not sure exactly why this is but I once read somewhere that Marvel has some deal or is involved with Disney who is also in cahoots with Apple... I don't know. Put two and four together and it doesn't take a genius to figure out that Marvel has some sort of exclusive license to iOS devices only.

It was only recently that Marvel was made available through the Comixology web app. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate that Marvel comics are available on the web. That rocks. However, it would be grand if I was able to read my Dead Pool and New Avengers comics while slowly drifting away to sleepy land.

Marvel, Comixology, you both rule. Comixology, please, please update your app to allow access to my purchased Marvel comics!

3. XBMC Remote

XBMC is one piece of awesome. The XBMC Remote app for Android makes it even better. You know what would round out the whole package? If XBMC was ported/added to the Android app in order to play local and networked content, directly on my device. How awesome would that be? Stream video from your computer to your phone in bed. And while on your couch, be able to control XBMC on your TV, all from one app! That would rock, so hard.

XBMC, I <3 you. Please, make this happen!

Update: Both Netflix and Comixology have been updated since this post! Now only XBMC remains.

It's good to enjoy your work

2011-08-19T22:05:00.000-04:00

I've been really enjoying my work as of late. Sure, the projects have demanded tight deadlines which lead to long days, but I've been confident in my work. Confidence is something that eludes me quite often. What I'm been working on is front-end development for web sites. This includes the basic elements: HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Each component is necessary for a successful web site these days.

It seems like these technologies require just the right amount of challenge that I prefer. I don't have the creative skills for designing a site in Photoshop, nor do I poses the logic to handle most back-end tasks. When I work on the front-end I feel like I'm painting a digital picture with code. Each key stroke is a stroke of a brush. It's a digital painting for the whole world to consume (after testing and QA, of course).

I feel like I should spend more of my free time learning about each topic. I have a basic understanding of each, just enough to get me through the day. I don't think this is a good thing, given the calibre of sites that I work on. I need to improve my skill set in order to stay ahead of the game.

I work with some amazingly talented people. I think we look to each other for knowledge and inspiration. At least, I know I do. After that comes the Google search.

I'm not sure where I was going with this. I guess I just felt like writing something tonight.

The Android Story

2011-07-26T16:45:00.001-04:00

Infographic by Android Developers at [x]cubelabs

Shaun of the Dead

2011-04-03T11:19:00.000-04:00

I wasn't sure what this post would turn out to be but it seems to be a mini-review of sorts, with a DVD cover over there ->.

Shaun of the Dead is a fantastic movie. In the past 24 hours my flatmate and I have watched it three times. Count it, three (3). Once with commentary from Edgar Wright (director) and Simon Pegg (Shaun), again with commentary from the rest of the cast, finally the movie in all its glory.

It's an interesting movie that can appeal to many folks with different tastes. I find it features elements of; horror, comedy, action, suspense, thriller, and romance. It's brilliant in each form.

I'm sure anyone reading this has seen the film so I won't waste any more of your time here. You should go watch it again, with bubble tea.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365748/

First mobile post

2011-03-31T09:26:00.001-04:00

Posting this using the Blogger app for android. Seems to be pretty cool. Well back to work!

Obligitory first post!

2011-01-28T21:21:00.001-05:00

Yes, it has to be done. I have no choice in the matter.

FIRST!

Yeah, that was lame.

I've had a few blogs in the past. Will this one survive? Only time will tell.

Also, does anyone actually "blog" anymore?