Darnell Clayton

Sometimes, I Just Feel Like "Googling Myself"

2008-07-13T20:47:00.000-04:00

(Image Credit: Bloomberg News, via Business Week)

For those of you who are not into geek lingo, the phrase "Googleing oneself" basically means typing in your name (first and last) into Google in order to see what appears.

This is a good exercise, as many employers, potential clients and friends will do a quick Google search on you in order to see what appears.

Example: When I Google Darnell Clayton, a bunch of "relevent" links appear, most of which deal with me. Unfortunately, there are a few random ones that appear--ironically dealing with other people named Darnell Clayton.

Here are just a few "unrelated Darnell Clayton's" that appear when I Google my own name.

Darnell Clayton on LinkedIn: This Darnell Clayton is located in Georgia (the US state, not the country) and is currently a Senior Information Architect.
The Polish Darnell Clayton on Facebook: I think this page is the polish version of Facebook (since "pl" represents Poland online).
The Male supermodel Darnell Clayton: This guy apparently was reviewed by a blogger, and I think this is also his Facebook profile too.

None of these guys are me, and if you were having a hard time telling the difference, here are a few clues for you:

I no longer have a LinkedIn profile (note: I previously had one, but found other social networks to be better).
I don't speak Polish--although I am trying to learn Hebrew.
My body isn't sexy enough to be a male model--even with the six pack (note: not that I would ever consider becoming one anyways)

Ironically, one of the reasons I bought DarnellClayton.com was to help avoid this confusion (at least online) of who the real me was all about.

I would recommend other people doing the same thing, as the last thing you need is a future employer/client mistaking you for a high tech geek who poses in fashion magazines during "the night shift." ;-)

My Pillow Died

2008-07-08T00:51:00.001-04:00

The washing machine has officially killed my pillow. The one that I've
had since I was a child. Utter sadness. :-(

Just Saw WALL-E...

2008-07-05T21:36:00.000-04:00

...and I think it was one of the best movies that I have seen in a very long time (at least as far as animated kid films go).

If you have not seen it, I would highly recommend taking your friends (and family) and check out this film. It puts Toy Story and Finding Nemo to shame.

Dude! Verizon CEO Is Pissed (About The iPhone)

2008-06-27T23:16:00.001-04:00

Is it me, or can you sense the jealousy in his response?

(C | NET) The head of the telecom giant seemed a bit irritated about Apple's march into the mobile phone industry when he answered a question posed by the Financial Times about Apple's chances of reaching the mass market with the iPhone 3G by saying, "There goes the conspiracy again. You're declaring them a winner before they've earned it on the field."

Seidenberg's main contention seems to be that the iPhone isn't a success because it has such a small share of the overall mobile phone market, which is sort of like arguing that GM is more successful than Ferrari because they sell more cars. While it's true that Apple has a long way to go before it dominates the U.S. mobile phone industry to the degree that Verizon does, it's only been a year.

Someone sounds a little upset against Apple. Later on, when talking about Verizon's "plan" against Apple he ends the article by saying:

"Steve Jobs eventually will get old...I like our chances," Seidenberg told the FT.

Sheesh! Talk about bitter! Instead of providing snarky remarks, why doesn't Seidenberg actually team up with an awesome smart phone--you know like HTC Touch Diamond or even convince LG to make another phone (as their Voyager was a let down).

And he wonders why people like me left Verizon for AT&T/Cingular (hint: it had nothing to do with customer service).

For all the iPhone wonders/doubters/apple haters out there, you will not be disappointed with this phone. After using it for about three months (note: has it been this long?) I can not honestly figure out how I used a cell phone before without full access to the internet, a real music player/organizer and visual voicemail.

Not to mention the fact that I can customize it with almost 2,000 web apps! (soon to be downloadable!)

So unless you live in Canada I would highly recommend this phone to everyone! Well, except for Seidenberg that is.

Blogger Fix: Inserting Star Ratings (For Custom Templates)

2008-06-27T14:43:00.002-04:00

While it's awsome to see Google unleashing new features within Blogger, if you are unable to implement them within your own blog, you may find yourself catching the dreaded "Google Derangement Syndrone" (aka GDS) where every other phrase is "Google is so Fraking stupid" (or something like that).

In order to avoid this contagious disease (which first broke out in Redmond, WA), you need to find solutions to problems--and today's problem is implementing the star rating system within your customized Blogger blog (aka BlogSpot).

After logging into your blog, first click on Layout, then Page Elements.

Then scroll down to the Blog Posts page element, and click on the Edit link.

A new window shold appear. Next, check mark the Show Star Ratings box...

...then scroll down and rearrange where you want the star ratings to appear.

Save your changes, then click on the Edit HTML section (which should still be underneath the Layout tab).

Next you need to BACK UP YOUR TEMPLATE! I would recommend either copy & pasting your entire code within Google Docs or Note Pad (highly recommended) by clicking on the Expand Widgets Template box...

...then holding the Ctrl button while pushing the letter "A", then the Ctrl button again while pushing the letter "C" and once over into Google Docs or Note Pad push the Ctrl button and the letter "V".

You can also just simply download the template to your computer as well by clicking the Download Full Template link underneath the Backup / Restore Template section.

After backing up your template, scroll down towards the bottom left of the screen and hit the Revert widget templates to default link.

A "questionnaire" should appear (note: hey that rhymed!) informing you that this will change all of your widget changes, although your data will be safe.

Simply click the OK button to continue, then save the changes to your blog.

That's it! Now you should have the star ratings system in your blog.

You will also notice a few changes with your blog layout, which you can easily correct since you wisely backed up your template (if went against my advice, then you are a ~~fool~~ person who doesn't like taking my advice).

If you still have any questions, feel free to comment below. Enjoy! ;-)

Update: Inserted image for clarity.

Update 2: Also, for those of you trying to get the comment form working, Amanda has provided an excellent solution over here.

Highlander On Hulu! Sweet!

2008-06-26T21:26:00.001-04:00

What can be better than a bunch of guys (and some girls) swinging swords at each other without a care in the world?

Okay, a lot of things can be better than that. But it looks as if Hulu.com has added all six seasons of Highlander! :-)

Here is the first episode below (note: for those of you outside the US, you can use Open Hulu to view these shows).

I Love Chinese Food!

2008-06-15T13:57:00.000-04:00

I could eat it all day! :-)

Dream Car Come True? (Aptera)

2008-06-03T20:30:00.003-04:00

Imagine a car that can go 300 miles a gallon (120 miles for electric). Well, imagine no further...

While the Venture Vehicle is still the car I am eying, although I think the Aptera comes in at a close second...mainly because its more expensive. ;-)

Video: Clinton Supports Are Restless?

2008-06-01T18:34:00.001-04:00

(Via HotAir.com)

I guess it looks as if the Democratic convention is going to be a little bit more exciting than I thought this year.

Perhaps I should pre-order tickets to Denver?

Today, Tasmanian Tigers, Tomorrow Velociraptors?

2008-05-19T22:28:00.001-04:00

Just came across this article from Hot Air (note: Yeah, I know its my favorite political site).

(The Guardian) In a breakthrough Jurassic Park-like experiment, scientists have resurrected genes from the Tasmanian tiger - a meat-eating marsupial that became extinct more than 70 years ago - by injecting them into mouse embryos. [...]

Researchers at the University of Melbourne and Texas University in Houston extracted DNA from four 100-year-old museum specimens, including three preserved in alcohol, the journal PLjoS One reported. They isolated a string of genes from each and injected it into early-stage mouse embryos. Tests on the growing mice revealed that a gene from the Tasmanian tiger called Col2a1 had switched on and was driving the growth of bone and cartilage in the young animals.

I wonder what scientists will think of next?

Video: Hillary And Obama (SNL)

2008-05-19T18:00:00.002-04:00

And people wonder why "half" the country watches Saturday Night Live....

Meanwhile, their are rumors that Hillary's supporters are bribing super delegates. Sigh.

(Hat tip: Hot Air)

Never Touch A Black Geek's Radio!

2008-05-14T14:20:00.004-04:00

I just received this email from Tim Westergren, a founder of Pandora.

What is Pandora you say? It's basically a Google version of internet radio, where the station gradually finds out what type of music you love, and then adjusts all of the songs to fit your style.

Anyways, here is the email I received:

(Pandora) I'm writing today to urgently ask for your help. Our future and that of all webcasters is being threatened by the actions of the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). In an effort to cripple Internet radio they have defied Congressional direction to negotiate reasonable performance fees and are trying to shut us down.

In spite of overwhelming opposition, including from thousands of musicians, they have blatantly pursued a strategy of undermining the process, making outrageous demands, and trying to run out the clock, hoping we will just quietly fade away. There is only one way to stop this violation of the public trust, and that is by mobilizing the collective will of our listening audience. [...]

When you call, please tell them your home town, and ask them to support the Brownback Internet Radio Equality amendment that will be considered in the Judiciary Committee this Thursday.

This amendment sets webcasting royalties at the same level as those paid by satellite radio, which would compensate musicians fairly and allow web radio to survive. For more info on the bill, please visit: www.savenetradio.org

Even though I listen to most of my music through my iPhone, this bill could potentially affect another site that I use called FlyTunes which I use on my phone.

If the RIAA succeeds in demolishing these web radio stations, I could be forced with the reality of not having music on my iPhone as well as my PC to listen to, which would not make this geek very happy.

So, if your Senator is on the Judiciary Committee (I'm talking to you Americans here) feel free to call them up and tell them to support Brownback's bill, or face the wrath this November.

(Image Credit: RKNA)

Good News From Iraq?

2008-05-10T18:44:00.002-04:00

Wow, this is something you don't hear everyday...at least on TV.

(McClatchy Washington Bureau) BAGHDAD — Followers of rebel cleric Muqtada al Sadr agreed late Friday to allow Iraqi security forces to enter all of Baghdad's Sadr City and to arrest anyone found with heavy weapons in a surprising capitulation that seemed likely to be hailed as a major victory for Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki.

In return, Sadr's Mahdi Army supporters won the Iraqi government's agreement not to arrest Mahdi Army members without warrants, unless they were in possession of "medium and heavy weaponry."

The agreement would end six weeks of fighting in the vast Shiite Muslim area that's home to more than 2 million residents and would mark the first time that the area would be under government control since Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003. On Friday, 15 people were killed and 112 were injured in fighting, officials at the neighborhoods two major hospitals said.

The more Iraqi's can take control of their country, the sooner American forces (or rather at least the bulk of them) can return home.

I know many of my friends want the US to pull out immediately, regardless, but that is in my honest opinion insane.

Whether for better or worse, we liberated/invaded that country (depending on your point of view) and we "Fathered" its democracy. It is our responsibility to see this nation succeed, the same way we have helped Israel, Japan and Germany.

Anything less is pretty much unacceptable, and at best cowardly.

(hat tip: Hot Air)

Sweet! iPhone Battery Extender (Within 24 Hours)

2008-05-08T21:40:00.002-04:00

It looks like I can finally order my iPhone battery extender via Mophie, as there never seems to be enough energy for the phone to go around.

Here is a video review, courtesy of iPhone Buzz:

I'll have to put this on the "must have by next month" list, as I am cash right now (or rather I have the cash, although I don't feel like breaking my budget).

(Hat Tip: Macworld)

No Domain Love For Me?

2008-05-08T21:31:00.003-04:00

I guess now I am receiving a 404 error when visiting my domain. Oh well...at least Google responded.

~Darnell

Update: And we're back up!

CBS Highlights Israel's Air Force (Video)

2008-05-03T13:02:00.003-04:00

(Hat Tip: IsraelPolik)

Here is a video highlighting the Israeli Air Force from CBS.

No doubt the Iranians are watching this video as well, although I hope they "take the hint" as the last thing we need is another war in the middle east (as I do not think Israel is going to lose it, especially if Hillary gets elected).

Be Right Back...

2008-05-02T12:29:00.002-04:00

This site should be back up before lunchtime is over (which means I have 30 minuets to correct a DNS error).

~Darnell

Update (5/3): Well, I was not able to fix it, but I did report it to Google, and they will take a look at it next week. :-)

A New Version Of Google Earth? Sweet!

2008-04-16T14:44:00.002-04:00

It looks as if Google has launched a new version of Google Earth! Check out the video below.

(Google LatLong) What good would fancy new navigation controls be if there wasn't something new to look at? While we're regularly adding new user-created SketchUp buildings submitted through 3D Warehouse, we decided to take things up a notch for this release by including photo-realistic models for dozens of new cities. Take a spin around Tokyo, Munich, or Boston to get a taste. We've also significantly enhanced our approach to rendering 3D data to greatly improve performance and realism.

I'll have to play around with this later on (as I have too many things to do right now, blog wise).

Sporting Blogger On My Head

2008-04-09T14:14:00.001-04:00

Hmm...on second thought, I look like some type of "Geek Thug."

Kosher Keyboard Plus Hebrew Equals Happy Darnell

2008-04-07T18:50:00.001-04:00

After about a week of waiting, my Hebrew/English keyboard has finally arrived.

Update: Hmm...it looks as if the iPhone "chops" half of your message when sending it to Blogger.

Anyways, like I was saying, this will help me finish up some "must do" homework tonight, not to mention help me with my class tomorrow.

Video: LG Vu Phone (iPhone Killer?)

2008-04-05T19:03:00.003-04:00

It looks like there is another "iPhone clone," this time by LG (note: to my knowledge LG was the first that came out with the touch screen, but Apple popularized it).

Sprint (via Samsung) released a similar version earlier, although it may need a few more months of development as the phone was crashing in front of the tech press.

LG seems to be more of a finished product, although ironically it seems to be exclusive to AT&T (just like the iPhone). Verizon and Sprint must be hating that. :-)

My Ugly Mug...

2008-04-02T23:40:00.000-04:00

Here is just an image of me goofing off at church. One of my friends
took the image via the iPhone.

Sprint Releases iPhone Killer?

2008-04-02T16:27:00.005-04:00

Finally, a phone to take on the iPhone! (although I am still in love with mine).

Its called the Samsung Instinct, and from the video below it sure does look fairly interesting.

Its from Sprint, and they are promoting this phone on NowIsGood.com (hat tip: CrunchGear).

They are releasing it this June, which should help them compete against AT&T. It only holds 2GB of memory, although hopefully they will be offering more (as I am approaching 2GB on my iPhone).

My only advice to Sprint is to make sure there are a lot of "third party apps" to go along with this phone, otherwise they will only be able to retain people on their own network at best (as the iPhone is already gone over 1,300 apps).

Radio On My iPhone?

2008-03-24T23:30:00.005-04:00

Hey, this is definitely something I never dreamed stumbling upon. And the best part is not even TechCrunch mentioned this (although Eric did suggest something to this effect).

Basically its a "radio" station for your iPhone. It will stream music to your iPhone, giving users the ability to choose which genre they want to listen to (or better yet, the Beatles if that's all your into).

Here's a video explaining the details.

I came across this while searching the iPhone Web Apps, and users can access on their iPhones by pointing their browser at http://www.FlyTunes.fm/.

Update: Corrected post for grammar.

Update: Engadget posted about this about two months ago. You just can't win.

iLuv My New iPhone

2008-03-21T12:43:00.005-04:00

So I finally ordered an iPhone, and despite a few headaches with FedEx, transitioning over to my new phone was pretty seamless.

One thing I did catch my attention was how much AT&T's customer service has improved since like--forever (but this might be do to the fact that they bought out Cingular, whose support rocked!).

Unfortunately, I can not upload any images from the iPhone to this blog (the Safari browser does not function very well on blogger.com), but I will upload a picture of the iPhone later on (or better yet, a video!).

Update: Corrected some spelling, plus here is the video of a quick snapshot of the iPhone.

Note: For those of you looking to purchased a refurbished iPhone, you can find the link over here, and as far as the Obama videos go, you can check out Yes We Can as well as the Building A Religion on YouTube).