Tag Archives: technology

Release: Moostick 1.0

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Moostick is my take on a Mootools-powered, unobtrusive, Javascript news ticker library.

Moostick will take in any type of <li> container (<ul>, <ol>…) and turn it into an animated news ticker, fading between each entry at a set interval.

This project is an experiment in mootoology. Quite arguably over-engineered for its core purpose, I use it to hone my MooTools skills while trying to still provide a fun and stable tool for others to use.

The unobtrusiveness aspect of the project is key in keeping the content accessible when pages are loaded without Javascript and/or CSS, whether by users or machines, and is one of Moostick’s top goals.

See the project page for more information.

CBC New Media sites upgrade and consolidation

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I just noticed that CBC Radio 3 has finally upgraded three massive sites for which I designed the backend software seven years ago, while living in Vancouver.

Mind you, they did also run the innovative Zed site in the meantime, but the latter has now passed on after four TV seasons. On the other hand, 120seconds.com, newmusiccanada.com and justconcerts.com have all been consolidated as sections of their main site.

My team and I built all the software used to run and manage the three sister sites, while the interface design was handled by a stream of super creative artists. Features included audio streaming, Flash-based UI (120seconds) and components, admin tools up the wazoo (for admins, DJs, artists, etc) and quite a bit more.

I think six years worth of use isn’t a bad ROI. If nothing else, I can’t be blamed for not designing and writing long lasting software. And it did score them a Webby nomination (though heavy.com wan this one).

Gotta love Steve Jobs

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You really have to admire Steve Jobs. Whether you like him and his style or not, you can only admit the guy’s got one massive pair of cojones:

Do you know how many CEOs dream of writing something like that (either version)? Both of the above pretty much say the same and the official one is just as gutsy from a market’s perspective.

Arrogant? Probably. Right on target? I think so.

Being an early adopter has its ups and downs, and seeing a dramatic price reduction a couple of months after the initial release is one of the latter. Although usually, the rest of the industry holds for as long as they can, when sales start going down, to lower their prices. Just look at the new Motorola RAZR2 being released at US$599. You know it’ll be free with activation in 3-6 months from now.

Sir, I salute you. Now if you could just personally come and manhandle our Canadian telco executives to sell the darn thing here, and I’d be all set.

Although, maybe the wait will be worth it?

Update: maybe I’m on to something with the above HSDPA wet dream… See here.

Release: wpDirAuth 1.0

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I have now released the first version of wpDirAuth, a WordPress LDAP connectivity plugin I have been working on for the last month, after an extensive community-based peer review period. The latter helped a lot with hammering desired functionalities as well as coping with the countless configuration permutations found in the directory server sphere.

Fun stuff. :)

Open Source Developers group on Facebook

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I’m trying to kickstart a group on FB that aims to reach the largest audience of Open Source developers on the site, be it software, hardware, content and other open ventures.

Join in, say hi, show your colours and maybe even inspire others.

Post early, post often. You can also spread the word, thanks to Digg.

Oh, and if you’re feeling creative, an original logo would be great. :)