Watchdog: Air traffic controller errors soaring
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Watchdog: Air traffic controller errors soaring
W3C Launches Web Testing Activity
W3C announces the launch of a new Web Testing Activity. For years, W3C has been testing technologies independently in a variety of Working Groups. Each specification follows its own methods for testing the underlying technology and there has been minimal coordination between Working Groups on testing methods. Technologies such as HTML, CSS, and APIs must be tested in the same user agents, at times in combination. Therefore, as the number of technologies and the number of devices using them increase, it has become vital to quality on the Web that W3C take a broader view of testing. To this end, W3C has launched two groups. The Browser Testing and Tools Working Group will produce technologies for use in testing, debugging, and troubleshooting of Web applications running in Web browsers. The Web Testing Interest Group will develop and deploy testing mechanisms and collateral materials for testing of Web technologies across different devices (desktops, mobile, TV, etc.).
9:08 PM (5 hours ago)
BAD to Good: Demo shows web accessibility barriers fixed
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) Education and Outreach Working Group (EOWG) has updated the Before and After Demonstration (BAD). BAD shows an inaccessible website and a retrofitted version of the same website with the accessibility barriers fixed. Read the call for review e-mail, learn about Accessibility, and visit the WAI home page.
Oct 7, 2011 11:25 PM
SVG Open 2011 is Around the Corner: 17-20 October
Registration is coming to a close for SVG Open 2011, which takes place 17-20 October 2011. W3C joins other sponsors to help with SVG Open 2011, the 9th international conference on Scalable Vector Graphics, which may now be used in all modern browsers. This year, Microsoft Corporation hosts the conference at their New England Research and Development (NERD) Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. SVG Open provides an opportunity for designers, developers and implementers to learn about SVG, and share ideas, experiences, products, and strategies. Members of the W3C SVG Working Group, including W3C Team member Doug Schepers, will be attending and presenting at the conference. The SVG Working Group will also brief attendees on recent developments around the SVG specification, including SVG2 and integration with CSS and HTML. The conference includes a day of workshops. Learn more about Graphics at W3C.
Oct 7, 2011 6:43 PM
New Course on Game development in HTML5 and Open Web Technology
W3C is pleased to announce its newest online course dedicated to "Game Development in HTML5". Developed and taught by Michal Budzynski, who recently ran onGameStart, where W3C/OpenMedia explored standardization needs around games with the Web games community. This course will last 4 weeks from 31 Oct. to 27 Nov. 2011. Through this course, students will create browser based multiplayer games by using open Web technologies such as HTML5 Canvas, CSS Transitions, Timing control for script-based animations, Web Sockets and other JavaScript APIs. The full price of the course is €225 but we have a limited number of seats available at the early bird rate of €145, open until 22 October 2011. Register today!
Oct 4, 2011 7:54 PM
CSS Fonts Module Level 3 Draft Published
The Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) Working Group has published a Working Draft of CSS Fonts Module Level 3. This specification describes how font properties are specified and how font resources are loaded dynamically. Font resources may be local, installed on the system on which a user agent is running, or downloadable. For local font resources descriptive information can be obtained directly from the font resource. For downloadable font resources (sometimes referred to as web fonts), the descriptive information is included with the reference to the font resource. Families of fonts typically don't contain a single face for each possible variation of font properties. The CSS font selection mechanism describes how to match a given set of CSS font properties to a given font face. Learn more about the Style Activity.
Sep 30, 2011 11:30 PM
Open Task Forces to Discuss Web Schemas, Data Formats
Structured data on the Web gained additional momentum with the June 2011 announcement from Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo! of schema.org, which "provides a collection of schemas ... that webmasters can use to markup their pages in ways recognized by major search providers." The launch raised two topics in particular that will now be the focus of new task forces within W3C's Semantic Web Interest Group; schema.org will participate in these discussions:
- Web Schemas Task Force, to be chaired by R.V. Guha (Google). This task force will focus on collaboration around vocabularies.
- HTML Data Task Force, to be chaired by Jeni Tennison. This task force will focus on the relationship between RDFa, microdata, and other approaches to structured data on the Web, including how people can combine data sources or translate from one syntax to another.
Sep 29, 2011 9:54 PM
Two New CSS Recommendations: Namespaces Module and Selectors Level 3; First Draft of Selectors Level 4
The Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) Working Group published two W3C Recommendations today: CSS Namespaces Module and Selectors Level 3. The first defines the syntax for using namespaces in CSS. The second defines the patterns that style sheet designers may use to match parts of a document; see the list of changes from CSS2 selectors. The Working Group also published the First Draft of Selectors Level 4, which introduces powerful new selectors. Learn more about the Style Activity.
Sep 29, 2011 9:54 PM
Last Call: The WebSocket API
The Web Applications Working Group has published a Last Call Working Draft of The WebSocket API. To enable Web applications to maintain bidirectional communications with server-side processes, this specification introduces the WebSocket interface. Comments are welcome through 21 October. Learn more about the Rich Web Client Activity.
Sep 29, 2011 6:55 AM
W3C Social Business Jam: Three-day Online Global Event
Update 7 October: Registration is open. W3C announces today its first ever 3-day virtual event, the W3C Social Business Jam, 8-10 November. Participation is free and open to all. Participation in this Jam is intended for individuals and professionals working in businesses or the social business space. If you are passionate about leveraging social capabilities to improve business results or if you want to discuss your ideas on how social technologies offer business value beyond traditional social media approaches, then this Jam is the right place for you. The meeting should produce a better understanding of how businesses are using social technologies and the challenges they face integrating the technologies into their existing environments. We expect the conversation on social business to continue after the Jam in W3C Community or Business Groups. Learn more about the W3C Social Business Jam.Sep 28, 2011 9:58 AM
Call for Review of Seven Web Services Proposed Recommendations
The Web Services Resource Access Working Group has published Proposed Recommendations of seven Web Services specifications: Enumeration (WS-Enumeration), Event Descriptions (WS-EventDescriptions), Eventing (WS-Eventing), Fragment (WS-Fragment), Metadata Exchange (WS-MetadataExchange), SOAP Assertions (WS-SOAPAssertions), and Transfer (WS-Transfer). Comments welcome through 4 November 2011. Learn more about the Web Services Activity.
Sep 28, 2011 9:58 AM
Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL-FO) 2.0 Updated
The XML Print and Page Layout Working Group has published an updated Working Draft of Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL-FO) Version 2.0. XSL-FO is a powerful template-based language for formatting XML documents. This is the first draft that includes the existing specification as well as new work, although some new features from the previous draft are not yet included. Learn more about XML.
Jun 12, 2011 8:29 PM
Great Typography Formula for Web Design
Admittedly, we have not always done well with the typography in our web designs and we are continually working at it. One area that does not have to be as difficult to get right is “measure” or the length of a line of type.
Ideally, the measure should be somewhere between 50 and 80 characters long. We have not always followed that, unfortunately, and anything longer than 80 starts to get difficult for the viewer to read. Even this post you are reading right now does not follow that rule perfectly. Hey, I am being honest here
To achieve a good measure, the designer should consider adjusting the font-size and Robert Bringhurst came up with a great formula for that: Multiply the font-size by 30 to give you the acceptable measure for each line (font-size X 30 = measure). For example, if your font size is to be 12px, a good measure would be 360px.
Additionally, you could take the size of space on your design that is to contain type and divide that by 30 (font container / 30 = measure) to give you a starting point. So if your design calls for a 500px area of type, your font-size would be 17px. That, of course, is just a starting point. No one would want to read a paragraph of 17px text – yikes. You would probably want to find some ways to adjust that area in your design (pullquotes, images, etc.).
There are many rules and suggestions regarding typography in your design. This is just one area and we are going to try to post some other tips as we pick them up. We have found some really great guides and articles out there and will be compiling them into a post.
Ideally, the measure should be somewhere between 50 and 80 characters long. We have not always followed that, unfortunately, and anything longer than 80 starts to get difficult for the viewer to read. Even this post you are reading right now does not follow that rule perfectly. Hey, I am being honest here
To achieve a good measure, the designer should consider adjusting the font-size and Robert Bringhurst came up with a great formula for that: Multiply the font-size by 30 to give you the acceptable measure for each line (font-size X 30 = measure). For example, if your font size is to be 12px, a good measure would be 360px.
Additionally, you could take the size of space on your design that is to contain type and divide that by 30 (font container / 30 = measure) to give you a starting point. So if your design calls for a 500px area of type, your font-size would be 17px. That, of course, is just a starting point. No one would want to read a paragraph of 17px text – yikes. You would probably want to find some ways to adjust that area in your design (pullquotes, images, etc.).
There are many rules and suggestions regarding typography in your design. This is just one area and we are going to try to post some other tips as we pick them up. We have found some really great guides and articles out there and will be compiling them into a post.
Aug 17, 2010 4:33 PM
Facebook Dislike Button Scam
Facebook users beware! A scam making the rounds on Facebook says that one of your friends has downloaded the new Facebook Dislike Button and gives you a link to download it. However, the link will only download the scammer’s personal Facebook application which will give them access to your complete profile and allow them to spam all of your friends by sending messages from your account.
For the record there is no official Dislike button option from Facebook. So don’t fall for it . But, if you really want that function and you use the Firefox web browser, you can install a 3rd party addon from FaceMod which will give you the Dislike button functionality, although I have not personally tested it.
Here is a link to FaceMod’s website where you can get the details.
For the record there is no official Dislike button option from Facebook. So don’t fall for it
. But, if you really want that function and you use the Firefox web browser, you can install a 3rd party addon from FaceMod which will give you the Dislike button functionality, although I have not personally tested it.Here is a link to FaceMod’s website where you can get the details.
Jul 7, 2010 6:02 PM
Symbian Mobile OS Targeted
As more and more people opt for SmartPhones, it stands to reason that they will become juicer targets of malware and virus writers. That is apparently what is happening to some smart phones running the Symbian OS.
According to mobile anti-virus company NetQin there are new viruses targeting mobile phones disguised as hot topics like Free World Cup VOD.
Infection scenario: Smart Phone owner downloads an innocent game for their phone (some of those games are soooo cool). The game is infected w/ the ShadowSrv.A, FC.Downsis.A and BIT.NmapPlug.A mobile virus. That virus springs into action by sending SMS to all contacts listed in the phone with an interestingly titled link (Check out this World Cup video). Contact clicks on link in the message and is sent to a website hosting more viruses and then they are infected. And so on.
Right now, the Symbian OS is being targeted (S60 platform 3rd Ed. (Symbian OS 9.1) as well as S60 5th ed. (Symbian OS 9.4) which is used by Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Nokia. If you are using one of those brands, you should consider adding some type of mobile anti-virus (check with your Wireless Carrier for suggestions) and don’t click on any suspicious links you receive.
According to mobile anti-virus company NetQin there are new viruses targeting mobile phones disguised as hot topics like Free World Cup VOD.
Infection scenario: Smart Phone owner downloads an innocent game for their phone (some of those games are soooo cool). The game is infected w/ the ShadowSrv.A, FC.Downsis.A and BIT.NmapPlug.A mobile virus. That virus springs into action by sending SMS to all contacts listed in the phone with an interestingly titled link (Check out this World Cup video). Contact clicks on link in the message and is sent to a website hosting more viruses and then they are infected. And so on.
Right now, the Symbian OS is being targeted (S60 platform 3rd Ed. (Symbian OS 9.1) as well as S60 5th ed. (Symbian OS 9.4) which is used by Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Nokia. If you are using one of those brands, you should consider adding some type of mobile anti-virus (check with your Wireless Carrier for suggestions) and don’t click on any suspicious links you receive.
Jul 6, 2010 6:44 PM
NASA Updates Website
In addition to all the space missions, NASA has been busy with a much needed update to their website. They already had the best website of all the US Government agencies, but the site now has a much better navigational interface and better options for visitors to share information on Social Networks like Facebook.
In a future website update, they will be adding a ‘Like’ button that will directly integrate with Facebook.
You can easily spend a TON of time looking at the hundreds of uber-cool images and videos on the site and now they will be easier to navigate to and view.
If you have not visited their site in a while, you should check it out http://www.nasa.gov/. Good stuff.
In a future website update, they will be adding a ‘Like’ button that will directly integrate with Facebook.
You can easily spend a TON of time looking at the hundreds of uber-cool images and videos on the site and now they will be easier to navigate to and view.
If you have not visited their site in a while, you should check it out http://www.nasa.gov/. Good stuff.
May 19, 2010 4:28 PM
Automatically Check Your Level of Privacy on Facebook
Our friend Richard over at Akira Media found a great link to a site that will let you see how much of your personal information is visible to strangers through Facebook.
If you are concerned about your Facebook Privacy, go to the Reclaim Privacy website and follow the steps to check. It is super easy and very enlightening and might just prevent you from letting everyone on the planet know some of your personal information.
If you are concerned about your Facebook Privacy, go to the Reclaim Privacy website and follow the steps to check. It is super easy and very enlightening and might just prevent you from letting everyone on the planet know some of your personal information.
Apr 29, 2010 4:53 PM
YouTube Gives Backlinks to Your Website
YouTube has added a new ‘As Seen On’ link that will reward websites that send traffic to YouTube. When a website embeds a video on one of their pages and that sends a high enough amount of traffic to YouTube, the site will get a little recognition and maybe a little traffic as well.The new backlink feature won’t help your site rank better in Google because it will be nofollow-ed, but it could introduce your web site to a new audience and could help send some traffic love back to you and reward you for your blog readership building efforts.
Apr 28, 2010 6:59 PM
Animal Planet Hoarders
Last year, when we donated the new website for the Carteret County Humane Society Animal Shelter in Newport, NC, we did so because we wanted to give the Shelter a tool they could use to help the animals and Oh, how the community has responded! The shelter has begun receiving regular online donations and lots of offers to volunteer from animal lovers with a little time to spare. Kudos to everyone that is helping out!
Candice sent me an email this week regarding a hoarding situation in Jacksonville, NC. Animal Planet is developing a new documentary program about how hoarding affects the animals and was in Jacksonville to cover an example. A well-meaning individual had taken in so many animals that she was unable to properly care for them and the animals were suffering without food or adequate care. Rescuers from the Humane Society of the United States, Saving Grace Animals for Adoption and Collie Rescue put out a call to local organizations alerting them to the situation and the Carteret Humane Society was one of the organizations to respond by sheltering 7 dogs, 5 puppies, 3 cats and 20 kittens. Now the animals need our help.
Due to the economic issues that many are facing, many owners are turning in their pets and this is causing tremendous challenges for the Shelter. Now, with the addition of 30 animals, the task of finding homes is daunting. If you can help, a page of their website outlines some suggestions ranging from volunteering to making a tax deductible donation right through their website. Anything you can do will be EXTREMELY helpful both to the Shelter and to the animals. Even if you are not in a position to donate or volunteer, alerting others to this situation is a great way you can help.
Candice sent me an email this week regarding a hoarding situation in Jacksonville, NC. Animal Planet is developing a new documentary program about how hoarding affects the animals and was in Jacksonville to cover an example. A well-meaning individual had taken in so many animals that she was unable to properly care for them and the animals were suffering without food or adequate care. Rescuers from the Humane Society of the United States, Saving Grace Animals for Adoption and Collie Rescue put out a call to local organizations alerting them to the situation and the Carteret Humane Society was one of the organizations to respond by sheltering 7 dogs, 5 puppies, 3 cats and 20 kittens. Now the animals need our help.
Due to the economic issues that many are facing, many owners are turning in their pets and this is causing tremendous challenges for the Shelter. Now, with the addition of 30 animals, the task of finding homes is daunting. If you can help, a page of their website outlines some suggestions ranging from volunteering to making a tax deductible donation right through their website. Anything you can do will be EXTREMELY helpful both to the Shelter and to the animals. Even if you are not in a position to donate or volunteer, alerting others to this situation is a great way you can help.Jan 4, 2010 8:55 PM
Commercial Project Interior 3D Rendering Completed
We recently wrapped up a 3D interior rendering for a commercial client in Winston Salem, NC. Interior Solutions is an interior design company and a repeat client. We are really glad to work with Emmy and her staff – they are great!They are proposing the project to their client and we are very appreciative that they chose us again to help them out.
We custom modeled most of the furniture as well as placed custom patterns for the fabrics as well as the floor covering. Thanks again Emmy!
Dec 12, 2009 7:57 PM
Mozilla Recommends Bing Search Engine for Best Privacy
When I saw the CNBC special ‘Inside the Mind of Google‘ I, like a lot of other people, was pretty surprised at Google’s statement about the privacy of users of its Search Engine:
).
Personally, I think it is slightly odd that Google would feel that way, especially when they don’t seem to respond the same way when the privacy tables are turned.
In a response, Mozilla is telling Firefox users to switch to Bing which is also surprising, since Mozilla has an agreement in place with Google through 2011. I think that says a lot about how important Mozilla feels about privacy.
If you have something that you don’t want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place. If you really need that kind of privacy, the reality is that search engines — including Google — do retain this information for some time…O…..K. That is one way to answer the question, I… guess. Although that kind of elicits a surprised response similar to the dad that gets hit in the crotch when tossing a baseball for his kid’s batting practice. (Google Bing it – its a hoot
).Personally, I think it is slightly odd that Google would feel that way, especially when they don’t seem to respond the same way when the privacy tables are turned.
In a response, Mozilla is telling Firefox users to switch to Bing which is also surprising, since Mozilla has an agreement in place with Google through 2011. I think that says a lot about how important Mozilla feels about privacy.
Dec 9, 2009 7:51 PM
If we had a nickel for every time we see the Windows Update Shield icon in the system tray of a client’s computer, we would be retired by now. That little icon means you must take action to protect your computer with the latest updates from Windows.Microsoft releases security patches on the second Tuesday of each month (called Patch Tuesday) so make sure you are performing Windows updates at that time. A good indication that you need to apply a patch is the little, yellow icon you see in the lower right corner of your screen. If you see that, click it and follow the prompts.
This month’s patch Tuesday sees Microsoft releasing a Security Update addressing 12 vulnerabilities and one of which is a patch for a Zero-Day issue in Internet Explorer. Check it out and if you see the little yellow icon, click it! It is there for a reason
Another step you can take is telling Windows to apply the security updates automatically. Then, you will not even see the Update icon in the system tray. The updates will be applied and you will not even know, which is handy if you have ever said, “Hmm. What does that little Yellow Shield mean? Oh well. It is probably nothing important.”
So, if you are a Microsoft Vista user and want to setup Automatic Updates, here is the information to get you going with that. If you are still on Windows XP, here is the information for checking your Update status.
