Resources have been a key focus in the growth of the world wide web. The more users engaging on a specific web service means that the service will use more resources. With that theory in mind, one of the many techniques to reduce HTTP requests to speed up the load of a page is the CSS sprite technique. To summarize the technique, rather than have a plethora of individual background images, you would combine all of the images into a single image and use CSS to access those portions of the image that are needed.
But on to the meat of this post, I’m plugging a recent article at Smashing Magazine that looks at the technique and discusses potential hardships the technique may cause for some designers.
The life of a web professional is never boring to say the least. The beauty of it is that when you’re really busy your blog truly suffers. Well, unless you’re Chris Pund - who I swear holds the secret to being busy and blogging.
What have I been up to?
I’ve spent the last few months investing a lot of my time at my day job on huge overhaul project. The long hours of research and development are finally paying off as the project itself is nearing the launch date. Nothing is more sweet than reaching the finish line. Where am I going from there? Right back to research and development - looking at user statistics, how they react to change, and to test and develop solutions for later stages of this project.
Realization
In the midst of all of that I’ve come to a few conclusions on my own end of the web professional world. For many years I did a lot of contract work on the side to pay for school, gas, etc. As a young teen this really grew throughout the years. However, as college graduation loomed I really started steering away from my entrepreneurial instincts.
As for continuing work on the side I have decided that I may take on this endeavor with more focus during the 3rd quarter of this year. Don’t jump to conclusions - I’m not quitting my day job (I’ve got it made folks - Virginia Tech, especially the Office for Research is an IDEAL place anyone should work for). I’m only looking at a few options to continue my growth as a professional and to give my creative spirit an outlet to flow.
Be on the lookout, there are going to be many great things to come this year!
Although the winter weather is depressing, I do have one high note for today. Electronic artist BT is releasing a new album today - These Hopeful Machines. Well known for the trance anthem “Flaming June”, the break-beat influenced “Never Gonna Come Back Down“, and the pop influenced “Simply Being Loved“, BT proves time and time again that electronic music is more than just a niche genre.
This track is a pretty positive track and just screams modern disco. Highly recommended if you’re needing something out of the normal radio routine. Also - if you’re looking to purchase the extended version, you’ll need to check out Itunes for the single full of remixes, or search Amazon for the 2CD release of the album One Love. Keep an eye on Guetta, he’s the real deal on bringing dance music into the US. Top 40, look out!
Slam magazine featured an interview article with legendary Oak Hill Academy basketball coach Steve Smith. As someone who grew up in Mouth of Wilson, VA, I have literally grew up watching this program. It’s definitely a read for any basketball fan interested in learning more about what makes the program tick.
As a long time fan of Michael Jackson, it was no question that I would go to see this movie. Decked out in Thriller-style “This Is It” t-shirt, Thriller jacket, black slacks, white socks, and the pennies, my girlfriend and I arrived to the midnight premiere rather surprised - we weren’t the only ones there. That’s saying something coming from southwest Virginia - a land where the mere mention of the King of Pop instigates many puns and allegations.
I’ll try not to spoil the fun for those that are going out to see this film in its two-week run. However, I will enlighten those that may not truly get the film.
As it states, the film is made up of rehearsal footage. If you’re expecting to see the EXACT show dancestep by dancestep, then I’m sure you’re going to be disapointed. Even I noticed some movie-goers in our showing that were rather confused with Michael’s random arm movements, persistence of using the sideways moonwalk, and rather random pointing and stomping. For those that may wonder, a lot of that wasn’t what would have been the routines - he’s cueing the percussion and signaling the timing for the band.
It was hyped very much to show Michael’s genius and I do believe if you pay attention to the intricate details you will see that. The man knew his music and was very much on the road to bringing to his fans a show they never knew they wanted to see.
Even if you only go to see the newly shot short-film segments, it is well worth the price of admission.
Rest in Peace Michael - you were truly onto something.
If you’re an energy conservative, you’ll definitely want to check out this project from Virginia Tech which will be entered into the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition.
View more details about the project at www.lumenhaus.com .
