Archive for January, 2010

Does exactly what it says on the tin; just the posts that relate to the above...

Google phases out IE6

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

News released from Google this morning will bring a smile to many developers! The firm said from 1 March some of its services, such as Google Docs, would not work “properly” with the browser. It recommended individuals and firms upgrade “as soon as possible”.

Quote from the Official Google Blog;

“The web has evolved in the last ten years, from simple text pages to rich, interactive applications including video and voice. Unfortunately, very old browsers cannot run many of these new features effectively. So to help ensure your business can use the latest, most advanced web apps, we encourage you to update your browsers as soon as possible. There are many choices:

Many other companies have already stopped supporting older browsers like Internet Explorer 6.0 as well as browsers that are not supported by their own manufacturers. We’re also going to begin phasing out our support, starting with Google Docs and Google Sites. As a result you may find that from March 1 key functionality within these products — as well as new Docs and Sites features — won’t work properly in older browsers.”

The great meltdown

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

And no, I’m not referring to the great thaw in Harrogate, but the loss of internet for a few hours yesterday afternoon.

We work in the digital world, so probably notice it a bit more than most, but what did we all do before internet access, broadband and Wi-Fi?

We almost felt naked. In the dark ages. Like an engine that’s lost its driving wheel.

Never to be beaten and down-hearted though, we adopted some novel practices:

  • Updating Twitter and Facebook using an iPhone;
  • Phoning and speaking to clients;
  • Reading reference books; and
  • Talking.

Whilst we abandoned MSN Messenger and talked, we discussed what we’d all be doing if the internet and web design didn’t exist:

  • Phil decided he’d be a Fireman;
  • Mike reckons he’d draw stuff and visit the library more;
  • Dave would be a superstar DJ (The International Master of Rave);
  • Bob juggled the idea of being a musician (living on the bread-line) or a self-sufficient small-holder; and
  • Matt would drive limousines.

Thank goodness for the internet…

Let it snow!

Friday, January 8th, 2010

As the nation almost comes to a stand still with the ‘big freeze’, the Mixd crew can’t wait until the weekend to get out in to the glorious white powder that is snow for a good old play about!

On Tuesday, Harrogate was one of the worst hit places in the UK for snow, frost, ice and general coldness… but that’s not going to dampen our spirits! Of course, mishaps happen owing to the weather; we know:

  • Matt has crashed his car (he’s okay so that’s cool);
  • Bob has twisted his knee;
  • Matt then fell and damaged a finger;
  • Mike had to be dug out of the car park;
  • Bob’s outhouse has frozen so washing machine and outside loo are defunct;
  • Dave got stuck on a train; and
  • Phil nearly went into the River Wharfe at Pool after slipping on ice in his car!

Not to mention that Bob has been working from home since Tuesday owing to trecherous roads, frozen car and the general desire to shirk a tad.

But what the heck! How often do we get great snow like this? We intend to thoroughly enjoy ourselves in it.

Look out for the Mixd crew this weekend; you’re sure to spot at least one of us:

  • Snowboarding down the Otley Chevin;
  • Sledging head first towards a river (incidentally, Bob can confirm that the River Tees at Preston Park has completely frozen over);
  • Clearing paths for the elderly and disabled;
  • Taking part in a huge snowball fight with relatives, friends and anyone else who might want to ‘ave it;
  • Building a phallic snow sculpture;
  • Going shopping for house-bound neighbours; and
  • ‘Snow-surfing’* behind a car (always wear a crash helmet folks);. 

So come on Britain, let’s not moan about the cold weather… let’s embrace it!

*snow-surfing is not big and it’s certainly not clever.