Some Web 2.0 cents

I had some time catching up with the latest and greatest advances in web development. If you like to see some of it in action, visit my upcoming design of the Bob Schalkwijk Photography site.

A word of warning though: it's Web 2.0, without Javascript it won't be fun at all.

For example, you may find it interesting to see Ext Live Search at work in a real world example. Or, alternatively to see Adobe Spry and jQuery at work in nice photo set browser with integrated slideshow.

There is even a Google Maps Mashup example that shows a map with markers for countries the uploaded photos were taken in. It's not ready for prime time, but it's worth a look if you are interested in Web 2.0.

Another interesting bit of information about the design is that the backend database is actually fed using Cumulus Record Exports, which, although not visible to the site visitor, is rather interesting in terms of technology (Canto Cumulus (tm) is a very popular digital asset management software).

Enjoy. And while you are at it, here are the links to the most important tools that made it possible:
ExtJs
jQuery, write less, do more.
Adobe Spry

Last but not least I also got in touch with PHP; most of the backend and data stuff is realized with it (so that it works on standard LAMP web provider accounts).

Feel free to contact me with feedback or with questions if they are related to the design.

3 weeks...

Just spend 3 weeks without my personal computer. I am done with complaining, so I prefer to obliviate and reflect a little bit on the good side of the event.

First of all, I learned much about the significance of personal. Even though help was granted quickly (I am really lucky sometimes to always stumble over people that care for people. I do, I hope for it to be some type of resonance principle.), it's just not the same working with some machine rather than your personal computer.

Second, with less hours in front of the display, there is more time for thinking. Sometimes we just accelerate too much and end up rushing along, rather than enjoying life. Guess I made up a little bit these weeks; I even found some time for reading. Got through with Criptonomicon once more (Neal Stephenson), started and finished Dune and right after the launch Saturday to Sunday night last week, I worked myself through the last Harry Potter, in approx. 8 hours. One needs to keep up with todays youth and know what's going on, before it's all over the news :)

Then, there was chance for a little weekend trip to Xalapa, Veracruz. Aside of the fact that I brought home some really good coffee (sipping one atm) I had some great time on a photowalk through Xalapa and visits to the surroundings (Botanical Garden and Coatepec). I have uploaded some photos to my Flickr account:
Photowalk Xalapa and Surroundings.

Finally, well, I guess the backlog was worth it, but I will need some extra effort to move on with the projects that got a little bit stuck. The good thing is that I have a second article in the race since a while and I am catching up with my thesis already. Which is what I am going to continue to do after this small blogging break.

If I find some time later, I'll try and drop in some more details about some of the things I have been working on and experiencing recently. As always there are many things happening at the same time :)

Manos a la obra...