Blog
Here you will find a number of articles I have written the last few years. The subjects vary but are usually around web development, especially HTML5, but other topics are explored too.
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In defence of pubdate
At the end of October, the
<time>
element was removed from the HTML5 specification. I and others blogged on our dismay at this, but thankfully the decision was reversed and the<time> …
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Nach Deutschland
At the end of this month, after over 13 years in the UK, I will be making a big change to my life and moving to Germany. I will be living in Meerbusch-Büderich, close to the city of …
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An Irish Heroine
It’s a long time since I’ve written a non-technical post, but I’ve been meaning to write this one for a while. A largely unrelated (it mentioned the word ancestory) Twitter …
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HTML5 Multimedia: Develop and Design now available
My book HTML5 Multimedia: Develop and Design is finally published and available at all good online book stores. Naturally times of availability in different countries and stores varies slightly (e.g. …
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On the disappearance of HTML5 <time>
A decision has been made by the power that is Ian Hixie, to remove the
time
element from the HTML5 specification and replace it with thedata
element. This in my view is a terrible decision that has … -
HTML5 Multimedia Tutorials on Adobe Developer Connection
I’m pleased to announce that I’ve written a three part tutorial series on HTML5 Multimedia for the Adobe Developer Connection.
The tutorials will cover HTML5 video, audio and also how to …
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HTML5: Guidelines for Web Developers – Book Review
As the author of an HTML5 book myself, I was recently asked to review a copy of another HTML5 book that was released earlier this year: HTML5: Guidelines for Web Developers by Austrian duo Klaus …
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Using header and hgroup in HTML5
When I’m reviewing and commenting on submissions for HTML5 Gallery, I come across a number of common mistakes one of which covers the use (and mis-use!) of the
header
andhgroup
elements.What …
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On writing a technical book
So, that’s it. Three months after starting from scratch, the final chapter and introduction have been reviewed and sent off to production.
Of course the production material still needs to be …
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To nav or not to nav?
A few weeks back, fellow HTML5 Gallery curator Derek Johnson tweeted the following:
Re-reading the spec and can’t see why some people say nav is only for links within the same site.
As one …
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HTML5 Multimedia: I’m writing a book
Yes. It’s true. I’m writing a book! Somehow I have become a technical author. Well I know how it’s come about, but it still seems rather surreal.
The topic is HTML5 Multimedia, and …
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WebVTT and Video Subtitles
With the web industry embracing HTML5‘s ability to embed video in the browser, we need to take a further look at what the future holds for video and HTML5, particularly in the field of …
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CSS3 Input Fields
I have seen many tutorials on the web for CSS3 buttons, but not so much on what I’m going to briefly mention today, and that is CSS3 input fields.
Many website designs that I work with contain …
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HTML5: Section or Article?
One of the main questions I have seen popping up all over the place in relation to HTML5, in forums, StackOverflow, and Twitter, is “which do I use: article or section?”
In fact quite …
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Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig!
That time has come once again to wish you all a Happy St Patrick’s Day. Here’s some information from Saint Patrick’s Country, regarding the myth and legend surrounding St. Patrick …
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Making HTML5 work in old versions of Internet Explorer
One of the main reasons why developers may not be making the move to HTML5 as yet is the perceived lack of support for legacy browsers. This is actually untrue, and whilst there might be some jiggery …
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How to get your HTML5 MP4 video file to play before being fully downloaded
A huge title to this post for sure, but it’s a relevant question and I’ve seen it asked a few times on places such as StackOverflow.
Browsers that use H.264 video (Safari, Chrome and …
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New website launched: Victoria Bavister
Two weeks ago I mentioned that I was in busy working on another site, and I’m pleased to say that it’s finished.
The new website for London actor Victoria Bavister is now live.
Victoria …
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New website launched: Henry Blake
I am proud to announce the release of a new website, for actor and musician Henry Blake.
Henry began professional acting in his native home of New Zealand at the age of 12 and was the youngest ever …
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Getting device filters, add this and .net to work together
An issue I’ve come across a few times when adding an Add This button to any .net application is that the following error message is thrown:
The string 'fb:like:layout' …