Internet explorer is the devils work!

For some time I have bashed IE.  It's non-compliant DOM to performance issues to just hating Microsoft as a whole.  Why?  Microsoft takes the approach that because they are big they don't have to change.  Clearly not everyone fears Microsoft.  I read an article recently in TechCrunch (Thanks to Alex for sending it) how a Bootstrapped Startup Saves Over $100K By Dropping IE.  I don't care if this article is blatant Microsoft bashing or not.  The point is this article is true.  I speak from experience that I can develop awesome software then throw it into IE to unit test and have it FAIL!  That is unacceptable in my mind given that Webkit (Chrome/Safari) is standards based.  The "Big guy" on the block IE should be leading the pack not trailing behind it.

This article proves companies can be successful by not adopting IE.  I find that there are many people out there living in fear over IE.  They simply believe people are not able to install another web browser.  I was one of those people.  I thought that I had to adopt IE simply because people were unable to install and use Chrome.  I realized this was just a scare tactic when I was going to recommend using Chrome to my Dad and he said he was already using it.  I was floored.  My Dad while not technically inept, doesn't just install software on his PC.  I have him fearing most software out there because of the number of times I've had to reset his machine.  Much to my surprise he took this upon himself to install and use.  If he can do it, anyone can.

This raises the question as a developer why we are not supporting Chrome more.  Clearly users would use Chrome on our website if we told them we preferred it.  We know we prefer it as developers.  Perhaps now is the time to start changing and encouraging users to use this fine piece of software.  Oddly Google is not supporting a "Best viewed in Chrome" badge.  I was unable to find any sort of download button/badge for websites.  Hard to believe this momentum for Chrome is built from a few simple links on Google's search page.

I believe Chrome will evolve the web to what it should be.  The question is will Microsoft be able to keep up with Chrome before it's too late.  I pity the IE development team.  That has to be the worst job in the world.

Google Chart From Google Spreadsheet

Excellent piece of code here that allows you to extract data from your google spreadsheet into a google chart or in this case a table.  Simple filters in the setQuery you can show daily status out of a shared spreadsheet.  Very nice for collaborators that need public viewers of google spreadsheets in a more polished format.

Hazelcast

http://www.hazelcast.com/ This makes me drool with possibilities.  How many times I could have used this in the past.  I'm glad to have stumbled across this, I guarantee I'll be using this in the future.

jQuery Class

I use jQuery all the time and for those of you that don't you can now take some classes on it. http://learnjquery.tutsplus.com/  gives you a new lesson each day and allows you to become a jQuery pro in just a month.  Worth checking out.  Props to my friend Daniel who alerted me to this.

MD5 Hash function in Javascript

I recently had to create an MD5 hash for some test code I was writing.  With some persistent googling I ran across http://code.google.com/p/crypto-js/ which is a fantastic set of library for javascript crypto.  I was easily able to integrate it into my javascript.

A simple Crypto.MD5() call is all that's necessary to run a quick MD5 hash. SHA1 and other popular cryptos are available as well.

Watching the SuperBowl? - You Support SOPA!

Are you planning on watching the SuperBowl this year?  If so you are supporting SOPA!  The National Football League is one of the supporters of SOPA!  Simply take a look at SOPA HR 3261 and you will see the NFL supports SOPA!  So if you are wearing your NFL jersey, watching a football game or planning to watch the SuperBowl you are supporting SOPA.

You can feel free to contact the NFL and tell them what you think of your money going to support this bill.  I know I sent an email and I'm not planning on watching the SuperBowl until they publicly say they wont be supporting it.  clare.graff@nfl.com and Amy.Jorgensen@nfl.com who are their media contacts and tell them what you think!