JavaScript Blacklist is a simple extension for Safari 5 which blacklists scripts from a configurable list of domains. If a common “utility” script used by sites that you visit is annoying you, this will let you opt out quickly and easily.
I use it configured with the following domains, to block all sorts of annoying in-text ads, toolbars, and trackers that knucklehead publishers foist on their readers.
Bearded Robocop by Vanja Mrgan.
Shot high above the streets of New York City, Up There reveals the dying crafts of large-scale hand painted advertising and the untold story of the painters struggling to keep it alive.
Capturing a trade that is equal parts artistic precision and grueling labor, the film represents a painting tradition pre-dating modern advertising. A craft that today finds itself dangling precariously on the brink of extinction.
Whenever a TV product commercial plays I bust a gut during the parts where they show us what we’re doing wrong and why we need the product.
Me too. [via]
Tons of new features and improvements coming to Webkit’s Web Inspector tool for web developers.
Of note: Edit as HTML (finally), Timelines, and Audits.
You can use these now in Webkit’s nightlies, but we’ll have to wait and see when they’re formally released in Safari.
The next time you’re constructing a user interface, you should absolutely follow Fitts’ law. It just makes sense. But don’t forget to follow the opposite of Fitts’ law, too uncommon or dangerous UI items should be difficult to click on!
[via]
Some great old tool catalogs, here.
Especially these (PDFs):
Edward Tufte has been appointed to “help track and explain $787 billion in recovery stimulus funds” as part of the Recovery Independent Advisory Panel.
I’m doing this because I like accountability and transparency, and I believe in public service. And it is the complete opposite of everything else I do. Maybe I’ll learn something. The practical consequence is that I will probably go to Washington several days each month, in addition to whatever homework and phone meetings are necessary.
Edward Tufte, March 7, 2010
One of my recent IOGraphs (née Mouse Path), ‘shopped and available for download (right click and save as) as a desktop background/wallpaper.
Did you know that blocking ads truly hurts the websites you visit? We recently learned that many of our readers did not know this, so I’m going to explain why.
My mousepath for yesterday, from about 10am until 3:30pm (when it crashed).
“It’s worth it to me. It’s the way I want to live my life. I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares.” – Saul Bass
via The Post Family
I had no idea a video even existed for this song, let alone one featuring David Cross and Bob Odenkirk.
