Just when it seemed as though podcasts would never break into the mainstream, 2014 seems to be the year they made it. Here are some of the podcasts that are currently floating my boat. Read full article
4 commentsThe year of the podcast
Archive — 2014
PNG versus SVG
For years the debate has raged on. Which image file format is better: PNG or SVG? The Commonwealth Games gave us the chance to find out. Read full article
CommentLewis Hamilton: a deserved double world champion
Before this year I thought Lewis Hamilton may never win a second championship. But having triumphed in an intense season, he deserves the double. Read full article
CommentBernie Ecclestone’s fixation with TV is Formula 1’s undoing
Bernie Ecclestone has been a genius when it comes to exploiting TV for the benefit of Formula 1. The trouble is that TV is now on the decline. Read full article
5 commentsAm I alone in thinking email doesn’t need to be fixed?
Inbox is Google's latest attempt to rethink email. But why make the world's most popular communication platform more complicated? Read full article
CommentThe annual redesign
Every year, at around this time of year, I get an urge to scratch that itch. I have to redesign my website. This year the visuals are jazzier. But the code behind the scenes is making me cringe. Read full article
CommentIs Fernando Alonso banking on three car teams?
Intrigue surrounds the future plans of Fernando Alonso. He says in retrospect his decision will be seen as "obvious". Is the obvious choice to remain with Ferrari -- in a three car team? Read full article
CommentJules Bianchi’s accident and the lessons to learn
I can only express my shock and sadness about the accident during yesterday's Japanese Grand Prix. I have little insight to offer. I am not a motorsport safety expert, nor a medic. But like any motorsport fan I have an opinion and I do have some concerns. Read full article
3 commentsReferendum reflections
There have been two weeks to reflect on the Scottish independence referendum. Amid talk about the personalities, demographic factors and conspiracy theories, there is a simpler explanation as to why Scotland voted no. Read full article
2 commentsA dark vision of democracy
There is mounting evidence that the yes movement is deeply anti-democratic. Read full article
4 commentsThe world is looking at Scotland and saying no thanks
With an implied probability of 30% that Scotland will become independent, it is already costing us too much. Read full article
1 commentA note on hope
The yes campaign's ability to sell a hopeful future is its success, but it is also its luxury. History teaches us to beware. Read full article
1 commentWhy I will be voting no thanks
Scotland is facing a big decision, and it has to get it right. This is not like a normal election. We cannot just give independence a shot and see how it goes. We would be stuck with it forever. Read full article
45 commentsScotland in a federal Britain
In 2009 I was asked to write one of a series of blog posts for the now defunct blog Scottish Unionist. The piece was a vague exploration of a federal model for the UK, but also touched on questions surrounding what independence means in a post-globalisation world. Read full article
CommentWales holiday highlights
Stories and photographs from my holiday to Wales last month. Read full article
1 commentListening to Formula 1 can be as exciting as watching it
BBC Radio 5 Live's Formula 1 coverage may lack the pictures, but it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. Read full article
4 commentsWalking for the sake of it
You don't need to have a purpose to walk. The physical and mental health benefits are manifest. My daily walk is as important to me as brushing my teeth. Read full article
1 commentThe decline of snooker
I used to be riveted to snooker, as did 18.5 million viewers in 1985. Today I am indifferent and TV ratings are much reduced. What is behind snooker's slump? Read full article
7 commentsRemembering
Thirty-eight drivers have died during a Formula 1 World Championship event or test. The name at the end of the list, Ayrton Senna, continues to cast the longest shadow. Read full article
CommentWeb designers need to have an invisible hand
Why user-centred design is like a trade. Read full article
CommentFormula 1’s weighty issue
Amid all the noise about noise, a far more disturbing side-effect of the new regulations has emerged. Drivers are putting themselves in danger by trying to lose weight. Read full article
5 comments20 years of BBC Radio 5 Live
The BBC's rolling news and sport station is now 20 years old. It has provided a lot of great memories. But it needs to sharpen up to safeguard its future. Read full article
CommentCan web design really learn from brutalist architecture?
As a web designer with an interest in brutalist architecture, I was fascinated to read an article about what web designers can learn from brutalism. But perhaps instead of taking inspiration, perhaps the lessons are in what web designers should avoid. Read full article
2 commentsAre the days of the underlined hyperlink over?
The world's biggest website has made a major usability decision. As part of a series of tweaks, the hyperlinks on Google's search engine result pages are no longer underlined. So is it time for us all to ditch the underline? Read full article
CommentMelbourne podium highlights the problem with GP2
There was a very new look to the podium for the first race of the new look Formula 1 for 2014. The two podium newcomers came from Formula Renault 3.5. Two of the other stars of the race came from GP3. So what is the point of GP2? Read full article
6 commentsWebsite launch: Study at St Andrews
For the past 12 months, I have been working on the new Study at St Andrews website, a full replacement for the webpages aimed at prospective students of the University of St Andrews. Read full article
2 commentsThe web at 25
The world wide web has more birthdays than the Queen. But it's well worth celebrating -- and protecting. Read full article
CommentIceland adventures part 6: New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik
Bars are not open before midnight at new year in Reykjavik. But that didn't stop it from being the best new year's experience I have ever had. Read full article
CommentRon Dennis on reliability challenges of 2014
The returning McLaren boss speaks out about the challenges facing his team. Read full article
1 commentIs Formula 1 in crisis?
Formula 1 appears to be surrounded by an unprecedented amount of uncertainty. Everywhere you look, there seem to be bad news stories. Read full article
2 commentsIceland adventures part 5: restaurants, bars and beer
It is true that Iceland can be an expensive place to eat out. And their beer is not always great. But with care, you can get around both issues. Read full article
1 commentIceland adventures part 4: architecture
There is some interesting architecture in Iceland. Here are some buildings that particularly caught my eye on my recent trip there. Read full article
3 commentsRacing car construction kit
My brother got me this wooden racing car construction kit for Christmas. Read full article
6 commentsIceland adventures part 3: natural attractions
It's no secret that Iceland has some stunning scenery. Its geography is just fantastic. Nature does not get much more extreme than volcanoes. But more visually spectacular are its waterfalls -- and, of course, the northern lights. Read full article
CommentUpdates from work: University of St Andrews digital communications team
It has been an interesting year at work, and now the digital communications team has a blog. Read full article
CommentIceland adventures part 2: in and around Reykjavik
About half of my trip to Iceland was spent in Reykjavik. Read about my trips to a geothermal spring, Reykjavik's museums and shopping for an Icelandic jumper. Read full article
2 commentsIceland adventures part 1: general impressions
I went on holiday to Iceland over new year. I have plenty to write about, but this first article looks at my general impressions of Iceland as a country. Read full article
1 comment