The MBUI Working Group has published two Working Group Notes.

• Introduction to Model-Based User Interfaces, as an introduction to Model-Based User Interfaces covering the benefits and shortcomings of the model-based approach, a collection of use cases, and terminology.
• MBUI – Glossary, a glossary of terms recurrent in the Model-based User Interfaces domain. It is intended to capture a common, coherent terminology for specifications of the MBUI Working Group and to provide a concise reference of domain terms for interested audience.

Learn more about the Ubiquitous Web Applications Activity.

First there were complaints over Apple’s skeuomorphic icons and their inherent cheesiness. Then there were objections to Apple’s redesigned iO7 — once again, for cheesiness. Now, a group of animation students from Kingston University have created a 3D model village of sorts, which pictures Apple apps coming to life in all of their skeuomorphic glory.

While Apple has learned that you can’t please all of the people all of the time, this newly produced video, titled Skew, scores its share of pleasing points. Using models built from fiberboard, card stock and paper, everything from the alarm clock to the newsstand app comes to kitschy life. Their video recalls to mind that real life isn’t slick or glitch-free, and that’s okay. Skeuomorphism may have, in large part, seen its day; but that doesn’t mean realism has to fall by the wayside. In fact, if this clever video is any indication, we haven’t seen the last of it yet.

Do you think skeuomorphic design is a thing of the past? Have you used it in your own work? Let us know in the comments.

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The CSS Working Group and the SVG Working Group have published a Last Call Working Draft of Compositing and Blending Level 1. Compositing describes how shapes of different elements are combined into a single image. Previous versions of SVG and CSS used Simple Alpha Compositing. In this model, each element is rendered into its own buffer and is then merged with its backdrop using the Porter Duff source-over operator. This specification defines a new compositing model that expands upon the Simple Alpha Compositing model by offering additional Porter Duff compositing operators; advanced blending modes which allow control of how colors mix in the areas where shapes overlap; and compositing groups. In addition, this specification defines CSS properties for blending and group isolation, and defines the ‘globalcompositeoperation’ as specified in HTML Canvas 2D Context, Level 2. Comments are welcome by 28 January 2014. Learn more about the Style Activity and the Graphics Activity.

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Since President Obama’s ascent into Presidency in 2008 the American public has been speculating Hilary Clinton’s next move.

On Monday, January 6, Politico revealed that Clinton -though months away from a decision- appears to be preparing for a 2016 Presidential Campaign.

The last time she campaigned, Clinton found herself faced with an American populace that was tired of the prospect of another “dynasty” of Presidents -Bush, Clinton, Bush…Clinton? 

This coming year the backlash against American nostalgia might not be so overwhelming.

So what does the future hold?

First, though President Obama has broken the Dynasty Pattern, Hillary’s opponents will still to try to present her as a “figure of the past”. After her previous run, however, we can almost bet that she will be prepared for that attack.

We’re guessing that her tactics from the 2008 run will have to evolve in order to distance herself further from her husband. Like Pikachu. (Get it? Pikachu evolves, Hilary Clinton evolves…it’s a joke! But a bad one.)

Second, Hilary’s going to have to deal with the ever growing campaign costs. In the last campaign, Obama and Romney raised a combined 2.0651 Billion dollars ( yes that is Billion with a capital “B”).

Every year the presidential campaign is ruled more and more by the rise of Super Pacs. Does Clinton have the support and funding to run?

Well, already she has mountains of support from some democrats in the states. And, besides her own money mogul funders, Hilary has the advantage of companies that supported Bill.

BUT, see how distancing herself from Bill Clinton can be a double edged coin? If Clinton chooses to run in 2016, she’ll need to walk a very thin line. 

And last? You called it, the gender issue. Clinton may be perceived by the electorate as too “touchy-feely” or weak. Her relatively unremarkable run as Secretary of State isn’t going to help her (and oh, yes… there was that one awkward event in Benghazi…). At the same time, people often regard powerful female figures as less likable as their male counterparts. These are two hurdles that Clinton will have to overcome if she decides to run.

Well, two hurdles out of many more to come.

"Whether you have five minutes to relax or a year to focus on building lasting habits, here are 16 scientifically-backed ways to boost your happiness levels.

Smile. A 2011 study showed that thinking about something positive that makes you smile can actually make you happier (fake smiles don't do the trick), while 2003 Clark University research found that smiling activates positive memories.

Go for a run. Physical activity boosts the brain's release of endorphins, feel-good neurotransmitters that can improve mood and well-being.

Pray. Spirituality and religious involvement is linked with greater well-being and happiness, according to a review of more than 300 studies on the connection between spirituality and health, while prayer is thought to relieve stress.

Laugh. In addition to relieving stress, laughter can boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Go for a stroll in the park. There are many health benefits to spending time in nature, including, perhaps, increased well-being. One UK study showed that subjects were significantly happier when in natural environments as compared to when they were in urban environments.

Perform an act of kindness. Do something nice for someone else today -- it could make you happier, according to University of California research."

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