Dear Toby, X-Air, and WeatherCat extremely busy types,
Not specific to javascript at all, but one "modern" solution is to design with CSS.
Yes, X-Air you are correct, but I don't have the time to learn the modern version of HTML There was a time when HTML was in the range of amateurs, but it has become a very complex and powerful environment intended for the web development professionals who have create websites like Amazon's.
To me, the evolution of the web has been a real disservice to the
"man in the street." When it started out, it was simple because nobody was sure what it was good for. As it evolved, it was clear it could be used for many things, but HTML didn't evolve into multiple environments for the various needs. Instead of recognizing that we needed an
"every-person's" HTML as well an industrial strength version - the needs of people to express themselves on the web was basically tossed aside in favor of business. Because of that business focus at the expense of the netizens of the Internet, we have no voice unless either we work very hard or give in to services like Facebook. It isn't like Facebook really provides a versatile creative environment that allows for a wide variety of individual expression.
I'm not sure how much effort to invest trying to keep up with web applications, but unless you make a living at it, eventually you will be drowned in details. Even those in the business I suspect have a lot of on the job training to keep up with all the innovations. Unless you have tonnes of time on your hands and want spend that time in front of a computer screen, this is a battle you will lose sooner or later.
Edouard