Q:

Optimizing load time while supporting JavaScript disabled browsers

I have a large background image that is a major part of my design, but is not essential, that I am planning to load via JavaScript after the rest of my page has loaded. I would like my users to be able to interact with my more important content while this large file loads. 
I would like to support JavaScript disabled users as much as possible, while maintaining optimal load times for everyone else. Is there a way to force an element to load last when javascript is disabled? If not, what's your opinion - is it better to fully support non-javascript users or optimize my site for everyone else? 

A:

If you include a style block at the very bottom of your page (just inside the closing body tag), and set the background image from there then it should load last, even for users with javascript disabled. Mike and claustrofob both make valid points.

