One of the most requested features by The Unstandard WordPress theme users was a easier method for photo thumbnails on front pages. After exploring a few options including using the baked in WordPress media image re-sizer, Raul’s code snippet to be added to functions.php, and various plugins and scripts, I decided to go the route of Darren Hoyt’s timthumb script for a official theme update.

Old method vs. updated method

Prior to the update, cropping and uploading two versions of a photo was required in order to prevent skewed or distorted images. For every post published, two photos were needed: 1 x large hero and 1 x smaller alternative. 

For some, the flexibility of being able to specify two unique assets worked. That is why I have not changed that aspect of the theme. What is different is that cropping images prior to uploading is no longer necessary. Cropping, thumbnail creation, and caching is now handled by the timthumb.php script.

Users can still specify two unique images – one for the hero (if the post is the newest on the front page), and a second for older posts. Alternatively, users can upload one image 600px wide or greater then copy ‘n paste the same URI for the file in both custom fields.

Visit the download page for info or edit your existing theme manually using the instructions below.

Adding timthumb.php support manually

First, visit Darren Hoyt’s site to grab a copy of timthumb.php. Next, visit your theme directory using a (s)FTP client and create a new folder called ’scripts’. Within that, create another directory and name it ‘cache’. Check to make sure that both newly created folders are set to CHMOD 777 (so that timthumb can write to those folders).

If you’re using The Unstandard, open index.php and look for the following code:

<a href="<?php the_permalink() ?>" title="<?php the_title(); ?>"><img src="<?php echo $img_src; ?>" /></a>

Replace that with this new snippet which integrates the newly added timthumb script:

<a href="<?php the_permalink() ?>" title="<?php the_title(); ?>">
<?php if ( is_first_post($post->ID) ) { ?>
	<img src="<?php bloginfo('template_directory'); ?>/scripts/timthumb.php?src=<?php echo $img_src; ?>&w=593&h=225&zc=1" width="593" height="225" />
<?php } else { ?>
	<img src="<?php bloginfo('template_directory'); ?>/scripts/timthumb.php?src=<?php echo $img_src; ?>&w=293&h=150&zc=1" width="293" height="150" />
<?php } ?>
</a>

What changed? The modified code for The Unstandard users does one of two things:

1. If the post is calling the larger hero image, use timthumb to create a thumbnail using the value set for ‘lead_image’.
2. If the post is not the latest, use timthumb to create a thumbnail using the value set for ’secondary_image’.

The script accepts a couple different parameters including height, width, zoom crop, and quality. Find out more here.

Caveats relying on timthumb

The only issue using timthumb to automatically create thumbnails is that image files must be hosted on your own site. Images hosted externally will not be thumbnailed and cached.

Note that if you plan on using the same image URI for both ‘lead_image’ and ’secondary_image’, it is better to cover your bases and upload a image equal to or greater than 600px to account for zooming / resizing.

Can I choose how my profile or group page looks to other people? At the moment, selecting a theme will change how FriendFeed looks to you, and other people looking at your profile page will see it in whatever theme they’ve chosen. We know how important it is to be able to customize how your profile page or group page looks to the outside world, and while that isn’t part of today’s release, it’s on the roadmap.

A little strange. But hey, at least full theme integration is on the roadmap. I took a stab at the CSS only requirement for the themes but didn’t quite make it. Darn. If you are interested in following new theme releases, follow the FriendFeed Themes account. Release custom CSS stylesheet support and that theme directory will really take off.

If I worked primarily on a PC, Microsoft Visio would be one of the most used apps in my dock Start Menu. I can’t speak from personal experience, but based on the features (and from what others have told me), Visio is a solid piece of software – especially if your daily tasks involve creating rich visuals, UI’s, and prototypes. If I did work with Visio, I would definitely check out some of the available add-ons like the rapid prototyping tool or the updated sketch GUI elements (both via Wireframes Magazine).

Microsoft Visio Standard 2007 for FREE

Because I don’t run Windows unless I am testing against Internet Explorer, this copy of Visio Standard 2007 is of no value to me. But, I know someone else out there could sure use a legitimate copy minus the $200 retail asking price. Requirements for entry are simple:

1. Some short blurb on how Visio can help you at home / work
2. Working email in the comment form (unless you don’t care about winning)

Winner will be randomly selected from the comment list. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Entries for consideration will be accepted up until July 17th.

The iPhone 3GS is a great upgrade from the original iPhone 3G. The processor bump, memory boost, and 3.2 megapixel camera with tap-to-zoom & video recording have made me fall in love with the iPhone all over again. If you’re contemplating or have made the jump from the iPhone 2G, the comparison between the two shows a definite performance difference. However, a bug has slipped by undetected by the quality inspection…

The sound bytes you might hear

Your handset is screaming for attention, albeit at a frequency you may not ever hear. It’s been a few days since I took home my shiny iPhone 3GS and had it not been for an early post over on Boy Genius Report, I would have continued thinking that Apple had outdone the last iPhone – problem free. Unfortunately, a flaw was found. A flaw that neither sight or touch could detect. 

Lock your screen using the sleep button, send an SMS message, send a email, receive a calendar alert, or hear any OS related sounds. Depending on ambient noise levels or how well your ears can hear, your delicate eardrums may detect a high frequency note lasting roughly 3-4 seconds at the tail end of system sound file(s).

During the day, this high frequency isn’t an issue. At night while I lay in bed sending off a few emails or text messages, the sound is much more noticeable. It’s one of those things that if you weren’t aware of it to begin with, you would never notice. But now that you know it exists, you’re always listening for it. Or at least that’s the problem I have now.

Genius Bar associate(s) acknowledge sloppy sound files

Based on the discussion on the Apple Support boards and a handful of other posts on the net, I had a small sliver of hope that the issue was hardware related. Thinking this, I dropped my info into the Apple Concierge station locking in some time with the geniuses behind the Genius Bar.

After explaining the audio conundrum, my phone was taken to the back for a little "quiet" alone time – away from the hoardes of people snatching up MacBook Pro’s or iMac’s. What economy woes? Five minutes later: "Yes I hear it. I tested a few other 3GS phones back there and they all do the same". 

So no handset replacement. Not a big deal. At least the Genius Bar representative tested [multiple phones] and confirmed that 3GS handsets have a problem. The conclusion – sloppy audio files. Hopefully Apple will release an update in the near future or announce that the first production batch of phones are a little sour. I was told the solution was to keep the phone on vibrate (which works) or ignore it. Decisions decisions. Keep the phone on silent? Or live with a tiny little voice screaming?

Can you hear the ‘eeeeeee’?

The sound is there. The question is can you hear it? Cast your vote then spread the word.

Personally, I’m leaning more towards Transformers as my favorite of the two. Original video embeds were from Vimeo but were taken down.