Gravity Forms

Gravity Forms is the defacto standard for which all premium WordPress plugins should be gauged. The feature set in this form builder is inspiring and the staff just keep churning out update after update. If you have ever installed, logged-in to or uttered the word WordPress, you need this plugin.

Learn More

Easy Custom Content Types for WordPress

I’ll admit it. I’m a lazy programmer.  Especially when it comes to declaring custom post types and creating meta boxes. That’s exactly why Easy Custom Content Types made this list. This plugin can save you hours of programming monotony. With just a few clicks you can create a custom post type AND dozens of metaboxes.

Learn More

uBillboard

This is one of, if not the most, feature rich content slider plugin I’ve ever seen. Plus, it is so easy to use I even let my clients use it If you’ve ever mangled with a content slider for a client, you owe it to yourself to take a look at uBillboard.

Learn More

UberMenu

Drop-down menus aren’t anything difficult to create these days, but to include anything other then a nested list inside of one can be a nightmare. That’s where UberMenu steps in. If you need something more than the boring old drop-down menu, this is the plugin for you. This plugin will do horizontal or vertical drop-downs, images inside of drop-downs, widget areas and even contact forms.

Learn More

Google Sitemaps Generator

Any good Internet professional understands the need for sitemaps. Google Sitemap Generator makes publishing your XML sitemap ridiculously simple.

Learn More

All-in-One SEO Pack

I know there are tons and tons and tons of SEO plugins out there. And we are all passionate about one or another. However, my heart belongs to All-in-One SEO Pack.

Learn More

Security Ninja

Security Ninja is a nice little plugin. Especially as a last minute check for any blaring holes you may have left open. Not that I’ve ever done that.

 Learn More

Obox Mobile – WordPress Mobile Framework

With such heavy emphasis on mobile friendly websites lately, Obox Mobile allows me to be that much more user friendly with very little effort.

Learn More

Shopp

Quite a few of my clients recently have been wanting a shopping cart. After testing out many of the top e-commerce plugins, I settled on Shopp. The reasons are too many to list here. A nice plugin and a decent support setup.

Learn More

Did I miss a plugin that you think should be on this list? Let me know in the comments.

flush_rewrite_rules();

I had to change one of my custom post types from:

$jb['has_archive'] = true;

to

$jb['has_archive'] = false;

I couldn’t figure out for the life of me why this post type’s archive page wasn’t able to be viewed. My theme’s 404 page was being shown instead. Low and behold I happened to scroll to the bottom of the Register Post Type Function Reference and there was an explanation about flushing rewrite rules to activate the changes.

I know. I know. RTFM, right?

This little function saved me from certain brain aneurysm, self-induced baldness and prison time.

Be careful though, this function should not be run on every page load.

flush_rewrite_rules WordPress Function Reference
Flushing Rewrite Rules

WordPress Christmas photo by Aliso the Geek.

The idea behind Adapt.js is to measure the viewport width of the browser and display the stylesheet that corresponds to that width. Pretty slick if you ask me. My next client will be the lucky recipient of my first responsive website. Sorry in advance

Photo credit: Somebody from A List Apart

View ‘Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood’ on Amazon

There are a few features my new phone has to have. For business and also for fun. Oh yeah, and for making phone calls.

1. It must be able to sync with Google Calendar.
2. It must play video.
3. It must record video.
4. It must have a good amount of available software.
5. It must function on GSM networks.
6. It must be smaller and lighter than a Treo 650.

I think I’ve narrowed my choice down to two finalists. The Nokia N95 and the Applie iPhone.

The iPhone:

The iPhone is definitely the hot new cell phone these days. The built-in flash memory, sexy user interface, wifi capabilties and synchronization with itunes are the biggest pros for me. Yeah I know there are a ton more features, but these featuers appeal to me the most.

On the other hand there are a few cons that come with the iPhone. The most prominent short coming in my eyes is the lack of video recording capabilities. I realize there is 3rd party software being developed to allow video recording, but I think this is something that Apple should have included with the original software.

The N95:

The N95 is the other finalist, and I have to say, it may be the underdog, but definitely has the potential to be a champion.

First and foremost, the N95 will not only record video, but you can stream it live to qik.com. I have to admit, this is a pretty exciting feature for me. I would love to be able to stream live video from my cellphone not only for work, but for fun and leisure.

Some other pros for the N95 are: wifi capabilities, GPS, fully media capabilities and, with the newer versions, built-in flash memory.

I do have some concerns about the N95. First off, I can’t locate one for sale within 150 miles of me to get a feel for how big or heavy this thing is. I’ve found statistics online, but I just need to hold one. Also, the form factor of the N95 is a slide phone. Meaning it slides open to reveal the numeric keypad. The latch that holds the slider closed can become weak after repeated use and fail to stay shut.

I’m pretty sure that if I can demo an N95, I’d probably end up buying one, but to purchase one without handling it first is just ridiculous. That being said, I’ve handled the iPhone many times, but the lack of video recording capability is a huge problem for me. The rumor mill has stated that an updated version of the iPhone is only a few weeks away. Maybe they’ll add video recording support and make my choice even harder.

That’s right, the Mrs. and I are finally getting married. I popped the big question while we were in Las Vegas. January 6th to be exact. At 9:06pm. She said yes….just to clarify. Anyhow, many of the details pertaining to the wedding are still undecided, but I am currently creating a website which will host all of the information you’ll ever need about the wedding, reception and most importantly, the gift registry!

Seattle has been a dominating team in the USL Division One League for quite a while now. There are rumors that the Sounders will join the MLS next season. Which means bigger crowds and better soccer….just a few HUNDRED miles away.

Congratulations to the Seattle Sounders on their dominating win for the USL Division One League Championship!

The Women’s World Cup Soccer Tournament is going on right now in China. I’m not a big women’s soccer fan, but the tournament only happens once ever 4 years and the U.S. is ranked No. 1 so I’ve been following as close as I can manage.

Hmm, I’m starting to wonder what the point is to this post….oh well. Here’s a hilarious video of a rather ballsy ball boy in England. Enjoy.

I found some quotes made by Republican Senators during the Clinton Administration about his decision to send troops to Bosnia. I am not old enough to remember why we were in Bosnia, so I won’t get into that here. Plus, I’m too lazy to Google it right now. I’m digressing. It is amazing how quickly one’s outlook on certain events can change once monetary gain is added in.

My favorite quote:

“If we are going to commit American troops, we must be certain they have a clear mission, an achievable goal and an exit strategy.”
–Karen Hughes, speaking on behalf of George W Bush

After reading that quote, please oh please tell me why the fetch we are in Iraq?

Verbatim Quotes from Republicans when Clinton was Prez. [via reddit]