Monthly Archives: February 2008

MooCube v1.0

Posted by on February 19, 2008 8 comments

A few hours later and its done. I think that I have found a good stopping point release MooCube version 1.0.

Client Side-Features:

  • It’s not the Word Press Default.
  • Banner and Logo change color when you use the mouse-wheel over them.
  • Banner and Logo colors can be changed using the color buttons.
  • The Cube Button can be used to bring up the glass view panes. On them can be found recent posts, recent comments, search, RSS Feeds and Login.
  • It has always been available, but now it is recommended to register as a user of the site. This will make it so you don’t have to put in your information every time you want to comment.
  • Google Ads displays properly and with non-abrasive colors.
  • Many new custom icons.

This is a test of the emergency Blockquote system. If this were a real blockquote it would be all quotey and say stuff about things.

Admin-Features:

  • Built in Google AdSense Manager
  • Custom color choices of header and logo
  • All images references contain in CSS
  • Well documented Code
  • MooTools implementation
  • Standards compliant fluid design
  • IE7 and Firefox compatibility
  • Widgetized Header, Footer and Sidebar

Known Issues:

  • Transparent PNG does not always load properly resulting in a darker image. This resolves it self at random times. (Priority: none)
  • Left glass panes are jumpy in IE. Probably due to float issues, but cause still uncertain. (Priority: very low)

Soon to be updated:

  • Headers: Glass and Sidebar
  • Allow multiple posts on the front page
    • Ability to collapse posts
    • 2-4 More custom icons

If you have any suggestions or questions, I am always open and interested in feedback. Likes, dislikes, loves, hates and neatos. As the designer and programmer, you can often get railroaded into a certain style. Taking a step back and listening to some constructive criticism can go a long way.

I’ve got some ideas already about the journey to v1.5, in addition to the updates I plan to do, but I think I will hold off on them for a bit. It’s been a pretty intense process so far. I’ve had to re-learn CSS, XHTML and PHP. On top of that I had to learn how to build templates for WordPress, utilize the MooTools library and I took the time to learn Dreamweaver.

The life of a programmer never stops, but look for regular posts to start up again soon.

MooCube v0.9

Posted by on February 18, 2008 5 comments

You may notice that things have changed a bit around here.  The new template is nearing version 1.0 status.  As is, Version 0.9 is stable enough to be implemented for testing purposes.  Unfortunately I don’t have an easy way to set up a test server or test location.  That means that I will have to test on the live WordPress installation.  This is incredibly bad practice, but the only one available.

Some features that you may have noticed:

  • Use your mousewheel on the banner image to change it’s hue.
  • The buttons to the right of the content allow you to change the header image to certain preset colors.
  • The Cube button”explodes” the glass display units.
  • IE is likely extremely busted right now.
  • The page, aside from the mootools include, is fairly light weight for what it does.
  • The page is 99% fluid.

The list of things yet to do for v1.0:

  • Perfect fonts and styles
  • Perfect List styles and Blockquotes
  • Adjust for the short comings of IE
  • Figure out why comments are not being displayed

In the mean time you can help yourself out by getting Firefox, the only browser you should use.

SPORE!

Posted by on February 12, 2008 No comments

Big announcement today.  The long awaited Will Wright creation “Spore” has finally received a release date.  This game has been in development for years upon years and has been delayed many many times.  It looks as if all those delays have payed off and the game will truly be a great and epic masterpiece.

The link: http://www.spore.com/screenshots.php?movieID=7&play=hi

If you liked “The Sims” this game will be worth a look.  If you like being creative, this game is worth a look.  If you have ever heard of Will Wright, this game is worth a look.  If you like being on the bleeding edge of programming technology, this game is worth a look.  All I know is that I need to get a job soon because I need to build a new computer by September 7th, 2008.  (You don’t have to get a new computer to run this and in fact, it will be coming out for the MAC and various game consoles.  It’s going to be an epic franchise.)

Small Break

Posted by on February 8, 2008 No comments

If you have noticed, there has been a small shortage of topical posts.  This is because my time has been borrowed, nay stolen, by the captivating concept of design.  Justin had alluded to my default CSS in a recent post of his.  I took it to heart of sorts and have since then labored endlessly on creating a custom CSS (template to be more correct.)  I would venture to say that I am 70-80% done with the design process.  After that comes programming, tweaking and more programming.  It will be a while yet before I am ready to post it on the intertubes.  The next career post will be going up sometime between now and Sunday.

As tomorrow is Friday, it’s looking to be more hockey.  If you are available between the hours of 1pm to 2:30pm, you are more than welcome to join us.  We will be at Bielenberg for open hockey.