1. Get MAMP up and running, no special setup is needed here.
2. Download Zend Framework and place it wherever you’d like. I actually retrieved my copy via SVN so that I can easily upgrade it later. To do this open up terminal and follow these commands:

   cd /Applications/MAMP/
   mkdir svn
   cd svn
   mkdir zendframework
   cd zendframework
   svn checkout http://framework.zend.com/svn/framework/standard/trunk
   

3. Now open your php.ini file located under /Applications/MAMP/conf/php5/php.ini
4. Search for include_path (around line 411 on mine) and add the location of your zend framework:

   include_path = ".:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php:/Applications/MAMP/svn/zendframework/trunk/library"

   Make sure to include the library directory otherwise you’ll get a blank page in Zend Framework

5. Zend Framework also comes with a shell script that will help you with RAD (Rapid Application Deployment), you can create a shortcut to Zend Tools in terminal by adding an alias to your profile under /etc/profile (thanks DS for pointing this out) and make sure to restart terminal after you’ve done so:

   alias zf=/Applications/MAMP/svn/zendframework/trunk/bin/zf.sh

6. Test if the Zend Tool is installed correctly by showing the version:

   zf show version

7. Finally navigate to the directory you’d like to create your first project in:

   cd /Applications/MAMP/htdocs/

   and with Zend Tool creating a project is simple:

   zf create project test

Download the YUI Compression AppleScript

The AppleScript Source:

on run
	tell application "Finder"
		set this_item to choose file with prompt "Choose CSS or JS file:"
		set dir to the selection as alias
	end tell
	set mypath to posix_path(this_item)
	set dirpath to posix_path(dir)
 
	runCompression(mypath, dirpath)
end run
 
on posix_path(mac_path)
	set mac_path to (mac_path as text)
	set root to (offset of ":" in mac_path)
	set rootdisk to (characters 1 thru (root - 1) of mac_path)
	tell application "Finder"
		if (disk (rootdisk as string) is the startup disk) then
			set unixpath to "/" & (characters (root + 1) thru end of mac_path)
		else
			set unixpath to "/Volumes:" & mac_path
		end if
	end tell
	set chars to every character of unixpath
	repeat with i from 2 to length of chars
		if item i of chars as text is equal to "/" then
			set item i of chars to ":"
		else if item i of chars as text is equal to ":" then
			set item i of chars to "/"
		else if item i of chars as text is equal to "'" then
			set item i of chars to "\\'"
		else if item i of chars as text is equal to "\"" then
			set item i of chars to "\\" & "\""
		else if item i of chars as text is equal to "*" then
			set item i of chars to "\\*"
		else if item i of chars as text is equal to "?" then
			set item i of chars to "\\?"
		else if item i of chars as text is equal to " " then
			set item i of chars to "\\ "
		else if item i of chars as text is equal to "\\" then
			set item i of chars to "\\\\"
		end if
	end repeat
	return every item of chars as string
end posix_path
 
on runCompression(mypath, dirpath)
	tell application "Terminal"
		do shell script "java -jar " & dirpath & "yuicompressor-2.4.2.jar " & mypath & " -o " & mypath & ".min.js"
	end tell
end runCompression

If you like this YUI Compression AppleScript please do share that with me, as praise is my sole motivation for producing scripts for others. I’ve only skimmed the surface of applescript, but with so few scripts out there that meet the needs that I have, I’m sure I could quickly make some other web developer tools for Mac as well.

If you’re interested in making something like this, i would start with PSD Tuts. Specifically for the Vista Style Wallpapers you can go here: http://psdtuts.com/tutorials-effects/design-a-vista-styled-wallpaper/

UPDATE: I’ve created a wallpapers section that you can check out now, far better wallpapers in there, and soon to be more!

• Create a Document at the dimensions you want (1024 x 768 is usually minimum standard. If you’re on a laptop 1280 x 800 is a common resolution)
• Create a subtle gradient background
• Add noise to the gradient
• Apply a motion blur
• Feather the edges and you’re done with that layer
• On a new layer drop in the logo or image
• Apply some subtle strokes and drop shadow layer styles

UPDATE: I now have a full page dedicated to wallpapers! Check it out!

Washed Out

Update: I have created a page dedicated to more wallpapers.. Check out more desktop wallpapers

I’ve always really enjoyed abstract design, especially complimentary and contrasting colors and fractal art. This was an attempt to combine color clashing and hard, strong forms with a smoother more soothing flow. It kind of reminds me of Star Wars.

Update: I have created a page dedicated to more wallpapers.. Check out more desktop wallpapers