Version 1.0 contained a special file to include the Genesis Box on single post pages. The problem is the function was never called in the theme's functions.php file. This has now been corrected. The applicable styling for the Genesis Box has also been added to the theme's style.css file.

Please note the Genesis Box is disabled by default. Instructions on how to enable it are included in the README.

I corrected this by removing the function from the functions.php file of both themes. I then re-wrote the home.php files of both themes and included the function as a conditional. In other words, the full width layout is in effect if widgets are active on the custom home page. If no widgets are active both themes revert to a standard blog format AND the default layout (whatever that may be) is in effect.

Actually v2.5.4 added a number of new features:

• Added author URL quick removal functionality
• Added mShot preview on Author URL hover
• Limit Akismet CSS and Javascript loading in wp-admin to just the pages that need it
• Added empty index.php to prevent directory listing
• Move wp-admin menu items under Jetpack, if it is installed
• Purge old Akismet comment meta data, default of 15 days

However the ones I find interesting are the 1st and 2nd items listed above.

See that little 'x' next to the URL in the image above? Clicking it will remove the link to the site. This is a handy feature if you have a comment that borders on spam or one that you're really not sure about. Click the 'x' then publish the comment.

The other feature I think is neat is the mShot preview. Once again, referring to the image above take a look at the URL attached to the comment. Hovering over it will result in a lightbox-type of popup with a preview of the site in question. You can get a look at the site without actually going over there first.

During the month of December (yikes, it's almost over) ThemeFuse is running an awesome contest whereby when you purchase a theme you get entered into a draw for a cash prize. The prizes are as follows:

• 1st Prize - $1000
• 2nd Prize - $750
• 3rd Prize - $500

Additionally there are 5 runner up prizes worth a $100 each and 5 consolation prizes worth $50 each. All you need to do is cough up a mere $49 for one of their themes and you're entered in the draw. You'll have to hurry though as the draw takes place 31 Dec 2011.

iThemes and it's Related Properties

iThemes is offering a whopping 33% off their iThemes Builder Developer Pack, The Builder Foundation Pack and any of the 50+ individual child themes available in the Builder Theme Warehouse. You can also get the same deal on the All Access Theme Pass. Further details »

PluginBuddy is offering a 30% discount on BackupBuddy or the PluginBuddy Developer Suite. On a sidenote, I use BackupBuddy on this very site and it's nothing short of awesome. Further details »

WebDesign.com, the "Most Comprehensive WordPress and Web Design Training Available Anywhere" is offering a 25% discount on memberships. Further details »

Gabfire Themes

Gabfire is offering a 4 for 1. That's right - buy any one of their premium themes and get 3 more FREE. Further details »

WPZOOM

Save 50% on any theme or club membership. Further details »

Templatic

Buy a theme and get 2 more for FREE. Further details »

Themify

Enjoy 30% off any theme or Club membership. Further details »

Obox Design

Obox has bundled their "7 very best and most successful themes of 2011" into an awesome pack with 2 pricing options:

• $40 Bundle - A savings of $310
• $80 Bundle - Same as above plus the layered files for each of the themes. Also includes Obox Mobile, a plugin that makes your site mobile friendly. The plugin normally goes for $50.

Further details »

GorillaThemes

Save 35% on any theme in their inventory. Note: the release post doesn't specify when the sale ends. Further details »

bavotasan.com

Get 3 great themes - Magazine Premium, Magazine Flow and Arturo - for only $99.99. That's a savings of almost $80! Further details »

Dev4Press

Enjoy a 25% discount on any themes, plugins, plugins pack and themes club membership. This offer is valid until 8 Jan 2012. Further details »

Why did we move? There really isn't an easy answer as to why suffice it to say there are not a lot of hosting companies out there that specialize in WordPress. Most of the hosts out there have been around for a long time, long before WordPress became the immensely popular platform it is today. As such most of them have failed to keep up and offer the hosting capabilities demanded by the dynamic nature of WordPress.

That's where WPWebHost comes in. With their WordPress-optimized servers they can easily handle those demands. They make use of CloudLinux to prevent resource sharing (hogging) which happens more often than not in a shared environment. As well, their hosting plans come bundled with CDN technology to keep things on your site nice and snappy. Other features include:

• nightly backups
• free migration
• free domain for the time you are hosted with them
• one-click installation and upgrades
• support staff well versed with the ins and outs of WordPress
• large knowledgebase and repository of information including WordPress resources

They currently offer 3 hosting plans:

• Freedom Plan – $7.95/mo
• Rockstar VPS Plan – $44.95/mo
• VIP Plan – $270.00/mo

The Freedom Plan is the one to start with it. For a mere $7.95/mo (if you buy a 3yr plan) you get 50GB of storage and 500GB of data transfer. The plan can handle up to 30,000 visitors a month. With this comes bundled a 50GB/month CDN. What I really like is the ability to add up to 50 add-on domains. You'd be paying much more for this elsewhere. If you find your site growing and need more resources you can easily upgrade your plan. At the time of this writing WPWebHost is offering a killer deal on their VPS hosting plans. You can review their plans and pricing on this page.

What this means for you? Hopefully a better experience while you're visiting us. Loading times should now be much quicker. Other than that the move should be seamless.

If you're looking for a new home for your WordPress-powered site why not give WPWebHost a try?

WordPress 3.3 is ready for beta testers.

If all goes well, we hope to release WordPress 3.3 by the end of November.

It goes without saying but I'll say it anyway - since this is beta software it shouldn't be used on a production site. If you want to set up a test site to play around with it or help out with the bug hunt by all means do so.

In fact, you can even set it up on your computer if you don't have a spare remote site. If you're interested have a look at our easy to follow 2-part tutorial called Install WordPress Locally With XAMPP - Part 1 and Part 2.

If you think you have found a bug there are several options to report it:

• post in the alpha/beta forum
• email it to the wp-testers mailing list
• report it on the WordPress Core Trac

In keeping with their motto quality not quantity they currently have 5 themes for sale in their inventory. Have a look at a few of these beauties ...

Malachi Theme

Ezekiel Theme

Micah Theme

Their primary focus has been on the church and band niches but they have recently announced their entry in to the world of e-commerce themes.

Our next major project is to release several beautifully designed e-commerce themes. Some will be responsive (meaning compatible with mobile devices) and work with many of the leading WordPress e-commerce plugins so that you have a choice of which plugin you wish to use.

If their current themes are any indication we're sure to see some stunning e-commerce themes coming up shortly.

The themes created by Mint Themes are released under the GNU General Public License v3. You can follow Mint Themes on Twitter @MintThemes