# get parameter from Database stored in core_config_data
echo Mage::getStoreConfig('general/imprint/shop_name');

# add top category block
edit: /app/design/frontend/default/your-theme/template/page/html/header.phtml
add: <?php echo $this->getChildHtml('topMenu') ?>
link: http://www.learnmagento.org/magento-tips-tricks/category-drop-down-on-main-navigation-menu/

test:
<div><?=$this->getChildHtml('header')?></div>
<div><?=$this->getChildHtml('left')?></div>
<div><?=$this->getChildHtml('content')?></div>
<div><?=$this->getChildHtml('right')?></div>
<div><?=$this->getChildHtml('footer')?></div> 


# add a poll to rigth coloumn?








    poll/active.phtmlpoll
    poll/result.phtmlresults



design config file:
/app/design/frontend/default/default/layout/local.xml

# edit top menu block




# inline translate
<?php echo $this->__('Contact Us') ?>

# magento display static blocks with custom layout update


cm_block_name



#
# SQL
#
# list product on top
UPDATE magento.catalog_product_entity
SET updated_at = now( ) + INTERVAL 1 year
WHERE catalog_product_entity.sku in ('YOUR_PRODUCT_SKU');

# get item by image name
SELECT catalog_product_entity.sku, catalog_product_entity_media_gallery.value
FROM catalog_product_entity, catalog_product_entity_media_gallery
WHERE catalog_product_entity.entity_id = catalog_product_entity_media_gallery.entity_id
AND value like '%google%'