Adding utility timestamps to a Laravel 4 model. ( http://laravel.com )

User.php

<?php

// this assumes that you have a model that is maintaining timestamps using Eloquent

class User {

	// So this is what tells laravel to update your timestamps for you
	// That means you have the columns 'created_at' & 'updated_at'
	public $timestamps = true;
	
	// If you want to maintain an extra column for a users last login without 
	// touching the 'updated_at' column on the model's save call you can do the following.
	// obviously the toggling of the timestamps value could
	// be streamlined by putting it into a function.
	// particularly if you maintain a base class for all your models
	public function touchLoginTimestamp()
    {
        $this->timestamps = false;
        $this->last_login = date('Y-m-d H:i:s');
        
		//  this is just my alternative to save()....
        $this->amend();
        $this->timestamps = true;
    }
   
}