this.validate causing errors

Not sure why this.validate() was in here, but removing it
so that the project list page works again.
Fix profile image url

Need to use the /user/photo endpoint and always show
a photo if photoUrl isn't defined.
Just use /user/photo

On second thought, /user/photo does everything we need.
It will display photoUrl if it is set, or photoId, with the
right priority order.