Blog Articles

Vodafone Nexus One getting its official Froyo update over the next week

Tue, 20 20 Jul 2010 16:24:26 GMT

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 20, 2010 by Phil Nickinson

Those of you in the U.K. looking longingly at us here in the U.S. with our fancy Froyo-ladenNexus Ones may soon have something to boast about as well. An e-mail from Vodafone confirms that "the roll out will be phased and will be available to all Vodafone customers who have purchased the handset from us."

A couple of things have been tweaked, as well:

The Amazon MP3 store and Google Goggles have been stripped from the ROM but are available in the Android Market.
Vodafone notes that security on the wireless hotspot app is set to "open" by default.

So, that's two phones that officially have Froyo. Who's next? (Check out the full text of Vodafone's communique after the break. Thanks, D!

Google Android software update
UK Communications -
20/07/2010

We can confirm that Google will start to roll out the latest Android software version (2.2) for Vodafone Nexus One users over the course of the next week as an over-the-air update. The roll out will be phased and will be available to all Vodafone customers who have purchased the handset from us.

If customers ask about any changes, please advise:

"Google has removed two applications from the Vodafone version of the 2.2 software build. These are Amazon MP3 and Google Goggle. Both can be downloaded free of charge from the Android Marketplace

Android 2.2 will be installed with the Wireless Hotspot functionality set to 'Open'. To make sure that no-one else is able to use your device for WiFi internet access, we recommend that customers change that default setting.

To do this, customers need to access Settings/Wireless and Network/Tethering & Portable Hotspot/Portable Wifi Hotspot, then toggle from 'Open' to 'WPA2PSK' and Save."

Alicia Keys 'engaged, pregnant'

Fri, 28 28 May 2010 14:32:37 GMT

LIFE CHANGING EVENTS: Alicia Keys is engaged and pregnant, according to reports.

Alicia Keys is in a motherhood state of mind: She's pregnant with her first child.

The Grammy Award-winning R&B singer has been dating producer Swizz Beatz, who has written hits for Beyonce, Jay-Z and others.

They're engaged to be married at a private ceremony later this year.

Representatives for the couple confirmed the news Thursday night.

Keys last year teamed up with Jay-Z for a hit song about New York called Empire State of Mind.

She's among a string of international artists slated to perform at a June 10 concert to mark the start of the World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa.

Beatz has been married before and has two sons.

The 10 best links of the week

Fri, 23 23 Apr 2010 17:15:57 GMT

1. Work - Gang Starr: This week's best link is an oldie but a goodie, and it's in honour of late rapper Guru who tragically passed away this week at the age of 48. Guru and DJ Premier might have fallen out, but bust out your old copies of Step in the Arena and Moment of Truth and have yourself an old school hip-hop session with one of the smoothest lyricists in the game.

2. The Princess Bride: Performed by cartoon bunnies, in 30 seconds.

3. Islands - The XX: Just like a school production, but with a killer soundtrack.

4. Life in Quarantine - Fully Sick Rapper: If you're stuck in quarantine with an incurable disease, you could start talking to hand puppets. Or you could talk to hand puppets, record rap songs, create videos with your puppet friends, post them to YouTube and become an internet sensation.

5. Hitler's downfall: Hitler parodies all over the net are being taken down, and Hitler isn't happy about it.

6. Rove co-hosts Campbell Live: Why did no one tell me Rove was performing standup in Auckland this week? Ruder and cruder than he is on TV, he's still the funniest thing I have ever seen live. Here he is with his man-buddy John Campbell, stealing the show.

7. Tyra Banks talks New Zealand: We live in a fantasy world, apparently.

8. Trailer: Despicable Me: Forget about Toy Story, here's the year's most anticipated animated movie film. This is released on September 16.

9. Trailer: Toy Story: Haven't forgotten about Toy Story yet, have you? This is released on July 1.

10. Samantha - Hole: The best song from Hole on their new album Nobody's Daughter, released on Monday. Check out my bonkers interview with Ms Courtney Love here.

Google Earth helps discover rare hominid ancestor in South Africa

Thu, 08 8 Apr 2010 22:54:14 GMT

Google Earth helps discover rare hominid ancestor in South Africa

4/08/2010 07:30:00 AM

Today, scientists announced a new hominid fossil discovery in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in South Africa. The discovery is one of the most significant palaeoanthropological discoveries in recent times, revealing at least two partial hominid skeletons in remarkable condition, dating to between 1.78 and 1.95 million years. We are especially excited because Google Earth played a role in its discovery.

So how did this come about? Back in March 2008, Professor Lee Berger from Witswatersrand University in Johannesburg started to use Google Earth to map various known caves and fossil deposits identified by him and his colleagues over the past several decades, as it seemed the ideal platform by which to share information with other scientists. In addition, he also used Google Earth to locate new fossil deposits by learning to identify what cave sites looked like in satellite images.

At the beginning of this project, there were approximately 130 known cave sites in the region and around 20 fossil deposits. With the help of the navigation facility and high-resolution satellite imagery in Google Earth, Professor Berger went on to find almost 500 previously unidentified caves and fossil sites, even though the area is one of the most explored in Africa. One of these fossil sites yielded the remarkable discovery of a new species, Australopithecus sediba. This species was an upright walker that shared many physical traits with the earliest known species of the genus homo — and its introduction into the fossil record might answer some key questions about our earliest ancestry in Africa.

We’re absolutely thrilled about this announcement, and delighted that our free mapping tools such as Google Earth and Google Maps continue to enable both individuals and distinguished scientists to explore and learn about their world. With these tools, places both foreign and familiar can be explored with the click of a mouse, allowing for new understandings of geography, topology, urbanism, development, architecture and the environment. Our efforts to organize the world’s geographic information are ongoing — but at the end of the day, seeing the way these tools are put to use is what most inspires us.

Twitters Denial of Service Attack

Fri, 07 7 Aug 2009 01:17:03 GMT

Hey folks! Too bad for Twitter huh? It's just another case of a site becoming a victim of its own success.

<< Back to the main Twitter Blog page

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Denial of Service Attack

On this otherwise happy Thursday morning, Twitter is the target of a denial of service attack. Attacks such as this are malicious efforts orchestrated to disrupt and make unavailable services such as online banks, credit card payment gateways, and in this case, Twitter for intended customers or users. We are defending against this attack now and will continue to update our status blog as we continue to defend and later investigate.

Michael Jackson Memorial Tickets Selling For Thousands

Tue, 07 7 Jul 2009 02:20:50 GMT

Michael Jackson Memorial Tickets Selling For Thousands

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A child passes a large poster at the Staples Center in Los Angeles , Sunday, July 5, 2009. The venue is the planned location for late pop star Michael Jackson's memorial service scheduled for Tuesday, July 7. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

NEW YORK — Michael Jackson's concerts always were difficult to get tickets to, but that's nothing compared to the pop star's memorial service.

On eBay, bids for tickets for Tuesday's event were reaching as high as $3,000, though it was impossible to verify the seriousness of those bids. On Craigslist, asking prices also were in the thousands. Some unable to attend, though, simply wanted to give away their tickets _ as one post read _ "to only true fans."

Throughout the day, both eBay and Craigslist were taking down postings attempting to sell tickets to the memorial service, which will be held at Los Angeles' Staples Center.

More than 1.6 million fans registered online for a chance to attend, and only 8,750 names were chosen _ each of whom received two free tickets.

Organizers have also made efforts to prevent scalping. Staples Center spokesman Michael Roth said organizers will check IDs to make sure those picking up wristbands are the same people who originally applied online.

Ticket winners also have to present a unique code when picking up tickets, as many did Monday at Dodger Stadium. A bracelet for the event was immediately placed on ticketholders' wrists, though they were permitted to give anyone their second bracelet.

Demand for the tickets was likely to only increase after representatives for Jackson's family released a list of participants Monday. Among those scheduled to attend the ceremony are Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Kobe Bryant, Brooke Shields, Usher and John Mayer.

Even the rejection notices fans received informing them that they had not won tickets to the memorial service were being auctioned. For a dollar or two, some on eBay offered to forward a copy of their rejection e-mail as "a collector's piece for a fan."

More swine flu cases worry health officials

Mon, 27 27 Apr 2009 01:24:28 GMT

We told you earlier this week about two cases of an unusual form of swine flu diagnosed in children from California. Now it looks like those two were just the beginning of a larger problem that may already be in two states and throughout Mexico.

Though it’s not possible to get swine flu from eating pork products, and this variation doesn’t seem to have started with contact with pigs, we thought we’d still share the latest on what’s likely to be the biggest health story in the news for the foreseeable future.

Cases in U.S. up to seven

Homeland Security secretary Janet Nopalitano declared a public health emergency on Sunday (there is no secretary of Health and Human Services yet, who would normally be in charge of such an outbreak, and Obama was golfing) and current reports say that at least 20 Americans have been sickened by the flu.

Those cases have been found in California, Texas, Ohio and Kansas, as well as a cluster among high school students in New York, some of whom had visited Mexico for Spring Break.

People visiting the United States from other countries will be asked about their illness history but will not be barred from the country just for having come from Mexico (or other countries with the flu if it spreads). The nation’s stockpile of the antiviral drug Tamiflu, which has so far been an effective treatment, has also been released.

None of the patients is known to have had direct contact with pigs before getting sick, which is what makes these cases so unusual. Getting the illness directly from a pig is a lot more common.

Also, the genetic combination of flu strains — including North American swine and avian influenza and human and swine influenza strains from Asia and Europe — is one that hasn’t been seen before. And while the strain is resistant to some antiviral medications, others did work to treat it, officials say.

Another outbreak in Mexico

Meanwhile in Mexico, the situation is more dire, with an estimated 61 deaths and more than 800 thought to have been infected

Schools in Mexico City have been closed and public events canceled until further notice, and people are advised to avoid physical contact with other people or share glasses, dishes or cutlery for fear of spreading the flu. The World Health Organization fears that with cases in Mexico and parts of the United States the illness will spread and possibly mutate into a more deadly strain, but for now the agency is collecting information before it decides whether to increase the potential threat level of the outbreak.

And in Asia, where folks are used to health dangers like SARS and bird flu, countries have quickly ramped up anti-contamination efforts including testing at docks and airports and health screens for visitors.

Truth Comes Out After Chris Brown's Court Appearance!

Fri, 06 6 Mar 2009 14:32:29 GMT

Friday 8:45 AM, 06/03/2009

Chris Brown has postponed his case until April 6th. Probably hoping to arrange some kind of deal so there won't be a long fullblown trial

Singer Chris Brown was charged with felony assault and making criminal threats yesterday in a Los Angeles Court. A police report was presented stating exactly what happened that night. Chris beat Rihanna repeatedly while driving, he smashed her head against the car window and threatened to kill her and even bit her ear! We don't understand why she is back with this guy and neither does her dad. He has now come out saying he is worried that someone has a "stronghold" on Rihanna because neither he or her mother can make contact with Ri-Ri. Her phone numbers and email address have been changed. This sounds really bad to us!(TMZ and USMagazine)

Preparing Kids For A Smaller Christmas

Fri, 05 5 Dec 2008 16:27:54 GMT

Hey folks! I know its been a while. I'm pursuing some other business ventures. I will continue to keep this site up for all of you who wish to continue and check out the various ads. Checkout my latest article.

"Tell a friend to tell a friend!!!"

by Amy Hatch Dec 5th 2008 8:00AM

Categories: Money & work, Holidays

It's official -- the U.S. economy is in a recession. So what does that mean for Santa's sack? For many of us, it will be much smaller this year. If you're like me and you tend to go overboard at the holidays, but you're cutting back this year, experts say you might want to prepare your kids for less loot under the tree.

Teens are readily able to grasp the concept of budgeting, but what about the little ones?

Holiday 2008 Gift Guide: Under $20

Wrapables.com

10 photos

Magic Bean

Even the youngest child can appreciate the thrill of seeing something grow from a mere seed. What makes this seed so special is the secret message it reveals as it grows. Just add water and in about two weeks, the words "I Love You" or "Good Luck" will appear on this Jack Bean stalk. $11.95 at Wrapables .
Ages 5+

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Holiday 2008 Gift Guide: Under $20

Wrapables.com

Bananagrams

A gift the whole family can enjoy, Banagrams is a word game that can be played simultaneously by spellers of all levels. 144 letters in a bright yellow pouch provide take-along fun while helping to build vocabulary and improve spelling skills. So much fun, the kids might not even notice they are learning. $15.00 at Creative Kids Stuff
Ages 7+

CreativeKidsStuff.com

Paint Your Own Tea Set

Playing tea party is fun, but playing with a tea set you made yourself is even better. This one comes complete with 17 pieces of white porcelain just waiting to be adorned with the brightly colored non-toxic paint. Let it set for a few days or bake it in the oven and the art becomes permanent. $12.95 at Amazon.com
Ages 8+

Amazon.com

3-D Drawing Pad

Stereographic background paper lets little doodlers create their own 3-D images. Simply draw on the pad, don the groovy glasses and you have instant 3 dimensional awesomeness. At just $7.99 for a pad of 50 sheets, you can buy two and keep one for yourself at Perpetual Kid.
Ages 3+

PerpetualKid.com

Antworks

This is not your father's ant farm. Sand has been replaced with gel and the results are groovy 3-D ant tunnels. Even better? The ants get their food and water from the gel, so they are practically care-free. The habitat kit comes with instructions and a magnifying glass for up-close viewing. Ants not included. $19.49 at Discover This.
Ages 6+

DiscoverThis.com

Bubble Gum Factory

What kid doesn't like bubble gum? Make them work for it with this Bubble Gum Factory kit. Kit includes everything needed to make flavored, color-changing and even gooey center-filled gum. From the Discovery Channel Store at Amazon.com for $16.96.
Ages 8+

Amazon.com

Cadaco's Spectacular Magic Show Set

Now you see it, now you don't! Clever kids can amaze their friends and family by making playing cards vanish, pouring paint from an empty can and more. Includes everything needed to perform 100 different magic tricks, including an instructional DVD. $19.99 at Target.
Ages 7+

MagicTrickZone.com

Pizza Party Play Food

Get little chefs cooking with a pizza party. This all-wood set comes complete with six slices of pizza on a tray, a cutter, a spatula and over 50 toppings to mix and match. Packaged in a wooden box with a see-through lid, it sells for $15.96 at Gummy Lump.
Ages 3+

GummyLump.com

Zoob Construction Set

Most building sets allow kids to build stuff and that's about it. With Zoob, they can actually play with their creations. The pieces snap together to form joints that rotate, extend, spin and more. Get their creative juices flowing with 55-piece collection of Zoob pieces for only $11.99 at Stuff Kids Like.
Ages 6+

StuffKidsLike.com

Pirates of the Tub

Make bath time a lot more fun with this cool pirate set. Includes foam pieces that stick to the walls, island-building pieces and three pirate squirters. Set contains 38 phthalate-free pieces and a suction-cup mesh bag for drying. Ahoy! $18.95 at Growing Tree Toys.
Ages 3+

GrowingTreeToys.com

One Big Family: Try explaining the concept by saying that our country is one big family, and everyone needs to spend a little less, even Santa. Be honest and brief; don't overload the little ones with lots of heavy grown-up concepts.

Make A List: Kids should still be encouraged to make a list, and don't limit them. Allow them to include everything they desire, even the extravagant stuff. As the holiday gets closer, ask them to revisit the list and choose a few items that are really important to them. Ask them to explain to you just why those items are so crucial.

Tell The Truth: Don't set them up for disappointment. Be honest if there is a big-ticket item that won't be under the tree.

Shop Together: When purchasing gifts for others, bring the kids with you. It can be a subtle way to teach about budgeting, and also helps show them that giving is just as fun as getting.

Deal With Tantrums: If your child is still unprepared and wakes up to disappointment on Christmas morning, he or she just might have a melt-down. After all, the holidays are all about build-up, and those TV advertisements can get under their skin. Lovingly but firmly deal with it as you would any other melt-down.

My kids would be happy if I wrapped an empty box and put it under the tree, so the giving is really about me. However, I know that in the long run, it is a greater gift to exercise fiscal restraint in these uncertain times.

Halloween Ideas Blog

Fri, 31 31 Oct 2008 00:29:51 GMT

People just love Halloween and it is easy to understand why, Halloween allows people to show their creativity in a variety of fun and exciting ways. This holiday season instead of purchasing a costume from your local shopping center why not have some fun and create your own unique one of a kind costume! If your really feeling ambitious you might consider throwing Halloween party for the adults or creeping out the kids by creating your own haunted house, complete with props and decorations. Our online article on creating a super scary sound effects CD will be of use for both a hunted house or Halloween party. Celebrate the spooky season with fun cell phone wallpaper for Halloween, then each time you answer your cell phone you can view fun Halloween pumpkin wallpaper. Those into mail order shopping for Halloween items can find a listing of Halloween catalog retailers here. Halloween is rich with History and lore, you can learn about Halloween, get ideas at Halloween Cat.com

Of course Halloween would not be complete without a cool jack o lantern, learn how to get the job done with our article how to carve a pumpkin. When your carving out your pumpkin don't forget to save the fleshy inside as well as the seeds, both are important ingredients in Halloween recipes.