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Will Android phones ever achieve iPhone's level of polish and usability?
Current Instapaper and former Tumblr developer Marco Arment wonders out loud if Google Android phones can ever achieve the levels of usability and polish Apple's iPhone has arguably had since day one:
Android will continue to exhibit what Google does best: great low-level engineering and tight integration with Google's other services. But it's never going to be Apple-like in user experience, polish, or design.
Attention to detail, like most facets of truly good design, can't be (and never is) added later. It's an entire development philosophy, methodology, and culture.
Armant argues that users waiting for Android to get iPhone-like fit and finish "any day now" shouldn't hold their breath. (Probably any more than iPhone users should hold their breath for Google-like features, such as a less curated market open to system-wide enhancers.)
Smartphone platforms as reflections of the corporate cultures is an interesting idea that doesn't stop with consistent UI or tightly integrated hardware. HP/Palm's webOS, is both slick and far more "open" when it comes to end user than open-source alternatives. Apple has wrested almost all control away from carriers, as they rest almost all control away from users as well. Google has let carriers run roughshod over Android's user experience, writing fringe blog posts about the problem but not withholding Gmail or Android Market from user-hostile handsets. (The way Apple would withhold the entire iPhone for years -- see Verizon.)
If that's the case, can those corporate cultures be transcended? Could Android 3.0 Honeycomb come out with a UI as consistent and delightful as anything from Apple? Could iOS 5 packs as much power and as many features as Google throws at their phones? I think they can, though it requires Keyser Sose (or Steve Jobs) level "single act of will" to achieve. I'm betting there's no C-level drive at Google to go iPhone's last usability mile and Steve Jobs has no interest in being more like Android.
So Android probably won't ever achieve iPhone's level of polish and usability, and that probably doesn't matter to anyone who isn't already using an iPhone for those very reasons. We're left in a world where each platform has its strengths and weaknesses and we have the luxury to move between them as best suits our needs at the time.
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Reader comments
Will Android phones ever achieve iPhone's level of polish and usability?
No. Very few can reach Apple's level of polish. HTC Sense is pretty close in some areas but isn't Apple'esque by any means.
I argue iOS is lacking more than Android here. iOS just makes less than usable features look better. :) [lipstick on a pig is too harsh but the analogy stands]
To put it bluntly, using an Android phone is like watching old people screw. Sure, it technically gets the job done...but it's awkward, takes WAY too much time and effort. :)
Android's UI issues stem from its greatest asset -- its openness. It's easy to control the shape and color of the bolt when you make the only wrench. I agree that it's tough to beat the iPhone's polish. But usability? You can't even upload a file in the web browser. It takes months to get an app approved. I'll take the extra functionality and ingenuity provided by people who feel it insulting to pay $100/year for the privilege of playing in the sandbox and maybe, just maybe, being allowed to construct a small castle.
@MC - In the article I said I didn't think so
@mlerley - Android isn't "open" unless you mean for carriers and manufacturers. Google doesn't even release source code until after an OS version is finished. No user contribution is a very different model.
Also, "usability" != features. You can do far more on Android than iPhone but what you can do on iPhone you can generally do more easily than on Android.
Funny, I agree that iOS is more "polished" but efficient it isn't. @Jared, show me how it takes more time to make a call or text on Android when you can put a shortcut to a favorite contact on your home screen. Show me on iOS where I can see the weather instantly like I can with a weather widget on my Incredible. Android is much more efficient at many daily things like calling, texting, and using maps than iOS. As someone who uses those features daily, it's efficiency is paramount to me. Seconds=minutes=days. That being said iOS is pretty, functional, and simple which is why I'll probably buy an iPhone for my wife.
Honeycomb ui is being developed by the same designers that brought you webos, what many believe to be the most beautiful mobile os. Though even if honeycomb reaches the mass idea of a polished ui, its the Apps that will need to be updated. Here you are showing google listen, a useful app, but one of the worst designed on Android.
You could compare other apps on both platforms and make the exact same counter argument.
Is this a joke? I have had android phones then switched to an iphone. I hated it so I switched back. It was a hassle and expensive but I just did not like the iphone. If you are really worried about how other people perceive you then an iphone is for you, but if you want a higher functioning and all around better phone get a droid. peace.
Great article. Using an android phone is like a kid peeing in their hands to stay warm.
I agree, but disagree with some things in the article. Android has way more usability and features out of the box. I'm no fan of Apples's glossy UI, but it defiantly is polish and it translates that into the apps as well - giving a pleasant experience to the eye. Android can get there, I like the direction Google is trying to take Android's UI since Gingerbread.
I like how commenters prove Engadget's Nilay Patel right on a daily basis...Android users are the angriest people alive lol. You guys take opinions WAY too seriously. If you don't agree that's fine but why get all mad and start bashing other stuff? Is it really worth getting that upset over a mobile phones operating system? If so enjoy the heart burn. :-)
No, but like said above HTC sense does come close. The new Sense that should hit other HTC phones in the next few months polishes things up.
and yes android does do more right out of the box and you really have to take a step out from your Apple world and test drive one to truly know what I mean. Don't judge pictures.
and notifcations, please android blows Apples right out of the water.
I'm happy with my EVO. I know I can do a lot more with it then I could with an iPhone. Plus I like how my contact list can be tired with my social networks, and I take take a picture or video and share it instantly with multiple services, including e-mail, dropbox and social networks right from the photo app. No need to dig though multiuple apps just to share something.
@Brian Tufo. You could say the same for some iPhone users.
When you dont give any freedom to the developers, and make the process of developing an app for a platform so strict you do have control over the UI and if you call that polished UI - well I'd say polished but not comparable to Android...
I do agree that developers are not directly able to contribute to the Android OS development and Google releases the code only while releasing a new device with that platform. But it is at least way better than Apple's software development strategy.
Calling an iphone more usable compared to Android - can you describe how did you evaluate this and reach the conclusion ? I've used both an iphone and an Android, and I honestly felt the Android way high in usability compared to the iphone for the everyday tasks I perform at least.
Itnalready has. Both use just icons, android has better notification and multitasking UI. The rest of the UI is just lists. Which I think Android also handles better. Only thing iOS has over android is maybe the music player which won't be for long. You can see in the Google IO video what the new music app looks like that is coming in honeycomb. iOS isn't as advanced as you think. It's just a grid of icons eith no widgets and no notification Ui.
@Chris that is true lol. I like the debate and the competition I just don't get some peoples anger. You gave your opinion in a non angry fashion which seems rare especially here lol.
@Brian Tufo iPhone users are just as bad and sometimes are worse. How about taking a look at some of the other comments on other threads. All you see is 'how bad Android is and how good the iPhone is' and when you head on over to AndroidCentral, all you see is 'how good android is and how bad iPhone is.' Everyone thinks their phone is the best. Even so, one could say your bashing Android by saying "Android users are the angriest people alive lol. You guys take opinions WAY too seriously." Well Brian, I think YOU are taking your phone way too seriously.... hypocrite..
@ Brian Tufo. Yeah I know lol
The way I see it, there are some iPhone users who are just causal. and then there are some who get really upset when someone puts down the iPhone, even for something so minor. Same could be said with android. It just depends on what you want out of your phone. Do you want to go where all the "cool kids" are going and get an iPhone, or do you want more choice and freedom?
They market to a different bread of consumer that's all. You can do just as much on an iPhone then you can w/Android, and vice versa.
Apple does win when it comes to Polish, and when you talk about usability. I think it's meant in the sense of how a random non-tech type person can pick up either OS and be able to use it. Apple wins there. However, in terms of functionality. Now both are the same, they really are. Only difference w/iOS is that you have to jailbreak, rooting is the same thing on Android. I love Apples ecosystem. Close it off, good, preserve the user experience because as we all know. Hardcore iOS user find a way around that. iOS + Jailbreak = Best of Both Worlds.
That's the important part that people don't understand. That's what puts Apple over the hump and makes them that much better then Android. It's the users experience. Couple that w/the freedom of jailbreakig and you can't beat that.
@EagleyeSmith rooting and jailbreaking are not the same. My Android phone could have any apk file installed even before I rooted. Yes there are some apps which require root access but for the most part if people are rooting its to install a custom rom, not just apps. For iOS to install non-authorized apps you HAVE TO jailbreak an iphone/ipod/ipad. They do accomplish similar things but the reasoning is a bit different.
Wow, this one really brought out the Androidites, in shining armor. And it funny, I know some regular people who have said this to some extent, how ugly Android UI is. And while people may argue how "functional" Android is, they usually have no taste. Some will understand why you buy an Aston Martin and not a Honda Civic and some will not. That's probably Steve Jobs drives a Mercedes at his company's peak, while Bill Gates (admittedly, not google) was driving a Honda Accord at his.
My dad owns an android phone which I've played around with a little. Everything seems to check out on his phone except for two things. The fraction of a second of lag/choppiness really gets on my nerve, iPhones don't feel laggy at all. And the feel of the phone, the screen feels cheaper, more sensitive to breaking and all over it feels more like a toy than a mature device for an adult.
That's my rant for the day.
@Expert wow dude, Brian didn't say anything bad about the android, you need to think about what you say before you say it
Only for very specific definitions of "polish" -- off the top of my head, notifications, voice control, and quite a bit about the maps app, Android is more polished than iOS.
Overall, though, no. It is really, really hard to polish what you do not control completely, because you have to make some compromises for others you otherwise would not have to make. Google employs some pretty good designers, and is overall doing a pretty good job of it, but they are not going to be able to go toe-to-toe on polish with Apple, who employs great designers and who rarely has to compromise for others.
Apple is always going to be a bit more polished, and Android is always going to be more flexible -- that is the nature of Apple and Google's respective choices. The challenge will be to stay far ahead in their own speciality, and approach/stay "good enough" in the other camp.
I love iOS and Android isn't too bad, I was even planning on getting a HTC Desire but iOS looks so much better and feels like it works so much better. For me Android's problem is fragmentation, if you have the more popular devices then you're fine, if you don't have fun. My younger brother has a HTC Wildfire, when Angry Birds came out on Android he was ranting and raving about how it's free, but it wouldn't work on his device due to the smaller screen, now it works but it's laggy due the poor specs inside.
This is were Apples strategy is better, bring out one new device, Market that, keep the old model at a cheaper rate and write them off in 3 years time when the devices specs are reaching end point.
Besides everyone talks about Android having more functionality, why is it I can connect my iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch to my college wi-fi which uses search domains and proxy's very simply, but my friends Desire can't connect due to Android not supporting Search Domains and Proxy Settings?
@ James. Your brother must have an older phone. Even apple's older iPhones don't support iOs 4
as for the last part. Its your phone.
@ ChrisGonzales (aka Mr. Google Fanboy) - "Do you want to go where all the "cool kids" are going and get an iPhone, or do you want more choice and freedom?"
Yup. Call us casual, call us fanbois, whatever. We don't care.
As for choice and freedom, hey, we're all for it. Just as long as we don't need to suffer through the horrendous mess Google calls Android. Just. Not. Worth. It.
Yeah 4.2 runs but not it its pointatal. I don't care if a silly game runs fine or not. The point is, the Os does not run like it should. Perhaps re read what I said.
and you can call me a google fanboy all you want. Just shows how mature you are. (and how people view iPhone users)
"Smartphone platforms as reflections of the corporate cultures is an interesting idea that doesn't stop with consistent UI or tightly integrated hardware."
Let's not forget what Android's original target was. It was Microsoft's Windows Mobile, Android was created to destroy Windows Mobile, and to do that Google copied BlackBerry almost exactly because BlackBerry was the market leader at the time. Two things changed that. First, Windows Mobile did poorly all on its own. No need to waste any effort killing it through external means. Second, Apple released iPhone and caught Google completely by surprise.
Google went straight back to the drawing board and mashed up a quick and dirty hack that kind of resembled the original iPhone OS. And the rest is history. The fragmentation, the permanent crapware loaded onto Android phones by carriers and manufacturers alike, the weedpatch of an app marketplace, and now Chrome OS that was intended at one time to be Google's tablet OS.
Here's a link to a photo of the original BlackBerry-copy Android: http://bit.ly/cQzgRY
What does that tell you about Google's corporate culture?
@SockRolid you know who else was making phones that looked like that? HTC, Samsung and Motorola...in fact I THINK that was an HTC prototype but I can't say for sure. That original design wasn't just a google copycat in any event. RIM hit a homerun with that design, everybody copied it.
Oh and the "permanent crapware" is on every smart phone on the market besides the iphone. Hardly a shot you can take on Android when even RIM lets the carriers do whatever the hell they want once the item ships. I can't tell you how many days I saw a new app pushed to my Blackberry that I did NOT want. Apple just got AT&T by the short hairs and AT&T say "Yes sir Mr. Jobs," to everything. No other phone producer calls the shots.
I love my Droid but I also love my ipod touch. The bias by both pro Android and pro iOS users is disgusting. Do any of you really have any interest in this platform war? Do you own stock in either company? I sure don't.
Also remember just because its more polished doesn't mean its better. Android may not be as pretty but for my purposes its way more flexible than anything Apple has ever shipped. You know what I like best about my Droid? Nobody else has the exact same phone I have. You call it fragmentation, I call it customization.
I also love my Ipod Touch. Great games in the App Store, unparalleled music/video features, and a very pretty looking OS. I will never choose one or the other. I have and enjoy both. Not sure why everybody is so hung up on hating on one or the other.
I can't say that I know much about Android, but the few people that I know who own Android handsets, always end up telling me how much they enjoy the "feel" of my iPhone. I can't say the same about their devices. After all, anything that sounds like hemorrhoid, must be a pain in the @$$. Literally.
What do you mean "doesn't run like it should"? It runs just fine. Do you have a 3G? Like I mentioned, it is missing features due to the lack of memory and processing power, but it does run. Maybe you should re-read your own statement.
"Even Apple's older phones don't support iOS4" = Wrong
As many have already stated, and its kinda perplexing how Rene didn't already realize, Android/Google apps already beat iOS in usability. Really Rene, were you serious? The polish is coming with the webOS designer now in house, but honestly HTC does a great job with Sense.
The first generation doesn't. The second one barly gets by.
Just give it up already
Regardless, the point I was trying to make is that. The closed system that is in place w/Apple can be bypassed and you have complete and total control over your device just like Android. Plus, you don't jailbreak just for apps, it's more to it then just that. ...
It's a dead horse being beaten...but I'll state it anyways.
Polish...eh. It's subjective to each and every consumer. Reviewers can put iOS above everybody all day, but it all comes down to what consumers like. To me...I prefer Android simply because buttons (the things that are soooo bad) allow for more screen space. They can take the back button, menu, etc etc off the screen and give me more viewing space. That's not to say iOS is not beautiful, I do like it and some apps from Android devs could do to learn to put a lil spit shine on theirs.
As far as usability...I really don't get where you're coming from. Seriously. Calling, texting, checking weather/RSS/Twitter/FB/etc is WAY simpler on Android thanks to widgets and shortcuts provided on the home screen. If something doesn't suit you in Android, 9 to 10 there is an alternative to it in the market. I mean...you'll praise iOS for all the apps, but then not include that in the factor of making Android more usable. I thought that apps are the future? Why not include that within the factoring of usability.
I will always state, Android is as hard or easy as you make it. You can make it as simple as an iPhone by using nothing but your app drawer and leaving your home screens blank. Or you can litter the screens with widgets and icons galore!
Apps will get prettier, saying that they want is pure silliness. Devs choose to make them look good or crappy. Will they be as nice as iOS' apps...who knows. I don't see the point of comparing them when all that matters is they look nice period. The Android stock UI will get nicer, as evidenced in the subtle fixes in Gingerbread, and the upheaval of the UI in Honeycomb.
As long as both OSes keep pushing each other, I really don't care.
Well said Dave
You made an inaccurate quote and I need to "give it up"? The first gen iPhone equates to the TMobile G1 which cannot even run something like Gingerbread, let alone Froyo. Big frackin deal. It is what it is. But don't come here posting inaccuracies and then attempt to backtrack your steatement by saying "it barely gets by."
Your comment was innacurrate and your were proven wrong. Give it up already.
Oh btw, do you own a 3G?
Rene, it's obviously you've never used an Android when you ask will an iPhone ever reach the usability of an iPhone. Let me educate you. I'll start by saying I own an Evo.
To Dl apps, the usability on an Android wins. Not only can I DL android apps from QR codes, I can 'bump' an app or bluetooth is to another Android phone. Apple makes you have an account to dl an ap, what a hassle and lame, Android doesn't.
Android now has near field technology, Apple? nope.
I can customize my UI to the usability that works best for me, you can't.
With widgets, the usability of evernote, mint, the weather, etc.. is faster and easier. One more usability factor that dominates the iPhone.
What you can talk to your phone to send a text or mao a location? Android can. iPhone fails at this. Awesome usability iPhone. (sarcasm) Texting, takes less time and what, no Swype? lol
I could go on. Next time when you write an article try using examples. It seems Apple fanboys always say, we're the best, but never give examples.
Apple fans are always confined to what their leader (uncle Steve) allows or does not. Android fans are free to choose. Good or bad we get to choose. Reminds me of N. Korea and the USA. - Yeah maybe there are bad things about choice here in the US that the N Koreans can't choose their own, but at least I have that freedom.
The reality is open markets win (look at the US) closed markets lose (look at N Korea) - Apple has the head start I agree, but even the co-founder of Apple the Woz agrees that Apple will lose the race. But this is not rocket science to those who understand an open market vs a walled garden system.
"We're left in a world where each platform has its strengths and weaknesses and we have the luxury to move between them as best suits our needs at the time." - Sick of iPhone fans saying this... it's cop out cause they know they're getting their butt's kicked. I'd would love to see your next post listing the strengths iPhone has over my Evo.
I am sick of the iphone arrogance and is nice to see them getting owned. Which I know, ironically, makes me now the arrogant punk ass now. ;)
@ NaNo - "the few people that I know who own Android handsets, always end up telling me how much they enjoy the "feel" of my iPhone. I can't say the same about their devices."
The HTCs of the world are still using plastic or easily-dented thin-guage aluminum. They're all about cutting corners to lower their costs. The same thing happened in the PC market. The race to the bottom. Generic manufacturers all trying to push each other off the low-margin cliff. And it shows.
The hardware is just an empty shell. The box the software comes in. The first baby step toward the ultimate goal of a great user experience. And they can't even get it right.
Seriously, I've considered cruising on over to Android for quite a while now. Every single FF'in time I try different Android phones, the experience is damn painful. I really like the UI on these phones but I go to swipe my fine azz finger across these beautiful screens...L A G! I really do want to like latest and greatest Android handset but damn!
Why the past tense? Android phones achieved, and in many ways surpassed iPhone's level of polish quite some time back.
If you want to ask a meaningful usability question, instead of yet again showing a shocking lack of knowledge where Android is concerned and an unfortunately not-so-shockingly laughable amount of blind arrogance where iOS is concerned, ask if Android or iOS will ever reach the level of polish of WebOS. Because, honestly as much as I love Android and tolerate iOS (and I use both daily), WebOS easily beats either from a usability standpoint -- albeit with hardware so painfully bad it keeps the WebOS forever in the also-ran category.
@EagleyeSmith I understand your point but at the same time for any freedom with an iphone/ipod/ipad you must jailbreak. For Android users rooting isn't a necessity if you want some freedom. Only if you want to get into overclocking/custom roms/messing with system files do you need to root.
@Sock Rolid I thought so but it wouldn't seem that way from most of the posts would it? It just seems dumb to me. We're all nerds for arguing/discussing this stuff. Neither OS is better, it just matters whats best for the guy or girl whose hand is attached to the device..but I do believe Rene sees what topics cause this sort of debate and posts as many of them as possible. Its a shame Rene isn't more critical of people (besides competitors) as he is in a position of power with so many people listening yet he just seems to want to throw fuel onto several different fires. Just my take.
also FYI, Evo had Qik at launch. It had kinks to work out..but it was there.
1.You do realize that Rene owns a Nexus One, right?
2. You do realize that the original comments were made by a DEVELOPER of some pretty well known software applications?
3. You do realize that EVEN Google understands that it's own operating system is lacking in terms of a consumer-friendly UI as it has hired interface experts to build changes into the OS? Honeycomb put in some minor changes in the UI (which by the way was hyped to be the BIG UI change).
Hey, how's that 4g and battery life working for ya? If you tell me you get anywhere near a full day charge with 4g on, I call BS. My brother has an EVO here in NYC and can barely get thru 3/4 of a day with 4g on.
Didn't Apple just RECENTLY stop using plastic after 2 models.
I mean it's all good to boast about the beautiful (and I do seriously mean that) design of iPhone 4, but lets keep reality within our grasps shall we?
Also...software was available to use the FFC...Qik/Fring. I think what you wanted to say was first party software. Which is true, but kinda a moot point seeing as the end result is still the same. You being able to video chat with another person.
As far as market share being taken...eh. I'm not saying it won't. Not saying it will. But looking at the grand scheme of things...meaning worldwide...you can pretty much gauge it. And it looks pretty even to me.
I really don't get why people are so damn sensitive and dramatic over an operating system and phone. And this is coming from a man that will choose a phone over a few new outfits and shoes. If they're not needed of course, lol.
Both OSes are nice and functional no matter what Rene and commenters like to believe in their heads. If one or the other wasn't...they wouldn't sell. People aren't FORCED to buy these things you know.
SockRolid obviously you have no idea what you are talking about the EVO 4g was first with the front camera in the USA. And yes the quik chat was there from day 1, and you could and still can use it without wifi. The notification system and several key elements are downright superior on the android OS. I hate see a popup that gets in the way every time I get an email. Its actually very easy to use android. Its anoying the whole ios is easier to use is now downright bologna. Get over it android is growing faster, and has the biggest potential.
I think you mean Gingerbread, not Honeycomb. Because Honeycomb (from quick peaks) is a DRASTIC change.
But sticking on Gingerbread, they never 'officially' stated FULL upheaval of UI with Gingerbread. The official statement was UI changes. Which that is what they did. They stated Honeycomb to be tablet optimized. And seeing as Martias was hired right in the middle of Gingerbread 'baking' it would only be common sense that the full changes wouldn't come in Gingerbread with the timing of his arrival at Google.
But I think what the other commenter was trying to get at (in my eyes) is that Rene really isn't talking about anything in a fair, unbiased sense. Seeing as more and more devs are bringing their iOS apps over to Android...and the end result is a similar looking app albeit tweaks to fit it to the Android hardware difference of course.
I absolutley love it! Truth is the i phone is more of a girl phone. Yes you read that right. More concerned with finesse and perception...while the android community is more focused on manlier things...ie creation and control.....perfect example. ...while my girlfriend was at work one night she called me and was complaining because she wanted to be home watching sons of anarchy....she has an iphone....i told her i had to go because i was WATCHING sons on a live stream on my galaxy s captivate with froyo...so ya...it is what it is.
I think that the iPhone is so much better then the androids phones, also it is so much more smooth then that phone is, and I think that the galaxy is also a generic iphone either, I just keep selling my phones to www.swapngreen.com because I wanted the extra cash to buy the nexus because I think the nexus is nice.
If your girlfriend had any smarts, she would get herself a Slingbox or any of the other myriad solutions available on the iphone so she could watch as well. If she has an iPhone 4, she could watch in even higher resolution and picture quality than your Captivate.
Oh btw, how's that GPS lock workin' for ya?
No probs with gps.....all it takes is an update....and i woldnt wanna get a headache watching on that little retina....im sure u dobt wanna get into a retina vs superamoled debate....but being ab iphone fan u already think yours is better....love the defensive reply btw...its all so common nowadays :)
@ JNGold - Again, you do need to 'let it go' The G1 may not officially support Gingerbread or Froyo, but you can bet that sooner or later you'll see Gingerbread on there, as Froyo has been on the G1 for quite some time now with Cyanogen, and a whole slew of other custom baked roms with the JIT compiler in full functioning form.
Opps hit publish too soon. Back to palm web os. They finally had a great company with the T3 as a flagship product. I guess the point I am trying to make, it would be nice to see iOSxxx on other smartphones. We saw what happened to Palm. Could the iPhone fail in the future? If you like the android system, but do not like motorola, you have other choices. If you like iOS but do not like the iPhone, you do not have a choice.
NOTHING in life is free..
But I do find it amusing when iPhone users get offended when someone puts down their device. Itsa like the end of the world to them.
Stop making "excuses".
I owned a Samsung Focus for about 2 weeks so I had the chance to use a SuperAmoled. You know what? It's nowhere as sharp as the Retina Display. Retina is higher resolution (FACT) and it is clearer than the SuperAmoled.
Oh and btw, what "Free" option were you using to stream? Yeah, waiting for this one. And even if she did "pay" for the Sling, she would have access to her cable, DVR, a pretty good solution, if you ask me.
"But I do find it amusing when iPhone users get offended when someone puts down their device. Itsa like the end of the world to them."
Like the Android folk that come here to post, right? ROFL!
At least read the article before flaming me, okay? It's pretty hugely positive about Android and asks a very legitimate question, which is quoted from a fairly serious developer.
@Myria, are you using a "couldn't be more wrong" app? Because you couldn't be even if you were :)
No device is perfect. Neither iPhone nor Android is better at everything than the other. iPhone is absolutely more polished and easier to use than Android. Android is more customizable and usually offers more features than iPhone (unless a carrier blocks them).
Don't fight over iPhone or Android. Make Apple and Google fight to make the best phone.
Could you please give legitimate examples of how iPhone is inherently easier to use?
I'm not trying to flame or bash, but I just really don't see it.
I can agree with the current state of app polish and OS UI...but ease of use just doesn't seem right.
From the set up to the usage (speaking only of OS, not apps) how is iOS easier?
We can start with the old albatross of consistency. iOS copy/paste is broadly consistent system-wide. Android copy/paste even with Gingerbread is a hodge-podge.
Memory management is another one. iOS will never throw up a system out-of-memory error. That's the developer and OS' job to handle. Not the user's.
I've been using Android fairly consistently since G1, through Droid/Milestone and mostly N1 (waiting on my Gingerbread update!). If you're experienced with Android it's not a problem, though device-to-device the inconsistencies (even button layout!) aren't a huge problem. If you're new, mainstream user who just wants a better phone, iOS is just in another class.
I notice it most when I go back and forth. It's a lot of subtle things and a lot of core things. Even the way the screens animate are designed to re-enfoce orientation.
I frankly can't believe anyone is even debating this. It's like trying to say "prove Google has a less curated app marketplace". They absolutely do.
A 2 year old can use an iPhone well. About all a 2 year old could do with my N1 was throw it. (And trolls, spare me your "iPhone is for 2 year olds" retorts -- that shows good usability, be upset Google hasn't striven for that yet the way I am Apple hasn't put in Android-style voice control yet).
@Ted Nokia has front facing cameras before Android. Apple rarely if ever does anything first, they just do better mainstream implementations than have come before.
Until Google makes a GoogleTalk video app standard in Android, and makes it "just work" out of the box, saying EVO had a front-facing camera before iPhone 4 is meaningless to the single largest market segment in the world -- casual users.
Be a good boyfriend and get your Girlfriend a Slingbox. That Myp2p.eu solution is garbage. VERY limited channels. And, if that's not a good solution for your GF, tell her not to fret as there is PLENTY of streaming solutions available. Here is a list to start from:
So instead of blowing off your GF and telling her "sorry I can't talk to you because I am watching TV on my Craptivate", why don't you be a hero (in her eyes) and show her that she can watch her TV on her iPhone.
And btw, I am not denying that Android phones do things that iPhones cant. Likewise, there are things that the iPhone can do that Google phones can't. Things like AirPlay and AirPrint. There is of course more, but I don't need to really go-tit-for-tat about features because it's not really the point.
You forgot to mention the fact that stock Google supports dual mailboxes (one for Gmail and one for "other" accounts). If you then apply a UI Shell like HTC Sense, you get a consolidated inbox for all accounts. If you move to another Android device, you may get another experience.
Rene just because it doesnt throw up an out of memory error doesnt mean that this doesn't happen. I can't count the number of times my Ipod has become slow and unuseable because of lack of memory free. The only reason I know it is because of SBSettings which tells me how much memory each program uses. Android has this built in. I'm so tired of this "The user should never have to think about it" talking point. Its an attempt to justify ignorance. The user SHOULD have to think sometimes.
At the speed that Android is changing I think 'polish' would be something extremely difficult to accomplish. I think Google will eventually slow down the rate at which they introduce new versions of Android to take the time to add polish.
But this is the classic form versus function argument. Sure iOS is so easy a caveman could use it - but some people would prefer to take their devices a step further.
@idavey I got your example, forwarding a message on the droid is so hard many of my friends started asking each other how to do it. It didn't come up when they pressed the menu key. They still haven't found out. While on the iPhone you just press edit. Tap the message you want. Then send. Simple and easy.
Polish is hard to achieve. Features are easy. You can try in features into a phone like crazy and you'll end up with a mess like original android. Then it got better but still is badly implemented features. While apple pushed for smoothness and polish. Then features came.
You apparently missed the entire point of this post, or didn't read the same post I did.
The point was not to argue features and functionality, but polish and usability from the user experience aspect.
Android may have great feature sets but the user experience is nowhere near as simple and well thought out as iPhone. That was the point. Not who's feature list is larger.
I have never seen a out of memory message on my Evo. Ironically, I have gotten a low memory message from an app on my iPad and I'm constantly opening up the TASK MANAGER to kill apps because iOS gets sluggish from the poor app memory management.
Also, it is commonly accepted that iOS notifications are painful and severely lacking, yet that's the feature many use more than any other on their smartphone. Why is it that everyone but Apple has figured that critical function out, and years ago? That right there kills any usability argument you have.
Polish, no, because the OS and the devices using it will never be unified, especially with every phone having its own GUI.
Usability, yes and no. Functionally, Android is smoking the iPhone as far as available features and customizations. Making things super easy for simple people will probably never happen though.
Polish? No and I don't think it will get better anytime soon. The os is to slow and laggy. It's been out long enough to fix. Ive had every iphone and loved them all. I tried a evo out and returned it after 9 days. Horrible battery life, lag, slow and there was a problem with the screen coming off the the phone. Usability? All android os phones are different so usability is in the hands on the maker of the phone IMO.
I think the distinction between feature set and polish is too subtle for some to see. Apple's products ARE polished, even when their shortcomings are deal breakers for me. They could polish a bit more, since the shine is pretty dull in some areas, but polish may be what Apple does best.
I'd say polish qualifies as an extension of marketing and marketing is what Apple does best.
Do the angry people on both sides realize that this article is about phones? Not, famine, not rape but phones? Sheeesh!
I agree with West, many distinctions between feature set and polish are hard to see, especially for guys like me that are simple users of smartphones.
I used to own an Iphone, unfortunately I lost it. I was very happy with it. I then decided to go for a Android phone, HTC Desire, because I like testing new things.
My experience, again just as a simple user and not as a developer or nothing like that, is that Iphone is nicer, easier to navigate, consistent in features, menues, cut and paste, etc. I think there is no doubt about that. Iphone is nicer in all sense.
Nevertheless, I can do more things with my Android, and I can customize it to my will. Maybe that makes Andorid loose consistency, but the degree of customization is amazing. Shortcuts to contacts, to call or to send sms, shortcuts to bookmarks (not sure if iOS 4 has that feature as I only used the previous system), great notifications system, etc.
Anyway, there are people that prefer consistency and ease to use, others prefer customization features. It is something subjective, and we can fight forever, and never reach an agreement. Let's just accept some basic facts...
Well said I think you make a very good point.
I have both a iPhone4 and a Nokia N8 both with me at all times, from the use I have had with a friends android phone I can truly say that at this time I would not get one.
Follow up: the difference between usability and functionality: http://www.tipb.com/2010/12/22/iphone-android-difference-usability-funct...
@Harry seaward
Android Central rarely has articles about the iPhone and Apple products. Almost every page on TiPb has stuff on Android. Not trying to troll but I'm just saying. I like Android and iOS but I feel like iOS for more for the average user and Android is for people who want the most out of their phone, and know how to get it.
Google is all about beta release it in beta and work on it as you go 1.0.1, 1.1.1, etc, etc. Will never change. It would also help if they haad a plan and worked out the kinks from there. It seems they still don't know where they want to go with th UI or had no clear path from the beginning. That is what is different about Apple, they stayed in the backgrouind for years getting a gameplan together then designed a UI and tested it, then once they were satisfied released it. Google and everyone else has been forced to play the catch up game at the expense of "useability".
Iphone's polish? moronically simple UI I have no control over, UX is simple enough but often I need functionality. Droid X and Ipad owner. The simple UI/UX is fine on the Ipad but I expect more from my phone. As for the folks who mentioned the multiple companies interfaces, this has created some very significant improvements but they can always be removed or altered and I do not even have to root! I have owned 3 Iphones and since moving to Android have never looked back, always being disappointed with Apple's phones updates has assured me i made the right decision.
Apple has made the smartphone an appliance(as they have done with Osx) An appliance will never be as powerfull as the tools used to build it. Ios is an appliance- Android is a tool(no pun intended).
If you wnat to invest the time and effort into android it is more "powerfull" than an iphone. The majority of people want an appliance not a tool.


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Results 1 to 5 of 44
May 20th, 2013 10:38 PM #1
What do you think of Ashley for a boy?
I think the name Ashley is so cute for a boy. I've never liked it for a girl, it sounds shallow to me. But I just love it for a boy. I started Gone With The Wind and I love it even more! What do you guys think? Is it usable or will it become usable for a boy? Or should I just keep it on my GP list?Just another teenberry and writer, a lover of names
Current Favorites:| Zoe | Jane | Natalia | Cecily | Isabel | Margo | Ariadne | Marta | Athena | Eulalie |
| Dimitri | Linus | Gus | Augustus | Thomas | Jude | Basil | Jonas | Samuel | Jasper |
Pondering: | Alexander |
Have a fabulous day!
May 20th, 2013 11:00 PM #3
I actually really like it for a boy and I have a teenage family member named Ashley. He doesn't go by Ash. He's very boyish too. Honestly, the kids in his peer group, since they grew up with him (and with people with much weirder names like boys named Jamolly etc) they really don't seem fazed by it. They're all used to it. It's only the adults who seem to make faces at it.
I think it's handsome and actually find it much fresher and cooler on a boy nowadays.http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Blackwood/e/B00SARZLFY -- My Amazon Author Page
Represented by:
Proud Mama to:
Persephone Elysia Willow -- June 5th, 2013
Number 2 due December 2015.
May 20th, 2013 11:14 PM #5Junior Member
- Join Date
- Jan 2013
- Posts
- 17
May 21st, 2013 05:42 AM #7
I love it! I vastly prefer it on a male than on a female, and would use it in a heartbeat.Adelaide ~ Alice ~ Elizabeth ~ Isabel ~ Julia ~ Lea ~ Mira ~ Penelope ~ Stella ~ Valeria
Augustin ~ Elias ~ Felix ~ Leo ~ Levi ~ Linus ~ Martin ~ Sebastian ~ Tobias ~ Theodore
May 21st, 2013 05:53 AM #9
I think it would be a cruel name to give to a son. Once a name becomes popular as a girls name, it comes across as very effeminate on a boy. If you are going to use, seek out some grown male Ashley's ask how much they like their name.
I knew a woman who named her son Leslie as it was originally a boys name and was in her family tree. I spoke to him when he was in his early 20's and he told me he grew up hating his name because he was teased mercilessly for having a girls name. At 18, he dropped use of his first name and went by L. David xxxx for then on.I like simple yet versatile names that work well for the athlete, the comic, the genius, and the judge.

subset: commoncrawl


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Debbie RolenStaff Writer
April 23, 2013
The Million March against Child Abuse took place at 300 cities in 45 states Monday, including Logan. Volunteers manned Logan streets and had tables with information on child abuse and neglect outside the Logan County Courthouse from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
The walk was organized by Lin Seahorn, who is founder of Children Without a Voice USA (CWAV), a non-profit organization dedicated and determined to fight child abuse and neglect in America.
Wanda Walls has taken a leadership role in working for the cause locally. Walls is the grandmother of two-year-old Aydin Toler, who died in the hospital from a severe head injury after police said his mother's boyfriend, Nicholas Turkale, slammed him into a door frame.
According to a congressional hearing in July of 2011, experts estimated 10 children in America die from abuse every day.
"The Million March is hoping to raise awareness as to the seriousness of the child abuse problem in America," said Walls."
The organization had two petitions they are collecting signatures for during the March, one is to create legislation to have judges compile an annual report of child abuse cases and how they ruled on them for entry into a national database. The second petition demands a federal mandate that all states be required to report child abuse or fatalities due to child abuse to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS).
There are currently no federal or state laws that require states to report cases of child abuse and neglect or deaths and as a result, millions of cases go unreported. In addition, many perpetrators receive light sentences as a result of evidence not being turned over and unreported abuse.
Walls says this may have been the first-ever march of its kind, but it certainly won't be the last until there is change at every level to protect children.
To learn more about child abuse and neglect, visit childwelfare.gov, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, or childrenwithoutavoiceusa.org.


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3 Ways to Brew Better Coffee at Home When Money is No Object
Home coffee setups don't have to be cafe-caliber to make a big change in your daily routine. But if you're the sort of person for whom money is no object—or are in charge of selecting just the thing for someone of the sort—we encourage you to break the bank and buy one of these lavish toys. After all, coffee, and you, are worth it—right? More


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You have to know what you don't know.
Belfort: My best is yet to come
Vitor Belfor has looked the best in ever has in his last three bouts, earning three consecutive highlight reel knockouts of top ten opponents. However, Belfort believes the best is yet to come:
"I'll be even better when I return to the Octagon. I know it's hard to believe that I can get even better than this, but I will. I've been training hard, and there are a lot of things that I haven't done yet. My best is yet to come."
Belfort won't let the fact that he lost to Silva change his mindset going into a new fight, in case Silva beats Weidman at UFC 168.
"It's important that you accept the facts," he said. "He surprised me with a kick, and a true champion needs to accept what happened. We can't control the results, but I can control what I will do about it. The last fight doesn't mean that the next fight will end the same way."
It wouldn't even be that difficult to do after a period of transition.
He's still been cutting for about 15 years.Henderson has been cutting weight for much longer with his wrestling career prior to MMA. For the early part of Belfort's career he was fighting at heavyweight and not cutting weight at all.
In Belfort's case, the court of public opinion is against him, but his story could well have been accurately portrayed by his statement of a supplement with 4-oht. You could also put down some of the resurgence in his career to the fact that his sister's situation was finally brought to resolution a couple years ago. It could be a more effective training due the the fact that he can focus more strongly without snakes in his head.
Again, I have to point out that I'm not seeing nearly the level of persecution regarding TRT when sonnen fights--and his case was clearly PED abuse rather than any even potential mistake of a supplement.
The simplest solution I see regarding TRT is for fighters to be tested throughout training camp on regular intervals that are so close together than that any abuse would register. I would have the fighter who has applied for TUE to pay for the testing themselves. You'd weed out a lot of abusers simply by the process and by the cost incurred, and would have a much better level of trust of the fighters who do comply.
All manner of men came to work for the News: everything from wild young Turks who wanted to rip the world in half and start all over again -- to tired, beer-bellied old hacks who wanted nothing more than to live out their days in peace before a bunch of lunatics ripped the world in half.
Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
The Rum Diary
Yeah, Bye.
Vitor Belfort wants to fight winner of Weidman vs. Silva 2 in a Brazilian soccer stadium
In an interview with Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting, Belfort discussed the rematch between Weidman and Silva as well as the locale that he would choose for his title shot.
"This fight will be in a soccer stadium," he said. "Whoever wins, I'm sure we can sell out Maracana or any other soccer stadium in Brazil. It would be really interesting."
"I know the UFC will come up with the best idea. They are really focused in Brazil right now. Globo is offering great fights for the Brazilians. I just want to enjoy my training. I will train focused on both, and focused on working my abilities."
I doubt Weidman will want to fight in Brazil versus Belfort if he wins.
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Dynamo 360 is a monthly collaboration between the Houston Dynamo and KPRC Local 2. The 30-minute show airs on KPRC's main channel 2 and features exclusive Houston Dynamo content and brings Dynamo fans closer to their team than ever before.
Each episode features in-studio player interviews, analysis of past and upcoming matches, as well as feature stories about Dynamo players on and off the field. Watch the archives below to see previous episodes of Dynamo 360.
NEXT EPISODE: Saturday, January 19, 5 p.m. | KPRC Local 2
|Episode 6
|Episode 5
|Episode 4
|Episode 3
|Episode 2
|Episode 1


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Mr. Baston was born Dec. 24, 1946, in Macon, and had spent most of his life in the Middle Georgia area. He was the son of the late Charles W. "Charlie" Baston Sr. and Mary Booth Baston. Mr. Baston was a veteran of Vietnam, having served eight years with the U.S. Army, and another four years with the U.S. Air Force. He was retired from the United States Postal Service and was preceded in death by two brothers, Otto Booth and Charles W. Baston Jr.
Mr. Baston is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Lauren Carmichael and Jessie and Wade Hall; grandchildren, Mackenzie Carmichael, Christian Carmichael and Wyatt Hall; and by his brothers, Jerry Baston and Rusty Baston.
The family may be contacted on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the residence at 3324 Joycliff Road in Jones County.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the American Cancer Society, 804 Cherry St., Macon, GA 31201.
Bridges Funeral Home and Crematory in Gray has charge of arrangements. Please visit the online memorial at www.bridgesfh.com.


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Discover errors in your .NET app you never knew were happening and use detailed error reports to squash them with ease. Make your app Exceptionless!
Sign up for FREE!
Dear all,
Does Codesmith Supports FireBird or not?If yes what is the Provider Name?
Thanks in advance,
A FirebirdSchemaProvider can be found here. The Project References will need to be updated before the provider is recompiled against the latest version and placed in the Program files\CodeSmith\v5.3\SchemaProvider folder.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
-Blake Niemyjski
Blake Niemyjski
CodeSmith Tools, LLC. Software Development Engineer
Blog: http://windowscoding.com/blogs/blake/
.NetTiers team | Visit http://www.nettiers.net
Can any one provide Firebirdschema provider dll for Codesmith..
I downloaded the project from Forum and copy the FirebirdSchemaProvider.dll to C;\Program files\Codesmith\V5.3\SchemaProviders folder and
then open my code smith-->Framworks-->CSLA-->Right click --> Execute-->Select the database-->Add-->Click on providers dropdown but it is not showing the
Firebird provider. I request some one please guide me....
I m using Codesmith 5.3.4 version and Firebird version is 2.5
I downloaded the project from the link and rebuild the project and copy the FirebirdSchemaProvider.dll to C:\Program files\Codesmith\V5.3\SchemaProviders folder and
Firebirdprovidercan you please tell me what is the issue.
FYI i m using Codesmith Professional generator Trial version V.5.3.4.
I m waiting for your reply eagerly..
Hi Blake,
Thanks for your reply...actually i copied the firebirdschenaprovider.dll only forgot to copy
FirebirdSql.Data.FirebirdClient.dll into C;\Program files\Codesmith\V5.3\SchemaProviders folder my side
because of that i am unable to see the firebirdprovider in Codesmith but after searching in forum i got the
answer..Issue is solved thanks for your suport...
Thanks for the update! Would you mind posting the recompiled provider as a zip file.
Plz find the attachment which is the latest recompiled provider as a .zip file.
I used this on 14/04/2011.
Hope this helps..
Thanks & Regards,
Thanks for updating this. I noticed that it was compiled against CodeSmith Generator 5.1 assemblies which should be updated but it will still work :).


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Water Hyacinth Mirror, Oversized 1 1
Beautiful oversized mirror I love this mirror! Its a great price especially for an oversized mirror. I received the mirror within a week of ordering it. They did a great job packaging it so it wouldn't break. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because the color is a bit off. In the picture it appears to be a pale gray/tan but its actually various shades of tan/light brown. April 26, 2012
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There is a physical building on 1200 Toolebeck Road in Aiken, but whether Compass Academy will open as a school on that site seems uncertain, after fraud, deceit and large-scale mismanagement of accounts have been alleged in its fundraising.
Jonathan "Jay" W. Brooks of Aiken, the money man behind the school, has been named in a civil suit by the S.C. Attorney General, accusing Brooks of "misappropriating investor funds for personal use," among a litany of other violations of S.C. code relating to the sale of securities. These include Brooks telling the Securities Division of the Attorney General's Office that he had no invoices, records or receipts for the Compass Academy account, which had allegedly seen $5 million go through it.
The investigation is directly related to millions of dollars in securities sold by Brooks to investors in Compass Academy, a private school under construction west of Aiken.
These violations have, through his attorney Stan Jackson, been denied by Brooks.
"We are working with the Attorney General's Office, and we will get these cleared up," Jackson said.
The legal issues may not stop in civil court. The Attorney General's Office confirmed that there is a possibility of a criminal investigation.
"I can confirm that a criminal referral has come for review," said Mark Powell, communications director for the Attorney General's Office. "We cannot comment on items under review."
A criminal referral is made when an attorney litigating a civil matter feels there could be criminal acts involved. This does not mean that a criminal case is being made or will be made. The case is simply being reviewed.
The civil complaint cites violations when Brooks allegedly sold Compass Academy investors securities – their investment in the school which were meant to be repaid with eight percent interest – illegally.
According to documents, Brooks allegedly sold securities that were not registered legally, made false statements about them to investors, defrauded investors, and was not properly licensed to sell these securities.
The Compass Academy Business Plan offered to several prospective investors "contained one or more misstatements of material fact."
"Specifically, Defendant Brooks lied, among other things, about the number of his and (J. Brooks Financial) clients invested in (Brooks Realty) and Compass Academy," the complaint reads. "Defendants have, on one or more occasions, misappropriated investor funds for personal use."
Brooks would not speak of the accusations Wednesday at his office, he instead accused others of being involved in trying to smear him.
Late Wednesday, Brooks again made vague allegations against "competition" in an email to those involved in the Compass Academy project.
"We have had forces plotting against us from the start," he wrote in an email obtained by the Aiken Standard. "Nobody likes competition, especially if that competition poses a major threat to their sustainability. It breaks my heart to tell you that those negative forces have stooped to all time lows."
Brooks goes on to deny any wrongdoing in the email and ends saying, "We did nothing wrong, and time will give evidence to this."
He tells the recipients that all information requested by the Attorney General's Office has been submitted to them.
However, Wednesday afternoon, that was not the view of the Attorney General's Office, and Jackson also said earlier that there were documents outstanding. All of the assets of Brooks and his firms J. Brooks Financial Inc., Brooks Real Estate Holdings LLC, and Compass Academy LLC have been frozen by the Securities Commission.
This is an action taken extremely infrequently by the Securities Commission, according to a local financial attorney who spoke under condition of anonymity as he is not familiar with the Brooks case.
"I've only seen this a couple of times in the 15 years I've practiced," he said, talking Wednesday. "It's not easy for the AG to get a TRO." A TRO or temporary restraining order was granted for all of these accounts by Circuit Court Judge Casey Manning who said the Attorney General's case had a "good chance of succeeding."
"Plaintiff has shown that there is a danger of irreparable harm to the public interest ... if the defendants (Brooks and his companies) access to the funds is not restrained," Manning wrote.
The complaint and the Attorney General's Office do not suggest any wrongdoing by any other party involved in the project outside of Brooks and the registered agents of his companies.
If you are an investor and have a question or concerns, the Securities Division of the Attorney General's Office can be reached at 803-734-9916.
Notice about comments:
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This eyeliner is my go to! Although it's my first from UD, I'll be getting more. The color and texture is so wonderful. It's a great alternative to black or brown because it helps wake up my hazel eyes. It blends very well and stays in place throughout the day.
The color is perfect for a neutral/light eye or using it heavily for a darker look. It doesn't overpower my very pale skin if I'm just wearing eyeliner and mascara (too dark of black looks unnatural on me). I can imagine it would look gorgeous on someone very tan as well!
Stash is an amazing dark khaki green with a slight gold shimmer, it goes on so smoothly and blends well on application but once it's dried it sticks! For me, green eyed and pale, it's a great alternative to brown eyeliner which always tends to make me look like I've been crying.
Stash is an olive-green with antique gold shimmer. The color payoff is really good in a single go. MAC Buried Treasure is slightly darker. Stila Moray is a bit greener.


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Missing Sunderland boy found safeJanuary 28,2014SUNDERLAND - Zachary Lee, a 12-year-old boy who was the subject of an Amber Alert issued on Monday was found alive and well around 11:30 p.m. on Monday in a New Hampshire hotel. His biological mother was taken into custody for questioning, police said.
Lee was reported missing from his foster home on North Road in Sunderland on Monday, at around 4:45 p.m., when he did not arrive home from school after being dropped off by the bus.
An Amber Alert was issued around 8:35 p.m. and numerous law enforcement officials participated in the search.
In a press release, the Vermont State Police said they got word around 10:30 p.m. on Monday that Lee had been seen in the company of his biological mother, Patricia Kane, 49, and his sister, Martha Lee, 17, at a restaurant in Hanover, N.H. Law enforcement officers ultimately located the three at a hotel in Lyme, N.H.
Kane, was taken into custody without incident for questioning about the disappearance of her son. Charges may be forthcoming stemming from the investigation being conducted by the Vermont State Police and in conjunction with the Bennington County State's Attorney's Office.
In earlier press releases, police said Lee had been recently repatriated from France. They said they were concerned because of his age and because he had only been in the Sunderland area since Jan. 14 so he was not familiar with Southern Vermont.
At the time, Kane was a suspect in Lee's disappearance.
"This is based on a documented history of such attempts while the child was in the custody of the Republic of France," police said in a press release.
Police said staff with the Vermont Department of Children and Families, as well as school employees, had reported that Kane had been "highly unstable and volatile" since Lee arrived in the U.S.
"All treatment team members have been working together to help safeguard against possible attempts to abscond with him," police said.
In the press release, the Vermont State Police extended "their sincere appreciation for the help of countless law enforcement agencies, private citizens and the press in the dissemination of information and efforts in locating Zachary."MORE IN This Just InBy Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli Full StoryBennington College and Middlebury College both top a list for most entrepreneurial colleges in... Full StoryWas the response to an alleged assault at College of St. Full Story
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Some of the religious people I know would say you are blaspheming for saying those things.I have heard some say that those in heaven won't even think about those in hell. That God will wipe them from their memory.CHB
I wanna kno what the hell we are gonna do after every one is burning in hell? I mean, maybe I won't make to "heaven", get past the pearly gates, get the thumbs up from Peter, or whatever- but if I do, I want to kno- What the hell am I gonna do, knowing that most of the people who ever lived are burning forever in agony and unbelievable horror and cruel terror(endless pain definitely qualifies for horror and terror). I may lose my salvation even after being saved because I think I would want to start a rescue mission- I mean surely there will be rope and water in heaven, don't you think? Or do you think? I mean really, am I blaspheming? I think I am just thinking, but I don't want to fall like lightning from the heavens for thinking too much- especially thinking about my loved ones who are all screaming at the top of their eternal lungs in the volcano of God's endless wrathful punishment.This means if I get in"up there" I will have to get very busy in order to distract myself from the impulse to start a revolution of saints and angels who want to attempt to minister deliverance and reconciliation to lost souls "down there"- but wait, isn't that sorta like the good works I was created in Christ Jesus to do in the first place? Am I disqualifying myself for heaven by thinking like this? Am I disqualifying myself for heaven by thinking? I think I better just listen to pastor and quit wondering about these things- it is too distressing. If I make it to heaven, just "slap me five" as I join the huddle with the winning team and we'll play games for millenia on end. Sing praise songs to drown out the screaming. What the hell else are we gonna we do?
I definitely wanna join up :o) Alpha Team Arise!


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Charleston, South Carolina is often chosen on "best of" lists, and there's a reason. Full of history and charm, Charleston offers just about every type of experience one could look for. This picturesque city offers hotels that are just steps away from the chance to experience some of our nation's early history through museums and old plantation homes as well as modern cultural attractions. From cheap Charleston-area hotels with the basic comforts to ultra-luxurious historic accommodations with five-star amenities, visitors will find no shortage of options to choose from.
Hotels in downtown Charleston offer a chance to be near the city's most popular attractions, while visitors who want to enjoy the spectacular coastline will find a number of fabulous hotels and resorts along the beach yet minutes from the action of the city. To be close to top historical attractions, travelers may choose one of the many outstanding North Charleston hotels. Those who will be making a business trip in Charleston can also expect to find numerous business hotel options in the area surrounding the convention center and close to great entertainment as well as upscale bars and eateries with a chance to relax and sip a cocktail in the evening.
No matter what type of amenities you're seeking, hotels in Charleston and the surrounding area offer the best that travelers could want. Discover upscale hotels with attentive staff that cater to your every whim to budget accommodations offering a warm and friendly welcome.
Fabulous boutique hotels in Charleston often include lavish bath amenities, spas, on-site five-star dining establishments, and fitness centers. Visitors seeking a budget-friendly vacation will also find plenty of great Charleston lodging options that include a clean, comfortable place to spend the night with standard amenities like free Wi-Fi.
Hotels in Charleston
Visiting historic Charleston, SC, is like stepping into the past. Founded in 1670, the city was the site of major attacks during both the Revolutionary and Civil wars, and yet many buildings survived these battles and have been successfully preserved to this day. Stately mansions and vast plantations reminiscent of a bygone era lend the city of Charleston its unique charm. Horse-drawn carriages can still be seen traveling down the city's streets and locals have maintained their emphasis on southern hospitality. From its delectable Lowcountry cuisine to its beautiful skyline punctuated by church steeple after church steeple, this city is sure to enchant you. Travelocity is here to help you find the best rates on cheap hotels in Charleston, SC, so you can relax and start thinking about how you will spend your time once you've arrived in this charming city. Browse amazing deals on Charleston, SC, hotels online right now and take a trip to one of the friendliest southern cities in the country.
What to See in Charleston
While in Charleston, take time to visit Rainbow Row, the famous line of pastel-colored Georgian row houses on East Bay Street. These historic homes are thought to be among the most photographed sights in Charleston. Originally, the area was a center of commerce and shopkeepers lived in the buildings above their stores. Following the Civil War, however, the buildings on East Bay Street fell into disrepair and remained derelict, until they were renovated in the 1930s and 40s. It was around this time that they were painted the distinctive, bright colors that gave them their nickname.
Also be sure to stop by Drayton Hall, one of the historic plantations characteristic of the old south. This sprawling mansion is an impressive example of Palladian architecture that has lasted through wars, hurricanes, and a major earthquake. The house is open daily, with the exception of certain holidays, and guided tours are included in the price of the tickets. Next, travel to nearby Magnolia Cemetery, where various elite members of society were buried, including Civil War generals and Charleston mayors. This atmospheric graveyard is a window into Charleston's past and a must-see for history buffs. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What to Do in Charleston
If you like to stay on the move, there are plenty of things to do in and around Charleston. Rather than drive, tour the city on foot. A leisurely stroll through Charleston is a great way to appreciate all the wonderful examples of classic southern architecture, while also getting in some exercise. There are plenty of guided walking tours you can take that will bring you to the major sites and give you a glimpse of the city's fascinating history. The Charleston area is also home to many golf courses and country clubs. If you like to swim or surf, you might enjoy Folly Beach, a neighboring island city that Charleston locals lovingly call "The Edge of America." There is a peaceful air about Folly Beach, known for its slow pace of life and vast, sandy beaches. There are plenty of fantastic places to swim or surf here. "The Edge of America" is also perfect for a family day out or a quiet picnic.
Treat yourself to a relaxing carriage ride through the historic streets of Charleston and escape into the past. There are a number of companies that offer tours of the city in horse-drawn carriages and these tours are a great way to learn about the area's history. Along with simply walking, a carriage ride is one of the best ways to view the city.
For an educational experience, be sure to check out the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston. With exciting exhibits that include a hands-on "Touch Tank," where visitors can touch and feel various smaller species with their bare hands, the aquarium is an incredible place to learn about marine life. Children and adults alike will be wowed by the aquarium's largest exhibit, the Great Ocean Tank, which consists of a two-story tank that holds 385,000 gallons of water and all manner of sea creatures. Of course, no Charleston vacation would be complete without a trip to Fort Sumter. This military fort located in Charleston Harbor is the famous site of the beginning of the Civil War. On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces fired upon Fort Sumter, where Union forces surrendered less than two days later. Today, this historic landmark is accessible by ferry or private tour boat. Don't pass up the opportunity to see the location of such a pivotal point in America's history.
When to Go
Summers in Charleston are usually hot and humid, which might slow you down if you intend to explore the city on foot. On the other hand, it's a great time to visit Charleston's beaches or take a boat out into Charleston Harbor. Temperatures are milder in the fall and the spring, making these popular times to visit. The city's famous architecture always offers plenty to feast your eyes on, but Charleston is particularly beautiful in the spring, when all the flowers are in bloom.
Spring is a popular season to visit, so it might be more difficult to find affordable hotels in Charleston, SC, at this time of year. You can beat the crowds by visiting in the winter, when the temperatures are colder but still relatively mild. This is a great time to find the best prices on Charleston hotels. Charleston, SC, is an incredible place overflowing with southern hospitality and charm. Moving through its streets in a horse-drawn carriage, gazing out at its well-preserved historic buildings that have survived wars and natural disasters, one gets the strange feeling that the city is somehow immune to the passage of time. For a vacation that will inspire and enthrall, there's no place quite like Charleston. Travelocity can help get you find spectacular vacation packages and remarkable deals on Charleston, SC, hotels. So head down to Charleston for some Lowcountry comfort food and southern appeal. Book your hotel online now with Travelocity!


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Friday, November 15, 2013
Hanahan's first postseason battle unfolded like many before it.
The second-ranked Hawks struck quickly and never had to sweat much in knocking off Southside 38-7 in the opening round of the Class AAA playoffs at Wiley Knight Stadium on Friday.
"At this point, it's just about winning and getting to the next round," HHS coach Charlie Patterson said. "You've got to play well every week because you're playing for your lives."
The Hawks (11-0) host Marlboro County, which is 9-2 and coming off a 42-14 win over Swansea.
There's a similar feel this week to the second-round game last season. In 2012, Myrtle Beach came in with the bigger reputation but Hanahan led by as many as 20 points in the second half and knocked off the Seahawks 34-26. Myrtle Beach had six state football championships to its credit but was no match for Hanahan.
Marlboro County Bulldogs has won a pair of Class AAAA championships (1998, 2001) under coach Dean Boyd and is considered one of the top programs around the state.
"I don't know that tradition really matters that much," Patterson said. "What matters is the two teams that are on the field Friday night. We know they are good."
There's not much of a connection between the two teams this fall so getting a comparison through previous scores is difficult.
The Bulldogs played Manning and won 41-33 on Nov. 1.
Hanahan defeated a pair of teams, Timberland (41-0) and Berkeley (36-0), which also took on Manning. Manning lost to Timberland 18-15 and defeated Berkeley 33-9.
The Hanahan-Marlboro County winner plays either Socastee or Hartsville in the third round.
In the win over Southside, Hanahan quarterback Mason Schwerzler threw for 179 yards and three touchdowns, one each to Saaehim Brooks, Sam Denmark and Chase Pfaff.
Hanahan's other points came on Vontrell Grant's 36-yard fumble return and Quan Wade's 15-yard run.
Southside's lone score came against Hanahan's backups with less than five seconds left in the game.
"You don't want to complain too much when you win 38-7 but we left some points out there and there are some things we've got to get fixed before this week," Patterson said.
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The Mini Bulldozer by Plan Toys will provide instructive, friendly learning for your child. It is designed to enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as well as develop observational and problem-solving skills. Your child gains control of the toy by pressing the black knob, which makes the bulldozer start to lift its load. Great for ages 1.5 years and up.
Dimensions: W8.3" x D0.7" x H2.75"
Green Toy – Green Company. PlanToys recognizes the importance of promoting good quality of life, balanced with concern for environment. They are committed to minimizing their impact on nature and their toys are made from recycled rubberwood that is non chemically treated. PlanToys simplicity in design is combined with innovative use of materials and real-valued function encouraging more creative play in a good learning environment.