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The goal of the Bill & Miranda Gates Foundation Family Planning program is "to bring access to high-quality contraceptive information, services, and supplies to an additional 120 million women and girls in the poorest countries by 2020 without coercion or discrimination, with the longer-term goal of universal access to voluntary family planning." This is an extremely important endeavor and I'm glad that this program is devoting so many resources to achieving its goal.
MicroCHIPS, a company based in Lexington Massachusetts, is one of the companies/organizations working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Family Planning program. They are developing a contraceptive chip that can be implanted under a women's skin. The chip, just 20 x 20 x 7 millimetres, would deliver daily dose hormones and could last up to 16 years. The chip will be controlled by remote control so that if a woman decides she wants to become pregnant, she can deactivate the chip. When she wants to resume contraceptive use, she can reactivate the chip.
This technology has at least three significant benefits. First, it is long-acting so a woman doesn't need to worry about contraception use during each sexual act. Not only is this convenient for her, but it also means that her partner does not need to be involved in or even know about her contraceptive use. Second, this technology is user independent so its effectiveness is not reduced by human error. User independent contraceptives (e.g. IUD) typically have much lower failure rates than user dependent contraceptives (e.g. male condom).
Third, and unique to the contraceptive chip, is that a woman can continue to have this contraceptive in her body even when she is actively trying to conceive. If a woman is using another type of hormonal method, she needs to stop its use completely by not allowing it into her body at all, such as by not taking oral contraceptives or by not applying the hormonal patch. Barrier methods, like the IUD or the cervical cap, must also be removed entirely from the body. The contraceptive chip, however, can remain in the body in an inert status. The ability to remotely control the chip allows the woman to resume her contraceptive method whenever she wants, such as after the birth of a child, without having to see a healthcare professional like she would if she wanted to have an IUD reinserted or to return to using the pill. Given this chip could last for up to 16 years, it is a convenient option for women who want a long-acting contraceptive method they can easily stop when they want to become pregnant and resume after childbirth.
There are many benefits to this contraceptive chip, especially for women in low resource areas who do not have good access to medical care, I do have some major concerns, namely surrounding control over and security for the contraceptive chips. Who would be authorized users of the chips: women, their doctors, others (e.g. government, women's partners, etc.)? How can we ensure that others cannot gain unauthorized access to the chips? I worry about someone activating or deactivating in the contraceptive chip without women's knowledge or permission. If we are able to guarantee the safety of the information on the chip, then this could be an attractive option for women.
The Alden March Bioethics Institute offers a Master of Science in Bioethics, a Doctorate of Professional Studies in Bioethics, and Graduate Certificates in Clinical Ethics and Clinical Ethics Consultation. For more information on AMBI's online graduate programs, please visit our website.
|2 comments | Topics: Reproductive Medicine , Women's Reproductive Rights
janis wrote on 07/29/14 4:24 PMWhere is the chip implanted? Can someone see the chip or feel it under the skin? These questions are important because the women may not want her partner to know she has the chip implanted. A worthy investment for many reasons for women.
Lisa Campo-Engelstein wrote on 08/04/14 6:10 PMThanks for your comment! I believe the chip will be implanted in the arm and don't think others will really be able to notice it. You raise the important point that a woman may not want others, including her partner, to know she has the chip.
BIOETHICS TODAY is the blog of the Alden March Bioethics Institute, presenting topical and timely commentary on issues, trends, and breaking news in the broad arena of bioethics. BIOETHICS TODAY presents interviews, opinion pieces, and ongoing articles on health care policy, end-of-life decision making, emerging issues in genetics and genomics, procreative liberty and reproductive health, ethics in clinical trials, medicine and the media, distributive justice and health care delivery in developing nations, and the intersection of environmental conservation and bioethics.


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In the wake of school violence throughout the world, it is important to analyze the causes of violence and implement preventive measures to assure that every student and adult will feel secure in the school environment. GA/AL Schools does implement a system-wide Bully Prevention program as a part of the Safe Schools and Character Education program.
Bullying is defined as a means to have power over another and it takes many forms: physical, verbal, and indirect such as gossip and isolation. Bullying leaves long-lasting scars for its victims. Bullies have a higher incidence of antisocial behavior, domestic violence and crime as adults. Society pays a heavy toll for tolerating bullying behavior and bullies.
In the DoDEA GA/AL District Schools and community, bullying will not go unchallenged and will not be tolerated. All students, staff members, parents and the community play vital roles to insure our children are not bullied, do not act as bullies, and will not allow others to bully. Our schools have a moral obligation to provide our students and the school community with the proper information, prevention strategies, and defenses to create a safe, accepting and caring environment for all.
DoDEA's Bullying Awareness and Prevention Program
To provide a safe and supportive learning environment enabling military children to develop to their fullest potential. We offer all students the opportunity to achieve the skills and confidence necessary to develop into independent thinkers - capable of creating a vision for their future.
We learn from the past to create our own future.
By May 2016, all students will improve in writing by applying writing strategies and integrating their writing across the curriculum.
By May 2016, all students will improve in math by using models, math tools, games, writing, and vocabulary to solve mathematical problems.

subset: commoncrawl


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Football: BD Stung by Jackets
November 24, 2013 WILLIAMSTOWN — The Williamstown Yellowjackets seem to have the OVAC's number. Against five conference squads, Williamstown is a perfect 5-0. The fifth victory came on Saturday when the No. more »»
Defense Propels Bishops
November 17, 2013 MAN — When No. 12-seeded Bishop Donahue entered the West Virginia Class A playoffs, a lot of the talk was about the Bishops' prolific offense. Not much was said about the defens. more »»
Football Lookahead: Red-Hot Bishop Donahue Continues Long Trip
November 14, 2013 McMECHEN — In their minds, the Bishop Donahue football players began postseason play five weeks ago. more »»
Football: Bishop Donahue Downs Tyler Consolidated
November 8, 2013 By SHAWN RINE Sports Editor MOUNDSVILLE — Not this time, and not in this house. more »»
Football: Bishops Do Not Want a Repeat
November 7, 2013 MOUNDSVILLE — Been there, done that certainly describes Bishop Donahue this week. more »»
Football: Bishop Donahue Hangs on Against Wheeling Central
November 3, 2013 WHEELING — Bishop Donahue and senior quarterback Jesse Padlow didn't flinch. more »»
Football Lookahead: Wheeling Central, Bishop Donahue Meet in a Big One
October 31, 2013 It's a big enough deal when Bishop Donahue and Wheeling Central meet on the football fiel. more »»
Bishops Dismantle Blue Devils, 42-13
October 27, 2013 By JIM ELLIOTT Staff Writer MOUNDSVILLE — Bishop Donahue had been standing a little too close the ledge of the W.Va. Class A playoff field for a couple of weeks. more »»
Football Lookahead: Blue Devils, Bishops Need This One
October 24, 2013 With the smell of the playoffs in the air, a pair of teams sitting on the edge with little room for error will meet Saturday night at Monarch Stadium in Moundsville in an important matchup. more »»
Bishops Pummel Paden City
October 18, 2013 By DAVE MORRISON Staff Writer MOUNDSVILLE — Levonte Hampton did his best Cris Carter imitation. Four catches, four touchdowns. One interception, touchdown. more »»
Football Lookahead: Coming off a Fine Effort, Paden City Faces Bishops
October 17, 2013 Paden City coach Brent Croasmun looked back at last week's 27-0 victory against Conotton Valley and said it was "probably the most complete game we've played this yea. more »»
Football: Madonna Wallops Donahue
October 12, 2013 WEIRTON — Madonna foot got off to a slow start, but aided by a couple of Bishop Donahue turnovers and a nifty punt return for a touchdown in a 27-point, third-quarter blitz, the Blue Dons turned it... more »»
Football: Notre Dame Surprises Bishop Donahue
September 28, 2013 FAIRMONT — After staking Class A No. 16 Bishop Donahue to a 16-10 lead, N. more »»
Football Lookahead: Bishop Donahue on Road Again Against Another Fighting Irish Team
September 26, 2013 John Durdines and the Bishop Donahue coaching staff were in attendance last Friday night when Valley chewed up more than 400 yards on the ground against Notre Dame. more »»
Football: Bishops Run Past St. John
September 22, 2013 BELLAIRE — With a steady rain falling and the turf at the Irish Youth Sports Complex getting muddier by the minute, running games for Bishop Donahue and St. more »»
Football Lookahead: Bishops Look to Get Back on Track
September 19, 2013 BELLAIRE — Both physically and on the scoreboard, Bishop Donahue took a beating last week at the hands of Clay-Battelle. Just maybe though, Coach John Durdines said, a piece of humble pie was neede. more »»
Football Lookahead: Clay-Battelle, Bishop Donahue Matchup Offers Intrigue
September 12, 2013 These are exciting times in Blacksville, and not just because Clay-Battelle is off to another strong start to start the football season. more »»
Football: Hampton, Bishops Hammer Pilots
September 8, 2013 MOUNDSVILLE — Bishop Donahue put on a show Saturday night, with senior Lavonte Hampton doing the emceeing and playing host to the festivities against a stunned River squad. more »»
Football Lookahead: Bishop Donahue Looks to Keep the Momentum Going vs. River
September 4, 2013 MOUNDSVILLE — One of the more anticipated matchups of Week 2 will take place Saturday night at Monarch Stadium where Bishop Donahue will play host to River. more »»
Padlow-Led Bishops Roll
August 30, 2013 WHEELING — The last thing an opposing team wants to see is Bishop Donahue's mammoth offensive line on the field for 77 plays, and Cameron found that out the hard way during the opening game of the... more »»


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Thank You!!
Auto Body Specialties, Autabuy, Beal Distributing, Black Angus Steakhouse, Billion Southtown Chevrolet, Canton Chamber of Commerce , Canton After Prom, Canton Library, Canton Police Department, Canton Volunteer Ambulance/ Fire Department, Canton Wrestling, Car & Truck Trader , Cars Trucks N More, City of Canton, Certified Auto Glass, Coca Cola – Chesterman Company, Dairy Queen Canton, Farmers State Bank, First American Insurance, First Bank and Trust Canton, G & K Supreme, Hiawatha Golf Club, Hood Magazine, Iverson's Body Shop, J & S Upholstery, JBI Mobile Dyno Service, Motor Market, Nordstrom's Auto Recycling, Novak Sanitary Service, Old School, Peterbilt of Sioux Falls, Pizza Ranch of Canton, Security Savings Bank, Erin Beyke Agency- State Farm, Sturdevants Auto Parts, Sunshine Foods, Taco Johns - Canton, and Todd's Auto Center for all of your support during the planning, preparation, and execution of the 2015 Canton Area Car Show!!
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Royal Spreading
Kanye West and Jay-Z will reportedly be making a sequel to their collaborative Watch the Throne album, according to producer Mike Dean. But that's just a small part of the twosome's plans to expand their kingdoms. Not long after it was revealed that Jay-Z would be in charge of the soundtrack for a new film version of the 35-year-old Broadway smash Annie (logically!), West told GQ that he had even more ambitious plans, aiming to "change entertainment experiences or life." Meaning, Kanye revealed, that he wants to get into the amusement park business. Well, he's dating Kim Kardashian, so, if he doesn't already, he should soon be an expert on roller coaster rides.
Jakarta Be Kidding Me!
Lady Gaga cancelled this Sunday's sold-out stadium gig in Indonesia over safety concerns and what she called a "demand" for her to tone down her show.
What the Jakarta Globe called "thugs dressed in religious attire" — aka fundamentalist Muslim groups — insisted Gaga's immorality (in her music and costumes) would corrupt the youth of the country. Threats of violence were reportedly made, even after she promised to leave her meat dress in her walk-in freezer-closet and wear a halal burka instead.
Danzig with the Stars?
Diminutive Punk-turned-Hard Rock superhero Glenn Danzig gave a rare interview to L.A. Weekly in which he revealed that he's frequently misquoted and a lot of the "weird" things written about him are totally false. In the same interview, Danzig said that he doesn't like to fight ("If I want to fuck somebody up, I will just walk behind them and slice their throat"), actually liked "(poking) fun at himself" as a guest on Aqua Teen Hunger Force and was happy he wasn't cast as Wolverine in the "terrible" X-Men flicks. When asked how he would have portrayed Wolverine differently, Danzig — who really was reportedly in talks to play the hairy superhero (presumably because he already had the right sideburns) — said, "It wouldn't have been as gay." Also, the rocker would have played Wolverine much, much, much shorter.
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Opening Date:
August 23, 2013
Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine, Eddie Marsan, Rosamund Pike
Edgar Wright
Run Time:
1 hr. 49 min.
MPAA Rating:
R for pervasive language including sexual references
20 years after attempting an epic pub crawl, five childhood friends reunite when one of them becomes hellbent on trying the drinking marathon again. They are convinced to stage an encore by mate Gary King, a 40-year old man trapped at the cigarette end of his teens, who drags his reluctant pals to their hometown and once again attempts to reach the fabled pub - The World's End. As they attempt to reconcile the past and present, they realize the real struggle is for the future, not just theirs but humankind's. Reaching The World's End is the least of their worries.
The World's End (R)
Showtimes available three days prior to opening.


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Video: US and Salvadoran doctors, nurses, medics train together
Video by Sgt. Richard Frost
At military District Six in Sonsonate El Salvador, doctors, nurses, and medics practice suturing techniques together in preparation for a medical clinic that is being conducted in a nearby town in the coming weeks. It is part of Beyond the Horizon El Salvador, a US Southern command sponsored, Army South led, joint foreign military interaction and humanitarian exercise occurring until late June. Available in high definition.
This work, US and Salvadoran doctors, nurses, medics train together, by SSG Richard Frost, identified by DVIDS, is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.
Date Taken:04.10.2013
Date Posted:04.14.2013 7:48PM
Video ID:286721


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Home > Lifestyle > Health
Sunday, 20 July 2014
by dr chen tai ho
Thinking about getting a tattoo? First you've got to know how you're going to get rid of it.
I was horrified to see a close friend of mine sporting a brand new velvet-red heart-with-piercing-arrow tattoo on her left ankle. The next day, I was aghast to hear my karaoke buddy voice her intention of getting a tattoo in the shape of a butterfly on the small of her back.
Whilst I'm mostly an open-minded individual (or so I'd like to think), I am really against people getting tattoos done. This is because I've been in the aesthetic medicine industry long enough to see so, so many people regret getting their tattoos done in the first place.
Getting Ink
There are many reasons why my patients sought my services to erase their tattoos.
People with tattoos are sometimes thought of as being of loose character, wild or indisciplined. Tattoos are often sported by criminal gang members, the Mafia and the Yakuza, which is why many tend to associate tattoos with bad hats, gangsterism and crime. Those with tattoos might find getting hired for a job or climbing up the workplace ladder more difficult compared to those with "clean" skins. Many companies, especially hotels, restaurants and sales companies, will refuse to hire those with prominent, visible tattoos as they do not want their company's image to be affected.
I know of a person who had an extremely large and colourful tattoo of a dragon covering her entire shoulder and arm. She was desperate to get a new job, but had been turned down at numerous job interviews due to her prominent, attention-grabbing tattoo. She felt a lot of discomfort during her tattoo removal laser session because of the sheer size of the tattoo, but she bravely endured it anyway.
Some folks sport tattoos with names or initials of their lovers. All is good and dandy when they are happily in love, but when a bad break-up happens, they wish to move on and not want to think of their exes any more. Perhaps erasing the tattoo signifies that they have removed that person from their lives. And then there were also a few people whose new sweethearts requested them to get rid of tattoos with names of past lovers, perhaps out of jealousy. My advice to all you love birds out there is never to make tattoos with the name of your lover. There's a big possibility you'll regret it sooner or later.
Tattoos are usually done around the ages of 20 or 30. The tattoos may be gorgeous and artistic then, but as the person ages and skin loses elasticity, the tattoo starts to appear distorted. Many tattoos look cringe-worthy on sagging skin. So we have people in their 50s or older whose devil and skulls tattoo now resembles Mr Bean's face. No wonder they want to get rid of the tattoo.
And then there are those who had tattoos done at the spur of the moment, without much thought put into it. Maybe they were drunk or just plain bored when they stepped into the tattoo parlour. Perhaps it was the result of a dare from friends. Or possibly it was just to annoy their controlling parents. But whatever the reason, in the end, they regret having the tattoo. So there they are, waiting for their turn to see the aesthetic doctor.
Removing The Ink
There are numerous methods of removing tattoos, including dermabrasion or the use of caustic agents to remove the top layers of the skin and create scarring. A more drastic method is getting a skin graft, whereby the tattooed skin is excised and skin from other areas such as the thighs or buttocks are grafted on.
The safest, most popular and effective method nowadays is the use of lasers. A Q-switch Nd:YAG laser can be utilised by your aesthetic doctor or dermatologist to blast away the tattoo pigments. This laser can remove both professional and amateur, homemade tattoos. You may require up to eight sessions to remove professionally-done tattoos, whereas four to six sessions may be required for amateur ones.
The exact number of sessions needed depends on the colour and size of the tattoo, and the amount and depth of ink pigments. Red inks and dark colour tattoos such as blue or black are usually easier to remove. Orange and purple usually fade also. Fluorescent colours, green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove, and additional treatments are necessary to have good results. Greater than 90% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished.
However, you must realise that there are various types of tattoo ink, none of which is FDA approved. Not knowing which tattoo ink was used, or how deeply it was applied, makes it very difficult for your aesthetic doctor to accurately predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.
The Nd:YAG laser emits light in very short pulses. The impact of the energy pulse of a laser beam is similar to the sensation of the snapping of a rubber band on your skin. To reduce discomfort during the procedure, your doctor's assistant will apply some topical numbing cream to the tattooed area for at least half an hour prior to treatment. There is usually some degree of redness and mild swelling after the procedure. Pinpoint bleeding may be present.
You should exactly follow your doctor's instructions as to what to do during the days following the procedure. You should keep the lasered area clean and apply sunscreen over it. Try to avoid excessive sun exposure to the lasered skin. You may shower as usual, but the treated area should never be scrubbed. If a scab forms, it is important not to pick on it to prevent any infection or scarring.
Tattoo removal can be time-consuming as multiple visits to the doctor may be required. It is costly and discomfort may be present. Scarring is a possible side effect, and complete removal cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, I always advice my friends and family to think twice (or 100 times) before they make their way to the tattoo parlour.
> For further information, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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Villa 2-0 Cardiff: Practice makes perfect for free-kick ace Bacuna
Free-kick specialist Leandro Bacuna insists his Cardiff super strike was every bit as important as the one against Manchester City.
It has been a case of practice makes perfect for the Dutchman, who regularly stays behind at Bodymoor Heath to work on set pieces.
His hard work paid off again at the weekend as Bacuna opened the scoring with an unstoppable free-kick which was reminiscent of his effort in the 3-2 win over Manchester City in September.
The summer signing from Groningen reckons his Bluebirds blockbuster was as crucial as the City strike.
"We needed a goal at home and we needed the win so it was really important," he said.
"The team is really happy at the moment so now we can have two weeks off."
On the relief he felt when his effort sailed past Cardiff keeper David Marshall, Bacuna added: "Maybe it is lucky but if you practice and practice the luck will turn for you.
"I played the ball to Libor [Kozak], he played it back and then I was fouled and it was a free-kick.
"The keeper was standing and the corner was free. It was a good free-kick.
"Afterwards you can always say 'I meant to shoot like this' but it is always a relief to see it go in."
Bacuna praised the foresight of manager Paul Lambert, whose second-half tactical reshuffle proved key.
The Villa boss introduced Matt Lowton from the bench, allowing Bacuna to push into midfield from right-back.
"He pushed me a little bit forward. I can play there so I will always just do the job there and be helpful for the team.
"The team did a really good job and in the end we won 2-0.
"I'm doing my job if the gaffer wants me to play there and just be helpful for the team. For me it is no problem as long as I'm playing.
"It was a tough game for us. Cardiff were playing really compact and we stepped up to the game, kept fighting, got a lot of chances and in the end it turned out our way."
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After losing his spot as Gilbert mayor to John Lewis in a landslide three years ago, Steve Berman wants a rematch.
With the mayoral seat and two other spots on the Town Council up for grabs this fall, Berman is gathering signatures to put his name on the ballot. While candidates don't have to disclose which seat they're pursuing until they file paperwork, Berman confirmed he wants his old job as mayor back.
Meanwhile, Lewis on Monday officially announced his re-election bid and said he feels "comfortable with the decision" after speaking with family, friends and community leaders.
Town Council candidates have until May 30 to file nominating petitions. The primary election is Aug. 28, followed by a runoff election on Nov. 6 - the first time Gilbert's election will coincide with state and federal races.
If Berman is elected, it will be his third time to serve as Gilbert's mayor.
Berman won a spot on the council in 1987 and was selected by the council to be mayor from 1989 to 1991. Gilbert then changed its process for choosing the mayor to allow voters to decide directly, and residents picked Wilburn Brown over Berman by nearly a 2-1 margin in 1993.
Berman returned in 2001 by defeating incumbent Mayor Cynthia Dunham, 58 percent to 42 percent. He served two consecutive four-year terms before losing to Lewis in 2009, receiving 16 percent of the vote to Lewis' 41 percent.
Upon departing office, Berman said his marital problems caused him to lose the re-election bid and apologized for putting the town "through an awful lot of embarrassment."
During his term, Berman was investigated by the Gilbert Police Department and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office after his then-wife Michelle made allegations of domestic violence against him, including that she feared he had poisoned her and had threatened to kill her.
Berman, in return, alleged that Michelle was lying and had a prescription painkiller abuse problem. Both agencies declined to file charges, citing a lack of evidence.
Gilbert experienced tremendous growth and success during Berman's tenure. The town nearly doubled in population, and Berman helped cut property taxes, reduce police- and fire-response times, build parks, improve roads, and add millions of square feet of office and retail space.
All three council incumbents up for election this year - Lewis, John Sentz and Jenn Daniels - have announced intentions to seek re-election. The three are finishing their first terms, which were shortened by six months when the council decided last year to shift its election cycle to the fall of even years to comply with a state law.
Sentz, who will serve as vice mayor the next nine months, said his priorities include fiscal responsibility, long-range financial planning and accountability in government.
Daniels said her focus has been on balancing the budget, keeping taxes low and advancing the town's strategic initiatives.
In his campaign announcement, Lewis touted the town's progress in economic development during his first three years as mayor. Lewis coined the term "open to business" and has welcomed several companies to Gilbert, including the Houston-based cancer-treatment giant MD Anderson.
Several prospective challengers have picked up nominating packets from the Town Clerk's Office in recent weeks, including: Becky Cholewka, Jim Torgeson, Jared Taylor, Glenn Ray, Michael Webb, Daniel Pottenger, Jerry McBee, Michael Garcia and Berman.
Gilbert just had a Town Council election in the spring 2011, when 11 candidates vied for four seats. Eddie Cook was the lone candidate to win outright at the first election last March, leaving six candidates to compete for three seats in the May runoff.
To win a seat in the primary, a candidate needs 50 percent plus one of the total ballots cast.
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We all know how popular and awesome
Play Store Download Link
Those of you in the market looking for a modest phone on a modest wireless carrier may want to pay attention right now. Alltel Wireless has launched the Alcatel One Touch Ultra 960C that is now available both in retail stores and online. The device looks to allow Alltel customers to do the absolute basics without too much hassle thanks to a 1.4GHz processor, 5MP camera plus 720P video, built-in DLNA and Gingerbread 2.3 (sigh).
While the device's specs are not exactly the most desired, the price may be. The device will be priced at $19.99 on-contract or if contract's don't tickle your fancy, the device is available for a desirable $199.99. Yup— the price of the Alcatel One Touch Ultra 960C suddenly made it look pretty appealing for many folks out there– especially since . You'll find additional details of the device once you check out the full presser after the break.
Samsung Bulgaria has just provided an interesting tidbit of news for owners of the Galaxy Ace 2 and Galaxy S Advance smartphones. According to the gang at GSM Arena, when asked if both devices would get Android 4.0 on its Facebook page, Samsung Bulgaria surprised all and confirmed both devices would not be getting Ice Cream Sandwich— instead both would be updated to Jelly Bean. Of course there's the understandable speculation that Samsung Bulgaria may be out of its mind and is providing incorrect information. However if this is true (and that's a BIG if), then Samsung is confirming its intentions of being the top Android manufacturer when it comes to updating and providing support for its devices.
While this is exciting and all, first things' first— we need to see Samsung roll out the Jelly Bean update for its flagship device first. Once that's done, then we'll wait and see if or when Samsung rolls out the Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy Ace 2 and Galaxy S Advance smartphones.
source: GSM Arena
MetroPCS announced today the availability of the Coolpad Quattro 4G – the first phone with Coolpad Americas as a MetroPCS partner. The device is being described by MetroPCS as a "new, affordable" device for "cost-conscious consumers." The phone's specs won't be setting any records, however that's obviously not the intent here. The Quattro 4G will run Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), sport a modest 4-inch display, a 1GHz processor, and a rear 3.2 megapixel camera coupled with a VGA front-facing camera.
The phone will run $149, while the 4G LTE plans begin at $40 a month. Also for a limited time, MetroPCS is also is offering a $50 mail-in rebate on the second of any two 4G smartphones purchased. So you could effectively buy two Quattros for $248 after the rebate, which is not too shabby of a deal.
source: MetroPCS
It's no secret that Verizon has major intentions to bring its FIOS service to Android devices. We first had a glimpse of this notion when Verizon announced its FIOS app for smartphones and tablets. Then we saw the always Verizon-friendly brand Motorola try to sneak out an Android TV tablet for TV rooms. Now there is actual proof indicating a WiFi-only tablet is on the way for Verizon FIOS subscribers. Apparently FIOS subscribers were sent a survey recently which sought some opinions and feedback of a new device which "may be available in the future". This device will feature Android 2.3 (sighs)– while allowing users to run a full assortment of apps and of course the ability to stream certain channels. All in all, all signs point to the Corvair finally becoming a reality.
Of course Motorola and Verizon are still trying to see how people feel about the device and whether it's necessary or not. My guess is that many (if not all) subscribers wouldn't mind having a new toy to play with. Let's hope we see this thing sooner than later.
source: Engadget
Those of you living in the UK have yet another budget-level smartphone now available. Samsung's Galaxy Pocket smartphone is now listed on wireless carrier Three UK's webpage and is due to arrive in September. In case you've forgotten, the Gingerbread 2.3-powered smartphone has an 832MHz processor, QVGA (240×320) display and a 2MP camera— all in a 2.8-inch frame. All of this should easily suffice for most basic-level Android users.
No word on how much the smartphone will cost or when exactly in September it's due— but those details should leak out sooner than later.
source: Three UK
Those of you in the UK can finally look forward to the elusive Samsung Galaxy Beam smartphone— no seriously this time. Since seeing it in action at MWC this year, the phone has been incredibly anticipated and has even been up for pre-order for quite some time. Samsung has finally gone ahead and announced the projector smartphone will be available in various British outlets, starting today. In case you've forgotten, the Gingerbread-powered phone is humming on a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4-inch WVGA display and a projector capable of displaying content— all in high-definition and up to 50'' wide.
There is no word on pricing in Samsung's announcement, though we're expecting it to be somewhere in the neighborhood of £442.80 including VAT ($590). But hey— you can't put a price on a device that allows you to share those special moments, right? Hit the break to see the full presser from Sammy.
The next generation of the T-Mobile MyTouch smartphone series are on their way everyone. The devices known as the myTouch and myTouch Q are developed by Huawei and will each feature a 1.4GHz processor, 4-inch WVGA screen, 5MP camera and Gingerbread 2.3. Both devices are identical except for one thing— the myTouch Q will sport a slide-out QWERTY keyboard for those of you into having physical keys on your devices.
Both devices are expected to be available from August 8th and either phone will run you a mere $50 on contract— after a $50 mail-in rebate of course. Want more details? Ok fine— you'll get additional details found in the presser once you hit past the break.
Motorola has just unveiled a new entry-level device for those of you living in the UK. This device called the MOTOSMART, will operate on T-Mobile UK's network and will feature modest specs including a 3.5-inch screen, 3MP camera and Gingerbread 2.3. Okay okay, so the specs are nothing to sneeze at, but wait a minute— T-Mobile UK is offering the device for a meager £7 per month on contract. Oh and Carphone Warehouse will be offering the device on a pay-as-you-go premium of only £89.99. That's likely to turn a few heads for those who are looking to save some money.
You can get more details of the device in MOTO's presser once you hit past the break. Read more
It's time for another episode of Android's current distribution everyone. In this segment, we'll see Gingerbread's long-standing domination
finally being challenged by Ice Cream Sandwich. Since
While it's exciting to see ICS's expected growth in the Android distribution chart, you'll notice the newly unveiled Jelly Bean is noticeably absent. We suspect once the Nexus 7 is released within a few weeks coupled with the immediate updates of the developer devices (Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus and Xoom WiFi tablet), Jelly Bean will make its mark in the next round of the distribution charts. Hit the source link for more details from the fine developers at Google.
source: Android Developers


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Its been 4 years since LA artists OK Go have played in San Diego. Their third album, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky released in 2010 and since then Damian Kulash, Andy Ross, Tom Nordwind, and Dan Konopka have kept busy releasing B-sides, covers, mobile app games, and making various television appearances. In that time, they also have managed to write and record a new album, Hungry Ghosts, which is set to release in October of this year.
Reaching fame from their viral hit "Here It Goes Again," in which they won a Grammy for Best Music Video in 2007, the band has grown to be known for their creative and often low budget music videos, many of which are filmed in single takes. Like an M.C. Escher picture in motion, the latest video for the new single "Writings on the Wall," is a single take video utilizing optical illusions to trick the viewer. From a giant Rube Goldberg machine to stop motion on toast, their videos, much like their live shows, are a synesthetic blend of visual multimedia and music, often pushing the limits of what's possible and reminding viewers of the various outlets of artistic expression.
Their west coast tour ended in Solana Beach Thursday night at the Belly Up Tavern. The venue, much smaller to their normal show, packed in a sold out crowd of eager fans both old and new. A large cheesecloth curtain sprawled out between the stage and the audience. The lights dimmed and projected upon the curtain were video clips of television and movies that introduce the band by saying "OK" and "Go." The band came out, and many seemed to think that the curtain would fall. But it didn't. Instead, in true OK Go style, the curtain was there to serve as more than a canvas for an introduction. The set opened with "Upside Down and Inside Out," off of their Hungry Ghosts album. This time, the projections included obscured video of the band members faces, singing along and mixing together to create unrecognizable personas. It wasn't until the third song, "The Writing's on the Wall," the band's newest single that the curtain finally fell, breaking down any disconnect the curtain may have created.
The first half of the show seemed to mostly focus on OK Go's newest songs, which were released in their EP Upside Out, a preview for Hungry Ghosts. Though released only recently, many in the audience sang along. It wasn't until "This Too Shall Pass," one of their more commercially well-known tracks, where the audience really woke up. Kulash, now without a guitar, jumped into the crowd to sing the last part of it, prompting a sing along from the audience and receiving an addition of some of the night's confetti being thrown from the fans. Returning back to the stage, everyone shed their instruments for the performance of "There's a Fire." Much like their older hand bells renditions of various songs, this would involve the entire band stripping down a song to its key elements in an incredibly clever way. Kulash prompts the crowd to make specific noises to imitate parts of the drum, records, and with the rest of the band, loops the sounds together to create this version of an old fan favorite.
Afterwards, the band left the stage while Kulash returned to the crowd, this time for a solo performance of "Last Leaf." Another mesh of songs from all of their albums, including "Get Over It," "Do What You Want," and personal favorite, "Skyscrapers," the band powers through until "Turn Up the Radio," another new song. Throughout, the band keeps up high energy, backed by bright neon lights (on a set designed by Peter Glantz), more projections and a continuous stream of confetti. The encore had the boys playing their last new song of the night, "The One Moment," and finishing up with their mega hit, "Here It Goes Again." Though the band had finished up, the night wasn't over for the audience. As the house lights came up, the amount of confetti that poured upon everyone throughout the night became apparent, turning grown adults into 10 year-old kids again. Confetti fights began, confetti angels were made, and much of it lost in pockets of bags, shoes, hoods, and hair.
OK Go still continue to be my personal favorite live band, often raising my expectations of other artists. Their combination of aesthetic focus mixed with incredibly catchy songs and stage presence make the band everything that I love in a show. They can make a fan out of anyone that attends, so check out their tour (as it returns from Japan) which will take them around the country in support of their newest album, Hungry Ghosts, which drops October 14th.