All eyes are on the Motorola Xoom tablet, and for good reason: It's the first device in an expected multitude to ship with Google's tablet-optimized Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). The Xoom has a lot of features to like, and a lot to set it apart from the ever-growing crowd of tablets; but it also has some drawbacks that temper my enthusiasm about it.
One drawback is its price: $800 with no contract on Verizon, and $600 with a two-year contract (prices as of February 23, 2011). More critically, I experienced some issues with the display and image rendering during my hands-on evaluation of the Xoom.
Using the Xoom confirmed my earlier impressions of Android 3.0: The OS is vastly superior to its predecessor and is so different to use that it's practically unrecognizable as a close relative of the Android widely deployed today. The software's tablet optimization was evident in the home screens, the widgets, the music player, the browser, the e-mail, and even the YouTube player. Missing, however, was the Adobe Flash 10.2 player, which is coming soon but wasn't available in time for this story.
The Hardware: Style and Class
The Xoom zooms to the top of the tablet class in overall style and design. The build quality is solid, with volume and power buttons that are easy to press and a sturdily constructed SIM tray that doubles as the MicroSD Card slot cover. It has a soft, rubberized feel along the top, and black metal on the bottom when held in horizontal mode. It also has its buttons and other elements configured for that orientation.
Clearly, the device was designed with landscape orientation in mind: In that position, you hold it with two hands, and the front-facing 2-megapixel camera sits at the top middle of the display, just as the Webcam on a laptop typically is. The stereo speakers, at back, appear to the right and left, with plenty of clearance for your fingers (this positioning is unfortunate, however, if you plan to listen to music while the pad is lying flat, with its screen face-up). The micro-USB and HDMI-mini ports are at bottom, perfect for mounting the Xoom in its optional dock (standard dock, $60, Speaker HD dock, $150). The power button is located on the back, to the left of the rear-facing, flash-equipped, 5-megapixel. The button lies where your forefinger naturally lands when you hold the Xoom in both hands.
The Xoom runs Nvidia's Tegra 2 platform, with a dual-core 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, and 32GB of on-board user memory. The MicroSD Card slot permits users to double their storage space as they use the device--a boon for anyone who tends to pack gadgets with media. Unfortunately, the MicroSD Card slot is not enabled at launch-so early shoppers will have to wait until a software update comes along (eventually, Xoom will ship with the slot enabled).
The display measures 10.1 inches diagonally, with 1280-by-800-pixel resolution. The widescreen's 16:10 aspect ratio makes it perfect for viewing video; but for folks accustomed to the 4:3 aspect ratio of the 9.7-inch Apple iPad screen, it may take some getting used to. The unit also stands an inch taller than the first-generation iPad, but it feels comfortable when you hold it landscape-style in two hands.
You'll definitely want to use two hands: Like the first-generation iPad with 3G and Wi-Fi, the Xoom weighs 1.6 pounds. The weight is manageable for periods of two-handed operation, but intolerable for extended one-handed operation. A third-generation Amazon Kindle weighs one-third as much as the Xoom.
The Display: The Draw and the Drawback
I wasn't terribly impressed with the Xoom's display's quality: In spite of its high resolution, I detected graininess; colors seemed somewhat inaccurate and didn't pop as they do on the iPad and on Samsung's bright, occasionally oversaturated Galaxy Tab.
Initially, the device's display looked lovely. The home screens were readable, and colors looked fine. But as I used the device, the pattern of the screen became more obvious. The display on the iPad felt downright sparkly, as if sand were buried in the liquid crystals themselves. In contrast, the Xoom seemed to present me with a grid whose lines were more obvious in some situations than in others. I noticed them especially in photos and on the gray of the keyboard, but less so on the default blue Honeycomb wallpaper. The lines were most obvious in screens with white backgrounds, such as in the Web browser or in the preinstalled Google Books app. I also detected a lot of pixelation in the letters, but that effect varied depending on the font I used (for example, the sans serif font in Google Books looked relatively smooth)--which leads me to wonder whether this is primarily a screen issue (Motorola says that the display is 150 dots per inch) or a rendering issue.
When I looked at a series of pictures (10-megapixel or greater images shot on advanced cameras) sideloaded to the Xoom via the USB connection on my PC, it became clear that the images' contrast was off. Under identical lighting conditions, I compared the images as they appeared on the Xoom to the original images on my PC monitor and to the way they looked on the Samsung Galaxy Tab and on the first-generation Apple iPad. Colors seemed dull and uninspired on the Xoom, and the images lacked the detail and depth I expected to see.
Even worse, the included Gallery app didn't render the images properly. Images lacked sharpness and suffered from artifacting, dithering, and macroblocking. It was almost as though I were looking at images that had undergone a preview render but never fully rendered. A Google spokesperson did not know what was going on, nor did Motorola. Nvidia, which makes the Tegra 2 processor, did not respond to my inquiry before I posted this review.
Blockiness and artifacting were issues in video playback, too--for instance, in YouTube videos played in both standard and HQ modes, and in Google Talk video chat over Wi-Fi (as well as 3G). The images I captured on the device were disappointingly middle-of-the-road, as well. Overall, the camera was a bit awkward to operate, as was the video camera, though you do get more controls than before.
Interestingly, though the Gallery player supports H.263, H.264, and .mp4 video files, it failed to play .wmv files that Android 2.2 and 2.1 devices had managed to play just fine.
The big piece of glass on the display is readable indoors, but it's very glarey. I've described the Apple iPad as a mirror--but compared to the mirror effect of the Xoom, the iPad is as nonreflective as paper. The Xoom's glare was noticeable both indoors and out; and closer inspection revealed an air gap between the glass and the display beneath. I expected better: If the Barnes & Noble NookColor could nail the screen and glare issue on its $250 e-reader tablet, why couldn't Motorola overcome glare on its $800 flagship device?
Performance Zips Along
I was quite impressed with the Xoom's overall ability to zip through content. I easily and speedily moved through menus, through large collections of digital images, and through the redesigned Android Market. Even the file transfer speeds via USB were impressive. Anyone who has synced content to an Apple iPad knows how torturously slowly content moves from PC to device. On the Xoom, waiting wasn't a huge issue: I transferred 700MB of digital pictures to the Xoom in just 3 minutes. Not too shabby.
Speed buffs will also appreciate that this 3G+ Wi-FI device will be able to migrate to Verizon's 4G LTE network in the second quarter at no extra charge. The free upgrade rewards early adopters eager to own the first Honeycomb tablet.
Ultimately, the price feels too high, given that the nearly one-year-old, no-contract, 3G- and Wi-Fi-enabled first-generation Apple iPad came in at $730. But by obtaining a 4G SIM card (when the update comes out) and performing a software update, you'll be able to surf the Web with the Xoom at lightning speeds. That future-proofing is a very appealing touch.
Other Usage Minutiae
Android 3.0 is easily the most polished Google software effort to date, but the random apps I downloaded from the Android Market didn't work on Honeycomb at all, let alone scale to the Xoom's large screen. Moreover, there's no obvious way of knowing whether an app has been optimized for Honeycomb.
I endured some software crashes, and Google Talk behaved somewhat inconsistently (where's the button to answer that call?). Also, some folders that I transferred to the Gallery didn't show up, so I couldn't test whether Honeycomb does indeed support .bmp files as Google says. (For a full list of supported files, see Google's Android Developer site.)
Motorola rates the Xoom's battery life at about 10 hours of high-definition video playback. And the device's recharge time is fast, at just 3.5 hours for a full recharge (in my testing, it recharged from a 13 percent charge in less than 3 hours).
One of the Xoom's main assets--aside from being the first Honeycomb tablet to market--should be its deep integration with the Honeycomb platform: Motorola worked hand-in-hand with Google to make Honeycomb run well on the Xoom, Google's reference Honeycomb device. As such, the Xoom is likely to be as pure a Google Honeycomb device as possible.
All in all, the device is a solid but imperfect first effort. Platform stability and 4G can come with future software upgrades, and the bugs in the graphics and video rendering will (I hope) be fixable through software, too. But the screen's annoying grid effect can't be fixed by a simple update.
The Xoom is the first large-screen tablet to provide stiff competition for Apple's iPad. But as smooth as many of its elements are, and as groundbreaking as this first-of-its-kind tablet is, its weaknesses prevent me from giving it a rousing endorsement. Software rough patches can be patched; but hardware frustrations may run deeper than any firmware update can fix.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Verizon iPhone4 From CNET
The good: The Verizon iPhone 4 offers a hot-spot feature not available on AT&T's device. Performance was better in most regards.
The bad: The Verizon iPhone 4 lacks world roaming and the ability to access voice and data simultaneously. The hot-spot feature didn't work with all devices.
The bottom line: The Verizon iPhone 4 has much in common with its AT&T counterpart, but varying features and different performance give it enough room to stand apart. It won't vastly change your iPhone experience, but we welcome the consumer choice that it brings.
Review:
Yes, it's finally here. After almost four years of endless gossip, analyst forecasts, and so-called leaks, the Verizon iPhone is a reality. We're thrilled, to be honest, mostly because we never have to write another rumor story again. And, of course, we're also happy to see U.S. iPhone owners get a real choice in carriers.
If you've been pining for this moment for ages, we feel your elation. But before you rush to the store, there are some important points to keep in mind. First off, the Verizon ... Expand full review
Yes, it's finally here. After almost four years of endless gossip, analyst forecasts, and so-called leaks, the Verizon iPhone is a reality. We're thrilled, to be honest, mostly because we never have to write another rumor story again. And, of course, we're also happy to see U.S. iPhone owners get a real choice in carriers.
If you've been pining for this moment for ages, we feel your elation. But before you rush to the store, there are some important points to keep in mind. First off, the Verizon iPhone 4 is nearly identical to its AT&T counterpart. It stands apart in a couple of ways, but it's largely the same device with many of the same benefits and drawbacks. And like its predecessor, the Verizon iPhone 4 entails some serious give-and-take on the part of the user. You get that nifty hot spot, for example, but Big Red's CDMA technology takes away functionality as well.
Performance may also defy some of your expectations, which we know are huge. After a few days of testing, we can report that Verizon's network offers discernable improvements over AT&T's. The data speeds were faster most of the time, we had more success with placing calls in problem areas, and the calls connected faster. The changes, however, weren't life-changing and they weren't completely consistent. So while it is better in some regards, it can't beat AT&T on all fronts.
Verizon will match AT&T's pricing, which is $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB version. You can get it only in black for now, though the elusive white model is due later this spring. Verizon will offer a $30 unlimited data plan to start, but it likely to switch to tiered data plans in the near future.
Design
Honestly, we can't say much in this section since the Verizon and AT&T handsets are so much alike. There are a couple cosmetic differences, which we'll discuss, but Verizon's iPhone bears all the familiar Apple-style trademarks. It's the same size and weight (4.5 inches tall by 2.3 inches wide by 0.37 inch deep; 4.8 ounces), it has nearly identical external features, and you'll find that gorgeous Retina Display. We're still not fans of the sharp edges and glass back, but there's no denying that the iPhone 4 remains an eye-catching device.
From the front, the two handsets look exactly alike.
Turn the handset on its sides and you'll notice some minor alterations. To accommodate the CDMA antenna, the ringer mute switch on the left side has been moved slightly closer to the volume controls. It makes no difference in usability, but the change means that most current iPhone 4 cases, including the bumpers that Apple gave out for free last summer, won't fit properly. Over on the right side, the SIM card slot has vanished because the handset runs on CDMA.
just above the ringer switch. Apple wouldn't discuss the specifics with CNET, nor would it confirm which portions of the antenna serve which features (on the AT&T phone, one portion of the antenna was for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the remaining portion of the antenna powered cellular calls). We're not prone to conspiracy theories, but it wouldn't surprise us if Apple tweaked the antenna design following last summer's "antennagate" drama. But more on that later.
A feature you gain
Inside, the Verizon handset offers a few more differences, both good and bad. On the upside, Big Red beats AT&T by offering a personal hot-spot feature that can support up to five devices. You can establish the connection through and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB cable and use all three methods at the same time
Before you can use the hot spot, though, you'll need to activate the option with Verizon. The feature will cost an additional $20 per month, which is cheaper than Sprint's $29 monthly charge, but more expensive than T-Mobile's $14.99 fee. For that price you're limited to 2GB per month, after which you'll pay $20 for each additional gigabyte. On the whole, those charges aren't outrageous for what you get.
Once you're set with the carrier, the hot-spot option will appear in your Settings menu. Then, after you set a password and choose which connectivity options you'd like to use, you can get started. We tried connecting a number of devices including a laptop computer, an iPad, an AT&T iPhone 4, a LG Optimus S, a RIM BlackBerry Torch, a Huawei Ideos X5, and a T-Mobile MyTouch 3G.
For most devices, the connection process over Wi-Fi was quick and painless. The MyTouch 3G was able to find the hot spot, but for some reason it could hold the connection for only 5 seconds before dropping it. The Ideos, meanwhile, was not able to locate the iPhone, even when they were next to each other.
Though those hiccups weren't encouraging, they could be the fault of the other phones. What's more, once we tossed them aside, the hot spot performed well even at full capacity. Web browsing on the laptop, for example, was only a few seconds slower than what we normally experience on CNET's wired network. Uploading a Facebook photo took about 10 seconds (versus the usual 5 seconds), and we were able to load a number of graphics-heavy Web sites without any problems. We had a similar experience when using a USB cable for the PC; it was a bit slower than normal but nothing drastic.
The Verizon iPhone tracks how many devices are connected through the hot spot.
Even with those few issues, the hot spot is user-friendly and it makes the Verizon iPhone an even better mobile-computing device. You don't get individual notifications when you connect a new device, and you can't see what is connected at a given time, but a status bar at the top of the display conveniently tracks how many gadgets are linked up. Yet, as with so many other things on the iPhone, the hot spot isn't the first or the best we've seen of its kind. It may do things differently, but it's not better. We're still testing the hot-spot battery life and will report the results here.
Features you keep
Outside of the hot spot, you can expect the usual iPhone goodies. You'll get the 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, front-facing VGA camera, Bluetooth, digital compass, e-mail and messaging, iPod player, voice control, voice memo recorder, assisted GPS and Google Maps, Safari browser, access to apps and media through iTunes, and FaceTime over Wi-Fi.
The Verizon iPhone has the same camera features as the AT&T version.
The polished interface also remains the same, though the Verizon iPhone currently runs iOS 4.2.6; the AT&T iPhone runs iOS 4.2.1. Apple said 4.2.6 is a version unique to the Verizon handset and that its only changes are support for CDMA and the hot-spot feature.
The Verizon iPhone's photo quality also is no different form the AT&T handset.
Though the phone is impressive, the smartphone market is a thousand times more mature than it was in 2007 when the original iPhone hit, and even in 2010 when the iPhone 4 first went on sale. We don't doubt that the Verizon iPhone will be successful, but it faces heavy competition from rival carriers and even from within Verizon's own lineup. Some offer features that the iPhone can't touch, and there are plenty of people who have interest in buying Apples device. The iPhone is on a new carrier, but it remains just one player in a very competitive field.
Features you don't get
Unfortunately, Verizon's iPhone lacks two very important features present on AT&T's device. Because CDMA essentially separates voice and data into two "pipes" (GSM uses only one), you won't be able to stay on a call and use the Web browser, Google Maps, or any app that requires a data connection (you'll receive a notification if you try and do so). If you're using the navigation feature or hot spot, they will pause when you get a call and resume after you hang up. On the other hand, you will be able to send and receive texts and browse existing content on your device when on a call.
The bad: The Verizon iPhone 4 lacks world roaming and the ability to access voice and data simultaneously. The hot-spot feature didn't work with all devices.
The bottom line: The Verizon iPhone 4 has much in common with its AT&T counterpart, but varying features and different performance give it enough room to stand apart. It won't vastly change your iPhone experience, but we welcome the consumer choice that it brings.
Review:
Yes, it's finally here. After almost four years of endless gossip, analyst forecasts, and so-called leaks, the Verizon iPhone is a reality. We're thrilled, to be honest, mostly because we never have to write another rumor story again. And, of course, we're also happy to see U.S. iPhone owners get a real choice in carriers.
If you've been pining for this moment for ages, we feel your elation. But before you rush to the store, there are some important points to keep in mind. First off, the Verizon ... Expand full review
Yes, it's finally here. After almost four years of endless gossip, analyst forecasts, and so-called leaks, the Verizon iPhone is a reality. We're thrilled, to be honest, mostly because we never have to write another rumor story again. And, of course, we're also happy to see U.S. iPhone owners get a real choice in carriers.
If you've been pining for this moment for ages, we feel your elation. But before you rush to the store, there are some important points to keep in mind. First off, the Verizon iPhone 4 is nearly identical to its AT&T counterpart. It stands apart in a couple of ways, but it's largely the same device with many of the same benefits and drawbacks. And like its predecessor, the Verizon iPhone 4 entails some serious give-and-take on the part of the user. You get that nifty hot spot, for example, but Big Red's CDMA technology takes away functionality as well.
Performance may also defy some of your expectations, which we know are huge. After a few days of testing, we can report that Verizon's network offers discernable improvements over AT&T's. The data speeds were faster most of the time, we had more success with placing calls in problem areas, and the calls connected faster. The changes, however, weren't life-changing and they weren't completely consistent. So while it is better in some regards, it can't beat AT&T on all fronts.
Verizon will match AT&T's pricing, which is $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB version. You can get it only in black for now, though the elusive white model is due later this spring. Verizon will offer a $30 unlimited data plan to start, but it likely to switch to tiered data plans in the near future.
Design
Honestly, we can't say much in this section since the Verizon and AT&T handsets are so much alike. There are a couple cosmetic differences, which we'll discuss, but Verizon's iPhone bears all the familiar Apple-style trademarks. It's the same size and weight (4.5 inches tall by 2.3 inches wide by 0.37 inch deep; 4.8 ounces), it has nearly identical external features, and you'll find that gorgeous Retina Display. We're still not fans of the sharp edges and glass back, but there's no denying that the iPhone 4 remains an eye-catching device.
From the front, the two handsets look exactly alike.
Turn the handset on its sides and you'll notice some minor alterations. To accommodate the CDMA antenna, the ringer mute switch on the left side has been moved slightly closer to the volume controls. It makes no difference in usability, but the change means that most current iPhone 4 cases, including the bumpers that Apple gave out for free last summer, won't fit properly. Over on the right side, the SIM card slot has vanished because the handset runs on CDMA.
just above the ringer switch. Apple wouldn't discuss the specifics with CNET, nor would it confirm which portions of the antenna serve which features (on the AT&T phone, one portion of the antenna was for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the remaining portion of the antenna powered cellular calls). We're not prone to conspiracy theories, but it wouldn't surprise us if Apple tweaked the antenna design following last summer's "antennagate" drama. But more on that later.
A feature you gain
Inside, the Verizon handset offers a few more differences, both good and bad. On the upside, Big Red beats AT&T by offering a personal hot-spot feature that can support up to five devices. You can establish the connection through and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB cable and use all three methods at the same time
Before you can use the hot spot, though, you'll need to activate the option with Verizon. The feature will cost an additional $20 per month, which is cheaper than Sprint's $29 monthly charge, but more expensive than T-Mobile's $14.99 fee. For that price you're limited to 2GB per month, after which you'll pay $20 for each additional gigabyte. On the whole, those charges aren't outrageous for what you get.
Once you're set with the carrier, the hot-spot option will appear in your Settings menu. Then, after you set a password and choose which connectivity options you'd like to use, you can get started. We tried connecting a number of devices including a laptop computer, an iPad, an AT&T iPhone 4, a LG Optimus S, a RIM BlackBerry Torch, a Huawei Ideos X5, and a T-Mobile MyTouch 3G.
For most devices, the connection process over Wi-Fi was quick and painless. The MyTouch 3G was able to find the hot spot, but for some reason it could hold the connection for only 5 seconds before dropping it. The Ideos, meanwhile, was not able to locate the iPhone, even when they were next to each other.
Though those hiccups weren't encouraging, they could be the fault of the other phones. What's more, once we tossed them aside, the hot spot performed well even at full capacity. Web browsing on the laptop, for example, was only a few seconds slower than what we normally experience on CNET's wired network. Uploading a Facebook photo took about 10 seconds (versus the usual 5 seconds), and we were able to load a number of graphics-heavy Web sites without any problems. We had a similar experience when using a USB cable for the PC; it was a bit slower than normal but nothing drastic.
The Verizon iPhone tracks how many devices are connected through the hot spot.
Even with those few issues, the hot spot is user-friendly and it makes the Verizon iPhone an even better mobile-computing device. You don't get individual notifications when you connect a new device, and you can't see what is connected at a given time, but a status bar at the top of the display conveniently tracks how many gadgets are linked up. Yet, as with so many other things on the iPhone, the hot spot isn't the first or the best we've seen of its kind. It may do things differently, but it's not better. We're still testing the hot-spot battery life and will report the results here.
Features you keep
Outside of the hot spot, you can expect the usual iPhone goodies. You'll get the 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, front-facing VGA camera, Bluetooth, digital compass, e-mail and messaging, iPod player, voice control, voice memo recorder, assisted GPS and Google Maps, Safari browser, access to apps and media through iTunes, and FaceTime over Wi-Fi.
The Verizon iPhone has the same camera features as the AT&T version.
The polished interface also remains the same, though the Verizon iPhone currently runs iOS 4.2.6; the AT&T iPhone runs iOS 4.2.1. Apple said 4.2.6 is a version unique to the Verizon handset and that its only changes are support for CDMA and the hot-spot feature.
The Verizon iPhone's photo quality also is no different form the AT&T handset.
Though the phone is impressive, the smartphone market is a thousand times more mature than it was in 2007 when the original iPhone hit, and even in 2010 when the iPhone 4 first went on sale. We don't doubt that the Verizon iPhone will be successful, but it faces heavy competition from rival carriers and even from within Verizon's own lineup. Some offer features that the iPhone can't touch, and there are plenty of people who have interest in buying Apples device. The iPhone is on a new carrier, but it remains just one player in a very competitive field.
Features you don't get
Unfortunately, Verizon's iPhone lacks two very important features present on AT&T's device. Because CDMA essentially separates voice and data into two "pipes" (GSM uses only one), you won't be able to stay on a call and use the Web browser, Google Maps, or any app that requires a data connection (you'll receive a notification if you try and do so). If you're using the navigation feature or hot spot, they will pause when you get a call and resume after you hang up. On the other hand, you will be able to send and receive texts and browse existing content on your device when on a call.
Verizon iPhone Sales Underwhelm - From PC Mag.com
Consumer demand for a Verizon iPhone 4 may be less enthusiastic than first expected. Tech blog Boy Genius Report is reporting that first-week iPhone 4 sales didn't meet the expectations of Apple and Verizon Wireless.Citing unnamed Apple sources, BGR posted unit sales totals purported from five Apple stores, including two "very, very prominent" locations. The numbers show Verizon Wireless and AT&T iPhone 4 sales during the Verizon iPhone's first five days of availability (starting Thursday, February 10):
The figures suggest an early rush of Verizon iPhone 4 sales that quickly dissipated. By Sunday, February 13, Verizon's iPhone sales were only slightly higher than AT&T's. Online pre-orders for the Verizon iPhone 4 totaled about 550,000 units, BGR reports.
If consumer response to the Verizon iPhone is somewhat disappointing, what's the most likely reason? You can take your pick of possible explanations, including a cold spell across the eastern half of the U.S. that reduced foot traffic at Apple's brick-and-mortar locations, or the healthy number of Verizon iPhone preorders online.
Or perhaps iPhone fans are more savvy than slavish. Many have probably heard that the iPhone 5 will arrive this summer. Revelation! It's smarter to wait a few months and get the latest iPhone on Verizon (assuming it's available), rather than commit to a two-year contract with last year's model.
Oh, one other interesting tidbit from BGR on who has bought Verizon iPhones thus far: 30 percent were Android users; 25 percent migrated from BlackBerry; and just 14 percent were AT&T iPhone owners. The rest either didn't have a smartphone or other mobile handset, or simply didn't say.
The figures suggest an early rush of Verizon iPhone 4 sales that quickly dissipated. By Sunday, February 13, Verizon's iPhone sales were only slightly higher than AT&T's. Online pre-orders for the Verizon iPhone 4 totaled about 550,000 units, BGR reports.
If consumer response to the Verizon iPhone is somewhat disappointing, what's the most likely reason? You can take your pick of possible explanations, including a cold spell across the eastern half of the U.S. that reduced foot traffic at Apple's brick-and-mortar locations, or the healthy number of Verizon iPhone preorders online.
Or perhaps iPhone fans are more savvy than slavish. Many have probably heard that the iPhone 5 will arrive this summer. Revelation! It's smarter to wait a few months and get the latest iPhone on Verizon (assuming it's available), rather than commit to a two-year contract with last year's model.
Oh, one other interesting tidbit from BGR on who has bought Verizon iPhones thus far: 30 percent were Android users; 25 percent migrated from BlackBerry; and just 14 percent were AT&T iPhone owners. The rest either didn't have a smartphone or other mobile handset, or simply didn't say.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Damn Lakers
In a season tainted by bad losses and chemistry issues, this one has to be at the top. And interestingly, we’re coming to you live from Cleveland and not talking about the Cavaliers.
We’re talking about the two-time defending NBA champions. We’re talking about a team with Phil Jackson as its coach and Kobe Bryant as its superstar, a dream team that also features Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and Ron Artest.
We’re talking about the Lakers, who dropped a 104-99 decision Wednesday to the same Cavs they had previously beaten by 219 points. Actually, it was 55, but it sure felt like a whole lot more.
Now the Lakers head into the All-Star break having lost three straight. They seem angry, confused and considerably less formidable than at any other time during the Phil-and-Kobe era.
“They went on break before the game started,” Jackson said of his players, and you just knew that line was coming.
But a quick look at the numbers goes a long way in proving Jackson’s point:
* The Lakers committed 19 turnovers, never led by more than three points and trailed by as many as 12 with 2:30 left.
* Bryant scored just four points in the fourth quarter and 17 for the game. While Jackson insisted Kobe didn’t try too hard to take over, he did force a lot of shots in an 8-for-24 night. That included a couple of bricks (and two air balls) that may have made the rim cringe with fear.
* Artest took all of one shot, missed it, and compiled zero rebounds in just less than 18 minutes. Artest has become the Lakers’ Dennis Rodman, except Artest doesn‘t crash the boards nearly as much. And at least Michael Jordan was able to keep Rodman under control on those Jackson-coached Chicago teams. Kobe has been unable to do the same with Artest.
* Meanwhile, Bynum looked sluggish and almost aloof in shooting 2-for-12 and finishing with six points. All of this took place against Cavs centers J.J. Hickson and Ryan Hollins. Nice players, but we're not exactly talking Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain here.
It’s no wonder Bryant took an extra long shower after the game, aiming to avoid reporters and the tough questions that were certain to come his way. After all, the only thing worse than losing in Orlando and Charlotte is to get outhustled by a downtrodden team in Cleveland.
Of course, it’s not like anyone else can do a whole lot of explaining for what’s happened to this organization.
“I got to look at the tape to analyze what happened,” Artest said. “We just have to play hard, harder than what we are playing,” Bynum added.
As for Jackson and what he told the players afterward, well, it was more of the same. It was a whole lot of nothing.
“You know I did not say anything,” he said. “I just talked about when they have to report (back to practice) Monday.”
Granted, the Lakers are in fact a veteran team that is still leading the Pacific Division with a record of 38-19. There is indeed a chance they are coasting and remain very confident.
A few years back the Lakers were storming through the playoffs, only to drop a game no one expected. “We’re not bored anymore,” Bryant quipped at the time.
Perhaps these Lakers will soon feel the same. But if home losses to Milwaukee, Memphis and Indiana don’t get the juices flowing, something like Wednesday night sure had better do the trick.
Because with 25 games left, it might be time for the Lakers to quit messing around and stop being so casual. This is no time to act like fat cats.
“We have to get back on Monday and get some work done,” Jackson said.
In Los Angeles, that’s usually a line reserved for plastic surgery. But when it comes to the Lakers, this is gonna take more than just a tummy tuck and cheek implants.
It requires a whole new attitude, and anyone who saw the loss to Cleveland knows there’s really no other way to explain it.
We’re talking about the two-time defending NBA champions. We’re talking about a team with Phil Jackson as its coach and Kobe Bryant as its superstar, a dream team that also features Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and Ron Artest.
We’re talking about the Lakers, who dropped a 104-99 decision Wednesday to the same Cavs they had previously beaten by 219 points. Actually, it was 55, but it sure felt like a whole lot more.
Now the Lakers head into the All-Star break having lost three straight. They seem angry, confused and considerably less formidable than at any other time during the Phil-and-Kobe era.
“They went on break before the game started,” Jackson said of his players, and you just knew that line was coming.
But a quick look at the numbers goes a long way in proving Jackson’s point:
* The Lakers committed 19 turnovers, never led by more than three points and trailed by as many as 12 with 2:30 left.
* Bryant scored just four points in the fourth quarter and 17 for the game. While Jackson insisted Kobe didn’t try too hard to take over, he did force a lot of shots in an 8-for-24 night. That included a couple of bricks (and two air balls) that may have made the rim cringe with fear.
* Artest took all of one shot, missed it, and compiled zero rebounds in just less than 18 minutes. Artest has become the Lakers’ Dennis Rodman, except Artest doesn‘t crash the boards nearly as much. And at least Michael Jordan was able to keep Rodman under control on those Jackson-coached Chicago teams. Kobe has been unable to do the same with Artest.
* Meanwhile, Bynum looked sluggish and almost aloof in shooting 2-for-12 and finishing with six points. All of this took place against Cavs centers J.J. Hickson and Ryan Hollins. Nice players, but we're not exactly talking Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain here.
It’s no wonder Bryant took an extra long shower after the game, aiming to avoid reporters and the tough questions that were certain to come his way. After all, the only thing worse than losing in Orlando and Charlotte is to get outhustled by a downtrodden team in Cleveland.
Of course, it’s not like anyone else can do a whole lot of explaining for what’s happened to this organization.
“I got to look at the tape to analyze what happened,” Artest said. “We just have to play hard, harder than what we are playing,” Bynum added.
As for Jackson and what he told the players afterward, well, it was more of the same. It was a whole lot of nothing.
“You know I did not say anything,” he said. “I just talked about when they have to report (back to practice) Monday.”
Granted, the Lakers are in fact a veteran team that is still leading the Pacific Division with a record of 38-19. There is indeed a chance they are coasting and remain very confident.
A few years back the Lakers were storming through the playoffs, only to drop a game no one expected. “We’re not bored anymore,” Bryant quipped at the time.
Perhaps these Lakers will soon feel the same. But if home losses to Milwaukee, Memphis and Indiana don’t get the juices flowing, something like Wednesday night sure had better do the trick.
Because with 25 games left, it might be time for the Lakers to quit messing around and stop being so casual. This is no time to act like fat cats.
“We have to get back on Monday and get some work done,” Jackson said.
In Los Angeles, that’s usually a line reserved for plastic surgery. But when it comes to the Lakers, this is gonna take more than just a tummy tuck and cheek implants.
It requires a whole new attitude, and anyone who saw the loss to Cleveland knows there’s really no other way to explain it.
Damn Yankee
I can't stand the thought of a Yankee as Dodger manager but, Donnie Baseball debuted Thursday, as Mattingly oversaw his first workout for pitchers and catchers as Dodgers manager and did his best to sidestep the first potential controversy of his tenure.
That would be the fifth-starter spot. A year ago under Joe Torre, the Dodgers came to camp without an established one and tried to piece it together for most of the year.
It didn't work, which is why general manager Ned Colletti gave Mattingly six starters this spring. Too many is a good thing for everyone except the odd man out, who figures to be Vicente Padilla. He told the club he's willing to be a reliever, but he's also said he has the resume and ability to be in the rotation. After missing time twice last year with arm and neck injuries, the right-hander arrived in Arizona last week, motivated to prove he's healthy again and determined to break camp in the rotation.
Well... I am not impressed....
That would be the fifth-starter spot. A year ago under Joe Torre, the Dodgers came to camp without an established one and tried to piece it together for most of the year.
It didn't work, which is why general manager Ned Colletti gave Mattingly six starters this spring. Too many is a good thing for everyone except the odd man out, who figures to be Vicente Padilla. He told the club he's willing to be a reliever, but he's also said he has the resume and ability to be in the rotation. After missing time twice last year with arm and neck injuries, the right-hander arrived in Arizona last week, motivated to prove he's healthy again and determined to break camp in the rotation.
Well... I am not impressed....
From Fox News
On Tuesday, Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer asked Ron Paul to respond to the chorus of boos that greeted news the insurgent small-government Texas congressman had won the Conservative Political Action Conference's presidential straw poll for the second year in a row. There was just one problem with Hemmer's question: The vocal chorus of boos didn't come from last week's 2011 CPAC as the network claimed; rather those boos were from the 2010 conference.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Ya Sure Frank!
Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said Tuesday that fans should not be concerned about his financial troubles and renewed his vow to own the team whenever his costly and lengthy divorce proceedings conclude.
"I'm very, very confident at the end of the process that I'm going to own the baseball team and, someday, my four kids are," McCourt said. "My confidence in that has not changed."
The Dodgers posted a losing record last season, which could affect season-ticket sales even without a struggling economy and the damaging revelations from McCourt's divorce trial.
McCourt said ticket sales were "fine" and "right on projections," but would not say whether sales were up or down as compared to last year.
He said the fans he meets do not want to discuss his divorce, his debt or whether he would sell the team. In seven seasons under McCourt ownership, he said, the Dodgers have advanced to the playoffs four times.
"The fans care about one thing, and that is the team winning," he said. "That's really what they want to talk about. They want to talk about the players — our pitching, who's going to bat cleanup, and so on and so forth. That's really what they care about — the team, and winning a championship.
"That's what I want to deliver to the fans, a world championship, more than anything else."
McCourt, speaking after the Dodgers and the city of Los Angeles dedicated a community baseball field at Northridge Recreation Center, had a quick response to a question about where the Dodgers go after another tumultuous winter.
"We go to spring training," he said.
"I'm very, very confident at the end of the process that I'm going to own the baseball team and, someday, my four kids are," McCourt said. "My confidence in that has not changed."
The Dodgers posted a losing record last season, which could affect season-ticket sales even without a struggling economy and the damaging revelations from McCourt's divorce trial.
McCourt said ticket sales were "fine" and "right on projections," but would not say whether sales were up or down as compared to last year.
He said the fans he meets do not want to discuss his divorce, his debt or whether he would sell the team. In seven seasons under McCourt ownership, he said, the Dodgers have advanced to the playoffs four times.
"The fans care about one thing, and that is the team winning," he said. "That's really what they want to talk about. They want to talk about the players — our pitching, who's going to bat cleanup, and so on and so forth. That's really what they care about — the team, and winning a championship.
"That's what I want to deliver to the fans, a world championship, more than anything else."
McCourt, speaking after the Dodgers and the city of Los Angeles dedicated a community baseball field at Northridge Recreation Center, had a quick response to a question about where the Dodgers go after another tumultuous winter.
"We go to spring training," he said.
Cali Prop 8
From NutHouse California - The California Supreme Court decided Wednesday to determine whether the sponsors of Proposition 8 have special authority to defend the anti-gay marriage initiative in court.
The state high court, meeting in closed session, agreed to a request by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to determine the status California law gives initiative sponsors.
The court was unanimous in deciding to accept the case. The court's order set an expedited briefing schedule to permit a hearing by "as early as September." The court must rule on a case 90 days after oral argument.
A panel of the 9th Circuit has indicated it would have to dismiss an appeal by proponents of Proposition 8 on procedural grounds unless the California court determines that the initiative's sponsors have legal standing. A procedural ruling would not affect gay marriage outside of California.
ProtectMarriage, the group that sponsored the 2008 anti-gay-marriage initiative, appealed a federal judge’s ruling in August that found the measure unconstitutional. State officials, who under law clearly have the right to appeal such orders, refused to do so.
The state high court already has ruled twice on same-sex marriage. In a May 2008 ruling, the court voted 4-3 to end California’s ban on gay nuptials. Voters reinstated the ban six months later.
The state court rejected a challenge of Proposition 8 the following year, ruling 6-1 that it was not an illegal revision of the state Constitution.
Both conservative and liberal groups are expected to urge the California court to rule that backers of ballot measures have authority, or “standing,” to defend them. Such a ruling would pave the way for a 9th Circuit decision on Proposition 8’s constitutionality, which likely would go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and have national impact.
The state high court, meeting in closed session, agreed to a request by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to determine the status California law gives initiative sponsors.
The court was unanimous in deciding to accept the case. The court's order set an expedited briefing schedule to permit a hearing by "as early as September." The court must rule on a case 90 days after oral argument.
A panel of the 9th Circuit has indicated it would have to dismiss an appeal by proponents of Proposition 8 on procedural grounds unless the California court determines that the initiative's sponsors have legal standing. A procedural ruling would not affect gay marriage outside of California.
ProtectMarriage, the group that sponsored the 2008 anti-gay-marriage initiative, appealed a federal judge’s ruling in August that found the measure unconstitutional. State officials, who under law clearly have the right to appeal such orders, refused to do so.
The state high court already has ruled twice on same-sex marriage. In a May 2008 ruling, the court voted 4-3 to end California’s ban on gay nuptials. Voters reinstated the ban six months later.
The state court rejected a challenge of Proposition 8 the following year, ruling 6-1 that it was not an illegal revision of the state Constitution.
Both conservative and liberal groups are expected to urge the California court to rule that backers of ballot measures have authority, or “standing,” to defend them. Such a ruling would pave the way for a 9th Circuit decision on Proposition 8’s constitutionality, which likely would go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and have national impact.
Mike Vick - No on Oprah!
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick will not be appearing on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" after all.
A show spokesman said Wednesday representatives of the NFL star called late Tuesday to cancel his appearance for personal reasons. The daytime talk show host's interview with Vick was set to air Thursday, Feb. 24.
"After careful consideration, I will need to postpone the taping of the Oprah Winfrey interview," Vick said in a statement. "I admire and respect Oprah and hope to be able to participate in an interview in the future."
The interview was to cover Vick's time in prison, his work with the Humane Society and his return to the NFL.
Vick missed two seasons and served 18 months in federal prison for a dogfighting operation based on his property in Surry County, Va.
He was reinstated to the NFL for the 2009 season and has been doing public service work, including with the Humane Society.
A show spokesman said Wednesday representatives of the NFL star called late Tuesday to cancel his appearance for personal reasons. The daytime talk show host's interview with Vick was set to air Thursday, Feb. 24.
"After careful consideration, I will need to postpone the taping of the Oprah Winfrey interview," Vick said in a statement. "I admire and respect Oprah and hope to be able to participate in an interview in the future."
The interview was to cover Vick's time in prison, his work with the Humane Society and his return to the NFL.
Vick missed two seasons and served 18 months in federal prison for a dogfighting operation based on his property in Surry County, Va.
He was reinstated to the NFL for the 2009 season and has been doing public service work, including with the Humane Society.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Verizon iPhone - From PC Mag.com
Today is the big day; the Apple iPhone is finally available in the United States through a wireless carrier other than AT&T. Verizon Wireless's iPhone 4 smartphone can now be purchased in Apple Stores, Best Buys, Walmarts, and Verizon Wireless retail locations...while supplies last, of course.
But I have a few things you might want to consider before dashing out to wait in line for a Verizon iPhone 4 of your own. In fact, in most cases, I'd advise potential Verizon iPhone 4 buyers to hold off completely on buying Apple's current iPhone model. Why, you ask? Keep reading.
1) Verizon Apple iPhone 4 is "Old"
Apple released the AT&T iPhone 4 on June 24, 2010, almost eight months ago. And in the world of technology, a LOT can change in eight months' time. Unfortunately, very little has changed about the iPhone 4; the iPhone 4 model being sold by Verizon does have a different cellular radio, a slightly modified antennae design than the original AT&T iPhone 4, as well as a shifted mute button...but that's about all that's been changed.
In other words, Verizon iPhone 4 buyers really aren't getting a "new" device, at least in my opinion. And the Verizon iPhone 4 offers few to no advantages over its AT&T brethren. With the arrival of the iPhone 5 expected this coming June -- assuming Apple sticks to its past release schedule of a new iPhone each summer -- it would be a wise move for most folks to hold off on signing a two-year Verizon contract for the iPhone 4. The iPhone 5 will surely pack a variety of cool new features and functionality that'll leave many iPhone 4 users craving more.
2) No Simultaneous Voice/Data Transmission for Verizon iPhone 4
The Verizon Apple iPhone 4 is a 3G, CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A device, and due to limitations with the CDMA wireless technology, the device cannot simultaneously transfer voice and data over the cellular network. In other words, Verizon iPhone 4 users will not be able to make a phone call and then search for information on the Web while on a call -- at least when only connected to Verizon's network. This issue is not limited to the iPhone; none of Verizon's 3G CDMA devices support simultaneous voice/data transfer.
This fact may not seem like a big deal to existing Verizon users because most won't know what they're missing, but AT&T or T-Mobile 3G users switching to Verizon for the iPhone could very much miss the functionality -- I certainly do when I use a Verizon smartphone. The next version of the iPhone, expected in just a few months, could very well support LTE, which would provide for simultaneous voice and data transfer, and it will almost be a "world phone" that could be used on both CDMA and GSM networks in the United States and elsewhere.
3) Verizon iPhone 4 is Pricey
The Verizon iPhone 4 is available in two versions: a 16GB model that retails for $199.99, and a 32GB model for $299.99, each requiring a two-year Verizon service agreement. Those are the exact same prices that AT&T assigned to its 16GB and 32GB iPhone 4 models when the devices were released last June.
In my opinion, a device that is eight months old should NOT cost as much as it did when initially released -- no matter how popular it is. I would've liked to see Verizon undercut AT&T by $50 or so on each model.
The iPhone 5 release is likely only a few months away, as mentioned above, which makes the Verizon iPhone 4 price tags seem all the more unreasonable, especially when you consider that the iPhone 5 is likely to cost the same but will pack a much more powerful feature set.
4) Verizon iPhone 4 is Delicate, Breaks Easily
The Apple iPhone 4 is not exactly built to last, and the Verizon version isn't any different. The device has glass on both its front and rear faces, and though this design may be pleasing to the eyes, it's hardly durable.
For example, iPhone 4 screens break a whopping 82 percent more than iPhone 3GS screens, according to SquareTrade, an iPhone warranty provider. In addition, 4.7 percent of iPhone 4 owners say they damaged their Apple smartphones during the first four months of ownership, compared to 2.8 percent of iPhone 3GS owners who reported damage in the first months after their purchases, according to SquareTrade.
No official information is available on the iPhone 5, so it's unclear if Apple will resolve or at least reduce the iPhone 4 breakage problem. But if you're someone who generally abuses your smartphone, or just someone who drops it frequently, you should consider a device other than the iPhone -- either that, or get yourself a quality iPhone 4 case.
5) Like It or Not, Apple iPhone is Tied to iTunes
Apple designed the iPhone to function in conjunction with its proprietary iTunes music service and software application, and as such, iPhone users are very much tied to iTunes -- your device can only sync with one iTunes library at a time, you can only purchase and load official mobile applications using iTunes, etc.
"Jailbreaking" iPhones, or unlocking the devices from many of Apple constraints, does away with many of the iPhone's iTunes ties, but it can also open up a whole other can of worms. (Think: weaker security and degraded device performance.) This is not just true of the Verizon iPhone, but all previous iPhone models on all wireless carriers.
If you're already an iTunes user, you might not really mind the iPhone/iTunes integration. But folks who have avoided or simply do not want to use Apple's music service and associated software may want to steer clear of the iPhone.
6) Verizon iPhone 4...Antennae Issues?
This is the last point I've included in my reasons to hold off on buying Verizon's iPhone 4, and I purposely put it at the end of the list because antennae issues surely will not be an issue for all Verizon iPhone 4 users. However, if you live or spend lots of time in an area with weak or inconsistent Verizon Wireless 3G coverage, and you tend to hold your phone in a decidedly firm grip, you could find yourself experiencing the wireless signal attenuation problems that plagued Apple's AT&T iPhone 4 launch last summer, formerly dubbed "antennae-gate," according to iLounge.
A little history on antennae-gate: Shortly after the AT&T iPhone 4 launch, handfuls of users reported issues with iPhone signal strength when holding the device a certain way. It was later determined that the iPhone 4's initial antennae design meant that users' could hold the device a certain way to block the antenna and, therein, inadvertently cause wireless signal issues. Apple admitted the problem...sort of. And it offered its earlier iPhone 4 customers free "bumper" cases that helped to reduce the signal attenuation problem.
But according to iLounge, some Verizon iPhone 4 users will still experience the same issue. So, again, you may want to think twice about scooping up that Verizon iPhone 4, or hold off completely, without first testing one at home and/or at your office, etc., to make sure you don't find yourself constantly dropping a wireless signal.
But I have a few things you might want to consider before dashing out to wait in line for a Verizon iPhone 4 of your own. In fact, in most cases, I'd advise potential Verizon iPhone 4 buyers to hold off completely on buying Apple's current iPhone model. Why, you ask? Keep reading.
1) Verizon Apple iPhone 4 is "Old"
Apple released the AT&T iPhone 4 on June 24, 2010, almost eight months ago. And in the world of technology, a LOT can change in eight months' time. Unfortunately, very little has changed about the iPhone 4; the iPhone 4 model being sold by Verizon does have a different cellular radio, a slightly modified antennae design than the original AT&T iPhone 4, as well as a shifted mute button...but that's about all that's been changed.
In other words, Verizon iPhone 4 buyers really aren't getting a "new" device, at least in my opinion. And the Verizon iPhone 4 offers few to no advantages over its AT&T brethren. With the arrival of the iPhone 5 expected this coming June -- assuming Apple sticks to its past release schedule of a new iPhone each summer -- it would be a wise move for most folks to hold off on signing a two-year Verizon contract for the iPhone 4. The iPhone 5 will surely pack a variety of cool new features and functionality that'll leave many iPhone 4 users craving more.
2) No Simultaneous Voice/Data Transmission for Verizon iPhone 4
The Verizon Apple iPhone 4 is a 3G, CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A device, and due to limitations with the CDMA wireless technology, the device cannot simultaneously transfer voice and data over the cellular network. In other words, Verizon iPhone 4 users will not be able to make a phone call and then search for information on the Web while on a call -- at least when only connected to Verizon's network. This issue is not limited to the iPhone; none of Verizon's 3G CDMA devices support simultaneous voice/data transfer.
This fact may not seem like a big deal to existing Verizon users because most won't know what they're missing, but AT&T or T-Mobile 3G users switching to Verizon for the iPhone could very much miss the functionality -- I certainly do when I use a Verizon smartphone. The next version of the iPhone, expected in just a few months, could very well support LTE, which would provide for simultaneous voice and data transfer, and it will almost be a "world phone" that could be used on both CDMA and GSM networks in the United States and elsewhere.
3) Verizon iPhone 4 is Pricey
The Verizon iPhone 4 is available in two versions: a 16GB model that retails for $199.99, and a 32GB model for $299.99, each requiring a two-year Verizon service agreement. Those are the exact same prices that AT&T assigned to its 16GB and 32GB iPhone 4 models when the devices were released last June.
In my opinion, a device that is eight months old should NOT cost as much as it did when initially released -- no matter how popular it is. I would've liked to see Verizon undercut AT&T by $50 or so on each model.
The iPhone 5 release is likely only a few months away, as mentioned above, which makes the Verizon iPhone 4 price tags seem all the more unreasonable, especially when you consider that the iPhone 5 is likely to cost the same but will pack a much more powerful feature set.
4) Verizon iPhone 4 is Delicate, Breaks Easily
The Apple iPhone 4 is not exactly built to last, and the Verizon version isn't any different. The device has glass on both its front and rear faces, and though this design may be pleasing to the eyes, it's hardly durable.
For example, iPhone 4 screens break a whopping 82 percent more than iPhone 3GS screens, according to SquareTrade, an iPhone warranty provider. In addition, 4.7 percent of iPhone 4 owners say they damaged their Apple smartphones during the first four months of ownership, compared to 2.8 percent of iPhone 3GS owners who reported damage in the first months after their purchases, according to SquareTrade.
No official information is available on the iPhone 5, so it's unclear if Apple will resolve or at least reduce the iPhone 4 breakage problem. But if you're someone who generally abuses your smartphone, or just someone who drops it frequently, you should consider a device other than the iPhone -- either that, or get yourself a quality iPhone 4 case.
5) Like It or Not, Apple iPhone is Tied to iTunes
Apple designed the iPhone to function in conjunction with its proprietary iTunes music service and software application, and as such, iPhone users are very much tied to iTunes -- your device can only sync with one iTunes library at a time, you can only purchase and load official mobile applications using iTunes, etc.
"Jailbreaking" iPhones, or unlocking the devices from many of Apple constraints, does away with many of the iPhone's iTunes ties, but it can also open up a whole other can of worms. (Think: weaker security and degraded device performance.) This is not just true of the Verizon iPhone, but all previous iPhone models on all wireless carriers.
If you're already an iTunes user, you might not really mind the iPhone/iTunes integration. But folks who have avoided or simply do not want to use Apple's music service and associated software may want to steer clear of the iPhone.
6) Verizon iPhone 4...Antennae Issues?
This is the last point I've included in my reasons to hold off on buying Verizon's iPhone 4, and I purposely put it at the end of the list because antennae issues surely will not be an issue for all Verizon iPhone 4 users. However, if you live or spend lots of time in an area with weak or inconsistent Verizon Wireless 3G coverage, and you tend to hold your phone in a decidedly firm grip, you could find yourself experiencing the wireless signal attenuation problems that plagued Apple's AT&T iPhone 4 launch last summer, formerly dubbed "antennae-gate," according to iLounge.
A little history on antennae-gate: Shortly after the AT&T iPhone 4 launch, handfuls of users reported issues with iPhone signal strength when holding the device a certain way. It was later determined that the iPhone 4's initial antennae design meant that users' could hold the device a certain way to block the antenna and, therein, inadvertently cause wireless signal issues. Apple admitted the problem...sort of. And it offered its earlier iPhone 4 customers free "bumper" cases that helped to reduce the signal attenuation problem.
But according to iLounge, some Verizon iPhone 4 users will still experience the same issue. So, again, you may want to think twice about scooping up that Verizon iPhone 4, or hold off completely, without first testing one at home and/or at your office, etc., to make sure you don't find yourself constantly dropping a wireless signal.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
My Chargers
My Chargers stretched last year to keep running back/return man Darren Sproles off the open market, tendering him at the highest possible level as a restricted free agent. But it's not likely San Diego will be willing to do whatever it takes to keep him around this time. With the Chargers having drafted running back Ryan Mathews in the first round last season, and facing a high tender for potential restricted free agent Mike Tolbert, Sproles is viewed as only the third most valuable commodity in the San Diego backfield.
Though he'll only be 28 this June, Sproles won't command a $7.2 million base salary like he did last season, and San Diego will trust that its No. 1-ranked offense can compensate for his departure. The Chargers have 28 potential free agents, and probably will franchise No. 1 receiver Vincent Jackson. With Mathews and Tolbert representing the future, Sproles' run in San Diego appears to be nearing its end.
Though he'll only be 28 this June, Sproles won't command a $7.2 million base salary like he did last season, and San Diego will trust that its No. 1-ranked offense can compensate for his departure. The Chargers have 28 potential free agents, and probably will franchise No. 1 receiver Vincent Jackson. With Mathews and Tolbert representing the future, Sproles' run in San Diego appears to be nearing its end.
My Lakers Rounding into Form
After a big win at the Celts, Kobe Bryant scored 33 points in another effortless night at Madison Square Garden, and the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a 113-96 victory over the struggling New York Knicks on Friday night.
Bryant scored 19 points in the first quarter, and perhaps only the lopsided score kept him from recording a sixth 40-point game at the arena. He raised his average at MSG to 30.5 points, edging past Carmelo Anthony and into the lead for tops among active players. Bryant also grabbed 10 rebounds.
Pau Gasol added 20 points for the Lakers, who beat the Knicks for the eighth straight time overall and fifth in a row at the Garden, where Bryant owns the scoring record of 61 points that might've been in jeopardy if he played more than 29 minutes.
He sat on the bench in the fourth quarter, rising only to pump his fist a few times after baskets by teammates who were too good for the Knicks even without him.
Bryant shot 12 of 17 from the field and hit four 3-pointers as the Lakers made 54 percent of their shots, two nights after the Clippers had no trouble with New York's defense.
Amare Stoudemire had 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, who lost for the fourth time in five games and fell to 26-26, the first time they've been at .500 since they were 9-9 after beating Detroit on Nov. 28.
Worse for New York, the All-Star forward picked up his 14th technical foul of the season, moving him two away from an automatic one-game suspension that seems a certainty with the pace he's accumulated them.
The Lakers followed their 92-86 victory over archival Boston on Thursday by improving to 4-0 on a seven-game road trip while Staples Center prepares to host the Grammys. A stop in New York was a nice benefit for the Lakers, since regulars Ron Artest and Lamar Odom are from the city, coach Phil Jackson played and might've been coaching for the final time here, and Bryant loves playing inMSG.
Bryant scored 19 points in the first quarter, and perhaps only the lopsided score kept him from recording a sixth 40-point game at the arena. He raised his average at MSG to 30.5 points, edging past Carmelo Anthony and into the lead for tops among active players. Bryant also grabbed 10 rebounds.
Pau Gasol added 20 points for the Lakers, who beat the Knicks for the eighth straight time overall and fifth in a row at the Garden, where Bryant owns the scoring record of 61 points that might've been in jeopardy if he played more than 29 minutes.
He sat on the bench in the fourth quarter, rising only to pump his fist a few times after baskets by teammates who were too good for the Knicks even without him.
Bryant shot 12 of 17 from the field and hit four 3-pointers as the Lakers made 54 percent of their shots, two nights after the Clippers had no trouble with New York's defense.
Amare Stoudemire had 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, who lost for the fourth time in five games and fell to 26-26, the first time they've been at .500 since they were 9-9 after beating Detroit on Nov. 28.
Worse for New York, the All-Star forward picked up his 14th technical foul of the season, moving him two away from an automatic one-game suspension that seems a certainty with the pace he's accumulated them.
The Lakers followed their 92-86 victory over archival Boston on Thursday by improving to 4-0 on a seven-game road trip while Staples Center prepares to host the Grammys. A stop in New York was a nice benefit for the Lakers, since regulars Ron Artest and Lamar Odom are from the city, coach Phil Jackson played and might've been coaching for the final time here, and Bryant loves playing inMSG.
What's Next for Eygpt?
Egyptians are carrying their party into a second day as they sang, danced and cheered in ecstasy over the fall of former President Hosni Mubarak.
Even as people rejoiced, the Egyptian army took steps to reassure the world of an orderly transition, and the foot soldiers of the revolution that ousted Mubarak debated how the military should move to meet the pledges of greater democracy and an end to emergency rule.
The military said Egypt remained committed to its peace treaty with Israel and called for the reshuffled government appointed by Mubarak after demonstrations began to stay in place until a new body can be formed. With the brief announcement by Mubarak's Vice President Omar Suleiman that Mubarak had handed his power over to the military Friday, the army now faces the major task of shepherding a transition to free and fair elections.
Can that happen? Military rule to democracy? If it happens it will be the strawman for the rest of the Middle East dictatorships as they hopefully fall next....
Even as people rejoiced, the Egyptian army took steps to reassure the world of an orderly transition, and the foot soldiers of the revolution that ousted Mubarak debated how the military should move to meet the pledges of greater democracy and an end to emergency rule.
The military said Egypt remained committed to its peace treaty with Israel and called for the reshuffled government appointed by Mubarak after demonstrations began to stay in place until a new body can be formed. With the brief announcement by Mubarak's Vice President Omar Suleiman that Mubarak had handed his power over to the military Friday, the army now faces the major task of shepherding a transition to free and fair elections.
Can that happen? Military rule to democracy? If it happens it will be the strawman for the rest of the Middle East dictatorships as they hopefully fall next....
Release Albert Now 'Skins
Troubles continue for Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth, who was formally charged with misdemeanor assault following a road rage encounter on Feb. 2.
Haynesworth and his attorney appeared at a police station Saturday morning. He's due in court on March 31.
According to police, a 38-year-old driver said he was assaulted by the driver of a pickup truck, and he identified Haynesworth as the driver.
The way I see it -
Haynesworth had a drama-filled second season in Washington. He was suspended for the final four games of the season without pay for conduct detrimental to the team. Haynesworth played in just eight games with zero starts, recording 2½ sacks. He is under contract for the 2011 season. But his relase should be imminent. Cut your losses....
Haynesworth and his attorney appeared at a police station Saturday morning. He's due in court on March 31.
According to police, a 38-year-old driver said he was assaulted by the driver of a pickup truck, and he identified Haynesworth as the driver.
The way I see it -
Haynesworth had a drama-filled second season in Washington. He was suspended for the final four games of the season without pay for conduct detrimental to the team. Haynesworth played in just eight games with zero starts, recording 2½ sacks. He is under contract for the 2011 season. But his relase should be imminent. Cut your losses....
Poor Tiger on His Way Back in Dubai
Tiger overcame a poor start in windy conditions to shoot a par 72, one shot behind leader Rory McIlroy and two others going into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic.
On dusty day in the desert when the wind reached 28 mph, Woods showed an uncanny ability to repeatedly rally. He finished with a total of 7-under 209, behind second-round leader McIlroy (75), Denmark's Anders Hansen (71) and South Africa's Thomas Aiken (74).
Woods shouldn't even be in contention going into Sunday. But the tough conditions took their toll on most of the top players, with McIlroy finishing at 3 over and Sergio Garcia - who was eight shots ahead of Woods after nine holes - finishing at 3 over and tied with Woods and five other players.
In an uneven round, Woods had an eagle, four birdies, four bogeys and a double bogey.
"The fact I was able to battle from 4 over par and put myself with a chance going into tomorrow, I'm proud of that," Woods said. "Hopefully, I can build on that."
Woods started badly with bogeys on the first two holes, mostly from errant drives that went well left of the fairway. He pulled a shot back on the third with a birdie. But he bogeyed the eighth and ended up with a double bogey on the ninth after his approach shot got caught up in the wind, dropped just short of the green and rolled in the water.
At the turn, Woods showed some of his trademark resilience. He responded with an eagle on the 10th, chipping in from 35 feet. He followed that with a birdie that seemed to settle him down. But after running off several pars, his putting woes returned with a bogey on No. 16 - prompting Woods to swear before ending with "Come on Tiger."
The former top-ranked player pulled out on all the stops on 17, driving to the back edge of the green on the 359-yard hole. But his chip ran past the hole and he missed an easy birdie putt.
He played cautiously on the 18th, choosing to lay up rather than drive the green. It paid off when he managed to curl in a 30-foot putt, prompting a fist pump as the gallery cheered.
Woods is seeking his first tournament victory in more than a year. He won in Dubai in 2006 and 2008.
On dusty day in the desert when the wind reached 28 mph, Woods showed an uncanny ability to repeatedly rally. He finished with a total of 7-under 209, behind second-round leader McIlroy (75), Denmark's Anders Hansen (71) and South Africa's Thomas Aiken (74).
Woods shouldn't even be in contention going into Sunday. But the tough conditions took their toll on most of the top players, with McIlroy finishing at 3 over and Sergio Garcia - who was eight shots ahead of Woods after nine holes - finishing at 3 over and tied with Woods and five other players.
In an uneven round, Woods had an eagle, four birdies, four bogeys and a double bogey.
"The fact I was able to battle from 4 over par and put myself with a chance going into tomorrow, I'm proud of that," Woods said. "Hopefully, I can build on that."
Woods started badly with bogeys on the first two holes, mostly from errant drives that went well left of the fairway. He pulled a shot back on the third with a birdie. But he bogeyed the eighth and ended up with a double bogey on the ninth after his approach shot got caught up in the wind, dropped just short of the green and rolled in the water.
At the turn, Woods showed some of his trademark resilience. He responded with an eagle on the 10th, chipping in from 35 feet. He followed that with a birdie that seemed to settle him down. But after running off several pars, his putting woes returned with a bogey on No. 16 - prompting Woods to swear before ending with "Come on Tiger."
The former top-ranked player pulled out on all the stops on 17, driving to the back edge of the green on the 359-yard hole. But his chip ran past the hole and he missed an easy birdie putt.
He played cautiously on the 18th, choosing to lay up rather than drive the green. It paid off when he managed to curl in a 30-foot putt, prompting a fist pump as the gallery cheered.
Woods is seeking his first tournament victory in more than a year. He won in Dubai in 2006 and 2008.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Carmello
The NBA season is reaching its climax. The playoff picture is beginning to take shape and teams are falling out of the race, or fighting to stay alive for another day. Teams like the Lakers, Celtics and Heat barring a monumental collapse all figure to be in the playoffs at season's end. However, there are still teams out there doing their best to stay in the playoff hunt.
With the trade deadline just over a week away, GMs are on the phone checking to see who is available. One name that seems to have been available all season is Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets are hanging on to the seventh spot in the Western Conference, so it seems silly that they’d trade their best player.
Nevertheless, Carmelo is asking for a three-year deal and somewhere around $65 million, which may be more than the Nuggets can afford or are willing to pay, even for a player like Anthony. However, after the LeBron James saga this offseason it seemed inevitable the spotlight would fall on Anthony and where he decided to play in 2011-2012.
Those headlines came earlier than expected this year.
There were rumors that he was headed to the Nets in a three-team trade. A trade that would have involved 11 players (including ‘Melo) was shot down after the Nets backed away last month.
Now the question is where will Carmelo go?
With the trade deadline just over a week away, GMs are on the phone checking to see who is available. One name that seems to have been available all season is Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets are hanging on to the seventh spot in the Western Conference, so it seems silly that they’d trade their best player.
Nevertheless, Carmelo is asking for a three-year deal and somewhere around $65 million, which may be more than the Nuggets can afford or are willing to pay, even for a player like Anthony. However, after the LeBron James saga this offseason it seemed inevitable the spotlight would fall on Anthony and where he decided to play in 2011-2012.
Those headlines came earlier than expected this year.
There were rumors that he was headed to the Nets in a three-team trade. A trade that would have involved 11 players (including ‘Melo) was shot down after the Nets backed away last month.
Now the question is where will Carmelo go?
Mubarak Won"t Step Down
President Hosni Mubarak refused to step down or leave Egypt and instead handed most of his powers to his vice president Thursday, enraging protesters who warned the country could explode in violence and pleaded for the military to take action to push him out.
The rapidly moving events raised the question of whether a rift had opened between Mubarak and the military command over the uprising demanding the president's resignation. Hours earlier, a council of the military's top generals announced it had stepped in to secure the country, and a senior commander announced to protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square that all their demands would soon be met, raising cries of victory that Mubarak was on his way out.
Several hundred thousand had packed into Tahrir Square, ecstatic with expectation that Mubarak would announce his resignation in his nighttime address. Instead, they watched in shocked silence as he spoke, holding their foreheads in anger and disbelief. Some broke into tears. Others waved their shoes in the air in contempt. After the speech, they broke into chants of "Leave, leave, leave."
Organizers called for even larger protests on Friday. After Mubarak's speech, around 2,000 marched on the state television headquarters several blocks away from Tahrir, guarded by the military with barbed wire and tanks. "They are the liars," the crowd shouted, pointing at the building, chanting, "We won't leave, they will leave."
Hundreds more massed outside Mubarak's main administrative palace, Oruba, miles away from Tahrir in the Cairo district of Heliopolis, the first time protesters have marched on it, according to witnesses and TV reports. The residence where Mubarak normally stays when he is in Cairo is inside the palace, though it was not known if he was there.
Prominent reform advocate and Nobel Peace laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, whose supporters were among the organizers of the 17-day-old wave of protests, issued a Tweet warning: "Egypt will explode."
"The army must save the country now," he said. "I call on the Egyptian army to immediately interfere to rescue Egypt. The credibility of the army is on the line."
President Barack Obama appeared dismayed by Mubarak's announcement. He said in a statement that it was not clear that an "immediate, meaningful" transition to democracy was taking place and warned that too many Egyptians are not convinced that the government is serious about making genuine change.
The rapidly moving events raised the question of whether a rift had opened between Mubarak and the military command over the uprising demanding the president's resignation. Hours earlier, a council of the military's top generals announced it had stepped in to secure the country, and a senior commander announced to protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square that all their demands would soon be met, raising cries of victory that Mubarak was on his way out.
Several hundred thousand had packed into Tahrir Square, ecstatic with expectation that Mubarak would announce his resignation in his nighttime address. Instead, they watched in shocked silence as he spoke, holding their foreheads in anger and disbelief. Some broke into tears. Others waved their shoes in the air in contempt. After the speech, they broke into chants of "Leave, leave, leave."
Organizers called for even larger protests on Friday. After Mubarak's speech, around 2,000 marched on the state television headquarters several blocks away from Tahrir, guarded by the military with barbed wire and tanks. "They are the liars," the crowd shouted, pointing at the building, chanting, "We won't leave, they will leave."
Hundreds more massed outside Mubarak's main administrative palace, Oruba, miles away from Tahrir in the Cairo district of Heliopolis, the first time protesters have marched on it, according to witnesses and TV reports. The residence where Mubarak normally stays when he is in Cairo is inside the palace, though it was not known if he was there.
Prominent reform advocate and Nobel Peace laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, whose supporters were among the organizers of the 17-day-old wave of protests, issued a Tweet warning: "Egypt will explode."
"The army must save the country now," he said. "I call on the Egyptian army to immediately interfere to rescue Egypt. The credibility of the army is on the line."
President Barack Obama appeared dismayed by Mubarak's announcement. He said in a statement that it was not clear that an "immediate, meaningful" transition to democracy was taking place and warned that too many Egyptians are not convinced that the government is serious about making genuine change.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
From Fox Business News
Investors will be watching quarterly results from a handful of bellwether companies next week, including prominent names from the health insurance, reinsurance and food and beverage sectors.
Republican leadership aides have said the party intends to formally release a budget proposal next week. Both the House and Senate must pass a new spending measure by March 4 or risk a possible federal government shutdown.
Meanwhile, customers next week will finally be able to pick up a Verizon Wireless iPhone.
Dow Jones Industrial index components Walt Disney Co. (DIS: 40.71, 0.00, 0.00%), Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO), Coca-Cola Co. (KO: 62.56, 0.00, 0.00%) and Kraft Foods Inc. (KFT: 31.20, 0.00, 0.00%) are among the companies scheduled to report their latest quarterly results next week.
All four companies are expected to report improved revenue from a year ago, with Kraft and Coca-Cola's growth expected to be the strongest, according to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. Kraft's results have benefited from the company's acquisition of Cadbury, while Coca-Cola last year completed the acquisition of the North American operations of its biggest bottler.
House Republican leadership unveiled a plan to fund the federal government through the remaining months of fiscal 2011 that would generate $32 billion in savings from current funding levels. Republican leadership aides said the party planned to formally release a budget proposal next week when lawmakers return to Washington. Both the House and Senate must pass a new spending measure by March 4 or risk a possible federal government shutdown.
On Thursday, customers will finally be able to pick up a Verizon Wireless iPhone. The device is expected to help the carrier nab new customers, as well as push its own base to upgrade to pricier data plans. For Apple Inc. (AAPL: 346.48, 0.00, 0.00%), getting on Verizon Wireless more than doubles its addressable market.
President Barack Obama will address the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Monday, with plans to discuss his "commitment to growing the economy and making America more competitive," according to White House spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki.
Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ: 47.44, 0.00, 0.00%) is expected to unveil several mobile devices, including a tablet and a smartphone, running on its WebOS platform, which was acquired when the company scooped up struggling smartphone maker Palm. The company is hoping the operating system, which drew critical praise but didn't draw many consumers, will drive H-P's own mobile ambitions.
Kinder Morgan Inc., the largest independent operator of refined petroleum product pipelines in North America, intends to launch its initial public offering Feb. 11. With proceeds that could reach as high as $2.3 billion, it is the second mega-sized private equity deal to hit the market in recent weeks, and would be the largest ever in the U.S., according to data from Dealogic.
Super Bowl XLV is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. EST Sunday at Cowboys Stadium, a game that will feature AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the NFC champion Green Bay Packers. Marketers have agreed to spend $2.8 million to $3 million for 30-second Super Bowl spots because the exposure offers a mass audience. News Corp.'s (NWSA: 16.88, 0.00, 0.00%) FOX will broadcast the game.
Republican leadership aides have said the party intends to formally release a budget proposal next week. Both the House and Senate must pass a new spending measure by March 4 or risk a possible federal government shutdown.
Meanwhile, customers next week will finally be able to pick up a Verizon Wireless iPhone.
Dow Jones Industrial index components Walt Disney Co. (DIS: 40.71, 0.00, 0.00%), Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO), Coca-Cola Co. (KO: 62.56, 0.00, 0.00%) and Kraft Foods Inc. (KFT: 31.20, 0.00, 0.00%) are among the companies scheduled to report their latest quarterly results next week.
All four companies are expected to report improved revenue from a year ago, with Kraft and Coca-Cola's growth expected to be the strongest, according to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. Kraft's results have benefited from the company's acquisition of Cadbury, while Coca-Cola last year completed the acquisition of the North American operations of its biggest bottler.
House Republican leadership unveiled a plan to fund the federal government through the remaining months of fiscal 2011 that would generate $32 billion in savings from current funding levels. Republican leadership aides said the party planned to formally release a budget proposal next week when lawmakers return to Washington. Both the House and Senate must pass a new spending measure by March 4 or risk a possible federal government shutdown.
On Thursday, customers will finally be able to pick up a Verizon Wireless iPhone. The device is expected to help the carrier nab new customers, as well as push its own base to upgrade to pricier data plans. For Apple Inc. (AAPL: 346.48, 0.00, 0.00%), getting on Verizon Wireless more than doubles its addressable market.
President Barack Obama will address the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Monday, with plans to discuss his "commitment to growing the economy and making America more competitive," according to White House spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki.
Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ: 47.44, 0.00, 0.00%) is expected to unveil several mobile devices, including a tablet and a smartphone, running on its WebOS platform, which was acquired when the company scooped up struggling smartphone maker Palm. The company is hoping the operating system, which drew critical praise but didn't draw many consumers, will drive H-P's own mobile ambitions.
Kinder Morgan Inc., the largest independent operator of refined petroleum product pipelines in North America, intends to launch its initial public offering Feb. 11. With proceeds that could reach as high as $2.3 billion, it is the second mega-sized private equity deal to hit the market in recent weeks, and would be the largest ever in the U.S., according to data from Dealogic.
Super Bowl XLV is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. EST Sunday at Cowboys Stadium, a game that will feature AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the NFC champion Green Bay Packers. Marketers have agreed to spend $2.8 million to $3 million for 30-second Super Bowl spots because the exposure offers a mass audience. News Corp.'s (NWSA: 16.88, 0.00, 0.00%) FOX will broadcast the game.
Mubarak Resigns as Head of Party
The Egyptian army began to reassert control around Tahrir Square on Saturday, with the government emphasizing a return to normality while preparing for negotiations with a divided opposition struggling to devise a common strategy.
According to the authoritative government owned newspaper Al Ahram, President Hosni Mubarak has resigned as leader of the ruling National Democratic Party. However, state television reported that Mubarak had accepted the resignations of the leaders of the party, leaving the president's future role uncertain.
Hundreds of soldiers moved into streets around the square that has been the focus of 12 days of revolutionary fervor and the one tangible symbol of opposition success.
Control of the square, or even a return to normal traffic of the area around it, would reinforce the government's message that it would remain in control of the country for the seven months leading to elections — and that President Hosni Mubarak need not resign as the opposition demands.
Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq said on state television that stability was returning to the country and that large demonstrations like the one that took place at Tahrir Square on Friday would not succeed in forcing a regime change.
"We haven't been affected and, God willing, next Friday we won't be affected," he said. "All this leads to stability."
Some feared the relative calm was only a prelude by a show of force by the military
"All of a sudden, I'm a little bit worried that something will happen," said Amr Said, a 24-year-old student, as little boys scampered through the crowds in Tahrir carrying trays of bread on their heads. In the afternoon chill, people swarmed stands serving up hot cups of tea.
Fatima Khalid, a 29-year-old in a head scarf, said government calls for a return to normality might foreshadow a crackdown.
"But they need to understand: For us, this is normal now," she said. "We will never stop asking for our rights.
At one principal entrance to the square, pro-regime demonstrators were allowed to push up against the razor wire strung across the road, literally rubbing shoulders with those waiting to enter the square.
Even with army troops a few yards away, some found the close presence of the pro-Mubarak forces intimidating.
"I think it that is deliberate," said accountant Mohammed Gamal, an anti-government protester. "It is to give the idea that very little stands between us and them."
Moving gingerly to avoid confrontations, the army took over a small side street leading to the square past the Egyptian Museum, where the most intense clashes between pro and anti-government forces has taken place.
Angry protestors confronted the soldiers at both ends of the street, but for the first time the army appeared to have sufficient numbers to maintain control.
"The army joined the police against the people," said Karim Sadiq, 24, as he stood in the side street with several hundred other protestors attempting to maintain control of the area.
Before nightfall, protestors continued to control a large section of downtown Cairo to the east of Tahrir Square, setting up barricades and searching anyone who wanted to enter.
Inside the square an Egyptian general sat on a white government car near the museum with a megaphone, calmly and at times jokingly urging the protestors to go home and to trust the new government appointed by Mubarak.
While the prime minister addressed the "stability" concerns of Egyptians invested in the regime, Vice President Omar Suleiman planned to meet with a broad array of opposition leaders, including the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, to discuss proposals for how to proceed toward elections for a new president in September.
Ahmed Magib, a youth movement organizer, said protestors have a number of demands, such as the removal of Mubarak, regime change, constitutional reform and guarantees protestors will not be arrested or intimidated by security forces.
"Mubarak leaving would appease the crowd a lot," said Magib, his voice hoarse from days of protesting. "But that would only be halfway. It's not good enough. We want regime change."
He added that young organizers were worried that their voices weren't being heard as the government and traditional opposition parties, including the Muslim Brotherhood and Ayman Nour's El Ghad Party, look for ways to nudge Mubarak aside and form a transitional government.
"The old opposition parties don't represent the young people. Everyone needs to realize that it was the young people who brought about this change. We need to be heard."
According to the authoritative government owned newspaper Al Ahram, President Hosni Mubarak has resigned as leader of the ruling National Democratic Party. However, state television reported that Mubarak had accepted the resignations of the leaders of the party, leaving the president's future role uncertain.
Hundreds of soldiers moved into streets around the square that has been the focus of 12 days of revolutionary fervor and the one tangible symbol of opposition success.
Control of the square, or even a return to normal traffic of the area around it, would reinforce the government's message that it would remain in control of the country for the seven months leading to elections — and that President Hosni Mubarak need not resign as the opposition demands.
Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq said on state television that stability was returning to the country and that large demonstrations like the one that took place at Tahrir Square on Friday would not succeed in forcing a regime change.
"We haven't been affected and, God willing, next Friday we won't be affected," he said. "All this leads to stability."
Some feared the relative calm was only a prelude by a show of force by the military
"All of a sudden, I'm a little bit worried that something will happen," said Amr Said, a 24-year-old student, as little boys scampered through the crowds in Tahrir carrying trays of bread on their heads. In the afternoon chill, people swarmed stands serving up hot cups of tea.
Fatima Khalid, a 29-year-old in a head scarf, said government calls for a return to normality might foreshadow a crackdown.
"But they need to understand: For us, this is normal now," she said. "We will never stop asking for our rights.
At one principal entrance to the square, pro-regime demonstrators were allowed to push up against the razor wire strung across the road, literally rubbing shoulders with those waiting to enter the square.
Even with army troops a few yards away, some found the close presence of the pro-Mubarak forces intimidating.
"I think it that is deliberate," said accountant Mohammed Gamal, an anti-government protester. "It is to give the idea that very little stands between us and them."
Moving gingerly to avoid confrontations, the army took over a small side street leading to the square past the Egyptian Museum, where the most intense clashes between pro and anti-government forces has taken place.
Angry protestors confronted the soldiers at both ends of the street, but for the first time the army appeared to have sufficient numbers to maintain control.
"The army joined the police against the people," said Karim Sadiq, 24, as he stood in the side street with several hundred other protestors attempting to maintain control of the area.
Before nightfall, protestors continued to control a large section of downtown Cairo to the east of Tahrir Square, setting up barricades and searching anyone who wanted to enter.
Inside the square an Egyptian general sat on a white government car near the museum with a megaphone, calmly and at times jokingly urging the protestors to go home and to trust the new government appointed by Mubarak.
While the prime minister addressed the "stability" concerns of Egyptians invested in the regime, Vice President Omar Suleiman planned to meet with a broad array of opposition leaders, including the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, to discuss proposals for how to proceed toward elections for a new president in September.
Ahmed Magib, a youth movement organizer, said protestors have a number of demands, such as the removal of Mubarak, regime change, constitutional reform and guarantees protestors will not be arrested or intimidated by security forces.
"Mubarak leaving would appease the crowd a lot," said Magib, his voice hoarse from days of protesting. "But that would only be halfway. It's not good enough. We want regime change."
He added that young organizers were worried that their voices weren't being heard as the government and traditional opposition parties, including the Muslim Brotherhood and Ayman Nour's El Ghad Party, look for ways to nudge Mubarak aside and form a transitional government.
"The old opposition parties don't represent the young people. Everyone needs to realize that it was the young people who brought about this change. We need to be heard."
From Goodells Presser - NFL in LA/CBA/18 Game Schedule
Reporting from Dallas — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Friday that team owners are committed to working out a collective bargaining agreement with players and are ready to engage in "intense negotiations" with the NFL Players Assn. to get one done.
The current deal expires after March 3, opening the door to a lockout that could threaten training camp and possibly games in the 2011 season.
Goodell, speaking at his annual pre-Super Bowl news conference, said he hopes something can be worked out "in the next few weeks."
"This is the window of opportunity to get this done right," he said. "Otherwise, uncertainty is going to seep into all of our operations ... I say, let's get to work, let's get an agreement that works for everybody."
Goodell spoke on several other topics:
-On an 18-game regular season: "Repeatedly, the fans have said the quality of the preseason doesn't meet NFL standards. That is one of the basis on which we started to look at the 18-and-two concept, by taking two of those low quality, non-competitive games and turn those into quality, competitive games that the fans want to see; they want to support."
-On the $700-million naming-rights deal for a potential stadium in downtown Los Angeles: "It's obviously a positive development because it's an important revenue stream, but even with that positive development the financing of the stadium in Los Angeles is still a very difficult proposition. We have to get the Collective Bargaining Agreement addressed in such a way as to make it so that it is a smart investment that can be financed so that we can create the kind of economic activity in Los Angeles that I believe can happen if we're successful, whether it be in downtown or out in the City of Industry."
The current deal expires after March 3, opening the door to a lockout that could threaten training camp and possibly games in the 2011 season.
Goodell, speaking at his annual pre-Super Bowl news conference, said he hopes something can be worked out "in the next few weeks."
"This is the window of opportunity to get this done right," he said. "Otherwise, uncertainty is going to seep into all of our operations ... I say, let's get to work, let's get an agreement that works for everybody."
Goodell spoke on several other topics:
-On an 18-game regular season: "Repeatedly, the fans have said the quality of the preseason doesn't meet NFL standards. That is one of the basis on which we started to look at the 18-and-two concept, by taking two of those low quality, non-competitive games and turn those into quality, competitive games that the fans want to see; they want to support."
-On the $700-million naming-rights deal for a potential stadium in downtown Los Angeles: "It's obviously a positive development because it's an important revenue stream, but even with that positive development the financing of the stadium in Los Angeles is still a very difficult proposition. We have to get the Collective Bargaining Agreement addressed in such a way as to make it so that it is a smart investment that can be financed so that we can create the kind of economic activity in Los Angeles that I believe can happen if we're successful, whether it be in downtown or out in the City of Industry."
Friday, February 4, 2011
Cancer
Katee Sackhoff - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaKathryn Ann "Katee" Sackhoff (born April 8, 1980) is an American actress known mainly ... Soon after filming wrapped, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. ...
Personal life - Cancer - Career - References
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katee_Sackhoff - Cached - Similar
Personal life - Cancer - Career - References
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katee_Sackhoff - Cached - Similar
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