Accessing carrier services menu

This week Daniel gives us a quick demo on how to access your carrier services menu. From here you can easily check your data usage, message count, bill balance, and more!

Smarter Shopping at the supermarket

Before testing Smarter Shopping, I hadn’t heard of Phil Lempert, but the Supermarket Guru, as he’s also known, has been tracking trends and passing on his knowledge to consumers for more than 25 years. Yeah, Lempert knows his stuff, and his smarts are now available for iPhone and iPod Touch in the free app Smarter Shopping.

In Smarter Shopping, users will find a variety of information centered upon grocery store shopping. Aside from a few broken links, my favorite section of the app is "Phil’s Hits & Misses." Updated each Wednesday, Lempert takes five new products and rates them, based on taste, healthfulness and sustainability, among other things. This is a good way to find new foods or to get the real scoop on new items on the supermarket shelves. Smarter Shopping also features video clips for Food News as well as money-saving tips. I found the "Recall" section particularly useful, since there are quite a few notices.

Smarter Shopping also includes a recipe section, a place to store a shopping list, general education for when to buy organic and what produce is in season, based on your GPS location. There’s also a helpful smart substitutions section that provides alternate ingredients should your pantry be missing an item or two. If you’re trying to watch what you eat, the label translator is key for figuring out what  those chemicals really do, and Product 101 explains when to use a particular ingredient.

Smarter Shopping’s biggest drawback is its design. It’s not pretty. I could get past its poor UI if this app offered incredible functionality, but it doesn’t rank high in this area either. Tapping into the "Video" section won’t show you all the clips included — instead it serves as an archive of older "Hits & Misses" and "Food News" segments. It also doesn’t include the week’s current clips, so you have to find those on the home screen.

Smarter Shopping deserves high marks for its content — there’s a lot of buried content if you’re willing to put in the time to explore — but a redesign would make this app truly stand out.

Download the free Appolicious iPhone app

7 iPad Tips

Looking to get the most out of your iPad?  Who isn't?!  As if searching for the latest, greatest, free-est apps isn't enough...it's just as important to learn tips and tricks to using your new "toy" more efficiently.   I've had my iPad for about a month now - and some days I wonder how I ever lived without it.

Later I'll post about some of my favorite apps (one app has saved me at least an hour a day!) but for now, here are some helpful tips and tricks to using and navigating your iPad.

1. The "Hidden" Apostrophe
If you're in Notes, Pages, or just writing an email, it's often time consuming (and slightly annoying) to locate the apostrophe.   Usually, you have to tap the  {.?123} button to go to the second screen of the keyboard.  But did you know you can just hold the {!} key and a hidden apostrophe option will appear?  It's simple to just slide your little finger across it...and voila!


2.  Create Folders 
Get organized!  You can easily create a folder to help organize your apps.  Simply tap and hold on any app until it does the "jiggle dance."   Then drag that app over another app icon that you wish to share a folder and then release.  A folder will be created with those two apps, and you can add additional apps.  The folder name will be based on the category of apps it contains, but you can always change it.

3. Control Notifications
"Would you like to receive push notifications from XYZ game?"  If you've ever accidently said "yes" to this question then you know how annoying notifications can be!  Good news is you can control them.  Simply go to Settings, Notifications, and you can set alerts and sounds!

4.  Quick Mute
Playing a game as your students walk into the class?  Quick! Mute your iPad! I know...this would never happen...teachers don't play games on their iPads between classes (he he).  When iPad first launched there was no way to quickly mute the device.  Now, however, just press and hold the Volume-Down button.

5.  Screen Shots
It's easy to take a screen shot of your iPad.  Simply press the Home button and then the Sleep/Wake button.  You'll hear the click, your screen will flash, and your new screen shot will be saved in your Photos.

6.  Street View in Maps
You may know and love Street View while viewing Google Maps on your computer, but it's not as obvious how to access this on your iPad.   The trick is to drop a red pin first then tap on the icon of the person to enter Street View.  HINT:  When you perform a search, a red pin is automatically dropped in that location.

7. Clear Browsing History
On our computers it's easy to located the "clear history" options in our browsers.  We're trained to do it from within the browser itself.  On the iPad, however, to clear Safari browser go into Settings then click on Safari.  You'll see three options to clear history, cookies, and cache.

tips and tricks to a flawless look

The main goal in foundation application is to achieve a naturally flawless look on the skin. It is important to even out the skin tone, texture, and correct any imperfections; thus enhance a better complexion overall.

There are 3 ways that you can apply foundation on the skin: finger application, sponge application, and brush application.

Finger Application

This is the oldest method for foundation application. To this day, a lot of consumers still choose to use their fingertips to apply foundation.
Pros: The main reason this method is popular is that it is easier to control the level of coverage wanted on the face, and is of course, less expensive.
Cons: The disadvantage is that it is not the most hygienic; bacteria on the hands may clog the pores causing acne on the skin. Also, improper motion while applying the foundation may form lines and wrinkles on the face. Therefore, most professional makeup artists avoid using this method and prefer to use tools to apply makeup.
Bess’s Golden Tips: This method is not highly recommended, but if this is the only method available at the time, be sure to wash your hands and sanitize them thoroughly before you begin application.

DO use your index finger and middle finger together and hold your fingers downwards and pull upwards in an arc motion.

DON’T drag the foundation downwards, pulling and stretching your skin thus forming unwanted lines and wrinkles.
Professional Tricks: To achieve the best result, always start with the forehead and work your way down the cheeks and chin. Apply lightly at first, then add more where you need it.
Bess recommends: With the finger method, it’s best to work with products such as cream, mousse, and foam foundations.

Sponge application
This is the easiest and most accepted tool that most consumers and some makeup artists choose because it provides a smooth foundation application

Pros: Sponges come in many different sizes and shapes for flexible application. This provides freedom of choice for consumers to select their favourite type to work with. The most common sponges are the wedge sponges (triangular) for precision in areas that are hard to reach.
Cons: The disadvantage of using sponges for foundation application is that they tend to absorb too much product, and therefore can be wasteful. Additionally, sponges collect dust and grow bacteria if not washed after use. This is why most cosmetics counters and other professional makeup artists dispose the sponges after one use–also somewhat wasteful.
Bess’s Golden Tips: To makeup beginners out there: in order to reuse the same sponges after each use, for economic and ecological purposes, you must clean your sponge well with soap and water after using it each time.

DO use a method similar to the one used in finger application. Start off by dabbing the sponge with the foundation, then blend it from the centre of the face working outwards. Watch for excessive product accumulated near the hairline–because it is hard to remove foundation from that area, it creates unnatural looking coverage.

DON’T forget to be gentle to your skin even when applying foundation with a sponge. Like applying with your fingertips, try not to pull the skin downwards when you dab the sponge on the skin. You can easily create unwanted lines and wrinkles or enlarged pores, smudges, or erase the foundation already applied.
Professional Tricks: Dampen the sponge for a smoother result and better foundation blending. This can also help erase and smooth out any lines or creases on the skin.
Bess recommends: Sponge application works well with liquid or compact foundation.
Brush Application

This is one of the most professional methods used by makeup artists to apply foundation, but recently, more consumers have been educated on the use of makeup brushes.

Pros: Using makeup brushes is more hygienic, plus it is easier to achieve a flawless finish without mush waste. Additionally, it saves more time because it provides even application and blending, and it works better for larger areas.
Cons: The disadvantage of using brush application for beginners is that it can at first feel harder to control. Also, incorrect application may leave streaks on the skin.
Bess’s Golden Tips: It is best to choose a brush with soft yet firm bristles, so that it won’t irritate the skin during application.
Bess recommends: The common foundation brush has flat bristles made out of synthetic fibres because they do not absorb too much product. There are many kinds of foundation brushes on the market to choose from, and many different ways to use them. See below for tips and tricks to using some common types of brushes: the flat bristle brush, round bristle brush, kabuki brush, and duo fibre brush.

Flat Bristle Brush: crisscross and gentle arch outwards

This is a flat elongated bristle brush with a half-moon rounded tip.

This type of brush can reach all areas of the face, such as the sides of and under the nose, eye area, chin and jaw line. Applying with a ‘crisscross’ motion will help blend the foundation into the skin. Sweeping gently, arching outwards and downwards on the face, can conceal enlarged pores and wrinkles.

Round Bristle Brush: swift motion

This is a new type of foundation brush that many makeup artists like; it has round and firm bristles.

This full and thick brush provides a firm grip and control, and can smooth out small to large areas on the face. It can precisely go into fine details on the face, and conceals any flaws on the skin. Applying with a swift motion will create a smooth look on the skin without leaving streaks on the face.

Mineral Power Kabuki Brush: buffing method

This method uses a Kabuki brush to apply mineral powder foundation on the face. This is one of the new ways to apply mineral foundation.

Simply tip out some mineral powder into the lid, and then twirl the brush to pick up the powder. Tap the brush to remove the excess powder, and then buff it on the skin in a circular motion around the face. This method of application feels really light and comfortable on the skin. As a result, it will give the most natural and lightweight effect with medium coverage and a natural look–as if wearing no foundation at all.

Duo Fibre Brush: buffing method with airbrushed effect

The duo-fiber brush is a large circular brush with duo fibres, unique in that it is made with a blend of goat hair and synthetic fibres.

Use a spatula to take out a small amount of foundation onto a mixing palette, and then dab and twirl the brush onto the palette. Dab and stipple some foundation onto the skin, and then begin buffing. Start with small circular motion around the face. This method will slowly and cautiously spread the foundation and blend into the skin seamlessly. The result is an airbrushed-looking finish with good coverage: a perfectly blended and very natural look.

The ‘buffing method’ is yet another technique to apply foundation, and is by far one of the most popular application methods among professional makeup artists. Because of its lightweight coverage with soft layers and enhancing texture, it creates an airbrushed finish.

source= http://stringmagazine.ca

Game Player Resistance 3 Tips and Tricks

If you’re playing the single player campaign of Resistance 3, you will instantly know it will not be a walk in the park. Thanks to the re-introduction of the classic health bar system, there’s a chance you will be on low health and with absolutely no hope of winning a fire fight.
If you find yourself struggling to play Resistance 3 or are an FPS noob, don’t worry as Just Push Start is here to help you out.
Here are some general tips and tricks players can use to overcome Resistance 3′s menancing single player campaign mode.

DON’T RUN-AND-GUN
As aformemtioned, there’s a life bar system in Resistance 3 and no health regeneration whatsoever the first time you play the game. This means players who are used to this feature included in many other recently released video games will have to rethink their old strategies if they want to be able to survive the Chimeran onslaught. If you’re the type of player that loves to sprint ahead and fire at anything you see ala Rambo, you will die instantly as the Chimera are accurate shots and will kill you.
The A.I. in Resistance 3 isn’t dumb so its pays to move around and shoot from a safe distance most of the time to avoid getting shot. Unlike in other games, the A.I. is smart when it comes to its shot accuracy – they are almost as accurate as real-life players even on the “Casual” difficulty. It pays not to stay in one spot as the Chimera love to advance forward when they see an opportunity to completely surround and kill you. Moving around and trying to find higher ground is the best way to ensure you won’t get shot all the time. It’s a strategy that should be employed no matter what difficulty you play Resistance 3.

LOOK OUT FOR HEALTH PACKS
Heatlh packs are littered throughout the entire game and shouldn’t be too hard to miss. They are green and have the same luminosity as Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber in Return of the Jedi. Star Wars fans will know the type of bright green I’m talking about. If there’s a chance on any level you have a chance for a breather, take the time to thoroughly search the vicinity. Look around on the ground or tables that might have health packs lying around. You shouldn’t just run away and get to the next waypoint all the time or you might miss out on some crucial health packs!
The (more dangerous place) to look out for heath packs are on the enemies themselves. Some of the Chimeran soldiers have the heath packs attached on the side of their bodies. Make sure to kill these guys instantly so they will drop the health pack for you to consume.

DON’T BE STINGY WITH YOUR AMMO
Don’t be afraid to use all your ammo on the enemies in Resistance 3. This isn’t the type of game you will need to “save” ammo for later. This is because you can hold more than only two weapons at one time. Not only this but you can grab ammo from various parts of any level in Resistance 3 much like the health packs. Even when there’s a boss, the game is kind enough to supply you with the right ammo and weapon to destroy that boss!

KEEP LOOKNG AT YOUR JOURNALS
Whenever you get a new weapon or enemmy journal, take the time to actually read it. New weapon journals tell you what each weapon can do an its effectiveness it will have on enemies. It also tells you what the primary and secondary fire for each weapon is too. We will write a specific wepaons guide later on Resistance 3 so stay tuned for that later this week.
Reading the enemy journals is even more crucial. The journals provide you with information on the enemies’ weaknesses and even the best wepaon to use against them. Whenever you encounter a new boss in Resistance 3, a new journal should be unlocked for you to view which will therefore show you information on the best weapon to use against the boss. I did this throughout the entire game and it helped me a lot. Even on non-boss enemies, take the time to read the journals – they are a lifesaver.

CALL IN A FRIEND
If you’re really struggling to complete the single-player campaign in Resistance 3, you can always call a friend in to help you out on those really sticky situations. There’s the option to play the game via old-school co-op splitscreen, or online too…
For first time Resistance players, playing the campaign in co-op is a good way to feel how the game plays. It’s also a great way to get through the levels so you can play them again with ease in single player once you know what to do.

How to Walk in Heels

So I decided to go in the Forum a few days ago to get some inspo for new blog ideas and came across a thread titled, Tips and Tricks How-To Walk In Heels, and I thought the topic would be great for a blog post!

Walking in heels isn’t easy. It takes a lot of time and practice. For most, it doesn’t come naturally either. Hopefully with these ten tips I have listed for you below, you’ll be walking in sky-high stilettos in no time!
Buy the right pair. Start off with low wedges or platforms that are comfy and fit well (shoe inserts can be really helpful). Once you’re ready, work your way to stilettos. Also, test-drive heels before you buy them. If heels are too high for you, you’ll never be able to walk in them (even if you’re a pro)! If you’re buying your first pair of heels, make sure they have an ankle or t-strap. It really helps keep your foot on place, especially while you’re learning.
Pretend like you’re walking on your tippy toes! It helped me
Maintain good posture from your head all the way through your spin and keep your neck and head held high!
Stand up and balance your weight and distribute it evenly on each foot. Once you’re balanced, take one step forward. Keep doing this until you don’t have to take breaks in between. Your body will adjust to shifting your weight naturally and you’ll find that walking in heels isn’t so hard!
Watch your step and keep an eye on the type of surface you’re walking on.
Swing your arms as you walk. This will also help keep you balanced.
When you walk in heels, extend and straighten your leg with each step. This will make your seem more graceful and ladylike.
Never, ever tilt your heel back and put your weight on it. Most likely, the heel will snap! And that’s never a good thing…
Be confident! Keep your head up and walk on! If you trip or stumble (we all do), just keep on walking with your head held high.
Most importantly: practice, practice, practice!! After all, practice makes perfect

Help For ASIC Design

When considering a new application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design, consider the role analog will play in its deployment. To minimize risk, choose your ASIC development partner carefully. Many times, basic mixed-signal ASIC design skills will be insufficient. Always seek out an analog ASIC partner with the right analog design skills and experience to match the application. Six key points follow.

1. It is easy to integrate complex analog functions into an ASIC. Don’t limit yourself to a mixed-signal ASIC supplier that uses analog blocks from a library. Libraries limit the creativity and functionality that you can integrate. Use a company that has extremely well-experienced analog engineers with a history of invention (patents).

2. Mixed-signal does not mean the same thing as analog. Mixed-signal implies lots of digital and a little analog. Review the offerings of many so-called mixed-signal companies: Analog is more-or-less an afterthought for them. Industrial controls, sensor interfaces, and the like are primarily analog functions. Use analog capability to solve analog problems.

3. You don’t need to be making an iPhone to afford an analog ASIC. After amortizing the tooling and nonrecurring engineering (NRE) costs over the lifetime expected volume, you may be surprised by the real savings you can achieve. Analog integration is easy for experienced companies.

4. Using existing IP from analog cell libraries usually means you must compromise the performance of your product. Refer to rule #1. Libraries contain basic blocks that solve basic problems. If you need an instrumentation amplifier with a precise gain of 97.3 in your ASIC system, forget it if your supplier is using cell libraries. Custom analog design will assure the best end-product solution.

5. If you spend the money for an ASIC, demand product differentiation. Cell libraries are a great way to ensure your product is no better than that of your competition (who probably used the same cell library as supplier). How can you be better?

6. Know when to say “no.” There is an economic balance when defining analog ASICs: a balance between cost and adding too much low-value functionality to the design. A good analog ASIC company will guide you through this carefully. Bigger is not always better.

- Bob Frostholm is director of sales and marketing, JVD Inc., San Jose, Calif.; Edited by Mark T. Hoske, CFE Media, Control Engineering,

Source= www.controleng.com.