Manufacturer skins and ICS, PDF downloads [From the Forums]

We've been steamrolling through this week like there was no tomorrow, so if you happened to miss out on anything -- make sure you get caught up. Loooking to discuss any of the happenings a bit further? We got just the spot for you in the Android Central forums, check out some links below:

• HTC Rezound Forums - Is HTC Sense (3.5 or 4.0) going to ruin the ICS experience?
• Galaxy Nexus Forums - Download failed for PDF's in stock browser
• Droid Charge Forums - Looking for advice / help with my Droid Charge
• Samsung Nexus S Forums - Just me or is the Nexus S laggy with ICS?
• Kindle Fire Forums - I need a 7 inch tablet, should i get the kindle fire?

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/kvnsMvIADUQ/story01.htm

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Fisher ready for challenge of rebuilding the Rams

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By R.B. FALLSTROM

updated 11:11 p.m. ET Jan. 17, 2012

ST. LOUIS - About a month and a half ago, Jeff Fisher began scouting teams that were likely to have coaching vacancies. Watching video of the St. Louis Rams as they wound up a depressing three-year run under Steve Spagnuolo, Fisher saw potential.

"There's a really solid nucleus here," Fisher said. "Yes, there is."

Fisher perceived commitment, too, after spending time with owner Stan Kroenke. The usually camera-shy Kroenke reinforced that impression when he introduced Fisher to media on Tuesday.

"Jeff and I both put our names on a contract upstairs that will keep him here for a good while, and we're really excited about that," Kroenke said. He added that "the more we talked, the more comfortable we got."

Fisher agreed to a five-year contract worth a reported $7 million per season late last week. Before the dollar amount was discussed, Fisher and the Rams had to agree on a list of about two dozen items, including the makeup of the coaching staff and front office.

At least for now, Fisher doesn't have an additional title such as president of football operations.

"My decision was very, very simple," Fisher said. "It was based on a shared collective vision in restoring this franchise to a place of significance. It was that vision that made my decision very, very easy."

Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, who attended the news conference along with quarterback Sam Bradford, was impressed with Fisher's 17-year stay in Tennessee, and the Titans' reputation for toughness.

"That means he knows how to handle many personalities, he knows how to really relate to the players," Laurinaitis said. "He's was a player, he's been through those battles, he's been through training camps. He still knows what it means to be sore, to go through that rigorous process. I think it's instant respect."

During his interview in St. Louis, Fisher met with Bradford.

"Obviously, he's a tremendous coach," Bradford said. "Everyone that I've talked to that's ever played for him said that he's a great, great person to play for."

And now comes the challenge. The Rams finished 2-14 this year, tied for the NFL's worst, and have won all of 15 games the last five seasons.

Fisher said reports the Dolphins were his first choice were not true. And despite the Rams' struggles in recent seasons, Fisher said he doesn't think they're that far off. He said the Rams have holes but didn't want to discuss specifics.

The possibility of the Rams relocating in a few seasons was not a major factor in Fisher's decision. Kroenke can move the franchise after the 2014 season if the Edward Jones Dome is not deemed among the top quarter of stadiums in the NFL.

Kroenke was non-committal on the issue, noting that the city's Convention and Visitors Commission is due to make a proposal for potential upgrades on Feb. 1. He did make a reference to his investment in St. Louis.

"I've been around here a long time," Kroenke said. "Contrary to a lot of reports, I haven't taken a lot of jack out of the market. I have put a lot of jack into the market. We'll see how that process works out."

Fisher will have a role in the hiring of a general manager, and said several times that decision-making will be a collaborative effort. The Rams have targeted about a dozen candidates, a handful of whom they've already interviewed.

The Rams did not confirm any assistant coaches, although it's been widely reported that Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has agreed to join Fisher in that role. Fisher said only that he had some "very good options."

Fisher inherits a franchise with a recent history of futility, averaging three wins per season under Scott Linehan, interim coach Jim Haslett and Steve Spagnuolo.

The 53-year-old Fisher sat out the 2011 season after 17 years in Tennessee, saying he needed a break. His long stint with the Titans included a Super Bowl matchup against the Rams in 2000 in which Tennessee fell 1 yard shy of forcing overtime in a 23-16 loss. The Titans won three division titles and made six playoff appearances under Fisher, who stepped down as the league's longest-tenured coach.

After the Rams fired Spagnuolo, Fisher's name immediately jumped to the top of the search list.

The Rams had an advantage in the bidding against the Dolphins since the new coach's agent is Marvin Demoff, Kevin's father. Former coach Dick Vermeil was a consultant in the process, with Kroenke playing an active role.

Kevin Demoff said the relationship was beneficial as an ice-breaker, but afterward the Rams' offer stood on its own. Demoff said the time spent with Fisher during the interview process topped their previous contact.

"I'm sure there's a comfort factor but obviously he knows a lot of people in this league," Demoff said. "This wasn't about our relationship, this was about his vision for the Rams meshing with our vision.

"That's what really sold him on being here."

Fisher was interviewed twice, once in Denver where Kroenke owns the Nuggets and Avalanche, and again in St. Louis where he toured facilities. Kroenke clearly wanted an experienced hand; Spagnuolo and Linehan both came to St. Louis untested beyond coordinator duties. Spagnuolo, fired along with general manager Billy Devaney, was just 10-38 in three seasons.

St. Louis was considered a franchise on the rise after making a six-win improvement in 2010 and playing for the NFC West title in the finale, but was a total flop in 2011, playing a brutal schedule and hampered by injuries. The Rams haven't had a winning season since 2003, and they had the NFL's worst offense last season.

For all his longevity in Tennessee, Fisher had only six winning seasons, and a succession of 8-8 finishes brought out the critics. His most recent playoff victory came in January 2004, and his most recent winning record was in 2008 when the Titans squandered the No. 1 seed in the AFC by losing in the divisional round.

But Fisher led his team to at least 12 wins four times, and has a career record of 142-120 (.542). He coached more games for one franchise than all but six coaches, all Hall of Famers.

The Rams have the second pick in the April draft -- the fourth time in five seasons with either the first or second pick. Fisher also inherits a handful of Pro Bowl-caliber talents including Bradford, running back Steven Jackson, defensive end Chris Long and Laurinaitis.

Bradford was the top overall pick in 2010 and was the NFL offensive rookie of the year, although last year he missed six games with a high left ankle sprain and threw only six touchdown passes.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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??Tanier: Tight ends such as Vernon Davis and Rob Gronkowski?impossible to defend due to amazing mix of?size, speed and versatility.

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Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/46028284/ns/sports-nfl/

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U.S., allies say North Korea welcome to resume nuclear talks (Reuters)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) ? The United States, Japan and South Korea agree that "a path is open" for North Korea to return to stalled six-party talks on Pyongyang's nuclear program, the State Department said on Tuesday.

U.S., Japanese and South Korean officials, meeting in Washington, reaffirmed their commitment to the talks on efforts toward denuclearization of North Korea in a peaceful manner, the State Department said in a statement.

"We also agreed that a path is open to North Korea towards the resumption of talks and improved relations with the United States, Japan, and Republic of Korea through dialogue," the statement said.

The six-party talks, involving the two Koreas, the United States, Japan, Russia and China, broke down in 2008 when the North walked away from an aid-for-disarmament deal. United Nations inspectors were expelled from North Korea in 2009.

Despite repeated efforts, there has been little sign of progress since then.

North Korea has called for the resumption of the nuclear talks, but Washington and Seoul have been reluctant to rush back to the table, wary of Pyongyang's potential to engage in protracted negotiations only to walk away from its obligations.

(Reporting By JoAnne Allen; Editing by Eric Walsh)

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/nkorea/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20120118/wl_nm/us_usa_korea_nuclear

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Jeff Adams ? Real Estate Investing

Here are some insights provided by Mr.

, a leading real estate expert who is highly experienced in the real estate industry and who has made quite a reputation for making few of the popular real estate deals in the past.

Our world is severally hampered by Global recession as many have lost their jobs and income on a large scale. Millions of people have been looking forward for new and different methods for making profitable income to endure their lives. Surprisingly, real estate is one among the few industries that has not been affected by this recession as investments in this field gives you high returns for a very low risk of failure. An average person could make handsome profits by even working as a part time investor. However, one needs substantial market knowledge to make the right calls and decisions which is essentially for successful investments.?

Beginner in real estate investing

As a fresher in this industry, you have two kinds of openings or avenue. You can either choose to rent your property after making an investment on it, earn by monthly remittances, or you could choose to purchase a house at below market price, increase its value and make a quick sale to attain substantial profits. Depending upon these two factors you need to move forward and hence it is highly crucial for you to make a judgment call among them and then proceed forward with your investment.?

Attempts to make profitable investments

Mr. Jeff Adams also states that if you choose to opt for the latter route mentioned above, you?ll have to look for desperate sellers as an initial attempt to make profitable investments. These desperate sellers or property owners usually tend to need money urgently to overcome their own issues or personal problems including business contingencies. There have been cases in the past where several home owners have two mortgages on two properties and unable to meet the brunt of double payment liability, they have become desperate sellers.?

How to find these desperate sellers

Finding desperate sellers is always a complicated and overhead task. There are no readymade lists or central place where you can find them all together. Considering the size of our world population, it becomes all the more difficult as everyone aspires to purchase homes or sells them and you need to find the desperate ones among them. Desperate home owners have several financial constraints which has brought them down to this level. They would not advertise their property as well as lest their circle of social contacts will come to know about their dire need.

Print flyers and business cards for advertising

Every product that needs to be sold requires proper marketing and advertising and this holds true for real estate properties as well. One way to make a start for a successful real estate resale or finding desperate sellers is by printing flyers and business cards stating ?Local Investor will buy your house, fast!? and distribute them on a wide basis. You should be in a way able to reach everyone around the world. Another good idea would be to advertise the same motto or ad in local newspapers. This helps you to build potential buyers as well as find potential desperate sellers. Real estate is a booming industry and even if you invest a huge financial figure, all the initial expenses would be paid and you will be left with sizable profit if you make a successful and valid deal.?

To study the market trends

Mr. Jeff Adams also clearly emphasizes that without studying the market trend and understanding the current situation it is very difficult to make profitable investments in real estate industry. The locality of the property is highly significant in deciding the resale value of the property and you cannot expect to reap huge profits even after buying from a desperate seller when the property is in poor locality.?

Way to make quick profits

Flipping property is one among the popular strategies employed by millions of home owners to make quick and sizable profits. It is the best strategy for making quick money in real estate investing. As, expected, the more money you put in increases the risk factor and so does the flipping strategy. But the rewards one could reap out of employing this strategy are also equally attractive and quite high if things go as planned and smoothly.

Good method of investing for beginners

Jeff Adams also suggests that purchasing commercial properties is the best method of real estate investing for a beginner. It is comparatively more secure and safer than residential investments. Of course, the only down fall or issue pertaining to such an idea is the initial investment you might have to put in. You?ll need surplus to start with commercial real estate investment. However, this investment is stable as most companies that lease from you seek for a long term deal.

Real estate investing is not the hardest thing

Real estate is the easiest way to make some quick money that is considerably quite huge. It is certainly not the hardest thing in the world if you are able to get the logistics as well as the nuances behind it. However, you need some kind of fore knowledge about how the system works, the present market status and useful contacts to make the right kind of investments which can reap several benefits for you. As a beginner, your head will simply swirl as there is so much to learn or know about Real Estate industry. However, once you get a clear understanding of the common methods or strategies to be successful in this industry, survival becomes all the more easier as complicated things about the industry will be easier to comprehend and handle owing to your own experience.?

Mr. Jeff Adams closes his presentation with a mind blowing statement that stated ? I also started from where you are at present and reaching my stature is not all that difficult or time consuming once you know the field inside out?.

Source: http://satellitesnews.blogspot.com/2012/01/jeff-adams-real-estate-investing.html

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Pakistan Taliban leader believed dead: intelligence officials (Reuters)

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Reuters) ? The leader of the Pakistani Taliban, the militant movement that poses the gravest security threat to the country, is believed to have been killed by a U.S. drone strike, four Pakistan intelligence officials told Reuters on Sunday.

The officials said they intercepted wireless radio chatter between Taliban fighters detailing how Hakimullah Mehsud was killed while travelling in a convoy to a meeting in the North Waziristan tribal region near the Afghan border.

A senior military official told Reuters there was no official confirmation that the Pakistani state's deadliest enemy had been killed. The Pakistani Taliban issued a denial.

If Hakimullah did die, it could ease pressure on security forces, who have struggled to weaken the group, which is close to al Qaeda and has been blamed for many of the suicide bombings across one of the world's most unstable countries.

But it may not ease violence in the long-term in Pakistan, which is seen as critical for U.S. efforts to fight global militancy, most crucially in neighbouring Afghanistan.

The death of Hakimullah's predecessor Baitullah Mehsud in a drone strike in 2009 raised false hopes that the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) could be broken.

"Six to seven TTP members were talking to each other through wireless radio in the conversations we heard, talking about Hakimullah Mehsud being hit by a drone when he was heading to a meeting at a spot near Miranshah," said one of the intelligence officials.

"They referred to him by his codename."

Officials refused to disclose Mehsud's codename.

"Based on our intercepts, Mehsud was heading to a meeting in Nawa Adda," said another intelligence official. Nawa Adda is a village in the Dattakhel area of North Waziristan.

PREVIOUS REPORTS OF HAKIMULLAH'S DEATH FALSE

The Pakistani Taliban said Hakimullah was still alive, but their denial was far less assertive than one issued in 2010 after media reports said he had been killed in a drone strike.

"There is no truth in reports about his death. However, he is a human being and can die any time. He is a holy warrior and we will wish him martyrdom," said TTP spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan.

"We will continue jihad if Hakimullah is alive or dead. There are so many lions in this jungle and one lion will replace another one to continue this noble mission."

The TTP launched an insurgency in 2007 after the military began a major crackdown on militants.

Fighters were particularly incensed when Pakistani security forces stormed the Red Mosque complex run by hardline clerics in the capital Islamabad. The government said 102 people were killed in fighting in the incident.

The TTP delivered on threats to carry out revenge attacks in Pakistan after U.S. special forces killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a secret raid in a Pakistani town in May last year.

More recently, some senior Taliban commanders said the umbrella group had started exploratory peace talks with the government. But it is not clear if all factions were on board.

Hakimullah was not only in danger of being killed by the drone campaign that President Barack Obama has escalated, or by Pakistani military operations. He and his powerful deputy Wali-ur-Rehman were at each other's throats and hostilities were close to open warfare, Taliban sources say.

Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afganistan have been trying to sort out differences between Pakistani Taliban commanders so they can aid their fight against U.S.-led NATO forces across the border in Afghanistan.

Any division within the TTP could hinder the Afghan Taliban and al Qaeda's struggle in Afghanistan against the United States and its allies, making it tougher to recruit young fighters and disrupting safe havens in Pakistan which Washington says are used by the Afghan militants.

Hakimullah, who has a sharp face framed by shaggy hair and a disarming grin, is considered to be one of the most ruthless Taliban commanders. He is also ambitious. Under his leadership, the Taliban have vowed to expand their violent campaign overseas to hit Western targets.

A suicide bombing at a U.S. base in Afghanistan's Khost province in 2009 killed seven Central Intelligence Agency employees. In video footage released after the attack, the bomber was shown sitting with Hakimullah Mehsud.

Shortly afterwards the United States added the TTP to its list of foreign terrorist organisations and set rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to Hakimullah Mehsud or Wali-ur-Rehman.

A Pakistani-born American who tried to set off a car bomb in New York's Times Square in 2010 told a U.S. court he received bomb-making training and funding from the Pakistani Taliban.

(Reporting by Jibran Ahmad; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Peter Graff)

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/asia/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20120115/wl_nm/us_pakistan_taliban_leader

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Miss America confronted family pain with pageant (AP)

LAS VEGAS ? The nation's newest Miss America is a 23-year-old Wisconsin brunette who had long conversations with her family mulling whether or not to make her father's jail time for mail fraud the heart of her campaign in the beauty pageant.

While her competitors pushed platforms including promoting the health benefits of milk and protecting the environment, Laura Kaeppeler (KEP'-ler) said she wants children of incarcerated adults to feel less alone, to have mentoring and as much of a relationship with their parents as possible.

"There are many of you out there ? and I was one of them ? but it doesn't have to define you," Kaeppeler told The Associated Press after winning the crown and $50,000 scholarship on Saturday night.

To win, she said beauty queens and politicians should remember they represent all Americans, sang an opera song and strutted in a white bikini and black evening gown.

Her looks, smarts and personal vocation impressed a panel of seven celebrity judges enough to give her the next year with the title.

"What happened with my father is not what my year is going to be focused on," she said. "It's going to be focused on looking forward and moving to the future because that's what my family has done and that's what I'll encourage others to do, as well."

Kaeppeler estimated that there are more than 2 million children with a parent in jail.

Kaeppeler's father, Jeff Kaeppeler, told the AP he served 18 months in federal prison for mail fraud, a sentence his daughter said started as she was graduating high school and entering college.

Jeff Kaeppeler said when his daughter approached the family about making the personal topic her chosen platform, they supported it even though they knew it would be discussed publicly.

"It taught us that God can turn anything into good if you let him," he said. "Laura is totally on board with that idea. She let that drive her and inspire her this past year to get ready for this.

"We've seen a miracle," he said while waiting backstage for a news conference in which his daughter called him her "best friend" and briefly took pictures with him onstage.

"I love you," he whispered to her as dozens of cameras snapped photos.

Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson came in second, while Miss New York Kaitlyn Monte placed third.

Kaeppler introduced herself to pageant viewers by referencing her home state's Green Bay Packers, the NFL's defending Super Bowl champions.

"If you're watching, Aaron Rodgers, call me," she said, referring to the football team's superstar quarterback.

She was good enough during preliminary competitions to be chosen as one of 15 semifinalists who moved on to compete in the pageant's finale. Her bid lasted through swimsuit, evening wear, talent and interview competitions that saw cuts after each round.

She was asked minutes before being crowned whether Miss America should declare her politics.

"Miss America represents everyone, so I think the message to political candidates is that they represent everyone as well," she said. "And so in these economic times, we need to be looking forward to what America needs, and I think Miss America needs to represent all."

The pageant aired live to east coast viewers on ABC and tape delayed to the rest of the country. The event was the culmination of a week of preliminary competitions and months of preparations for the titleholders from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Kaeppeler, of Kenosha, Wis., some 40 miles south of Milwaukee, said her crowning moment was a blur.

"I was crying even before my name was called," Kaeppeler said. "It was just surreal to have this honor."

She replaces Teresa Scanlan of Nebraska, who won last year at age 17 and plans to use her scholarship to pay for law school.

As the new Miss America, Kaeppeler will spend the next year touring the country to speak to different groups and raising money for the Children's Miracle Network, the Miss America Organization's official charity.

She majored in music and vocal performance at a private Lutheran liberal arts college in Kenosha, and told pageant officials initially that she planned to obtain a master's degree in speech and language pathology and become a speech therapist.

But that changed once she became Miss Wisconsin.

She now says she intends to use the scholarship money to pursue a law degree and become a family attorney who specializes in helping children of incarcerated adults.

"I really feel like I've been called to work in this," she said. "Whether I became Miss America or not, this is something that I would pursue in my career no matter what."

___

Oskar Garcia can be reached at http://twitter.com/oskargarcia

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/tv/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120115/ap_en_tv/us_miss_america

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Ridiculous $1,500 Diamond Studded Business Cards [Luxury]

Business cards have become more of a hassle in a time when contact details can be shared electronically. But one company has chosen to ignore this obvious trend with a luxury card that tells people you're an arrogant ass. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/vgxfvtIlxko/ridiculous-1500-diamond-studded-business-cards

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