4 Android Personalization Apps That Feed My Phone Addiction

Android is more customizable than iOS. There are plenty of settings and switches in both, but Android lets third-party apps get into the personalization game as well. Admittedly, that can go wrong: malware likes having deeper access into an operating system, and software updates often stall at the manufacturer or carrier because they have to apply all their changes to the newest version.

The downsides are worth it, though, in exchange for the privilege of making your device act exactly the way you want. A few apps have wheedled their way onto my phone with their tremendous utility and flexibility.

Nova Launcher, KWGT, Twilight, and Rotation Control icons

No, #3 has nothing to do with Obama.

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These Lesser-Known Candidates (Also) Want to Be President

There are more people running for president than you see in debates. The Lesser-Known Candidates Forum at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics offers these, well, lesser-known candidates a very small platform for getting their ideas out.

In some cases, it’s a shame that such voices can’t join the herd of politicians polling above 1% nationally. They can’t get media coverage because no one knows about them, and no one knows about them because they can’t get media coverage.

In other cases, well, get 18 Democrats and 5 Republicans running for president in a room and there are bound to be a few head-scratchers.

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Put a Phaser on Your Profile Picture

Phaser firing a blue beam

Nothing against Star Wars in general or The Force Awakens in particular, but I’ve always been a Star Trek guy. So I haven’t felt compelled to superimpose a lightsaber on my Facebook photo, like one might do with a flag of some sort.

I’d rather put a phaser on it. Read more of this post

My Cheaper-Than-Free Android Tablet is Somewhat Worse Than an iPad

I like deals. Even for things I don’t especially need. So when an online retailer offered an Android tablet with several offers that would end up netting me $35, of course I jumped. I don’t regret it, but it’s not for everybody.

Hipstreet Flare 3 tablet

Just don’t get too attached to that lustrous display image. Read on.

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Careless Reminiscing, Random Phrases, and Non-Future-Proof Songwriting

You’ve probably seen the “On This Day” feature of Facebook – if not with your own posts, then with those of your Ffriends*. In theory, you’ve shared only your most joyous and most impressive moments online, so you’re only too happy to be reminded of them, and have the opportunity to share them all over again.

Or maybe you were having a sucky time on this date a few years ago. Remember that?

No no, this was fine. Not fantastic or anything, but fine.

No no, this was fine. Not fantastic or anything, but … fine.

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