The Android Trilogy: Part B) the right provider and data plan

(This is the second posting in my ABC's of Android:  A) The right gear, B) the right provider and data plan, and C) the right "Aps". You can find parts A and C on either side of this one. Do comment. Ken Mitton)

Welcome to Part B) of my Android Trilogy, on how I use an Android smartphone to  do real work, access email, information, share files, video conference and yes, listen to music, and for a lot less than the $50-$200 per month paide by some. So, lets talk about Part B) providers and phone plans.

The Android Trilogy Part A): Smartphoning at $35/month. The Right Gear.

My Optimus V running Android 2.2.2, from Virgin Mobile, 

with my center page showing some favorite Aps. When 

I got that PhD diploma on the wall (left), the computers

 in the space shuttle were less powerful than this humble 

Android smartphone. 

How do I control "my universe" for $25/month (now $35, I was grandfathered in), have  a computer in my hand to email, tweet, maintain this blog, communicate with employees and friends, search for information, browse the Human genome, navigate (drive) to a destination, take pics and video, stream and play my own iTunes music collection, use WiFi when available and G3/4 when its not, read science journals, take part in video conferences, oh yes.. and sometimes talk on the phone?

By following my ABC's of Android:  A) The right gear, B) the right provider and data plan, and C) the right "Aps". Your key to Android Nirvana is knowledge. If you are not feeling productive with your current smartphone, or you have not dared to choose one yet....... read on.

Dr Winkler's "Last" Lecture

Professor Barry Winkler, PhD, of the Eye Research Institute of Oakland University will give his final lecture before official retirement this term. March 19th, in Oakland Center, on our campus. Barry Winkler has made important contributions to understanding how the neural retina functions, in great detail over 40 years as an NIH funded investigator. Many people, all over the world, have learned where the cellular components of the basic ERG (Electro  Retina Gram) come from, from both his papers and from attending his seminars.

Many students have benefited from his mentorship in courses on neuroscience and even the intersection of the art and science of vision in our society. Many scientists and trainees have benefited by his work for our vision science research societies, including ARVO and ISER. 

Bacteria in Regular versus Silver-Impregnated Contact Lens Cases

A recent research study reported in IOVS (Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, a peer reviewed science journal) examined the numbers of bacteria found in regular contact lens storage cases versus silver impregnated cases. The researchers also compared the effects of keeping the cases wet or dry between uses.

Autism: seeds are planted long before immunizations

Seeds of Autism. Not the mysterious condition it used to be. New tools made possible by the human genome project are revealing its genetic nature.

Autism can exist as a broad spectrum of symptoms, some severe and some mild. Many functional adults are working in intense professions, such as medicine, and have difficulty making person to person eye contact; a relatively minor form of an autistic disorder. Some persons from a very young age are more profoundly affected and unable to interact with other people or their surroundings. This condition has alarmed our modern society as it became more well defined and more often diagnosed in children. An unfortunate set of statements by a UK physician over two decades ago speculated that some immunizations might be linked to the condition. This turned out to be theory and conjecture that was not derived from actual scientific study, but this theory has unfortunately taken off and sparked much controversy. Indeed, many families that avoid immunization programs will cite this theory as the the basis for their decision. I can certainly understand their concern, but should you worry about immunizations regarding autism?

The Science of World Micro-Finance.. we have the power.

Kiva is the organization you have read about in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and heard about on NPR, PBS and MSNBC. They let YOU disperse loans directly around the world and change lives, $25 at a time.

Welcome to my world financial empire, and to those of you who worry about the troubles you hear about around the globe, feeling hopeless helpless to make a difference: wake up. There is something you can do. You can have a direct impact on improving and empowering hard working honest men and women in places you may never see in your travels. You can directly choose who you help and see every cent of every dollar go where YOU want it to go!