WIN a Nikon S9500 camera!

<Nikon D5300 Black Friday Dealp>


Honda has launched a#HondaPassport Twitter competition for one lucky winner to choose their dream journey, worth £5,000. We all love to take photos when we're out and about and perhaps even get a little snap happy, so why not put them to good use and try to nab yourself your dream holiday?

All you need to do is fill your Honda passport with stamps from different categories by tweeting your image, including #HondaPassport. Images will be automatically uploaded to the content hub Myjourneys.com/hondaPassport and all entries will receive a stamp in their Honda passport depending on which travel category you're collecting.

The aim of the game is to fill your passport with as many stamps as possible and the more stamps received, the better chance of winning the £5,000 dream holiday. The winner is decided by the public, who will be asked to vote for the Honda Passport they like the most.

To celebrate the #HondaPassport competition, Honda has joined forces with Nikon to help capture those special memories by giving you the chance to win a Nikon S9500 with 22x optical zoom.

For your chance to win, visit our Facebook page and enter your details on the entry page before November 15.

Good luck!

Source: Parentdish

Hottest Halloween Costume Trends For 2013

<cosplay costume storeimg src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/v/thecanadianpress_logo.gif">

TORONTO - From the complex characters in a medieval epic to a band of bearded duck hunters on the Louisiana bayou, elements of fantasy and reality are inspiring some of this year's hot Halloween costumes.

Value Village store manager Christine Riddell said the large cast and regal twist showcased in the hit cable series "Game of Thrones" has made the show a go-to for those seeking to recreate the ensembles, such as the sword-wielding knights or platinum blond Daenerys Targaryen, Mother of Dragons.

At the other end of the style and time spectrums, the Robertson clan featured on popular reality show "Duck Dynasty" is offering an ample dose of Southern comfort for costume enthusiasts clamouring to mimic their distinctive, outdoorsy ensembles.

"Most guys have a pair of rubber boots or a camouflage pair of pants. You've just got to put an old T-shirt with it, a bandanna, a pair of sunglasses, and of course, the big accessory is the big beard," said Riddell. "It's a funny show, so the guys really have fun putting this (costume) together."

"Breaking Bad" may have faded to black, but fans of the recently concluded TV crime drama can still channel Walter White with their Halloween getups.

Geoff Waszek, co-owner of Candy's Costume Shop in Toronto, said they've been fielding requests for costumes inspired by the award-winning series. They've managed to come through by bringing in hazmat suits inspired by those worn by the fictional meth-maker.

Waszek said the costume-buying process begins in January when he attends a Halloween convention in Houston to scope out ensembles slated to be produced for the year. He said the costumes always follow what's popular in the news, media or movies.

"For example, the Avengers are very, very popular. All the girls, they want to be Catwoman, Black Widow, Wonder Woman, Silk Spectre from 'The Watchmen,'" Waszek said. "The children want to be Spider-Man, (characters from) 'Despicable Me,' Wolverine - all basically the most popular costumes that we sell generally follow the movies.

Story continues after slideshow:

"'Iron Man' is always popular and I'm sure with the success of 'Gravity,' we're going to be having a lot of requests for astronaut suits now," Waszek added, a reference to the hit lost-in-space flick starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.

In Value Village's fourth annual Halloween Shopping Survey of 1,000 adults, the thrift retailer found nearly half of respondents think movies and TV shows are the best source of costume inspiration.

The recent blockbuster season 4 premiere of "The Walking Dead" proved that the zombie series still has bite, and its popularity is being parlayed into Halloween costumes.

"I think we get the most requests right now for zombies. You can really zombie-fy anything," said Riddell. "It's on trend, and it's really easy and inexpensive with our gently used clothing selection here.

"We've seen the bride and groom, the prom queen. We've seen the cheerleader and football players, rock stars - and you can basically take it anywhere," she added, citing fake blood, silver hairspray and makeup and shredded or torn clothes among the staples in assembling the ghoulish getups.

Waszek said he's observed a growing appetite for spookier costumes among younger consumers.

"Generally, in previous years, a lot of girls just want to be princesses or superheroes. But we're getting a lot more requests for the horror costumes," he said, adding that they zombie costume and horror prom queen getups on offer.

Beyond mining pop culture for ideas, the likelihood of online posts, "likes" - or perhaps a desire to avoid duplication - is also a driving force behind costume choice, the Value Village poll suggested.

Almost 40 per cent of respondents said they make a greater effort to wear something different each year because they know pictures of them in costume will be posted on social media channels such as Facebook and Pinterest. Nearly 70 percent of those who typically don costumes admitted social media platforms influence their costume choices. Meanwhile, nearly half are inspired by looking at photos of what others wore that pop up in their online feeds.

While outlandish costumes may make waves, individuals don't necessarily need to to break the bank - or even buy a full costume - to piece together an on-trend look.

"If a customer has their own suit, they could do 'The Great Gatsby' where we just give them a hat, a bowtie and a cane and they're off. And they leave very happy," said Waszek.

Indeed, the recent big-screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel has helped revitalize interest in '20s-inspired fashions. And for some, thoughs of the dapper styles featured on the big screen still lingers as they assemble their Halloween outfits.

Riddell said they've been fielding a lot of requests for "Gatsby"-inspired looks channelling the glam, roaring '20s, such as flapper-style dresses.

Also generating buzz is steampunk, which draws on influences from the industrial age and Victorian-era styles. Riddell described it as a combination of a Sherlock Holmes look with "a bit of spin" with gears and gadgets, with girls sporting black boots and fishnet stockings.

"We have a lot of people asking for that. We do have a lot of new accessories: that's a lot a brown and dark colours, goggles and pocket watches and things like that. That seems to be a popular one this year."

---

Online:

www.candyscostumeshop.com

www.valuevillage.com

Also on HuffPost:

Source: Huffingtonpost

WATCH: Cannabis Cat Is Unmasked As A Drug Mule

<carved pumpkins weddingp>A crafty cat has been caught smuggling cannabis into a Moldovan prison - via bags tied to his collar.

The grey and white feline aroused suspicion after it was spotted regularly nipping through a hole in the jail fence, the BBC reported.

Video of his collar being searched was posted on YouTube by Moldova's justice ministry.

The cat was found to be carrying to bags of cannabis attached to its collar

According to The Associated Press, the Department of Penitentiary Institutions said on Friday that "someone in the village of Pruncul was using the cat as a courier to supply inmates with dope at the local prison."

It's not the first time a cat has been caught out smuggling contraband into a prison.

In January one enterprising feline was spotted attempting to smuggle a mobile phone, selection of saw and drill bits into a Brazilian prison.

And in March, another four-legged-fiend was intercepted as it sneaked mobile phones and chargers into a Russian jail.

Source: Huffingtonpost

Top Ten Halloween Costumes Based on TV and Movie Characters

Halloween has finally bestowed upon us: that time of year where we can disguise ourselves and impersonate a persona we have never been before. There's no better way to celebrate Halloween than dressing up as your favorite television or movie character. This year has brought us some great TV and motion pictures. We've compiled some of the best characters from this year, giving you inspiration for your costumes.

10) Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

This year, many people are sure to go as District 12's Hunger Games victor, Katniss Everdeen. Last year, the popular 3-part book series was made into an even more hyped-up movie. Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence starred as the book's main character, a bow tossing young girl who sacrifices her life to save her sister and defy the oppressive, Capitol government. The second installment, Catching Fire, is due out this November. Jennifer reprises her role alongside Hollywood hunks Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth.

To pull off your best Katniss Everdeen, you must achieve "hunter chic." Buy a light, structured, active wear jacket in any camo color. Pair that with riding boots and pants. The Hunger Games made braids big last fall thanks to Katniss' signature side braid. Try any variation of this look.

For those who prefer a more glamorous approach, channel Katniss' "girl on fire" look. It may pose a challenge finding a red gown equipped with fire, like Everdeen's. This look can be achieved with over the top makeup, inspired by The Capitol. A heavily powdered face and futuristic make-up will have you ready to go!

9) Spring Breakers

Yes, it's fall, but why not go on spring break a little early this year? Spring Breakers may have received mixed critical reviews, but the characters are undoubtedly a blast. You'll definitely have a good time this Halloween dressing as the college girls gone wild.

Throw on a string bikini, denim shorts, and sneakers. Then, you must equip yourself with bank robber accessories. Throw on a ski mask and get yourself a fake (definitely fake) weapon. costume for halloween for girls works best if you have three friends willing to take part.

Boys, or comedic girls: try going as Alien, the Riff-Raff inspired rapper who accompanies the girls on their bank robbing spree. You'll need a grill, thug-like clothing, and corn-rows. Spring break forever!

8) A Minion, Despicable Me

Despicable Me 2 was a big hit this summer. Who doesn't love the minions? They are the adorable mini sidekicks of the main character, Gru. You can be one too this Halloween and quite simply!

Stop yourself now if you're thinking of painting your body yellow. Wear a yellow top, overalls, and goggles and you are good to go!

Ooh banana!

7) Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana

I don't know about you, but I miss Hannah Montana! Sure Miley 2.0 is great, with her provocative performances and well-received new album. Still, Hannah Montana had "the best of both worlds" and you just can't beat that.

The most important and obvious piece: that big, old' blonde wig. Ms. Montana is most often found in a sequence top or skirt with leggings (anything teeny-bopper). You must have a microphone or, better yet, a microphone headpiece. Make sure to speak with a southern twang and be ready to belt out Hannah Montana's greatest hits.

Costume works best if you have a friend willing to be Miley circa the 2013 VMA's.

6) Game of Thrones

Medieval was never so cool, thanks to the popular HBO series based on George R.R. Martin's series of fantasy novels, A Song of Fire and Ice.

Don your best Stark attire. If you want to be medieval-evil, go as King Jeoffry with a crown and torture devices. If you're thinking about heading beyond The Wall, be sure to wear a faux fur to keep warm!

Females have their share of Thrones-themed costumes. Try Queen Cersei Lannister and don medieval royal fashion. There's also Daenerys Targaryen with her ice white hair and pet dragons. Cloaks and dramatic jewelry will help you achieve these looks. A crown is a nice added touch.

5) A Walker, The Walking Dead

Last week, AMC's hit The Walking Dead returned for season 4. Fans of the show know that walkers (the show's term for zombies) are gory as can be. So in order to be a walker in post-zombie apocalypse glory, you can't be shy on the guts. Rick and the gang are fearless but can still be startled by the always flesh-hungry undead.

There is no dress code for the walker costume. Jeans and a t-shirt works, so long as it's covered in "human flesh." Go to any local Halloween store and purchase a zombie mouth and makeup. Try and look like you just came out of a crypt. If you really want to be the most frightening walker of them all, purchase non-prescription contacts giving you the zombie glazed over eye. Who's hungry?!

If you don't want to go the bloodthirsty route, go as The Governor. The look for Woodbury's evil leader can be achieved with a comb-over and eye patch. Young children can go as Carl.

4) Sons of Anarchy

If you want to look cool this Halloween, be a brother of the Sons of Anarchy. Jax Teller and his gang exude the tough, biker look and you can too. A leather jacket should not be hard to find. However, for those of you who are not already tatted up, you're going to need to be a mock-sleeve. Grow out your hair, and facial hair, to achieve that rugged look.

Girls can try the look by getting biker chic. Leather, denim, and bandanas galore! Or channel Gemma and her bad-mama-jamma hair do'.

3) Ron Burgundy, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Stay classy this Halloween as San Diego's number one newscaster. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is due on this year, so now's the perfect time to dress as the popular Will Ferrell character. The best part of going as Ron Burgundy? You get to drop his countless, classic movie lines all night. "Milk was a bad choice," "You know I don't speak Spanish," "I'm in a glass case of emotion," to name a few.

This costume requires a 70's styled suit. Ridiculous colored suits are preferable. The most important feature is Burgundy's handlebar mustache. Be oblivious to the world around you and you're good to go!

2) Gatsby or Daisy, The Great Gatsby

Suit and tie! Beloved, classic American-novel, The Great Gatsby was remade this summer, becoming a blockbuster hit. The combination of edgy, new music with the swag and decadence of the Roaring 20's made Jay Gatsby cooler than ever. Leonardo DiCaprio took on the role bringing a Jack Dawson-like charm. So you want to Gatsby for Halloween, old sport? First off, you're going to need to suit up. For the full effect, don a pastel hue. Also be sure to lick back your hair.

Ladies can get in on the fun as well, dressing as Daisy Bucchanan, Gatsby's object of affection. Coming from old money, a Daisy costume requires elegance and class. Jewel-encrusted flapper dresses, pearls, and feather headbands will give you this look. A powdered face with neutral eyes and bold lips will finish it off.

1) Walter White and Jesse Pinkmen, Breaking Bad

Chances are you're still not over the series finale of the critically acclaimed AMC series. To give yourself some closure, dress up as one of your favorite cooks!

"Tread lightly," as Walter White by wearing khaki pants and a modest, long-sleeved button down. Finish your chemistry teacher look off with bifocals, a bald cap and a mustache. But don't forget, you can't be Heizenburg without the "blue stuff."

Poor Jessie Pinkmen was just you're regular pothead before he got mixed up with Mr. White. To dress up as the meth addict, simply wear loose fitting clothing, a t-shirt over a hoodie and a beanie. Trick-or-Treat, b***h!

top image: Lionsgate
Source: Thecelebritycafe

Surprise: Iceland's Strange Pillars Formed by Lava

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They're common in ocean, but these are first seen on land: Study

Posted Oct 13, 2013 6:10 AM CDT

(Newser) - A new study has finally spelled out how some weird-looking land forms in Iceland came to be. Sadly, the local legend that they were tossed there by warring trolls turns out to be wrong-but the real reason is pretty interesting in its own right. They're lava pillars, formed when water and lava mix, according to University of Buffalo researchers. But what makes these pillars unique is that they're the first of their kind to be found anywhere on land, reports LiveScience. The pillars are hollow, scarred, rocky things up to 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide. "I was so excited," says co-author Tracy Gregg. "As soon as I saw these things I knew what they were."

That's because she had seen similar pillars on the ocean floor. They're able to form there, thanks to intense pressure, explains Science. But on land, it's near impossible because the meeting of lava and water typically results in an explosion of steam. So what happened? The study theorizes that the pillars in Skaelinger Valley were formed when a massive eruption in 1783 spilled lava for eight months. But the lava moved so slowly that when it finally made contact with water in the valley, it did so in a "kinder, gentler" manner that avoided an explosion. The find opens up the possibility of more lava pillars elsewhere on land, but Gregg will be looking beyond Earth. If the pillars can be found in high-resolution images of Mars, she says it would be a sign that the planet once had water. (Meanwhile, Jupiter might have diamond rain.)

Source: Newser

Familiar names seek nod for Clark clerk

Dems Fleece, Popp likely to square off in primary

JEFFERSONVILLE - Two experienced public servants will likely seek the Democratic Party's nomination to run for Clark County Clerk of the Circuit Courts next year.

Current County Council member Susan Popp and Clark County Senior Judge Steve Fleece have both said they anticipate running for clerk, a position held by Barbara Bratcher Haas. Haas says she will not run for re-election in 2014.

Neither of the two have submitted paperwork with Clark County Voter Registration yet, but both have said they anticipate doing so. No other candidates have announced they will run for the office to date.

The clerk's responsibilities include the administration of official court records of all 5s iphone cases names of baby animals quiz with jurisdiction in the county; preparing the courts' permanent historical records; processing and issuing documents for court cases; collecting and distributing monies related to court cases; and administering all federal, state, county, municipal and special elections, according to the website for the Association of Clerks of Circuit Courts of Indiana.



FLEECE

Fleece served as the judge of Superior Court 3 in Clark County for 24 years. Fleece retired in 2008, and has served the courts as a senior judge for the last five years.

"It just occurred to me that [the clerk's office is] a place that my experience would be especially useful, so that got me thinking about it," Fleece said.

He said he feels that his experience with the courts gives him an edge when it comes to finding solutions to problems within the clerk's office.

"I think there are some things that could be done that would occur to someone with judicial experience that perhaps wouldn't occur to somebody else," Fleece said.

As an example, Fleece noted that judges have the authority to draft local rules, and he'd be for a local rule that would automatically withdraw defense attorneys from criminal cases when they conclude, which would put an end to the paperwork associated with motions to withdraw.

Fleece says he's a proponent of upgrades to the technology used in the clerk's office to improve efficiency, and says digitization of documents would cut down on the amount of time needed to hunt down documents.

Fleece, now 63, describes himself as a "young senior." He doesn't picture himself seeking a second term if elected.

"I would say that if I do it, what I'd want to do is get in and give four excellent years of service and then be done, because I would be 68 at that time, and with the rapid changes in technology and all, at age 68 it would be time to hand over the reins," Fleece said. "Part of what I would be doing during the four years would be grooming a successor who would have the ability to get elected politically and also be well-trained in doing the job."

Fleece said that successor has not been identified.



POPP

Popp was elected to the Clark County Council in the 2012 election and began her four-year term this year. Popp cites her management experience working as a manager with Jim Beam Brands.

"I was actually a department head," Popp said. "I was manager of the process department, and we had a lot of moving parts."

Popp is grateful to have been elected to county council, and said that while she's grateful to the voters for entrusting that position to her, she felt compelled to pursue the opportunity.

"I believe I can get the things I want accomplished, accomplished prior to leaving [county council]," Popp said.

Popp recognizes that with a staff that's been reduced significantly and a tight budget, the clerk's office is one that faces a multitude of challenges, she said.

"It's not like some of the other departments where they serve a single function," Popp said. "Here, you have voter registration, you have the election, you have the clerk's office itself and then how it interfaces with the actual courts. You do have a lot of moving parts, and I'm familiar with all of those. I'm familiar with the people in the different departments that I would be interfacing with.

"I think one of the challenges is the lack of funds to fund the department. I think that would have its challenges. But I think it's something we can overcome."

Popp said technology can help to reduce costs and improve operations in the clerk's office, and noted that she believes optical image scanning to digitize courthouse documents could be done in-house with rented equipment to prevent the county from paying a larger sum to an outside vendor to perform the service.

The primary election will take place in May.

Source: Newsandtribune

6 problems with iPhone 5S, and how to fix them (including the Blue Screen of Death!)

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What do you do if you have an iPhone 5S problem and you want it fixed right now? You don't want to go to an Apple Store unless you really have to, the support forums are difficult to search, and your go-to family or friend tech geek is otherwise engaged. Fear not. We're here to help, and hopefully we can get your smartphone back to its best, or at least point you in the right direction.

We've already uncovered some common iOS 7 problems, so if you don't see your issues here then check that list instead; we won't cover the same ground again. And if you want a few tips, we've got a list of iPhone 5S tricks to try out, as well.

Bug: Blue screen of death

Some people have run into a dreaded blue screen of death bug which seems to be related to specific apps. If you are using Pages, Keynote, or Numbers and you are in a document editing, then pressing the Home button can cause the iPhone 5S to crash to a blue screen, which is generally followed by a reboot. Some people are reporting this issue with other apps as well, and in severe cases it is causing a reboot loop. There's a theory that the iPhone 5S is afflicted because it has a 64-bit processor trying to run 32-bit software (it's the first 64-bit phone). Developers are already updating apps to work with the new processor more fluidly and Apple will likely release an update to fix it at some point, but in the meantime there's no solution, only workarounds that have worked for some people.

(Editor's Note by Jeffrey Van Camp: Our iPhone 5S here at DT has rebooted randomly a few times since we got it in September, but we have not experienced a blue screen of death. Apps do crash more frequently, but these are usually apps that haven't been updated to iOS 7.)

Workarounds:

• Always make sure you back out of documents before tapping that Home button.
• Disable iCloud sync for the iWork apps by going to Settings > iCloud > Documents & Data, and sliding Pages, Keynote, and Numbers to off.
• Try to use apps that have been updated to take advantage of iOS 7. Apple has not updated Pages, Keynote, or Numbers. You can tell
• If the problems are constant, or frequent to the point of impeding your experience, please contact Apple customer service.

Glitch: Faulty sensors

A lot of people are reporting that the sensors in the iPhone 5S are wildly inaccurate. We mentioned in our iOS 7 tips that you can access a spirit level (Apple calls it an inclinometer) by swiping left in the Compass app, but it turns out that it's not working correctly. In fact, the compass, accelerometer, and gyroscope have also been malfunctioning for some people. The level of fault varies, but it does seem to be an issue that's specific to the iPhone 5S.

(Editor's Note by Jeffrey Van Camp: We have not had trouble with the sensors on our iPhone 5S, though we do experience occasional ticks in the parallax effect on the home screen, which moves the background of the phone to produce a 3D effect.)

Potential solution:

Your only option right now is to take the iPhone 5S back to the Apple Store and ask for a replacement, but be warned, many customers who have done exactly that are reporting that their replacement iPhone 5S has the same issues. It's not clear if this is a hardware or software fault. If it is software-related, we expect an update to fix it, but until Apple acknowledges the issue, it's a mystery.

Annoyance: Noisy and rattling buttons

A lot of people have been complaining about the Home button clicking loudly and the Power button rattling when the iPhone 5S is shaken. People who went to get replacements, or tested other iPhone 5S handsets, found the exact same rattle and click was present. It's just the way they're constructed. Some people have reported a louder thudding rattle which could be caused by a loose battery.

(Editor's Note by Jeffrey Van Camp: From our experience using the iPhone 5S, the Touch ID Home button may have a slightly louder click and the power button does rattle if you put your ear up to the phone and shake, but these problems didn't bother us. In fact, I never noticed them until I read that others were annoyed by it. As for the battery issue, we have not encountered it, but it is not normal and would be a serious problem.)

Potential solution:

Your only real option here is to take your iPhone 5S into an Apple Store and show them. If it is a loose battery then they'll be able to fix it, if not then you may have to learn to live with the 'noise.'

Bug: Touch ID not working for iTunes purchases

Apple was quick to address this issue with a bug fix. The problem was that the iPhone 5S would not accept the user's fingerprint to authenticate an iTunes purchase and would insist on them entering their password.

(Editor's Note by Jeffrey Van Camp: On our iPhone 5S unit, we do have to enter a password every 5-10 purchases. This is annoying, but appears to be intended for security purposes. Hopefully Apple will lax up on passwords more in the future.)

Solution:

This was fixed in the 7.0.1 update. Make sure you have it by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone 5S. You can also hook up your iPhone 5S to your computer and check under Devices in iTunes and then tap Check for Update.

Glitch: Overheating and battery drain

A few people have reported their iPhone 5S overheating. This is usually related to the battery and goes hand-in-hand with rapid battery drain. In rare cases it could be caused by a hardware fault, but it's more likely to be iOS 7 and/or a specific app. There are a couple of things worth trying to identify and fix the issue.

Potential solutions:

• Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button to reboot your iPhone 5S and then pay close attention to what you are doing when it next overheats. You might be able to identify the app or service causing the problem. You could also try an app like System Activity Monitor ($2) to see if you can find the culprit.
• Backup and restore your iPhone 5S and then be choosy about what you reinstall on it.
• If you still can't find the problem then head to an Apple Store to make sure there's no hardware fault.

Problem: Microphone not working

A lot of people have run into issues with the microphone not picking up their voice clearly. They can't record voice notes in a specific app, or they can't be heard during calls. There are a couple of possible causes for this.

Potential solutions:

• Make sure that you have removed the protective film from the screen.
• If the problem is with a specific app then make sure it has permission to use the microphone in Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
• It's possible that your case is interfering with the noise cancelation feature. Try using the iPhone 5S with the case off, or head into Settings > General > Accessibility and turn Phone Noise Cancelation off to see if it makes a difference.
• If your problem persists, contact Apple customer service.

That's it for iPhone 5S problems and fixes right now, but we will update this article with new issues and solutions as they arise. Please share your own experiences in the comments. If you didn't find your issue here then remember to check our iOS 7 problems roundup before you go.
Source: Digitaltrends

Nexus 5 said to be 'half the price' of the iPhone 5S

A source says the new Google phone will come with an attractive price for those that have been hankering for a new Nexus.

(Credit: MacRumors)

The hype and rumors we're hearing around the upcoming Nexus 5, expected from LG and Google later this month, is that it could instantly become the new Android phone to beat. But the latest whisperings hint that it could also give the iPhone 5s iphone cases fishing for girls game a run for its money when it comes to how much of your money you have to shell out for one.

TechRadar says a "source familiar with Google" has told the site that the successor to the popular but LTE-less Nexus 4 will ship in the latter part of October and cost "half the price" of the iPhone 5S.

What's a little tricky about this is that the source seems to be referring to United Kingdom prices and ship dates, which can be different from what we see in the United States. If the Nexus 5 were to be half of what an unlocked iPhone 5S sells for at retail stateside (it starts at $649 for 16 GB contract-free with a T-Mobile SIM), that would mean we could see a new unlocked Nexus that, according to TechRadar's source, will meet the specs of the iPhone 5S, but for less than $350.

That would certainly be a welcome deal for Nexus fans hoping for a repeat of the $299 price tag for an unlocked Nexus 4 right out of the gate.

We'll see in the coming weeks if Google actually offers such a pre-holiday bargain on a top-flight phone, or if we've just caught wind of some sort of UK-only pricing scheme or just total bunk.

Be sure to read up on everything else we expect in a new Nexus, and let us know in the comments if you plan to get one of your own.

Source: Cnet

Move over Apple Maps: iPhone 5S motion sensor malfunction may be widespread

Users reporting widely off-the-mark readings from the iPhone 5s iphone cases second chance body armor inc's compass and wonky gaming experiences with the new device's accelerometer may be facing an unfixable hardware hurdle.

(Credit: Josh Lowensohn/CNET)

Apple Maps may still be sending clueless drivers off the beaten path and onto active airstrips, but the company is facing a far deeper problem with its new flagship iPhone 5S's directional capabilities. Widespread reports are claiming that the new device's motion sensors are highly error-prone, and the problem could be on the software side or a calibration error built into the handset itself.

The staff over at Gizmodo took the iPhone 5S to task in multiple tests, finding the iPhone 5S's motion sensors giving readouts that are wildly different than those of the iPhone 5.

The app most affected is Apple's native compass. In displaying direction, it shows discrepancies on average of eight to 10 degrees compared with the iPhone 5 with both running iOS 7.

Gaming is also affected as the accelerometer is used to maneuver in many driving and physics-based games that rely on the tilting of the screen to achieve in-game motion. Gizmodo found that by starting a match in EA's Real Racing 3 on a level plane and without any exterior movements, the iPhone 5S's accelerometer immediately registered a leftward tilt and veered the car in that direction.

(Credit: Gizmodo)

Testing the two devices accelerometer data on a level surface did indeed display a massive change in readouts.

The iPhone 5S's directional faults aren't the only issues with the the compass app. The new inclinometer and gyroscope, available in iOS 7, are opened by swiping left on the compass' first screen and are, again, showing faulty information when compared with the iPhone 5.

On a flat surface, the gyroscope on the iPhone 5S typically reads -3 degrees, something both Gizmodo's and my own 5S displayed. The inclinometer -- a feature you activate by holding your device sideways in the air -- is off by roughly two to three degrees as well.

Over at MacRumors, an incredibly robust 20-page thread started on September 24 is home to hundreds of users dissecting the issue, with many claiming that the problem could in fact be a hardware issue given the iPhone 5 and 5S running the same software display different readouts. Apple has not confirmed the issue nor has it publicly acknowledged it in any way.

In the case it is hardware, there's little users could do to remedy the issue save for turning in their iPhone for a new one. However, some users have reported the same issues cropping up with new iPhone 5S's, suggesting the motion sensor malfunctioning could be a widespread problem.

It is unlikely that Apple would ever employ a trade-in protocol given its infamous "free bumper" response to the antennagate fiasco with iPhone 4. In an ideal world, Apple could identity the issue as a software problem a push out an update to potentially fix whatever calibration issue might be the culprit.

Whatever the issue, it's not looking good for Apple's M7 motion processor. The chip was touted as Apple's answer to activity-tracking apps that want a more powerful data-collector without forcing users to go out and buy a Nike FuelBand or Fitbit. It measures data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass, meaning it won't exactly work as advertised given those different parts' massive readout errors.

We've reached out to Apple for comment and will update this story when we hear back.

Source: Cnet

Drivers to get tamper-proof screws fitted to car licence plates

<codesp>Police and car technicians will be on hand to fit tamper-proof screws to number plates on vehicles in Northampton next week.

The initiative, which is part of a crime prevention initiative to tackle the theft of vehicle registration plates, will be held next Saturday (October 12), at Morrisons, in Kettering Road, between 9.30am and 4pm.

Drivers will be able to get the tamper-proof screws fitted to their car registration plates and have a vehicle safety check, free of charge.

The event is part of Operation Guardian, the force's county-wide operation to reduce burglary and vehicle crime.

Paul Golley, crime prevention manager, said: "Working in partnership with Halfords at these events gives us a great opportunity to tackle the problem of number plate thefts, potentially saving motorists money and a lot of inconvenience, while at the same time offering them a free and convenient vehicle safety check.

"We continue to carry out operations across the county to catch offenders but we are keen to provide ways to help prevent people becoming a victim of vehicle crime."

Source: Northamptonchron