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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Which Android launchers are worth your time?

‘Launcher’ is the name given to the part of the Android user interface that lets users customize the home screen (e.g. the phone’s desktop), launch mobile apps, make phone calls, and perform other tasks on Android devices.

Developed by some external developer, the launcher can change the look of smartphone without changing or harming the system files. The launchers also allow users to customize their smartphone entirely by changing dock style, icons, icon size, animations, desktop grid, transitions and much more. With these numerous customization options, the users can give a unique and different look to their Smartphone from the look provided by your mobile company.

There are 1000+ launchers available in Play Store, so we’ve gathered the top 10 most popular Android launchers.

1. Nova Launcher

Nova and Apex (below) are the two standout Android launchers, as both provide an excellent balance between having enough features to customize things, without bogging you down with 17 levels of sub-menu hell and unbelievably long options lists.

Of the two, Nova is definitely better with a few more options available in the free version (there is also a Prime version), and somewhat better performance.

Price: Free/Paid
Requires: Android v.2.2 or above

2. Apex Launcher

Just like Nova, Apex Launcher combines smooth performance and ease-of-use with a good level of customization to create genuinely a appealing interface. Standout features on Apex include a superb tablet mode and the fantastic Apex Notifier service in the Pro version, which pushes notifications to a widget on your home screen.

Price: Free/Paid
Requires: Android v.2.1 or above

3. Launcher Lab

Launcher Lab offers tons of customization options. You can design your home screens with various editing elements using Launcher Lab: text, image, wallpaper, widgets, music, time, weather, etc. It also contains a theme store, in which you can browse and download user-created content.

Price: Free
Requires: Android v.2.1 or above

5. Google Now

Google’s own Android launcher allows you to get easy access to Google Now, button-free voice controls, and transparent window-bars. It is compatible with all Nexus and Google Play Edition devices, and it gets running on all Android 4.x handsets when connected to a computer for two minutes.

Price: Free
Requires: Android v.2.1 or above

5. Microsoft Arrow Launcher

Arrow, the first ever android launcher launched by Microsoft is one of the simplest launchers. It is exclusively designed and quite fast but it is not available on the play store. Swiping up from any screen will give you access to your folders and apps, which acts as main home-screen page.

Price: Free
Requires: Android 4.0.3+ or above

6. Go Launcher

All advanced users are recommended to use this launcher. Go launcher has an amazing user interface and many awesome themes along with other features. In comparison to other launchers, Go Launcher has many customization options in its free version. It is also packed with some important plugins and widgets.

Price: Free/Paid
Requires: Android v.2.0 or above

7. Mini Launcher (KitKat UI)

Mini Launcher is a simple, fast, smooth and stylish launcher. By installing this small-sized app, you can convert your Android 4.0 Jelly Bean device into latest Android 4.4 KitKat. This app allows you to use customization options such as variable interface, different transition effects for desktop and app drawer, gestures, and much more. For easy navigation between recent calls & messages, frequently used apps, weather info, and other settings, the app offers a ‘Mini Sidebar’.

Price: Free
Requires: Android v.4.0 or above

8. Launcher 8

This launcher is for those people who like the look of the Windows Phone interface or would like to try it out. Compared to other Windows Phone 8 launchers on android market, this app has more features.

Price: Free
Requires: Android v.2.1 or above

9. Action Launcher 3

This is one of the fastest launchers that allows you to access various functions through the list menu easily. This launcher has thousands of downloads and a rating of 4.1 on Google Play store.

Price: Free with in app purchases
Requires: Android v.4.1 or above

10. LINE Launcher

Line launcher lets you to do many customizations easily. There are many new wallpapers, ringtones, icon packages etc. As compared to other launchers, this launcher consumes less memory. It has a rating of 4.4 on the Play store.

Price: Free
Requires: Android v.4.0.3 or above

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Wisdom is a constant process. No matter how sure of your own wisdom you are, there’s something out there left to learn — that’s what the wise would say, anyway.

Most of all, you can always use a reminder or two. Use these words of wisdom to remind yourself of and improve upon a wise mindset in your work, your relationships, and your view on life.

 

“Attract what you expect, 

reflect what you desire,

become what you respect,

and mirror what you admire.”

 

 

 

 

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Blueberries are ideal plants for containers because it’s easy to control the soil conditions they like best. Start with a pot that’s at least 20-24 inches wide or larger.

Sun requirements: All fruiting plants, whether in a container or in the ground, produce the most berries in full sun. Provide at least six to eight hours or more of sun per day.

Water needs: Plants in containers need more water than plants in the ground. Because terra-cotta is a breathable material, plants in those containers dry out even faster than those planted in plastic or ceramic pots. In general, check the soil in your containers daily to be sure it stays moist but not wet. In windy or hot conditions, plants might even need watering twice a day. Before watering, insert your finger up to the first joint in the soil to determine whether water is needed.

Choose the right container: Always plant in a container with drainage holes. Roots allowed to stay in standing water will rot. Pour water over the soil until you see water running out of the drainage holes.

Planting tips: Choose a potting mix designed for acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, or camellias. Look for a pH balance between 4.5 and 5.5.

Soil and fertilizer: Use a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants. Apply in early and late spring to promote growth and fruit production, then stop fertilizing for the year. Feel free to occasionally sprinkle used coffee grounds on the top of the soil around blueberry plants.

Pruning and other care: In early spring, prune any dead wood. Otherwise, blueberries need no other pruning unless you want to shape the plant.

Most blueberry plants need one to two other types of blueberry plants nearby for pollination. However, some varieties are self-pollinating, although they might produce better with more plants nearby.

If you live in a year-round warm climate, remember that blueberries need cold temperatures for a certain number of hours to produce fruit. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service to find varieties best suited for your climate.

In general, choose a container variety that is cold-tolerant to one hardiness Zone colder than the one you live in. ‘Sunshine Blue’ is a good variety for warmer climates; ‘Top Hat’ is good for cold regions.

Winter care: In regions with harsh winters, move the blueberry pots to an unheated garage, allowing the plants to go dormant but watering just enough to keep them alive. Return the pot to a sunny location after danger of frost passes. If you choose to leave the pot in place, insulate it with mulch for winter protection. Avoid using ceramic or terra-cotta pots outdoors year-round in cold climates as freeze-thaw cycles can crack those containers.

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Carnival season in Acadiana always offers seemingly innumerable parades, festivals, balls, and parties. Unfortunately, Mardi Gras celebrations are known to get notoriously rowdy and even risqué—not exactly the ideal environment for children.  Your young ones should have the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of Mardi Gras without you having to worry about impending obscenity.

And they can!  The Knowledge Effect coalition of Lafayette and its partners have once again joined efforts to host the 8th annual Family Friendly Mardi Gras event. The organization’s goal is to provide a safe, fun and healthy environment that will allow families to enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities in an alcohol-and tobacco-free atmosphere.

This year’s Family Friendly Mardi Gras is to be held at Parc Putnam, across from the Federal Courthouse on Lafayette Street on February 9, 2016 from 9AM to 4PM. Its location is ideal for enjoying the parades that pass directly in front of the area. With the assistance of local donors the event is open and free to the public. There will be fun jumps, games, alcohol and drug awareness activities, free food and drinks.

Don’t let your children miss out on Carnival season; instead, bring them to a 100% family friendly event for a whole day full of worry-free fun!

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News