How to flash the Blue Kuban ROM on your Epic 4G Touch or pretty much any other ROM.

This is a step by step process so don't blame me if you do something wrong and fuck your phone up. I will not and can not be held responsible. Should have shipped me the thing and spent the lousy twenty bucks you cheap bastard. Anyways first of all you need to make sure your phone is rooted with either Superuser or SuperSu so if you aren't go over to XDA forums and look up your device. There will be plenty of reliable methods or all in one toolkits available. Next make sure you are using a safe recovery. If you don't know what that means then you probably have no business doing this sort of shit so once again go study the forums at XDA. If your flashing from an ICS based ROM then either use Odin or mobile Odin which can be purchased from the Google Play Store or downloaded from XDA forums to flash either the el26 CWM kernel or the direct boot el29 CWM kernel. Wait for your phone to boot then hold power and volume up until you see the CWM recovery screen. Next hit up down up to enable the power button then use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select. Make sure you have either the Blue Kuban ROM downloaded onto the root of your SD card or if you don't have one your internal storage before booting into your safe recovery. I'm going to get into the reason for this now. You always want to perform a full wipe when installing a new ROM on your phone which means you can either use one of the wipe scripts like the X2 format all script or Calks format all script to wipe the phone or you can manually scroll down to factory reset and select it using the power button. Scroll down to yes and select it. Then scroll to wipe cache and select it, scroll to yes and select it again. Next you want to go into advanced features and select wipe dalvic cache, scroll down to yes and select it yet again. Once your phone is completely wiped you want to scroll to install zip. Choose install zip from where ever you placed it either on your internal or external SD card. Find the zip file and select it then scroll down to yes and install it. Let CWM recovery do its thing then reboot your phone. Depending on the ROM you may have to flash the Google gapps package next which is easy enough to find on XDA as well. For the Blue Kuban ROM you don't need to do anything but wait for your device to reboot then let it settle for about ten minutes. When it's done find the Kuban updater and look under stock where it says install part 2. Select it and let it auto flash it for you. Once your phone reboots your done. You now have the Blue Kuban installed and the Kuban kernel. There are a number of different tweaks you can modify on this ROM such as different kernels like slesh's or Agat's. You can install various themed apps and add ons as well. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1625535

Prison tip of the day

If you don't have anyone on the outside that is going to be sending you any money, whether it is their money or your own then GET A JOB! Contrary to popular belief you can work inside prison. Their are many different types of jobs you can get depending on your status of sentenced or unsentenced and what level inmate you are on a scale of 1 through 5 usually. You can work in the library or the kitchen and a list of jobs should be available at the unit counselor or Captain's office. If you can't find the list then go to the guards in your unit or block and ask them. Someone will tell you where to find a job. Ask other inmates as well. It isn't dangerous to ask certain types of questions but don't think that gives you the right to ask someone every time you have a question. Once your level drops to a 2 or maybe even a 3 in some states you can become eligible for outside clearance work. This type of work allows you to go out into the community, supervised of course, and perform certain tasks like cleaning road ways and mowing grass. Some people actually manage to save a decent amount of money while inside prison so that they have something to get started with when they get out. Or you can blow what money you earn on commissary and sneakers every week, it's your choice. So if you are getting ready to go into prison to do a bid ask yourself what level inmate are you going to start at and what types of jobs will be available to you? Pick out a job and stick with it. Not only does it put some cash in your pocket but it gives you something much more valuable than money. Entertainment. In prison there is too much free time. Anything that occupies this free time is a good thing. Take my word for it.

Trinity kernel

http://www.derkernel.com/index.html

Trinity kernel for Nexus 7

The trinity kernel application on the Play Store is a great option if your looking for a kernel to replace stock on your Nexus 7 or Galaxy Nexus among other devices. It allows for over clocking up to 1.7ghz depending on the kernel version you download. Under volting is supported as well. Check it out and let me know in the comments what everyone thinks.

Blue Kuban ROM on XDA developers

http://www.rujelus22.com/android/ROM6.png
Here are some more screen shots straight from the thread on XDA developers website. Check this ROM out if you have an Epic 4G Touch on Sprint. It won't disappoint you and if anyone needs any help flashing it just hit me up. I also offer a service for a cheap price to root any phone or tablet that has an unlockable bootloader, flash a custom recovery of your choice, and put whatever ROM you want on your device. I can do this in person or make a video for you taking you step by step through the entire process. You can ship me your device or if you live in CT bring it to me or I'll pick it up. Believe it or not there seems to be a market for this out here. Nothing crazy but after listening to enough people say they would pay someone to root their device for them I figured why not? I have a listing up on Craigslist and if it really takes off will start doing some other things as well. Just let me know people!

Titanium backup

I am going to start reviewing Android applications regularly as well on this blog. I will mostly start with root applications or apps that function once you have root permissions on your specific device. I'm going to start with Titanium backup instead of the usual SuperSu or Superuser, which are root permission manager applications. Titanium backup is my favorite root app for many reasons but the number one reason would be that is makes it so easy to backup and install all your apps and data when switching ROM's or performing wipes on your device. Instead of having to go back and download every single app from scratch and lose all your data you can buy this app from the Play store, yes it is a paid app, and it will do all the hard work for you. Titanium backup will also allow you to backup all your apps and data from user to system into the cloud through the use of dropbox, box, and other cloud storage solutions. There are options to clean up the delvic cache as well as extract backups from Nandroid backups through whatever custom recovery you are using such as Clockworkmod or TWRP. You can back up all your user apps or system apps as well as back up new versions of already backed up applications. This is a full featured app and well worth the price plus you get to support an amazing developer. There are tons more features and options so check it out on the Play Store and get it today. If you want an even more in depth review of this app there are many how to videos floating around on YouTube. The price of this app varies depending on whether or not the developer is having a sale but is usually around $5 or $6 which is a steal.

Nexus 7

Nexus 10

Nexus 4

Android 4.2 and the Nexus line of devices.

The latest iteration of the Android operating system from Google is a minor update from Android 4.1, otherwise known as Jellybean. Android 4.2 keeps the same moniker as it's predecessor while adding more features to an already robust OS. New features vary depending on the device. The list of new Nexus devices has also grown to include not only the now OG Galaxy Nexus from Samsung but the Nexus 7 and 10 tablets as well as the LG made Nexus 4 phone. To hit on a few of the more notable add ons in the latest version of Jellybean the system now includes a quick settings drag down notification bar. This can be accessed on tablets by swiping down from the right hand side of the notification bar where you see the battery and signal strength. On phones it can be accessed by using two fingers to swipe down the notification bar or by clicking the icon in the upper far most right section of the normal notification swipe down bar. This brings up options such as settings, bluetooth, wifi, multiple user accounts, ect. This brings me to the next improvement of Android Jellybean 4.2 that many Android users have been longing for since the beginning. Multiple user accounts, just like on a Windows based machine. Each user can now have their own log in password, account picture, and apps as well as settings easily accessed through the lock screen or drop down notification bar in settings. So if multiple members of a family are sharing a tablet such as the Nexus 7 or 10 each family member can have their own account. New security settings make it easier to keep track of what your kids can and can't do on the device as well as providing password protection to download apps and such. Developer options are now hidden in Jellybean 4.2 and can be accessed by hitting the last option under about phone which is build number. Hit this 7 times and a window will appear notifying you that you are now a developer. If only it were that simple, huh? Once enabled the developer options will appear in their normal place under settings so that you can enable USB debugging and whatever else you like. The camera software is much improved as well. The new Nexus 4 made by LG surprisingly enough has a panoramic camera with new software called photo sphere. It allows the user to essentially create a 3D image of their environment by piecing together various pictures taken by the phone's ample 8 megapixel camera. Yes, I said it. A Nexus phone with a not good, but great camera. Is it the best out there right now? Probably not. The HTC One X series and Samsung high end phones along with the Iphone take that honor but it's close. Widgets on the lock screen also allow more customization and a quick way to access the camera without having to open the phone per say. The widgets aren't that varied just yet but more and more developers are optimizing their applications to use this new feature. HD widgets is one such developer that has already done so and offers a varied set of choices so check them out if you have a chance. Facial recognition technology is included as well as Android beam and NFC. A media sharing technology is also included but there apparently isn't anything on the market just yet that actually supports it so I won't get into that too much. Daydream is another feature that will allow the device to show certain pictures or content while on a dock or charging. It is more a gimmick than anything else but cool if your into that sort of thing. There are of course various bug fixes and optimizations as well. With the advent of project butter in Jellybean 4.1 Android has finally left behind the lag and frustration of former builds and moved onto a smooth and fluid experience. Nexus devices are currently the only ones running the latest version but that will shortly change. Hardware has also vastly improved and the new Nexus line is nothing short of gorgeous and well built. If your in the market for a new unlocked phone or a tablet of the 7 or 10 inch variety you can't go wrong with these devices especially at the price points they are coming in at. The Nexus 7 comes in 16 and 32gb wifi only for $200 and $250 respectfully. Another 3G enabled Nexus 7 comes with 32gb of storage and costs $300. The Nexus 10 is wifi only so far and is offered in 16 and 32gb flavors. It will run you either $400 or $500. On to my favorite of all the Nexus phones and tablets, the Nexus 4. This phone is stunning and is beyond fast. If you have been trying to decide on a new phone look no further as long as your not on Verizon or Sprint. Even if you are I left Sprint for this phone. That is how good it is. The 8 and 16gb variants are unlocked and will only run on AT&T or T-Mobile. No 4G LTE but HSPA+21 or HSPA+42 is still extremely speedy. If you head over to Android Central there is even a way to enable certain LTE bands in certain countries so check that out as well. The 8gb will run you $300 and the 16gb $350 if you can even find this phone because it is so hot right now no one, even Google themselves, can keep it in stock. T-Mobile is also selling it on contract for $200 if you want to go that route as well. I recommend picking one up and going pre paid. Straight Talk is $45 a month for unlimited anything and will run on either AT&T or T-Mobile depending on which micro sim chip you order off the website for $10. The Nexus line has always been for Android fanboys and enthusiasts but is now becoming mainstream and I for one believe it is for the better. As the price of hardware and the quality of software continue to improve we the consumers can only continue to reap the benefits.

Camera on Samsung Epic 4G Touch from Sprint.

Photos taken with the Epic 4G Touch from Sprint. Also an 8 megapixel camera. Samsung makes excellent camera sensors for their phones. Probably the best in the business but the new 8 megapixel camera on the Nexus 4 from LG gives them a run for their money. Top honors probably still go to the HTC One X series though that seem to have the highest quality lenses and sensors plus dedicated camera software and hardware.

Check out the trinity kernel thread over on XDA developers as well for anyone looking for a good kernel for the Nexus 7. It does have a supporting app that costs a couple bucks but it is well worth it. This kernel does allow for over clocking for those interested up to 1.6 or 1.7ghz depending on which version of the kernel your using. It has a custom boot animation as well plus a ton of other features like governor control and IO scheduler. Try it out. The kernel developer does support other devices such as the Galaxy Nexus, SGSIII, and others I believe. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1788759

Blue Kuban screenshots.

Some screen shots I took from the Epic 4G Touch running the blue kuban ROM. SuperSu and settings about phone. This is one of the most stable ROM's I have ever used and the theme is awesome.

Some shots of the new Nexus 7 tablet and Nexus 4 phone from Google. Go check them out right now on the Google Play Store. https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=nexus_4_16gb&feature=device-featured

Nexus 4

Just a quick review of the new Nexus 4 phone from LG and Google. If you can get one I recommend you stop dicking around and do so. It is gorgeous.

Goodmorning Eitnam! That is what everyone in the prison of J.B. Gates used to call E dorm. If you don't get the reference it is referring to the movie with  Robin Williams. The dorm was nothing like the movie. It was a place so out of control on most days that the entire compound would have to be locked down while the guards went in to take someone out in handcuffs for any number of charges. Mostly it was allot of fighting, stealing, tattoos, drugs, and that kind of thing. Good old J.B. Gates. Today's how to survive prison tip is that the first thing you should do when you get from a cell to the dorms is buy  a lock. Buy one from somebody you trust otherwise they may know the combination and break into your locker on you or sell the combination to someone else that will. If you want to wait and buy one from the commissary store it will usually take at least a couple of weeks. I hope you aren't planning to keep your shit unlocked for two weeks because it isn't gonna last that long. Second tip of the day is that when someone breaks into your locker and steals your stuff you can let it go once. That is the rule. You can let anything go ONCE just about anyways. It varies. Some people won't let anything go EVER. I am of the opinion that everyone deserves a second chance. So if someone steals from you confront them. If they do it again. Take the lock you bought from the store, put it inside of one of your socks, and swing it as hard as you can at their head. That's it for today folks!

Blue Kuban ROM short review for Epic 4G Touch.

Check out this short video of the blue kuban ROM on the Sprint Epic 4G Touch. Go over to XDA developers and check out the thread. If anyone has any comments or needs any links to the download hit me up. Otherwise check this shit out!

The biggest change in my life since I have gotten out of prison and become a citizen is this little girl right here. My beautiful new daughter, Gabriella.

Ok so I have been out of prison for almost two years now and the current state of affairs in the CT state prison system is a mess. Multiple prisons have been closed in the state due to the fact that their just isn't enough money to keep them open and up to code. J.B. Gates in Niantic which is directly on the same compound as the woman's prison, York has been shut down temporarily though from what I hear from friends of mine that are prison guards there are still men being housed their in some of the older buildings. This place is on one of the most beautiful pieces of property I have ever seen in this state. A picture perfect lake surrounded by acres of unspoiled forest hide away some of Connecticut's less violent offenders and all of the state's woman inmate population. When I was their the main compound was using a double wide trailer system as it's intake dorm and as a second dorm for inmates that got in trouble or caught tickets. The walls were falling apart and there was black mold in the ceiling. The floor had caved in and the living conditions were disgusting. This is how the great state of CT treats its non - violent inmates. Gates is a level 2 facility which means that the inmates with minor DWI or drug offenses are housed their. The only violent offenders this prison gets are those who have been in so long that they have managed to get from a level 4 rating all the way down to a 2. You can't do that without almost perfect behavior so these individuals are also mostly non - violent and getting ready to discharge just like everyone else. My tip for the day on how to survive living in a place like J.B. Gates is this, personal hygiene. Keep clean and don't touch anything. Clean your laundry every chance you get even if you have to bribe the laundry man with a couple of soups once a week. Another great tip by the way. For a dollar in Ramen soups every week the laundry man will make sure your clothes get washed and separate from all the rest. Some will even fold your clothes for you. This tip is universal and is relevant no matter where your doing your time. Make friends with the laundry man and anyone working in the kitchen. Most of this stuff is common sense but for those who have never been locked up before a little advice never killed anyone. Prison on the other hand....

So I have been away for awhile but now I'm back baby! I have tons of interesting stuff to share on my blog. Right now I am heavily into Android development and rooting, modding, hacking, ect. I'm going to start writing about some of the tools I use and different ROM's and Android devices. With Google's latest botched product launch the Nexus line of phones and tablets from Google has yet to really take off but I am a firm supporter of the general premise of an unlocked and carrier bloatware free device. I have the new Nexus 7 tablet and the Nexus 4 phone and will be writing in depth reviews of the both of them coming up in the next few days so stay tuned if you want I can also post videos on how to unlock bootloaders, root, and flash custom recoveries as well. Let me know people!