A Toast to German Beer

As the world's most popular sport tournament bids farewell leaving millions of brokenhearted fans worldwide in its wake, perhaps it's but a fitting gesture that we feature something from Germany, the 2014 FIFA World Cup champion. And if there was one drink that has made the Central European nation the center of our known universe, it's none other than beer.

Everyone - or at least most - will agree that no team shone brighter and delivered football finesse more than the glorious 11-man squad led by Philipp Lahm from one and united Deutschland. And as the strength of their collective will catapulted them to the top even with a bloodied and bruised Schweinsteiger, the golden trophy was well-deserved, truly. Of course, the hero in football superstar Messi may disagree. But the scores say it all.

And what better way to celebrate the German squad's tiki-taka global dominance than with a cold German beer, the best the Oktoberfest nation can offer. Here's how to differentiate one bubbly concoction from the other.

1.)    Pilsner

Named after their city of origin, Plzeň in Bohemia, Czech Republic , and this concoction has been brewed since the 13th century.  Don’t be surprised, due to the German Purity Law or Reinheinsgebot, majority of the German beer market is composed mostly of German style pilsners, be it locally or internationally – mostly a German pale lager.

Pilsners German-style exude a light golden color and carry a mild hop aroma. Compared to commercial lagers, these are maltier and more earthly and would boast of being hoppier than the Czech-style pilsners.

Examples: Bitburger Premium Pils, RadebergerPilsner,Jever, RothausTannenzäpfle, Warsteiner, Heineken, Löwenbräu

2.)    Kolsch

This style originated from the city of Köln (Cologne) in Western Germany way back in the 9th century. It’s processed initially via top-fermentation utilizing ale yeasts. Subsequently, these are lagered or cold-conditioned resulting in a sweet malt character with a distinctively-pronounced fruit and yeast flavors.

You’d easily spot Kolsch beers with its golden straw color and it’s slightly less hoppy taste in comparison to German style pale lagers. Word of caution: Kolsch Convention states these beer cannot be brewed anywhere else but in the Cologne region. Many Kolsch-style beer, however, have been produced internationally.

Examples: ReissdorfKölsch, GaffelKölsch, KüppersKölsch, SionKölsch, Captain Lawrence Captain's Kölsch (US), Harpoon Summer Beer (US)

3.)    Helles

From the German word hell meaning ‘pale’, Helles is another popular method of brewing pale lager in the Deutschland. Traditionally  a Bavarian golden lager, pale beers caught on in 19th century    England transforming Munich breweries mainly into Helles-producer instead of using the usual Dunkelbier brewing method.

Also straw-colored, Helles carry a medium-bodied taste and are fermented utilizing bottom-fermenting lager yeasts.

Examples: ReissdorfKölsch, GaffelKölsch, KüppersKölsch, SionKölsch, Captain Lawrence Captain's Kölsch (US), Harpoon Summer Beer (US)

4.)    Bock

Now for a larger grouping of beers: Bock. This includes such famous sub-groups as eibock, doppelbock, maibock and hellerbock. One distinct characteristic of Bock beers are their orange-gold to brown color with typically over 6% ABV. These are a strong breed, lightly hopped amber lagers. To balance the additional malt, enough hops are added resulting in a character of distinctively caramel and malt backbone.

Of the group, Maibocks and heller bocks display a lighter color carrying a more pronounced hop aroma. Doppelbocks are a notch stronger with 7% to 12% ABV. Of this crowd, eisbocks stand the strongest ranging from 8% to 13% with further refinement in the water removal process creating a more potent alcohol content.

Examples: Einbecker Mai-Ur-Bock (maibock), ErdingerPikantus (dunkel bock), AugustinerMaximator (doppelbock), EKU 28 (doppelbock), SmuttynoseMaibock (US)
Einbecker Mai-Ur-Bock, ErdingerPikantus

5.)    Weissbier

Another popular beer concoction also known as hefeweizen, Weissbier is brewed using mainly wheat in addition to barley malt fermented with top-fermenting yeast. Traditionally, this blend is one of the preferred styles of beer brewed in Bavaria during the Reinheitsgebot. Its name meaning “white beer” is derived from its color which usually runs from straw yellow to white due to its unfiltered nature.

Though many international variation exists (e.g., Belgian witbiers brewed with orange zest and coriander) Bavarian weissbier has fruity aromas, characteristically a combination of banana and clove.

Examples: ErdingerWeissbier, Schneider Weisse, WeihenstephanerHefeWeissbier, OettingerHefeweissbierNaturtrüb, AyingerBrau-Weisse

6.)    Dunkelbier

Once the dominant style of lager beer in Bavaria, it has since been eclipsed by helles. Its name originates from the German word meaning “dark” due to its typically dark colors, which could range from reddish hue to brown. One distinction is that Dunkelbiers are usually sweeter than Helles.

Examples: WeihenstephanerHefeweissbierDunkel, ErdingerDunkel, KneitingerDunkel Export, OechsnerSchwarzbier

With all that knowledge, you’re ready than ever to start the celebrations. Just make sure you secure the place, putting all electronic in a safety zone, an iTablet in its iPad mini keyboard case for instance. Before all the alcohol makes the world spin a little bit faster than usual.

5 Better Alternatives to PowerPoint

Ok. If you’re banking on PowerPoint to back you up for your laser-controlled presentation, then you may have to realign your thinking. Drastically. There’s no need to put your audience to more of the same. No kidding.

Yes, no offense to PowerPoint and its makers. It certainly gave us its own version of a nifty and useful audience tool. For some time there. But increasingly, it has leaned towards the boring, almost like eggs for breakfast: predictable and commonplace.

As a presenter, you need not suffer the agony of watching most of your audience give you blank stares and a number of unscheduled yawns. You deserve better. The train of thought should be fluid, encountering less bumps, so to speak. Much like the ease of writing on an i-tablet using an iPad mini keyboard. Below are 5 apps that should fire up your presentation like never before:

1.Emaze

An Emaze presentation is quite simply, amazing. If you’re looking for out-of-this-world templates, this app could be your best bet. You could run something like it’s from a news article or pull out the likes of a brandishing new TV commercial. And more importantly, it’s easy for newbies to learn the ropes via a tutorial as the ins and outs of creating an honest-to-goodness jaw-dropping presentation is revealed. A feature many other programs fail to deliver.

Added to this, you can password protect your presentation so making it safe from unscrupulous hands. Also, you get to have the chance to invite other collaborators via email to sharpen your planned presentation. And when it’s all ready to roll, share it in your fave social media network, FB, Twitter to name a few.
2.Hakiu Deck
For its approach, it’s easy to conclude Hakiu Deck is the Instagram of presentations. This is very much evident in the ease by which any would-be presenter can insert needed text and pictures into the visual ensemble. And the UI for this app is going to blow you away. Truly easy to navigate. And get it on your handheld iPhone or use it over the PC. NP.

Once your presentation is set, you can make your new “deck” public, restricted or downright private. And share it over your fave social media (e.g., Google+, FB) or if you choose to produce an equivalent PDF file or a PowerPoint one for the traditionals. Because of its multi-faceted nature, Haiku is increasingly becoming the go-to app for ravishing presentations.

3. PowToon

If you don’t want to follow a common road and give an “out-of-the-box” presentation, PowToon may serve your purpose best.  In its essence, this app is a video animation software that adeptly enhances your creative juices bringing it to the fore. With PowToon you get to come out with animated videos that are oozing with excitement and interest - to the brim.

There’s no need to be techie about it. PowToon is easy to use it’s free as long as your videos last but 5 minutes. For a more sturdy, longer version you can get the app for a one-time yearly fee.

4. Prezi

Prezi is a prize catch. Especially if you want your presentation to be highly-engaging and most dynamic.Which should ring true for most of us.

What sets Prezi apart is its unique approach to presentation. Instead of the usual “creating slides” thing you get to have one single canvas that holds all your content. Once the browser is set to motion, the first item in your canvas gets zoomed into and displayed. Then on to the next. 

No need to worry about a complex operation though. Though Prezi sounds off-beat its definitely a one-two punch for not-so-tech-savvy users. With this app,  you get attention-grabbing presentation for free with 100MB storage. A few dollars and you get extra storage plus the chance to make your presentation private.
5. Knovio

This one may well be on top of this list. Not only is this program easy-to-use, you get to breathe life into your presentations with the addition of audio and video. In fact, this can be used to elevate your usual PowerPoint slides and turn them into mighty packs of energy that will touch your audience like no other - whether in business or for personal use. And if you want to, get to share the good news via social media or e-mail. Just like that.

Best 5 Apps for Making Movies on a Smart Phone

Every year, without fail, a stunning series of movies continually capture our imagination like no other. Leaving us awestruck and dumbfounded by their sheer drawing prowess. And yet, there is a way that each of us - and even young children - can actually carve a path towards making a movie. Via a smartphone and given the right apps.

Yes, be it an iOS or an Android device, an iPad comfortably sitting on its sleek iPad keyboard case or the latest tablet fresh from the creative minds of Samsung HQ, your path towards spinning a wonderful tale in movie-form could be closer than you think.  Not only is this technology powerful enough in making and editing videos, these apps are easy to use. And for children taking their baby steps towards writing and planning a sequential story, these fits to a T.

Here are 5 of the best.

Andromedia Video Editor (Android: Free)

Enthusiasts can get videos stored in their Android device edited with this amazing app, Andromedia Video Editor. So you get to crop video, put some organization into your clips and even go as far as introduce the “Ken Burns” filming technique. Additionally, you can have your audio edited or record a needed narration via a microphone should you choose to. When everything’s all set, you can then share your finished products on multiple platforms. Cool!

iMovie (iOS: $4.99)

This one’s bound to appeal to the “Steven Spielberg” in you as a student of the craft. Using this power-packed app, you can have your videos edited creating feature films and trailers that’s going to be as Hollywood as you can get with a ready-to-go themes and templates built-in . So you get to factor in those titles, introduce transitions and get the music going. With a variety of camera tricks at your disposal (e.g., slow motion, panning), you’d certainly are a step closer to serious filmmaking and could be making your directorial debut in no time.

Magisto Video Editor & Maker (Android: Free)

Here’s another wonderful option to enhance your movie-making skills. Magisto lets you shoot and edit video utilizing the app so you can create your desired movie right from within the app. Just get down to your still images and videos and subsequently choose your best theme and music. Magisto gets all those choices in the mix in a jiffy. If you want to have your obra maestra saved, then just create an account and voila.
PicPlayPost (iOS: $1.99)

For making everything all seems child’s play, PicPlayPost is at the front seat in honing your directorial skills. What makes this app stand out is it allows you to combine your stills with your videos into one shared frame, a feature not available in most of the apps in this list. Using but a screen tap you can choose to play videos simultaneously or sequentially. A truly unique tool. You can then manipulate the frame to your liking. Add some music and you’re good to go.

iMotion HD (iOS: Free, Upgrade Available)

This app allows you to make stop-motion or time-lapse films. And quite easily, this is a favorite for kids learning the ropes of the trade. Also, you can make a movie by combining still photos one after the other. Imagine the good things that you could generate because of the versatility of this movie app. Think about capturing a sunset frame by frame or making a movie out of photographed puppets. And when you want to get the most out of it, getting music for instance, you can choose to upgrade. Heck, that will allow you to post your work directly to YouTube.

How to Shop Online Without a Credit Card

Yes, we understand, it may surprise you. But as ambitious as it sounds, there are definitely ways for you to make the most of an online purchase without resorting to the services of a credit card. Or is it more aptly called a disservice for some.

For consumers - which means virtually all of us - credit cards are like a two-edged Damocle’s sword. Sure, you may be jumping for joy when you get your plastic as it can be a glorious means to get the goods you need; on the down side, that boon can also turn into a sinkhole, siphoning your hard-earned cash and burying you in debt in the process. Then, you’d come to realize how did you ever got hooked into one.

So if you’re bent into buying some goods online, giving your i-tablet an elegant iPad keyboard case perhaps, without employing your plastic, read on.

Before we move forward, a caveat: Your ATM and your credit card are not that different after all since both carry a 16-digit number. Technically, your ATM is a debit card. So you can use it to purchase if cash is available. That is both an advantage and a disadvantage. If a con man gets your ATM number and pwd details, you’d be out of cash before sun down. Not so with a credit card, since you could still refute suspicious charges in your monthly bill.

Option 1: Secondary Account

Go to your bank and ask them to set up a secondary account for you specifically for online purchases. Make sure to keep only a small account in that particular account for better handling. Also, inform your banker to cut overdraft protection. This ensures money does not flow from your main account to your newly-set up one.

Option 2: Paypal

Though this global service is offered in many establishments, Paypal can give you a debit card that can be used for online purchases. To activate, you need to sign up for a Paypal account which needs but a legit email address. Yeah, it’s that simple. Most financial institutions can transact via Paypal and money can be forwarded to your account.

Option #3: Gift Cards

Yes, no kidding. You can even buy them the old-fashioned way using cash from many brick-and-mortar stores.

For instance, you could drop by at a local Safeway and pick up gift cards for major e-retailers (e.g., Barnes & Nobles, Amazon, Hulu Plus, Ebay). Mostly within the $20 to $500 denomination, you could use them to buy online. With a distinct advantage: you’re free from the dangers of splurging.

TOP WEDDING PLANNER APPS

If you are into the wedding planning business or is planning your sister’s wedding or for that matter your very own, these iPad apps could give you a lift like no other.
It’s easy to go the traditional way and do things without the use of technology. Don’t get me wrong,  the usual planning methods are still going to give you spectacular results. But just like the iPad mini keyboard case to the iPad, these apps could cut your down time in half.

1. Eversnap (Android, iOS, Free)

No need to create too much fuss about your wedding photos and how to let your best buddies enjoy them after the wedding. Eversnap will take care of that for you. Just get that photo album ready and invite your circle of friends via SMS or email and you’re good to go.

2. Wedding Plandroid (Android, Free)
This one’s truly comprehensive, it’s heaven-sent. From managing your budget to getting those needed vendors, this app will help put organization right where you need it.

3. Royal Caribbean International (Android, iOS, Free)

Take the hassle of planning a honeymoon off your shoulder. Make the most of Royal Caribbean and set yourself to the cruise of your life.

4. Bed Bath & Beyond (iOS, Free)

Fear you may not be able to keep up with  your wedding gift and registry. Then, here’s one you should employ - Bed Bath & Beyond. Browse through thousands of options and make your memory count.

5.Pinterest (Android, iOS, Free)

Inspiration may be a hard thing to come by when the pressure seems boiling you down. Well, with Pinterest, ideas could be flying in no time. The best thing is you could as easily share these to your circe by pinning your faves.

6.DavidTutera Live - My Dream Wedding (iOS, Free)

If you haven’t heard of David Tutera, it’s high time you should, now that you’re facing a wedding - be it yours or your friend’s. And get you closer to the wedding of your dreams.

7. Wedding Wire (Android, iOS, Free)

The Wedding Wire is such a comprehensive app, it’s hard to imagine getting married without giving it a peek. With tons of local wedding professionals, reviews and vital input (e.g., galleries for dresses, jewelry, invites), you get to fill those unseen gaps in your wedding planning in no time.

8.David’s Bridal (Android, Free)

Still fidgety over your dress? Stop worrying and get your dream dress David’s Bridal. Complete with stunningly beautiful gowns, dresses and accessories, you’d be surprise at how easily your choice will dawn on you. Plus, you get an expert consultant to put your choice down to your best shot.

9. Wedding Countdown Widget (Android, iOS, Free)

Here’s putting things in perspective. Wedding Countdown gives you the exact number of time to your walk in the aisle, counting down the hours, minutes and seconds to its most precise value. This could be very helpful once shared with your wedding planner team.

10.The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner (iOS, Free)

For functionality, this app could be in the running for the best app in the list. The big advantage is you get to access your wedding planning details right when you need it - anytime, anywhere. Meaning you get to stay in tip top shape and manage your hard-earned cash with an easy-to-use budget tool.

Top 10 Apps for the Blind

Thanks to the magic of touchscreen and Voice Over, iOS-powerd devices (iPhone & iPad) are fave goto-devices for the blind and the vision-impaired. Perhaps  a little more than most technologies available on the market today - at the given the price. Making another strong case for the visionary in the late Steve Jobs. 

However, if you’re scouring iTunes for the best app for the vision-challenged, you may be walking into a surprise as there are hundreds of them, if not thousands in store. To cut to the chase, here are 10 of the best.

For a better feel, we strongly recommend you have your i-tablet propped on a dependable iPad mini keyboard.

1. Sendero LookAround

This one helps you explore the world outside when you’re out and about. With Sendero, you get to choose from the “Lookaround” button, “Nearest Cross Street” button. Additionally, you can get the nearest 5 points of interest (ATM’s, restaurant or entertainment) and program the app to say the location detailing the street or shake the phone in a figure eight for a compass direction. 

2. Google Translate

Best for conversation to just about any citizen from all over the world. With its capacity to give translations to just about any language and voice over and speech to text program, you can be enjoying the fun part of a conversation without any language barriers. Google Translate have your back and the best part is it’s for free.

3. Papa Sangre

Who says you can’t have fun haven’t met Papa Sangre! Here’s an audio-only horror adventure that’s bound to give you the entertainment you need ushering in a new era of exciting audio games for the blind and the vision-impaired. 

4. Dragon Dictate

With a proprietary speech recognition software, Dragon Dictate is a treasure find helping you put your spoken words into writing. With this app, writing a book may not be that far off.

5. Audible.com

Being blind should not condemn you from a book-less life. Thanks to Audible you can play any Amazon-bought audiobooks or from iTunes Store. With stellar features (e.g.,voiceover, chapter selection, speed controls), you’ll easily fall in love with this app - in no time.

6. Learning Ally

Formerly Recording for the Blind and & Dyslexic is an app that is designed specifically for the sight-impaired with the aim of giving access to thousands of learning books - from kindergarten to post-graduate. And with more than 80,000 titles available, all that one needs is to present a certificate of disability and the treasure’s all yours for personal pleasure and perusal.

7. Digit Eyes Audio Labeler

Digit-eyes is a remarkable AT (assistive technology) app for the blind and the visually-impaired. Via a built-in camera, it identifies UPC and EAN codes found in most every product today. Searching its database, it reads the results to you. Of course, you would need internet to access database which could be expanded to include Google. The best function this app can give you, however, is creating text labels which can then be printed and stuck to your everyday things for easy sorting and ID.

8. BlindSquare

This is like having a walking companion with you though for starters this may cost you a burger or two. Using GPS and Wi-Fi this app locates you and with the help of FourSquare finds people or places of interest nearby. 

9. TapTapSee

Like a virtual third eye, this app allows sight-challenged people to see the world around. With a simple double-tap onscreen, a photo is taken then uploaded to its servers for subsequent processing. After a second or two, a voiceover assistant details things around (e.g., keyboard on white desk and glass mug). Smart!

10. iBlink Radio

This app’s tailored specifically for the needs and wants of the blind community and usher in the world of radio stations complete with reading services and podcasts as wide as any - technology, economics, travel, music and a lot more. 

How to Keep Your iOS and Android Data Synced

With all the bad blood going on between iOS loyalists and Android fanatics, it’s easy to think these two camps are out to start WW III. Practicality dictates otherwise, however. Especially when you’re in the office or out with a friend. The difference in phone/tablet architecture should not be a stumbling block in your office effectivity or to your dwindling social life, for that matter.

Apparently, one of the immediate grounds of concern is data sync ability. For instance, it would be a lot easier for you to finish on a word document coming from your iPad-wielding boss if you just can edit it on your Samsung Galaxy Note.

To note, syncing from one Cupertino-made device to the other, is not an issue with iCloud. Nor is it on the other side of the fence, from one Android gadget to the other. However, full integration between these two giant ecosystems still leaves a lot to be desired and may take years - if at all.

But this is not a hopeless case (though getting irritated may not be a surprise), here are some tricks and treats that should get you started in that direction. 

Basics: Email, Contacts, Calendar

In any business or friendship, contacts is most essential. There are various ways to keep your contacts together even on different devices.

One way is to utilize an account that is powered by Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. Outlook.com,used to be hotmail.com, is capable of replicating contact data and make them available across multiple devices. Not much of a problem for iOS, importing these data into the right designated area (e.g., calendar, contacts, stock mail).

What may be a little challenging is with Android. Although the Google world is supportive of ActiveSync. You may have to make do. Use the feature slim email app, for instance or maximize a 3rd-party alternative choice found in the Play Store - like Touchdown,     for instance.

When you talk about Android to iOS, the set-up’s slightly different. Android devices gets all integrated via a Google account as many users will know. So setting up your Google credentials in your devices via your Gmail account ensures data connectivity between these electronic gadgets, be it a tablet, a smartphone or something in between (phablet).

However, getting your Google account connected unto that fave iPad on its iPad mini keyboard case gets a little bumpy. CalDAV and cardDAV are your best bet to migrate contacts and calendars. For the more sophisticated Google accounts however, be it Business, Education or Government you will have to utilize Google Sync to facilitate the exchange.

More Productivity

For starters, use Google Drive for data-syncing. Though the iPad version is still not as robust as the original app in terms of sophistication and features, the gap is closing fast. With that said, it would be easy to work on cross-platform devices with this cloud-based app, Google Drive.

Another alternative is to use other popular cloud-based services (e.g. Dropbox, Box). Just save your Office or other word files in these internet-based services. With these, at least getting your documents read is not a problem whether you’re utilizing an iOS or an Android-based device.

And if you want to some editing which is most likely, installing Quickoffice and Documents to Go are great choices. These two apps will work in across both OS platforms, allowing you greater latitude in work.

Increasingly, there are more and more apps that can be utilized in both giant ecosystems, Android and iOS. It seems that this is becoming some sort of a trend. You may have to dig a little deeper to find these cross-platform tools but it’s a small price to pay.

How to Protect Your Online Privacy Using Chrome

Now, with all the hullabaloo about online espionage and unwarranted personal data breaches, you could be asking yourself: How do I keep my privacy online when I’m out enjoying the world wide web? Well, fortunately for Chrome fans, there’s a way.

To note, however,  your gadget is not the issue here. So it just doesn’t matter whether you’re tinkering on your dependable Android gadget or making headway via a Windows PC. Or as the case maybe, lost in another digital dimension in a classy i-tablet perched on its sleek iPad mini keyboard.

If you’re surfing the net (or doing whatever it is you want to do online), the following extensions will help protect your privacy - assuming you’re using Google Chrome, of course:

Disconnect
Disconnect is the good guy. It is like a tracking police that does away with third-party resources vent on tracking your browsing activities in various sites and web apps. With these trackers stopped, you get to enjoy faster browsing as your bandwidth is freed from trash.

Well, it may have been a cliche but “Information is power.” Not only that, data is money in the making - especially when it lets in on the buying habits or the market’s behavior.

Most - if not all - of the websites that you come visit and perhaps “get lost into” over the internet, tracks your browsing history, and various bits and pieces of data that become valuable market insights when taken together. As a result, these information play a large part as a vital building block in the advertising efforts of major enterprises. And they are willing to pay much to get it.

Do Not Track for Chrome (DNT)
Do-Not-Track also gets rid of these pesky tracking devices, acting like an opt-out mechanism in the process. Chrome may have built-in settings to toggle the Do-Not-Track HTTP header, but this seemingly puny extension is powerful enough to roll out the tracking without getting your hands dirty with the browser settings.

However, hold your horses. Before you jump for joy or cry out loud “Eureka”, be warned: Do-Not-Track may not be totally observed by some of the companies you encounter daily on the web. Among them, Google and Facebook.

Don’t Track Me Google
This one could be the answer you have been waiting for as you are on the lookout in your searches. When you utilize Google as you most often will, Google keeps tracks of the links that you have clicked upon, among other search statistics. With the Don’t Track Me Google extension, Google tracking is disabled so tracking cookies are not set  and targeted ads while you browse are also incapacitated.

In other words, this useful extension tells Google to stay away from tracking you as you try to find your way products and services you want.

Keep My Opt-Outs
To note, this handy mechanism come from the sweat and Google’s brow, so relax.

Keep My Opt-Outs is a handy extension that lets you as a user opt-out of behavioral data tracking and its twin sister, personalized advertising. With this, you’re off the grid. Companies who want to advertise and look into your search and browsing history are swept aside, their hands tied behind their back.

How to Watch Super Bowl Live on Any Device

Now that the Super Bowl XLVIII is but days away, the question is how do you get in on the action while it’s hot and live. Man, there is but a handful of sports events on American soil that draws over 100 million in TV viewing alone. Surely, you don’t want to be out of the discussion.
Eat your heart out, amigo. Here’s a definitive guide on how to get an eye-feast: super-charged Peyton Manning’s Broncos vs the defensive fortress of Russell Wilson’s Broncos, February 2 at MetLife Stadium. And yes, you don’t need a $500 ticket (the least-priced) or get the best seats with a whopping $10,000 pass. Just your fave device.

Here’s how to have Super Bowl XLVIII delivered right straight at you - live!

Traditional

First stop, let’s just stay with what many would still go to: cable TV.

Well, for cable that’s really a no-brainer. Chances are, Comcast and Time Warner have already set their services to it and many have it on schedule - for a fee, of course. Then, it’s just a matter of tuning in to your  local Fox station on the day itself and you’re good to go.

But if you’re already become a fan of cord-cutting technology, you may still access Fox over-the-air using your television antennas. Or get Aereo subscription service, instead.

Aereo could give you the shot you want – though CBS may not be too eager about it (i.e., CBS and Aereo are locked in a legal battle).

From Just About Anywhere

Thanks to the advance of technology you can view the big game from anywhere and through any device - a glorious iPad on its iPad mini keyboard or a South Korean tablet, sans the non wi-fi ready ones, of course.

Over internet. Well, Fox has been mighty generous these days we should be calling the broadcasting company Santa Fox. The good news is you can have live streaming for free. Yes that free all-caps, F-R-E-E. Regardless who provided you with internet service, enjoy the content at FoxSportsGo.com. Just make sure you log at exactly the right time: from February 2, 12 a.m. up to the next day, February 3 a.m ET.

On any device. Customers of Verizon may download the app of the moment: NFL Mobile app. This comes across all platforms (e.g., Android, iOS, Windows, Blackberry). It’s free to get scores and highlights but comes in with a $5 subscription charge for full access to the Super Bowl. Well, that’s a far cry and many times over a $500 ticket.

You may also make use of the Fox Sports Go mobile app, and should be able to savor every twists and clashes of the game. However, this one’s only for iOS devices. Due to Verizon-NFL agreement, Fox won’t give the streaming live on all smartphones.

Well, another solution for you is through the Slingbox-way. The media device is designed to stream every little thing you have on your  home TV to just about any device - Android, iOS and the rest of the gang.

However, Slingbox may come in a little pricey (i.e.,starting at $180 plus $14.99 for the app). You may contemplate on getting the games right where it is, in New Jersey, if that’s your cup of tea. But then again, that is a decision you alone can make.

How to Best Increase Productivity

Increasing productivity is a tall order, no doubt. Especially if you’re just starting out, having less hands to share the burden can truly bite. Fortunately, whether you’re growing a business or wanting to achieve more in the workplace, there are effective ways and means to get the job done. Bringing you outstanding results, in the process.

However, it’s easy to lose your way in your search towards greater productivity. For instance, you may choose to get on the high road and contemplate on the best methods - like a Tibetan monk. But it may take you ages to arrive at practices that have already been in use for years. Same thing if you’re an internet-savvy professional - devouring information on a daily basis. Take a stand. It’s about time you separate the unpredictability of theory from things that actually work.

Below are timely productivity tips. Combine them with tried-and-tested tools provided and you have a potent potion that should pull your productivity a notch higher - way higher. Now, all you have to do is give them a shot to realize the wisdom behind.

1.    Maintain a place to take down notes.

Note-taking can easily be misconstrued as trivial. But it stands at the heart and soul of greater productivity. As
Albert Einstein famously quips, “I write so I free my mind.”
Don’t get caught up in the jungle of the details, write the essentials. Only then can you truly enable your mind to reach its best working potential: to come up with solutions.
In this regard, your smartphone - Android or what-not - or your i-tablet (complete with an iPad mini keyboard) could be your best ally. Put on Google Keep, Zoho Notebook or Evernote.

2. Shorten your To-Do list.

Five would be a good number on a daily basis; more than that and your to-do list would border into the insurmountable. When your energy is focused on too many things, you end up tired, unable to finish anything.

3. Learn to type faster.

Many a-budding entrepreneur have spent hours finding their way on a keyboard - wasting precious time in the process. Get over it.  Improve your typing skills. There are a lot of free typing software available (e.g., keybr.com). A few minutes each day is all you need and you’d be on your way in no time. Beep! Beep!

4. Maximize on the hi-tech.

Why spend so much time fiddling through numbers for instance when a free iPad app can do it in record time?
Don’t let the routine take your precious hours away - hours that you could spend on other more important matters like business development or sales for example. Instead, use apps like Shoebox to do your receipts.

5. For time-driven projects, employ a tickler file.

You can’t overemphasize a tickler file. It may not be super hi-tech but the organization by tasks is heaven-sent. And using them is a cinch, just make sure you put your projects under the right file.

6. Store inspiration well.

At times, articles may catch your interest but your hands are full. The solution is to store them for later. Making a habit of doing away with inspiration could be disastrous.  All enterprise - tech giants or start-ups - started as an idea in its infancy. So buckle up. Apps like Pocket or Instapaper for instant storage could be your best bet towards that million-dollar break.

7. Take time to evaluate your performance.

Stop. Take a bird’s eye view on the things that you do on a daily basis. Evaluate areas of strengths and weakness and come up with solutions to get things better. Do this once a week, and you’ll see the wonders of continuous improvement unfold before your very eyes.

How to Survive Airport Delays

Airport delays are like a Damocle’s sword; you got to hold it by the handle or either ways you get hurt. When you’re adrenaline’s all pumping for that dream vacation in Timbuktu or when you’re under the gun to meet a scheduled meet, everything comes crashing down as airport delays gets you glued - seemingly unable to do anything but wait.

However, before you boil over, remember that sticky situations like this just need a little imagination to pull you through. No need to blow your top actually, this is not a trip to prison where you’re set to stay for years. Rather, the time that accidentally landed on your lap could actually be just what you need. Here’s how:

1. Don’t let it catch you off-guard.

Right from the onset, have a plan B ready. Especially with severe icy weather gripping the mainland, there’s no telling how many hours delays could take. Buy that bestseller you’ve been wanting to read ahead of time. Or bring that i-tablet (along with its iPad mini keyboard case for added comfort) and evaluate thousands of apps (i.e., games, movies, e-books) at your disposal. That can sure eat your hours away. Just don’t forget those extra batteries for truly uninterrupted hours of fun and excitement.

2. Unwind.

Grab a good spot and relax. If you’re going to vent on that airport official or any attendant around, you are asking for trouble. Use the time instead to lower your stress hormones. Do yoga - you can do it while all-strapped up. Deep breathing can do wonders, that’s for sure. While you’re at it, you may want to locate a masseur to give you a soothing massage. Or get a foot spa. Ask around, wellness centers and spas could be just around the corner.A good example is Vancouver International Airport - complete with a health club and a spa to boot.

3. Grab food.

Food can be liberating. Plus it gets your stress hormones down. If you’re a little shy asking around, make use of your smartphone or tablet; GateGuru and other apps that locate coffee shops and fine restaurants can show you the way to satisfy your guttural instincts.

4. Socialize.

This is especially useful for sales and business people. Top honchos and entrepreneurs could be just around the corner. And like you, they’re just dying to get out of boredom. In which case, light conversations could be timely. Hit the bar and grab a drink. If you want, latte in a nearby coffee shop can do wonders. Who knows? In the process of expanding your network, you could bump into the love of your life.

5. Explore.

Look around. There are plenty of shops which could be worth a peek. If you’re more adventurous, getting out of the airport could be best. Hit a nearby gym or go visit a famous landmark. If you’re running out of places to conquer, put Google Maps and other well-intentioned apps to work. They’ll fill the void, no doubt.

When you get out of your comfort zone, you will realize that time flies like the wind. For instance, if you’re in the heart of London, you might want to try the tube a.k.a. underground train to get you to London’s famous downtown. Easily, you’ll have a field day with all the historic places waiting for you.

Word of warning: Just make sure you get needed updates so you don’t get left behind when it’s your time to go.

How to Best Use Google Maps

It’s easy to find your way with Google Maps around, no doubt. But with the New Year just around the corner, the experience need not be a drag. With a few tricks you can get to that high school reunion or for that matter to your way home even when you’re a little tipsy – without getting lost.

Here are 10 proven tweaks that could get you a much-more palatable Google Map experience. This is a service that would have otherwise been impossible had GPS not come into the limelight. Of course, your viewing experience will be a lot more fun on a tablet (e.g., an iPad on a sleek iPad mini keyboard case) but smartphones will not give you any disservice, delivering you those crispy Street Views when you need one.

 Most of the methods here are generic and will work fine on either an iOS device or an Android one. Except for the first one, which is (for now) applicable only to the Android system.

Have G.M. (Google Maps), will travel!

1.   Operate offline.

Sounds too good to be true? Yes, unbelievable as it seems, you can actually use your google maps even without Wi-Fi or cellular data. Though available only on Android (iOS-users click here), this useful feature will let you enjoy

2.   Rate those wonderful spots.

Here’s a way to cast a vote of confidence on that wonderful resto-bar you’ve spent your Friday night-out – and had a good time. It’s so much more useful, if you’re the yelping type. Just pull up the info sheet and navigate to “Rate and Review”.

In case you are loathing erasing a business enterprise out of the map, you can also do that. Get your negative reviews out via the same window.

 3.   Get timely suggestions how to spend your day.

Lazing up on a Sunday afternoon, not sure what to do. Well, let Google Map help you. Just tap on the search bar and hit explore. Voila! You’d be surprised how many more of those must-see places or eating places you’ve missed.

 4.   Save a place for use later.

As busy as we can get, this one is a time-saver. When you are looking at a particular place and you’re out of time and want to see it later, just pull up the info sheet of the place and tap save. To pull it out later, just go to the person icon (upper right hand) and pick the saved place you want to see.

5. Get needed specs on a business.

There are times you would want to get to know more a restaurant or a summer get-away before checking on the location personally. This one’s easy. Just tap on a specific business place, and then swipe that info sheet located at the bottom. Doing a swipe left or right also to get to know similar places located just nearby.

6. Get a list instead of a map.
 
Ok. We get you, you’re the specific type. If looking over a map dazes you and blocks your creative thinking or whatnot just lest G.Maps do a list instead. To do this, just tap that list view icon when you do a search.    

7. Find more ways to zoom.

True, you can still do the usual pinch to zoom. But why do only that when you also just double-tap a particular map, hold your finger down and scroll down thereafter? May feel a little outlandish at first but with practice it really is pretty smooth.

8. Enjoy GPS navigation in seconds.

Lost in a big city like New York? No worries. Let the advanced technology of Google Map guide you. Just select where you want to venture by holding your finger in that particular spot dropping a pin in the process. For a turn-by-turn GPS guided navigation, just do a simple tap then hold.

9. Drop a pin to Street View.

For clarity and detail, Street View amazed me. Now, you can also utilize this dazzling feature via your smartphone or tablet. To do this, just press and hold that particular area effectively dropping a pin. From there you get to usher in Street View or even share the location if you choose to.

10. Save addresses for speedy directions.

You could be creating unwanted delays. Save the routine. Get those usual places saved (e.g., home, work, restaurants) so you will not have to retype them over and over again. Just tap that person icon situated in the right hand corner near the Search bar. And if you need to, editing these addresses is but a matter of pulling the settings tab out (bottom left corner).

Salamander jumping ability has a surprising twist

An analysis of the physics of how salamanders jump reveals a "new way to get vertical lift for animals," according to a researcher who presented the findings at a biology symposium.

Anthony Hessel, a graduate student with Northern Arizona University, describes the high-flying manoeuvres of the tiny, slender amphibians as a "hip-twist jump" that's unique in the animal world.

Source: Here

Why Sloths Leave the Trees to Poop

Sloths are the quintessential couch potatoes of the rainforest, and these sluggish tree-dwellers also serve as a hotel for moths and algae.

Three-toed sloths descend from the trees once a week to defecate, providing a breeding ground for moths that live in the animals' fur and nourishing gardens of algae that supplement the sloths' diet, new research finds. Leaving the trees burns energy and makes sloths easy prey for predators, but the benefits of a richer diet appear to be worth the perils.

Source: Here

UQ discovery makes finding Nemo easier

Researchers at The University of Queensland have discovered how a species of squid perceives distance, providing an evolutionary solution to a problem divers regularly encounter in featureless waters.

Scientists from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute studied how Sepioteuthis lessoniana, more commonly known as the bigfin reef squid, overcome blurred vision due to a retinal bump caused by their brains pushing against their eyes.

Source: Here

Brazil dolphin is first new river species since 1918

Scientists in Brazil have discovered the first new river dolphin species since the end of World War One.

Named after the Araguaia river where it was found, the species is only the fifth known of its kind in the world.

Source: Here

Sharks and Rays in Danger

In the first global analysis of its kind, an international team of researchers found that of the 1,041 species of cartilaginous fishes (chondrichthyans) investigated, 25 species are critically endangered, 43 are endangered, 113 are vulnerable, and 132 species are “near threatened.” That’s a total of 30 percent of the species analyzed; for 487 of the remaining species, there was insufficient data to classify the threat.

“Overall chondrichthyan extinction risk is substantially higher than for most other vertebrates, and only one-third of species are considered safe,” the authors wrote in their report, published this week (January 21) in eLife.

Source: Here

Top Smartphone Apps for Salespeople

Since productivity is the mantra of sales, you may want to gear up and get yourself the best sales apps for your smartphone – be it of the i-series or those of the Android kind. Assuming you are one of those salespeople who “works doubly hard” to achieve quota and enjoy the price of success: your commission.

Surprisingly, many of these apps do not come at a hefty price; but these can definitely get you going – granting you make them available on your fave smartphone. Perhaps in the near future, tablets will be the ultimate method of staying connected for a salesman and putting your iPad on one of those suitable ipad keyboard cases may be more popular than ever.

For those who may be wondering, these apps are also available for the recently-launched, most sought-after iPhone. We wish we could say the same for those Blackberry gadgets.

1 and 2. Kindle and Cloud Player. Improvement is the name of the game. For a trusted salesman, getting yourself in top form  could invaluably mean feeding your mind. Not a problem with these two apps. Kindle gives you access to throngs and throngs of books. While Cloud Player gives you unlimited access to your cloud drive. Information when you need it most.

3. Hopstop. If you travel from city to city, these app will get you to your destination fastest. Giving you needed transportation details (e.g., train stops) can save you time to do what is most relevant: filling orders. Be it in the subways of New York, which can be the most challenging, to any major city in the U.S., Hopstop guides you step by step.

4. Xpenser. No need to pour yourself on weekends trying to reconcile all your expenses. Xpenser does this for you – on the go. The good thing is the app stores the data in the cloud, which can then be integrated into your company’s accounting systems. Of course, it is wise to drop a visit to the finance department before you get your thing going for best results.

5. Square. If sales is like mining gold, the Square app could be your magic tool. No need of the long process of invoicing, collecting and all the unnecessary paper work or waiting. Get the payment ASAP via Square. With this app, your customer can swipe his/her credit card right then and there. Imagine all the hassle that it takes away: no need chasing down the dough. It’s heaven-sent, to be honest.

6. Evernote. Here’s a convenient way of taking down notes when it matters most. Just tap your smartphone and get those vital info on record. The good thing: in seconds you can view it on your PC, make changes and view these changes on your smartphone. Everything is saved online. And if you feel wary of tapping your phone, just activate your smartphone’s voice recognition and get those important conversations recorded.

7. Google Maps. Don’t underestimate this app, this guy gets you around. Just a tap on your phone and voila you’d know the whole countryside in seconds. This is very useful for sales people who do not want to waste time to get around and get to the decision-maker in record speed. From the swamplands of Florida to an ice cream bar in California. Right on the dot.

8. Companion Link. Information is power. And Companion Link makes sure you get vital information when you need it most. Companion Link synchronizes data from one CRM or contact manager to another in your smartphone. Very useful when you need to pull out a phone number or check those appointments out. Of course, getting you more updated with your client’s data gets you closer to a closed sale.
Truly, effectivity is the name of the game. And though these may still be far from replacing the mouth as a salesman’s primary tool, these apps do make sure your message gets across faster, and is absorbed better – like water to dry ground.