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.

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 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.