Thursday, 1 August 2013
'Hyper-local' news coming to Google Now
Google is working on a feature that would push stories
relevant to a user's location direct to their smartphones and tablets in
order to build greater community bonds and encourage people to take a
greater involvement in their neighborhoods.
Google Now was one of the standout features of the latest version of
the Android operating system (Jelly Bean) and is a contextually aware
program that understands a user's likes, dislikes, routine and physical
location and uses that information to automatically push relevant
information to his or her device.Since its launch a year ago, it has already received a number of updates: it already has the ability to analyze emails and calendar appointments in order to automatically service up a weather forecast or traffic news that could mean being late for an appointment. Earlier this month, it also rolled out beyond Android devices as a standalone app for Apple's iPhones and iPads. And now Google is planning to add local news into the already growing mix of features its offers.
Already being tested in closed beta -- meaning that only Google employees and invited individuals are trying it out -- Johanna Wright, Google's vice president of search and assist, says that if the feature is officially rolled out, it will serve up news on a "hyper-local" level. That could mean a report specific to a street corner, rather than to an area code or city.
As she explained in an interview with Quartz, its ultimate goal will be to teach people more about their neighborhoods and maybe even get them actively involved in their communities: "It teaches me things about my neighborhood. For example, I found out Miss Mexico came to my son's school, I saw that [the local] Chipotle was giving out burritos, and someone was stabbed in the park near my house. It's very, very targeted to you and your interests."
Google+ trends: Samsung beat out Apple in consumer survey
On Thursday, August 1, Google+ users are buzzing about
news that the Samsung Galaxy S3 beat Apple's iPhone 5 in a US consumer
satisfaction survey.
The survey, conducted by the American Customer Satisfaction Index and
released July 31, found that in terms of consumer satisfaction, the
Samsung Galaxy S3 rated higher than Apple's iPhone 5.Each phone was assigned a score on a scale of 0-100, the Galaxy S3 was awarded 84, the Galaxy Note 2 also scored 84. Apple's iPhone 5 came in third place with a score of 82, the 4S also scored 82 and the iPhone 4 came fifth with a score of 81.
Google+ users, and presumably fans of Samsung, are sharing the news under Thursday's third-placed trending topic "Galaxy S3."
Elsewhere on Google+ users of the social network are sharing images of leaves under "#LeavesOnThursday".
Under this hashtag Micha Fire shared an image of a vaguely heart shaped leaf and Ray Bilcliff shared an image of a butterfly resting on a leaf.
The top 5 most talked about topics on Google+ on August 1 at 9:00 AM GMT are:
01. #LeavesOnThursday02. #Pictures03. Galaxy S304. #TravelThursday05. Mariano Rajoy
Beauty Supplements that Actually Work
We're sure we're not alone in wishing for a pill that'll magically make our skin, hair and nails look picture perfect. Even though that (sadly!) doesn't exist, there are certain supplements that can help boost your beauty routine-though it's definitely better to get your nutrients from food sources, says Jessica Wu, MD, Los Angeles-based dermatologist and author of Feed Your Face.
Fish Oil for Clearer Skin
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements are a natural anti-inflammatory-meaning that they can help calm broken out skin, says Wu. Plus, they can also decrease a hormone that's associated with both oil production and clogged pores, two culprits behind unsightly spots. Wu recommends taking one to two teaspoons of a liquid fish oil supplement, which your stomach absorbs better than pills, in the morning, 10 minutes before eating breakfast.
Bonus: Not only have fish oil supplements been linked to clearer skin, but they've also been shown to help replenish your skin's moisture-perfect if you have eczema or tend to be extremely dry, says Wu. You'll look more radiant thanks to the natural oils found in the supplements.
Iron for More Luxurious Locks
"Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of thinning hair in otherwise healthy women," says Wu. It's no wonder, really, considering we lose iron every time we get our period (thanks, Mother Nature!). To keep your hair thick, strong, and healthy, try to eat more iron-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, and consider taking an iron supplement or a multivitamin that contains iron, suggests Wu.
Biotin for Stronger Nails
If your nails are constantly breaking and flaking, considering adding a biotin supplement to your diet. It'll help you grow healthier nails (and hair), and will keep dry, brittle nails from ruining your next manicure.
Lycopene for Sun Protection
"There are lots of studies on how eating tomatoes can help you fight sunburn and sun damage," says Wu. "We think that that may be because tomatoes have a high level of lycopene antioxidant, and you can get lycopene supplements." Just remember that filling up on lycopene doesn't mean you can skip slathering on sunscreen!
Probiotics for A Healthier Scalp
If you suffer from embarrassing, itchy dandruff, you might want to consider taking a probiotic supplement. Some evidence shows that these supplements can help soothe and balance a scaly scalp, says Wu.
Bad Breath's Surprising Remedy
It's something no one likes to talk about. It's embarrassing to tell someone they have it, and very embarrassing if you have it: Bad breath!
Clinically known as halitosis, bad breath can affect anyone. We’ll tell you the most common cause of bad breath, and one simple solution to help you control it. That's the subject of today's Just Explain It.
Americans spent billions of dollars on dental care in 2010, according to a study by the Pew Center on the States. However after all that money, most people will continue to battle bad breath.
We all know onions or garlic can contribute to bad breath, but did you know that even when food is digested and then processed through your bloodstream, odors could be released from your lungs as you exhale?
Other causes of bad breath include heartburn and acid reflux. Tonsilloliths, or tonsil stones, can also make a mouth smell not so fresh. Tonsil stones are calcified deposits of bacteria, food particles and dead cells that form in the crevasses of the tonsils.
Some serious causes of bad breath can include sinus infections, bronchitis, and problems with the liver and kidneys.
But the culprits for the overwhelmingly majority of people are strong-smelling food or drink, or bacteria.
Every mouth naturally has bacteria in it, each with its own combination of 100-200 types. If you think that’s a lot, scientists have identified about a thousand types of bacteria that can inhabit a mouth and affect the way it smells.
When you eat, bacteria begin to process food, including the food particles left behind after your meal. And that creates odor and more bacteria.
But the fact is, it’s the type and not the amount of bacteria that’s the cause. A mouth without bad breath, has a balance of odor-causing and non-odor-causing bacteria. If odor-causing bacteria overruns other bacteria, then that person will have unpleasant smelling breath.
A dry mouth is another cause of odor-creating bacteria. Saliva doesn't just keep your mouth hydrated, it also cleans out food and dead cells, and fights the growth of bacteria. Because we don't produce as much saliva when we sleep, our mouths can dry out, and create more bacteria which causes morning breath. Consuming alcohol, smoking, some medications and even coffee can cause a dry mouth, too.
So, how do you control the bacteria? We all know water has good health benefits, but it also does a couple of surprising things for your breath. Water hydrates the mouth and contains oxygen and that helps deter the growth of bacteria. Water also stimulates saliva which fights bacteria, it can also restore your mouth’s pH levels and remove food particles stuck in your mouth.
Have some more water throughout the day and you'll be able to stay on top of those hundreds of types of bacteria, and hopefully have fresh breath.
What do you think? Are you surprised that water can be so helpful in fighting bad breath? Let us know in the comments section below or on Twitter using #JustExplainItNews.
Clinically known as halitosis, bad breath can affect anyone. We’ll tell you the most common cause of bad breath, and one simple solution to help you control it. That's the subject of today's Just Explain It.
Americans spent billions of dollars on dental care in 2010, according to a study by the Pew Center on the States. However after all that money, most people will continue to battle bad breath.
We all know onions or garlic can contribute to bad breath, but did you know that even when food is digested and then processed through your bloodstream, odors could be released from your lungs as you exhale?
Other causes of bad breath include heartburn and acid reflux. Tonsilloliths, or tonsil stones, can also make a mouth smell not so fresh. Tonsil stones are calcified deposits of bacteria, food particles and dead cells that form in the crevasses of the tonsils.
Some serious causes of bad breath can include sinus infections, bronchitis, and problems with the liver and kidneys.
But the culprits for the overwhelmingly majority of people are strong-smelling food or drink, or bacteria.
Every mouth naturally has bacteria in it, each with its own combination of 100-200 types. If you think that’s a lot, scientists have identified about a thousand types of bacteria that can inhabit a mouth and affect the way it smells.
When you eat, bacteria begin to process food, including the food particles left behind after your meal. And that creates odor and more bacteria.
But the fact is, it’s the type and not the amount of bacteria that’s the cause. A mouth without bad breath, has a balance of odor-causing and non-odor-causing bacteria. If odor-causing bacteria overruns other bacteria, then that person will have unpleasant smelling breath.
A dry mouth is another cause of odor-creating bacteria. Saliva doesn't just keep your mouth hydrated, it also cleans out food and dead cells, and fights the growth of bacteria. Because we don't produce as much saliva when we sleep, our mouths can dry out, and create more bacteria which causes morning breath. Consuming alcohol, smoking, some medications and even coffee can cause a dry mouth, too.
So, how do you control the bacteria? We all know water has good health benefits, but it also does a couple of surprising things for your breath. Water hydrates the mouth and contains oxygen and that helps deter the growth of bacteria. Water also stimulates saliva which fights bacteria, it can also restore your mouth’s pH levels and remove food particles stuck in your mouth.
Have some more water throughout the day and you'll be able to stay on top of those hundreds of types of bacteria, and hopefully have fresh breath.
What do you think? Are you surprised that water can be so helpful in fighting bad breath? Let us know in the comments section below or on Twitter using #JustExplainItNews.
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
How to cook the perfect Beef Nilaga
With a clear broth and really very basic, straightforward ingredients,
Beef nilaga (or, more colloquially, Nilagang baka) looks deceptively
easy to cook. But just because it does not have any sarsa, or a special
marinade, does not mean you can just do as you please. Beef nilaga is
actually even harder to cook because the taste of your dish will
essentially come from your ingredients, nothing more; except maybe a
pinch of salt and some spices to taste
Here are some tips on how to cook the perfect Beef nilaga straight from Chef Gene Gonzalez, Chef Instructor and president of the Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS), Chef Patron of Café Ysabel and World Gourmand Book Awardee (twice!). His show Chefscapades is currently being shown on Lifestyle Network.
• “When choosing meat for Beef nilaga (slow-boiled beef), go for the ones that have some fat and litid (connective tissue). I would recommend the following cuts: kneecap, shins and shortplate as they have connective tissue and they give off good flavor.”
• “Cook the beef until it is tender. You’ll know this when the meat sticks to the bones but can be gently pried off. The connective tissue should also be firm but tender.”
• “Put in vegetables last, about 2-3 minutes before you serve the dish. Let it simmer. Starches like potatoes or plantains should be put in the pot around 30 minutes before serving.”
• “Remember that a good portion of your water will evaporate while you are cooking. A standard amount of water would be about 12 cups per kilo of beef. This will be reduced to just 7 cups when you finish cooking.”
• “If you want a cloudy-opaque broth, put in onions, shallots, leeks and pepper first and let them simmer for a few seconds. Then, put in your meat. This will help in giving flavor to your broth.”
• “To get a clear broth, put the beef in a pot with water before anything else at room temperature. After a few minutes, let this simmer until it is tender. This will preserve the meat fiber.”
• “Personally, I like to make a Visayan hybrid of the Beef nilaga. I put in green or semi-ripe plantains (saba), cabbage, pechay, a hint of lemongrass, tangkwei (a Chinese herb) and a slice of bamboo shoot.”
• “Complement your Beef nilaga with grilled or fried fish; stir-fried seafood; or steamed vegetables in shrimp paste (bagoong) or anchovy sauce (or the Philippine version: patis).”
Here are some tips on how to cook the perfect Beef nilaga straight from Chef Gene Gonzalez, Chef Instructor and president of the Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS), Chef Patron of Café Ysabel and World Gourmand Book Awardee (twice!). His show Chefscapades is currently being shown on Lifestyle Network.
• “When choosing meat for Beef nilaga (slow-boiled beef), go for the ones that have some fat and litid (connective tissue). I would recommend the following cuts: kneecap, shins and shortplate as they have connective tissue and they give off good flavor.”
• “Cook the beef until it is tender. You’ll know this when the meat sticks to the bones but can be gently pried off. The connective tissue should also be firm but tender.”
• “Put in vegetables last, about 2-3 minutes before you serve the dish. Let it simmer. Starches like potatoes or plantains should be put in the pot around 30 minutes before serving.”
• “Remember that a good portion of your water will evaporate while you are cooking. A standard amount of water would be about 12 cups per kilo of beef. This will be reduced to just 7 cups when you finish cooking.”
• “If you want a cloudy-opaque broth, put in onions, shallots, leeks and pepper first and let them simmer for a few seconds. Then, put in your meat. This will help in giving flavor to your broth.”
• “To get a clear broth, put the beef in a pot with water before anything else at room temperature. After a few minutes, let this simmer until it is tender. This will preserve the meat fiber.”
• “Personally, I like to make a Visayan hybrid of the Beef nilaga. I put in green or semi-ripe plantains (saba), cabbage, pechay, a hint of lemongrass, tangkwei (a Chinese herb) and a slice of bamboo shoot.”
• “Complement your Beef nilaga with grilled or fried fish; stir-fried seafood; or steamed vegetables in shrimp paste (bagoong) or anchovy sauce (or the Philippine version: patis).”
Sweet and spicy chicken quesadillas recipe
Ingredients
- 4 corn tortillas
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 100g roast chicken slices
- 100g Monterey Jack 1840 Grated Cheese
- 1-2 tbsp sliced pickled green jalapeño peppers
- ½ x 200g pot sour cream and chive dip to serve
Method
- 1. Spread 2 tortillas with sweet chilli sauce.
- 2. Tear the chicken into pieces, then divide between the tortillas.
- 3. Scatter over the cheese and jalapeños, then top each with another tortilla.
- 4. Heat a large non-stick frying pan and cook each quesadilla over a fairly high heat for 2 minutes on each side until crusty and golden on the outside and hot and melting on the inside.
- 5. Cut into quarters and serve with the sour cream dip.
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