Sunday, June 10, 2012

Android Authority smartphone buying guide: June 2012

Android Authority smartphone buying guide: June 2012

This month’s buyer’s guide brings something different to Android Authority. We have rolled together all the US mobile networks in one place, and have selected only the best phones for you. We will also be covering rumored or soon to be released phones, in case what you find below is not quiet to your liking. Let’s kick it! Verizon Choosing a phone from Verizon for the June Buyer’s Guide was difficult. All Big Red’s top of the line phones date back from the end of 2011. That’s a stark contrast with the other carriers, who have new flagship phones on …
 

Friday, June 8, 2012

Crazy arab wheel change!!!


FJ80 landcruiser 4x4 extreme downhill


Land Cruiser FZJ80 Rock Climb


Land Rover vs. Land Cruiser - Offroad

HTC to launch One S with 1.7GHz Qualcomm S3 instead of S4 processor in India

The HTC One S was supposed to be the underdog between the One X and the Galaxy S III by taking them on with a new-age Qualcomm S4 dual-core processor that had enough cajones to match the capabilities of quad-core processors like Nvidia Tegra 3 and Samsung Exynos Quad. However, that was never meant to be.

We can now confirm the One S will be shipped with a Qualcomm S3 dual-core processor clocked at 1.7GHz rather than the 1.5GHz S4 processor that HTC had promised at MWC earlier this year. Qualcomm is facing a production crunch with its S4 series of Snapdragon processors and is not able to churn out enough silicon as the demand. HTC is having to face the brunt of it, which is a massive disappointment for us.
We are still looking forward to putting the One S through its paces and trust us to push it to its limit. HTC is expected to launch it in India next week.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Moscow's Vodka Cocktail Dens

 

 

Image courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images
The iconic tipple in Moscow is of course vodka. It is Russia's national drink. There's even a Vodka Museum in Moscow dedicated to exploring the history of the clear spirit. And according to trendy young Muscovites, that's precisely where vodka belongs: A museum.

"Among the older generation," says Bek Narzi, chief bartender of Moscow's City Space Bar, Russian-made vodka is what's in the glass, "generally consumed chilled and neat, chased with food."

"However, the younger generation is pretty much influenced by the West, and prefers whiskey, rum and tequila."

In Moscow's clubs and bars, those spirits are mixed with juice, most often apple, cranberry or cherry. And yet… vodka retains a place at every Moscow bar. Clearly, a thirst for vodka still exists.

Twisted Vodka Mixes

moscows vodka cocktail dens
City Space Bar. Image via City Space Bar
At the City Space Bar, on the top floor of the Swissotel Krasnye Holmy, vodka-based cocktails account for two of the bar's top three best-selling drinks (edged out by the perennially popular Mojito, made with white rum).

Bartender Narzi has made a name for himself with molecular mixology creations such as the "Nano Mary", a Bloody Mary riff made with vodka and a spiced tomato blend, topped with a radish and honey foam.

For the Expats

moscows vodka cocktail dens
Strelka Bar. Image via Facebook
Narzi's other recommendations for travellers seeking great cocktails include Strelka Bar, a favourite with expats.

Located in the former Krasny Oktyabr confectionery factory, Strelka is part of the Institute of Media, Architecture and Design. Part of the attraction is the rooftop terrace that overlooks the Moscow River, but it's also noted for its small but well-curated cocktail menu. Bar manager Sergei Chesnokov has also found a way to interest tipplers in vodka, with the Isaev Cocktail (vodka, birch sap and lemon).

Vodka with an Ambience
moscows vodka cocktail dens
Delicatessen. Image via Facebook
Delicatessen also makes the shortlist, managed by renowned Western-schooled Moscow bartender-turned-restaurateur Vyacheslav Lankin. Decor includes a fireplace, piano and a fully functional lithographic press. Renowned as a "bar for bartenders", there is no cocktail menu here - after a chat with the barman, drinks are made to order.

Punters are advised to first have that chat before making up their mind about vodka's future in Moscow.

Recipe for Moscow Spring Punch by Bek Narzi of City Space Bar

This vodka-based libation is popular in bars throughout Moscow and St Petersburg, says Narzi. It's also the third most popular drink at City Space Bar, behind the rum-based Mojito and the vodka-based White Russky (similar to the White Russian).

50 ml Vodka
15 ml fresh ginger juice
15 ml fresh lime juice
25 ml raspberry puree
20 ml honey syrup topped with ginger ale

In a highball glass, combine all ingredients with crushed ice and stir. Garnish with a lime wheel, whole raspberry and mint sprig.