HTC ONE REVIEW

Design/Build

To start with, HTC One has a great and unique design.  The aluminum
frame gives the device an exceptional quality, compared to other smart
phones.

It's  somewhat light and thin but it feels compact. The curved back
will help you grip it, avoiding unnecessary tumble to the ground.

Display/Screen

Super LCD3 capacitive touchscreen, under Gorilla Glass 2. Its 468ppi
brings great sharpness.

It's awesome getting a full 4.7" HD display, because the screen is
extended to the edges.

Marvelous screen size and resolution. Texts are easy to read on pages.
And the good thing is, when you double tap to enlarge letters, the
text will fit the screen as well.

Camera

Camera

On top of the phone is a wide-angled camera. The One made a big change
compared to other smartphones.

with Ultra Pixel image sensor

Other phones use smaller pixels on sensor. The Ultra Pixel method is
applauded. It provides faster sensor providing more photos on the go.
It provides more data in your picture since it allows more light in.
You would love to take photos in variety of scenes.

The camera is enhanced by improved camera software and the image
processor, the image chip 2.

The photo quality will impress you because of its HDR mode, fast
shooting and accurate focus.

What's a bit bothering is the picture size, the phone shoots 16:9 size
while the most common on other phones is 4:3

Zoe

It is the new shooting mode. A short video is captured together with
each photo taken. The photos taken are displayed in the gallery with
animated thumbnails.

Bad thing is, the HDR mode cannot be used while using zoe.

Audio System

Located above and below the screen, front facing BoomSound stereo
speaker, to provide you an actual stereo sound. Even he you maximize
the volume, it still sound great.

Software

Powered by 1.74GHz  quad core Snapdragon 600 processor. It has 2GB of RAM.

Speed

The One opens and closes  applications quickly. It won't slow down on
opening multiple tabs as well.

It connects fast  over 4G as well as WiFi.

Blink Feed

The One attempts to create something unique, away from the common home screen.

Instead of a home button the BlinkFeed pops up. Shows you the news and
updates that matter to you. It shows updates from Facebook and
Twitter.

Bad thing is, it can't be customized well. You may use other launchers instead.

Battery Life

The One provides a decent battery life. A single charge will do for a
day with minimal use of the phone.


HTC One is the one. The great design and innovative camera stands out.
Just that, the non-expendable storage would bother people who are into
games, apps and taking snaps.

Bitter Melon in Asian Dish

Preparation of Bitter Melon:

Cut the pod in half lengthwise. Scoop out all the seeds and the pithy
parts using a teaspoon. The pith is extremely bitter, you need to get
rid of it.

Wash it with running water. Slice it diagonally. Put into a pan, add
some water and a bit of salt. Bring to a boil.

Boil for a minute and drain. You can now use it in any dish you like.

Other Ways to Tame the Bitterness:

Soak the sliced bitter melon in salt water for a few minutes.

Massage the sliced bitter melon with salt. Wash with running water.

Pinakbet - MMC version of Asian Ratatouille

Ingredients:

4 big tomatoes (about 250g), coarsely chopped
large bitter melon, halved, sliced diagonally, pre-treated with the
above instructions
1 Japanese eggplant, halved lengthwise, sliced diagonally
5 pieces okra, sliced diagonally
(about 500g for the bitter melon, eggplant and okra)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
about 100g dried shrimp, washed with water
1 tbsp fish sauce or half tsp salt to taste
1 tsp of vinegar
1 tsp vegetable stock granules(optional)
half glass of water

In a medium-sized saucepan, put the water, garlic, vinegar, stock
granules and fish sauce. Bring to a boil. Add the vegetables, make
sure the tomatoes are on top. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Add the
dried shrimps and cook over low heat for another 15 minutes, or until
the vegetables give up their moisture.

Broccoli and Health Benefits

Brassica oleracea or commonly known as broccoli. It was called the
king of the cruciferous family where cabbage and cauliflower belong.
Broccoli boosts a delicious flavor, dozens of nutrition and packed
with health benefits. It is loaded with special and unique disease
fighters.

Nutrients and Health Benefits in Broccoli:

*Anti-oxidants. Broccoli contains a variety of anti-oxidants, this
synergy is very good in fighting cancer. According to research, it
lowered the risk of prostate, colon, breast, bladder and cervical
cancer.

Vitamin C. Broccoli is a concentrated source of anti-oxidants like
Vitamin C along with flavonoids, which provide longer support of
oxygen metabolism in the body.

Sulforaphane. Another strong anti-oxidant called sulforaphane in
broccoli sprouts, has a strong impact on the detoxification system of
the body.

Sulforaphane. It helps stimulate production of detoxification enzymes
that may reduce tumor size.

Sulforaphane. It boosts the detoxification abilities of the skin. It
helps repair skin damages brought by over exposure to the sun.

The anti-inflammatory property of sulforaphane, may prevent damage to
the blood vessels. It may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Sulforaphane and Dietary Fiber. The intestines are supported and
regulated by dietary fiber, therefore it fights constipation and
indigestion. The sulforaphane helps protect the stomach lining, it may
help prevent peptic ulcer, gastritis and esophagitis.

There are other anti-oxidants like Vitamin E, manganese, zinc,
beta-carotene, glutathione, lutein, glucarate, indoles. Broccoli is a
real source of concentrated anti-oxidants.

May prevent birth defect. Anti-oxidant compounds help protect sperm to
prevent genetic damage and birth defect.

Eye Disorder. The anti-oxidant level is a good defense against eye diseases.

*Glucosinolates. It is an anti-estrogenic compound that may help in
the excretion of excess estrogen, associated to breast cancer.
Sulforaphane and glucosinolates. They help regulate detox activity in
the body.

*Another anti-cancer compound called indole-3-carbinol, has been shown
to fight breast and prostate cancer.

*Cholesterol Lowering Ability. Broccoli may lower cholesterol and
since it is rich in B Vitamins as well, it can support cardiovascular
health.

*Metabolism of Vitamin D. Broccoli is a good source of Vitamins A and
K. Their strong combination helps keep Vitamin D metabolism in proper
balance.

*Bone Building. Broccoli provides better calcium than cow's milk, thus
it helps build stronger bones.

Broccoli is as well good source of Vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium
and potassium.

Selection of Fresh Broccoli:

Color. Fresh broccoli is dark green, sage, purple green with no yellowing.

Stalks and stems. They should be firm and no slimy spots.

Floret Clusters. They should be compact, not bruised.

Storage. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Do not wash
before storing as it may cause spoilage.

Consumption:

Raw juice provides the most nutrition. It can be combined with fresh
carrot or apple juice for better taste.

Steamed. Broccoli cooked by steaming provides much of its
cholesterol-lowering ability, compared from eating raw broccoli.

Steamed or Quick Stir-fried Cooking. The broccoli's anti-oxidant
compounds may be preserved well.

Celery and Health Benefits

Celery, with scientific name Apium graveolens, has powerful and
amazing health benefits. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
All parts of celery are edible. It is used in different cuisines. And
unlike other vegetables, it can keep its nutrients during cooking. If
the celery juice is combined to other powerful juices, it may help
treat other conditions.

Nutrients in Celery:

Celery is a rich source of folio acid, potassium, calcium, iron,
sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and plenty of essential amino acids.

The leaves are a good source of Vitamin A.

The stem has high content of Vitamin B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin C.

It is a good source of fiber.

Health Benefits:

Anti-Cancer. The celery is known to have anti-cancer compounds. The
Coumarins may help damage free radical cells, thus celery may be
effective for cancer prevention. The Acetylenics may stop tumor cells
from growing. And Phenolic acids may as well block the growth of
tumor.

Diuretic. Celery has diuretic compounds that helps the body get rid of
excess fluids. Celery juice contains sodium and potassium that helps
stimulate urine production. The seed helps improve the quality and
quantity of urine.

Celery helps cure Urinary Tract Infection.

Its diuretic compounds help treat bladder infection.

Its diuretic effect may prevent kidney stones formation while it
assists in breaking and eliminating urinary and gall bladder stones.

Cholesterol. Celery juice is said to be effective in lowering total
cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL).

Lower Blood Pressure. The coumarin compound in celery juice helps
relax the muscles around the arteries that helps blood to flow
normally.

Inflammation. Celery has analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds
that helps relieve inflammation like gout, arthritis, osteoarthritis,
bronchitis and asthma.

Nervous System:

Weight Loss. Celery contains hormones that soothes the central nervous
system that makes losing weight easier. Celery juice will lessen
cravings for sweets. It has no  calories and it contains fiber that is
good for weight loss.

Sleep Disorder. The organic alkaline mineral and magnesium in celery
juice helps calm the nervous system, that is good for insomniacs and
may heal other sleep disorders.

Stomach. Celery can provide special benefits to the stomach. According
to studies, it may decrease the risk of stomach cancer.

Constipation. Due to its natural laxative effect it helps relieve
constipation. Celery juice is a good source of fiber, that boosts
bowel movement.

Halitosis. Celery helps cleanse bacteria caused by improper brushing
and left food particles, from the back of the tongue.

Fungal Infection. Celery contains fungicides that may help in treating
fungal infection.

Acidity. The celery has high sodium content at is balanced by the high
level of potassium. The juice neutralizes acidity in the body.

Celery juice is a good after workout drink because it replaces lost
electrolytes. And its rich minerals rehydrates the body.

A glass of celery juice a day can be added to a weight loss diet.

For treating gout, you may drink a glass of celery juice daily, or
munch a stalk instead.

To cure indigestion, celery soup or salad is good.

To reduce bad breath, munch a stalk daily.

For Consumption:

Choose fresh green celery. The ribs should be firm and crunchy.

Raw celery can be used for salad. It can be chopped and added to other
salad vegetables. It can be served steamed. It can be an addition to
soup or vegetable stir-fries. And it can be made as juice.

Bitter Melon and Health Benefits

Bitter melon has been used as a traditional medicine because of its
therapeutic properties. It is commonly used in Asia and Africa as
treatment for fever, burns, dysentery and skin problems. It is known
to treat gastrointestinal diseases.

It is as well said to treat painful menstruation. But since it can
bring menses, it may decrease fertility, it is an abortifacient, and
is used for birth control.

Some of bitter melon's purported health benefits are treatment for
diabetes and viral infection, and may prevent cancer.

Nutrients and Health Benefits of Bitter Melon

Pods are rich in phytonutrients like dietary fiber, antioxidants,
vitamins and minerals. Since it's a source of dietary fiber, therefore
it maybe helpful in relieving indigestion and constipation problems,
as it was used in traditional medicine.

The phytonutrient, polypeptide-P, which is a plant insulin, along with
charantin, which is a hypoglycemic agent, are responsible in reducing
blood sugar levels, that is helpful for the treatment of Type 2
diabetes.

Pods are a good source of folate. Folate or folic acid may boost red
blood cell development. It may help prevent cancer.

Bitter melon is a good source of:

Vitamin C, which is a natural antioxidant.

Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B5 (panthotenic acid), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Minerals like iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium and manganese.

Flavonoids and Vitamin A compound that may act against aging and cancer.

According to study, there are two anticancer compounds extracted from
the seed and fruit that may cause self-destruction in leukemia. It may
kill and prevent breast cancer cells from growing.

According to laboratory tests, there are compounds in bitter melon
that may be effective in treating HIV infection.

Cautions:

Bitter melon may contain alkaloid which may be intolerable to some people.

The seeds may contain vicine, that may trigger symptoms of favism.

Fruit is not advisable for consumption to pregnant women.

It is reported that the red arils of the seeds can be toxic to children.

It is not recommended be  consumed in excessive amount, because it may
be toxic at an extreme large quantity.

Toxicity Symptoms. It may include excessive salivation, vomiting,
nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, facial redness, and dimness of vision.

Precaution. If bitter melon is used to control diabetes, consult your
doctor regarding the dosage you need to take.

Side Effects:

If bitter melon is taken to lower blood sugar level, at the same time
with a medication for the same purpose, it may cause complications.

If it is taken for an extended period of time for diabetes control, it
may increase the risk of developing liver inflammation.

Bitter Melon and Cultivation

Momordica Charantia or known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one
of the most bitter culinary vegetable but one of the healthiest
vegetable as well. It belong to the same family of squash, cucumber
and watermelon.

Bitter melon is said to have originated in Asia. Therefore it is
widely consumed in South Asian countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam,
Japan and Philippines as well as in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Nepal, Turkey and many other countries in the world.

It is used as traditional medicine for a long time and as food in many
culture. Bitter melon fresh fruits are used mainly in dishes. The
young leaves and shoots can be eaten as well. And since it is an
all-year vegetable, you may shop at anytime. Buy fresh pods with no
blemishes and cuts on the surface.

If you have low tolerance for bitterness, choose the immature pods
which are less bitter. They are young and tender pods with pale green
color. As the pods mature  the bitterness increases and the green
color becomes darker.

Preparation for Cooking. Thoroughly wash the bitter melon in running
water. Scrape out the seeds with a spoon.

To Tame the Bitterness. Blanche or parboil with salt water to reduce
the bitterness.

Storage. Fresh fruits can be placed in plastic pouch. They can stay
fresh for about a week if stored in the vegetable compartment of the
refrigerator.

Things to Consider in Bitter Melon Cultivation

Climate. It is a warm season plant that can thrive in hot and humid
climate, with daytime temperature of up to 80F.

Soil. It can survive any soil with good drainage system, even in sandy
and poor soil. Moist soil should be avoided because the plant may rot.
Fertile and well-drained soil is still the best for cultivation.
Prepare soil by adding organic matter like dried manure or compost.
For faster germination, soak seeds in water before planting, with soil
temperature of about 65F.

Planting. Bitter melon has vines with thin stems and tendrils that
need trellis for support. Trellising will help the vines grow fast,
producing more fruits, and for easier harvesting.

Caring. Bitter melon needs regular watering and fertilizing. It is
recommended that the growing tip of the vine be cut off once it
reaches the top of the trellis. Even the lateral branches from the
soil must be cut, this will boost the upper branches to produce more
yield. In about six weeks, flowers should start to show. And within
2-4 months, fruition will occur.

Harvesting. Mature fruits ready for picking in about 3 months from
planting. Mature fruits are light to dark green in color. Pick mature
fruits regularly for new fruits to grow.

Seed Production. Fruits when fully mature will break open to release
white or brown seeds. Some vine and fruits must be left to produce
seeds. Seeds that are sorted must be washed and stored in a cool, dry
place. They are viable for about three years, reserved for subsequent
crops.

Pests and Diseases. Bitter melon vines are vulnerable to some insect
pests and certain diseases. Better choose resistant varieties to
plant. Pesticides to use must be non-toxic to honeybees. Bitter melon
fruits are exposed to fruit flies. So before the pests attack, wrap
the fruits with newspaper when view are a few centimeters long.



Sony Xperia Tablet Z Review



Design and Construction

The body was designed with heavy duty features in an ultra slim, ultra
thin package. One thing you would love about it, there's not much to
worry about fragility. The frames has solid design, the outer
exoskeleton absorbs the impact during unintended tumble. The
soft-touch coating at the back will somehow prevent the tablet from
slipping.

It's water resistant feature will give you time to use it while you're
cooking, you're beside the pool and you won't worry too much when it
accidentally dives under a meter of water for about thirty minutes.
This feature is really awesome.

The plastic flap protecting the ports is just somewhat annoying. As
well as the plastic cover and the plastic tray of the micro simcard is
not that easy to manage.

Display and Screen

Of course you have to expect a breathtaking display because it is
created by the people behind HDTV. The reality display is bursting
with the widest colour of spectrum. You would love the vibrant colors
and vivid life-like images.

The OmniBalance design focuses in creating balance and symmetry throughout.
Screen protector is permanently attached to the screen.  It's not much
favorable since it's easier to scratch and it's easier to attract
smudges than the glass its protecting.

It's multi-touch feature is great. You would love the software feature
to set double-tap to wake the screen.

Camera

The 8.1 megapixel for the primary camera captures stunning pictures.
It comes  with features you would surely love, like face and smile
detector and touch focus.

The rear camera only comes with 2.2 megapixel.

Sound

It delivers high quality sound with the Surround 3D technology. Movies
and music are delivered loud and clear. The sound is full of life with
the clear audio + technology.

Hardware

It's powered by Snapdragon S4 Pro which provides amazing speed on its
performance.

The S4 Pro Adreno 320 would provide best performance and stunning
graphics for high-end games. Games enthusiast will love it.

Connectivity

It's complete, from Data to WLAN, with Bluetooth and InfraRed ports.

NFC (Near Field Communication) Technology provides convenience for
sharing content from your tablet to other electronic devices like
smartphone or TV. It's a cool feature for convenience.

Battery

It provides decent battery life. Despite the speedy performance, the
battery doesn't drain easily.

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z pushes ahead. It's awesome!