Most Popular Food in Beijing

Most Popular Food in Beijing
Most Popular Food in Beijing

As a heaven of food, Beijing has so many kinds of snacks which have attracted a lot of people from home and abroad. The most popular food are the following.

As a heaven of food, Beijing has so many kinds of snacks which have attracted a lot of people from home and abroad. The most popular food are the following.

 

Clay Oven Roll (Shaobing)

Shaobing or Huoshao are baked layered flatbread with sesame on top. They are usually made in two flavors: savoury or sweet. According to Mandarin cuisine, Shaobing are served with hot pot in winter.

 

Fried Bread Stick (Youtiao)

Youtiao sometimes called fried bread stick, is a long, golden-brown, deep fried strip of dough in Chinese cuisine and is usually eaten for breakfast. It is also known as (Guozi) in northern China. It is also a popular breakfast food in Myanmar (Burma), where it is called e kya kway.

 

Steamed Bun (Mantou)

Mantou sometimes known as Chinese steamed bun, is a kind of steamed bun originating from China. It is typically served in Chinese cuisine. Made with milled wheat flour, water and leavening agents, they are similar in nutrition and eating qualities to the white bread of the West.

 

Soybean milk

Soybean milk is a healthy alternative to cow's milk. Soybeans are composed of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and a powerful array of phytonutrients, and have been known to help reduce blood cholesterol, thereby promoting cardiovascular wellness.

 

Eight Treasures Rice (Ba Bao Fan)

Ba Bao Fan is a traditional Chinese dessert with more than a thousand years of history. This dessert is made in all regions of China with their own local ingredients and recipes; however, all recipes are based upon the ingredients of sticky rice and eight different dried fruits. The most famous Ba Bao Fan recipe is from “Jiang Nan”, a southern area of China.

 

Boiled Dumpling

Jiaozi are believed to bring fortune and good luck to their eaters, perhaps because of their appearance as shoe-shaped gold or silver ingots. There is no doubt that Jiaozi will appear on most tables during any given Spring Festival. Generally, people prepare them before midnight on the last day of the previous year, before eating them after the New Year's bell is sounded

 

New-year’s Hard Rice Cake

This staple food is made of glutinous rice flour and comes in thumb sized nuggets. Its popularity during Spring Festival has come about since it has a homonym, which translates as "getting higher and higher year after year." This preserved food is therefore a must-eat in many parts of China, especially its southern provinces.

 

Full-moon Dumpling (Yuanxiao)

Yuanxiao is a special dumpling in China for the Lantern Festival (the 15th night of the 1st lunar month). It is a "ball" made of glutinous rice flour. As the 15th night of the New Year was later called "Shangyuan" and the "Yuanxiao" festival, so the dumplings came to be known by the name of the festival

 

from - http://news.at0086.com/China-fine-dining/Top-8-Most-Popular-Food-in-Beijing.html

The best food in Vietnam

The best food  in Vietnam

My favorite memory of Vietnam: Pho. It was offered at breakfast at every hotel I stayed at in Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue and Saigon, so I enjoyed it every morning. Because I’m not a bacon, eggs or cereal type, it hit the spot.

The further south I went, the stronger the flavor got, even though the basic ingredients — noodles, bean sprouts, herbs and beef or chicken — were pretty much the same. It was the broth that got richer. I’m looking to duplicate what I found here in the Bay Area, so if you have suggestions, please let me know. The best I’ve found so far is at My Father’s Kitchen on Divisidero.

While lots of interesting foods can be found on the streets and in restaurants, here are my favorite dishes, beginning with the fish curry at Cha Ca La Vong in Hanoi (above). The restaurant has been in business more than 110 years. I went there 10 years ago when I was in Vietnam and it hasn’t changed a bit, although the city has considerably. You still walk up the impossibly steep, rickety stairs to get to the dining room. There’s only one dish offered, and that’s the whitefish,

 yellow from turmeric that’s sauteed tableside with scallions and dill tops, and served with a pile of cold rice noodles, peanuts, chiles, herbs, shrimp paste and fish sauce. There are many copycats in Hanoi — one day I tried the version at Cha Ca Thang Long, which was filled with locals, but I found the original was still the best.

In Hue, the fixed price menu at Y Thao Garden includes many elaborate presentations such as tiny crisp spring rolls stuck into pineapples and whole shrimp hanging artistically off the edge of a stemmed glass. Pate is wrapped in tofu skin and studded with green beans and other vegetables.

When it came to Bahn mi, I found Bahn Mi Phuong, a little cart set up opposite the market in Hoi An. The sandwich included gooey pate, fatty pork belly, herbs and what looked like an onion-studded sauce, all stuffed into a baguette with a crisp exterior and a tender interior. It cost the equivalent of about $1.

In Saigon, my friend Bobby Chinn took me to one of his favorite restaurants, Hoang Yen, where I had excellent sweet and sour seafood soup, claypot pork and chives with clams, but my favorite was the shrimp with pumpkin blossoms. The shrimp were fresh and sweet, but the pumpkin blossoms made the dish. They had the texture of wilted spinach and a flavor reminscent of okra, without the slime.

I could go on and list 10 more, but I’m adhering to advice from a good friend, who says five pictures of any vacation are more than enough. However, I will cheat a bit: Tomorrow I’ll share a few of my favorite food scene photos from the streets, rivers and markets of Vietnam.

Top 10 Maxim Hottest Women in 2011

Top 10 Maxim Hottest Women in 2011

This hugely popular calendar is back again for 2011. Maxim is known worldwide for its revealing pictorials of the hottest actresses, singers and models. This 2011 Maxim calendar features full-color photos of the sexiest women on the planet. This is not a original calendars,

 

 

 

 

 its displays only calendar girls & models names & photos. For Original Maxim Calendars 2011, You can see at its original website. These models looking hot and sexy in Maxim Calendars 2010. Watch and Download hot & sexy models on maxim 2011 and top 10 hottest maxim women 2011 photos & pictures. Here you will also find maxim 2011 wall calendar, maxim sexiest calendars 2011, New Maxim Calendars 2011 for your computer backgrounds and mobiles. Each Maxim calendar definitely shows off some of the most beautiful women in the world.

 

from - http://ineraissa.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/top-10-maxim-hottest-women-in-2011

What's next after Blu-ray?

I think that Blu-ray will suceed in becoming mainstream but never get as big as DVD. I also think that it will be the last big mainstream physical media. It is almost certainly the last disk based media. There will be more layers for backups and computer use but thats it.

The next one will be holographic blocks or something. It will not just be for movie watching, it will run programs like virtual girlfriends like on The 6th Day or tennis instructors like in Total Recall. There will be a vitual chef projected into the kitchen helping you make recipies etc. There will be a blackmarket for specialty stuff like sex programs with your favorite actress's head pasted on the holographic matrix. Then come the feedback gloves and other sicko attachments for long distance relationships. Virtual phone calls. In a few decades hell we could have full fledged holodecks.

travel in japan

travel in japan

 

Akihabara first started specializing in electronics when people dealing in black market radio parts began setting up shop under the elevated JR railroad after World War II. As Japan's manufacturing technology and economy grew during the 50's and 60's, the shops starting selling televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, and other consumer household goods.

Many computer stores started opening stores in Akihabara during the PC boom of the 80's and 90's, and otaku obsessed with computers and anime poured into the area. Japanese electronics manufacturers sometimes send prototypes of new products to Akihabara stores in order to see how popular they are with consumers there before release them into the national and international markets.

The urban legend that Coca Cola was originally green when it was first created is actually false (according to the company itself), but the idea still lives on in the hearts and minds of many of us. So it was with no little excitement that I first beheld Asahi's 'Green Cola' sitting on the convenience store shelves. It didn't take me long to figure out what was wrong though, it's not actually green. Sigh. Turns out that the 'green' isn't referring to the colour, but to the supposedly ecological way it's made. However there doesn't seem to be anything particularily environmentally friendly about it, unless the assertion that the drink's lack of colourants, caffeine and preservatives is supposed to equal green? Maybe Asahi is hoping people would focus on the gimmick instead of asking questions.Mt. Kumotori is Tokyo's highest mountain at 2012 meters. The route Kumi and I took started from Mitsumine shrine (Chichibu), finished in Kamosawa (Okutama), and required an overnight stay in a mountain lodge called Kumotori Sanso. The day started grey and overcast (as many Tokyo weekends are prone to do) but we decided to bite the bullet and just go, having planned this hike a number of weeks ago. We arrived at Mitsumine shrine (above photo) at around 11am (about 3.5 hours from our apartment) and took a quick look around the complex. Although the 2000 year old mountain shrine is supposedly worth a second look, we didn't stay long as it was already late in the morning and we had a 6 hour hike ahead of us. Although it wasn't raining, there was a dense mist surrounding everything.Kumi registers us for our hike at the beginning of the trail (below shot), in case we get lost or eaten by bears.

Akihabara now has over 250 electronics stores, from huge megachains to small part suppliers. Most of the shops are gathered around Akihabara Station and along Chuo Dori (Chuo Avenue), and many of the bigger ones have staff that speak English, Chinese, and Korean. Prices can vary significantly between stores and, unlike most places in Japan, are sometimes negotiable.
Many of the electronics in Akihabara are for use in Japan only and overseas shoppers should be sure to check voltage and warranty requirements before buying electronics to use at home. Duty free shopping is also available to foreigners (passport required) on purchases of more than 10,000 yen at some of the larger stores

Kinect for Xbox 360 Sets the Future in Motion

Kinect for Xbox 360 Sets the Future in Motion
LOS ANGELES — June 14, 2010 — Get ready to Kinect to fun entertainment for everyone. Microsoft Corp. today capped off a two-day world premiere, complete with celebrities, stunning physical dexterity, and news from a galaxy far, far away, to reveal experiences that will transform living rooms in North America, beginning Nov. 4. Kinect will roll out to the rest of the world thereafter.

Opening with a magical Cirque du Soleil performance on Sunday night attended by Hollywood’s freshest faces, Microsoft gave the transformation of home entertainment a name: Kinect for Xbox 360. Then, kicking off the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Xbox 360 today invited the world to dance, hurdle, soar and make furry friends for life — all through the magic of Kinect — no controller required.

“With ‘Kinectimals’ and ‘Kinect Sports,’ ‘Your Shape: Fitness Evolved’ and ‘Dance Central,’ your living room will become a zoo, a stadium, a fitness room or a dance club. You will be in the center of your entertainment, using the best controller ever made — you,” said Kudo Tsunoda, creative director for Microsoft Game Studios.

Microsoft and LucasArts also announced that they will bring Star Wars® to Kinect in 2011. And, sprinkling a little fairy dust on Xbox 360, Disney will bring its magic to Kinect as well.

“Xbox LIVE is about making it simple to find the entertainment you want, with the friends you care about, wherever you are. Kinect is about making that experience more natural and engaging than ever before,” said Marc Whitten, corporate vice president of Xbox LIVE at Microsoft. “Once you experience your movies, music, sports and games with Xbox LIVE and Kinect, you won’t ever want to go back.”

Using Kinect is as simple as stepping in front of the sensor. It recognizes you, responds to your gestures, listens to your voice, and, best of all, it works with every Xbox 360.1

A Little Less Conversation, a Little More Action

Declaring “the time for talk is over,” Tsunoda unveiled eight hurdling, running, dancing, driving and soaring Kinect games:
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“Kinectimals” (Frontier Studio, Microsoft Game Studios). A wide-eyed Bengal Tiger cub cocks its head to the side and playfully peers at you. Memories of your first trip to the zoo come rushing back. “Kinectimals” invites children, their parents and animal lovers of all ages to build lasting friendships with some of the world’s most exotic creatures. Just like real pets, your “Kinectimals” will come running when they hear your voice, respond to commands like “jump,” “roll-over” and “play dead,” and purr with joy when you scratch them behind the ears.
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“Your Shape: Fitness Evolved” (Ubisoft). Get the most out of Kinect with “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved.” Unlike other games, the proprietary Player Projection technology of “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved” puts your body into the game for the ultimate experience. You’ll physically interact with virtual environments in ways you’ve never seen before, and you’ll be captivated by unique and exciting visual effects that respond to your movement and impact. Burn calories your way — choose a personal trainer to help you meet your specific fitness goals, take a yoga or martial arts class, or play fun family-friendly minigames. As you exercise, you’ll receive specific feedback on your every move, thanks to the game’s real-time precise tracking system. You won’t notice how hard you’re working until you see the results!
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“Kinect Joy Ride” (Big Park, Microsoft Game Studios). 3 … 2 … 1 … Go! “Kinect Joy Ride,” the first controller-free racing game, will take you and your friends on the ride of your lives — no drivers license required. “Kinect Joy Ride” reinvents driving and Kart racing by adding massive jumps and full body stunts to the classic Kart racing action. With a host of cool features and game modes you can take off for the ride of your life by yourself, or pick up a co-pilot or team up with your friends and family to take on the world.
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“Kinect Sports” (Rare, Microsoft Game Studios). Turn your living room into a world-class stadium, bowling alley, soccer pitch or arena. With “Kinect Sports” you’re not only the star player, you are the controller — through the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360. See a ball? Kick it. Spike it. Even give it a little top spin. “Kinect Sports” features soccer, beach volleyball, bowling, table tennis, boxing and multiple track and field events.
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“Kinect Adventures” (Microsoft Game Studios). Float in outer space. Experience the thrill of roaring rapids. Tackle mountaintop obstacle courses. And dive into the deep to explore a leaky underwater observatory — all from your living room. With “Kinect Adventures,” you are the controller as you jump, dodge and kick your way through exciting adventures set in a variety of exotic locations.
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“Dance Central” (MTV Games). “Dance Central”™ is the first full-body, controller-free dance video game with fun choreography for beginners and experts. Completely free from any controller and featuring full-body tracking, the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360 allows you to experience real dance with your friends and family. Whether you’re rehearsing in Break It Down! or owning the stage in Perform It, you’ll be introduced to more than 600 moves in the game and more than 90 dance routines all created by professional choreographers. The game features tracks from an amazing mix of pop, hip-hop and R&B artists including Lady Gaga, No Doubt, M.I.A., Bell Biv Devoe, and more. Take your moves to the next level while connecting with the music you love!
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Also coming to Kinect this holiday are titles representing the top names in the gaming industry including interactive fitness product “EA SPORTS Active™ 2” (EA SPORTS), “DECA SPORTS FREEDOM” (Hudson Entertainment), “Dance Masters” (Konami), “Adrenalin Misfits” (Konami), “Zumba Fitness”® (Majesco), “Sonic Free Riders”™ (SEGA), “The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout” (THQ), “Motion Sports” (Ubisoft), and “Game Party™: In Motion” (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment). Further exciting Kinect game experiences will be revealed by publishing partners in the near future.

Extraordinary Entertainment

Offering so much more than just games, Kinect for Xbox 360 takes your entertainment to the next level. Beginning this holiday, the Kinect Hub puts your favorite movies, TV programs, music and live sports all in one place — completely controller-free.

Jump right into a movie in instant-on HD in 1080p or your favorite college bowl game by simply saying “Xbox, play,” or browse your entire song library with a wave of a hand. Kinect also creates new ways for friends and family to have fun together.

With Video Kinect2, share a smile with distant friends and family as you open a window into living rooms around the world. Providing entertainment for everyone, with the power of Kinect, the Xbox LIVE experience is more intuitive, social and interactive than ever before.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. This November, with the addition of Kinect Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play — no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of music, standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with the leading social network of 25 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online