Best 5 Rock Musical Festivals in the US

Spring brings with it an air of anticipation in the US. Not for pretty flowers and Easter chicks, but the roll call of confirmed artists who'll be headlining at some of the country's most celebrated annual rock music events. It all started on glorious summer's day in 1969 when half a million people congregated on dairy farm in Bethel,  New York, for the legendary Woodstock Festival. That weekend of August 15-18 was pivotal moment in rock music history, and paved the way for some of the biggest rock music festivals we know and love today.  Whether you're a lover of folksy rock and blues, or a complete metal-head, our guide to the top 5 rock music festivals in the US has every sub-genre covered!

Lollapalooza

Grant Park, Chicago

Conceived in 1991 by iconic frontman Perry Farrell, Lollapalooza was originally intended to be a last farewell tour event for his fabled band Jane's Addiction. The travelling summer road-show showcased alternative bands such as Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails at a time when grunge and alternative music were still in early infancy. Lollapalooza had a successful run of seven years before its cancellation in 1997. After years of speculation, the event was revived as a travelling tour in 2003, before it was established as a static event at leafy Grant Park, Chicago. Today, the event attracts in excess of 160,000 people each August, and hosts 130 headlining acts across multiple stages. Recent editions have included: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The White Stripes, Black Sabbath, Florence and the Machine and Sigur Ros. With a dedicated shopping precinct, farmers market and arts and crafts fair, Lollapalooza is as close to Woodstock as you can get in the 21^st Century!

Summerfest

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hailed as the “World's Largest Music Festival” by its creators, the 11-day June Summerfest shows little sign of slowing down as it enters its fourth decade. Set within the leafy grounds of Henry Maier Festival Park beside picturesque Lake Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the festival encompasses a huge 30 hectares, comprising 11 stages, a shopping pavilion, fair and crafts market. Noted for its eclectic variety of alternative headliners, Summerfest has showcased some of the biggest names in contemporary music down the years, including the Steve Miller Band, Bon Jovi, Metallica and Tim McGraw. With the installation of the Harley Davidson stage and BMO Harris Pavilion in 2008 and 2012 respectively, Summerfest has since diversified its entertainment offerings to include acts from both the indie and metal genres.

Coachella

Indio, California

Coachella's rock 'n' roll beginnings are perhaps one of the reasons it continues to dominate the exhaustive list of summer music events in the US. The roots of the festival were sewn back in November 1993 when prog rockers Pearl Jam earmarked the location for a one-off rock show in a sensational attempt to boycott their former organisers Ticketmaster. Six years later in 1999 the heavily anticipated inaugural event was held, hosting 10,000 revellers and over 30 well known acts, including indie marvel Beck, Rage Against the Machine and Morrissey. Fast forward almost a decade on and Coachella still garners praise for being one of America's flagship music festivals, boasting 125,000 revellers at its 2012 event. Despite well documented reports of iconic duets between hip hop artists (Snoop Dogg and the 'hologram' of iconic rapper Tupac Shakur), the event remains a largely rock 'n' roll festival, attracting some of the biggest Indie bands from around the globe.

Rock on the Range

Columbus, Ohio

Now in it's 7^th year, Rock on the Range commands global attention for its headlining acts, notably being the place where Stone Temple Pilots announced their comeback in 2008, and where punk metallers Avenged Sevenfold last performed, prior to the death of their drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan in December 2009. Situated at the Columbus Crew Stadium, Ohio, The Range doesn't have quite the same ground space as some of its larger contemporaries, yet still manages to pack in a whopping 30,000 people between its three main stages. Revellers can expect a heady mix of both mainstream and underground bands, with past headliners having included Evanescence, Breaking Benjamin, Mötley Crüe and Halestorm. Following on from its success, a second weekender has since been unveiled at Winnipeg, Mannisota, with its own unique line-ups.

Bonnaroo

Manchester, Tennessee

The Woodstock of the 21st Century; America's first environmentally conscious music festival started life as little more than a rent-a-field event in 2001, however, has since grown to become one of the most eclectic rock festivals anywhere in the world. It's founders, AC Entertainment, cite Bonnaroo as being “An escape into Excitement. Music. Art. Discoveries. Trees,” owing to the beauty of its surroundings and sheer wealth of entertainment on offer. Where else could you catch the Temper Trap after a morning of meditation and yoga? Some refer to Bonnaroo as a hippie revival of Woodstock, albeit far more eco-friendly. Bonnaroovians, as attendees are called, are encouraged to do their bit for environment by recycling plastic and glass bottles in exchange for cool prizes, which range from free passes to the Cinema Tent, to backstage meet and greets with headlining bands. Line-ups run the gamut of rock offerings, ranging from the dulcet tones of Folk singer EMA, to cheerful indie, á la The Lonely Forest. If you're looking for a festival that showcases the best of up and coming bands, Bonnaroo is the place to be!

Indian Cooking Tips For Dummies

Indian Cooking Tips For Dummies

Are you looking to be challenged in the kitchen? It's a common misconception that curry and chillies dominate Middle Eastern cuisine, when in fact, you probably won't find a native cuisine anywhere else in the world that is as eclectic, healthy or adventurous as Indian. And the options aren't limited to exotic vegetarian concoctions. Whether a tender Lamb Madras or lightly spiced Chicken Masala Stew, Indian cuisine is a smorgasbord of delicious recipes guaranteed to excite the taste buds. Make your journey to gastronomic enlightenment that little bit easier with our dummies guide to Indian cooking tips. You never know, you could be the next Atul Kochhar!

Tip #1 - Experiment With The Chilli Scale:

Contrary to popular belief, Indian cuisine isn't just about spice and heat. Granted, Ghost Chillies are used to add kick to numerous popular dishes in the West, but traditional regional dishes are actually far more subtle in heat and flavour than you might realise. From the rich, virtually non-pungent fruitiness of the Byadagi (Kaddi) grown in Dharwar, to the legendary Sannam S4, known for its mind-blowing pungency, Indian chillies run the gamut of intensity and flavour. Explore the native-grown varieties used in Indian cuisine before cooking; you'll find that many dishes aren't intended to be as hot as the one's served in restaurants!

Tip #2 – Use Raw or Fresh Ingredients Wherever Possible:

While there's nothing wrong with substituting secondary ingredients in a dish now and then, replacing the foundation of a sauce with something completely different in both consistency and flavour is only going to cause problems. Many hobby chefs switch coconut milk for normal cow's milk, often thinking it will have no impact upon the flavour of the dish. In fact, cow's milk is ten times more likely to curdle than coconut, and you'll also have to rely on desecrated coconut to add in flavour. The lesson here? Don't cut corners with convenient alternatives – it can mean the difference between a smooth, rich Korma and a bland, lumpy mess!

Tip #3 – Invest in Proper Cookware:

Learning to master traditional Indian dishes is an exciting and fulfilling experience. However, so many people get caught up in the 'shopping phase' of cooking, they forgo obvious considerations such as whether their current pots and pans are adequate enough for new techniques. While it may be tempting to use your trusty old frying pan, investing in the proper cookware will ensure there's less likelihood of something going wrong – like under-cooking a fish-based dish, such as Fish Amritsari. A durable, good quality stainless steel karahi (deep wok) is ideal for both stews and traditional curries, but can also be used to master the art of sautéing on a low heat!

Tip #4 – Ease Up On The Rice:

It may be one of the staple foods of India, but the fact is, rice just doesn't go with everything. Vegetables play a vital role in enhancing the flavour of traditional dishes – particularly those deemed “hot” or “intense” by Western standards. Legumes, such as lentils and sprouted beans, are commonly added to recipes as an alternative, lighter variation on rice. Indian cuisine is also built on the principle that “less is more”, which is why many dishes are small, light and served with a host of other finger foods like Roti and Alu Ki Tikki (potato patties).

Tip #5 – Don't Over Marinate:

White meats, such as poultry and fish, are far less hardy and long-lasting compared to lamb and beef.  Their skins also have a tendency to react with the natural enzymes in fresh herbs and spices when left to marinate for too long, breaking down proteins and causing it to become mushy and over tender. As a general rule of thumb, you should never exceed 8 hours marinating time for chicken, and 60 minutes for most types of fish.

  

Tip #6 – Learn The Art of 'Layering' Spices:

Indian cuisine is typified by the use of aromatic spices and herbs to enhance certain flavours in meat and vegetables, however, there is a certain art to getting it right. Unfortunately, the prospect of experimenting with so many ethnic flavours is too exciting for some, and they rush headlong into creating concoctions that end up marring the flavour of an entire dish.

Layering is a great way to educate yourself about the types of herbs and spices that work in harmony. Start by researching one basal ingredient used to enhance flavours, and two additional accompaniments often used in Indian dishes. By experimenting with different cooking methods, and using just three flavours, you'll begin to get an idea of how spices are used to enhance certain natural flavours.

Tip #7 – Never Substitute Ingredients For Western Alternatives

Nearly every cookery novice will, at some stage, make the fatal mistake of substituting authentic ingredients for less expensive Western alternatives. Unfortunately, opting for a low fat spread instead of ghee is guaranteed to have some impact upon the end flavour of your dish. Western spreads and butters have a higher salt concentration than traditional Indian ghee, coupled with a lower smoking point. Once butter is heated beyond its smoking point, it can quickly become bitter and far too inflexible for shallow frying – effectively causing the natural flavours within meat and vegetables to diffuse far too quickly. If you're really serious about getting to grips with Indian cuisine, substitutes should be avoided at all costs!

Top 5 Locations Newbie Travellers

The first time you travel abroad is bound to be a nail-biting experience. Greeted by an alien culture, huge language barriers, and traffic on opposite sides of the street, it's understandable you're going to feel a little apprehensive about your first trip beyond the comfort zone you call 'home'. If you haven't travelled abroad before, you will likely want to start off with a destination that is novice-friendly to minimise the risk of a complete culture shock. Before you give in and settle for that coach excursion across your country's own border, check out these tried and tested locations for newbie travellers. It could herald the start of a lifelong wanderlust!

Tokyo, Japan

If you yearn to savour the exotic sights and smells of Asia, Japan is the perfect introduction. Tokyo is a frenetic, tourist friendly metropolis mapped out in almost grid-like fashion, so you'll never have problems navigating your way from the Tsujiki Fish Market in Tsukiiishijo, to the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple at Asakusa. With a well developed tourist infrastructure, and handy signposting in all number of languages, first time visitors feel at ease almost as soon as they touch down.

You'll find Japan's citizens are far more polite and welcoming than in neighbouring countries – mutual respect being an inherent quality of Buddhist culture. Tokyo is a hotch-potch of intertwining train, bus and tram networks, but getting around is a breeze if you stick with known operators such as JR East (trains) and Tokyo Metro (trams). If in doubt, stick with the Yamanote circular train route. It encompasses all major tourist attractions, as well as the trendy Shinjuku shopping and entertainment district.

Paris, France

If you long to sample continental Europe, but can't quite bring yourself to book a five-country weekend excursion, Paris is a great starting point. Despite being the French capital, Paris' citizens are a largely English speaking bunch with a sympathetic attitude to non French-speaking tourists. Whether you need directions to the Louvre, or assistance deciphering your French city guide, you'll find most people are more than willing to oblige. Paris is a cosmopolitan city, but that doesn't mean activities are limited to trawling galleries of post-modernist art. The city is brimming with internationally recognised icons, such as the cultural Center Pompidou, and Place Beauborg with its animated street entertainers and kinetic sculptures. By far the best way to get around is via the city's metro system. There are 16 lines traversing the various districts of the city, however, even these are colour coded and numbered for ease of recognition!

New Zealand

If you're looking for a place that is beautiful, laid back and versatile, look no further than Middle Earth (or New Zealand, as it's better known). New Zealand's East Coast is Mother Nature's adventure playground; an all-inclusive destination prime for caving, bungee jumping, scuba diving and a myriad of other extreme adrenaline sports. There is another side to New Zealand. A land of tranquil valleys, vast forests abundant with wildlife, and huge smoking volcanoes, such as Whakaari on the East Coast, accessible via daily ferry. New Zealand is small enough to be easily navigable by car, however, there are numerous long-distance bus services linking the likes of Wellington with outlying areas. Wellington's natives are an eclectic and welcoming mix of friendly old timers and younger professionals, so you'll find equal proliferation of bars and laid back pubs to suit.  

Goa, India

The first thing that springs to mind at mention of Goa is backpackers, yet there's far more to this Bohemian idyll than cheap accommodations and knock-off souvenirs. A former Portuguese outpost for over 400 years, Goa still retains much of its colonial heritage – particularly in quaint Margao with its huge colonial square and Municipal Gardens. This, coupled with its paradisical white beaches, swaying palms and abundance of native wildlife makes it ideal for those seeking something a little more raw from a holiday experience. Goa is India's smallest and richest state, meaning that it is both easy to navigate, and the quality of transport exceeds that of even the busiest cities. By far the best way to get around is by train; the Konkan Kanya Express serving both Panaji and Margao en route to Mumbai,  but be prepared to pay a small commission if buying tickets in advance.

Amsterdam, Holland

There's a stigma associated with the Dutch capital that prompts many to avoid it as  potential weekend break location, however, Amsterdam isn't all about sexual freedom and debauchery. In fact, despite its relatively compact size, Amsterdam manages to cram in a host of fascinating attractions sure to tempt the novice traveller, such as Anne Frank's House and the Heineken Brewery. Much of the city is flat and pedestrianised, affording the best way for visitors to get around and see the sights.

For those who don't like walking,  dedicated tram services serve much of the city, and aren't all that difficult to understand once you get your head around the “honor” system and checking on/ off with your yellow travel card. Fortunately Amsterdam is extremely tourist friendly; most of the signs being in English, as well as Dutch, and English being spoken by a significant proportion of natives. Unlike many cities that attract a younger crowd, Amsterdam's hostels are decidedly upmarket for the prices being charged. If you want to experience a slice of Amsterdam's cafe culture, be sure to nab yourself a room in trendy Leidseplein. Hip, bohemian and crammed full of exotic restaurants, its the place to see and be seen in Europe's most backpacker friendly city!

WIT Start-Up: Shiroube links locals to travellers in P2P model

Shiroube is on WIT!

Hello everyone! Shiroube has been introduced in this article regarding how the founder biuld the market on WIT.




Thank you for your support!

Shiroube to greet Singapore!

Shiroube to greet Singapore!

On April 4 and 5, Internet companies and financiers in Asia will gather in Singapore to participate Startup Asia Singapore Conference, one of the finest tech events in the region.

Shiroube will put on a showcase at the event and we are very excited about it!




For more details, visit the website at: http://startupasia.techinasia.com/sg2013/


Thank you.

Top 5 Most Popular Regional English Accents (UK)

Top 5 Most Popular Regional English Accents (UK) 

London Underground Sign by Petr Kratochvil

Genteel. Educated. Refined. The English accent gives many false connotations to people across the Atlantic, and it's largely TV exports that are to blame. From the cut glass baritone of “Carry On” star Kenneth Williams, to the slick Etonian smoothness of James Bond, there's this common misconception that all English citizens are blessed with an aristocratic accent, moulded by years of public schooling.

Of course, this couldn't be further from the truth. Like every other nation, England has multifarious regional dialects with extremely diverse historic influences. For example, Liverpool, being a port city, was heavily influenced by nearby trading countries such as Ireland and Scotland. Conversely, the broad Cornish accent was influenced by the language spoken in the region up until the 18^th Century, although has some marked similarities to Welsh owing to its proximity to the England-Wales border.

With popular reality programmes such as “The Only Way is Essex” and “Geordie Shore” now becoming widely available internationally, the world is slowly becoming attuned to England's many unique and colourful dialects. Read on for our pick of the top five native English favourites:

5. West Country

Nearly every English accent has an element of stigma attached to it, and the West Country dialect is no different. Synonymous with country bumpkins and local yokels, the West Country accent is prevalent throughout South Western England, and collectively refers to the dialects of the region stretching from Cornwall to Lands End (Cornwall county). Cornish accents are distinguished by the slower delivery and enunciation of vowels, coupled with a strong burr – where the letter 'r' is trilled, rather than merely spoken.

The accents of the West are considered some of the most un-evolved compared to other dialects; words such as “thee”, “ye” and “thou” are still commonly used in place of “you”, and the infinitive “be” in place of “am”, “is” or “are”. Force-fed to millions thanks to fictional “Little Britain” character Vicky Pollard, the West Country dialect has once again found favour among natives, coming 8^th in a recent fun poll of English accents conducted by the Roxy Palace Casino site.

4. Cockney

Immortalised by roguish actors such as Michael Caine in the hit movie “The Italian Job” (1969), the Cockney accent continues to rank up there with the Queen's English as one of the world's favourite British accents. Cockney speech derives from rhyming slang, and is generally characterised by the dropping of 'H's' and glottalized 'T's' (pronounced in the back of the throat).

The Cockney dialect was once stereotypical of London's working class, however, actually originates from a small pocket of the city known as the “East End”. In the 16^th Century, the term “Cockney” referred to lower class Londoner's born within ear-shot of Bow Bells – the bells of historic St. Mary Le-Bow Church near Cheapside, however an experiment conducted by scientists in 2000 showed that the sound would have actually carried across a radius of six miles. To that end, it is now accepted that while all East End inhabitants are Cockneys, not all Cockneys hail from the East End.

3. Yorkshire

Yorkshire is modernly considered a county of two halves. In the largely rural North, the dialect is strong and broguish, with distinctive Old Norse (Germanic) and Northumbrian influences.  The letter 'a' in words such as “bath” is typically shorter and spoken far more quickly in comparison to Southern dialects. Words that contain “ay” sounds, such as “take”, are transformed with the integration of the letter 'e'  - as in “tek”. Certain letter groupings are also pronounced differently; words ending in “gh” often spoken as if they conclude with “ff”.

Southern Yorkshire dialects largely derive from the Mercian and Anglo-Saxon languages. As such, vowel sounds can be rather more drawn out - “about” pronounced “abaht”, and “head” pronounced “eead”. The letter 'h' is often dropped for shorter words. When describing objects, natives tend to forego using the word “the” completely in favour of “t”, or by adjoining the letter to the preceding word – as in “ont sofa”, instead of “on the sofa”. Lord of the Rings actor Sean Bean (“Boromir”) originates from Yorkshire, and is perhaps one of the best known celebrities to retain his accent for many of the characters he portrays.

2. Geordie

With prominent ambassadors such as Girls' Aloud's Cheryl Cole and TV comedy duo “Ant and Dec”, it's little wonder the Geordie accent is rapidly gaining favour across the pond. Legend tells that the term “Geordie” was coined during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, when the Jacobites deemed much of Tyneside “for King George”, however natives also accredit the term to George Stephenson, inventor of the miners' lamp.

Geordie dialect is often considered one of the most up-beat and cheerful of English accents, in part due to the manner by which natives finish their sentences. The word “like” is often attached to the end of a sentence, causing the speaker's voice to raise slightly in pitch - as if asking a question. Geordies also  have a tendency to use exclamations for a variety of purposes - such as “Howay” (meaning “come on” and “hurry up”) and “haadaway” (an exclamation of disbelief meaning “get away”). Geordie dialect has many similarities to others of Anglo-Saxon origin; 'R's' are rarely pronounced unless immediately followed by a vowel, and the letter “a” is used to abbreviate words with two adjoining vowels.

1. The Queen's English

In England, natives use the term “the Queen's English” to reference a variety of dialects spoken by the 'public-schooled' classes – i.e the attendees of Eton or Cambridge Universities. The formal term for this register is “Received Pronunciation”, however it is more modernly regarded as the correct and conventional way of pronouncing words, as they are written. Despite the “Queen's English” being a more formal term for Standard English, the associated accent is still regarded as 'posh' by the middle and working classes.

A cut glass English accent doesn't necessarily mean the speaker is of a particularly superior class or background. In fact, the Queen's English has now become associated with numerous arty professions, such as acting, dance and classical music. English natives generally associate Standard English with right-wing politicians and public-schooled London professionals, however those living in the outlying, well-to-do areas of London are also considered probable speakers.

Despite there being a standard of English from which most regional dialects have evolved, even natives have a hard time understanding their Northern and Western counterparts at basic conversational level. Like most countries, the regional variations have taken on a life of their own as they've evolved over the centuries – to a degree that many are now considered a language format in their own right!

Bang for your Buck! Five Awesome Locations that you can visit, enjoy and experience without breaking the bank!

Bang for your Buck! Five Awesome Locations that you can visit, enjoy and experience without breaking the bank!

Want to experience an awesome and exotic getaway but not quite sure of how to do it? Your bank account is limited but you know that your mind, body and soul could truly use something different. How about thinking outside of the box and creating the life and mini-vacation that you so desperately need to release and unbridle the passion and creativity that is lurking within.  Below are some of the best kept world secret vacation ideas that might just send you packing for a magnificent, life transforming experience on a dime.

Looking to really magnify your bucks, why not check out vacation travel packages that include both your flight and hotel accommodations. Once you secure your two biggest expenses, you can focus clearly on the experience that you want to have. For example, there are usually awesome winter packages for Cancun. Now, once in Cancun, whether you choose an all-inclusive resort, which there are plenty or if you decide to experience it on your own, you can make this get-away one that restores your heart and soul. In Cancun, visit the incredible beaches, party the night away in one of a zillion night clubs, experience culture by exploring Mayan Ruins or explore the Caribbean Sea. Diving and snorkeling will help you escape and transport you into an amazing underwater world. Cancun remains a top pick because of the ease at finding frugal flights and hotels. If you visit Cancun for nothing more than to lay on white sand beaches, it will cleanse your mind and renew your spirit.

Another vacation spot that is generally inexpensive to get to and offers an abundance of attractions that can be had reasonably or even free is Barbados. Barbados offers more fascinations per square mile than all of the islands in the Caribbean. If you need restoration, just imagine breakfast or midnight hikes on the island or enjoying breathtaking panoramic views along the North Coast. If you want ongoing and non-stop fun, how about parasailing, paragliding, snorkeling, cricket, horseback riding or horse racing. No matter what your heart desires or what your needs are, you can find rest, solace and peace or non-stop electric energy.

Want something so different that it expands your mind and thought by being somewhere so unique and so different that everything around you is like a learning experience. How about a trip to Africa? Ever thought about an Egyptian adventure? Why Egypt? It offers some of the world’s best accommodations but has trouble filling up all of the beautiful, wonderful and luxurious hotels. If you are craving a getaway that is filled with culture and can be had on the cheap, then visiting Egypt can transport you to a feeling of a different time and space. Its rich history full of an abundance of tombs, temples, monuments and mummies, you are sure to be sent into a culturally rich experience that is like no other. Your need for culture and history will be literally thrown through the roof. Stroll through the bazaars, haggle for prices and really get a feel for a traditional environment. Visit side cafes, drink tea and smoke hookahs and be transformed. Transport yourself by overlooking the Nile, enjoying Falafas and actually seeing and spending time in Cairo and their beautiful museums. Can you imagine experiences like that for less than $20 USD? Well it can be possible if you open your mind to the opportunities that are out there, waiting for you in the world!

Truly, one of the best places that budget-conscious travelers, all over the world, enjoy is a trip to Thailand and more specifically, Bangkok. Bangkok is a great place for either the experienced traveler or the newbie, wanting to experience a distinct, memorable and incomparable trip.  If you are looking to experience foreign urbanism, filling the streets with aromas of world class Thai cuisine and the most tranquil and relaxing of Thai massages, then Bangkok is your town. You will receive an education, like no other, by riding by motorbike and taxi throughout the City of Angels. You will be amazed as you feel the spirit and heartbeat of this world-famous and highly captivating city.

Last and definitely not least, if you have been longing and longing for a European vacation but have no idea of how or when you’ll get there. Consider Romania. Romania is one of the cheapest spots in Europe and will definitely help you make the most of the money that you have. Skiing, ice skating, biking, visiting museums and churches as well as moving around on the cheap throughout the Transylvanian region and dining with locals can all be accessible for the savvy traveler. A phenomenal European vacation means having the willingness to travel by trains and sky rides to different spaces and places. Can you imagine being in Romania on one day and then being in Budapest the next? Scrumptious, isn’t it?

Want to get the most bang for your buck? It’s not always a matter of growing a bigger bank account. There are so many opportunities that are literally all around us if we can simply open our minds to all of the possibilities that this big, beautiful and magnanimous world has to offer.

Are you ready? What are you waiting for? Get busy, get lost and plan the vacation of your dreams, on the cheap!