Ustream App Review

Everyone has had one of those moments when they say, “No one is ever going to believe this.” Well I had one of those moments the other day, but people did believe me because I had proof.

I was walking down Fifth Ave the other day minding my own business heading to the subway when I noticed my friend’s boyfriend walking into the apple store with a girl.  I assumed it was my friend, and because I hadn’t seen her in a few days I thought I would follow them and say hi.  I walk down the stairs and follow the couple with my eyes.  It was like something out of a movie.  They were hugging in slow motion and as he spun her around I saw her face.  Needless to say it wasn’t my friend he was spinning.  I stood there stunned for a few seconds then the busy, angry crowd pushing me down the stairs snapped me out of it.  I didn’t want him to see me as I tried to figure out what to do.  Well I first decided to call my friend.  After telling her what I was seeing she refused to believe me.  So I did what every tech savvy person would do and told her to go to my Ustream channel and wait.  She was a little confused but did what I said.  I logged into my Ustream app on my phone and started shooting. With grandiose images of me and my Peabody award in hand,  I walked over to him and the girl he was hugging tapped him on the shoulder and held the camera up.  He turned around and I said, “Say hi to your girlfriend.” as soon as I said that his phone rang and I walked away happy. 

I love that life brings moments that you just need to tell people about.  With the Ustream app you don’t need a computer to broadcast.  All you need is your phone and something interesting to shoot. Once you've launched the app it automatically takes you to video and you begin to shoot.  So it's fast if there is something you need to get out there. You can also tweet as your broadcasting. On the app you have the option to save the recording so you can archive it on your site or just shoot live.  It really is great and something I think everyone needs if you live in New York City.  Trust me there is always something interesting to shoot and people love to be little voyeurs.

Oregon Trail App Review

When I was in middle school computers were still this unknown territory.  There were not very many things you could do, so we were mostly taught how to type.  We spent the better part of the class learning how to type on a paper keyboard, but if we were good the last fifteen minutes were designated for Oregon Trail.
 

Let me tell you this was the highlight of everyone’s day.  Scores would be talked about during lunch and after school.  There were whispers in the hallway about the mythical winner.  You see with fifteen minutes to play the game no one ever had a chance to beat it.  It was always impossible.  But there was one name on the scoreboard with a perfect score, later come to find out it was our teacher. Everyone wanted to be on that list.  We all wanted to beat the game and make it to Oregon without losing any of our children or show up with a wagon that was missing a wheel. 

The last day of middle school my class was given the entire class period to play the game.  A few of us made it out, I was one of the lucky ones.  I held my head up high that day.

Even after fifteen years the game is fresh in my mind.  I wanted to check the app store to see if it was there, and it was.  For .99¢ you can purchase the game for your phone and start playing.  It’s just as I remembered it.  You need to set up your family by assigning them names and deciding whether you want boys or girls.  Then you can decide whether you want to be a banker, farmer or carpenter.  All these decisions believe it or not will decide your fate on the trail. While on your way you encounter giant eagles that come and take your children, fishing for fish bigger than you, and picking berries to feed your family.  The trail master has arms thicker than your thighs and the scenery is a little monotonous but all in all it’s a great time.  There are various badges you can win, so even after a few trips to Oregon you always want to play again just to see if you can win all the badges. 

This iPhone app is one that I highly recommend for the Y generation and beyond.  

Epicurious App Review

He was coming over any minute and it was my turn to cook.  I had worked late that day and was in a rush when I completely forgot to pick up some shrimp for my risotto.  I made it home but only had 45 minutes to come up with an impressive meal for two with nothing but what I had in my pantry.  After a few minutes of panic I take out my phone and launch the Epicurious app.
  What I absolutely love about this app is that I gives me the ability to list readily accessible ingredients and it gives me recipes that I can quickly and easily make.  First it asks for my main ingredients, and after looking through my refrigerator I realize the only thing I have are a dozen eggs, two defrosted chicken breasts and a package of rice for the risotto I was no longer making.  Thinking there was no way I could come up with a recipe with these ingredients I input the information into the app and……

“Broiled Chicken with Bacon Over Egg Fried Rice”

Prep time: 15min

Cook time: 30min

Autumn: Very Happy

I was very excited to attempt to cook Chinese food for the first time.  What makes this even more amazing is that you also needed soy sauce and sesame oil and wouldn’t you know that I had some stored away from Chinese takeout I ordered a few weeks ago.  So the food was cooked, I was date ready and ended up with three minutes to spare before the doorbell rang.  My date later raved about my cooking and was very impressed with my ability to throw a few ingredients together and make a meal.  Of course he was never told about my secret weapon..Epicurious

There are plenty of other great features on the app such as:

Course Search

Dish Search

Season or occasion search

There is also drink button that gives you drink recommendations for your recipe.

This app was free and it really did save my life.  I recommend that you download it as soon as possible.

Happy Calling

Autumn Garcia