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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Presidential Election 2011 Result (Inclusive of overseas vote)

The counting of overseas vote for the Presidential Election 2011 is completed. President-elect Dr Tony Tan received the most votes, at 1296 (38%), Dr Tan Cheng Bock had 1183 votes (35%), Mr Tan Jee Say had 709 (21%), and Mr Tan Kin Lian had 184 (5%). Since overseas count is less than the margin between the two frontrunners, they will change the outcome of the election. The two frontrunners for local votes are Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam at 744,397 votes (35.19%) and Dr Tan Cheng Bock at 737,128 votes (34.85%).

NOTE: The Channel News Asia article has the following errors:
  1. Tan Kin Lian overseas vote should have been 5.5% instead of 0.55%
  2. Total overseas vote 1296 + 1183 + 709 + 184 is not equal to 3,376 for overseas vote. I do not know where the 4 lost votes go to
Local Votes

Tony Tan Keng Yam:
744,397 votes (35.19%)
Tan Cheng Bock:
737,128 votes (34.85%)
Tan Jee Say:
529,732 votes (25.04%)
Tan Kin Lian:
103,931 votes (4.91%)

Total valid votes:
2,115,188
Total rejected votes:
37,826
Total votes:
2,153,014

Overseas Votes

Tony Tan Keng Yam:
1,296 votes (38.43%)
Tan Cheng Bock:
1,183 votes (35.08%)
Tan Jee Say:
709 votes (21.02%)
Tan Kin Lian:
184 votes (5.45%)

Total valid votes:
2,115,188
Total rejected votes:
37,826
Total votes:
3,372

» PE: Counting of overseas votes completed | Channel News Asia

Fake SSL certificate DigiNotar impersonate Gmail and other Google services

Google Inc reported a fradulent SSL certificate issued by DigiNotar Certificate Authority (CA) that is "valid for *.google.com. A possible man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks against Google users, whereby someone tried to get between them and encrypted Google services, can be launched. The people affected were primarily located in Iran. According to a post published on Sunday by a user calling himself alibo, the counterfeit certificate surfaced when he tried to log into his Gmail account using the Google Chrome browser.

Google Chrome users were protected from this attack because Chrome was able to detect the fraudulent certificate. To further protect the safety and privacy of our users, Google will disable the DigiNotar certificate authority in Chrome while investigations continue. Mozilla and Microsoft also moved quickly to protect its users soon after. This means that Chrome and Firefox users will receive alerts if they try to visit websites that use DigiNotar certificates.

» An update on attempted man-in-the-middle attacks | Google Online Security Blog

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Google Calendar grays out old events

Google Calendar starts dimming out past events, putting focus on today's and future events.


If you do not wish to dim events, go to "Calendar Settings" and uncheck these options


» Event dimming | Google Calendar Help

Monday, August 29, 2011

Tan Cheng Bock - I understand

Dr Tan Cheng Bock dedicated this song "I understand" to all his supporters and Singaporeans


People's President but just too bad that he lost by just 0.34% margin.

Yam Ah Mee Presidential Club Mix (PE 2011)

Speechless! Returning Officer Yam Ah Mee announcing the Presidential election winner is a hit!

Pursuant to Section 49, Sub Section 8D, Paragraph A of the Presidential Act, I declare...


In case you are looking for Yam Ah Mee club mix version for May's General Election, click here.

Mr Yam Ah Mee is actually the chief executive officer of the People's Association and was one of the driving forces behind the LTA's Land Transport Master Plan. He was appointed Returning Officer for the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections in June last year, succeeding Tan Boon Huat, who has retired. Lest you think he's all talk, he's also chief of the President of the Harvard Club and Harvard Club of Singapore's Volunteer program. This is his actual Facebook profile.

Less than 24 hours after the announcement of polling results ended, he is described as robotic. Facebook Fan page is set up (41,156 likes so far) and Twitter account (1,315 followers) are setup for him.

Samsung ChatOn App

ChatOn, a true global mobile communication service, launched by Samsung aims to tackle messaging.

  • 120 countries, 62 languages
  • Making your communication richer than ever
  • Group chat, Multimedia sharing, Trunk
  • AMS (Animation Message Service)
  • My page and interaction rank

Tan Kin Lian clarification on misunderstanding on females doing National Service (NS)

As posted on Tan Kin Lian's blog National Service can be made a privilege on 23 Aug 2011,
There is a misunderstanding among readers of the Chinese newspapers that I am advocating mandatory National Service for girls. This is a wrong interpretation of my suggestion that the males should not have to carry an unfair burden in doing National Service, compared to girls and foreigners.

My suggestion is for the males doing National Service to be adequately paid and for the additional payment to go into their CPF account. Alternatively, the HDB housing grant should be differentiated between applicants who have done National Service and those who have not. The difference should reflect the value of the time that they spent in National Service.

If girls wish to perform national service, as they find it to be quite well paid, they should be given an option to serve in the nursing, community service or other suitable positions. This will have have to depend on the demand for these services.

I wish to see National Service be made into a privilege for citizens - and this can be done by paying them adequately for the time that they have to spend, and for this privilege to be made available to girls as well (but it is optional).
It seems to me Mr Tan is still harping on this matter after him losing badly in the Presidential election with just 4.9% votes, still gathering replies on his Facebook page.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

How to add LinkedIn button to your website or blog?

To add a LinkedIn button to your website or blog and promote your professional resume online, go to http://www.linkedin.com/profile?promoteProfile= for the code snippets.

Get News Everywhere

I have added a new section on my blog - "Get News Everywhere".

1. Follow me on Twitter



2. Follow me on Google+

https://plus.google.com/112447396819753522975/posts

3. Subscribe RSS feed

 Subscribe in a reader

4. Subscribe email alerts

Social Media Analytics for Facebook and Twitter

SimplyMeasured’s competitive analysis tool compares engagement across competitors’ social media profiles.

Dr Tony Tan press release

New President Elect Dr Tony Tan released a press release on his site and I quote an excerpt here.

Amongst the candidates, I would like to highlight Dr Tan Cheng Bock in particular.

In one of the early posts on his Web site, he quoted something that I said in 2000 — that Cheng Bock was hardworking, enthusiastic and concerned about his constituents.

All those qualities were present in his campaign this year — and were a credit to him.

Tan Kin Lian had intention to withdraw and work with TCB but didn't eventually

Mr Tan Kin Lian who had merely gotten 5% of votes in Singapore's Presidential Election 2011 commented on his blog post that he had intention to withdraw and work with his choice Mr Tan Cheng Bock but eventually decided not to because of attacks from the latter's supporters. This tells a lot of Tan Kin Lian's character.

I quote his comment
I was in favor of TCB at the start. I submitted the COE just to make sure that at least one of us was approved. Later, I changed my mind about cooperating with him, after his supporters made many personal attacks against me in the social media. If this had not happened, it would probably have been a different outcome.
I was also misled by external surveys that showed me ahead of him (which turned out to be unreliable).

A screen capture of his post in case it got lost.


Tan Kin Lian post mortem presidential campaign based on survey

Mr Tan Kin Lian conducted a post mortem survey on his Presidential campaign to find out why he failed and only managed to gather a mere 5% votes.

His analysis on the survey result is posted on his Facebook page. Mr Tan grouped his findings into 2 - Positive Points and Negative Points.

NOTE: Result of survey is based on just 100 submissions.

POSITIVE POINTS
  • Sincere
  • Concern for other people, willing to help people
  • Focus on public service
  • Good ideas
  • Spoke in four languages

NEGATIVE POINTS
  • I should not have touched on the weaknesses of the other three candidates in the 2nd TV broacast, but should instead focus on my strengths (point taken and agreed)
  • I should not have mentioned about Tan Jee Say being the low points of my campaign
  • The High-Five is not suitable for adults - handshakes are better.
  • My pronunciation of English words is not good (have been mentioned previously in the past).
  • Blinking of eyes
  • Over-promising (NS men, pensions, etc).

3,376 out of 5,504 overseas Singaporeans cast their votes

From New York to Beijing, a total of 3,376 Singaporeans cast their votes at nine overseas polling stations. There were 5,504 people registered to vote overseas.

The overseas votes will be counted after all overseas ballot boxes are back in Singapore. Under the Presidential Elections Act, overseas votes must arrive at the office of the Returning Officer in Singapore not later than 10 days after Polling Day.

The final outcome of the Presidential Election is Dr Tony Tan being elected the President. Dr Tan Cheng Bock is just a mere 0.34% behind him.

» 3,376 overseas Singaporeans cast their votes | The Straits Times

Tan Jee Say interview - 28 Aug

Tan Kin Lian conceded defeat with BBQ

Tan Kin Lian conceded defeat after only 3 counting stations had been counted. It was a dignified fight for him.

Tan Jee Say post election interview

President Elect Dr Tony Tan post election interview

I feel Dr Tony Tan can handle the reporters quite well.

President-Elect Dr Tony Tan victory speech - 28 Aug

President Elect Dr Tony Tan promised to work hard and be the best possible President for all Singaporeans. He ended his speech shouting "Confidence for the Future".

Dr Tan Cheng Bock speech just before result - Aug 28

Dr Tan Cheng Bock thanking supporters, helpers, everyone during the vote recount, just before official result was released. Everyone is special to him.

Returning Officer Yam Ah Mee announcing Presidential Election 2011 result

Please read here for the final Presidential Election result in numbers and percentages.

Presidential Election 2011 voting result

Tony Tan Keng Yam:
744,397 votes (35.19%)
Tan Cheng Bock:
737,128 votes (34.85%)
Tan Jee Say:
529,732 votes (25.04%)
Tan Kin Lian:
103,931 votes (4.91%)

Total valid votes:
2,115,188
Total rejected votes:
37,826
Total votes:
2,153,014

Dr Tony Tan became the President-elect winning by the slimmest margin of 0.34% after a recount of votes since the margin is below 2%. Mr Tan Kin Lian vote share of just 4.91% which is below the required minimum 12.5% rule would mean he did not manage to get back his 48,000 deposit.

For overseas votes, 3,376 out of 5,504 Singaporeans cast their votes. The overseas votes will be counted after all overseas ballot boxes are back in Singapore. Under the Presidential Elections Act, overseas votes must arrive at the office of the Returning Officer in Singapore not later than 10 days after Polling Day. Since overseas count is less than the margin between the two frontrunners, they will change the outcome.

If you do not believe in the statistics posted above, you can always listen to Returning Officer Yam Ah Mee official announcement.

All the best to Singapore.

NOTE: Overseas vote result is out. Please go to http://hongjun.blogspot.com/2011/08/presidential-election-2011-result.html for the final Presidential Election 2011 Result (Inclusive of overseas vote).

Saturday, August 27, 2011

The mechanisms of Google Search



» Another look under the hood of search | Official Google Blog

The New Paper (TNP) said Dr Tony Tan did not violate cooling off day rules

The New Paper (TNP) has replied saying Dr Tony Tan did not violate the cooling off day rules after several netizens asked if an online advertisement of presidential candidate Dr Tony Tan is in breach of rules.

A spokesman for Dr Tan's campaign said they were not in breach of the rules.

She said: "The pop-up advertisements started on Wednesday, 24th August at 10am. According to the rules, this is lawful internet advertising as they were already in place before Cooling Off Day."

While campaigning actitivies are prohibited during Cooling Off Day, the Election Department website states that “lawful Internet advertising that was already published before the eve of Polling Day" are allowed.

To me, this certainly makes sense to me. Advertisement over the web is just like putting up banners and posters on streets. They were put up before the cooling off day and will remain in place on and after cooling off day.

Dr Tony Tan google ad on my blog

» Dr Tony Tan's online ads did not break Cooling Off Day rules | The New Paper

Twitter, faster than earthquakes video is lame

Twitter released a short promotional video that showing it’s faster than the Virginia’s 5.9 magnitude earthquake, which travelled from the Washington DC to New York City. 30 seconds is all it needs to inform someone around the world what's happening around you to prepare for it. The man featured in the video lifted his cup and continued reading after receiving a warning message on Twitter of the quake.

One strange part of the video caught my attention was the guy at the far back. The whole place did not certainly seem to be experiencing an earthquake except the guy in focus. Lame video!

Google+ adds Ignore option

Blocking someone on Google+ has always been possible. Today, Google+ adds a new 'Ignore' option, similar to 'Block' but not as strong and are different, as announced on a Olga Wichrowska's Google+ post.

When you ignore a person:

  • They'll be removed from the list of ‘People who have added you.’
  • New content will no longer be delivered to your Incoming stream, and content they've already shared will be removed from Incoming.
  • Their mentions of you won't appear in your stream and you won't receive a notification for them.

When you block someone:

  • You won't see their content in the stream or on Incoming (even though you'll remain in their circles).
  • They'll be removed from any circles of yours that they appear in.
  • They'll be removed from your extended circles even if you have mutual connections.
  • They won't be able to comment on your content that was posted after they were blocked.
  • They won't be able to view content shared with your circles (although they may still see content you post publicly).
  • They won't be able to mention you in posts or comments.

Help center articles are available at http://goo.gl/HQ7AS (Ignoring people) and http://goo.gl/KNW7L (Block someone).

Redeem your Borders gift cards for flights to Europe

German Airline Lufthansa has extended a helping hand to shoppers left in limbo over the unused value in their Borders gift cards, and will allow card holders to redeem their gift cards for flights to Europe on the airline from Singapore.

For instance, a customer with S$100 on his gift card can offset a S$999 air ticket with the value, and pay S$899. The airline would accept the gift cards at its office at 390 Orchard Road until September 2. The Borders at Wheelock Place has since closed.

In the meantime, Borders Singapore is holding a Borderless clearance sale at Prologue, ION Orchard, from 26 Aug to 11 Sep.

» Redeem Borders gift cards for flights to Europe | xinmsn News

Customers in Singapore to get full or partial refund on their HP TouchPad

Those who pre-ordered the doomed Hewlett Packard TouchPad through official channels can get a full or partial refund, depending on whether they wish to keep the TouchPad. This is after HP announced a shutdown on its webOS mobile operation.

Those who want a full refund can email HP at Hp.order.fufillment@hp.com with their details, while those who want to keep the device will get a refund of the difference between HP's still-unannounced new pricing and the original retail price. The tablet had been selling for US$99 (S$119) at fire sales.

» Customers who ordered HP TouchPad to get full or partial refunds | Channel News Asia

Sneak preview of Windows 8

As published on a MSDN blog Building Windows 8, Windows 8 made several refinements, one of them being to the file management basics: copy, move, rename, and delete.

In Windows 8, improvements were made based on three main goals to the copy experience:
  • One place to manage all copy jobs: Create one unified experience for managing and monitoring ongoing copy operations.
  • Clear and concise: Remove distractions and give people the key information they need.
  • User in control: Put people in control of their copy operations.


» Building Windows 8 | MSDN Blog

WIKILEAKS RELEASE: 505 Singapore US embassy cables

http://wikileaks.org/tag/SN_0.html

Heart of the Nation -- Tan Jee Say

Think Singaporeans First -- Dr Tan Cheng Bock

Voice of the People -- Tan Kin Lian

Confidence for the Future -- Dr Tony Tan

Google+ Snippet - Define the article name, image, URL, description

On top of the ability to +1 an article and share it directly on Google+, Google+ has provided code snippets to allow all including the advertisers to define the to-be-shared article's name, image, URL and description.

Here is some sample code on how it works:
<body itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Article">
<h1 itemprop="name">This is the article name</h1>
<img itemprop="image" src="thumbnail.jpg" />
<p itemprop="description">This is the description of the article.</p>
</body>

» Doing more with the +1 button, more than 4 billion times a day | Official Google Blog

Friday, August 26, 2011

Google +1 buttons share directly to Google+

In chase with Facebook, Google has finally made its Google +1 buttons share directly to Google+. Previously when you do a +1, it will only be shown in your +1 tab. Now, users can share webpages with their circles, directly from the +1 button. Just +1 a page as usual and look for the new "Share on Google+" option. From there you can comment, choose a circle and share.


» Doing more with the +1 button, more than 4 billion times a day | Official Google Blog

Demo of the first Apple Macintosh by Steve Jobs

the mrbrown show - All is Tan

Just for laugh from the mr brown show.


Borders Clearance Sale at Prologue


Dr Tan Cheng Bock daughter, Presidential Election Rally, Singapore Expo, 25th August

Dr Tan Cheng Bock team didn't manage to upload one video onto YouTube, featuring a speech by his daughter Ming Li, due to lack of time before the cooling off day, just hours after his 25th Aug rally.

Ming Li speech is available as a mp4 raw file and can be downloaded from http://tanchengbock.org/wp-content/video/TCB-Rally-MingLi-Daughter.mp4 (255MB). I recommend downloading the file first and not stream it online because of its large file size.

Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Presidential Election Rally, Singapore Expo, 25th August

Poor quality most probably Dr Tan Cheng Bock team had only very limited time to upload them before they are not allowed to during the cooling off day on 26 Aug. Dr Tan's part 2 segment upload on his own personal YouTube channel was even unsuccessful. The video I am listing is from the TODAYDigital channel.

Lesson learnt: Do not hold a rally hours before cooling off day.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Apple revised executive list after Steve Jobs resigned

Apple came out with a revised executive list after Steve Jobs resigned.

Apple revised executive list
Steve Jobs is now the Chairman of the Board.

Tim Cook, commencement speaker for Auburn University Spring 2010

The man who succeed Steve Jobs as the Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc - Tim Cook as a commencement speaker for Auburn University Spring 2010

Buy Any Chicken McGRILL Sandwich and get 1 FREE Pepper Chicken McGRILL


Buy Any Chicken McGRILL Sandwich and get 1 FREE Pepper Chicken McGRILL. Promotion starts from 26 - 31 Aug 2011.

10 Iconic Steve Jobs Moments

The Mashable has put up together 10 iconic Steve Jobs moments following his resignation from Apple.

With all due respect,
  1. Steve Jobs demos Apple Macintosh, 1984
    http://youtu.be/G0FtgZNOD44
  2. 1984 Apple's Macintosh Commercial
    http://youtu.be/OYecfV3ubP8
  3. Steve Jobs and Microsoft at Macworld Boston 1997
    http://youtu.be/WxOp5mBY9IY
  4. The First iMac Introduction
    http://youtu.be/0BHPtoTctDY
  5. The First iPod Keynote (2001)
    http://youtu.be/6pRzKCEAYAA
  6. Steve Jobs presents the iTunes Phone
    http://youtu.be/TWSRgsk2oaw
  7. Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech 2005
    http://youtu.be/D1R-jKKp3NA
  8. Introducing the new iPhone PART 1
    http://youtu.be/ftf4riVJyqw
  9. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Together: Part 1
    http://youtu.be/_5Z7eal4uXI
  10. Apple iPad: Steve Jobs Keynote Jan 27 2010 Part 1
    http://youtu.be/OBhYxj2SvRI

Apple's Steve Jobs Resignation Letter

The day Apple's Steve Jobs resigning from his chief role has finally come. The chief had made an announcement yesterday of his resignation and his recommendation to have Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook as his successor. Tim Cook had been handling the day-to-day operations while Steve was on medical leave because of his pancreatic cancer. The resignation is to be of immediate effect. Shares of Apple fell by as much as 7 percent in after hours trading on Wednesday.

Steve's resignation letter goes like this.

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Full transcript of Tan Kin Lian's daughter, Su Ling, speech at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium, Aug 24

Tan Kin Lian has posted a note on his Facebook page showing the full transcript of Tan Kin Lian's daughter, Su Ling, speech at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium, Aug 24, in both English and translated Mandarin. The transcript can be found here.

The video.

Speech by Mrs Tan Kin Lian speaks at rally, 24 Aug

Ivy Singh-Lim speaks at Tan Kin Lian Rally, Aug 24

A powerful speech.

A quote from comment of the YouTube video.
Tan Jee Say wants to phase out manufacturing! LAU PENG unemployment can hit 25% you know? My working family & I will not vote for Jee Say.

Goh Meng Seng speaks at Tan Kin Lian's rally, Aug 24

Tan Kin Lian's daughter, Su Ling, speaking at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium, Aug 24

Tan Kin Lian's daughter, Su Ling, speaking at the rally at Yio Chu Kang stadium, Aug 25, 2011. I seriously think Ms Su Ling has potential to be a MP.

Tan Kin Lian's Rally Speech, Yio Chu Kang Stadium, Aug 24

Facebook updates its privacy control

Facebook has released a series of updates on its privacy control, one of the biggest privacy overhauls in the company’s history. Updates include changes to profiles, status updates, locations and tags.

» Making It Easier to Share With Who You Want | Facebook Blog

Cheaper 8GB iPhone 4 rumoured for emerging nations

A report from the Reuters quoted Asian suppliers to Apple have begun manufacturing a lower-priced version of its hot-selling iPhone 4 with a smaller 8 gigabyte flash drive to boost sales in the emerging developing nations.

» Apple suppliers building cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4 | Reuters

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Presidential Election roundtable on Channel News Asia - Aug 23

Tan Jee Say's Rally Speech, Toa Payoh Stadium, Aug 23

Is Tan Jee Say in contesting in a General Election or a Presidential Election? I am confused.

Sharon Au (欧菁仙) at Tony Tan lunchtime rally, 24 Aug 2011

Sharon Au (欧菁仙) spent more than 4 minutes talking about herself at Tony Tan lunchtime rally, 24 Aug 2011, and only 2 minutes talking about the attributes of a President.

Totally waste of air time.

Tony Tan's Rally Speech, Boat Quay, Aug 24

Dr Tony Tan delivered the first Presidential Election rally for 2011 election in the central business district on 24 Aug lunch time.


» President is not a 'Super MP': Tony Tan | TODAY Online

Burger King’s FREE Vanilla Cone

Burger King is having a promotion until 10 Nov 2011, entitling all customers to enjoy a FREE vanilla cone (wafer) with purchase of any value meal other than Kid's meal. To redeem, present the below e-voucher at all outlets except Escape Theme Park.


Monday, August 22, 2011

How to add a Google Profile button on your site?

To increase social interaction with your readers and allow them to follow your Google+ public stream, it is now possible to include a Google Profile button.

Step to embed Google Profile button:

  1. Go to http://www.google.com/webmasters/profilebutton/ and follow the 3-steps instructions in the Google Webmaster Page.
  2. With the code generated, paste it in your own site.
Google Profile button follows a set of branding guidelines.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Google+ begins issuing Verified badges for 'Celebrity' accounts

Google+ begins issuing Verified badges for 'Celebrity' accounts so we would know if profile pages of theirs really do belong to them.

From a Google+ team member Wen-Ai Yu post
For now, we’re focused on verifying public figures, celebrities, and people who have been added to a large number of Circles, but we’re working on expanding this to more folks.
The following screen shot shows Google co-founder Sergey Brin Google+ verified account.

Sergey Brin google+ account - Verified

Saturday, August 20, 2011

China vs US Georgetown Hoyas Baskeball Team Brawl

A friendly match between Georgetown University and the Shanghai Bayi Rockets, a professional Chinese squad with ties to the People's Liberation Army ended in an ugly brawl with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. This incident occurred during a visit to China by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and had been billed by the teams as a "goodwill" contest.

Members of the Georgetown Hoyas team were hurled plastic water bottles they left the court.


In just less than a year, the Chinese were also involved in another brawl, but that was with the Brazilians.


» A Basketball 'Friendly' Fouls U.S.-China Mood | The Wall Street Journal

Google Maps show weather layer

Google Maps has begun showing weather layers on its maps providing useful information no matter it is rain or shine.

This new feature even provides information on 4-days weather forecast. The nice thing about Google Maps layers is that you can combine them. For example, you can enable both the terrain and the weather layers, like you can see in the screenshot above.


» Rain or shine, see the weather in Google Maps | Official Google Blog

Microsoft calling webOS developers to join them

Microsoft’s chief Windows Phone evangelist, Brandon Watson, tweeted inviting webOS developers to start developing apps for Windows Phone. In one of his post, he was even quoted offering free Windows phones, tools and trainings for these developers.


This is after HP decided to shut down its webOS operation altogether.

Facebook 'Like' button banned in Germany

According to a press release by German State, Facebook popular 'Like' button is officially banned in Germany, citing infringement on the Telemedia Act and the Federal Data Protection Act as Facebook transfers data back to the US. A click on the 'Like' button will send one's IP Address to Facebook servers, thus illegally tacking users' web habits.

A German-to-English translation on an excerpt from a press release by Google Translation is as such.

The ULD expects all website operators in Schleswig-Holstein, that they immediately cease the data cascading over her to-use Facebook in the U.S., by disabling the appropriate services. This is not done until the end of September 2011, the ULD will take further measures. After going through the legally provided consultation and administrative proceedings can do so in public places his complaints under § LDSG SH, 42 with private entities injunctions under § 38 Para 5 BDSG and administrative penalties. The maximum height is fine for violations of the TMG at 50,000 €.r

Thilo Weichert, head of the ULD "The ULD has long been informally suggest that many Facebook offers are illegal. This has unfortunately been hindered because few operators to take the offer, particularly as these easy to install and use are free of charge.

The Unabhängiges Landeszentrum für Datenschutz Schleswig-Holstein (ULD) has its data-protection rating of the range analysis by Facebook, published on the Internet here.

Should HP sell its PC group?

World number one computer maker, Hewlett Packard (HP), announced yesterday its decision to sell its PC business as well as kill webOS altogether.

What exactly would the impact be for the PC industry as a whole? PC Magazine made an analysis on this matter.

» Should HP Sell Its PC Group? | PC Magazine

Yet another possible Apple doctoring images of Samsung phones

Just 2 days after I made a post on suspicion Apple could have altered Samsung Galaxy Tab photo before submitting to courts to make Samsung Galaxy Tab looks more closely to iPad, there is now yet another possible doctored photo posted on the internet.

Apple iPad VS Samsung Galaxy Tab (posted 2 days ago)

Left: Apple iPad VS Right: Samsung Galaxy Tab (Doctored)
Left: Samsung Galaxy Tab (16:10 ratio) VS Apple iPad (4:3 ratio)
Latest photo circulated is on Apple iPhone VS Samsung Galaxy S II, showing Samsung's same height as iPhone, which is not true.


HP decided to exit PC business, kill webOS

Two shocking news broke out from Hewlett Packard (HP) - exit PC business and kill newly acquired webOS from Palm. HP's just launched TouchPad was launched on July 1 but am killed on August 18, a mere 49 days in existence. HP, the world’s largest computer maker, decision does not come positive for investors, having its share price falling over 20% in NYSE.
HP falling share price
Who would have predicted HP giving up building and going into services 100%.

Share YouTube videos on Google+ Hangout

You can now start a Google+ Hangout with a YouTube video, directly from YouTube. This was announced on Brian Glick's, YouTube product manager, google+ account.

To share, just click on "Share" underneath any video, and then click on "Start a Google+ Hangout" in the bottom right-hand corner.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Tony Tan, Tan Jee Say clash over ISA

Presidential candidates Dr Tony Tan and Tan Jee Say clashed over the issue of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in a heated exchange during a dialogue forum held on Thursday at the Fort Canning Centre.

Watch the heated exchange here.


» Tony Tan, Tan Jee Say clash over ISA | Yahoo! News

Face to Face 2: Tan Jee Say goes head to head with Tony Tan

Ugly politics of Dr Tony Tan to interrupt Mr Tan See Jay.

Bogus patents as being mere 'mental processes' could be reviewed

According to a news from Techdirt, the courts are now more open in rejecting software patents as being mere 'mental processes'. If Section 101 is to be considered, several bogus patents already patented or pending approval would have gotten rejected.

This is great! We should never let bogus patents stifle innovation. It seems everyone is infringing one another and in the end, lawyers are the one left laughing away.

» Court Ruling Opens The Door To Rejecting Many Software Patents As Being Mere 'Mental Processes' | Techdirt

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Schedule of Presidential candidate broadcast

The four Presidential candidates for Singapore will be giving live broadcasts over free-to-air radio and television platforms.

The four Presidential candidates are:

  1. Dr Tan Cheng Bock
  2. Mr Tan Jee Say
  3. Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
  4. Mr Tan Kin Lian

Aug 18

Time: 8.00 pm
News platform: Channel NewsAsia, 938Live (English)

Time: 9.00 pm
News platform: Vasantham, Oli 96.8FM (Tamil)

Time: 10.00 pm
News platform: Channel 5, Power 98 (English)

Time: 10.30 pm
News platform: Suria, Warna 94.2FM (Malay)
News platform: Channel 8, Capital 95.8FM, 883Jia FM, Radio 100.3 (Mandarin)

Time: 11.30 pm
News platform: Channel U (Mandarin)

» Schedule of Presidential candidate broadcast | The Straits Times

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Did Apple alter Samsung Galaxy Tab photo to submitted to courts

This photo of a doctored Galaxy Tab 10.1 popped up on Engadget this afternoon. Supposedly, the image comes from a legal filing Apple's lawyers in Europe made against Samsung, claiming the Galaxy Tab 10.1 was designed to copy from the iPad.

But the photo here has obviously been doctored to make the Galaxy Tab look like it has the same screen ratio as the iPad.
Left: Apple iPad VS Right Samsung Galaxy Tab (Doctored)
In reality, the iPad has 4:3 screen ratio and the Galaxy Tab has a longer, 16:10 ratio.
Left: Samsung Galaxy Tab (16:10 ratio) VS Apple iPad (4:3 ratio)
» BUSTED: Did Apple Alter This Galaxy Tab Photo In Its Lawsuit Against Samsung? | Business Insider

HP webOS tablet terribly poor sales

It seems HP webOS may turn out to be a disaster and an acquisition from Palm to be an expensive and loss making business after reports citing poor sales. Sales are so bad till Best Buy could be demanding for HP to take back all remaining HP tablets. This problem isn't limited to Best Buy - Fry's, Wal-Mart, and other chains are also reporting terrible sales.

» HP's TouchPad Is Officially A Bomb: Best Buy Wants HP To Take Them Back | Business Insider

Decade old video prediction and vision on tablets is accurate

The following more than a decade old newspaper vision on tablets came true especially with the following statement.
We may still use the computer to create information, but we'll use the tablet to interact with information.

Google Related suggests useful content while you browse

Google Related is a new Chrome extension and Google Toolbar feature for Internet Explorer that shows you useful, interesting content while you browse the web. It appears as a small bar at the bottom of your browser that pops up when you hover over it with your mouse, without you leaving the page. Results can be map, news, video, shopping sites and other related useful content.


Visit www.google.com/related to learn more and to get Google Related today.

» Find more while you browse with Google Related | Official Google Blog

Dr Tony Tan jeered (boo-ed) on Nomination Day

President hopeful for Singapore Dr Tony Tan was jeered (boo-ed) by a group of non supporters on Nomination Day. In response to the jeering, Dr Tan expressed deep disappointment. He hoped that Singaporeans would listen to the views of all the candidates.

No matter what, booing tactic is a no no. This shows these jeering parties are immature.

Google buys Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion (Animated)

Monday, August 15, 2011

Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility

Hopefully Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility will arm Google with a stronger patent war chest against competitors.

SQL function to trim all including char 160

The SQL standard functions provided in MsSQL LTrim() and RTrim() if used together should supposedly trim away both leading and trailing white spaces and tabs. However, it seems Char(160), newlines and tabs are ignored from the triming "exercise".

The following custom function provides a fix to this annoying "bug".
CREATE FUNCTION TrimAll (@s VARCHAR(MAX))
RETURNS VARCHAR(MAX)
AS
BEGIN
    RETURN RTrim(LTrim(Replace(Replace(Replace(Replace(@s, Char(160), ' '), Char(10), ''), Char(13), ''), Char(9), '')))
END
GO

To use, simply do something like this
SELECT dbo.TrimAll(MyField) FROM MyTable

Restart IIS Website using script

The following code snippet is a simple shell script to restart IIS website.
%windir%\system32\inetsrv\appcmd start Site MyWebSite
%windir%\system32\inetsrv\appcmd set Site MyWebSite /serverAutoStart:true

Related Readings:

Recycle IIS Application Pool using script

The following code snippet is a simple shell script to recycle IIS application pool.
%windir%\system32\inetsrv\appcmd start Apppool MyAppPoolName
%windir%\system32\inetsrv\appcmd set Apppool MyAppPoolName /autoStart:true
%windir%\system32\inetsrv\appcmd recycle Apppool MyAppPoolName

Related Readings:

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Android GUI Mockup Tool

Android GUI Mockup Tool looks quite interesting to me.

Publish Sync - Cross post Google+, Facebook, Twitter posts

Publish Sync is yet another useful Chrome extension to perform cross post of Google+, FacebookTwitter and Plurk statuses, all within individual sites.

Publish Sync configuration from Chrome

Cross post from Google+

Cross post from Facebook

Cross post from Twitter
» Publish Sync | Chrome Web Store

Related readings on cross post:

Request Entity Too large 413 error on SSL secured page

For file upload on a SSL secured page, you may sometimes encounter a "Request Entity Too large 413 error" if you wait for too long before clicking on upload button. An article on the IIS forum page points to a possible bug on IIS settings and a tweak is needed to solve this problem.

Set correct value:
%windir%\system32\inetsrv\appcmd set config -section:system.webserver/serverruntime /uploadreadaheadsize:204800 /commit:apphost

or
cscript adsutil.vbs set w3svc/uploadreadaheadsize 204800

To view setting:
cscript adsutil.vbs get w3svc/UploadReadAheadSize

How to throw error to browser (client) for classic ASP?

Because of security concerns, IIS 7.0 has since turned off ASP's default behavior of sending script errors (including line number and code snippet to the browser. A generic error is now shown on browser for classic ASP, something like this:
An error occurred on the server when processing the URL. Please contact the system administrator.
To revert back to earlier IIS behaviour, do this on command prompt (Administrator rights may be required):

%windir%\system32\inetsrv\appcmd set config -section:asp -scriptErrorSentToBrowser:true

or
cscript adsutil.vbs set w3svc/AspScriptErrorSentToBrowser true
Hope this is helpful.

Debug Tools to analyse IIS process

Interesting and useful article on how to analyse IIS process.

» Debug Tools to analyse IIS process | Experts Exchange Articles

Compilation of news related to Android patents war with Apple, Microsoft, Oracle, etc

News compiled

Gmail Preview Pane

Gmail recently released a new labs feature "Preview Pane". As the name suggests, it provides a preview pane to read mail right next to your list of conversations, making mail reading faster.

To enable "Preview Pane",
  1. Go to Lab under Settings
  2. Find and enable "Preview Pane"
  3. Save changes
After you enable Preview Pane from the Labs tab in Gmail Settings you’ll see a toggle button in the top right corner of your message list, which lets you switch between preview and list views. After you enable Preview Pane from the Labs tab in Gmail Settings you'll see a toggle button in the top right corner of your message list, which lets you switch between preview and list views. Preview can either be a "Vertical Split" or a "Horizontal Split". By default there is a 3-second delay in marking a conversation as read after previewing it. If that doesn't feel natural to you, you can change the timing in the General tab of settings.

I feel this should be a permanent feature but of course with option to disable preview.

» New in Labs: Preview Pane | Official Gmail Blog

BrowserTexting - Send and Receive SMS from browser

Browser extension + Android app = Send and Receive SMS using browser.

BrowserTexting provides ability to send and receive SMS messages through your phone in your Web browser without having you to leave your desktop computer / laptop for your phone. What's required is an installation of a webapp extension/add-on and Android app.

Some key features:

  • Free of charge. No signup.
  • Uses your current phone number and contacts.
  • Group SMS - send text messages to an unlimited number of recipients.
  • Works in all popular browsers.
  • Instant sound and desktop notifications.
  • Safe to use - end-to-end encryption between browser and phone.
Full list of features here.


» Send & Receive SMS Text Messages From Any Browser | BrowserTexting

Transparency vs. Anonymity

Source: Mashable

Move Windows Around Quickly Using Your Keyboard in Windows 7

These are the killer shortcuts for manipulating the active window:

  • Win+Left arrow: Snap to the left half of the screen
  • Win+RIght arrow: Snap to the right half of the screen
  • Win+Up arrow: Maximize the window
  • Win+Down arrow: Minimize/Restore if it's maximized

If you have more than one monitor:

  • Win+Shift+Left arrow: Move window to the monitor on the left
  • Win+Shift+Right arrow: Move window to the monitor on the right


» Move Windows Around Quickly Using Your Keyboard in Windows 7 | LifeHacker

What is stock shorting?

Change Google's Search Domain in Google Chrome

If you are using Google Chrome, you could be wondering how to set default Google Search domain to be the U.S. google.com instead of your localized version. By using google.com, you get to enjoy the latest updates first-hand without having to wait for them to be pushed to localized domains.

A workaround on this is to edit a Chrome settings file.

1. Close all Chrome windows.

2. Go to Chrome's user profile directory (for example, in Windows Vista and Windows 7 the path is: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\).

3. Open the file Local State in a text editor like Notepad, TextEdit or gedit.

4. Find the two lines that include "last_known_google_url" and "last_prompted_google_url" and change the Google URL from "http://www.google.tld/" (.tld=.co.uk, .fr, .co.jp etc.) to "http://www.google.com/" or any other Google domain.


5. Save the text file and restart Chrome.

6. If you see an infobar that asks if you want to switch to your local domain or keep google.com, choose the second option.

» Change Google's Search Domain in Google Chrome | Google Operation System

Apple sued for colluding with publishers over inflating e-book prices

A Seattle-based law firm has filed a class action lawsuit against Apple and several major publishers, accusing them of colluding to increase e-book pricing and forcing Amazon to ditch e-book discounts. "An apple a day doesn't keep the doctor away". » Lawsuit Accuses Apple, Publishers of Colluding Over E-Book Prices | PC Magazine

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Heelo - Twitter clone is born

A Twitter clone named Heelo is born. Heelo is a creation by Twitpic founder.

Whatever Twitter has, Heelo has them too but in a different name e.g. Ping is to Tweet, Echo is to Retweet, Listen is to Follow. One plus point of Heelo is it boasts Twitter and Facebook integration, so your Heello posts can still go to your other social networks, though I am yet to get it to work myself.

» Twitpic Founder Launches Twitter Clone | Mashable

The Google+ Song - comes with lyrics some more!

Note: NOT official.

Google New Sign In Page

Google is experimenting a new sign-in page, featuring significantly wider input boxes for username and password.

Google new wider Sign-in input boxes
This layout is consistent with previously many revamped layout on Google products e.g. Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar, following closely to Google+ design.

To switch to the new sign-in layout, simply go to Gmail and you aren't logged in. You should see a message at the bottom of the page: "Coming soon: A new sign-in page! Preview it". When you click "Preview it", you'll see a new sign-in page that uses the Google+ design. If you do not see the "Coming soon...", click on this link will activate the new layout too.

Old classic sign-in layout

Google Scribe in Blogger

With the shutdown of Google Lab project, there is little doubt that some innovative and useful products will either be shot down or hopefully graduate to become permanent product, services or features of existing Google products.

One such lab project is Google Scribe.
Google Scribe is graduating from Google Labs, and can be found in Blogger in Draft. Learn more in this blog post. You'll also find a number of techniques and lessons from your feedback and use of Google Scribe showing up in other Google products, like Google Docs. Thank You!!
At the moment, Google Scribe is integrated into Blogger in Draft as a Blogger feature. To turn on Google Scribe, simply click on the pencil icon.

After Google Scribe is turned on, suggestions will appear in gray as you type. To accept, simply hit the spacebar or by typing a punctuation mark, such as a comma, period or question mark.

Google Sribe in action
If you prefer to see a list of suggestions instead, select "Show Multiple Suggestions" from the drop-down menu next to the pencil icon.

Google Scribe in action in (multiple suggestions)

Here are some keyboard shortcuts you may find handy. If you use a Mac, you can use the shortcuts below by replacing Ctrl with Command key (or 'Apple' key)

  • Ctrl-J to enable and disable Scribe
  • Ctrl-Shift-J to select and deselect multiple suggestions
  • ESC to temporarily remove a suggestion
  • TAB to restore a suggestion
» Introducing Google Scribe in Blogger | Blogger in Draft

Facebook launched updates to games

In response to Google+ launch on games, Facebook timed its announcement on its updates to games on its blog post, taking some wind away from Google+.

On Facebook blog post, it announced 3 updates namely:

1. A new game ticker

Show what your friends are playing, their latest scores and achievements. According to Facebook, you can customize what to display on your ticker and what not to show on your friends' tickers.
You can now control who can see these stories for each individual app in your Settings. If you want friends to see you're playing one game but not another, you can change that. You're also able to limit visibility directly from the ticker by clicking "X" on a story to remove it.
2. More room to play

Certain games are to have full screen feature such as CityVille, Zoo World, Monster World, and Mystery Manor in the coming days.

3. Bookmark your Favorites

You can now keep the best ones at the top of your bookmarks on your homepage.

Despite all these efforts, the comments on the blog post seems to be gathering mainly negative comments.

» Making Games Better | The Facebook Blog

Google+ games now available

Google+ has now finally made games available with a small icon on top of your activity stream.

Google+ new Games icon on activity stream

For start, the following games are available.

Google+ games at launch

» Games in Google+: fun that fits your schedule | Official Google Blog

First Cut: Singapore Timelapse and National Day Parade 2011 Fireworks

Simply amazing and impressive hard work.

30 Years of the PC: A Timeline

The PC Magazine compiled a timeline of the PC's 30 years of history.

Google+ to suspend users using "fake" names (pseudonyms and nicknames)

Google+ product manager Saurabh announced that users using pseudonyms and nicknames will be given a 4-days notice before their accounts are to be suspended. The 4-days grace period is in response to earlier feedback where users were immediately suspended without notice for violating Google’s Common Names Policy.

One of the things we strive for on Google+ is to make connecting with people on the web more like connecting with people in the real world. So as part of this effort, we’ve asked that those signing up for the service use the name they commonly go by in the real world.

A print screen at blog time revealed many were not pleased with Google's names policy.

Print screen from here at blog time

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Dr Tony Tan "insincere" handshake with fishmonger

Doesn't seem to be a sincere handshake to me.

Hacker group - Anonymous said to bring down Facebook on Nov 5, 2011

In a YouTube video, anonymous hacker group "Anonymous" is said to have plan to launch Operation Facebook to bring down popular social networking site - Facebook.

Message from "Anonymous":
Attention citizens of the world,

We wish to get your attention, hoping you heed the warnings as follows:
Your medium of communication you all so dearly adore will be destroyed. If you are a willing hacktivist or a guy who just wants to protect the freedom of information then join the cause and kill facebook for the sake of your own privacy.

Facebook has been selling information to government agencies and giving clandestine access to information security firms so that they can spy on people from all around the world. Some of these so-called whitehat infosec firms are working for authoritarian governments, such as those of Egypt and Syria.

Everything you do on Facebook stays on Facebook regardless of your "privacy" settings, and deleting your account is impossible, even if you "delete" your account, all your personal info stays on Facebook and can be recovered at any time. Changing the privacy settings to make your Facebook account more "private" is also a delusion. Facebook knows more about you than your family. http://www.physorg.com/news170614271.html http://itgrunts.com/2010/10/07/facebook-steals-numbers-and-data-from-your-iphone/

You cannot hide from the reality in which you, the people of the internet, live in. Facebook is the opposite of the Antisec cause. You are not safe from them nor from any government. One day you will look back on this and realise what we have done here is right, you will thank the rulers of the internet, we are not harming you but saving you.

The riots are underway. It is not a battle over the future of privacy and publicity. It is a battle for choice and informed consent. It's unfolding because people are being raped, tickled, molested, and confused into doing things where they don't understand the consequences. Facebook keeps saying that it gives users choices, but that is completely false. It gives users the illusion of and hides the details away from them "for their own good" while they then make millions off of you. When a service is "free," it really means they're making money off of you and your information.

Think for a while and prepare for a day that will go down in history. November 5 2011, #opfacebook . Engaged.

This is our world now. We exist without nationality, without religious bias. We have the right to not be surveilled, not be stalked, and not be used for profit. We have the right to not live as slaves.
We are anonymous
We are legion
We do not forgive
We do not forget
Expect us

MP Penny Low caught fiddling with phone in the midst of National Anthem

Okay, PAP MP Penny Low was caught fiddling with her phone in the midst of the National Anthem during the National Day Parade 2011. But then does this warrant a big hoo-ha? I don't think we should be making a mountain out of a molehill.

Twitter allows image uploading now

Micro blogging site, Twitter, has finally allowed the ability to upload an image right from its Twitter page, without having to use alternatives like Twitpic, etc.


Learn more on image uploading on Twitter here.

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Riots in Tottenham and London

The country has gone crazy. There are looters going around shopping areas smashing windows and stealing. They are setting fire to cars and buildings. They shut down stratford today. This is where all of the Olympic buildings are. It is mostly young people now just causing trouble.

How it started? A man was shot by the police on Thursday in Tottenham. It has gone to the Independent Commission for investigation. They said he had a gun and shot at the police and then he got shot. Others say he didn't and it became a bit of a race issue. However, the riots started out of a peaceful demonstration by his family and friends outside of the police station because they weren't getting any answers. They weren't involved and have separated themselves from the violence. That is it. It just moved around London for no reason. They are blaming the economy/police/racism etc. But the bottom line is that large groups of youths are moving around rioting and doing all this!

» Tottenham riots: a peaceful protest, then suddenly all hell broke loose | Guardian News
» London riots: Timeline and map of violence | BBC News

Monday, August 08, 2011

FREE Starhub TV viewing from 8 Aug 9am - 10 Aug 7am

StarHub celebrates 46th National Day with 46 hours of free viewing from 8 August, 9am to 10 August, 7am. Enjoy more than 130 channels on StarHub TV and all 32 channels on StarHub TV on Mobile.

Free Admission to Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo on National Day

In celebration to Singapore 46th birthday, Wildlife Reserves Singapore has decided to share the joy to all on this joyous Aug 9. Admission to Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo shall be FREE for all August babies born or residing in Singapore.

» Happy 46th Birthday! | Singapore Zoo

Sunday, August 07, 2011

WEEKLY ADDRESS: Creating Jobs and Getting All Americans Back to Work

President Obama outlines a number of steps that can be taken right away to create jobs and help grow the economy.

The transcript of Obama's weekly address can be found here.

WEEKLY ADDRESS: Creating Jobs and Getting All Americans Back to Work

WASHINGTON—In this week’s address, President Obama called on Democrats and Republicans to work together to grow the economy and get Americans back to work. The President has outlined a number of steps Congress can take right now to spur growth and create jobs, including extending tax cuts for working and middle class families, cutting red tape to encourage new businesses to grow and hire, passing trade deals that will support tens of thousands of jobs, and giving our out-of-work construction workers opportunities to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Washington, DC

This week, Congress reached an agreement that’s going to allow us to make some progress in reducing our nation’s budget deficit. And through this compromise, both parties are going to have to work together on a larger plan to get our nation’s finances in order. That’s important. We’ve got to make sure that Washington lives within its means, just like families do. In the long term, the health of our economy depends on it.

But in the short term, our urgent mission has to be getting this economy growing faster and creating jobs. That’s what’s on people’s minds; that’s what matters to families in this country. And the fact is, this has been a tumultuous year for the economy. We’ve weathered the Arab Spring’s effect on oil and gas prices. The Japanese earthquake and tsunami’s effect on supply chains. The economic situation in Europe. And in Washington, there was a contentious debate over our nation’s budget that nearly dragged our country into financial crisis.

So our job right now has to be doing whatever we can to help folks find work; to help create the climate where a business can put up that job listing; where incomes are rising again for people. We’ve got to rebuild this economy and the sense of security that middle class has felt slipping away for years. And while deficit reduction has to be part of our economic strategy, it’s not the only thing we have to do.

We need Democrats and Republicans to work together to help grow this economy. We’ve got to put politics aside to get some things done. That’s what the American people expect of us. And there are a number of steps that Congress can take right away, when they return in September.

We need to extend tax cuts for working and middle class families so you have more money in your paychecks next year. That would help millions of people to make ends meet. And that extra money for expenses means businesses will have more customers, and will be in a better position to hire.

Yesterday, I proposed a new tax credit for companies that hire veterans who are looking for work after serving their country. We’ve got a lot of honorable and skilled people returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and companies that could benefit from their abilities. Let’s put them together.

We need to make sure that millions of workers who are still pounding the pavement looking for jobs are not denied unemployment benefits to carry them through hard times.

We’ve got to cut the red tape that stops too many inventors and entrepreneurs from quickly turning new ideas into thriving businesses – which holds back our whole economy.

It’s time Congress finally passed a set of trade deals that would help displaced workers looking for new jobs, and that would allow our businesses to sell more products in countries in Asia and South America – products stamped with three words: Made in America.

And we ought to give more opportunities to all those construction workers who lost their jobs when the housing boom went bust. We could put them to work right now, by giving loans to companies that want to repair our roads and bridges and airports, helping to rebuild America.

Those are a few commonsense steps that would help the economy. And these are ideas that have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the past. So I’m going to keep calling on both parties in Congress to put aside their differences and send these bills to my desk so I can sign them right away. After all, both parties share power. Both parties share responsibility for our progress. Moving our economy and our country forward is not a Democratic or a Republican responsibility; it is our responsibility as Americans.

That’s the spirit we need in Washington right now. That’s how we’ll get this economy growing faster and reach a brighter day.

Thanks for listening, and have a great weekend.

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