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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Cecilia Cheung to sue Yang Linchuan over naked paint photo

Cecilia Cheung (张柏芝) is planning to sue famous artist and principal of an Arts and Sciences College in Nanjing, Yang Linchuan (杨林川), for having painted the Hong Kong artiste in an nude oil painting.

Yang's reply to the lawsuit as such:

Concerning the lawsuit, but if she dared to pose for photos, why should she be afraid of my painting her? I’m so puzzled.
Yang's painting [via]

» Artist Yang Linchuan paints actress Cecilia Cheung in sex scandal | China Buzz

Quan Yi Feng (权怡凤) Press Conference on 15 Months Probation Sentencing


» 权怡凤记者会上保证 今后让人吐口水也会忍 | omy

How To Track Emerging Search Engine Blekko In Web Analytics Systems

Pretty interesting Google Analytics configuration.

Facebook Messenger for Windows now available

Facebook has made its Messenger available on desktop Windows 7, allowing users to use the use Messenger without having to launch a browser.

Click here to download the installer.

Do expect outages on the trial Windows application.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

PAGE One Warehouse Sale (30 Dec - 2 Jan)

Bookstore PAGE One is holding a warehouse sale from 30 December 2011 to 2 January 2012 after confirming they will be closing its store on 19 Feb 2012, 10 pm. PAGE One Warehouse Sale will feature a wide selection of books going at crazy discounts of up to 90%!

Event Details

Date: 30 December 2011 – 2 January 2012
Time: 10am – 8pm (ends at 6pm on last day)
Venue: 20 Kaki Bukit View, Kaki Bukit Techpark 2, Singapore 415956

PAGE One Warehouse Sale

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Happy Holidays 2011 to all

Google 'Happy Holidays' Doodle turn musical

Google 'Happy Holidays' Doodle

Google spells out its logo in snowflakes and a musical doodle, wishing the world 'Happy Holidays'.

Clicking on the logo will make the 6 image buttons below the logo blink. As we start clicking on the 6 image buttons, one at a time, left from right, each letter of the Google logo will start lighting up. Once all the letters are lit up, they will come to live and start dancing to "Jingle Bells".

Dancing "Jingle Bells"

Try it out now!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Taxis / Cabs hotline to call for booking in Singapore

ServiceTaxi HotlineLimo Taxi Hotline
CityCab6552 1111-
Comfort Taxi6552 1111-
Dial-A-Cab6342 5222-
Premier Taxis6363 68886544 6687
Prime Taxi6778 0808-
Smart Cab6485 77776485 7777
SMRT Taxis6555 88886555 8888
TransCab6555 3333-
Yellow-Top Taxi6293 5545-
Comfort Limo-6552 2828
Limo Taxi Cab-6600 9920
Limo Transport-6535 3534
Limousine Cab-6535 3534
Maxi Cab-8388 3885
Prime Limousine-6778 0808

Thursday, December 22, 2011

FedEx delivery man caught tossing monitor

A FedEx delivery man was caught tossing a monitor over a gate despite knowing by doing that, it could break the electronic item. He didn't even attempt to find out if anyone is in the house.


FedEx has responded to the viral video now on YouTube.

The situation has now been resolved to the customer's satisfaction, and we are handling the employee according to our disciplinary policies...While we continue to be surprised about the behavior shown, we know this is an aberration and is not reflective of the outstanding FedEx customer service that makes us proud around the world.

MP Seng Han Thong’s apology on SMRT's unpreparedness also due to Malay and Indian staffs English language inefficiency

Statement of Apology from MP Seng Han Thong's Facebook post.

In my interview with blogtv.sg, I made a regrettable mistake in my language, which may be misconstrued as me saying that people speak bad English because of their ethnicity. I sincerely apologise to all Singaporeans, who have been offended by this error.

Singaporeans of all ethnicities and backgrounds speak varying standards of English. My own Chinese-educated background gives me a special empathy for the non-English-speaking sections of our society. We should all be tolerant of people of different standards of linguistic ability.

The point I was trying to make is that this should not prevent people from trying to communicate, especially in times of emergency.

The remark was made in the context of a larger discussion about how we could better and faster improve the current problems we’re facing with our mass rapid transport system. Let us once again focus our minds and our public discussion on this issue.

Watch MP Seng Han Thong on blogtv interview, him singling out the Malays and Indians on poor English proficiency.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Monday, December 19, 2011

Crying videos of North Koreans after the death of Kim Jong-il

Following the death of Kim Jong-il, reportedly died of a heart attack on Saturday after ruling the isolated communist nation for 17 years, many in North Korea were video-taped crying and grieving. I have no comments on the degree of "drama" over the crying operation.

Newscaster weeping when reporting the death of "Dear Leader" - Kim Jong-il


North Koreans on streets crying

Let's bet on how many times SMRT will breakdown

Just for entertainment.

Source: The Entertainment's Daily Facebook Photo [via]

VIDEO: North Korean TV Announces Kim Jong-il's Death

SMRT CEO Apologises for Dec 15 MRT Disruption

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Best Places to Work, Bain & Company #1 overall, Facebook #1 tech

Glassdoor.com, a job and career web site, announced their annual best places to work in 2012 study. Bain & Company came top overall while other companies like Facebook and Google ranked third and fifth respectively.

Criteria include employer rating, such as career advancement and compensation, and CEO approval ratings.

Google 'let it snow' Snowy Easter Egg

If you were to do a search for 'let it snow', you will see the search result in snowflakes effect. If you wait for a while, the entire page will just froze and be covered. You can then click anywhere on the page and move you mouse to defrost sections of the page. If not, just click on the 'Defrost' button to apply defrost on entire page.

Snowflakes effect

Click anywhere and move your mouse to partial defrost sections

Page has frozen, click Defrost

Cabbie Confidential

Why do cabbies pick and choose passengers? Do they really need the fare hikes? Are their ghost encounters just urban legend? Some quotes from an article by the TODAY Online.

For one, he never accepts calls during Christmas time, "in case they give me a destination in Orchard Road - sure jam until die". He adds: "If we are stuck in a jam, the passenger just says, 'Sorry uncle, I'm in a hurry, can you let me alight?' He would rather walk, and I'll be stuck. And you can't quarrel with him."

This also is why Mr Chua avoids "pretty ladies" or "guys dressed nicely" on a Friday night (he switches lanes when he spots them on the roadside) because "they'll definitely be going to town".

On weekday nights, on the other hand, the places to avoid are far-flung housing estates "where there is nobody". So when Mr Chua trawls the city area, his location plate typically displays 'Pasir Ris'. "Before 9pm, you drive them to places like Jurong or Teck Whye, sure die."

"Actually, commuters are really the victims. Because taxi drivers like us, these two years, we never complain okay? The population has expanded so much, we have enough demand. I also don't know why (the company) wants to raise fares."

And then he lowers his voice a notch: "Now, Comfort takes 70 cents' commission from each call booking. Who knows, maybe in a few months' time, they will raise that. Don't even need to raise rentals."

» Cabbie Confidential | TODAY Online

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Google Doodle new directory site comes with merchandise store

Google's new revamped Doodle directory site now comes with a hyperlink to their merchandise store. Doing a quick browse on the page surprised me - they actually have got so many personalised National Day's doodle for different countries.

I saw my country's National Day doodle.

Singapore National Day 2011

» Dabble in Doodle history on our new site | Official Google Blog

Friday, December 16, 2011

MRT breakdown - Video footage, evacuation, walking in tunnel

How to enable Facebook Timeline?

Facebook has already started rolling out Timeline and if you have yet to have it activated but still wish to have it, follow the following simple steps to get it enabled.

How to enable Facebook Timeline now?

  1. Click on https://www.facebook.com/about/timeline.
  2. Scroll down and click on "Get Timeline" button.
  3. Click "Publish Now".

Introducing Facebook Timeline

Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew penned comment on SMRT massive breakdown

Following massive SMRT train breakdown on 15 Dec that halted travelling from Bishan to Marina Bay both directions for hours during evening peak hour, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew was made to pen his comments on his Facebook page.

I have been following the incident of the MRT breakdown from Cambodia. I am especially concerned over the well-being of the people who were reported to be trapped in the trains for an extended period of time before they made their way to safety.

There have been a number of train disruptions in recent days. I do not know if these are isolated incidents or whether there are systemic and more serious underlying issues causing these breakdowns. We will therefore conduct a thorough health check on our train systems, determine how the faults happened and also whether the maintenance, communication and recovery processes were adhered to and can be further improved.

I have asked LTA to assemble a team of relevant experts, including possibly relevant overseas experts to help us in this review.

I really do hope the transport authority can do something on this and possibly push for a new CEO for SMRT. We need accountability - the SMRT CEO should not stay hiding and not do anything after so many train disruptions recently.

Should SMRT CEO really should come out and apologise?

In 2010, when trains were packed and commuters were complaining, Saw Phaik Hwa, the President and CEO of SMRT, dismissed these concerns and defended the company. Instead, she pointed the finger at commuters and said: "People can board the train, it is whether they choose to."

Huge crowd stranded

Taxi drivers receiving income opportunity after SMRT trains broke down

Passengers smashed windows for ventilation having stucked in tunnel

» ‘Train disruptions unacceptable and unforgivable’ | Yahoo Finance

Ride with SMRT, chance to smash window and tunnel walk

This is funny.

SMRT train breakdown, taxis see income opportunity


SMRT: Desperate passengers stuck in tunnel smash MRT window for ventilation

SMRT breakdown.. Desperate passengers smashed train window for ventiliation .. Some photos seen trains in darkness! Click here to see more on STOMP.

Photo Gallery: SMRT - No train service from Bishan to Marina Bay

From TodayOnline Flickr
http://www.flickr.com//photos/todaydigital/sets/72157628429878931/show/

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Aaron Tan hate video on him being dumped

Young ah beng, Aaron Tan, was the lead actor in a YouTube hate video, cursing and swearing over losing his girlfriend to a 14 year old ah beng.

The hate video featuring Aaron Tan


A supporter of Aaron Tan, pledging to support all the way

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Did Hossan Leong run into trouble for tweeting SMRT Circle Line disruption?

Radio presenter and actor Hossan Leong tweeted this morning informing the public that SMRT Circle Line is experiencing service disruption, hours before SMRT Corp issued an official confirmation on the disruption.

However, it seems Hossan could have landed himself into some trouble for making an unofficial announcement.
Tweet from here

Tweet from here

So what if the announcement is not official? Thought commuters who had experiencing the service disruption themselves would be the best to confirm?

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Burger King 50 cents waffle cone


It is never too early for the King to start being in a festive mood. Burger King is now offering its waffle cone for only 50 cents, starting from today. Simply walk in and make your purchase (there's no need to flash the above coupon). No strings attached.

SGX Online Education on SGX Specified Investment Products

According the Singapore Exchange disclaimer page upon log into Online Education Programme page,

*SGX Specified Investment Products have structures, features and risks that may be more complex in nature. These products on the securities market are marked with a "@" suffix on the SGX website and Members’ trading screens. All products listed on SGX, other than those provided below, are SGX Specified Investment Products:
- Shares
- Fully Paid Depository Receipts representing shares
- Subscription rights pursuant to rights issues
- Company warrants
- Units in Business Trust
- Units in real estate investment trusts
- Debentures (other than asset-backed securities & structured notes)
Examples of Specified Investment Products on SGX securities market are:
- Certificates
- Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
- Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs)
- Futures (Extended Settlement contracts)
- Structured Warrants
- Callable Bull / Bear Contracts (CBBCs)

Examples of Specified Investment Products on SGX derivatives market are:
- Futures
- Options


(1) Customer Account Review (CAR) Module

Complete the Customer Account Review (CAR) module if you wish to trade in SGX Specified Investment Products. The information you provide will help your SGX broking firms assess if you have the relevant knowledge or experience to trade such products.

On completion, please approach your broker for their review.

If your broker assesses that you have the relevant knowledge or experience to trade in these products, your broker may proceed to transact for you.

(2) SGX Online Education Programme

If your broker assesses that you may not have the relevant knowledge or experience in SGX Specified Investment Products, you may wish to go through the SGX Online Education Programme.

The SGX Online Education Programme covers the features and risks of Specified Investment Products, and a quiz of 20 questions to help you better understand these products.

You can access the SGX Online Education Programme at your own time and pace.

On completion of the programme, please approach your broker if you wish to trade in these SGX Listed Specified Investment Products.

Related Readings

8 Best Android Apps for Photo Editing

Interesting compilation on the 8 best Android apps for Photo Editing on Mashable.

林育群 - 《人海中遇見你》【那些年,我們一起追的女孩】電影插曲

好美的歌词。

《人海中遇見你》【那些年,我們一起追的女孩】電影插曲
演唱:林育群
作詞:陳雲鳳/厲曼婷
作曲:陳揚

你的愛值得信賴 你的心靠在身邊
只要你在我就有許多夢想 只要你在我就有更多力量
親愛的我多麼幸運 人海中能夠遇見你
親愛的我多麼盼望 就從這一刻起和你分享所有感覺
親愛的我多麼幸運 人海中能夠遇見你
親愛的我多麼盼望 就從這一刻起和你分享真心的感覺

你的愛沒有保留 你的心獻給了我 只要你在我就有更多理想
與你同在就好像擁抱天堂
親愛的我多麼幸運 人海中能夠遇見你 親愛的我多麼盼望
每一天在這裡永遠永遠有家的感覺
親愛的我多麼幸運 人海中能夠遇見你
親愛的我多麼盼望 每一天在這裡永遠永遠有家的感覺

你的愛沒有保留 你的心獻給了我只要你在我就有更多理想
與你同在就好像擁抱天堂
親愛的我多麼幸運 人海中能夠遇見你
親愛的我多麼盼望 每一天在這裡永遠永遠有家的感覺
親愛的我多麼幸運 人海中能夠遇見你
親愛的我多麼盼望 每一天在這裡和你分享家的感覺

Monday, December 12, 2011

Selina Jen 《愛我的每個人》

Selina Jen 是个很勇敢的女人。要珍惜身边爱你的人。

《愛我的每個人》
曲:林俊傑/詞:姚若龍

痛 在眼中變成淚 在心中變成灰
沒有什麼能安慰
怕 被時間變成累 被想像變成悲
希望都被粉碎

不安有時會崩潰 有時會怨懟
好像怎麼對待都不對
看得出你隱藏多少的疲憊
卻還是堅持著愛不斷加倍
讓我感動也讓我愧對

謝謝你們 愛我的每個人
在我的人生最像一場惡夢的旅程
陪我掙脫 勇敢地去醒來
當我的護衛 為我禱告心靈更強韌

謝謝你們 愛我的每個人
讓我努力後可以謝謝自己很坦誠
會想不通 或絕望到躲開
但你們做的 總讓我想堅強負責任 為了愛重生

心 擺脫夜的黑 往藍天而飛 被陽光包圍
只為了 你一句我笑得 好美
我忍住了 太漫長的淚

看得出你隱藏多少的疲憊
卻還是堅持著愛不斷地加倍
讓我感動也讓我愧對

Mdm Juanita Melson, the voice behind MRT announcement

Ever wonder who is the voice behind every MRT announcement? It is in fact coming from a human being and not a robot, a woman named Mdm Juanita Melson.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

MAS: Customer Account Review (CAR) and Specified Investment Products (SIP) e-Learning

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has released new requirements on the sale/ trading in listed and unlisted Specified Investment Products (SIPs) aimed at safeguarding the interests of Singapore retail investors. These new requirements will come into full effect on 1 January 2012. The classifications of listed and unlisted SIPs are as follows:


The new measures are to assess whether you have the relevant knowledge or experience to understand risks and features of SIPs by conducting:

  1. A prescribed Customer Account Review (CAR) if you intend to trade in any listed SIPs

  2. A prescribed Customer Knowledge Assessment (CKA) for a specific unlisted SIP if you intend to trade in that specific unlisted SIP

To be eligible for trading in listed and/or unlisted SIPs, you need at least 6 trades in any listed SIPs and/or 6 trades in CFDs and/or 6 trades in LFX in the preceding 3 years any brokers, or satisfy one of the following four criteria

  1. Have a diploma or higher qualifications in accountancy, actuarial science, business/business administration/business management/business studies, capital markets, commerce, economics, finance, financial engineering, financial planning, computational finance and insurance; or

  2. Have a professional finance-related qualification; or

  3. Have a minimum of 3 consecutive years of working experience in the past 10 years In development of, structuring of, management of, sale of, trading of, research on or analysis of investment products, or the provision of training in investment products. Work experience in accountancy, actuarial science, treasury or financial risk management activities will also be considered relevant experience.Such working experience would also include provision of legal advice or possession of legal expertise on these areas.; or

  4. Demonstrate sufficient understanding of the features and risks of derivatives through the ' SGX Online Education on SIPs ' for listed SIPs.

With effect from 1 January 2012, unless you have passed the CAR/CKA assessment, you will not be allowed to establish any new positions in the listed or unlisted SIPs and may only transact in such products to close out existing positions.

What you need to do now is to

  1. Go to https://onlineeducation.sgx.com/specifiedinvestmentproducts/ (create an account if you don't have one)

  2. Proceed to fill up the Customer Account Review (CAR) Form.

  3. Complete the whole e-learning course (approximately an hour). You will need minimum 18 correct answers out of 20 to pass.

  4. You will receive your test result by email.

  5. Attach this test result (if you pass) and send to your broker.

For more information, read Safeguards When Purchasing Specified Investment Products from the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

ALL THE BEST!

First half of information adapted from Kim Eng EDM.

Related Readings

Google launches Schemer - Do fun stuff together

Google launches Schemer - a recommendation engine to get people to come together and do fun stuff together. Could Schemer be an answer to Facebook Events?

Whether it’s exploring a new city, checking out a friend’s movie recommendation, or just finding new activities for your weekends, Schemer lets you discover new things to do, share schemes with friends, and make the most of your day.


Schemer is still in private invitation mode.

Add yourself to the waiting list now to be invited

Chrome most secured, IE second, Firefox third

According to a study conducted by Accuvant, Google Chrome ranks top for security, followed by Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.


Accuvant's conclusion:

The URL blacklisting services offered by all three browsers will stop fewer attacks than will go undetected. Both Google Chrome and Microsoft Internet Explorer implement state-of-the-art antiexploitation technologies, but Mozilla Firefox lags behind without JIT hardening. While both Google Chrome and Microsoft Internet Explorer implement the same set of anti-exploitation technologies, Google Chrome’s plug-in security and sandboxing architectures are implemented in a more thorough and comprehensive manner. Therefore, we believe Google Chrome is the browser that is most secured against attack.

To note, the study – while independently and objectively assessed, said Accuvant – was funded by Google.

Google+ integrates with Gmail and Contacts

Gmail and Contacts have got better with the integration of Google+. You can now grow your circles, filter emails and contacts by circles, keep all your contact information up-to-date automatically and share photos to Google+, all right from Gmail and Contacts.

Ability to add contacts to your Circles from your email


Ability to filter emails by Circles you care most about


Automatically updates contact information (not too good IMO)


Share attachments effortlessly without leaving your inbox


» Gmail and Contacts get better with Google+ | Official Google Blog

Google Currents - Magazine style newsreader for iOS and Android

Google Currents, free & fast magazine-like editions for your tablet & phone, delivers beautiful magazine-like editions to your tablet and smartphone for high speed offline reading. It is now available on both iOS and Android devices.


Just hope it will be opened to more countries.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Twitter keyboard shortcuts

Below is a quick how-to guide on the keyboard shortcut keys for Twitter.

Twitter keyboard shortcuts

Actions

F     Favorite
R     Reply
T     Retweet
M     Direct message
N     New Tweet
Enter Open Tweet details
L     Close all open Tweets

Navigation

?     This menu
J     Next Tweet
K     Previous Tweet
Space Page down
/     Search
.     Load new Tweets

Timelines

G H   Home
G C   Connect
G R   Mentions
G D   Discover
G P   Profile
G F   Favorites
G M   Messages
G U   Go to user...

Hit the ? key on Twitter any time to show the keyboard shortcuts.

Twitter Redesign - Yours to Discover

Twitter launched a redesign of its entire site including mobile app for both iOS and Android. Twitter called it Yours to discover - A faster, simpler way to stay close to everything you care about.

Some of the new features include three brand new buttons at the top of the page — Home, @Connect and #Discover.

@Connect - The new Connect section is where you get in on the conversation. It’s the place to see who has followed or mentioned you, retweeted or favorited one of your Tweets.

#Discover - Discover lets you tap into a stream of useful and entertaining information, customized just for you.

Another major difference is that tweets now appear at the right side instead of the left. It now occupies less real estate than before.

Twitter also launched a new program for brand pages - similar to Facebook pages.


Follow me on twitter now @hongjun.

Facebook sued over use of "Timeline"

Social networking site, Facebook, is sued over use of the word "Timeline". The claimant is Timelines.com.

Facebook Timeline, a feature that was unveiled recently, transforms the Facebook user profile into a virtual scrapbook that lays out your digital history. Timelines.com lets users view and create multimedia timelines for historical events.

Why is Timelines.com suing Facebook [Source]?

Our company owns a valid trademark on the term "Timelines" that is for a particular application, specifically for "providing a web site that gives users the ability to create customized web pages featuring user-defined information about historical, current and upcoming events." We've spent years building this brand and using it in the above stated way on our site Timelines.com.

Facebook, a company that has applied for or trademarked the terms "Face", "Wall", and "Like" as well as sued others for using "Book" in their names, is using the name "Timeline" for a new product that is focused on how people express and share events and history online. Facebook either knew or should have known (given their rigorous defense of their own intellectual property) that the US Patent and Trademark Office granted us this trademark. People at Facebook could have at least contacted us for permission to use or license the name. They did not.

Here's a link to the Timelines, Inc. filing.

Now, Facebook is firing back against Timelines.com with a counter lawsuit claiming no infringement of trademark because the word "Timeline" is a generic term. There are 5 categories of distinctiveness when it comes to Trademark - Fanciful, Arbitrary, Suggestive, Descriptive, Generic. If Facebook really find "Timeline" falls in the weakest category "Generic", then isn't their own trademarks "Face", "Wall", "Like" and "Book" are even more generic?

Is this a case of the big bullying the small?

Malaysia's Computing Professionals Bill requires all IT professionals to be certified

A proposed Computing Professionals Bill in Malaysia will require all IT professionals to be certified. This would mean programmers can only code in languages they were taught and certified. Being a IT professional myself, I know universities usually do not teach students the programming languages that developers usually use in the real working industry. What universities impart is the foundation and the ability to self-learn in this very fluid and ever-changing IT industry. Should this law passes, it is going to be a problem to many.

A post on The Malaysian Insider quote:

It is unclear how many people the law will affect as “the definition is so vague, it could even include bloggers, e-commerce entrepreneurs or even anyone with a Facebook page,” said Vijandren.

Even Hitler is unhappy with the Bill.

Indonesian policeman fired for lip syncing to Hindi song

This Indonesian policeman, Norman Kamaru, was fired for lip syncing to Hindi song. Reason cited was his action softens the image of the police force.

But still, please enjoy the following video.

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Google Graphing Calculator - Plot graph

Google announced the inclusion of a Graphing Calculator in its search engine and making it possible to plot graphs from algebraic equations. It is even possible to have multiple Maths formula by separating them by commas.

Some interesting Math graph:

Try it out yourself

Try it out yourself

Android distribution as of today

According to Android Developers, Android version 2.3.x Codename Gingerbread constitutes 50.51% of all Android devices as of today.



McDonald’s 1-For-1 Filet-O-Fish


Another great deal from McDonald!

From 10 to 12 December 2011, buy 1 Filet-O-Fish burger and get another for FREE! To qualify, simply print or flash the above coupon.

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Flexible tablet using AMOELD


Related Readings

Apple iOS versions and their internal codenames

As posted by a Apple developer, Steve Troughton-Smith, here are the codenames listed for the various Apple iOS platform versions.

  • iOS 1.0: Alpine (1.0.0 – 1.0.2: Heavenly)
  • iOS 1.1: Little Bear (1.1.1: Snowbird, 1.1.2: Oktoberfest)
  • iOS 2.0: Big Bear
  • iOS 2.1: Sugarbowl
  • iOS 2.2: Timberline
  • iOS 3.0: Kirkwood
  • iOS 3.1: Northstar
  • iOS 3.2: Wildcat (iPad only)
  • iOS 4.0: Apex
  • iOS 4.1: Baker
  • iOS 4.2: Jasper (iOS 4.2.5 – 4.2.10: Phoenix)
  • iOS 4.3: Durango
  • iOS 5.0: Telluride
  • iOS 5.1: Hoodoo

» Apple iOS Platform Internal Codenames Revealed | Mashable

Facebook bug revealed private photos including Mark Zuckerberg's

A bug on Facebook ended up revealing photos that are meant to be private.

What really happened?

Members of a body building forum first spotted the bug, which appeared in a new feature that allowed people to report multiple instances of inappropriate content simultaneously. If you reported a photo for reasons of “nudity or pornography,” you were given the option to “take action by selecting additional photos to include with your report”. You were then shown additional recent photos from the same profile to flag if inappropriate. Unfortunately, photos were shown regardless of their owners’ photo privacy settings.

This blunder resulted in private photos of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's to be released (Source: here).














» Facebook Bug Revealed Mark Zuckerberg’s Private Photos | Mashable

True facts about girls (Just for Entertainment)

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

The Mozilla Store (Video)

Singapore taxi operator Comfort DelGro fare revision comparison

Singapore largest taxi operator ComfortDelGro group announced yesterday decision to revise taxi fares coming Monday (12 Dec 2011) onwards to better meet the increased demand for taxis. The flag-down rate of ComfortDelGro taxis will increase between 20 cents and 70 cents depending on the model of the taxi. One seemingly weird decision is to extend the peak hour surcharge from 6am-9.30am in the morning compared to 7am-9.30am currently and 6.00pm-midnight daily from 5pm-11pm Mon-Fri currently. Even though the peak hour surcharge is reduced to 25% from 35%, it is going to include even early birds and families out for family outings on weekends.

The National Taxi Association is urging other operators to adjust their fares as soon as possible. Hmm... Shouldn't we leave it to the operators to decide on fares instead of influencing other operators to increase fare?

Refer to the following table for the taxi fare revision (before and after) [Source: Channel NewsAsia].

Current Revised
Flag Down - 1km $2.80 (Crown); $3.00 (Sonata)
$3.20 (Camry); $3.20 (Limousine)
1km to 10km: $0.20 for every 385m
Above 10km: $0.20 for every 330m
Waiting time: $0.20 for every 45sec
$3.00 (Crown); $3.20 (Sonata)
$3.40 (Camry); $3.90 (Limousine)
1km to 10km: $0.22 for every 400m
Above 10km: $0.22 for every 350m
Waiting time: $0.22 for every 45sec
Peak Period Surcharge 35% of metered fare
Mon-Fri: 7.00am-9.30am
Mon-Sat: 5.00pm-8.00pm
25% of metered fare
Mon-Fri: 6.00am-9.30am (not applicable on public holidays)
Mon-Sun and Public Holidays: 6.00pm - Midnight
City Area Surcharge $3.00
Mon-Sat: 5.00pm-Midnight
$3.00
Mon-Sun and Public Holidays: 5.00pm - Midnight
Call Booking Fees Current Booking
Peak Period: $3.50
Mon-Fri: 7.00am-9.30am, 5.00pm-11.00pm

Current Booking
All other times: $2.50

Advance Booking: $5.20
Current Booking
Peak Period: $3.30
Mon-Fri: 6.00am-9.30am (not applicable on public holidays)
Mon-Sun and Public Holidays: 6.00pm - Midnight

Current Booking
All other times: $2.30

Advance Booking: $8.00
Limousine Taxi Booking Fees Current Booking: $8.00
Advance Booking: $16.00
Current Booking: $10.00
Advance Booking: $18.00
Public Holiday Surcharge $1.00
From 6.00pm on the eve of a Public Holiday to midnight of the day of the Public Holiday
Removed

NOTE: Midnight surcharge of 50% surcharge from 12am-6am is still in existence.

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore poor reviews / comments

The annual Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) event has just ended with record 65,000 runners and sign up fee. Despite the higher fees and feedback from previous races, the many problems faced last year are repeated again this year, and some say worse ever.

After the race, SCMS organisers posted on its Facebook page thanking runners and gathering feedback as usual. Looking through all the 238 comments till date, I would say 99% are all negative. I shall sum up what I read and experienced myself below.

  • Too few bag deposit counters for 21km. Runners reached early but made to queue for almost an hour. Some gave up and ended up running with bag because they were told start line will be closed soon.
  • 21km were literally put to halt and made to stroll after few minutes of run due to overcrowding and narrow roads. Waste of precious time and not motivating at all.
  • Full marathoners complaining not enough distance markers especially after the 30km mark. Difficult to pace.
  • Zero water point for full marathoners from 30-33km mark. Many complaining dehydration.
  • Supplies of 100 plus (isotonic drink) is scarce. Not enough helpers and water points in general. Cut budget?
  • Another budget cut is on tiger balm. Some complaining shortage of tiger balm.
  • 5km and 10km start line is horrendous. The 2-lane human footpath along Anderson Bridge is just too narrow but thousands of runners trying to proceed from the bag deposit area to start line. Many reached the start line 45 minutes after the official flag off.
  • Many were left disappointed after receiving a Finisher Tee not their sizes. This is despite them indicating their preferred sizes prior to the run. Logistic problem?
  • Kid Dash event was a huge disappointment. Dash became walk because of too many "dasher".
  • Merging of all race categories at the final 2-3km mark prove to be wrong. Overcrowding disappointed many serious runners and resulted in lost time for them.


Apart from all above relating to the race itself, there is a report on Stomp claiming volunteers issued expired food with hair from the organiser.


If the organiser is not ready to handle mega event, then they really should not increase the number of runners. All because of $$$ I guess. What's the point of collating feedback when last year's feedback were not heeded?

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Images used on Google search result

The following is the set of images used on Google search result. I managed to grab it from this link.

nav_logo95.png (transparent png file)

The new YouTube

The new YouTube is now more social friendly.

Google new black navigation menu

Google last did an overhaul by launching a black navigation bar at the top just last July. And now, Google is making yet another revamp to its navigation - removing the top black navigation bar completely and including have links to various Google services in a new drop-down Google menu nested under the Google logo.


I thought the July's design is okay and not taking up space actually. Subjective.

» The next stage in our redesign | Official Google Blog

Which Carriers, Handset Makers Use Carrier IQ?

Following recent controversy over mobile application Carrier IQ accused of tracking keystrokes and violating wiretap laws, several phone manufacturers had came forward to issue an official statement. Carrier IQ is now being sued in a class action suit.

CARRIERS

Sprint: We do use Carrier IQ, but we do not and cannot look at the contents of messages, etc., as some have speculated. Carrier IQ provides information that allows Sprint, and other carriers that use it, to analyze our network performance and identify where we should be improving service. We also use the data to understand device performance so we can figure out when issues are occurring. We collect enough information to understand the customer experience with devices on our network and how to address any connection problems, but we do not and cannot look at the contents of messages, photos, videos, etc., using this tool. The information collected is not sold and we don't provide a direct feed of this data to anyone outside of Sprint.

Sprint maintains a serious commitment to respecting and protecting the privacy and security of each customer's personally identifiable information and other customer data. A key element of this involves communicating with our customers about our information privacy practices. The Sprint privacy policy makes it clear we collect information that includes how a device is functioning and how it is being used. Carrier IQ is an integral part of the Sprint service. Sprint uses Carrier IQ to help maintain our network performance.

Verizon: "To be 100% clear: Carrier IQ is *not* on #Verizon Wireless #VZW phones," Verizon's Jeff Nelson tweeted.

AT&T: In line with our privacy policy, we solely use CIQ software data to improve wireless network and service performance.

T-Mobile: T-Mobile utilizes the Carrier IQ diagnostic tool to troubleshoot device and network performance with the goal of enhancing network reliability and our customers' experience. T-Mobile does not use this diagnostic tool to obtain the content of text, email or voice messages, or the specific destinations of a customers' Internet activity, nor is the tool used for marketing purposes.

C Spire (previously Cellular South): Carrier IQ is not on any C Spire Wireless device.

MetroPCS: None of the handsets sold by MetroPCS include the Carrier IQ software.

US Cellular: U.S. Cellular does not use Carrier IQ and does not sell any devices with Carrier IQ loaded on them. We are 100 percent committed to keeping your information secure and private.

Rogers Communications/Fido Solutions (Canada): "We have investigated and Carrier IQ is NOT on any of our devices," a spokeswoman tweeted.

HANDSET MAKERS

Apple: We stopped supporting Carrier IQ with iOS 5 in most of our products and will remove it completely in a future software update. With any diagnostic data sent to Apple, customers must actively opt-in to share this information, and if they do, the data is sent in an anonymous and encrypted form and does not include any personal information. We never recorded keystrokes, messages or any other personal information for diagnostic data and have no plans to ever do so.

HTC: Carrier IQ is required on devices by a number of U.S carriers so if consumers or media have any questions about the practices relating to, or data collected by, Carrier IQ we'd advise them to contact their carrier. It is important to note that HTC is not a customer or partner of Carrier IQ and does not receive data from the application, the company, or carriers that partner with Carrier IQ. HTC is investigating the option to allow consumers to opt-out of data collection by the Carrier IQ application.

Samsung: Some Samsung mobile phones do include Carrier IQ, but it's very important to note that it's up to the carrier to request that Samsung include that software on devices. One other important point is that Samsung does not receive any consumer user information from the phones that are equipped with Carrier IQ.

Nokia: We are aware of inaccurate reports which state that software from CarrierIQ has been found on Nokia devices. CarrierIQ does not ship products for any Nokia devices, so these reports are wrong.

RIM: RIM is aware of a recent claim by a security researcher that an application called "CarrierIQ" is installed on mobile devices from multiple vendors without the knowledge or consent of the device users. RIM does not pre-install the CarrierIQ app on BlackBerry smartphones or authorize its carrier partners to install the CarrierIQ app before sales or distribution. RIM also did not develop or commission the development of the CarrierIQ application, and has no involvement in the testing, promotion, or distribution of the app. RIM will continue to investigate reports and speculation related to CarrierIQ.

Motorola: I recommend you follow up with the carrier PR teams as this is only pre-loaded as an operator requirement.

» Which Carriers, Handset Makers Use Carrier IQ? | PC Magazine

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Google Maps on Android - Mapping the indoors

Google Maps for Android adds a new feature that will now not only show you where you are and help you find the directions outdoor on the street, it now also provides you where you might want to go when you're indoors. Yes, I repeat is indoors.


Announced in the Google LatLong blog,

When you’re inside an airport, shopping mall or retail store, a common way to figure out where you are is to look for a freestanding map directory or ask an employee for help. Starting today, with the release of Google Maps 6.0 for Android, that directory is brought to the palm of your hands, helping you determine where you are, what floor you're on, and where to go indoors.

Detailed floor plans automatically appear when you’re viewing the map and zoomed in on a building where indoor map data is available. The familiar “blue dot” icon indicates your location within several meters, and when you move up or down a level in a building with multiple floors, the interface will automatically update to display which floor you’re on. All this is achieved by using an approach similar to that of ‘My Location’ for outdoor spaces, but fine tuned for indoors.

For now, Google has partnered with some of the largest retailers, airports and transit stations in the U.S. and Japan, including:
  • Mall of America, IKEA, The Home Depot, select Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, Daimaru, Takashimaya and Mitsukoshi locations and more. Watch an IKEA demo here.
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Narita International (NRT), among others.
  • JR and Tokyu Corporation

Click here to find the list of participating stores.

Demo showing navigating in an IKEA store


» A new frontier for Google Maps: mapping the indoors | Google LatLong

Monday, November 28, 2011

Burger King - 50 cents waffle cone - Limited time only

Burger King Singapore is now offering its waffle cone at only 50 cents, starting from today with no other terms and conditions.

This offer is a limited time offer.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

JaxtrSMS - Free Mobile Texting. Local And International

JaxtrSMS allows sending of free mobile texting messages to all in your address book whether they have the app or not. The feature of "whether they have the app or not" is going to put this mobile app an advantage over its peers.

The mobile app supports many platforms including

Black Friday Walmart, 24 Nov, No order

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Security Testing - ASP.NET Web Applications

The following are some of the tools (non-exhaustive) to conduct a "Security Test" on ASP.Net web applications. Do share with us the ones you are using too.

HTTP Proxying/Editing
  • Burp
    An intercepting proxy server for security testing of web applications. It operates as a man-in-the-middle between your browser and the target application

  • Web Proxy Editor
    A multithreaded fast proxy checking software. This software is able to support SOCKS4/SOCKS5/HTTP/HTTPS proxies.

  • Paros
    Through Paros's proxy nature, all HTTP and HTTPS data between server and client, including cookies and form fields, can be intercepted and modified.

  • WebScarab
    A framework for analysing applications that communicate using the HTTP and HTTPS protocols.

Security Scanners
  • Nessus
    Features high-speed discovery, configuration auditing, asset profiling, sensitive data discovery and vulnerability analysis of your security posture.

  • N-Stealth
    Provides checks to enhance the overall security of your web server infrastructure, using the most complete web attack signature database available in the market such as cross-site scripting.

  • Nikto/Wikto
    An Open Source (GPL) web server scanner which performs comprehensive tests against web servers for multiple items, including over 6400 potentially dangerous files/CGIs, checks for outdated versions of over 1200 servers, and version specific problems on over 270 servers. It also checks for server configuration items such as the presence of multiple index files, HTTP server options, and will attempt to identify installed web servers and software.

  • HP WebInspect
    A web application security assessment software designed to thoroughly analyze today's complex web applications. It delivers fast scanning capabilities, broad assessment coverage and accurate web application scanning results.

Password Crackers
  • L0phtCrack
    A password auditing and recovery software, packed with powerful features such as scheduling, hash extraction from 64 bit Windows versions, multiprocessor algorithms, and networks monitoring and decoding.

  • RainbowCrack
    Crack hashes with rainbow tables.

Other Security Tools
  • SSLDigger
    A tool to assess the strength of SSL servers by testing the ciphers supported.

Performance Testing - ASP.NET Web Applications

The following are some of the tools (non-exhaustive) to conduct a "Performance Test" on ASP.Net web applications. Do share with us the ones you are using too.

  • Web Capacity Analysis Tool (WCAT)
    A lightweight HTTP load generation tool primarily designed to measure the performance of a web server within a controlled environment.

  • IIS Log Parser
    A powerful, versatile tool that provides universal query access to text-based data

  • NetStat
    A command-line tool that displays network connections (both incoming and outgoing), routing tables, and a number of network interface statistics.

  • Performance Monitor
    A simple yet powerful visualization tool for viewing performance data, both in real time and from log files.

  • Microsoft Network Monitor
    A protocol analyzer that allows you to capture network traffic, view and analyze it.

  • Redgate ANTS Performance Profiler
    A tool that provides .NET code profiling, integrated SQL and File I/O analysis, and powerful visualizations give you the most complete picture of your application's performance.

  • Fiddler
    A Web Debugging Proxy which logs all HTTP(S) traffic between your computer and the Internet.

  • Firebug
    Integrates with Firefox to put a wealth of web development tools at your fingertips while you browse.

  • Google Page Speed
    Evaluates the performance of web pages and get suggestions on how to improve them.

  • Yahoo YSlow
    Analyzes web pages and suggests ways to improve their performance based on a set of rules for high performance web pages.

  • Visual Studio Team Foundation Test Suite
    An edition of Visual Studio that provides capabilities to perform various forms of testing.

Experts Exchange: A Different Kind of Community

Experts Exchange is a technology help site that's been online since 1996. This short video provides a look at what makes the community different.

How to get to Johor Premium Outlets (JPO)?

Located on a 18ha site, Johor Premium Outlets (JPO), a Iskandar Project, is scheduled for a soft launch opening on 2 December 2011. JPO, modelled after Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in the US, located in Johor Kulai area not too far off the Singapore-Johor Tuas Second Link, offers a huge collection of designer brands ranging from Armani Exchange to Zegna at big discounts.


Directions on how to get to Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) can be found here. In case you are lost, here is the GPS position: 1º 36’31” N 103º 37’59” E or key in "senai north toll" in your search bar of your GPS.

On Google Maps, the piece of land JPO is supposed to be on is still a barren ground (yet to be updated).

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