Friendster bought out

I have noticed there is a change with Friendster, but until the yahoo article that it was sold to a Malaysian tycoon. Friendster was popular before the days of Facebook. It set limits to the number of friends you can add. That must be part of the put off that when facebook comes in, friendster loses the friends. So what could  a tycoon do to change the trend when facebook and other social sites are doing well? For now I only see appearance changes. The rest of the change or perhaps changes not started yet, it doesn't seems attractive to get me go back there. What they come up is already in other social sites. So time will tell if this name will go on or stop.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ap/20091210/tbs-as-malaysia-friendster-88383ae.html

Would you pay for online news?

Everyone may have heard or read about Mr Murdoch started the ball rolling in getting news off Google search index, or anywhere in Google. Murdoch owns some newspapers as well news network or TV stations. Some other newspaper also follows to want Google to stop indexing their news. Reason as reported as the online news will be paid only. So if that is the case, Google should just drop their index. I don't think anyone would pay for news, especially online. News should be free. If I am to pay for news, I would rather buy a newspaper. No one get to restrict news since news happens in places that are no one's exclusive stories unless they are pre planned or someone's story. Public news are readily available to anyone willing to write or report about it. So if Google doesn't have your news links, they have links from others. It makes no sense to drop news but then there maybe more than what we expected. MS involvement. It is up to readers to decide what kind of partnership happens, it there is one. Whatever it is, feel free to make all news paid only. I could turn to the radio for my news updates. When the newpaper drop their news from the net, I stopped surf to their site. News are everywhere, just not worth your penny to pay for them online.

http://www.lockergnome.com/theoracle/2009/11/30/the-murdoch-effect-already-felt-in-the-uk/

Black screen of death?

Windows 7 had just launched and now there surfaced a complaint, BSOD. Nope, not Blue Screen of Death but Black Screen of Death. Just the difference in colour but it is as annoying as the blue version. I have never actually see the black screen at all. A search on the internet all shows different type of black screens, including the DOS mode, the F8 menu screens and even the MacOS black screens. I am still using XP and so far only blue screen and to get such a screen is rare. The black screen version maybe link to something the user installed. The reports on the internet first claimed that MS patches causes it, now they apologized and U-turn the claim. So if the patch didn't cause it what does? The user. The user is in charge of what goes into their computer so if something wrong happens it is the user's fault. Windows 7 is still new but it doesn't mean the anything that is approved to protect your system might not start the black ball rolling. In any case, no OS is safe of the different colours of death screens. Just make sure you have a backup of your stuff before the ball came crashing in.

cooling period for polling day?

The gov intend to have a cooling period for polling day. Something that some foreign countries been doing. Singapore is such a small country, cooling period is such a unnecessary.  There are other areas that need changes. Drop the GRC back to single seats. If your candidates is good, he will make it. Using GRC to stand next to veteran candidates just doesn't seems to be the way for people to choose. Are you saying they will go for the group as there is one or two veterans there while the oppositions are all new guys that hasn't been on the road yet? It is such absurd and cowardly to be hiding behind veterans. Strong oppositions such as the two opposition wards are an example, unless the ruling party put in a ministerial candidate to going against the opposition stronghold. Or they could choose the easy way out by merging the current opposition ward into a GRC. They did it before so it could happen again. But then again, what most people feel is that most citizens have never vote at all. Being a citizen, they do not get a chance to cast their vote, because the place they lives have been dropped by the oppositions. The respond would be there is no one worthy to take on the GRCs. If the oppositions are not given a chance on the field they will always be a newbie. Even if they have the people, they need to come up with a sum for being a candidate. So the cooling period is nothing as compare to not being able to vote. Scrape the GRC unless you have no confident on your own people.

http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/pm-lee-proposes-24-hour-cooling-off-period-before-polling-day/

browser war.... what's the point?

What's the point of browser war when all we see are nothing special? Special features of the browser just does not seems as the main reason for a change. Users of IE keep getting lagging reload of pages while Firefox loads the page very fast. IE 8 have the dropdown URL bar not working. So to IE, you better fix it up instead of add on this or that. I have hold on upgrade to IE8 because he URL bar can't drop down. Search of the net shows users having the same problem and some users or perhaps MS 'fans' giving lame answers which just isn't the solution. That said, I am using firefox only if IE can't load. There are still functions that IE could do better but for now, speed is important. Better buck up IE or bye bye.

comp show that just don't make it

The recent comp show at expo had ended. Nothing about it in the news. The other shows when they were at Suntec, it was a nightmare just to gain entry. The human jam is thick. News report would say that earn how much from these and how people are spending on what and what. The one just ended have no news. So have such news not needed anymore, or it just isn't that good to be in the news? Whatever the reason, I myself did not go there. The location is don't make it. Maybe if you need a good purchase of a brand new PC or notebook you could go there for a good deal. But then again, I rather go to the shopping centers for it. I hate the jams of people out blocking each others. Going there just to get a look might get you some offer, but other than that it just isn't worth the hassle.

old shows given new revamp, but no new name

Old shows being given new life, it seems to be ongoing. Have Hollywood ran out of ideas that they have to pull out old shows and redo them? Example such as Battlestar Galactica. The old show was successful although the show's backers cancelled it for reasons related to ratings and money. The new version is a reboot, alternate universe type that is dark and grimmer than the original. It even ruffled some fans when they turned Starbuck into a babe. Other shows such as Star Trek was given the same treatment because of ratings. I like the TNG crew. It is just that they have too much talks and less space battle. The new show although have enough action, it trims off history that gone though the original series. Now they are giving the same treatment to V. While I don't quite remember the whole show since I was a kid when they show it on TV, the uniforms were cool, the lead cast was handsome and pretty. Hopefully it would be as close to the original. Isn't that the reason to use the old show to boost the new show? But if the plot stay the same then might as well watch the old show. If you change many stuff like the new Battlestar Galactica, then it doesn't seem right too, might as well a new name and new designs..... Tough call in a era when ratings will decide if you stay or goes.

apocalypse - how badly real is that?

The reports from the web all makes it sound like myth or being someone's pranks. Books on this topic is so much words that it will put readers off from the first few pages. But video is different. I just watched the documentary from History Channel on doomsday on the year 2012. They have explained that the Mayan calendar which is so much more accurate into dates into the future have an ending. And the chinese I-Ching too have an end. While nothing much was explain on the I-Ching, they have more details on the Mayan calendar. It could predicts happenings in the future, which they manage to foresee invasion, war and disaster. While usually predictions are being gibberish, people have to sort out what they are trying to say, for the doomsday prediction, nothing much was mention. Either the documentary tries to put too much content into the scene or they have not decode it yet. Then one will have to think, whatever the cause, it will unlikely be what happened that killed the dinosaurs. If the dates stop, it would mean the land is gone or that Earth for some reason doesn't rotates anymore. If there would be a disaster such as flood or earthquakes that kills off all land-mass, the date should still move as the Earth continues to rotates while life are dying. So it is for the readers to decide, if such an ending would truly comes when mankind is not yet advance to escape into space. If time do stops on 2012, time on the rest of space continues. It would just be another star system's evolution and it is nature's doing.

starhub closes their eyes on spam reporting

Yes. As the subject says, at least they close their eyes on spams reported to them from me. There is no reply anymore from them whenever I sent in spams from their users. They used to reply the usual mails that I should include the headers the usual stuff. They did not take any actions. Or maybe they did. They blocked me from sending more spam reports. I guess it is ok. I could block all the starhub names into my domain. Anyway who in these days uses their ISP email? They are stingyly small on diskspace. Everyone have a Yahoo, hotmail or gmail. I may even forward my spams from you to spamcop. You are free to close your eyes on spams reporting from some oversea server, but the user isn't from oversea. That said, I will let spamcop put you on their list.

Cell phone cancer link

Recent reports seems to be concluding that heavy usage of mobile phones will give you risk of having cancer in the brain. While the report did not say that it is the final answer, it seems to agree that mobile phone and cancer are very linked. So if you talk on your phone most of the day, it is like exposing to poison. And with young children having their own phones, it seems irresponsible from the adults, knowing all the while that such a link to cancer have been in debate would not play it safe. So it seems to be late to know about the result given that many people can't live without them.

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/09/25/cellphones.cancer/index.html

A-Ha will quit

Yes. As the title says, A-Ha have call it quits. It is shocking, at least to fans like myself. The only decent music left that I like is quitting. Not that other bands don't put out nice music but they don't sound to my liking. While they do want to spend time on other stuffs, the selfish fans would certainly like them to continue as A-ha. One of the greatest 80s group they stand among others liek Pet Shop Boys and Erasure. Of course it would be good for them to quit with all the success then being fade out. I can be sure there will be another Greatest Hits album coming. If you are lucky, they might be back again. Meanwhile they will always be the greatest band ever.

Problems over new OS

It always will occurs. Whenever a new release OS, there will always be problems. In what way, take the latest Apple OS Snow Leopard, users complained of data loss. Apple acknowledged and is looking to fix it. Data loss as compared to those other types of issue such as hacker or network related is more critical. You wouldn't want your photos or important documents to go puff? So why is this even happening? While the MacOS can only run on a mac machine, I don't see any competitor OS. The issue could be because they want to be first over the upcoming Windows7. Or maybe the OS have gotten to big to being an OS. Too many features, functions. All these should just be split into a separate disc and manage by a separate programmers. The good old days of OS is simply to run your machine and to manage your files. Now you got all these wireless, bluetooth, ipod.... You expect too much features and here you go, features that include errors that got missed because it is too big, and too little time. So while this is on the MacOS, wait until Windows7 release and you can bet in time that they too might have their own issue. It happens to every other versions of Windows. If they could minimize the type of issue it would be normal but something like data loss is unacceptable.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31021_3-10373064-260.html

end of the world theories

It seems there is a recent interest into End of the World stuff. The movie 2012 will be in theater soon. 2012 is about the end of the world and the year 2012 is the year everyone believes to be the end. Why 2012 then? Because the Mayans calendar seems to stop at that year. It seems modern Mayans is unable to explain why but they assure that there are dates going after 2010. I would think that if there is a end of the world, no one will be able to predict. It would come from space, such as a unknown death rays from nearby stars that incinerate all life or from within Earth, such as too hot or too cold or even all land mass melted as the central core destabilized. So far the only theory is that the Sun will "dies" in a few billion years time and it will vapourised the Earth. Whatever would be the end of the world I don't think it will be the usual what we know of in term with scientific explanation. It would be something which our science be unable to explain and if that do  happens, no one will know what hit them.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091011/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_mexico_apocalypse2012

Singtel Mio got the EPL

I am not sports fan. I don't even watch much TV. But the recent news about Singtel Mio got the EPL coverage from Starhub got the sport fans fumming makes me wonder, will Mio get the fans just by EPL? In this age of internet where people exchange informations easily from internet, most of the net users probably have heard, about some issue on Mio. At least if I do a search, I do have people posting about that since as early as 2007. But is the Mio refer to the Internet, land line or pay TV? Most feedback seems to be on internet. If you look at it that way, Mio connects all their services using their fix phone lines, if they have encounter downtime with internet, would it affect TV? As far as I know, the phone are changed to digital, if the internet goes down your phone will be down with it. Should affect TV since they all connect to the same line. So I wonder if the sport fans do get Mio, they either not much a net user or they do not have any pay TV and don't mind getting one. This is a chance for Singtel to show us if they improve on their Mio or show everyone that the risk is there. You signed up you can't terminate early. Time will tell.

Wireless charging laptop

Looks like struck "gold" with their charging wireless technique. Their Latitude Z laptops support a special dock that could charge your laptop without those wires. That would solve the issue of not able to sit near a electrical outlet or too much cables dangling. Right now some of the offices or professionals might go for it because currently it is the only type of laptop that support such new functions. The price is quite high too. Not for your standard use unless you have the cash to spare. So people might wait around for the price to drop or for other brands to catch up. Choosing a laptop just for the special dock just isn't the right thing over the different models of other brands can give you. It just isn't it to buy something because of that dock. Time will tell if people will go for it.
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/151638/new-dell-laptop-introduces-wireless-charging/

Southern ridge is only good at the bridges

Yes, I actually took the effort to go explore the bridges at the southern ridge. I have always got the impression from the news that from Mount Faber one could go to west coast from the southern ridge. Perhaps in some point I misunderstood but it is just isn't that enjoyable after you pass hot park. The roads there are not enough maps or direction to show you where to go. The places is like a small forest again the instructions are like puzzle for you to figure out. Lastly I ended up stuck in the area at the Science Park / Norminton Park. That place is like a maze without maps. When I do found one I relieased that the original way I went was correct. I decided to gave up. It was a crap path anyway and I don't see anyone goes all the way to west coast. No wonder nothing much was mention about this other then showing the bridges.

NASA's goals and budget not in the same orbit

It seems that space travel for men will not happen for another ten or twenty years. And also the technology for space travel is so slow that it looks like to travel in space will not be something like Star Trek. NASA is depending on the US government for funds for their projects to put a base on the moon or even fly to Mars. With the government using the funds on their failing economy and war related stuff, it seems like NASA is on their own. Other countries seems to be only at the stage of firing rockets and doing space walks. Men is too busy with their own squabble that they fail to see the needs to go into space. It is the same knowledge that the planet we live on will not be around forever and unless human kind wants to lives forever they will need to move out or face extinction.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-nasa9-2009sep09,0,7865634.story

army open house

Went to the Army open house at Pasir Laba camp. It brought back memories of my time when I was one of those soldier in the camp which was old buildings. Those vehicles are some nasty stuff which I am glad I don't do those when I was active. It was like a gathering day where families are all over the place. What I hated was the long queues everywhere. It doesn't matter. I just avoid them then. Then there were those shows about how the army works. I find the shows quite lame. In anyway the day was hot and I almost lost my way trying to find the camp.

Marvel is Disney

When I entered my comic news website, I was really surprised. The article that Disney had purchased Marvel. Before that I haven't heard or read anything about such a "merger". I do read and watch both products when there is a chance. I grew up with Disney, watching their Mickey Mouse cartoons and there used to be that Mickey Mouse show with some kids doing something I don't remember. They have Duck Tales and that Uncle Scrooge where I was more interesting in Donald Duck then the Scrooge Duck and the three ducklings. Then the Marvel I remember watching Fantastic Four which is actually three when Johnny got replaced by a robot named Hurbie, if I remember the name correct. Also the Spiderman and Amazing friends. Not to mention the 90s version of Spiderman, Iron Man, X-Men and Fantastic Four. Those time their products was great. Maybe it was great because I was still a youngster and would watch everything. But I hated the versions in the 2000s, the Fantastic Four, Spiderman, X-Men.... and Disney doesn't have anything up for a grown up like me. Now that Disney owns Marvel, it seems comic fans are kind of worried, or at least I am curious. Would the Punisher be able to have action that will include violence and blood? Would he even be able to wear a skull on his chest? Would all the NC16 type plots be in Marvel products? Disney is a PG type for contents. So it that is the case, it might be a returning to the 80s era where the heroes will just knock and punches the thugs. The story will ends with all smiles, like those classic Kirby drawings. They might even make a crossover for the Disney world to invade Marvel. I don't mind having a limited run for PG only series where Marvel meets Disney but to change Marvel's current direction is certainly not in fan's interest. Maybe in the long run it will work but for now I rather watch Punisher show more blood on thugs.

Unmasked blogger plans to sue Google

So what makes this unmasked blogger think could sue Google and win? This blogger uses Google's blog to post bad things at people, expecting to be anonymous and escape from the responsibility of one's posting. The law orders Google to reveal the bum and now the so call "blogger" wants to sue Google for revealing her. In the first place if you uses any blog to defame people, you don't expect the blog host to protect you. They have a business to run and not to expect the law to come onto them because one of their users turn rogue and go attack anyone. Google runs a business and since the law order them to reveal you should know in the first place big names will throw out the bad eggs to protect their names. If you want to do bad things, then go to those really anonymous services. They will have to be at places where laws have no connection. And if such a place do exists, I doubt there would be any visitors there. Being really anonymous makes anyone doubt of the site and the services provided. Start defame people I don't think anyone's reading. If a guest staying in my house started to steal a neighbour's cookie, but left trail of crumbs to my house, think I will let the loser remain covered and have my own name ruined? Same logic here. If you want to be naughty in internet you have to think again.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090825/ttc-us-canada-it-justice-company-interne-0de2eff_1.html

Oracle purchase of Sun

Once again in the world of IT, it is the big dog eats small dog happening again. This time it is Oracle purchase Sun. So it shows that IT world changes very fast. The once popular Sun whose server products was everywhere, that is until MS roll out their Windows NT/2000 which any Intel CPU can become a server. So now we get to see more NT/2K servers than Unix from Sun. So now Oracle will own Sun, or perhaps only the brand name. Oracle, from what I know does database applications. Since I do not uses their products I only heard of their names from my work environment. Their purchase of Sun will most likely intergrate with their database products. But will the server continue with Unix? Or a GUI approach be possible since today's admin are used to the point and click. Typing commands are a thing of the past. Only time will tell if Sun will fade away.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090821/ttc-us-it-computer-company-takeover-orac-0de2eff.html

Comic and Toy Convention

Went to the Comic and Toy Convention. It seems much different from last year. This year is mostly toys. The big names are there. Hasbro and Lego and Star Wars and Takashimaya even sell toys. You can mostly Star Wars cos player walk around. A few youngsters doing the Japanese cos play on the second day. Where is Star Trek people? There were many last event. Anyway managed to get a Wobbuffet stuff toy! In a sense it is cheaper than Toys R Us.

weather havoc turn political in Taiwan......

In Taiwan, Typhoon Morakot is on a rempage on the mountainous areas and villages. In such disaster, there will be destruction and death tolls. So while all relevent rescue parties are doing their job, everyone will be sad and angry, over their losses and lost of loved ones. Some angry people started to get angry at the president. It is so illogical. The president did not cause the weather disaster. And with so many places, he doesn't have enough rescue parties at all the places. If someone be responsible, then the previous government will be the one. The structures they built can't withstand the typhoon. The people should concentrate on rebuilding their homes. At least the government is doing their best to settle the people. Only time will heal.

Local brands can't make for IT

Which local brand would come in mind in the IT sector? Creative Technology. The company whose Soundblaster sound card beats the other brands during the early days of computing. Everyone who own or use the computer knows about it. Those days, when we go for good sound for our computers, we would mostly pick the Soundblaster sound card. The early day computers does not have on-board sound like the computers of today. We get to pick the seperate parts that was opt out when he computer was purchased. Soundblaster is still around today but sound card business seems not that busy. Every computer now have a basic sound card merged with the main board. That sound is considered good, just like the old soundblaster first generation sound card. If you have that sound you won't need to get a seperate one unless the sound is not working or you are a sound person and need to hear better for various reason. So from here on, which is the next local brand? I can't think of any for the computer section. The newspaper or magazines might have some but those brands products are on certain area that not everyone touches on, not everyone knows they exists. They just can't be compared to Creative.

Con men strike on elderly

Con men now strikes on elderly. Reported that the trick was one con man drop his wallet while the next con man picked it up and would share the "loot" with the elder guy. The elder will keep the wallet while the con man will get some cash for exchanging the wallet. After the exchange, the elder guy check the wallet and it is no cash but papers. So this scam is the usual con on people's greed. Just like the phone scam, you greed for the prize and willing to pay small bucks to get the big prize. So elderly should know better with their lifetime of experience with life they have seen. Greed which seem so easy is usually scam. Fell for it and you be much poorer.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090804/tap-636-two-conmen-prey-elderly-victims-231650b.html

Dream team up?

So MS finally have Yahoo into its arms. Does that mean it will be better for both of them? Only time will tell. Right now it seems no improvement for Yahoo when their shares plunged 12% after the announcement. It seems there are disappointment over something for investors. As a user myself, I doubt it will be anything but different. Ever since Yahoo closed their Yahoo Photo and came Flickr, which isn't totally free and now they are closing Geocities which is part of the golden days of internet. They close and buy in some other products. How does it benefits users and is that the direction that will bring in more users? Give what users wants and they will be here. As for MS, having Yahoo to support their search engine doesn't seems to be anything different. What can such a team offer on MS's turf? MS's Bing doesn't seems to work up much, add in Yahoo's search will it make any difference? Unless you offer better search results. It remains to be seen if this team up will work for them but I would say to make it work they need to offer what users wants else having two big names just don't make it any tastier when they are solo.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=8199927

Local Table tennis is getting messy

Yes. Not because of the olympic medal coach Liu Guodong but the coach who replaced him. This time round the STTA fired him. The team under the new coach Xu managed to grab a bronze medal at the Asian Youth Game. So what is STTA showing us? They will replace the coach once the team got a medal. Or is it politics involved? The coaches are all FT so are they trying to replace with locals? Can local deliver? The people believes in result. But what people hates are that once result are attained, they dumped you using some campy excuses. Results are results no matter who got the advantages or not. For the latest issue, if he favours his trainee more than another and this trainee gets medal, I would say it means that trainee could do it while the other one may not be seen as one with the strength.

http://www.todayonline.com/Sports/EDC090723-0000104/Deja-vu-at-STTA

Apple vs MS is stale

Apple vs MS. There will never be any clear winner here. Comparing them would be comparing apple with orange. Both have their pros and cons. The article which MS COO said their ads got under Apple's skin, which I think is just one of their domestic quarrel in businesses. MS Vista OS is really a failure while the cost of a Apple machine is much more costly then purchasing a brand new PC with original MS OS. But that doesn't put off the loyalty of their fans. There is no way of comparing both products. So their quarrel would be considered as entertainment and if one of them lucks ran out and do something stupid it will be part of history. I uses Mac at work but I won't buy one. Even their claim of cost went down is still much more expensive. There isn't much software or games that would run on Mac. I own a PC and I could run a majority of softwares and games either bought or download. They are mostly Windows compatible. Of course with MS you have all the critical patches and so on. So it is all up to the user. Usage vs Cost.

http://www.crn.com/software/218501057;jsessionid=AG0YVBEZTQBNAQSNDLPSKH0CJUNN2JVN

Google Chrome OS may just fizzle out like those before

Google Chrome OS is now making news even before the product is complete. This OS is aiming to be the next major alternative, or if it succeed, be the next primary OS in the computer world. But while all the news or welcoming an alternative or even excited because the product is from the popular Google, you have to take a good look at the current Windows OS and what to expect from any incoming competing OSes. Windows have been around for over 10 years, evolving from its OS shell of Win9x to the current Win Vista. The MS DOS have been in action being the OS for the early desktop computers. Even now users, especially those who have been through the DOS age still like the DOS interface because of it ability of doing batch commands. New OSes should need to focus on software compatibility. If it can't run DOS programs, at least make it work with a DOS emulator. Current DOS emulators are Windows coded, which make it difficult for other OS to use. Same logic for many other games and softwares. Chrome OS was said to be using Linux open source codes, so it mean no go for many of those popular freewares and games and softwares. Chrome may just concentrate on the netbook machines instead. Unless the user may just use it to do typing, printing, internet surfing with simple typing softwares and the Chrome browser, users may still opt for the MS OS. It is all those plugins which mean the web apps like flash games and stuffs that are running with windows. At least it is being said "run best" in windows. So the conclusion is that, alternative OS is only good if you can use it to run almost anything available, or the things you want to use but it is only meant for Windows.

No one dies in comics!

No one dies in comics! Ever.... And it have been proven for even the longest death doesn't rest all these time. The latest batch of death and reborn would be on Captain America. He was killed when his ideals was rejected by his very friends and country or would I say selfish politicians that someone uses these events to kill off an icon that could turn tides and events at any moment. Captain America - Steve Roger was shot when he was in cuffs so he was killed unarmed and died a hero in the real world here when readers was shocked by the plot. In the comic world it seems he was labeled a criminal. So now after 2 years of having some 2nd rated Cap in the comics just doesn't work. He isn't the real deal and now the real Steve Roger will make his return soon. I might read to see if the plot to bring him back be some copy cat or an unique way.

Next to return from death is Barry Allen - The Flash. If you thought the Flash have been around all these time you are wrong. That Flash isn't the original. The original Flash, not that Jay Garrick version, was one of the few heroes that rub shoulders with Superman and Batman in the early 70s to 80s when he was killed in a crisis event. Then he remain as dead in status but he made appearance in either flashbacks or time travel. Go figure. This time round he is coming back for real. In another event that killed Batman, Barry is making his come back. What will the current Flash be is still waiting to be seen. He might retire with his family or Barry's return might be temporary. In any case, he will be in the pages of Green Lantern which will be one of the most readable issue since both heroes are best of friends.

Superman and Green Lantern had both "died" and return. Even Wonder Woman and Robin and some other minor supporting characters. All these death brought in new comers to replaced them. None seems to work long except for the Flash replacement who was Kid Flash from the original Titans. Now they are bringing back Flash after years. Don't expect Batman to stay dead. The reason is the same with Captain America and probably everyone else. The real deal is what readers want.

Is it facebook or the swimming trunk that is the news here?

Facebook will going to cost someone his job. A politican or government employee in the British government is now leading the headlines because his wife, probably lack of the internet usage safety awarness, uses it in a way that maybe ok for ordinary folks here and there but not for high profile people. The wife uploaded the family pictures that include the main man in swimming trunk. Friends and people known to the family even wrote congrates words in the facebook which show everyone on the net who they are. I would probably won't even bother to look at that page at all but for certain characters this would be an expose. This government person is taking up a top sensitive post yet the wife exposes his family details which is now causing his reputation most likely due to his swimming trunk picture and the safety of his family is going to be in question. All these details when in the hands of shady characters could jeopardise his work and his world around him. So correct internet usage is important, not just to minors but in this case adults too.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iepLe-Pzz_d_a14urYR4eMjRwmyQ

Looks like Apple's iPhone have heat problem

Yahoo Tech reported that Apple issues warning of their latest iphone overheats. So I guess this one issue beats everything except a broken phone. While the word heat could mean anything, if it comes in a warning, it might mean it could get so hot it is equal to holding on a cup of hot coffee not by the cup handle. We all knows electronic stuff will have heat when in use but since it comes in a warning, this could be bad for the skin. Bad PR for Apple. So how does one do to rectify? If it is a software glitch, downloading patches or updates would solve it. Heat problem probably be something with the main boards. I doubt Apple would do a one to one swap, imagine hundreds of users all over the world. More like you have to stick with it until something breaks and hope the warranty do get you a replacement, unless the replacement comes from their existing batch of heaty new phones remaining, nothing is going to change.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/pcworld/20090702/tc_pcworld/appleadmitsiphoneoverheatingissuessortof

Standard handphone charger soon?

Businessweek reported that an agreement was made in EU for a standard charger for mobile phones. This is a step up for improvement. However result was be shown earliest at 2010. It might even taken longer to be able to have standard charger to other parts of the world. It would be best when consumers would have one charger for any mobile phone. It saves the environment too. While this is happening in EU, I doubt other part of the world might see anything until the standard charger become the standard in their production. Mean time I may not wait for that result which I see will not happen until maybe two years time. If I am going to get my new mobile phone I will try to get from the same brand which have a chance of same charger type.

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/jun2009/gb20090630_520516.htm

e-learning still a long way

The H1N1 have finally hit home. The schools that got affected are using the e-learning to to minimise the spread of the virus. What they didn't expect was that the server was kind of overwhelmed by the mass access that some students are unable to login while others experience lag. So what went wrong here? A few possibilities. The infrastructure was not suitable for such large gathering. The software was also not the correct type. All these mean the school need to spend more if they want to have everyone to have access. Lastly the vendor need to be pro-active. If they only sell you the stuff and doesn't give you any support, you are better off going to the vendor that charges more but gives you better support. You never know when the next virus start to form so time to plan ahead.

Transformers Movie 2

The much anticipated Transformers Movie 2 is show with a lot of explosion and running but less transforming from the robots. As usual the politicians tries to take over everything and the human allies start to go rogue and help the Autobots. The usual plot from most movies. This show we see many many nameless or faceless random robots. Some of them will be the main talk in forums but most will be forgotton. This time the Autobot focus will be two quarreling twin robots. Not much transforming can be seen. Some scenes can be snipped. A waste of time. Example will be Sam's mom got "drunk".....

Michael Jackson RIP

You probably have heard it, Michael Jackson passed away today. Most people know him as King of Pop. The current generation exposed to Britney and Westlife may even wonder why is he even King of Pop when he was not trashing the charts. Michael was trashing the charts way back in the 80s. His classic Beat It, Billie Jean and Thriller is still one of the best but strangely it was never been on any of those retro collection. He had more coming, such as Smooth Criminal and Leave Me Alone in the early 90s. He faded off the scene due to some of his personal issues. All his achievements from those years it seems no one managed to over take. I do not much listen to any of his songs much, I don't even listen to much other songs nowadays as the musical direction is much different from my liking. Still his musical direction have never changed and alas his comeback just couldn't make it. Lastly, shame on those people who had ever sued him. For whatever reasons they sued him for just make me feel they want to make news out of it. Now the vultures will be eyeing on Jackson's collectables at his home. RIP Michael.

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/michael-jackson-dies-in-la-hospital/24346?nc

Missing the bumpy rides

In the good old days where you have cars or buses moving in constant speed on bumpy roads. Those days the roads are bumpy as compare to today's good maintaining of the road making them flat. The journey wouldn't be boring when now or then you get some bumps of high and low feel. Guess if you want that you have to visit some nearby countries. Their roads on some areas are still as bumpy as ever. But if you are still in the army you might have the chance. Being on the tunnel or rover, moving on hilly areas you get the bump there. It might be harder bumps. We all know they just get going bumps or no bumps.

mediacorp hardsell their own ads

As the only free TV here, mediacorp knows everyone are watching because they have no choice. This time round their keep dumping their own ads, that mocca search engine. Yes it is a search engine but unless you are a mediacorp fan searching for clothes and bags you will have better luck on even the lousiest search engine around. So for that reason they keep forcing their ads down viewers throat. The lame ads that aims to be a spooky scene is a turnoff. Improve the search engine would be a better way to attract users instead of bombarding it on screen.

Responsible usage

When you are using the internet, be careful of what you are posting, from emails to forums to newsnet to guestbooks and stuffs. Posting are very different from a simple conversation with a friend. You speak and he listen. That is it. In the internet, you post, everyone reads, they re-read, get more people to read. Yes, when you speak no one else can listen to what you said the first time again. When you post on the net, anyone anywhere to anytime it is available for all to read. So the contents of what you post is important. If it is something about someone to somewhere that could causes distress to others, make sure you have some proof to back it up else the people involved would be able to sue you. Even if it is just a email to a friend, you never know who else get to access it and distribute it for all to read. Just like this news article. Responsible posting is the right way to use in the net. 

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090605/ttc-indonesia-court-health-internet-0de2eff.html

MS new search out in beta

MSN had their search engine out in beta. Strangely  I am not sure if it is still being named as Kumo anymore as previous report stated. I have tried it and I am happy that it is indeed an improvement. I don't recall MSN search engine being so tidy in the sense of selecting information when searching images. You could point on one picture and get to see its info. Selecting the picture will bring you to a frame page where you get to see the original web page with the picture without losing the list of images. I don't see google and yahoo being in this format. Still content is king. I will need to search more to know if interface improvement comes with more results. Hopefully the answer to the question of is Bing Kumo could be found. In case you are wondering, the URL is http://www.bing.com. Not to worry as the current msn.com is already "binged".

warring neighbours

No, I do not mean those novels about neighbouring states. I mean those family staying next or near you. These are the people who you will see them everyday and can you imagine when two of them start to fight each other? I just witness two neighbours getting into a quarrel and one started to use a hammer. Next the police came and settle the differences. Sometimes it isn't about tolerance. If one party has gone over the line someone have to tell them. The other party will in turn think being told is the start of a war. These are the bad eggs that started all the nonsenses. You have to be considerate else it is no wonder you feel you have been ganged up by the neighbours. Now you go stand at the corner and think it over!

Keep out politics from science!

Obama appointed the first black chief to head NASA. To me, black or white doesn't matter. As long as that person will do the job to get mankind into the black void. All these while since Bush was the boss it seems that NASA wasn't doing much. While other countries get to developed their own space programs, there wasn't much from the US. We could all speculate why nothing new but now that Obama is doing something, hopefully none of those politics or religion people start to step in like those other science and research area. Men had lost a lot of time while men in politics seems to control the space programmes.  Sometimes I wonder at the rate it is going, would there even be a space station at Jupiter or Saturn. Not to mention to have a Star Trek kind of environment, I doubt men will get to that stage if all they want to do is to boss around on land. I shall see if all these are just to start some news or if it will result in some over due developments.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Tech%2Band%2BScience/Story/STIStory_380688.html

Delete that doesn't delete

The internet is a strange place. In a sense for data and informations, it is either there or it isn't there. Researchers found that photos uploaded to some social networking websites or photo sharing websites maybe there forever. While the option to delete them is there, somehow the data remains, for some cases. The reason is because several websites uses multiple servers to contain the data which would take some time for the purge. So that is good news in case something went down you won't lose your data. But now that you wanted the data gone that is a possible challenge. Some people might even duplicate your data to some other websites where you have no control. There are also caches from search engines so unlike your local data, If they are removed, there is a 10% you will see it again.
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/142366

Circle Line MRT tour

Managed to visit the Circle Line MRT tour around. Amazingly it wasn't crowded. Nothing interesting about the stations but the awsome part is that the train have front windows! It means that now you can see the tunnel in front when travelling. That was a draw as many people was crowding at the front part. These people blocked me from taking a picture of it. I made do by takinga picture for the back window. The view is the same. Lastly the goodie bag isn't that goodie. A big bag with a beer bottle looking mineral water and a booklet on the MRT.

RealDVD court case seems all about profits

The RealDVD court case in the states seems to be a family squabble over profits. Yes, profits. Copying of DVD isn't new. Until I read the article on Cnet news I have no idea of a RealDVD software that could copy DVD. I knew of software that could copy DVD and it is free and it was good too. The only problem would be scratchy disc that DVD player could play would sometimes be a pain for the software to copy. Software aside, if it comes to the law, same as music discs, if you own the original disc you should be able to lawfully have a backup copy of the original. So unless there is some changes to the law, you apply the music theory onto this video issue, then why can't owners makes their own copy using authorised software. As for people misusing the software, well, banning RealDVD doesn't solve the problem. It solves nothing. As I mentioned, there are already free software avaliable. There are also other ways for anyone to do it too if there ever wanted. It is all about profit for the studio. They should instead lower their prices of their discs. Lower it more than just a few dollars. Your discs are cheap when you sent them to the factory so you can afford to lower more. Making your shows easily affordable will get people to buy them because quality still beats those copied discs.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10246213-93.html?tag=newsLeadStoriesArea.1

MS coming out with new search engine

According to Reuters, Microsoft may be coming out a new search engine. Code named Kumo, it remains unclear how good it will be against well branded Yahoo and Google. Or perhaps it could be some rumors but then Microsoft all this while have been trying to move into the internet area and they might have something new. It have to be special since users are so comfortably using Google or Yahoo depending on preferences. But until more details are probably a test site is out, MSN is there but it seems not to be as attractive as G and Y. Even for me I always goes for Yahoo and Google sometimes. Probably they just need to have better search results. If users can't find it here but could find it there, that means here got nothing to offer.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE54J11S20090520 

Australian zoo evacuated after orangutan escape

I find it to be amusing. I would understand that if a Tiger or Lion or any of those flash eating pets were escaped but an orangutan? They can be aggressive provided if they feel threatened. Who wouldn't in their right mind? But this orangutan is one clever one that escaped an electrical fence so he (I assume it is a he) should be clever enough to know when to avoid a threatening situation which is what he did. He returned back to his enclosure. Look at the face of the escaped primate.... unless that is just a generic picture, no wonder the zoo keepers wanted to play safe!

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090510/tts-australia-animal-orangutan-79adaf4.html 

computer misusers should get their due if life was lost

Just read the news on the Myspace hoax that causes the death of a 13 year old girl. The hoaxer is the mom of the classmate of the 13 year old victim. So in this case it isn't some quarrel or net fight between persons of similar ages but that an adult pretending to be a teen. The lies spurned by this mom causes the girl to committed suicide. As investigators found proof of the mom's doing, it seems the law isn't that strong on against such "crimes". Personally, I would say the mom should have some guts to admit her doings and face the music then to defend against it. Even though the law haven't been strong for such rare case, the judge should show everyone that weak law doesn't mean people can use it as a loop hole. I would say even given maximum wouldn't bring back any justice for the victim's parents. A life lost is lost forever. 

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-myspace19-2009may19,0,6394911.story

will youtube last?

Youtube had been a money pit ever since it joined Google. As pointed out, without quality contents who would even be watching the videos? There would be no advertising and so no profits. While not all contents are craps, there are some classic clips that no one would dream of watching them again without youtube. So there is a pro and con here but in most cases money talks. Hopefully people start to click on whatever ads left to generate some revenues before the ship sinks.

http://www.lockergnome.com/it/2009/05/11/youtube-is-a-drain-on-google-resources/

Star Trek reimagined

Just watched Star Trek. I now understand how the hardcore trekkies object to the show. I also find the story, if put into the timeline be impossible. First off, the old Spock need to return to his proper timeline. Vulcan should be restored when all anomalies return to their rightful places. When you have all the time cops that exists within the future of Star Trek timeline they should be the one come back to the past and correct things. If you ever watched Voyager you would know. For now I would put this show in the same group with Battlestar Galactica Reimagined. This show is reimagined just for a box office.

table tennis storm

The storm is still roaring over the issue on coach  Liu and the words from Mdm Lee - the president for STTA. So Liu wants an explanation which he consider the words as a personal attack. According to report he said "Actually, I was forced to leave Singapore". It seems that he had probably open the can of worms from the past. People will now debate on the situation on why he was forced to leave. It seems the supporters have much similar conclusion but until both sides start to talk, everything are just speculations.

Citizen journalism straying

The purpose of citizen journalism is capture some interesting news on the spot by a camera from any ordinary citizens. You don't have to wait for the reporters and photographers to come down. By the time they do the freshness of the event would be lost. But now ever since some "portal" on the net sprung up, many people took on the action to take photos around them and post on the portal. Are these even considered citizen journalism? It depends. The current news of some boys pranks at others, boys pranks at some sushi eatery would be considered as citizen journalism because this is reporting some wrongs being done. Others like, not giving up seats in MRT, how people dress or how people sit, are being misused. How your dress or how you sit is not unlawful. To give or not to give up seats too is not required by law. Some comments posted think the poster is simply too kpo (busybody) as if they don't dress well mean the poster themselves is well dressed? There is a fine line in capturing something news worthy and something that is other people's privacy. To those who got captured in the pictures that is under kpo, they should report to police or sue the poster. Posters who wants to post as annonymous would not be any annoymous given how the internet works. Irresponsible posters need to know their action isn't any right to post pictures of others.

McCurry anyone?

There is a McCurry in Malaysia. No, McDonald isn't cooking that. McCurry is someone else's restaurant. McDonald had taken it to court for using the Mc on their name. Result is that McDonald lose. So who would really think McCurry be part of McDonald? It is really plain silly to try to link them together because of a Mc in the name. Now we know the big guys have no hold on the word, anyone game for McSatay or McMeeSiam?

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090503/tap-malaysia-court-us-food-0193655.html

Sporting controversy

So the sporting issue relating to the table tennis is back in the news again. This time the sports award. Many people feel that the former coach Liu who brought the team gold should be given the award. Regardless what the reason he was left out, people who follow the story since the Olympic days will know the reason is simple. I won't specify it here. Go read up past reports and get your own conclusion. At least no one got that award but it doesn't seem to patch the hole for getting gold and getting not appreciated.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090505/tap-105-controversy-dogs-years-singapore-231650b.html

smoke uproar

If you think government are trying to reduce smoking, China recently tried to forced its civil servants to smoke more to "boost the economy". They removed such orders after an uproar. So the actual fact for them to do it is really not known but then for any reasons to give such an order is certainly no excuse. Enough pollution in the country already.....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090505/lf_nm_life/us_china_smoking_1

tamiflu against h1n1?

H1N1 is the name and everyone is snapping onto Tamiflu. Tamiflu is meant for the existing common flu and don't seem logical that Tamiflu could fight against H1N1. Reports claimed that Tamiflu could help again H1N1 but how much can you trust it? Maybe it is a ray of hope but they better come out something exclusively meant for H1N1 in case Tami loses its touch.

Aware drama

While normally wouldn't care about these, Aware have been dramatic these few weeks ever since there was a change of leadership. Some unknown newbies manage to gain control of leadership and making waves of changes, irking majority of people around. So they got voted out yesterday, their downfall probably due to their attitude as reported by the press. They would be quite about their agendas throughout. They sacked staff and change locks, claimed that the group has not been following it policy or whatever they should be doing. And even someone from the church started something that gave people the impression of chruch backing the newbies. So all these somehow turn against them. Moral of the story, be open and friendly towards everyone.

flu outbreak

The flu outbreak will surely affect Singapore. With travellers still going or coming from those places it is a matter of time someone passed through the check points. This flu is a new variant so not much is known. Like the Sars few years back, this one seems to be more infectious. Hopefully this is not those kind of airborne kind. The name of the flu really shouldn't be called swine flu. Since the swine didn't start this. It occurs in Mexico so it should use the name of the place instead.

cats still bird catching

All the stray cats around us seems to be enjoying a laze in the sun waiting for munch time. They don't seems to go for rats or unable to catch birds. Not true. I manage to observe one cat that managed to get two birds. I didn't see how it does but do see it with its prize. The white cat, often seen at the bus stop where I waited for bus, along with some other cats. This white cat is a stand out because of its color. It would either mix alone with the people waiting for buses or loiter around the place and even hide in the nearby drain showing only its head looking at passer-by. Yesterday I saw it running along the drain, with a bird in its mouth. I did not expect few minutes later it ran through the same drain again and another bird. So this cat is not just outstanding because of its color but it could catch birds too.

strange water

Call it paranormal, but what I encountered is sure not normal. My office ceiling softboard was suddenly dripping water like a tap. We thought there is a leak from a pipe within. So we called in the maintenance people, which when they arrived the leak seems to have stopped. They opened up the ceiling board and found the place to be dry. There is no leak on any pipes, which is only small and use for the fire spray. So the mystery remains, where the water come from. 

flies problem

So people are still health cautious over outdoor eatery after the Rojak and the Steamboat episodes. Some points finger at the rat while others at the hygiene of the cooks and those handling of the food. An article from the Newpaper pointed out, what about the houseflies buzzing around? They are a few but enough to contaminate your food and drink when they make a rest stop on your stuff. Everyone scared of the rat but I would say the flies are more power than the rats as they do their thing anytime anywhere while people just ignore them. 

Jackie Chan blasting

Jackie had offended the chinese so as it was reported. So have anyone wondered why he said that? Looking at the polictical scene in Taiwan and nearby area, it was quite a mess. Some are critical while some do agree. People should look at the current scene and think of what Jackie said. Jackie may have put in the wrong words but the scene he said doesn't mean he made it up. So the west is now looking at all the chinese going red over the comments from Jackie. Well, some acts need to be cleaned up. For Jackie his speech. For the larger picture, it may be a long while.

eatery hazzard

Everyone have head of all the food poisoning around us. So it seems, eating out can be a hazzard. The rojak stall started the ball rolling, and out come the truth around us. The stall area, a temporary hawker area is a rat infested place. Had rojak not started anything no one will be doing anything. So just because he started it does not mean he should take the full blame. While people will say the rat issue have no link to the bateria that caused the rojak outbreak. Still this makes the authority open their eyes to the place around us. People only start to clean up their acts when something happen. Even as this is going on, I believe many others were being ignored until people start to voice out such as this being voiced on Stomp. Read it and you can see, food establishment seems to put business top on the list.

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singaporeseen/viewContent.jsp?id=66744

Life is possibly a game?

I just watched The Truman Show. You expect Jim Carey to start making jokes like all his other shows. No. This isn't a comedy. The story about Jim being born and raised in a tv reality show and being watched by the world all the time. In the end he managed to figured out something isn't right and found a way to escape. His determination to escape to find his real love, whom he met while she was part of the actress which Jim have no idea his life was merely a show. So here, is our life like a show too?

Knowing is only so so

The movie Knowing would be a good show if it isn't about end of the world and aliens. Something like those X-files stuff but once the story turns to the end of the world event it just doesn't end well. Moreever you have got aliens that stand around like Keanu Reeve in Matrix. So the story ends with a super flare from the sun that burns away all the planets, or only the inner planets. The aliens knows about it and have been selecting children to be taken away. While these type of end of the world is really the first of its kind instead of astroid or nuclear war that destroy the Earth. Perhaps the ending could be done in another fashion but for now I feel the end is bad.

local transport no improvement

It is no surprise that news report that bus operators got fined again for the usual lapsed in services. The usual long wait and over crowded complains. To solve such problems would usually be more buses on the road which will be more drivers. Currently they are using drivers from other countries. There have been people wrote to forums about communication issues with these drivers. So perhaps better pay for locals will improve for services. Until then slow crowded buses will be around.

Local internet radio is dead

Just when there is one that still hangs on, it is offline for internet radio, only the local stations. It won't kill internet radio, only the presences of local stations. Users can always tune to overseas channels or their mp3.  While the music elsewhere is always better, sometimes having a DJ providing some local news update and stuffs will be a plus.

April fool virus or joke?

April Fool day today and a virus is supposed to wreck havoc on many computers everywhere. That was a report from the papers. So what do you think? I think it is nothing much as compare to a normal virus. You do update your antivirus  software right? So if you caught the virus what does it mean? You are careless or over  confident and time to change your antivirus software. Sometimes it is no joke but then the best way to pass the day is to off the computer for the day. Not everyone will do that. :D

Net radio not dead yet, at least for now

Some may think net radio is dead. Because Mediacorp stations, the bulk of most Singapore's radio channel are not transmitting online. So most people who are the fans of those stations will consider it dead. But it isn't true as SPH radio stations are still online. 100.3 and 91.3 FM are still online. So how long will it last? No one have an answer but enjoy it while it last.

http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=105856

AIG making waves the wrong way

So now world is watching AIG. These people are the ones making waves when they are going down with everyone's saving in it. The US government put in funds to stablise them and now they want to give out big bonuses to their top dogs.... The people are of course angry, at both the government and AIG runners. The government have to go by the books when it is wrong. In such times, the book should be skipped, especially when the funds belongs to the government. As for the runners in AIG, the contract claimed by the top dog of AIG, should be voided when the contract were signed during the good economy stage. Now by going by the contract, the people would prefer them to go bust in the first place so not to wasted the funds on bonuses. I hope the runner and those who took the bonuses do the right thing before too late.

radio silence on the net

Yes you might have noticed, those radio stations have problem streaming their songs. There is no problem with your connection or your player. The radio stations just stopped streaming. Some where out there is demanding to pay for streaming. So I guess that is it. And strange nothing was mention about the cut from streaming until the papers drop the news. So if that is the case, I have my cds, mp3, cassettes.... No ads, no trash talks. Cutting out radio from internet will not kill radio streaming. It just kill streaming of local radio.....

almost doomsday

If you haven't heard, an asteroid almost hit Earth on Monday. Reports said that if it does hit, the impact would be like ten nuclear bomb detonates. That would be like crack off a large chunk of Earth, not forgetting billions to trillions would die with many more unable to survive. It would be one of those Hollywood type of show that turn Earth back to the savage era, at least what left of it. So while there were many other close call from passing asteroids, do men have the capability to stop one, or any asteroids that would be on the path for a crash into Earth? You might have watch too many movies about have rockets to stop them but it just isn't that simple. Hopefully men will stop their bickering and concentrate on advancing ourselves where astroids would be not be a threat. Meanwhile the chance of one crashing is still somewhere out there.....

Gmail down, I not affected.

Gmail went down on Tuesday at 0900 GMT as reported. So it seems that timing is somewhere night or midnight here in the equator. So it went down. Is that even suppose to be shocking? Which email service doesn't go down once in a while? From my years of email usage, there is no forever up email services. Everyone have their downtime. If it goes down, it will be up again unless it happen due to outside factors like undersea cable issues. So if you are using Gmail for some real time mail exchanging maybe you should also start to have an alternate email in case of problems. At least I don't need to check my mails every minutes or so I am not even aware of it went down.

Coach removal becoming a trend?

Yes, it seems to plague local sport scene again. In the news, it was reported that a coach for sprinters got removed. The given reason, he did not have the qualified papers. The report also given the thoughts from people whom voiced out, this coach have the ability to break records, as what he did for the 2007 100m. So the new coach was considered inexperience. Looks like the people behind the decision to remove had not consider the public reaction, after what happened to the table tennis coach issue. So it remains to be seen if this is a correct decision.

oldies and goody

Managed to get hold of the Knight Rider DVD. They were one of those classic good shows during the 80s. Yes, 80s, not 2008 version of that show. That new show I haven't see and don't expect it to be humorous and PG. Remember watching them when you were kids? Just enjoy watching the talking car showing off. Logically such a car would be impossible to do good everything without much of a human partner and also no one really dies in the show, at least they don't dies directly. That's what makes the oldies such a classic. You don't see the characters jumping into bed for a hot scene and they show guns but you don't see any blast here and there like what you would see in those Die Hard movies. Makes the show a good family entertainment. Lastly it brings back memories for those not so young dudes.....

Friday the 13th

If you hadn't noticed, yesterday was Friday the 13th. Most people would consider the date be unlucky. However it seems people have lose interest in it. If it were some ten years ago, Friday the 13th would have many computer infected with viruses. Unless it just doesn't work that way anymore or some new dates took over.

Facebook idea stole from others

So the cat was finally let out of the bag. The lawsuit then states that Facebook design was stolen from another social networking site. It went quiet all of sudden, at least the other side of the globe the news seems to died out. Now the lawyers that handle the case for the winning party released edited documents to show everyone the outcome. While the law firm may just want to advertise themselves as good using facebook's case, leaving out details on it, it is a bad call. Isn't it supposed to be confidential on all details? Looks like another law suit is coming, I am expecting it. Some just feel they have to "brag" about it to show everyone they are good.

NS PTP extended

Looks like Mindef has extend their PTP for those NS recuits who can't pass their IPPT. PTP was just 1 month in addition to the 3 months BMT. Now it would be a 2 months PTP. A total of 5 months before they POP. Depend on how you see it, could be good for training. While I don't see how their system works, it could be, those who pass IPPT will just come for the 3 months BMT. So they will be doing 3 months less for the 2 years BMT. I suppose so unless these PTP batch of soldiers will be a battlion on their own.

Joe caught it again...

Yes. Joe got "fired" again, this time from Power98. So what happened this time round? No one is saying anything but speculation is that his jokes on-air doesn't go well with the managers. Isn't it the similar with 91.3? At least 91.3 gave everyone their reason for the departure. This time round their boot is suppose to be a mystery. Joe, I am sure you will be back on-air soon. Maybe 91.3 will want you back. Don't think their shows after you left make any progress. As for Shareen, she should be treated better since she is one of those long service DJ in Power98. The listeners shall wait and see if the management will do the right thing.

SBS bus attacked in JB

We have heard of visitors to JB shopping area been attacked and robbed, this is the first time a SBS bus been attacked. The driver was hurt according to news. So it seems that when times are hard, security issue have become secondary. All the while through these reports, it is telling you, JB isn't safe. You go there you are taking a risk. Still we have many risk takers. This is a decision to be made by would be visitors.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090210/tap-081-sbs-transit-driver-attack-parang-231650b.html

does more local contents draw more viewers?

Read an article from a newspaper that more local contents will draw more viewerships. While having more local content is good as in local productions are getting some demands. To draw viewers would be hardly convincing. First the usual point here is that, there is only one TV broadcaster here. The contents just doesn't change much as compare to the few years when there was a competitor. You have a good stable of artists yet it is always the same few of them so call brighter stars. The storyline of the shows are the usual or copying those HK dramas. variety contents and those singing or talent contest are flooding the timeslot. Viewers simpy have no where to switch to unlike some with pay TV. I don't see how it increase when there is no other choice at all.

annoyance on tv

Yes. I do watch a bit of TV. Mostly on news. So whay could be the annoyance? It isn't the ads. It seems to be the holiday season greetings. If you watch the news now since it is Lunar New Year period, you would notice those gold nuggets moving at the left side of the screen. Isn't that super irritating or what?! During Christmas they have sms greetings and force everyone to watch those greetings blocking the screen. So now with all those ads they need to junk all corners of our screen. They can do anything since there is no competitors, unless you have pay tv to switch to.

check your real internet speed from google

You probably experienced this, your internet is sluggish. You call tech support and they tell you, you only get better speed when visit local website. That is b.s. right? Unless you are a good talker you can argue with them but it won't solve your problem. Enter google internet checker. The checker will show you your actual speed. So how good is this? Probably enough to give you a hint at what speed you are riding on now. Until google have a local server you can't really use the report to back you up. It is a start.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Technology/AheadoftheCurve/wireStory?id=6757048

after new year

That was fast. The Lunar New Year is over. At least for the days where everyone get to rest or go visiting. So times flies and money flies as well. While the so call economy is in bad shape, we should all strive to roll through this together like those bad economies previously. And with Obama as the new focus, there is always hope for things to improve. Just make sure you don't gulped down all new year goodies that make you go belly ache. Let the Ox to bull doze through the bad days and bring in the light.

Chingay with Trekkies

This year Chingay is very different. There are local groups as well as invited groups from other countries, Chingay is now open for public to join in as well. So it seems that some local Star Trek fans decide to join in with their costumes. Since this is the first time, most are just friends and family. I would be expecting cos play fans to be in it too now that they see how trekkies are doing. That will mean you get to see Star Wars and those anime fans in dresses or armors and even those military buffs.... Or maybe not if they have to carry swords or guns stuffs....

Singapoer Flyer resumes operation

So finally the flyer is back turning. The wheel was given the go ahead on Monday 26th. That is also the first day of lunar new year. They say better late than never. From the business point of view, it was very late. Who would go for the flyer except tourists on lunar new year? It missed the Christmas event and from then till now, they missed the time when people are packing and spending and enjoying for the holidays. It will take time to regain the people's trust. I have never ride in those. Maybe I might give it a go, if there is a discount.

Bacteria rampage

Ever read about the Brazilian model who died from bacteria infection? It would be very rare, at least for an adult to die from it. So what actually happened? The doctors were fighting against drug resistance bacteria. If that is the case, how did the bacteria become so strong. It all boils down to misues of drugs. People everywhere are using drugs on everything minor. Or when doctor gives the drug to a patient, the patient did not finish the drug, which would in turn give the bacteria a chance to mutate against the drugs. So this could be man's undoing if such a day where bugs started to infect people and drugs are useless. The science seems to be slower in developing than the mutating of bacteria.

Facebook start to tighten up

Facebook, the popular social networking website is tightening up some rules. First they made news by banning pictures of breast feeding. Now they also stopped a burger king application that let anyone remove 10 friends in exchange for a burger. Some users are angry about it. The mommies are angry because their breast feeding pictures are gone. Claiming they aren't obsene. But is obsene the main reason for banning those pictures? Facebook gave reasons for why they ban them. The mommies are not accepting it. The solution is simple. Mommies, if you want to use facebook, follow their rule else dump them and go to friendster or somewhere else that allow your breast feeding pictures. Not sure the other sites allow that too. But if they do too, it just doesn't seem to be the same right? So nothing is perfect. Next the burger to dump 10 friends kind of irk facebook, or some people that action must be made to dump the application. Why is burger king do such a thing? The facebook doesn't seems to be a competitor in anyway. So facebook while it is a social networking does not promote anti-social attitude that they need to ban this application too. Does a burger = 10 friends? Some users think so. They should be dumped too because they make up a burger. :-D

Asterix - family battle

Asterix - if you ever read the comic books, is the character in the Asterix comic, fought battles with the Romans and possible other armies from the regions. I don't read it. But this comic is kind of popular, like Tintin stories. So this time, the battle is not with Asterix but within the creator's family. The daughter of the last surviving creator had lashed out that her dad had sold out Asterix. She would prefer it going the way of Tintin. When Tintin's creator died, the story ends there. No one else have the rights now to start a new story. Maybe in the future, but now there isn't. So the question is - is that what best for everyone? If the fans love it, stopping any new stories would it be right? Then again, stories coming from a third party, how original can it be considered? There are ways to make sure how it all comes out but currently, it seems they prefer to squabble over it. I would like to see new material for Tintin if the new author would stick to traditions. Asterix, I don't read it.

http://www.straitstimes.com/print/Breaking%2BNews/Lifestyle/Story/STIStory_326141.html

Leave Tintin alone

I am sure everyone knows or read a Tintin comic book. Yes. Tintin is in the news again. This time someone with too much free time had brought up the "Is Tintin gay". While this question wasn't new, it seems no one really cares. So this dumbo brought the question back again mean he has nothing better to do. Well, why would anyone want to avoid the question then? Is Tintin gay? I don't care. I would prefer less romance in the book and so far in his book there is no romance. So if there is no romance, no girlfriend mean gay? This guy and all the others who pop the question deserve some hard labour to straighten their thoughts. Tintin is a comic book character. Tintin doesn't show anyone if he likes any girl. Well, it is his private life isn't it? I wouldn't care too. And since Tintin can't reply on your question doesn't mean he is gay. You want to know better ask his creator. I am sure you know where he is.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090109/tts-entertainment-literature-belgium-tin-c1b2fc3.html

Obama meets Spiderman

No, Obama will not be in the next Spiderman movie. Obama will be in a Spiderman comic. So it will be a Obama meets Spiderman and Spiderman will save his day. Of course it will be this way because that is a Spiderman comic. Obama will only makes people want to buy the comic because you don't get to see Obama with Spidey again if you miss this one. If they hadn't dumped the original Captain America, I expect Obama to shake hands with this hero too. I would expect him to meet with Superman while Obama is still hot.

Steve Job retires?

Steve Job having health issue is forcing him to retire? If it is really the case, looks like Apple will be going the way of Microsoft. Ever since Bill Gates passed the torch to his successor, it just isn't the same with Bill doing it. So how would Apple avoid going the MS way? They should better have someone good because so far no one seems to agree on anyone that is as good as Steve Job. While they are established names, a good product makes a difference.

More on Steve Job, check this link
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p313/knowman/steve_job_article.jpg

Wikipedia best online encyclopedia

Wikipedia I would say is the best and only online encyclopedia ever. Why? You can use it to search on almost anything from real life stuffs to hobbies. It is also open for public to add on more stuffs and to update existing pages. No wonder when they ask for donation, they got it and achieve their target.

a fierce tortoise

Saw this video of a tortoise going after cats. According to the video description, the tortoise was trying to chase away invading cats. Is was amusing, considering the cats are tamed animal that won't even be force to attack the tortoise. In any case, they do try to chase of the tortoise but assuming the cats can't get past the tough shell. So this is also telling us, if we are determine to do something, like the tortoise we will eventually succeed.

Watch the video here:
http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul0gfCyeiyM

MOBTV - not that good after all

Local free TV have been giving us recycled contents or some local made products that will make us switch channels. Out come the pay TV. Since Starhub have been around for a longer period, they have got a majority of channels and programs locked. But that is not enough. They do not have some shows or some people wanted to watch some older shows. Now there are 2 more contenders for pay TV. Singtel's MIO and Mediacorp's MOB-TV. Read this article how MOB-TV messed up. You pay so that you can watch the episodes first or fast. Not true for this. And the Hong Kong drama even made a mistake of putting episode 1 into the middle of the series and they did not correct it. Why not? No one reported it because no one watches that show? You decide. So which means we can go for MIO? Not for me. You can scan the local internet forums for problems with MIO. Take note, MIO will take control over your phone line too. If MIO goes down so does your phone. Maybe another post about MIO. For the full article of MOB-TV issue, here is the link. It is in chinese.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p313/knowman/mobtv-article.jpg

New year 2009

So it is the new year. Other than being a holiday I don't see much difference. The usual crap shows on TV. The city area was crowded as usual. People go shopping and jamming the street. It was also the last day before school reopen. So business as usual. Guess most people's resolution would be improve economy. It could happen if everyone goes for it.