INTERPOL Issues Orange Notice After Mas Selamat Escape

It's something really serious.
http://www.interpol.int/Public/News/2008/OrangeNotice20080228.asp

New in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 - Variable Initialization and Multiple Row Inserts

With the introduction of variable initialization and multiple row inserts, this makes SQL Server Programming a lot easier.

http://www.simple-talk.com/community/blogs/andras/archive/2008/02/28/44645.aspx

Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) detainee, Mas Selamat bin Kastari, Wanted

Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) detainee Mas Selamat bin Kastari escaped from the Whitley Road Detention Centre at 4:05 pm on 27 Feb 2008.

The public is advised to immediately contact the Police at 999 if they know of his whereabouts.

Mas Selamat was the leader of the Singapore JI network. He walks with a limp and is presently at large. He is not known to be armed. Extensive police resources have been deployed to track him down.

Mas Selamat's photographs are released to the public as below:

Google Sites Launched

Google Sites, a new offering from Google Apps, makes creating a team site as easy as editing a document. Use Google Sites to centralize all types of information -- from videos to presentations -- and share your site with just a few people, your entire organization, or the world.

Learn about all the features

Google made an announcement last year on launch of Google Sites. This is more than a year after acquisition of JotSpot.
http://hongjun.blogspot.com/2007/12/google-sites-to-launch-next-year.html

Google Sites
http://sites.google.com/

Pseudocode to Determine Leap Year

Definition of Leap Years
http://hongjun.blogspot.com/2006/08/definition-of-leap-years.html

Pseudocode to determine leap year

if year modulo 400 is 0 then is_leap
 else if year modulo 100 is 0 then no_leap
 else if year modulo 4 is 0 then is_leap
 else no_leap

And if you find yourself working extra 1 day on a February, then it's a leap year. Year 2008 is a leap year.

Google Chat Documented and Undocumented Emoticons

Documented Emoticons
http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=34056

Undocumented Emoticons
http://tkhere.blogspot.com/2007/12/brand-new-google-chat-emoticons-no-one.html

What are Best to Format Our Codes?

Tony Davis has his say
http://www.simple-talk.com/community/blogs/tony_davis/archive/2008/02/27/44572.aspx

Create PDF Using PDFCreator - FREE

I have been using CutePDF for creating PDF files personally. PDFCreator does the job equally well. If I am correct, I remember PDFCreator used to cost but now, it's FREE and Open Source!

Key Features:

• Create PDFs from any program that is able to print
• Security: Encrypt PDFs and protect them from being opened, printed etc.
• Send generated files via eMail
• Create more than just PDFs: PNG, JPG, TIFF, BMP, PCX, PS, EPS
• AutoSave files to folders and filenames based on Tags like Username, Computername, Date, Time etc.
• Merge multiple files into one PDF
• Easy Install: Just say what you want and everything is installed
• Terminal Server: PDFCreator also runs on Terminal Servers without problems
• And the best: PDFCreator is free, even for commercial use! It is Open Source and released under the Terms of the GNU General Public License.

Download PDFCreator now!
http://www.pdfforge.org/products/pdfcreator

Huge Amount of Information Amassed

After years of posting, somehow I have amassed a considerable amount of information on my blog. At least it works like a mini search engine for me.

I tried to search for pdf to word and I got what I want.

Gmail Users Got a Free 2nd Email Domain

In case you don't know, a Gmail account actually get you two email addresses. The first one is the regular username@gmail.com while the second email address is username@googlemail.com. So this is a 1-For-1 package!

So what's the use of having 2 domains but sharing the same mailbox? You can give your @googlemail.com address to your personal contacts while using the @gmail.com address for public use. Having said that, you can create a filter specifying all emails to your @googlemail.com address as not spam.

More than a year ago, I made a post on how to use the plus + sign trick to find out who is the one giving away your gmail account for spamming purposes. Read below link for further details.
http://hongjun.blogspot.com/2006/11/find-out-who-gives-away-your-email.html

Mouse is Dead

After using my laptop without a mouse for the 2 years, I decided to buy one. After 1 year with a mouse, the mouse is dead. I am now back to the days without mouse.

I can live without a mouse but if there is a free mouse for me, I will accept it.

Received a Letter of Commendation

I have received a Letter of Commendation from my customer to my superior.

Session variables are lost if you use FRAMESET

I recently launched a portal and all things went smoothly only until the vendor all of a sudden used a frameset to contain the original website url without my knowledge. This resulted in user unable to login and use the portal totally! Reason being session variables are lost when frameset is used.

The below Microsoft KB has a neat resolution. I recommend the resolution on adding a custom HTTP header.

You can use the IIS Management Snap-In (inetmgr) to add to a static file. Follow these steps to add this header to a static file:

1. Click Start, click Run, and then type inetmgr.
2. In the left navigation page, click the appropriate file or directory in your Web site to which you want to add the header, right-click the file, and then click Properties.
3. Click the HTTP Headers tab.
4. In the Custom HTTP Headers group box, click Add.
5. Type P3P for the header name, and then for the compact policy string, type CP=..., where "..." is the appropriate code for your compact policy.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;323752

MAS Step for Fairer Dealing Outcomes to Consumers

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is seeking views on proposed Guidelines on Fair Dealing Board and Senior Management Responsibility for Delivering Fair Dealing Outcomes to Consumers (Guidelines).

http://www.mas.gov.sg/news_room/press_releases/2008/MAS_seeks_comments_on_Guidelines_on_Board_and_Senior_Management_Responsibility_for_Delivering_Fair_Dealing_Outcomes_to_Consumers.html

Few days ago, Today had an article on more complaints on unethical financial institutions
http://hongjun.blogspot.com/2008/02/more-complaints-on-unethical-financial.html

Researchers Find Way to Steal Encrypted Data - Chill Them

A group led by a Princeton University computer security researcher has developed a simple method to steal encrypted information stored on computer hard disks. Chill Them!

Cold Boot Attacks on Encryption Keys
http://citp.princeton.edu/memory

How to Earn More Money?

How to Earn More Money? Where can I earn more?

Netscape is Dead and Over

AOL has released its last ever update for Netscape Navigator and is encouraging its remaining users to switch to Flock or Firefox.

Netscape 9
http://browser.netscape.com/

Official support for all Netscape client products will end on March 1st, 2008
http://blog.netscape.com/2007/12/28/end-of-support-for-netscape-web-browsers/

More Complaints on Unethical Financial Institutions

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) wants banks and other financial institutions in Singapore to assume greater responsibility in protecting the consumers who buy investment products from them.

The Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre received 531 complaints and 1,146 inquiries from July 2006 to June last year, up from 493 complaints and more than double the 538 inquiries received in the year before.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/238923.asp

Be Kind Rewind's Website - Rebuilding Internet from Scratch

Flash enabled website using concept of rebuilding internet from scratch - Very creative.

http://www.bekindmovie.com/

Superb Gmail Ad for Russia

A video that Saatchi Moscow created and produced for Google to attract more Russian people on GMail. Not easy but it was fun though.

Very beautifully and creatively done indeed.

Exercise Crime Prevention Watch

Should you suspect something amiss, call the police. Below shows contact list of Singapore Police Force. Let's exercise our rights and do our part!

http://www.spf.gov.sg/contactus/contactus_index.htm

Is NEA efficient?

Is National Environment Agency (NEA) efficient? I shall leave this question to be answered by yourself.

On 22 Feb 2008, NEA made a post on Today papers titled "Book thrown at puffers". Basically, NEA is replying to an earlier post. The earlier post made revealed signs of smoking activity in bus stops after spotting cigarette butts in litter bins' ash trays.

From NEA's reply, a total of 994 offenders caught smoking were caught in the year of 2007. On January 2008 itself, a total of 84 were caught. This statistics left me scratching my head. Taking year 2007 data of 994, it means an average of 83 were caught per month and a mere average of 3 were caught in a single day. These numbers are close to January 2008's. I shall assume this statistics to remain consistent judging from historical records. To make things look less "ugly", I shall assume a team of only 3 NEA officers are being deployed everyday. Weekends and public holidays are included since smokers "work" everyday. This will imply each officer manages to catch only 1 offender per day.

Does this make sense? This statistics certainly does not look logical to me.

So is NEA efficient?

My Work Life

I am currently holding onto a very stable job. I would say it is best for someone heading for retirement.

I reports for work punctually and am able to knock off on time most of the time. What more can I ask for?

However, I am not seeing enough challenges to motivate myself.

Should I take this to be something to be envious about? I definitely has got more personal time.

Microsoft Free 5 GB Online Drive - Windows Live SkyDrive

You will need a Windows Live Account to access SkyDrive
http://skydrive.live.com/

Message Queue Missing Messages Using FormatName:Direct=OS

I experienced some lost of messages when sending messages via Microsoft Message Queue using FormatName:Direct=OS format. For a workaround, you can either using FormatName:Direct=TCP or change a registry value.

Method 1: Using Direct=TCP

mPath = "FormatName:Direct=TCP:192.168.2.1"

Method 2: Change Registry

On the receiving machine, set HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MSMQ\Parameters\IgnoreOsNameValidation to 1.

Edison Chen Admits Sex Photos

Hong Kong actor Edison Chen said he'll quit show business after admitting taking sexually explicit photos with celebrities that leaked onto the Web and generated a wave of media coverage.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7256657.stm

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) Release Candidate (RC)

Overview

SP3 functions primarily as a collection of past fixes with a few security additions. SP3 is most certainly essential for anyone who hasn't applied SP2, and for those who haven't kept up with the Windows Update downloads, but if you've been on top of things, SP3 won't do much for you.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2200774,00.asp

Remarks from Microsoft

"This pre-release software is provided for testing purposes only. Microsoft does not recommend installing this software on primary or mission critical systems. Microsoft recommends that you have a backup of your data prior to installing any pre-release software."

My Recommendation

Download and install SP3 only if you are very curious about this update. Microsoft should release a stable version of SP3 by first quarter 2008. So, just be patient.

Download Link from Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=75ed934c-8423-4386-ad98-36b124a720aa&displaylang=en

Singapore to host the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010

Singapore will host the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010. The result was unveiled by IOC President Jacques Rogge at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Singapore beat moscow in the final by 53 votes to 44.

I congratulates Singapore.

Relive the announcement: http://video.olympic.org/wms/yog2010.wmv

Singapore ecstatic at winning Youth Olympics bid
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/330241/1/.html

Top 5 Most-Used Commands in Microsoft Word 2003

A survey conducted by Jensen Harris concluded the below statistics.

Top 5 Most-Used Commands in Microsoft Word 2003

1. Paste
2. Save
3. Copy
4. Undo
5. Bold

http://blogs.msdn.com/jensenh/archive/2006/04/07/570798.aspx

Scribd - Great Online Document Viewer

http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2008/02/great-online-document-viewer-gets-even.html

Universal Pictures Gives Up HD-DVD Too

General Electric Co's Universal Pictures, one of a few studios using the Toshiba Corp-backed HD DVD format, said on Tuesday it will switch to the rival Blu-ray format now that Toshiba has officially pulled the plug on HD DVD.

HD DVD is really nearing its death.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2265334,00.asp

Toshiba Give Up HD-DVD Format Marks End of DVD War

It's Official: HD DVD Is Dead
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2264960,00.asp

Blu-ray Formats Triumph Over Rival HD DVD
http://hongjun.blogspot.com/2008/02/blu-ray-formats-triumph-over-rival-hd.html

Microsoft to Provide Software to Students for FREE

Microsoft plans to allow college and high school students to receive key technical software for free, in a bid to familiarize students with Microsoft's software.

Specifically, the software being offered for free includes:

1. Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition
2. Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition
3. Expression Studio (including Web, Blend, Design and Media)
4. SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition
5. Windows Server, Standard Edition

Students will also have access to Microsoft's Xbox development tools, the XNA Game Studio 2.0, as well as a 12-month free membership to the XNA Creators Club.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2264903,00.asp

This sounds really GOOD programme launched by Microsoft is called DreamSpark. This program kicks start in 11 countries/regions: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, Germany, France, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Belgium. More countries will be added throughout the year.

Get Started Here: https://downloads.channel8.msdn.com/

Thanks for the Clicks

I would like to thank all those who have clicked on my Google Adsense ads. You may click on them if they are useful to you. Do continue to visit my blog.

I have plans to revamp my blog's layout whenever time permits.

The best 100 money tips ever!

Take these tips to heart and you’ll have a solid foundation for future financial well-being.

http://www.persfin.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=360377

Highlight Image in HTML Trick

Try this CSS3 technique that allows you to see a highlighted image within text. Currently, only Safari and Firefox support CSS3's ::selection pseudo-element. So, to test the effect, you MUST be using either Safari or Firefox.

Go to http://metaatem.net/highlite/ to test out this new trick. Below is what I have generated but I make them in image file for easy display here. You can follow this link to generate below.

Generated Text

Image Exposed after Text Selected

Understanding Subprime Crisis in a Hilarious Way

Blu-ray Formats Triumph Over Rival HD DVD

Just this year, Warner Brothers, the largest player in the $42 billion global home entertainment market, has decided to favour Sony's Blu-ray discs over rival format Toshiba's HD DVD. Weeks later, Wal-Mart, one of the largest retailer, has also made similar move.

With Warner Brothers’ backing, Sony’s Blu-ray high-definition format now has about 70 percent of the DVD market locked up. Could this be the end of Toshiba's HD DVD format? But certainly, consumers will have an easier choice when it comes to which of the 2 formats to choose from.

Warner Backs Blu-ray, Tilting DVD Battle
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/05/technology/05disc.html?em&ex

Wal-Mart moves to the Blu-ray camp
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bluray16feb16,1,6223585.story

How to Send Scheduled Emails - FREE

LetterMeLater.com allows you to send emails to anyone you wish, with the ability to have them sent at any future date and time you choose.

A feature missing from every email service is the ability to schedule when an email gets sent - you must click the "send" button at the exact moment of delivery.

With this service, you can write emails with your existing email address, and they will get sent at the exact date, or dates that you specify - down to the minute.

Another good thing about this service is the sender name is set to be your sign up name. With this, it really looks you are sending the email yourself from your own email client.

Most importantly, it's FREE!

http://www.lettermelater.com/

Singapore Budget 2008

Singapore Budget 2008 Official Website
http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/

Growth Budget
http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/growth_dividends.html

How to Add Blogroll to Blogger?

Blogger In Draft has just released a feature for trial to add a blogroll to Blogger. A blogroll is a collection or list of links to other blogs and websites commonly featured on blogs.

To access Blogger In Draft, you must log in to http://draft.blogger.com/

http://bloggerindraft.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-feature-blog-list.html

Facebook Finally Makes Deleting Account Easier

Deleting a Facebook account was never an easy task. To do that, several email exchanges were needed to be do account deletion (removal of all records from Facebook server permanently).

Now, Facebook has made account deletion easier. An option is now available in Facebook for account deletion. Facebook has even added a "How do I delete my account?" in its help section.

I quote the below from Facebook:

"If you deactivate your account, your profile and all information associated with it are immediately made inaccessible to other Facebook users. What this means is that you effectively disappear from the Facebook service. However, we do save your profile information (friends, photos, interests, etc.), so if you want to reactivate at some point, your account will look just the way it did when you deactivated. Many users deactivate their accounts for temporary reasons and expect their information to be there when they return to the service.

If you do not think you will use Facebook again and would like your account deleted, we can take care of this for you. Keep in mind that you will not be able to reactivate your account or retrieve any of the content or information you have added. If you would like your account deleted, please contact us using the form at the bottom of the page and confirm your request in the text box."

Open PDF Files in a Whole New Way Without Installation

PDFescape is a new way to open PDF files. It allows you to open your PDF files right here on the web without downloading or installing any software.

With PDFescape, you can fill in PDF forms, add text and graphics, add links, and even add new form fields to a PDF file. Best of all, it's Free!

PDFescape Requirements

• A Web Browser with JavaScript Enabled (Internet Explorer 6 or 7, Firefox 1.5 or 2, or Safari)
• An Active Internet Connection

Those basic features are free, but it seems as though PDFescape adds a logo mark to any documents you export from the site, which can be removed by purchasing "premium credits." Either way, it's significantly less expensive than buying a $300 Adobe suite.

Try PDFescape now!
http://www.pdfescape.com/

Recommended Blog for Gadgets

I have a blog to recommend for gadgets guru - WIKIGIZ

Website: http://wikigiz.com/

Bill Gates Quits Facebook

After Microsoft invested $240 million in Facebook last year, Microsoft Chairman, Gates, spent 30 minutes a day on the social-networking site. Everyday, Gates is overwhelmed by 8000 over friend requests. Article from The Sun said Gates had to delete his Facebook account after being hassled by thousands of fans.

http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/02/12/bill-gates-quits-facebook/

Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 rolls up Amazing 551 bug fixes

Ed Bott has imported the list of fixes into Excel and went through it article by article, breaking it down into categories of my own devising. All thanks to him! Here’s the list:

Fixes Category
 75  Internet Explorer
 41  Sleep/Hibernation & Power Management
 38  Storage
 35  Hardware and Drivers
 35  Networking
 28  Desktop and Shell
 25  Printing & Scanning Technologies
 25  .NET Framework, Data Components, Development Tools
 24  Setup, Deployment, Backup, and Activation
 24  Windows Media Center
 23  International/Localization
 20  Computer Management, Administration, and Tools
 19  Application Compatibility
 19  Multimedia
 16  Performance and Reliability
 16  Startup/Shutdown
 13  Time Zone/Daylight Saving Time
 13  Windows Media Player and Related Technologies
 12  Security
 12  Remote Access, VPN
  8   IIS and WebDAV issues
  7   Wireless Networking
  7   Offline Files
  6   Windows Mail and Web-based Software
  5   Windows Sidebar and SideShow
  5   Windows Portable Devices

Vista SP1 rolls up 551 bug fixes
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=366

Notable changes in Windows Vista SP1
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d69c4e1b-c81a-41be-b1f5-66e615ba5912&displaylang=en

Yahoo Rejects Microsoft Bid

Yahoo has rejected Microsoft last week's US$44.6 billion takeover bid.

What's behind Yahoo's rejection of Microsoft bid?
http://www.itworld.com/Tech/2428/yahoo-microsoft-rejection-080211/

How Google Got Its Colorful Logo

Rather interesting article on how Google got its colorful logo.

http://www.wired.com/techbiz/startups/multimedia/2008/02/gallery_google_logos?slide=1&slideView=1

Life Expectancies in Singapore to Be Raised

According to Singapore Department of Statistics, life expectancies in Singapore are getting higher meaning to say, Singaporeans are expected to live longer.

A boy born in 2006 could expect to live an average of 78.0 years. Life expectancy for a boy born in 2003 is at 76.6 years. Females could expect to live longer than males. A girl born in 2006 could expect to live an average of 82.8 years. Life expectancy for a girl born in 2003 is at 81.6 years.

Life expectancies at older ages have also improved. In 2006, Singapore men aged 65 years could expect to live another 17 years on averae, as compared to 16 more years for men aged 65 in 2003. For Singapore women, it is at an average 21 more years as compared to 20 more years for women aged 65 in 2006 and 2003 respectively.

http://app.sprinter.gov.sg/data/pr/20080212999.pdf

SQL Server 2005 Fix - A stored procedure cannot finish its execution in SQL Server 2005

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;947463

Microsoft Learning - Visual Studio 2008

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/syllabi/en-us/6459afinal.mspx

Steven Lim Video On Stop Bullying Edison Chen

I have got no comments or I choose not to have any on Steven Lim. I find him very familiar and after browsing his website, I realized he was one of the contestant in Singapore Idol. By the way, there seems to have lots of criticism on his youtube video.

Share Your Memories of Ah Meng

Ah Meng, Singapore Zoo’s most famous and well-loved orang utan, passed away on 8 February 2008 due to old age. She was 48 years old.

Share your memories of Ah Meng here
http://www.zoo.com.sg/whatsnew/remembering_ah_meng.htmss

Free Online AntiVirus Scanners

Below is a comprehensive list of free online virus scanners compiled by Raymond for your convenience.

1. Trend Micro HouseCall
2. BitDefender Online Scanner
3. F-Secure Online Virus Scanner
4. ESET Online Scanner
5. Panda ActiveScan
6. CA Online Virus Scanner
7. NanoScan
8. iolo Online Virus Scanner
9. Authentium Command On Demand
10. a-squared Web Malware Scanner
11. ewido anti-spyware online scanner
12. OneCare Safety Scanner
13. Kaspersky Online Scanner
14. McAfee FreeScan
15. Symantec Security Check
16. AhnLab MyV3 Online Anti-Virus Scanner

http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2008/01/29/comprehensive-list-and-review-of-free-online-antivirus-scanners/

Google Goes to Disneyland - 2008

This year, Google's employees didn't go on the traditional ski trip due to the size of the company, so they went to Disneyland for three days, from 4 to 6 February.

http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2008/02/google-goes-to-disneyland.html

Sentosa Flowers 2008

Sentosa's annual springtime floral extravaganza Sentosa Flowers (圣淘沙春节花会) returns! This year we bring you festival themed - “Tales of Spring”. From 7 – 17 February 2008, with event hours extending to 10 pm daily, you will get to experience the festival under the moonlight for the first time!

Date     : 7 – 17 Feb
Time     : 9am – 10pm
Venue    : Imbiah Lookout
Admission: Sentosa island admission and transportation
           charges payable separately.
Website  : http://www.sentosa.com.sg/sentosaflowers/index.php

Affordable Food Catering Service

I happen to bump onto the above website - Empire Food. I look through their menu and find them reasonable and affordable. For $15 Deluxe Buffet, we will have a 10-course variety!

Reviews of Windows Vista Service Pack 1

Windows Vista SP 1 can be found at torrent sites such as PirateBay or Mininova, however, before you download, read reviews by George Ou from ZDNet blogs and Melissa J. Perenson from PC World.

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Illegally Found on Torrent Sites

Two days after Microsoft announced its Windows Vista Service PacK 1 is RTM ready, the update package can be found on torrent sites, such as PirateBay or Mininova.

However, the official release of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is scheduled for mid-March. “In mid-March, we will release Windows Vista SP1 to Windows Update (in English, French, Spanish, German and Japanese) and to the download center on microsoft.com’” said Mike Nash, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President on Windows Vista official blog.

“In mid-April, we will begin delivering Windows Vista SP1 to Windows Vista customers who have chosen to have updates downloaded automatically”, he added.

http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Windows_Vista_Service_Pack_1_Finds_Its_Way_To_Torrent_Sites_13747.html

US recession could be worst in 20 years

The chances of the United States avoiding a recession appear to be growing dimmer by the day, and any contraction in the economy will likely last longer and be more severe than other downturns in the past 20 years.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/3/story.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10491051

In a separate article, billionaire investor George Soros commented that US is threatened with recession to be worst for 50 years - more serious than any other financial crisis since the end of World War II.

http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=7907

Join and Expand Experts-Exchange Empire

Come and join the Experts-Exchange Empire! I have created a mini city for EE. Let's expand our empire!


http://ee-empire.myminicity.com/

What is Singularity

Singularity is the first large-scale online web conference in the world.

Singularity is over 100 of the world’s top web visionaries, developers, designers, thought leaders, and celebrities.

Singularity is three days of talks over multiple tracks.

In 2008, Singularity will define Web ‘08.

Convert and Share Your Document as a Flash eBook with ISSUU

Now you can share your document and make it looks professionally as a Flash eBook. It's possible with issuu. Simply just upload the pdf document and you will be able to share it at FaceBook, myspace, orkut, Blogger, Friendster, TypePad, LiveJournal or even anywhere by using its HTML embed code.

Below is an example of a shared document. Click on the Flash eBook to launch a new window showing the publication in full scale. Looks cool right?

issuu
http://issuu.com/

Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) to be Released But Disappoints

Microsoft celebrated the release to manufacturing of Windows Vista SP1, but IT administrators say the service pack doesn't make them want to deploy the OS.

http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/news/article/0,289142,sid14_gci1297934,00.html

Windows Vista Service Pack 1
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/bb738089.aspx

Felicia Chen to Change Her Chinese Name

From 06 February 2008 onwards, Felicia Chen will be changing her Chinese name from 陈凤玲 (Chen Feng Ling) to 陈靓瑄 (Chen Jing Xuan). A fortune teller told her her life is tough and will need to be in charge of more responsibilities as time passes. By age of 30, her hair will be lesser. The fortune teller's advice to her was to change her Chinese name. Her English name will still be the same.

Google Offers Security Services for Mail Servers

Last year, Google acquired Postini to beef up its security and to compete with Microsoft's Exchange.. Today, they have integrated part of the goodies into its Google Apps Premier Editon.

Google Security and Compliance Services FAQ
http://www.google.com/support/appsecurity/bin/answer.py?answer=87530

Google Message Packages
http://www.google.com/a/help/intl/en/security/compare.html

Display Chinese on Windows Mobile

Last year, I made a post to suggest a method on how to display Chinese on Windows Mobile 6. Now, I found another alternative to do it without the need of modifying registry.

How to Display Chinese on Windows Mobile? (Last Year Post)
http://hongjun.blogspot.com/2007/12/how-to-display-chinese-on-windows.html

Chinese and Windows Mobile (By Trends Mobile)
http://www.trendsmobile.com/main/showsection.asp?SectionID=277&ParentID=255

Happy Chinese New Year 2008

Prime Minister's Chinese New Year Message 2008

This year, Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong's, Chinese New Year Message is centered around the economy. Below is quoted from part of his message.

"The Year of the Rat begins under more uncertain and challenging circumstances. Turbulence in financial markets worldwide has shaken consumer and investor confidence. The US economy is slowing down, and possibly sliding into recession. Worldwide energy and food prices have soared, raising prices in Singapore too.

We should gird ourselves for further uncertainties ahead. But we can also be confident, for Singapore is in a strong position to weather any storm. I know many Singaporeans worry about rising food prices and the cost of living. As a small, open economy, which imports almost everything we need, we cannot escape these global trends. Nor can we fix the prices of cooking oil, flour, or other essential foodstuffs as this would create artificial shortages, queues and a black market. But we can and will directly help those in need. The Workfare Income Supplement Scheme made its first payment last month, paying $150 million to 290,000 low-income workers. With good growth, we have the resources to help ease the burden on Singaporeans, especially for the poor and elderly.

In the Chinese zodiac, the Rat symbolises wit, imagination and resourcefulness. Let us harness our creativity and ingenuity to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Then despite the difficulties that come our way we can all look forward to another good year for Singapore and for ourselves."

PRIME MINISTER'S CHINESE NEW YEAR MESSAGE 2008: Full Message

Apology of Edison Chen (陳冠希)

Edison Chen's video message in responds to the recent photo scandal.

“I’ve decided to break my silence today and make this statement to the media and to all people involved in this strange ordeal. Recent documents being posted online have been intentionally hurtful and malicious not only to the victims but to our whole community.

“I have already handed matters over to the police and have been assisting them with this case from the first day onwards. Due to ongoing investigations, I am unable to comment any further upon this case.

“The lives of many innocent people have been affected by this malicious and criminal conduct, and in this regard I am filled with pain, hurt and frustration.

“I hereby use this opportunity to apologize to anyone who has been affected by this strange, strange ordeal.

“I now call upon everyone to help and assist the victims of this case. If you have ever downloaded any of these images, please do not forward them to anyone. Please do not send them to anyone. If you are still in possession of these images, I urge you to please destroy them immediately. Let’s help the wounded heal their wounds. I urge you to help the victims and not make anything worse.”

Clean Up Hard Disk Space By Removing Uninstall Information

You can actually reclaim hundreds over megabytes of disk space by removing Windows Uninstall Folders. These folders, having filenames with prefix starting with "$NtUninstall", can be found in C:\Windows\ directory. To be able to see these folders, you will need to first allow hidden folders and files to be shown.

What are these uninstall folders doing there? These uninstall folders are intended to roll back the system and serve as System Restore points.

How to show hidden folders and files?
1. Launch Windows Explorer
2. Tools -> Folder Options
3. Select View page tab
4. Select Show hidden files and folders
5. Click OK to close dialog

To free disk space, remove folders from C:\Windows\ starting with "$NtUninstall" (Advice from Dennis O'Reilly is to keep more recent folders)

http://www.cnet.com/8301-13880_1-9862223-68.html

Ballmer: Microsoft-Yahoo Needed to Stop Google

Quote from Ballmer:

"We are going to have to innovate like crazy to get the position that we want in this market" and compete with Google, he said. "We continue to hire people, transfer people, but bringing together Microsoft and Yahoo will allow us, because of fantastic engineering talent [from Yahoo and Microsoft], more capacity, more quickly."

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2255733,00.asp

USB 3.0 Revealed

USB 3.0 specification should be with us early this year with products arriving in 2009 - 2010. USB 3.0 will be backwards compatible with 2.0 and 1.1. Also it will feature some more efficient protocols which will shut down to preserve power when not in use. The cables will be parallel optical which allows for the higher speeds.

http://www.gadgetvenue.com/usb-30-revealed-01122524/

What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) refers to a security system (currently being used in industry like banks) whereby 2 levels of authentication are required before access can be granted. In the past, usually only a pair of username and password is required for authentication. The current 2FA now comprises of the familiar identity check using username and password, plus an additional level of authentication using a physical token device or phone SMS to get a One-Time Password (OTP). With the pair of valid username and password plus a valid OTP, an user can then gain access to an online service. These two levels of identity checks help boost security against online banking crimes.

The physical token device is capable of generating random string of digits (usually 8 digits). This string of digits will usually expires within 15 minutes or less. Some banks offered alternative methods in getting a OTP like via phone SMS. Similarly, the OTP also has an expiry period.

In Singapore, all banks are required to apply 2FA to make Online Banking more secure.

Trojan.Silentbanker Breaks 2-Factor Authentication

Trojan.Silentbanker is a Trojan designed to target bank accounts. The trojan steals bank account information by redirecting users to a hacker controlled website (phishing site) instead of their real bank's website without the knowledge of users. It can even defeat two-factor authentication which is supposed to be a tight security measure designed to protect bank users.

Currently, 400 banks are targeted.

http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2007-121718-1009-99&tabid=1
http://searchfinancialsecurity.techtarget.com/news/article/0,289142,sid185_gci1293855,00.html
http://news.tigerdirect.com/2008/01/14/banking-online-information-intercepted-by-new-trojan/

Removal Instruction
http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2007-121718-1009-99&tabid=3

What is Insurance Specialist?

Someone who specilizes in dealing with insurance is an Insurance Specialist. Can an insurance agent tied to a particular insurance company not allowed to explain and compare other companies' insurance policies due to MAS financial regulations still claim to be an insurance specialist? Only Independent Financial Advisors who are eligible to give advices on insurance policies across different companies are allowed to make comparisons.

The definition of Insurance Specialist is subjective and not objective.

MayBank iSAVvy Savings Account Interest Rates Revised

MayBank's iSAVvy Savings Account Interest Rates is to drop for the 3rd time since its launch.

From 4th February 2008 onwards, iSAVvy Savings Account with daily balance of S$5K to below S$50K will be revised to 1.08% from previous 1.68%. It has since revised their interest rate from 2.38% to 2.08%, 1.68% and then now to 1.08%. iSAVvy's competitor Standard Chartered's e$aver is now offering 0.8%.

My Previous Post
http://hongjun.blogspot.com/2008/01/standard-chartereds-eaver-accounts.html

Microsoft to Buy Yahoo for $44.6 Billion?

Last year May, I posted an article, Microsoft + Yahoo VS Google, on a possibility of Microsoft buying Yahoo. This time, Microsoft approaches Yahoo again and offered an enormous $44.6 billion takeover bid. This is an offer of $31 a share and represents a 62 percent premium to Thursday’s closing share price. One potential roadblock to a Microsoft-Yahoo merger will be likely antitrust concerns. The European Union could interfere and study on monopoly possibility should a merger go ahead.

Is the offer worth the money? My opinion is both corporations are far too different in terms of culture. It would be difficult to integrate both systems into one and both may end up competing with each other.

Read further from below link and do not forget to read the comments posted by readers as well.

http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/microsoft-makes-446-billion-for-yahoo/index.html

Support Singapore Bid for 2010 Youth Olympic Games

The 2010 Youth Olympic Games is a major international sports and cultural festival to be celebrated in the tradition of the Youth Olympic Games during the Summer of 2010.

There are now two cities left to compete to host the Games: Singapore and Moscow. The winning city will be announced on 21 February 2008, after a vote by IOC members.

Construction work for the University Town, where the Youth Olympic Village (YOV) will be located, has commenced, following the groundbreaking ceremony officiated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National University of Singapore (NUS) on Thursday 31 January 2008.

http://app.sprinter.gov.sg/data/pr/20080131985.htm

Singapore 2010 Official Site
http://www.singapore2010.sg/night/index.htm

2010 Youth Olympic Games by Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Youth_Olympic_Games