If you're planning a trip, bring your laptop computer, cell phone, camera, personal digital assistant, or other battery-powered device along. These items are safe to fly with!From Safe Travel via DPReview.com
Batteries pose little risk contained in the devices they power. Taking the battery out of the device does not enhance safety. To be safest, carry the device with you, not in your checked baggage. Do not remove the battery!
Carry your battery-powered devices or spare batteries in your carry-on baggage. In the passenger compartment, flight crews can better monitor safety conditions to prevent an incident, and can access fire extinguishers, if an incident does happen.
Finally, if you must carry a battery-powered device in your checked baggage, package it to prevent inadvertent activation. Cordless power tools, for instance, should be packed in a protective case, with a trigger lock engaged.
Many travelers like the convenience of readily available spare batteries. It's safe to travel with spare batteries, as long as you follow these simple spare battery tips.
Monday, 31 December 2007
American Battery Ruling for Travelers
Travelers traveling to, from and within the USA will need to follow these guidelines for their batteries from 1 January 2008:
LRT Services Extended Tonight, but...
From Star Online City Watch:
RAPIDKL will be extending its bus and LRT services today. Commu-ters are advised to buy return tickets when using all the LRT services as all ticket vending machines will not be operational after 6pm. For the timetable, call 03-7625 6999 or visit http://www.rapidkl.com.my/Services extended but the vending machines will not work after 6pm. Hmmm? Weird we are.
Sunday, 30 December 2007
Is PJ Safer Now?
Is Petaling Jaya safer after the "Police smash gang of PJ robbers"? The rest of the news:
Source: Star Online NationPETALING JAYA: Police believe they have smashed a gang of robbers preying on pedestrians in Petaling Jaya.
With the arrest of the suspects, aged 19 and 20, police believe that they have solved several cases of robberies involving pedestrians in Sungai Way, Kelana Jaya and other areas here.
Petaling Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Arjunaidi said the suspects were arrested near the Giant Hypermarket last Saturday, just as they were about to rob a member of the public.
"The suspects who were usually armed with a parang and screwdriver, preyed on victims who walked alone along five-foot ways and lonely roads,'' he said, adding that in some of the cases the suspects had injured their victims who had put up a fight.
ACP Arjunaidi said investigations showed that the jobless suspects did not have any previous criminal records.
He said police were still investigating as to how long the suspects were involved in robbery activities, adding that police were investigating them under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 20 years upon conviction.
From flickr: Vegalicious 2008
Vegalicious 2008
Originally uploaded by sonicwalker.
How would you like to be a vegetarian in 2008? These vegetarian meals are very tempting!
Saturday, 29 December 2007
USB Donuts!
There is no escape from donuts! They come in way too many forms! Previously there were knit donuts that still look so edible. This time around, via Engadget, are USB donuts (left to right: chocolate, green tea and strawberry)!
Photos from Vavolo.com.
Photos from Vavolo.com.
Thursday, 27 December 2007
How Stress Are You at the Office?
How bad can a day at the office be for you? Comparable to these shown in the following video below? Caution: Violent content!
Oh no... had to take out the video. Can't seem to play it. Just click at the link of the source below to watch it. :(
Source: glumbert - Bad Day at the Office via del.icio.us
Wednesday, 26 December 2007
From flickr: Happy New Year
Happy New Year
Originally uploaded by ♡ Nina Larsen - ninazdesign.
From Christmas greetings, we move on to New Year greetings. Here is one cool shot by Nina.
Tuesday, 25 December 2007
TV2 Going Multi-Racial
I guess the announcement that TV2 is going to have more non-Malay staff on-screen is a good move to promote Malaysia's multi-racial society but I do feel I need to comment on this (from Star Nation "More multi-racial face for RTM2"):
"The Malays were only watching shows in Bahasa Malaysia while the Chinese and Indians often opted for shows in their languages."I feel that this is not true. The truth, in my own opinion, is the quality of locally produced shows. We see many people prefer watching foreign language dramas (such as Korean and Japanese), languages that Malaysians do not understand and not watch those that are locally produced (in a language we all understand). Do you agree?
Monday, 24 December 2007
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2008
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2008
Originally uploaded by IonBuck.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New 2008 Year to all of you out there!
From,
IonBuck and his FZ30 :P
Sunday, 23 December 2007
Christmas @ The Curve
This is how The Curve would look like. Took these some weeks ago. Check out the fake snow... was so eager to get my hands on the snow only to realise the snow was made of foam... then I proceeded to run away from the spot, to higher ground. :P
There will be 'snow' at 7:30pm and 8:30pm and a light show at Center Court at 8pm.
There will be 'snow' at 7:30pm and 8:30pm and a light show at Center Court at 8pm.
Saturday, 22 December 2007
Digital Cameras That APPRECIATE In Value
The Fujifilm Finepix digital cameras F30 and F31fd (pictured) are still very much talked about in the Fujifilm forum in DPReview even with the availability of their newer siblings. A lot of the praises go to their excellent low ISO images due to Fuji's SuperCCD sensors. The Online Photographer article "Digicam Appreciation" also reminded me of some of the posts in the forum about the availability of these cameras on various auction sites like eBay.Still in high demand, these discontinued cameras are now selling at higher prices and as the article from Online Photographer mentioned, some are selling at double of their original prices!
I had wanted to buy the F31fd. I had dismissed it earlier due to its proprietary xD memory card. I was willing to live with this due to its excellent quality but unfortunately it is no longer available here and of course, I am not willing to pay for it at its current high price on eBay.
Photo from DPReview's review page of the F31fd camera.
New RM50 Note From 30 January 2008
Front of the new RM50 note
Back view of the newRM50 (left) and the front of the current RM50We are going to be using the new RM50 note (pictured above) from 30 January next year. The note will comprise of new security features (anti-photocopying, enhanced watermark and security thread, multi-coloured latent image of "50" when tilted and colour change when it is rotated, etc. etc.). However, don't go to the bank and exchange all your older notes because they will still be legal tender and will be phased out in a few years.
On the back, the note features our first Prime Minister Tuanku Abdul Rahman with his hand raised, declaring independence. It also depicts Malaysia's 50 years of independence from agriculture-based to the current microbiology technology advances.
Sources:
- Star Online Nation "New RM50 note from Jan 30"
- Star Online Nation "Anti-photocopy among new features of RM50 note"
Friday, 21 December 2007
The Christmas Conspiracy
Getting all jolly? Here is a conspiracy revealed by LiveScience.com. Santa's reindeers (despite general believes that they are males... even one is called Rudolph) are actually females. Male reindeers shed their antlers after the mating season, which is BEFORE Christmas while females have their antlers throughout winter. :D
Source: LiveScience.com "Are Santa's reindeer male?"
Source: LiveScience.com "Are Santa's reindeer male?"
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
2007 Year End Holidays Travel Advisories
From Star Online City Watch:
Travel Time AdvisoryPLUS Expressway Bhd has announced its Travel Time Advisory for the Aidiladha and Christmas holidays and encourages Klang Valley residents to travel at the advised times. Call the toll-free PLUSLine at 1800 88 0000 or tune in to ERA, MY FM, hitz.fm, MIZ FM, LiteFM, SINAR, Xfresh, THR Raaga and THR Gegar for the latest traffic updates.
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Monday, 17 December 2007
From flickr: Merry Christmas, you filthy rebel scum.
Merry Christmas, you filthy rebel scum.
Originally uploaded by A-Wix.
Christmas wish from a Stormtrooper! :O
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Is Our Emergency Number 999 Working?
Very worrying to read about this opinion published on the Star Online Opinion section where a reader wrote in to complain that no one answered the call and the reader resorted to call 994 (previously assigned for fire emergencies, but now 999 was supposedly to handle all emergencies - previous post about this here) where the officer gave the number of the local police station to the reader... and once again, NO ONE ANSWERED THE CALL! Below, excerpts from the complain:
A robbery was taking place at a goldsmith’s opposite my workplace in Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh.We even heard what sounded like gunfire.
I rushed to call 999 to report the robbery. For some 30 seconds, no one picked up the phone. A second attempt gave the same results.
In desperation, I dialed 994 and the call was picked up immediately.
I related what was happening to the officer at the Fire Department and he asked me to call the police station in my area and gave me the number.
I called the police station at the number given, but, again, no one answered the phone.
I alternated between calling 999 and the police station but was unable to get through to anyone at either place.
By the time I decided to give up, the robbers had already fled from the scene.
About 10 minutes later, some plainclothes policemen arrived at the scene and it was another 10 minutes before several police patrol cars arrived.
Friday, 14 December 2007
Sweeney Todd Coolness
Maybe I am just biased because I like Johnny Depp's style and kind of like Tim Burton's dark movies, but after watching the Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street trailer, I have to share it with you all. :D The one I watched was from Apple Trailers here but since I can't do any embedding, I have to do a search in YouTube so that I can put it here. The movie is about Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp, of course!) returning for revenge after being wrongly sent away by an evil judge.
You can also watch the featurette here.
You can also watch the featurette here.
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Interesting PIXAR Stuff
Want to know some interesting Pixar stuff? Click here to go to Jim Hill's article about some really cool Pixar in-house jokes and easter eggs that they have discreetly included in their animations.Source: Jim Hill Media via Drawn!
Northern Lights Mystery Solved
The colourful display of lights is believed to be caused by 'energy' waves traversing from the sun to the earth. Read more of the scientific stuff at National Geographic News here.
From flickr: Original Donuts
From flickr: Donuts
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Christmas @ 1 Utama
Christmas is coming and all the shopping complexes are trying to attract the public with seasonal decorations and interesting events. Here is what 1 Utama looks like this year at the Oval (check out the huge 38-feet toy soldier!):
Thursday, 6 December 2007
Remember the Number 15999
Remember:
15999
All victims of domestic violence, child abuse and natural disasters can call the above number, named Talian Nur for help and advice. This was launched by our Prime Minister.
Source: Star Online Nation "One number for distressed folk to call for help"
15999
All victims of domestic violence, child abuse and natural disasters can call the above number, named Talian Nur for help and advice. This was launched by our Prime Minister.
Source: Star Online Nation "One number for distressed folk to call for help"
Income Tax for Year Ending 2007
Income tax forms are being sent out, according to Star Online's article "File tax returns by April 30". As the title suggested, file them by 30 April 3008 2008* or else... :(
*Year corrected after andrewk pointed out the mistake. *SHY!*
*Year corrected after andrewk pointed out the mistake. *SHY!*
Monday, 3 December 2007
FEI Federal Territories KL Grand Prix - The Leap #2
FEI Federal Territories KL Grand Prix - The Leap #2
Originally uploaded by IonBuck.
Click on the image for a brief description on the post-processing that I have done.
Saturday, 1 December 2007
Mighty French
"The French, well known for their wine, food, and general joie de vivre, also benefit from government policies that give them 35-hour workweeks and five weeks of paid vacation."From National Geographic News Photo Gallery "UN Rates Best, Worst Countries"
Friday, 30 November 2007
From flickr: subaqua 2
Thursday, 29 November 2007
INSANE: Details of Manned Mission to Mars!
Super self-sufficient astronauts who could repair all the spacecraft's equipment and even manufacture the parts, able to grow edible plants, large 400 tonne spacecraft, recycled water and air, and huge budget from US$20 to US$450 billion are all part of the details highlighted on BBC News' website (via Slashdot). The launch target is February 2031 and the astronauts are expected to stay on Mars' surface for as long as 16 months before returning home. A one way trip would take about 6 to 7 months!
Kidnapped Victim Freed!
Elizabeth Wong's blog notified that kidnapped victim Dora Goh was freed earlier today.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
FEI Federal Territories KL Grand Prix - The Leap!
Here is a super rider doing a leap with his horse, taken with severe under-exposure and brightened using Levels in Gimp 2.4:
FEI Federal Territories KL Grand Prix Sequence
Update: Uh oh... looks like when I uploaded the sequence of images below, Blogger some how shrank it. You won't be able to see it much larger even if you click on it. Sorry!
Here is combination of 8 images in a sequence taken in burst mode, cropped to focus on the rider and the horse, resized, and brightened considerably since the original was underexposed to prevent motion blur. You will have to click on the image to view it larger. The sequence starts from right to left:
The sequence shows the rider and the horse do a double leap... errr... if that is what you call it. Sorry, first time watching an equestrian event. Don't know the lingo nor the rules of the game. :P
Here is combination of 8 images in a sequence taken in burst mode, cropped to focus on the rider and the horse, resized, and brightened considerably since the original was underexposed to prevent motion blur. You will have to click on the image to view it larger. The sequence starts from right to left:
The sequence shows the rider and the horse do a double leap... errr... if that is what you call it. Sorry, first time watching an equestrian event. Don't know the lingo nor the rules of the game. :P
Sunday, 25 November 2007
FEI Federal Territories KL Grand Prix Champion
.JPG)
Was at the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) 5-Star KL Grand Prix. Here is the final event (as stated above) where the winner Markus Fuchs (currently ranked 3rd in the world) was posing for a photo-cum-video session with our King with Wan Zaleha Radzi looking on. Wow, it appears that she was looking at my direction! :PMore photos later... IF I ever get to process them. I had to SEVERELY underexpose all the shots in order to capture the action because my camera only goes up to ISO400 (and even at ISO400 it is very noisy, so imagine when I bring up the brightness of the underexposed ones at this ISO!!!). Nonetheless, my Panasonic DMC-FZ30 I love!
INSANE: Malaysia Won China Open Women's Singles Title
I did not watch the match but I am feeling proud after coming across Star Online's "Mew Choo wins China Open", especially after reading this line:
She defeated world No. 1 Xie Xingfang of China, 21-16, 8-21, 21-17.No public holiday tomorrow, though. :(
Friday, 23 November 2007
From flickr: Lagoon Palette
Lagoon Palette
Originally uploaded by Anna Pagnacco.
Check this out! Colourful reflections or pure artistic talent? A whole set dedicated to the wonderful colours of Venice and Burano Island by the Anna Pagnacco here.
Poison Products
Earlier from Star Online Nation, warnings from the Health Ministry:
KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been advised to avoid buying the Cool & Lightening soap because it contains poison.“The product registration of this soap has been cancelled by the Drug Control Authority (DCA) following the detection of a scheduled poison, hydroquinone, in this product.
“Hydroquinone is not allowed to be formulated in cosmetics due to possible side effects to consumers if used without medical supervision,” the Health Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.
It said that anyone in possession of this product is advised to immediately cease selling/distributing/using it.
“Hydroquinone can cause redness to the skin, discomfort, changes in skin colour and hypersensitivity,” it said.
In a separate statement, the Health Ministry also advised the public to avoid buying traditional product N-Hanz as it has been found to contain homosildenafil.
“Usage without medical supervision can cause adverse effects such as low blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects,” it said.
Also listed in the statement are Chatlin Brand Hao Zhou San, which has been found to contain ephedrine, and San Qi Luohan Chuanbei Plus Capsule, found to contain pseudoephedrine and chlorpheniramine.
These can cause, among other things, high blood pressure, insomnia, confusion, nausea and dyspnoea.
“Sellers are reminded that possession for sale of this product is an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
“Any individual who commits an offence under these Regulations can be fined up to a maximum of RM25,000 or imprisoned for a term not exceeding three years, or both,” the statement said.
Consumers experiencing symptoms described earlier should seek medical advice, and may contact the Surveillance and Complaints Unit, Centre for Post Registration, National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau at 03-7957 3611 ext 365/338.
Thursday, 22 November 2007
INSANE: Oil Prices Approaching US$100
Various articles from BBC (shared by andrewk), Bloomberg and CNNMoney.com highlighted the oil price was at a high of US$99.29!
Previous oil price tracking in this blog:
Previous oil price tracking in this blog:
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
IonBuck's Photo Slideshow
I have been searching for a slideshow code for my photos uploaded in Flickr for a long time and at last, days ago, Google made it possible. Now you can see a tiny slideshow (errr... I did expect the photos to be larger, but this is better than nothing, I guess) of my photos on the top of the right column.
:P
:P
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Proton To Go Solo Again
Excerpts from Star Online Nation "No foreign partner for Proton":
Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said there would be no foreign partner for Proton for the time being as the national car manufacturer was showing signs of a turnaround.
...“We have to look at the issue of a partnership in the present circumstances (now that Proton is making a turnaround in terms of its business),” he said when commenting on Khazanah Holding’s announcement that it was stopping all talks with VW and GM over Proton.
He said the negotiations had not entered into the discussion of terms but was at a stage of “whether the Government wanted to go or not go” with the decision to get a partner for Proton.
...However, Nor Mohamad said this did not mean the Government was rejecting the possibility of an alliance or partnership with a global car manufacturer.
“As Proton improves, it would be easier to go into a strong alliance. We have a little more time for that,” he added.
Monday, 19 November 2007
Saturday, 17 November 2007
The Mother of All Seed Banks
The mother of all seed banks (to be honest, before reading this, I did not even know there exists such a plan to backup the world's most important plants) will be operational 26 February 2008 at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius. The purpose of seed banks is to protect the best seeds for important plants should there be a major catastrophe that destroys the ones in the wild.Norway's Svalbard Global Seed Vault is located some where in the Arctic. There exists about 1,400 seed banks worldwide but they are all susceptible to economic stability and environment effects, among others.
This one vault will be the final backup should anything happen to all the other vaults. Owned by Norway, all the seeds submitted will belong to their respective countries.
Source: National Geographic News "Cooling Begins for "Doomsday" Seed Bank"
I Got 'em Donuts!
Yum, yum! I bought 6 donuts earlier from Big Apple Donuts & Coffee at The Curve with my friend:
And ate one. Now I can sleep soundly. :P
Previous post about Big Apple Donuts here.
And ate one. Now I can sleep soundly. :PPrevious post about Big Apple Donuts here.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Pandas May Face Starvation
An alarming article from LiveScience.com titled "Unusual Panda Migration" highlights the problem faced by the giant pandas. Their staple food, the arrow bamboo is going through a once-in-60-year cycle of flowering and dying before regenerating. Pandas will not eat bamboos that are flowering.And it gets worse - it will take 10 to 20 years for the bamboo to grow back and that 80% of the world's remaining pandas are located in the very area where the bamboo is regenerating.
No solution was highlighted in the article, but China and the World Wildlife Fund are trying.
Note: Photo from the same article.
Update 14 November 2007: There is a video on National Geographic News here.
End of Life for 1 Sen
We might not be seeing the most unwanted 1 sen coin anymore by 1 April 2008. So went the Star Online article "Bye-bye, 1sen coin":
It is no joke but by April 1 next year, you would not have to use the one-sen coin anymore thanks to a "rounding mechanism" that would be used for all over-the-counter transactions.The mechanism, which will be fully implemented by April 1, means all payment totals will either be rounded up or down to the nearest five sen.
For example, if the total amount to be paid is RM82.01 or RM82.02, it would be rounded down to RM82; if the total is RM82.03 or RM82.04, it would be rounded up to RM82.05.
.....
Shafie said the Government would also be able to reduce its minting costs as it was anticipated that the demand for the coin would reduce drastically once the mechanism was implemented.
Little Solar
Ever since reading about something like this on an airplane magazine, this piece of technology has always been at the back of my mind and occasionally would pop right to the front. Starting from the current awareness for the need of renewable energy to saving electricity bills, this is one cool piece of innovation!
This is a mini "charger" that absorbs solar power and charges its internal batteries. The power can then be transferred to any compatible mini devices. Quite cool, eh?
Anyone used this before? Care to share its usefulness?
Learn more at Solio's website here. Came across this via Symbian Freak's article.
ps Please ignore the "Buy Now" at the picture. This is not an advertorial and does not link to the Solio store. :P Update: Oops... looks like I can't link to the photo. You will just have to click on the blank image to take a look. :$
This is a mini "charger" that absorbs solar power and charges its internal batteries. The power can then be transferred to any compatible mini devices. Quite cool, eh?
Anyone used this before? Care to share its usefulness?Learn more at Solio's website here. Came across this via Symbian Freak's article.
ps Please ignore the "Buy Now" at the picture. This is not an advertorial and does not link to the Solio store. :P Update: Oops... looks like I can't link to the photo. You will just have to click on the blank image to take a look. :$
Sunday, 11 November 2007
My Donut
I had two (unfortunately, one was already in my stomach when I took this photo) of these a few hours ago. Did not sprinkle any sugar and took it plain, but tasty nonetheless. :P
WoonCC, the donuts were from the market!!!
Craving suppressed... for now...
WoonCC, the donuts were from the market!!!
Craving suppressed... for now...
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Air Asia Uniform TOO SEXY?
Star Online Nation "Air Asia uniform 'too revealing' ":
SERIOUSLY? I thought the uniform were similar to everyday suits that women wear to work? Is our Malaysia Airlines air stewardess' uniform less sexy?KUALA LUMPUR: A Wanita Umno delegate from Kelantan said the uniforms of the female cabin crew of budget airline AirAsia are too short and “show too much skin.”
Kubang Kerian delegate Datuk Zaleha Hussin said the uniform was an embarrassment to women.
She called on the Government to compel the carrier to change the uniform of the stewardesses, which she felt was too revealing.
“Tell AirAsia to change their stewardess' uniform. We don’t want to see too much of their buttocks, thighs and legs,” she said, when debating the motion on religion and social issues yesterday.
Zaleha suggested that the uniform be changed to reflect Eastern and Islamic values.
At this juncture, Umno deputy permanent chairman Badruddin Amiruldin, who was presiding over the session, interjected:
“I think they don’t have enough cloth.”
To this Zaleha replied: “Cloth can be bought.”
Wave of Ingenuity or More Talk?
I was a little surprised after reading this brief Star Online Nation article "New fuel scheme" where our Prime Minister mentioned that a new subsidy scheme is in the works where the rich will pay more than the poor. On the side note, he said the government is also working on ways to counter dependence on foreign workers.
A sudden stroke of ingenuity or just more talk? I am not too optimistic here, especially the fuel subsidy after taking into consideration the failed diesel quota some time back. :(
Another source: NSTOnline "Subsidies on fuel to be revised"
A sudden stroke of ingenuity or just more talk? I am not too optimistic here, especially the fuel subsidy after taking into consideration the failed diesel quota some time back. :(
Another source: NSTOnline "Subsidies on fuel to be revised"
Friday, 9 November 2007
STOP!
I just got to stop searching and posting donuts uploaded by fellow flickerers... for now...
Only sleep can stop my crave... I hope to sleep soon! Good night all!
Only sleep can stop my crave... I hope to sleep soon! Good night all!
From flickr: Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush
Originally uploaded by Sofia Katariina.
Someone took a bite off this nice, colourful and delicious donut!
From flickr: Doughnut Keychains!
Doughnut Keychains!
Originally uploaded by toriloveskitty.
Imagine if I have even one of these keychains, I would be craving for donuts a few times a day!
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