Blogs, Internet & Social Media

5 Must-Watch Covers of Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years”

I noticed a video of guitar cover of Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years, so I looked up for more of the same song’s covers on Youtube. Surprisingly, there are a lot of covers done by the Youtube community.

Then, some were really impressive, so I decided to share a few of them here on my blog. Plus, it’s a very nice song. BTW, the videos below are not sorted in any order.

#1 A Thousand Years by Christina Perri (Cover by Heather Janssen and Josh Lehman)

#2 A Thousand Years by Christina Perri Cover by alicemusicality

#3 A Thousand Years- Christina Perri (Cover) by vickiilee

#4 Piano cover of A Thousand Years-Christina Perry by mzemmali

#5 Christina Perri – A Thousand Years – Jun Sung Ahn Violin Cover

In my opinion, all of them are really amazing especially vikiilee’s cover (yes even though the last two videos are just music). I hope embedding five flash based videos here won’t crash your web-browser :P But do enjoy the covers! If you have made a cover on this song too, do share with us in the comment section.

Now I wonder if the young Malaysian Esther Koh will be doing a cover on this song soon. :)


How to Bypass the MCMC File-Sharing Websites Block

Ban no more!

In late May, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission ordered Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Malaysia to block ten file-sharing websites, with the likes of Warez-bb.org and ThePirateBay.org topping the list.

Copyright StarGraphics 2011

It’s frustrating to many, though it seemed to not have bothered normal internet users. I’ve heard complaints from a few friends too, saying that they couldn’t access to Megaupload. To be honest, I wasn’t affected as I’ve been using public DNS since I first learned about them few years back.

Yes, that’s the fix. The public DNS servers are the fix to bypass the block by the MCMC. The public DNS servers allow you to surf the websites without any obstacles. In fact, there shouldn’t be any obstacles (censorships) on the internet at the first place.

However, not everyone knows about it. This post is intended to tell you how – to bypass the block, and set yourselves free on the internet. lol.

I’m showing screenshots on Windows 7; it should be the same on Windows Vista, but a bit different on Windows XP.

Step 1: Go to Network and Sharing Centre and click on Change adapter settings (on left side menu)

1

 

Step 2: Right click on either Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Connection. (you could repeat the procedure with the other connection after finish hacking the first)

3

 

Step 3: In the properties window, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on the Properties button.

4

After clicking on the Properties button you shall be able see this window:

5

 

Step 4: At the bottom column, switch the radio button to ‘Use the following DNS server addresses:’ and key in your preferred DNS server addresses (see below for choices of free public DNS servers addresses).

6

Once you’ve entered the DNS server addresses, click OK and you’re done. :)

For the public DNS server addresses, you could use the popular ones like Google Public DNS server or the OpenDNS’ public DNS. Following are the DNS server addresses by both Google and OpenDNS:

Google public DNS server addresses:
- 8.8.8.8
- 8.8.4.4

OpenDNS public DNS server addresses:
- 208.67.222.222
- 208.67.220.220

I’ve been switching between Google public DNS and OpenDNS so there isn’t really a problem to go for either one of the above DNS addresses, though OpenDNS claims to have more features against the former. For more free public DNS server addresses, check out the original blog post of Free Fast Public DNS Server List by Vivek Gite.

Well, this isn’t rocket science but if you need help you could always drop me an e-mail and I’ll see what can I do to help out :)

 

Credits to/Read more: Vivek Gite, Google Public DNS, OpenDNS.


Why The Slowness of Loading Facebook in Malaysia and How-to Speed It Up

The connection to Facebook.com has been getting slower and slower since the terrible disaster that battered Japan last week. According to TM the underwater cables have been affected by the earthquake, causing slow internet connection especially when connecting to sites hosted in the USA.

wtfffffff

I was trying to fix the Sponsors page for Memoirs 2 FB Fan Page and the slow connection really got on my nerves. Thus, I googled a bit and found out there’s actually cure to the slow connection speed to Facebook.

 

All the miseries can be solved in five simple steps:

1. Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
2. Open hosts file using Notepad
3. Add the following line: 203.106.85.66 www.facebook.com
4. Save it.
5. Enjoy Facebooking smoothly!

Note: If you doubt that the IP address above is safe, instead of [203.106.85.66], add the line ‘static.ak.fbcdn.net www.facebook.com’ into the hosts file and save it. [static.ak.fbcdn.net] is a Facebook CDN server, which simply means Facebook owns the server.

Disclaimer: I did not geniusly come out with the solutions above. It was discovered by HeHeHunter and I initially saw this from LiewCF’s tech blog. Lunix and Mac users can check out either of the blogs I’ve mentioned for details. According to HeHeHunter, the IP address [203.106.85.66] is actually Facebook Mobile’s local server. Therefore, it is safe.

Sources: LiewCF, HeHeHunter

Update April 2011: As of today the connection to Facebook.com has returned normal. You could use this trick as back-up in the future :)


Paypal to Open Support Centre in Malaysia

If you’re an active netizen you should know what Paypal is even if you don’t use their service. Well, you might not be excited but the wait is finally over for Paypal customers in Malaysia as Paypal is going to open a regional customer support centre in Malaysia!

In other words, they’re gonna have their very first office in Malaysia. We could even have Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin for Paypal’s customer support!

Their new office will be based in Kuala Lumpur and they’re currently hiring for plenty of positions (300 positions in the next 3 years). So, if you’re interested or if you’re unemployed, do give it a try (and let us know how is it like to work for one of the largest online payments and money transfer service provider).

And to Paypal Inc., selamat datang =)

 

Sources: Bernama, LiewCF


FB.com Purchased for $8.5 million

The American Farm Bureau Federation earned $8.5 million from sales of ‘a couple of domain names’ and it is believed that the buyer of one of dozens of their domain names, FB.com, was Facebook.

In November last year, Mark Zuckerberg announced the revamped Facebook Message that allows users to use the domain name @facebook.com. With the release of @facebook.com domain to the public use, the company’s staffs will need another domain names for themselves – hence the purchase of FB.com.

In a report by Reuters blog, the Farm Bureau officials said in an annual meeting that they have earned $8.5 million ‘by selling a couple of domain names,’ and at the same time we look back at a report by Mashable, the American Farm Bureau Federation sold Fb.com to an undisclosed buyer, but it was then revealed that Facebook is the administrator of the domain name.

And FYI, Fb.com is more than 40 times more expensive than Facebook.com, which they have paid for $200,000 in August 2005.

No wonder Facebook Paid is trending on Twitter eh? Because Facebook Paid $8.5 million for FB.com! Big business is big.

 

Sources: Mashable, Reuters blog, Techcrunch


FAM Website Prank On Christmas Day

Ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup final first-leg match, where Malaysian team will be hosting Indonesian neighbours, the website of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was messed during the early hours of Christmas Day.

 

FAM hacked

Hackers who identified themselves as AhliSyurgaCrew claimed responsibility of the prank page which was initially thought as a hack. A Malaysian Chinese boy’s image was put on the FAM’s main page, which I have no idea why.

A visit to FAM’s homepage (http://www.fam.org.my/) showed that there’s no sign of being hacked as the site runs index.asp as its homepage instead of index.html, which is the file that is believed to have been uploaded by the hacker earlier today.

The young Malaysian team made their way to the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 final after clinching victory against Vietnam last week. They won 2-0 at Bukit Jalil Stadium during the first-leg and ended the second-leg match with a goalless draw in Vietnam.

They are scheduled to play against Indonesia tomorrow at Bukit Jalil Stadium for the first-leg match of the final.

FAM’s website: http://www.fam.org.my
The page added by hackers: http://www.fam.org.my/index.html


How To Get Your Facebook Messages Invite

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced their latest product after Facebook Places – the Facebook Messages.

Facebook Messages is a system that is a combination of “text messaging, instant messaging, emails and regular messages” and users will be entitled to an @facebook.com email address. However, according to the 26-year-old CEO, “it’s not an e-mail”.

To be among the first to try out the Facebook Messages, all you need to do is to request for an invite from http://www.facebook.com/about/messages/

facebook_messages_invite2

Click on the Request an Invitation button on the right bottom corner and you’ll receive an invite soon. It’s that easy.

If you’re still wondering what’s Facebook Messages and what it does? You can read more here.


Beware Of Maybank2U Update Scam!

I woke up in the morning to my mail inbox and saw twothree identical e-mails (just received third at time of writing) from the same sender: secure [at] maybank2u.com.my. I thought it really is from them until I’ve read the content of the mail.

This is the screenshot I’ve taken off the email I’ve received from Maybank2u.com.my as claimed.

Maybank2u scam screenshot

“Dear valued customer,
Maybank security systems detected a serious (PR2) security problem in maybank server and Currently been updated. Your account must be updated for accept a new maybank interface. and will be stricted due to several invalid login attempts from an unauthorized third-party. Your immediate attention is required to Update your account. Please be informed that your account will be temporarily closed if not update now..”

At first, I actually fell for the e-mail address but as I read through the content and when I saw the link provided, I knew it’s a phishing mail. To phish means ‘to request confidential information over the Internet under false pretenses in order to fraudulently obtain credit card numbers, passwords, or other personal data’, according to TFD.com.

If it is from Maybank2u.com, it won’t have such crappy English, I’m sure, and the URL to update my Maybank account should be under Maybank2u.com – the actual domain name of the bank, instead of some nonsensical domain name. Also, I bet Maybank2u.com addresses their clients properly instead of just a plain ‘Dear valued customer’. It’s an email, not an announcement on their website after all.

maybank_scam3480w

Whatever it is, it is not a good thing. I clicked on the link and Google Chrome instantly stopped me from visiting the page because it has been blacklisted as a ‘phishing site’. Awesome job done there Chromey! lol.

Now I remember! My sister called me last week to ask me about this e-mail about Maybank account she received. Good thing I told her to ignore it. This serves as a friendly warning to you readers. So, if you’ve came across this type of e-mails, you should know what’s best to deal with it; if you haven’t, the next time when you do, always verify it by either sending an e-mail or giving a call to your bank, or maybe you can simply ignore it (unless if it’s real then it might affect your business).

But come on, let’s face it, update an account in order to accept new interface? You telling me my Google Chrome can’t handle HTML5, or what?! Stupid scammers.


Namewee vs. Tenaga Nasional Berhad

 

I bet this is gonna be all over the headlines. Check out Namewee’s latest video of him making complaint at TNB Muar branch the truly Malaysian way.

Click here if you can’t view the video above.

How I wish it was TMnut that he visited, not TNB. Anyway, even if it wasn’t a friendly way to raise an issue, the staff certainly could have been less hostile.

But I still wish it’s TMnut that he crushed.

 


Hello Facebook! Why Can’t Login?!

Small Talk: Wiktionary states that writer’s block means the inability to begin or continue work on a piece of writing; normally temporary. But it seems forever to me :(

 


 

First it was CIMBclicks, then Maybank2u was a bit slow too, but not to the extent of having me posting it up telling the whole world how sucky it is. Anyway, my previous post has no special context, I’m not hating CIMB it’s just that I believe in order to get a customer’s loyalty you’ll first need to make your customer happy.

Anyway, this time around it’s Facebook.

This didn’t happen only once. Previously, I’ve encountered this problem and like everyone else, I believed it. Until earlier this morning, the same problem came. It came while I was logged into Facebook, while I was stalking chicks on Facebook (oppss!) and working my friends’ arses out on FFS. What a turn off!

Anyway, later in the evening I’ll be travelling to KL (Sunway, to be exact) and will most probably be working at Sunway Pyramid from Friday till the Independence Day, which means I won’t have time to celebrate Independence Day, so sad! Everybody, show your love to the country; place a flag on your car top; while kids, use your pocket money to get tiny flags and wave it!

Of course, don’t let your parents know that you bought it on your own cuz’ they’re gonna be like.. ‘daymn why simply waste money?!’ Or maybe that’s probably gonna happen on my lil’ bro back in Terengganu and that’s why I doubt parents will be impressed by the kids’ patriotisms.

By the way, daymn is the ang moh’s way of saying ‘damn!

On another note, (this is something I can’t skip!!) last night I arrived home very late from futsal and as I was approaching home I saw a car being parked by the roadside. We call it ‘simply park’. To my surprise, I think I saw a couple making up in the backseat of the car. I was like ‘daymn! here also can?!?!’

I didn’t really peek into the car when I walked past but well, from far I saw a couple’s shadows and well.. their movements did look familiar. LOL. But then again, I can’t be sure if it’s really a couple; who knows it was a gay couple, but err… it’s still a couple, no? Oh ya, one more thing is that the car wasn’t shaking. Yea, it wasn’t, I swear.

Okay, maybe they just started it when I was there.

And maybe I should’ve knocked on their window and shout ‘GO EFFING GET A ROOM!!’ and quickly run away. That’d really make my day :D


Susan Boyle

Small Talk: Fraser’s Hill, here I come!! =D


If you haven’t heard of Susan Boyle, you’ve got to watch her video!

It is a video you cannot not watch! So, please do watch it until its very end. Because you’re about to watch probably one of the most amazing video ever! Of the most amazing video since the last time you watched a video that makes you go… ooh lala~

LOL!

Ohh.. The link, yes, the link of the video..

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY 

Simply amazing. Extraordinary. Wonderful. Outstanding. Astonishing. Marvellous. Fantastic. Exceptional. Stunning.

Susan Boyle, Britain's Got Talent
This is Susan Boyle, 47 years old from Scotland. Image credit: usmagazine

Lesson of the day: Never, never judge a book by its cover!

A piece of random joke to end this post:

A short conversation between a teacher and her student, Ed. (extracted from an email forwarded to me of late)

Teacher: Ed, if your father has $10 and you ask him for $6, how much would your father still have?
Ed: $10.
Teacher: You don’t know maths.
Ed: You don’t know my father!

Hope you have a nice weekend ahead (=


Je l’aime a mourir

Small Talk: Today is the Earth Day. No, not the Earth Hour again – it’s Earth Day. See more here or here.


A very beautiful love song by Francis Cabrel, entitled “Je l’aime a mourir” (in English it means ‘I love (her) to death’). What you’ll see in the video is a teenage girl (whom I’ve no idea she is) playing the guitar whilst singing the acoustic version of the song. It’s fine if you don’t understand the song, just enjoy the music and the beauty of French language.

(Scroll down for the song’s lyrics and its English translation.)

Je l’aime a mourir, Francis Cabrel.

Moi je n’etais rien (I used to be nothing)
Mais voila qu’aujourd’hui (But look how today)
Je suis le gardien (I am the keeper)
Du sommeil de ses nuits (of the sleep/dreams of her nights)
Je l’aime a mourir (I love her to death)

Vous pouvez detruire (You could destroy)
Tout ce qui vous plaira (Anything you want)
Elle n’aura qu’ ouvrir (But she would only have to open)
L’espace de ses bras (The space between her arms)
Pour tout reconstruire x2 (to rebuild it all)
Je l’aime a mourir (I love her to death)

Elle a gomme les chiffres (She erased the numbers)
Des horloges du quartier (Of every clock around)
Elle a fait de ma vie (She made of my life)
Des cocottes en papier (Little pieces of papers)
Des eclats de rires (and bursts of laughter)
Elle a bati des ponts (She built bridges)
Entre nous et le ciel (between us and the sky)
Et nous les traversons (and we would traverse them)
A chaque fois qu’elle (each time that she)
Ne veut pas dormir x2 (didnt want to sleep)
Je l’aime a mourir (I love her to death)

Elle a du faire toutes les guerres (she must’ve had to fight all her battles)
Pour etre si forte aujourd’hui (to be as strong as she is today)
Elle a du faire toutes les guerres (she must’ve faught all the battles)
De la vie, et l’amour aussi (of life, and love too)

Elle vit de son mieux (she lives the best way she can)
Son reve d’opaline
Elle danse au milieu (She dances in the middle)
Des forets qu’elle dessine (of the forests that she draws)
Je l’aime a mourir (I love her to death)

Elle porte des rubans (she wear ribbons)
Qu’elle laisse s’envoler (that she lets fly away)
Elle me chante souvent (she sings often)
Que j’ai tort d’essayer (that I shouldnt bother trying)
De les retenir x2 (to hold on to them)
Je l’aime a mourir (I love her to death)

Pour monter dans sa grotte (to go into her hideaway/space)
Cache sous les toits (hidden under the roof)
Je dois clouer des notes (I have to stick notes)
Dans mes sabots de bois (inside my woodem boots)
Je l’aime a mourir (I love her to death)
Je dois juste m’asseoir (I’ve only got to sit down)
Je ne dois pas parler (I dont have to say a word)
Je ne dois rien vouloir (I dont have to want anything)
Je dois juste essayer (except to try)
De l appartenir x2 (to belong to her)
Je l’aime a mourir (I love her to death)

Elle a du faire toutes les guerres (she must’ve had to fight all her battles)
Pour etre si forte aujourd’hui (to be as strong as she is today)
Elle a du faire toutes les guerres (she must’ve faught all the battles)
De la vie, et l’amour aussi (of life, and love too)


Crazy Streamyx Connection


Small Talk: If you have no idea what Twitter is, look at the top right of this page. The blue coloured “Follow Me” thingy is Twitter. You can follow my short and simple updates by subscribing to my Twitter updates.

Well, of course you’ll have to sign up prior to doing so. Best of all, it’s free and fun! =)


 

If you don’t know what TMNet Streamyx is, go get a life before you continue reading this.

Streamyx has the widest coverage of broadband service in Malaysia compared to other broadband provider in the country. However, sometimes (or probably many-times) their service is so lousy that people are hating them.

Some hate them so much they even dedicated a hate site for Streamyx.


Streamyx Sucks

Believe me, image like this is everywhere on the Internet, especially at local online forums.

I’ve nothing much against Streamyx except for their role at throttling the P2P speed. However, Streamyx gave me the shock of the day when I did a speed test yesterday.


The result was indeed shocking because there is no way AT ALL Streamyx can achieve that speed. Not even to the SOHO package customers. 18815kb/s download speed? It’s like running to-and-fro the moon within an hour so I guess there must be something wrong here or there.

Or maybe there – yeah, Screamyx Streamyx.


Kreative Blogger Award Winners


Small Talk: The nation’s deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak launched his personal website www.1Malaysia.com.my.

What a lame name for a site. Malaysia Boleh!


 

A while ago, Michael from Ahmike.net organised the Kreative Blogger Award and he was kind enough to nominate me. I’ve no idea why since I didn’t know him back then.

Instead of picking only ONE winner, he made it 5 winners out of 10 nominees. Top five nominees with highest votes win. The results are out. I didn’t really bother much so I wasn’t hoping to win nor being the one with most votes but to my surprise, friends have been very, very helpful and supportive.

Vivien, Yen Yen, Jovin, Sharon, Andriea, my brothers Chung and Ivan, Jean, Jeffery and on and on. (Sorry to those whom I left out) I sincerely thank you all. This award is nothing without you guys.

Also, congratulations to four other bloggers who’re in the top 5 list: Candice, Lisa, Yen Yen and Ben. Feel free to pay them a visit, they’ve pretty nice blogs too.


I love you people! And I know you love me too =P


Do Me A Favour, Would You?


Small Talk: After much consideration, I decided to go for the original steventsh.com instead of other fancy fancy names like stevietee.net. However, I’m still on Blogger because hosting my own blog is still far off my sight.


For more than a year, I’ve moved to Blogger from WordPress and Steven’s Expressions‘ readership has been growing day by day. Needless to say, I’m more than happy to witness that.

Michael of Ahmike.net is having a small contest among ten bloggers whom he picked randomly from the blogosphere. Ten of them are being nominated by Ahmike for the Kreative Blogger Award.

I have totally no idea who founded the award and sad to say, the sole winner doesn’t get any cash prizes. Okay, I’m being materialistic here. Let’s look at the good side of this whole thing.

Yes, I get to increase my readership (even a little) and it’s obvious. Secondly, if I win, I will be awarded the Kreative Blogger Award badge (image).


It may looks like only-an-image to you but the truth is that it’s some sort of recognition other bloggers on the blogosphere give to you. Although it’s not some kind of Oscar or Nobel award, it’s not a toy.

Furthermore, the badge does look pretty, isn’t it? =D

If you think I deserve this thing, please do me a favour by giving me a vote. Voting is as simply as LAC – Leaving A Comment.

Click on this link to go to the blog post and there, leave a comment stating that you’re voting for Steven.


And if you wanna be sure of my existence in his blog, the above image is being used in the blog post.

I’ve gotten a vote each from Vivien and Yen Yen who did not hesitate when I asked for their favour, so now, do me a favour, would you? =)

P.S. Thank you all in advance. I love you people =D


RPK Arrested Under ISA


Small Talk: No small talk today. It has been a bad day (Yen Yen knows why) and even worse for RPK of Malaysia-Today.net. I was reading some of RPK’s articles when I saw about this shit (read more below).



UPDATE: RPK detained under the ISA. Show solidarity with him on Sept 15, 2008 at the Kelana Jaya Stadium. (Info here)

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin was arrested Friday afternoon under the Internal Security Act.

Three Malaysian newspapers – Sin Chew Daily, The Sun , and Suara Keadilan – were also issued show cause letters by the Home Ministry.

Raja Petra’s wife Marina Lee Abdullah said the blogger was arrested under Section 731 of the ISA, which stipulates a detention of 60 days.

“He was arrested at 1.10pm at our home (in Sg Buloh) by a team of 10 police officers,” she told The Star.

Marina added that Raja Petra was taken away from their house by the police about 1.50pm.

“But I don’t know where they are taking him,” she added.

She said that the police officers also took some tapes and a computer from her room.

PKR Information Chief Tian Chua told The Star before leaving for Taiwan that he was informed of Raja Petra’s arrest by party colleagues.

“RPK’s daughter sent a SMS to say that her father was arrested about 1.15pm (Friday),” he said when contacted before he boarded China Airlines flight CI 0656, which was scheduled to depart KLIA at 2.20pm Friday.

Raja Petra’s arrest comes a day after the Cabinet ordered the Multimedia and Communications Commission (MCMC) to re­instate access to all blocked websites, including the controversial Malaysia Today.

Energy, Water and Com­mu­nications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said on Thursday the order was made because there were other “harsher” laws in the country, under which authorities could take action against the owners of blogs and websites, instead of blocking it.

“The Cabinet has asked the ministry to direct MCMC to reinstate access to any blocked website with immediate effect.

“At the same time, it is asking MCMC to closely cooperate with the police, the Attorney-General’s Office and the Home Minister to monitor any website or blog to ensure that this does not contain seditious, racist or religiously insensitive remarks.

“Instead of blocking access to offensive websites, the Cabinet wants authorities to investigate and act quickly against the owners of these sites,” he said in Putrajaya.

Source: Thestar.com.my

Many will not be happy to acknowledge this. Just what the fuck is wrong with this country?!

“There is no hope for this country” -KennySia


Google Chrome


Small Talk: With issues and disputes here and there, I can barely see any hopes in this country.

 

That’s me, how about you?

Forget about the issues! Loo San is on 8TV’s website for some dunno what Ultimate Prom Nite thingy and she’s one of the eight pretty gals (um..not all are) who’s awaiting your votes!

Come on, people, vote for Ng Loo San!! (voting starts from 08 Sept 2008 to 28 November 2008 and online users can vote as many times as they want to!)


When you talk about search engines, you think of Google. Am I right?

Ditching Yahoo!Search aside for the moment, Google has been around us since even before I get to know computer.


Even before my brother was born. And Google is now 10. Err.. I mean, two days ago.

Google is now TEN!!
Through these years, Google has enlightened our days, especially on the Internet. Apart from the powerful search engines – which you can search for almost everything that’s available on the Internet – Google has launched plenty of simple yet useful software in the recent years.

 

For instance, what I’m using now.


Blogger.

Well, of course Google did not created the whole Blogger system but I have to say that Blogger has improved into a much better blogging software since Google’s purchase of it five years ago.

And millions of blogs are being hosted by Google’s Blogger today.

Another service provided by Google that I fond the most is the Gmail.


I don’t know how fast the e-mails are being delivered over the Internet, whether by Yahoo! Mail, Gmail or Hotmail or whatever mail – you name it – but one thing that keeps me sticking around with Google’s Gmail is its free POP feature. With that, I don’t even have to start up Firefox, wait for it to load Gmail’s homepage and login just to check for my new inbox messages.

Never!

I can just sit back and enjoy my cup of hot chocolate whilst Mozilla Thunderbird downloads all of my new mails from my inbox. They come to me and I’m lovin’ it.

I actually don’t bother about their 7GB plus e-mail account space – like I need ‘em?

This is how Google looked like in year 1998 

From simple idea and simple web layout, Google turned up to be one of the biggest player in its industry. It is not just a website, not just a search engine; It is a huge business. So huge that it makes our Heritage Bay Club looks tiny.

Google’s home page a week after the 911 disaster 

It has been ten years, yet Google is showing no signs of laying off.

Last week, Google increased its collection of software including Google Desktop and Google Earth by releasing the company’s very first web browser – Google Chrome.

Google Chrome’s logo
The name “Google Chrome” – according to the Wikipedia – is derived from the graphical user interface frame, or “chrome”, of web browsers. Chromium is an open source project behind Google Chrome.

 

Despite its beta testing status, I’m seriously falling in love with the web browser for its layout’s simplicity as well as the time it takes to be launched and to load web pages. I’ve to admit that it’s faster than my lovely fox – the Firefox. And Chrome has got almost everything that Firefox offers: password manager, pop-up blocker, just a few to name.

Click on image to view full size
But I’m pretty sure Chrome won’t take over Firefox nor will it romp the web browsing war so soon. Even the fox is trying hard to bite off the E. No, not Wall-E, IE!

 

Violence..
Unfortunately, Google Chrome is currently available for Windows XP and Windows Vista users only and it comes with 43 different languages. And hey, they even created a comic about Google Chrome! You seriously gotta check it out!

 

But don’t expect too much because you probably won’t get your funny bone tickled as much as when you’re watching “You Don’t Mess With The Zohan“.


Belum cuba, belum tau. So why not give Google Chrome a try? Who knows it’ll turn out to be…

sudah cuba, hari-hari mau!


SiteMeter Causes "Operation Aborted" Error On Internet Explorer


Small Talk: What actually happened to me last Thursday was: badminton after school, football game after badminton and slept at 4am after everything.

That’s not it. I played futsal after a day off on Friday. And do you think that I really had my rest?


Note: Update on its solution has been added at the bottom of this post.

I’ve been a SiteMeter user since I started blogging on Blogspot platform and I enjoy watching my blog stats go up and down throughout the days.

Everything was fine through the years until Christina told me that my blog isn’t accessible using Internet Explorer. Something must be wrong, I thought. Then I tried viewing my blog using IE and yes, there’s a problem:

So I googled for solutions but end up with some not very helpful ones. Not to say that they’re not, it’s just they’re different from my case.

I even started a thread asking for assistance at Lowyat.net but things just wouldn’t work out that easily.

Anyway, I had better luck later in the day when I finally found out the truth about the error. IE isn’t the actual culprit, in this case, it’s SiteMeter.

Apparently, the popular web statistics service’s javascript codes will crash visitors of any sites using SiteMeter (and they have yet to issue a notice on that!) That applies only to Internet Explorer 5.5, 6 or 7 users. So, Firefox users, you’re safe to surf.

How To Overcome This Issue?

Alright, you can’t tweak IE for this so the only way to curb this problem will be removing the SiteMeter codes. If you’re the webmaster/blogmaster, I suppose you’ll know which codes to remove.

The bad news is that your site will not be tracked once the codes are removed. See? There really are two sides for everything. So, just bear with it.

Alternatives? Hmm.. Maybe you can send many emails to SiteMeter complaining the issue like us complaining about the lousy broadband connection speed of Streamyx.

Don’t even think that I’m serious about that.

Now, I’m not gonna remove my SiteMeter codes. What about you?
Okay, I changed my mind since many visitors of mine are IE users. I’m removing the codes now until the issue is resolved.

Damn, I’m so gonna miss my stats.

***LATEST UPDATE***

Yes, there is an alternative to the curb this SiteMeter codes problem.

If you’re a Blogger user, copy and paste the SiteMeter codes into the HTML codes (of your blog. Go Edit HTML page.), just before the </body> tag. And save it and SiteMeter tracker will be up and running again.

Your SiteMeter image will appear at the bottom most of your blog/site (like mine). Make sure you remove the old codes you placed in the widget as well.

Let’s hope SiteMeter will settle this problem once and for all soon.

Special thanks to the reference frame.

*** LATEST UPDATE #2 ***

Looks like SiteMeter has fixed the bug in their code. No more aborted operation in IE and now everyone’s happy ;)


Mozilla Firefox Download Day 2008

*** UPDATE ***

The exact beginning time of the Guinness World Record – Most Downloaded Software Within 24 Hours (Firefox 3) creation attempt is June 17th 1000 hour (San Francisco Time), which is June 18th 0100 hour (Kuala Lumpur/Beijing/Perth Time GMT+8).

Check what time will Firefox be released at your place.

And you know what to do.

p/s. It’s 2043 now and Firefox 3 is gonna be released 4 hours and 16 minutes time!! Make sure you grab it and become part of the record breaker ;)

—-

*** ORIGINAL POST ***

If you have no idea what a Mozilla Firefox is, you’re a sick arse. A retarded sick arse.

Firefox fans, here’s a chance we can all set a Guinness World Record together on the internet. Yes, on the internet.

 

Download Day 

It’s the Firefox Download Day! Join the mission to make Firefox the most downloaded software in 24 hours.

June 17th is the day. And it is also the day the Firefox 3 is released. If you’re not a Firefox user yet, tomorrow’s the day to switch. I pledged to join the Guinness World Record creation attempt, why don’t you?

 

Download Day - English 

Firefox is doubtlessly one of the best web browser around. Trust me, you really wanna switch to Firefox. And I mean it.

Still sticking to IE?

 

Firefox 3 

Time to change ;)


Friendster ‘Personalized My URL’ Bug/Worm

I believe many have met such problem before. That is, being redirected to ‘Personalized My URL’ page (on Friendster) when you click on ‘My Profile’ OR when someone visits your profile page. In fact, I’ve experienced it first hand. IMHO, I don’t think such bug/worm can cause much problem to us.


Fear not. It’s just a simple and harmless script that embed itself to your profile customisation codes. Follow a few easy steps below to get rid of it.

First of, make sure you’re logged into your Friendster account. Then, head on to ‘Customize My Page‘ page.


Once you’re there, scroll down to the ‘Add Media‘ column. The space where you’re allowed to embed videos from Youtube/Google Videos/whatever media, you name it.

See in ‘Add Media’: There’s some sort of code (in fact, codes with tags) in it. If I get it right, remove the unknown codes, which is NOT your Youtube crap. Usually you can see the URL “imagecave.com” in the code. If you do, then delete the thing (confirm is the bug/worm).


If you’re so damn darn code-illiterate, my advice is, delete the whole crap in the ‘Add Media’ space. Then you’re done. Don’t forget to hit the ‘Save‘ button!

And if the annoying worm keeps on coming back to you, just send a bloody question to the Friendster Team.

P/S: There are also other worms that create messes in your Friendster account. The next time you can’t view your profile properly (eg. background image only, redirected to other pages), head on to Customise Profile Page and clear irrelevant codes in the ‘Add Media’ space.


Wayne Liew Dot Com

If you noticed earlier, one of my blogrolls was “Simple Life of YP“, where YP stands for the last names of the blog author/founder – Yee Piao.

Yee Piao (or better known as Wayne Liew) has just moved his Blogger-hosted blog to his own host. Yup, the 17-year-old accounting student has his new blog – Wayne Liew Dot Com – hosted on a paid webhosting service. Thus, comes the new name for his blog.

Wayne Liew Dot Com (wayneliew.com) is a personal blog that covers everything that Wayne Liew went through in his life, personal thoughts, current issues, the Internet and what everyone loves – money making techniques. (according to wayneliew.com/about).

It’s a blog worth visiting. So why not drop by at wayneliew.com and show some support to young bloggers like us? Good day everyone!


Happy Birthday CD!

If you haven’t already know, Compact Disc is 25 years old!!

Yes, I mean CD. It was first created 25 years ago on this date in Germany. More info, please click here (BBC News report).

I wonder when will we be celebrating thumb drive’s birthday? ;)


The Real Pikachu

What a cute voice she has ^^


Namewee Removed "Negarakuku" Video

According to Namewee, he already removed the “Negarakuku” video from his Youtube.com account. I guess he really does have to do that though (although I like his videos too.hehe).

He really did. However, still, there are similar video being posted by other Youtube.com users (apparent fans of Namewee huh??) It’s not easy to clear the mess.

Someone is really “in love” (or should I say “in-sane”) with the 24-year-old Namewee (Real name: Wee Meng Chee). Other than Namewee’s personal blog, someone else created a website.

A website related to the Muar Chinese creator – www.namewee.com

I was like.. “O M G.. this must be a lunatic fanatic..!” But I am indeed amazed by the webmaster of Namewee.com. He (or she) is really showing his support for Namewee. That’s the Bolehland spirit!! Bravo!!

(really?? zzz)

They even have a “Namewee Fans Community Forum” (omg, this kid is real famous now). But nothing much on the forum yet.. maybe because it is still new.

Anyway, I have not heard or read anything about Namewee on the papers these two days, and I wonder how is his case going now…?