#5 Hackers go haywire!

As every Malaysian and some part of the world know, Anonymous release a statement (more like a jpg) saying that they are ready to hack http://www.malaysia.gov.my.

The video was posted up on YouTube as well with a digitally enhanced voice. Sound more like Stephan Hawkins if you ask me. BUT here is their message:

Greetings, Malaysia,

We have seen the censorship taken by the Malaysian government, blocking sites like The Pirate Bay, and WikiLeaks. Malaysia is one of the world's strictest governments, even blocking out movies, and television shows. These acts of censorship are inexcusable. You are taking away a basic human right. The internet is here for freedom, without fear of government interference. Do not think that no one else notices. Your structured government has done the talking, and we hear loud and clear. Let this be an announcement to all your people. This is a sign, a warning, and an opportunity to listen to ideas above your own. In a way you are being stubborn. But how will this help anyone or your country. We fear that if you make further decisions to take away human freedom. We are obligated to act fast and have no mercy. For rules were meant to be broken. And corruption was meant to be washed away and forgiven. Now we will wash your corruption away so be prepared. Take this as a favor.

We are Anonymous.

We are Legion.

We do not forgive.

We do not forget.

Expect Us.

Source

Well, that's all cool as they do receive a lot of hype and support from our fellow Malaysians. And with that note, I guess even our own Malaysia group of hackers decide to take action. They called themselves Dragon Force Malaysia. Yes, they are our very own metal band. Their musical instrument? Most probably their computer (and maybe Linux?).

For those who want to look everything from their perspective, here.

So did Anonymous manage to hack our Malaysia's portal? I think so because there are a few evidence. And don't forget to visit those few sites to check it out yourself.

You can check out the list of websites down or up here, here and here.

Enjoy the jpg show and click the image to enlarge it. :)

First off is this. I am not sure if the picture above is the real one but since it's written as Anonymous, let's leave it as that. Reasons why I said it is because of the message that they left. You can read it on your own and decide.

Ah, this one is subtle but true to the core. Personal opinion but it was cool to me. Hey, imagine those guys that work in CIDB thought that they are alright but on second look, their eyes almost fall out. Awesome.

All of these are the sites hacked by Dragon Force Malaysia. In no particular order. If you want order and not chaos (sorry I have to say it because it was so tempting) just got to their website. Oh yeah, they do have their own site (blog). They are that brave.

One thing you will notice if you are lucky enough to go the hacked sites are the colourful and animated header they put. All I can say is that they do have taste.

And of course their trademark logo: the dragon.

Last but not least, the H3x4 crew who did not want to miss the action. Their target is UiTM Penang site. Who says Kuala Lumpur will get all the promotion?

Well, all that aside, they are definitely an interesting group. Check them out.

P.S. Who says thepiratebay is blocked? Why don't you try typing in malaysiabay.org and see what comes out. You can thank me later. No joke but it's the real thing. Mirror the site and that's what you get.

P.P.S. The writer is NOT or IN ANY WAY AFFILIATED to Anonymous. Just interest in them and hence just reporting about their activity.

Calv out.

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#4 Easter eggs around the Internet

What? No, not the cute little bunnies that can magically walk on two feet one day passing you colourful eggs. Why do they even give eggs when they give birth? Guess they can't give you baby rabbits because it will be like abandoning their children, I guess.

Hey, it's Bugs Bunny?

Well, simply put, Easter Egg is a hidden feature of a software program or website that is only seen if you know where to look. Call it treasure hunt, call it secret chambers but I call it evil programmers. Some are just so hard to look for that it takes 10 freaking years to find it!

Here's a few basic ones that I accidentally found out and I will kindly provide you a stey by step guide for free (generous is my middle name, maybe not) -

Yahooooooooooooooo~

If only there is a subtitle for the yodel....

1. Head over to Yahoo! main page
2. Put your mouse over the exclamation mark on the Yahoo! log
3. Then click it
4. Enjoy the yodel or you can even sing-a-long!

Play Snake on YouTube

Yes, playing Snake on YouTube is dangerous. Look at the warning sign

1. When you load a video in YouTube, you will see the loading icon (the thingy that spins forever if you have slow Internet connection)
2. Click the video before you get over-excited
3. You can move the snake by pressing Up on the directional button
4. Once you've done that, let the games begin!

If you are a cheapskate or just love steal your neighbour's WiFi, Google provided you with a solution! Free WiFi thanks to Google.com!

Free WiFi, we love you. Just need to leave this page and Free WiFi for all!

1. All you need to do is type TiSP
2. Click "I'm Feeling Lucky"
3. Cross your fingers
4. Read the instructions and voila! *

Can't think of a catchy subject to spam your friends emails? Yahoo! is there to help you!

Hey "Eating Pasta with Chicken" appears! Now everyone can eat.

1. Only works in the new version for Yahoo! Mail
2. Click "Subject" when you are in the Compose Mail

If Minesweeper is too hard for you, there is always a cheat code for it. You hear me right my fellow Minesweeper players. All those years you took to practice guessing the mine is for NOTHING! Yay!

Look dad, I turn pro in Minesweeper yo! (*edited: apparently blogger decided to act up AGAIN so you can't click to enlarge but just try it and squint your eyes to look at that ONE pixel going black and white)

1. Open Minesweeper on your PC
2. Type "xyzzy"
3. Then press Shift + Enter
4. Look at the top left of your screen and there will ONE pixel there telling you that there is a bomb. White means safe, black means KABOOM
5. Go ahead, be a pro now you cheater!
6. (Note: The pixel turns white when your mouse is on the "Safe" box and turns black on the "Mine" box)

For those who *ahem* uses uTorrent and tired of waiting for the 99.7% to finish, play their Tetris. Here's how:

Hey, three more blocks and I'll make a straight line!

1. Go to Help at your uTorrent
2. Click "About uTorrent"
3. Press the "T" on your keyboard
4. Enjoy!

Well, that's all I can think about for now. Technically, the real usage of Easter Eggs are not for fun but for copyright purposes. For those unsuspecting people who loves to copy and paste other programmers stuffs, they have a revenge tool!

I am sure that I miss out tonnes more Easter Eggs on the Internet (yes, I am really honest to God so ever free to search all of this), so submit yours if you find anything interesting. Enjoy a final one that I accidently discover just now (woohoo but I am too lazy to take a screen shot of it).

1. Turn on your speakers
2. Go to uTorrent
3. Go to Help
4. Select "About uTorrent"
5. click uTorrent's logo
6. Listen to a MIDI music

BTW, there is even an Easter Egg on this blog!**

* Reason why I leave a lot of space here is for fun and to remind you. Remember the "*" at the Free WiFi from Google? TiSP means Toilet Internet Service Provider. Still don't get? It's not my fault that you are born this way. It's a practical joke by Google you dumb dumb.

**No there is no Easter Egg on this blog. I thought it will just make my article sounds cooler....

Calv out!

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#3 Twitter's "@ conversation"

Look at me, Imma tweet freak!

I finished rewriting my Mobile Etiquette article for Mobile World Magazine and it got me thinking. How much do you "like" it when someone intrudes your personal conversation online? You know that it your conversation is public when you "chat" in Twitter and when someone else tag along, wouldn't it be weird? Imagine me speaking English with my friend and you a stranger starts talking to me in Vietnamese (no offence to those who speaks it. Vietnam rules!).


See, told you Vietnam rules!

Recently (OK, not so recently), there is this thing called "@ conversation" in Twitter. You know,

IAmSoPretty tweeted:
Oh-my-own-reflection-from-the-mirror-who-looks-so-much-like-me-but-I-am-much-prettier, I feel like my prettiness level increase again.

IAmSoCool replied
@IAmSoPretty you are so pretty!

IAmSoPretty replied
@IAmSoCool you are so cool

IAmSoCool replied
@IAmSoPretty I know!

IAmSoPretty replied
@IAmSoCool I know too!

IAmSoBeautiful replied
@IamSoPretty @IAmSoCool We are all good looking!
.........................................
.........................................
....many replies later.....
.........................................

Err, something like that. If I accidently burnt the circuits in your head, here's a simple explanation in layman's term: you post an update in your Twitter and people will reply you by tagging your name. It no longer becomes a reply when both of you or more starts to tag you and each other in the conversation, hence, the "@ conversation" is born! Thank God and the creator of Twitter for it! Rejoice!

Back to topic. I understand the chatting in the comment section on Facebook tends to irritate others with the popping notifications. But in Twitter, that doesn't exist. So how much are you bothered when you are "intruded" by a stranger?

Think about it for a moment. Anyone can easily follow you on Twitter (if you do not privatise your account) and after that, the Unknown (substitute for stranger because it sounds cooler) can start viewing your tweets while you are at it. Imagine if you are having this oh-i-am-so-sad moment and your friends are cheering you up. The Unknown cheers you up too. How would you feel?


Err.. Okay, not this kind of Unknown

From my point of view, it will make me feel awkward becauce I don't know this person. If I choose to reply him or her, it's like we are friends but we are not and if this continues to a conversation people will think that we are really good friends. The thing is, I don't want that to happen.

On the other hand, if I choose to ignore the Unknown, it might send the wrong message that I am stuck up because I refuse to answer! And that could translate to other people thinking what a jerk I've become.

So where do you stand in this matter? Conversation in the virtual world seems to blur the line for friendship. It's like talking to this dude after you eavesdrop his conversation!


Yea, the old school eavesdropping.

My solution is simple if I want to avoid that. Click block and repeat. It's definitely faster than brushing your teeth!

I created this! If I find it elsewhere, Imma sue your ass off.

Calv out.

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Living inside the box #2

5 Mistakes You Made on PSP that Should Never be Repeated on NGP

With the Next Generation Portable (NGP); or better known as PSP 2; arriving, gamers in particular are saving up or begging their parents to but for them. Sad isn't it that you need to spend USD250 or USD350 (3G) just to get such a great device. Your old PSP is obsolete once this is out, right? Useless, thrown to the bin and forgoten. Sucks for you.

Well, for some people, it is entirely their own fault! Come on gamers, you are fooled into getting useless junk for your handheld gaming device! Just look at all the stuff you stick at your PSP. Poor device never stood a chance to see the light ever again. Here are 5 thing your can learn from your mistake that you do to your PSP. You can thank me later.

1. Speakers


The so-called affordable speakers for your PSP is usually priced at USD20. Well that is worth your money right? Hello? Technically, when you get your OWN PSP, what you are doing here is for your personal entertainment. Why would you even bother getting a speaker that makes your PSP looks twice its size or more?

Hey, if bothering other people is your thing, then go ahead. Can you imagine playing some game with your brand new speakers in a train? You'll get angry stares and unwanted attention. When I play my game, I would like to play in peace and not having eyes looking at me from across the train. And let's not forget the fact that your "admirers" will soon take REAL interest in your device. What I meant was, robbery yo. Definitely not the coolest kid in town any more.

2. Skins


Don't act like you are not aware of such accessories. It does exist and always will. Skins are every where and normally people who want to be "different" (oh wow, a condom for your device) will paste this. Yes, again this looks cheap, averaging at USD9 per piece. But once you get hooked to this, imagaine changing the skins over and over and over again. You do know that this is your PSP and not your play doll?

Oh, did I mention that you might get stuck with your current PSP if you want to sell it? I know that I don't want to buy a secondhand PSP with leopard spots on it. Do you? If that's not enough, Malaysian market is selling it between RM30 to RM80. So cheap.

3. Earphones


Noooooo. I am not crazy. I am just talking about the expensive one. The earphone in the picture above will set you back around USD500. Do you really need that expensive earphone? Just go with a good regular earphone gamers. How can you get something that is more expensive than then PSP itself? If you roll on money everyday, by all means, go for it. For those regular gamers out there, just opt for the USD10 ones because that is sufficient enough to provide you with quality sound.

Sometimes you just need to use your head people. If you can plan for your games, why not this? Personally, I use a normal earphone and the volume and quality is enough to shut me off from the real world, having people screaming for my name. Here's one for ONLY Rm99. It is so worth it right? Haha.

4. HDMI Converter

Ah, yes. With the advancement of technology, you would love to see everything crisp in Full HD. Yes, yes, your normal cable don't have such capabilities. Go ahead and buy the HDMI converter. Seriously? Do you really want to do that ? First off, do you know how much it cost to get one of those? It's like around RM200! Do you want to burn a hole in your pocket? Let me help you with that with a lighter, way easier.

Oh, did I mention that it defies the main purpose of having a PSP? You bought a HANDHELD gaming device so that you can carry AROUND, right? So that's all to it. If you want to hook it up to a big screen TV treating your PSP like a controller, just go get a PS3. It has better games that can make use of your wonderful Full HD TV. I mean it!

5. Etc

Well, technically I can write a whole list of things but that would just get on more of my nerves. A PSP is your gaming device. Not a Barbie doll (no offense). You can't just simply get add-ons without consequences. Really.

Waterproof casing? Do you want to swim with your PSP? Sure, hide it in your swimming suit and no one will question the bulge between your legs. What next? Antenna for your PSP so that it looks retro? Come on gamers. After accumulating all the extra expenditure for your PSP that is "worth it" for you, it could be that what you spend is enough to buy you a new NGP.

Living inside the box is a column where the writer writes and discuss his findings while surround himself with screens. Television, mobile phones, computers, handheld consoles, game consoles and anything with a screen comes in mind. You face all these in a daily basis and it may sound like you are trapped in a box (of screens). People wants you to break away from such thing by saying "Think outside the box."

I spend hours in the "box" and turn out OK. I say lets embrace it and hence "living inside the box."

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Living inside the box #1

Here's a personal column that I want to start.
Topic for the day: S.W.A.G. phenomenon in Youtube

Sitting down immersing myself in YouTube contributing to the amounts of hours the world spend watching YouTube made me realize that there are so many untapped talent out there. YouTube stars rising such as singers, production, short films, comedy and so many more. Other than trolling, bashing, flaming and several others, the videos in YouTube are great. However, one particular group stands out. This is not a racist comments but through hours of time loading Youtube videos. C'mon, Secondhand Serenade is the results of posting videos online. Definitely, there is an opportunity for all!

S.W.A.G. (Something We Asians Got). This term caught my attention and I begin exploring this term in YouTube. No disappointment here as I found so many talents in there. Let's just give it a rest about the battle between indie vs mainstream thing. Is it pleasant to your ears? Is that really music to you? Yes? Then that's all it is to it. Good music is when you actually enjoy what you are listening to.

First off is the already super famous Cathy Nguyen.



Definitely a great music right? Personally, I think that this is better than the original song. And she is collaborating with another great Youtube star (Andrew Garcia, American Idol, anyone?). This shows you the power of ordinary people out there. For those who are interested in who this Youtube "chick" is, just click here to find out more. She made a lot of covers of other people's music and even written her own. All I know is that this is real talent. Sign her a contract already!

She already have her own fanbase and it is steadily increasing. Of course with that, there are a lot more and another great singer is a guy called AJ. His original is literally the "showstopper." Check it out:



Again let me shout "C'MON" because with voice and good song writing skills, this guy is also up for the big guns. And he does have his own studio record of this version but I prefer this version more. Last but not least from the music section is this girl. It is a shame to say that I don't know her but she got great voice and she sings a Chinese song! Worth listening too:



Of course there are others that I didn't mention such as Jason Chen and Alexa Yoshimoto who earn so many viewership in the matter of weeks.

Well, that is just music posted up by them. What about those great productions. No, not the one you see in the movies or television. Again, the one in YouTube. Some of the better ones are definitely this gold mine field. All it takes is to search for it. This production team needs no introduction (thanks to my girlfriend who introduced this to me) as they are famous outside the Internet too. Wong Fu Production.

They do videos from comedy to romance to "tips for guys" to short film. You get the idea. Here is one of it. Definitely funny to watch as it pokes fun at people who use the peace sign:



Subtle humour? Yet resulted in a funny production. Also, don't forget to take a look at Wong Fu's The One Days: HK series. Not a bad one. In Malaysia, indie production is going up too and that sparks new talent in the industry. With YouTube, they can share their talents too. Let's not forget our own nation. This can definitely be used for cinema before any movie starts:



Of course, with all these things going on, there those who have a hard time making it big even in YouTube and being bashed for it. Just goes to show that you still need some skills to do things rather than taking up a camera and start recording.

There are of course other talents out there too other than the Asian community. But for now, let us celebrate what we have been looking at. You got to admit that these people has great skills and talents going on for them.

If people say you got some S.W.A.G. going on, hold your head high and be proud. In these over saturated market that is full of hopefuls, sometimes, you need a little S.W.A.G.

Living inside the box is a column where the writer writes and discuss his findings while surround himself with screens. Television, mobile phones, computers, handheld consoles, game consoles and anything with a screen comes in mind. You face all these in a daily basis and it may sound like you are trapped in a box (of screens). People wants you to break away from such thing by saying "Think outside the box."

I spend hours in the "box" and turn out OK. I say lets embrace it and hence "living inside the box."

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Superhero Awards!

This is uncalled for but it's time for an award blogpost!!!

Today, I will present to you, the good, the bad, the ugly, the horrible, the best and everything in between awards for Superheroes! I don't care if it is from Marvel or DC. Yes, I'll be talking only about American superheroes.

On to the Superhero Awards:

Best Superhero Costume Award: Spiderman (Marvel)


Come on! You can't deny this one! It is simple elegant and logical. This is where you can actually cover yourself up without worrying that your identity being reveal. Colors are striking and the eyes are one of the best features in the costume. Also the Spiderman logo!

Worst Superhero Costume Award: Dr. Strange (Marvel)



Ok, ugly and out of the ordinary, check. Yes, he got the magic. He might even be the strongest magician of all time but look at the costume.... No.. THAT is the world BEST magician?? Great, why don't he poof some bunny out of his cape.

Strongest Superhero Award: Thor (Marvel)



C'mon, he is a God for god sakes wtf. You would think Superman wins this award? Superman is pale in comparision with this God. Remember, other than Kryptonite, he is also vulnerable to magic. So that's where Thor's hammer pawn Superman big time. Bye bye Man of Steel.

Weakest Superhero Award: Jubilee (Marvel)



Seriously, her mutant power is to generate fireworks. Yay, we'll call her during New Years time. Now that's your spark wtf. Why this does not go to Batman? Well, even though he has no superpower, his utility belt and combat skills can definitely take a lot of the super-powered people. Jubilee, I'm sorry but you definitely deserve this award.

Smartest Superhero Award: Batman (DC)



Surprise, surprise it's Batman. He doesn't have any superpower yet he can beat the crap out of other superheroes. All he has is his brain. Of course with martial arts training, chemistry, forensics and criminology plays a big part in making him that awesome. Batman can outsmart enemies and he design most of his weapons. Now this is a hero I wouldn't simply attack.


Best Sidekick Award: Skeets (DC)



Of course he is the best. The floating buzzing robot is like the professor you never had. Its from the future with a wide library of facts so that Booster Gold doesn't mess up anything. This is one of the most reliable sidekick ever. Without Skeets, so long Booster Gold. So remember, there is no "hero" in superhero if there is no Skeets.

So far, that is it! Congratulations to the winners. Any more categories that you think is suitable?
Next time, there will be a Super Villian Awards!

Calv out!

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Truth about Photoshop

Let me go straight to the point! Photoshop does not apply in the real world!!! So what's my outrage over it? Let's just say, I like to take real pictures. Fine, I can accept brightening and contrast control but that's it. You do not deserve any praise if it is edited. Come on! Look at it this way, if you win an award for altered pictures, it is not Photo of the Year but Photo -edit of the Year wtf.


What up, bradder? This qualify photoshop of the year wtf.

Imagine putting up your best self-portrait work in Facebook with "a little" help from Photoshop. A little brush here, a little blur there, retouch this and that and tadaah, there is your new profile picture. Great!! Imagine when you want to go out with people and that's how the perceive you through Facebook, they will go WTF when they have a look at the real you!

Let me break it down this way:
Imagine the situation in a dating site: Guy sees Girl she likes, Guy chat with Girl, Guy wants to meet Girl, Girl agrees and they meet......

HOLY OMGWTFSHITORCRAPITDOESNTMATTER!!!!

I am guessing reactions will be like:


Hey, even a guy will Photoshop! There's only one good thing from using it: when you are BUSTED!!!!!


Look at my manly muscle! I'm freaking Hercules!


Hey, it wouldn't hurt to boost the size of my boobs! Move away Pamela!

Wait, maybe the only benefit that comes out of this is the humour. If one uses photoshop for mere humour, count me in!

Here's a website for Photoshop Disasters!

Calv out!

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