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A list of stuff I would typically read on a daily basis
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Reuben / KidonMira como Reuben esta machucando con esa nena November 19 New MSN trojan spreading quicklyA disturbing news appeared few hours ago at eWeek: A new Trojan is introducing malware into thousands of computer systems worldwide, and the number is growing by the hour. The malware is being introduced by MSN Messenger files posing as pictures, mostly seeming to come from known acquaintances. The files are a new type of Trojan that has snared several thousand PCs for a bot network within hours of its launch earlier on Nov. 18 and is being used to discover virtual PCs as a means of increasing its growth vector. The Trojan is an IRC bot that’s spreading through MSN Messenger by sending itself in a .zip file with two names. One of the names includes the word “pics” as a double extension executable—a name generally used by scanners and digital cameras: for example, DSC00432.jpg.exe. The Trojan is also contained in a .zip file with the name “images” as a .pif executable—for example, IMG34814.pif. The files are infiltrating new systems by using either known contacts from which the Trojan has harvested instant messaging names, as well as from the systems of unknown users. Doublecheck every file you receive through your MSN or your computer could easily end up as a zombie in some huge botnet… Source: http://www.rlslog.net/new-msn-trojan-spreading-quickly/ November 17 Christmas came early - Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2008
If there is one thing which brings a smile to my face before Dec 25th, its Dec 4th because thats the day CBS will broadcast the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2008!
Fashion Copious has the lowdown. Check it out.
Before and after marriageBefore Marriage - - He: Yes. At last. It was so hard to wait. She: Do you want me to leave? He: NO! Don't even think about it. She: Do you love me? He: Of course! Over and over! She: Have you ever cheated on me? He: NO! Why are you even asking? She: Will you kiss me? He: Every chance I get! She: Will you hit me? He: Are you crazy! I'm not that kind of person! She: Can I trust you? He: Yes. She: Darling! After marriage - - - simply read from bottom to top. November 14 High cost of living? Buy cheaper products, says Minister of Trade and Industry
Recent price hikes have prompted several members of Parliament to voice their concern about increasing cost of living, especially with respect to basic necessities. In the third quarter of 2007, the consumer price index (CPI) rose by 2.7% year-on-year, compared to 1.0% in the second quarter and 0.5% in the first quarter. Inflation is projected to hit a record 5% by 2008. Yesterday in Parliament, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister of Trade and Industry admitted that these were due to a ‘one off effect of GST hikes’ and mainly higher food prices. In his response to MPs questions today, he also had this advice for families hit by higher prices: “Switching to cheaper products can reduce the cost of living despite a rise in the CPI.” I think this Minister doesn't seem to understand economics.
1. Inflation (http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/inflation.asp)
The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and, subsequently, purchasing power is falling.
As inflation rises, every dollar will buy a smaller percentage of a good. For example, if the inflation rate is 2%, then a $1 pack of gum will cost $1.02 in a year.
Most countries' central banks will try to sustain an inflation rate of 2-3%.
An inflation rate of 5% means all prices across the board are generally moving upwards by 5%. It would be impossible to find cheaper goods because inflation is a market-wide force which devalues your currency! There are no cheaper goods, only more expensive goods.
2. Fisher effect (http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fishereffect.asp)
A theory describing the long-run relationship between inflation and interest rates.
This equation tells us that, all things being equal, a rise in a country's expected inflation rate will eventually cause an equal rise in the interest rate (and vice versa).
Due to the 5% inflation, we can expect Singapore' interest rates to rise by about 5% too. Doesnt seem important yet, but when the International Fisher effect kicks in, you will get the point.
3. International Fisher Effect (http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fishereffect.asp)
An economic theory that states that an expected change in the current exchange rate between any two currencies is approximately equivalent to the difference between the two countries' nominal interest rates for that time.
Calculated as:
 Where: "E" represents the % change in the exchange rate "i1" represents country A's interest rate "i2" represents country B's interest rate For example, if country A's interest rate is 10% and country B's interest rate is 5%, country B's currency should appreciate roughly 5% compared to country A's currency.
The rational for the IFE is that a country with a higher interest rate will also tend to have a higher inflation rate. This increased amount of inflation should cause the currency in the country with the high interest rate to depreciate against a country with lower interest rates.
In other words, Singapore's high inflation would cause higher interest rates which would cause other currencies to appreciate while our currency depreciates. Our prices would spiral out of control simply because we are unable to maintain our buying power as a nation.
It would be IMPOSSIBLE to look for cheaper goods. All goods, normal and inferior will become more expensive. The question to ask now is: Are our wages keeping pace with the price of goods?
The Minister sure seems to have forgotten basic economic concepts of the international business world.
September 02 HEATWAVEThe bloody rain warning turned out to be a passing shower. I went to help Elliot and Chevonne move into their dorms. Hopefully they will not become party animals.
Been reading about the ODEX case in Singapore. I am appalled by the lackadaisical attitude adopted by Singtel and Starhub in protecting their customer's private data. Way to go Pacnet. You may be the smallest but you sure stand tall among the giants.
Coming up is an alleged heatwave, but I'm already feeling it. Ive downed so much water that you could call me Thirsty Hippo.
Here is a urgent bulletin warning about the impending heatwave. I don't think I'm going out tomorrow. I may go to the library where there is air conditioning and do some reading.
WARNING
NEAR RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH ABOVE NORMAL
RELATIVE HUMIDITIES WILL CREATE WIDESPREAD HOT AND POSSIBLY LIFE- THREATENING CONDITIONS FOR PEOPLE WORKING OR EXERTING THEMSELVES OUTSIDE. HEAT INDEX VALUES ON MONDAY WILL REACH 105 TO 110 DEGREES IN THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY...AND 100 TO 107 DEGREES FOR THE LOWER MOUNTAIN ELEVATIONS...MAINLY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10 AM AND 7 PM. IN ADDITION...TEMPERATURES WILL ONCE AGAIN REMAIN VERY WARM TONIGHT WITH MINIMUM TEMPERATURES REMAINING IN THE 60S ACROSS THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY...WITH 70S AND 80S IN THE LOWER MOUNTAIN ELEVATIONS |
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