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...first flash, now dis.... http://blog.macsales.com/10146-apple-furth...ns-on-new-imacs Apple Further Restricts Upgrade Options on New iMacs Thursday, May 12th, 2011 | Author: OWC Michael Since Late 2009, there

https://asia.nikkei.com/static/vdata/infographics/china-spends-more-on-controlling-its-1-dot-4bn-people-than-on-defense/ China spends more on controlling its 1.4bn people than on defense Silencing dissent also nips innovation in the bud Aug. 29, 2022 It emerged in the central Chinese province of Henan in June that local authorities had abused an anti-COVID app to contain the movements of more than 1,300 people. Yang, who lives in Shandong Province, is one of them. On the morning of June 13, Yang arrived on a night train at his destination, Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan. As the train approached the station, he could not believe his eyes as his "health code" smartphone app turned red. In China, authorities track the location of citizens. If they are suspected of having come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, their health code apps turn red and they face strict restrictions on their movements. Yang had no recollection of getting close to any infected person. But upon arrival at the station, he got another surprise: Officials told him he must leave Henan, and they took him away. Yang was visiting Henan to withdraw 230,000 yuan ($34,000) from a local bank. In Henan, multiple banks had refused to allow withdrawals since April, sparking a flood of protests by depositors. Local authorities feared that this would be viewed by the central government as a failure if the demonstrations spread. They rushed to cover up the inconvenient truth under the guise of the fight against COVID-19. Demonstrators holds up signs during a protest over the freezing of deposits by some rural-based banks, outside a People's Bank of China building in Zhengzhou, Henan. © Reuters China's zero-COVID policy of containing the virus through strict social controls has sent shock waves around the world. As President Xi Jinping's government pursues its policy of tolerating no infections, local governments across the country are going too far in tightening their stranglehold on ordinary people. On April 14, a video of a scuffle between police and residents of a housing complex protesting against an eviction notice in Shanghai, which was under lockdown, went viral on social media in China. As the residents shouted to police to leave the housing complex, police officers wearing white protective suits moved in en masse to detain them. Screams could be heard. Shanghai was locked down from the end of March, with 25 million residents banned from going out. Some were even forcibly evicted from their homes. Live videos of citizens suffering from food shortages or police behaving violently were posted on social media one after another, leaving authorities scrambling to delete them. A Shanghai sidewalk lies blocked due to discarded cartons believed to have been used for food rations. The street has been impassable since mid-May. © Kyodo But China's leadership under Xi did not waver. In May, it pledged to firmly fight any words and actions that question or reject the country's COVID-control policy and began to further increase its control over the internet. Once a state starts to move strongly in a given direction, it cannot stop easily by itself. According to a U.S.-China joint study published in the journal Nature Medicine, if China eases its zero-COVID policy, it will suffer a devastating blow because the effectiveness of the widely used Chinese-made vaccines is low. The study specifically warned that if China eases the policy, the number of people who show symptoms could rise to 112 million, and 1.6 million people could die in half a year. The Xi government's prestige is at stake. It cannot modify its COVID policy because it cannot let itself depend on vaccines made in Western nations. After taking the helm of the Communist Party as its general secretary in 2012, Xi launched a "zero tolerance" anti-corruption campaign. The move to try to do things perfectly has now spread to everything. The public security bureau of the Shanghai municipal government boasts high achievements. According to the bureau, the arrest rates in 2021 were 96% for burglaries such as sneak thefts and 100% for pickpocketing on subway trains. The bureau installed street cameras in all residential areas and commercial buildings by 2021, expanding the coverage of its surveillance system. The number of robbery cases in 2020 stood at 72, down a whopping 98% from the peak recorded in 2000. It is becoming more likely that the number will decline to zero. Although China is getting close to the ideal of a crime-free society thanks to technology, the price it must pay is by no means small. China's "public safety" spending, which is used to maintain public order and control speech at home, reached $210 billion in 2020. The amount more than doubled in 10 years. China's national defense spending is growing rapidly and closing in on that of the United States. But China's public safety spending was as much as 7% higher than its national defense spending in 2020. That is not all. Pent-up frustration among the public is growing further as the crackdown begins to grow excessive. The village of Wukan in Guangdong Province, once known as "Democracy Village," is now teeming with surveillance cameras. In China, a slang word making fun of police, meaning literally "a falling young man," has trended on social media since late June. It all started when a woman in her 40s and her father got into an argument with a male police officer in Dandong, in northeastern China's Liaoning Province. The woman and her father were stopped by the police officer on their way to a hospital. The officer cited the color of her health code as the reason. An argument broke out between them, and the woman was detained for 10 days on suspicion of obstruction of justice. A mocking video of the police officer, who pretended to have fallen during the confrontation, has gone viral. Public distrust of authorities has deepened due to the zero-COVID policy, and the fruits of people's frustration are being spread on the internet one after another. A vigorous and technologically innovative society can be created only where various opinions are allowed to clash. The more China tries to contain all differing opinions and control everything, the more it will also grow apart from the rest of the world. When the public reaction to this finally comes, "Great China" will find itself diminished. Patriotic reign blowing up in Hong Kong Government squeezes public opinion polls In April, yet another person who has supported Hong Kong's democracy left the city. On a flight bound for the U.K., Chung Kim-wah, a former assistant professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said in a Facebook post, "In the current Hong Kong, there is no room for sincere words, only lies." Chung had been summoned by police three times in connection with the polling organization where he worked, the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute. He wrote on Facebook, "Hong Kong may no longer be a place to live without intimidation." The HKPORI was inaugurated with a research department at the University of Hong Kong as its parent. It has conducted highly reliable surveys that many Hong Kong researchers refer to. But its surveys have also sometimes reflected public opinion that China finds inconvenient. Since the Hong Kong national security law came into effect in the summer of 2020, pro-democracy media outlets, labor unions and other organizations have been forced to disband one after another. The institute is now rumored to be the next target. The Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily, once a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party, has been forced to shut down. © Reuters The HKPORI conducted a survey ahead of the 2021 election for the Legislative Council, Hong Kong's lawmaking body. The survey asked Hong Kong people a multiple-choice question on how they would vote in the election. But the choice of "casting a blank vote" was criticized as "manipulating public opinion and destroying the electoral system." The institute's surveys about the zero-COVID policy and Russia's invasion of Ukraine were also seen as problems. Chinese government-affiliated media concluded that those surveys "lack a scientific basis" and that the institute "is suspected to be colluding with foreign forces." The environment surrounding opinion polls is becoming harsh. According to Tetsuro Kobayashi, an associate professor at City University of Hong Kong, some pollees do not answer political questions honestly, while some researchers refrain from asking sensitive questions. "Basic information such as the support rate for pro-democracy forces has become difficult to see, leading to [Hong Kong's] civil society shrinking," Kobayashi said. When lashing out at the institute, pro-China forces in Hong Kong frequently cite surveys by other organizations such as the Bauhinia Institute and OrangeNews. These surveys show completely different results from the HKPORI's surveys and Hong Kong citizens' actual feelings. For example, a survey by the HKPORI showed that only 32% of people in Hong Kong supported the zero-COVID policy, while as many as 57% were in favor of living with the virus. But a Bauhinia Institute survey said that 68% of people in Hong Kong supported the zero-COVID policy, while only 24% were in favor of living with the virus. It also said that as many as 76% replied that the national security law would not affect freedoms and rights in Hong Kong. Details on the Bauhinia Institute, which was established in 2016 by pro-China forces, are shrouded in mystery. An expert familiar with opinion polls said: "It seems to be conducting surveys using social networking sites popular with those born in China, such as WeChat. As sampling is unbalanced, decent researchers are not taking them seriously." Nikkei asked the Bauhinia Institute about its survey methods and relations with China. It did not answer directly, commenting only that it "serves Hong Kong and the state, unites patriots and supports the implementation of a better one country, two systems [formula] in Hong Kong. On July 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Hong Kong for the first time in five years and implored "patriots governing Hong Kong" to be principled. © Reuters Xi recently made a trip to Hong Kong for the first time in five years, timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary on July 1 of the former British colony's return to Chinese rule. In a speech, Xi called for the thorough implementation of the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong." He regards opinions differing from those of the Chinese leadership as impediments to policy implementation and shows no signs of a letup in the exclusion of pro-democracy forces. A government-affiliated Hong Kong newspaper published the results of a survey showing that as a result of Xi's speech, 77% of local citizens had deepened their confidence in the "one country, two systems" formula. China's propaganda campaign is becoming increasingly fierce. Robert Chung, the HKPORI's president and chief executive officer, pointed out that the question now is how to assess the direction of Hong Kong's society under the banner of science and democracy. Opinion polls are facing a new challenge, he added. If an authoritarian government continues to crack down on opposition forces, only voices supporting it come to be heard, and when the people finally vent their pent-up frustrations, it happens suddenly. This phenomenon is widely known. Hong Kong's "patriotic governance" seems to be incurring great risks as it attacks opinion polls, which are a "social thermometer," and closes its eyes to public opinion.

One of my car remote control key got chewed up by my 3 chinchillas early in the morning when we forgottern to close their cage went down to vivocity, basement key kiosk, philipino lady told me the cost is about $800-900 for one key I almost peng san (actually heart attack) isnt it really too expensive for a key when you think about it you can buy a net book for $500-600 with cash to spare how much electronics is there in the key daylight robbery any lobang for replacement key, thanks

Just happen to see this product in Lazada from Singapore so for people like me who work in Tuas with Sandblasting, it is very useful. You can check it out from the below link : https://www.lazada.sg/products/v-automatic-movable-car-cover-machinewhole-car-with-remote-control-i292334790-s492336100.html?spm=a2o70.10453684.0.0.18086e40R7KzPs&mp=3

Once upon a time, driving different car model is just about knowing whether it come with a clutch, the signal / wiper stalk are located on the left or right hand side of the steering and maybe, how to switch on the headlight and that's about all. Suddenly, things started to get much complicated with BMW and Mercedes changing our mental model of how a gear knob should be (shifting and positioning), LCD screen replacing space used to be occupied by knobs and buttons, voice control (don't make the stupid mistake of calling out "Hey Mercedes" when you are behind the wheel of a say 7 series), etc. Back to the topic, in case you are not aware, Tesla made headline a couple of days ago for its revolutionary cockpit layout for its 2021 Model S and X. Now, if you find adjusting radio volume or aircon temperature on a touch screen a pain in the a$$, you are in for deeper sh*t! Tesla's Model S and X revamp says RIP to the traditional steering wheel This isn't a yoke. On Wednesday, Tesla rolled out the new interior look for its refreshed Model S and X electric cars. Both feature a new steering wheel design and touchscreen layout. Tesla is calling the new wheel a "stalkless steering yoke," meaning there's no stalk to press for the turn signal or to change drive modes. Tesla describes the new steering wheel, which has no stalk: "The ultimate focus on driving: no stalks, no shifting. With a stalkless steering yoke, you can enjoy both the best car to drive, and the best car to be driven in." BUT, how to maneuver the car with a game console-like steering wheel, how to signal, switch on the wiper and headlight, etc? These used to be something very straight forward till Tesla decided to make it a rocket science, at least it seems now. It is once again going to rewrite the mental model we have built up over the past few decades of driving... Previously, Tesla used stalks on its steering wheels like most other vehicles for turn signals, headlights, and windshield wiper controls, and unlike other automakers, Tesla even used steering wheel stalks for other controls like Autopilot and the drive modes (PRND). Tesla’s new steering wheel has none of that as the steering column is not equipped with any stalk. It’s instead packaged into a streamlined butterfly steering wheel design. The steering wheel is equipped with the same scrolls already found on the Model 3 and Model Y wheel, but it now features new force touch buttons for the turn signals, high beams, honk, Autopilot, windshield control, and voice commands. In order to replace the stalks, Tesla is betting on a mix of AI and force touch buttons on the steering wheels to replace these functions. Ultimately, Tesla’s hope is that all these functions will be performed automatically by the vehicle. That strategy is especially shown by Tesla’s solution to replace the drive mode (PRND) stalk. The vehicle uses its Autopilot sensors to intelligently and automatically determine intended drive modes and select them. For example, if the front of Model S/X is facing a garage wall, it will detect this and automatically shift to Reverse once the driver presses the brake pedal. This eliminates one more step for the drivers of the world’s most intelligent production cars. That’s quite a change in the way to operate a car, but Tesla is making sure that people are not too confused about it by adding force touch controls for “Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive” drive modes at the base of the phone charger on the center console (touch screen nevertheless). Similarly, the car will sense and predict the need for direction change and switch on the left or right signal light on your behalf. If you want to DIY, head towards the touch screen... OMG!! What's you thought of these innovation? Pray really hard that the system don't hang while you are in the car, it not longer matters if you are behind the wheel or not...

Last week, my car skidded on the way up the ramp in a carpark. The floor was wet after the rain. I braked immediately, after which was not able to get the car to go further. The steering feels extremely loose and could feel that it's not gripping at all. After several tries, the engine stalled and after I restart, the car finally got moving. After that, I was extremely careful whenever I go up the carpark. Today, while travelling on ECP which was still wet after the rain last night, I could feel that the same thing is going to happen, which cause me to slow down alot. I sensed a slight pull and the car was like going to lose control and go towards the side. It's as if there's no friction between the tyres and the road. Could anyone suggest what could be wrong, as I'm contemplating whether to go back to the agent or to have it check by my usual mechanic, who's more experience. Thank you.

Hi all, anyone has any idea where I can get the Hyundai Elantra 2018 cruise control panel that is supposedly on the steering wheel?

Hi, I wonder if it's only me but twice when I was travelling in the MCE (the stretch under Marina Barrage), my car suddenly applied the brake when approaching the 2 sections with the speed cams. First, my radar cruise control was activated, set to 80 km/h. Lane ahead was clear (and fortunately no cars behind me). But when I approach the 2 spots with the speed camera, my car brake momentary as if it detected a vehicle ahead. I cancelled cruise control in time to resume the drive. On the 2nd occasion, it just continued driving after a pre-collision alert "BRAKE" alert on the screen for 1 second, then cleared as if nothing happens. Does anyone face the same issue? I'm driving a 2018 Toyota Camry with Toyota Safety Sense.

Hi All, Need your kind advice. Previously I bought a seat from another owner and once I saw one spider hiding under the seat and I killed it promptly before installing it... However, recently I noticed some webs in my car Anyone got any ideas how can I rid the spiders? I didnt get to see any spiders in e car but I guess it must be hiding around thus explaining the webs.. Any total cleaning service providers? Thanx for the advice!

i hv been looking for Panasonic CR1632 Lithium 3V battery for my car remote control...any idea where to find? tried many shops, incl photo, diy, supermkt still can't find. ..any suggestions? TIA

I've seen some cars has aftermarket audio controls installed to the steering wheel. Where to get this and ard how much does it cost?

Hi all bro, Recently after overnight parking have some problem opening car door using remote control next morning. Have to try a few times about 2 to 4 mins then it works. Is it sign of weaken car battery? After driving on this problem seems OK.( Remote works immediately) Last car battery change was September 2013. Battery at car remote is new one.

When was the last time Singapore has its on referendum? http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/mar/0...m-executive-pay

Am dying to add a steering audio control to my Vezel, it feels incomplete without it. So did some calling and managed to find a shop that can install it. I sense a lot of interest among those of you who have just collected or are waiting for your car, so I asked if he could arrange for a group buy and he agreed. So here's the deal agreed with minimum of 10 participants: S$ 580 inclusive of labour The "mah fan" part about this is that they require a $250 deposit to indent the part from Japan and it will take a while to arrive. When this list hits the minimum of 10 people, the deal will be on and I will post details on how to pay the deposit and also help to consolidate your details. Those who want to join this, add your names below. The more the merrier! Finally, if anyone else can get a better deal on this, please share. Thanks! :) 1) poundpuppy 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10)

Hi all, I'm thinking of replacing the current stock audio unit (of my Hyundai Veloster) with Alpine ICS-X8. Problem is - While the switches for the Auto A/C climate is separately located, the "DISPLAY" is integrated into the stock audio head unit :angry: I was trying to find out more, by googling, to over-come this issue but it seems that it's either not an issue or nobody seems to be talking about it. Hence, I was wondering if anyone here encounter similar issue and had overcome it (or had given up) ? Will I be losing the ability to display the Auto A/C Climate if I insist on changing into 3rd party head-unit ? PS: Hyundai Service Center's technician are equally clueless.... Sigh.

Asking for a friend. These lights turned 'ON' after his wife skidded ( but didnt lose control). Now even after resetting ecu and disconnecting battery supply. A shop said his brake accumulator is damaged and need to be changed at a cost of 4ks. Anyone had this problem before? TIA.

Looking forward to self driving autonomous vehicle in the near future ? Why wait ? You can now remotely hack someone's modern car via your 3G/4G cellnet into the vehicle's CANBUS network. Question is what are you going to do with it when empowered with that remote control. http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/07/24/hackers-reveal-nasty-new-car-attacks-with-me-behind-the-wheel-video/

If you can’t find your car in a garage or parking lot, place your remote lock against your head to create a stronger signal that extends further.

...... nothing last forever theory? http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/pap-could-lose-control-power-over-next-15-25-years SINGAPORE — The People’s Action Party (PAP) could lose the dominance it currently enjoys in Parliament in 15 years, said prominent businessman Ho Kwon Ping yesterday, adding that the party could completely lose power a decade after that if the history of dominant political parties around the world is anything to go by. “This is actually not a radical conclusion — almost everyone I informally surveyed broadly agreed with it, but (differed) only in their estimation as to how many years it would take before the PAP would lose an election and how many terms it would stay out of power before bouncing back,” Mr Ho added. Mr Ho, who is executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings and an S R Nathan fellow, raised the scenarios at an Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)-Nathan lecture, where he spoke about politics and governance to an audience comprising about 300 civil servants, students, academics and members of the private sector. In theory, freak election results, splits in the PAP or a massive loss in legitimacy due to corruption are possible factors that can cause the PAP to lose power, said Mr Ho. Other factors that could delay or speed up the process include the level of support from elderly voters, “internal rigidity and intrigues” in the PAP cadre system and possible loss of economic competitiveness. Noting that ruling parties in democracies have “generally floundered” after 50 to 75 years, Mr Ho nonetheless said the PAP is “very likely” to overtake the record of Mexico’s Institutional Revolutionary Party, which lasted 71 years. This is because the PAP has not exhibited signs of moral exhaustion and an onset of decay as seen in other parties by their middle age, he said. There is also no evidence to show that corruption has increased in Singapore’s public life, despite a few scandals involving mid-level bureaucrats, said Mr Ho, arguing that Singapore remains exemplary among its neighbours and counterparts in developed countries for its low level of corruption. Still, the PAP will face considerable challenges after the “very popular” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong reaches his 80s, he said. Mr Ho said the Civil Service must develop its own sense of self, ethos and values as elections become more volatile. This is not to distance itself from the ruling party, he added, but to develop a culture and identity that is robust and resilient.

Hi all I opened up my car remote control key and it uses CR1620 battery, I went NTUC and Value$ shop, both no selling leh.. May I know where to buy this battery or must go back to car dealer? Thanks

Wu ngia bo? For clearer page, see p8 ST today

Went to Autobacs to do a tyre rotation & balancing. The mechanic told me that there is a crack at my front control arms and suggest I change both to an OEM one for $600 incl labour. Though I can't really tell if its cracked or not, can I check if this is a critical component to be changed? I'm driving FD1 (now about 6 yrs old). Wondering if I can use it till COE expire..

Any idea anywhere does repair of remote controls ? Mine the battery sort of corroded inside and now can't work. would be great if can get someone to fix it up. Have seen some universal controllers, bought 1 and try, but apparently it doesn;t work.. any one has encountered ?

Hi, Sorry for noob question, how do I know which 3rd party head unit that can be compatible with my steering wheel control?

Autodrift Pte Ltd AutoDrift Pte Ltd was established for the purpose of guiding and assisting Radio-Controlled (RC) enthusiasts, both beginners and seasoned players alike get into this ever rewarding hobby. Our vision is to provide RC Players, young and adult from all walks of life with the very best in Radio-Controlled Model Cars and a whole range of associated products. Our main focus will be an emphasis on affordability, as we understand that a majority of our clientele are youths. AutoDrift carries a wide assortment of RC gears which includes car kits, motors, tires and all relevant accessories. AutoDrift will also be the distributor of Yokomo RC Products in Singapore, an internationally recognised brand from Japan that is a favourite among local hobbyists because of its quality and mass appeal.With a strong commitment to the RC Hobby and community at large, we will continue to venture into new ways to promote the hobby to the public while maintaining affordability and quality customer service. The company also actively supports and sponsors to the local public community, and organizes Radio-Control Car related activities for many events in order to serve the community as both individuals and corporate clients. DRIFT PACKAGE DIB DRIFT PACKAGE MR4TC-SD TYPE B B-MAX4F11 WORLD SPEC Autodrift Showroom Business Hours : Monday to Saturday : 12.00pm to 8.30pm Sunday: 1.00pm to 7.30pm ( Parking Free ) Autodrift membership - Instant 10% discounts for almost all items in store How to become a member? - Drop by our store, fill in a form and enjoy with your new purchase. Membership fees? - Autodrift offer free membership schemes - discounts plus reward points. Membership reward points system - All Autodrift members will be rewarded base on their purchases by point systems. How does the reward points works? - The reward points will be added as 1 point per S$1 purchase in our store. How do I use my reward points? - The reward points can be used to offset your subsequent purchases base on per 100points = $5 basis, on any purchase above twice of the rebate amount (That is 50% off!). Membership Categories (updated as at 3 September 2014) - Silver Members (1 - 1,000 points) – 10% discounts + Reward points. - Gold Members (1,001 - 3,000 points)– 15% discounts + Reward points. - Platinum Members (3,001 - 6,000 points) – 20% discounts + reward points. - VVIP Members (6,001 - 10,000 points) – 25% discounts + reward points. - Super VIP Members (10,001 points and above) - 30% discounts + reward points. * Except Special offer items. * Electronics items : maximum discounts - 20%. Membership Referrer Program - First of all - you need to be an existing Autodrift member with purchase records. - Your reward points will be added base on your new referee first purchase. Birthday week discounts - 30% off on all parts & accessories during your birthday week (Sunday to Sunday). * Except Special offer items. * Electronics items : maximum discounts - 20%. Terms & Conditions - The reward points system does not apply to any Special offer and Birthday discounts. - The referrer program still works on all items base on the new referee first purchase. Enjoy your RC Hobby!!! Autodrift Pte Ltd Blk 465 Crawford Lane #01-06, Singapore 190465 Phone: 62994795 Website: www.autodriftrc.co