精武体育会对每个会员制订行为规范，名为“行精武式”：
1、精武之人物：三育训练、获有全能;
2、精武之人格：公正廉明、尊人重己;
3、精武之风度：诚实坦白、博爱平等;
4、精武之言行：坐言起行、证以事实;
5、精武之信守：一言一诺、重于订约;
6、精武之守时：约会守时、不求原谅;
7、精武之正义：尊重正义、不讲私情;
8、精武之服务：非以役人、乃役予人;
9、精武之福利：乃予于人、非取诸人;
10、精武之友谊：爱己及人、视同兄弟。
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
CIA Predator Drones
http://www.fastcompany.com/1695219/cia-predator-drones-facing-ip-lawsuit
A new lawsuit alleges that Predator drone targeting software was pirated, and emails obtained by Fast Company suggest the CIA knew it was sub-par.
l Qaeda and the Taliban haven't been able to bring down the CIA's Predator drones. But a new lawsuit alleging parts of their targeting software are pirated (and faulty) could.
On December 7, 2010, Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Margaret Hinkle is expected to issue a decision on a complicated contract and intellectual property-related lawsuit that could ground the CIA's Predator drones.
Intelligent Integration Systems (IISi), a small Boston-based software development firm, alleges that their Geospatial Toolkit and Extended SQL Toolkit were pirated by Massachusetts-based Netezza for use by a government client. Subsequent evidence and court proceedings revealed that the "government client" seeking assistance with Predator drones was none other than the Central Intelligence Agency.
IISi is seeking an injunction that would halt the use of their two toolkits by Netezza for three years. Most importantly, IISi alleges in court papers that Netezza used a "hack" version of their software with incomplete targeting functionality in response to rushed CIA deadlines. As a result, Predator drones could be missing their targets by as much as 40 feet. (The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, which assists the Defense Department with combat and homeland security support, also reportedly uses the software named in the intellectual property suit.)
According to a 2009 report by the Brookings Institute, 10 or more civilians die for every terrorist killed by drone missiles--and the topic of civilian casualties due to improperly targeted (or simply reckless) drone attacks is a controversial one.
Internal emails obtained by Fast Company indicate that both IISi and Netezza were aware of serious flaws in Geospatial, as-is, at the time of the alleged intellectual property fraud. The exact term used by IISi was "far from production ready code." In two emails dated September 16, 2009, IISi CTO Rich Zimmerman complains of "problems with some very intricate floating point calculations that are causing me to fail a lot of my regression tests" and that the software was not "production ready."
A Netezza email in the public record from October 13, 2009, indicates that, shortly before the partnership went sour, president Jim Baum wanted "to help our mutual customer reach his requirements" and that he (the client) believes that the expertise on his team is prepared to deal with early release software. He has a previous generation system so he is able to compare results himself. It is obviously in our mutual best interest to meet this client's needs quickly." Copious email evidence and court records indicate that both IISi and Netezza were well aware the client was the CIA and the software was to be used in unmanned drones.
One report in the British press sums it up this way: "IISi alleges that Netezza misled the CIA by saying that it could deliver the software on its new hardware, to a tight deadline [ ... ] Netezza illegally and hastily reverse-engineered IISi's code [ ... ] Despite knowing about the miscalculations, the CIA accepted the software."
This all goes back to when Netezza and IISi were former partners in a contract to develop software that would be used, among other purposes, for unmanned drones. The relationship between Netezza and IISi soured due to alleged disagreements over the CIA's (apparently rushed) project deadlines. IISi dropped out of their work developing Predator software; Netezza continued working with the CIA on the project.
Netezza initially sued IISi over contract-related issues. IISi then prevailed on core counterclaims relating to wrongful termination and put forth IP charges against Netezza. The original complaint by Netezza's counsels put the CIA-related information into the public domain; subsequent court proceedings revealed the specific contours of the unmanned drone targeting connection.
IISi's current counterclaim claims that both the software package used by the CIA and the Netezza Spatial product were built using their intellectual property.
IBM recently announced that they intend to purchase Netezza for approximately $1.7 billion. Netezza and IISi began collaborating in 2006, when IISi began reselling a bundle of Netezza's data warehousing kit and Geospatial. Their relationship continued through several joint software developments before souring in late 2009.
According to statements made by IISi CEO Paul Davis, a favorable ruling in the injunction would revoke the CIA's license to use Geospatial. In real life terms, this would either force the CIA to ground Predator drones or to break the law in their use if the court rules in IISi's favor. It is unknown if the CIA has a third option in case of a ban on the use of IISI's toolkit.
ISi's lawyers claimed on September 7, 2010 that "Netezza secretly reverse engineered IISI's Geospatial product by, inter alia, modifying the internal installation programs of the product and using dummy programs to access its binary code [ ... ] to create what Netezza's own personnel reffered to internally as a "hack" version of Geospatial that would run, albeit very imperfectly, on Netezza's new TwinFin machine [ ... ] Netezza then delivered this "hack" version of Geospatial to a U.S. Government customer (the Central Intelligence Agency) [ ... ] According to Netezza's records, the CIA accepted this "hack" of Geospatial on October 23, 2009, and put it into operation at that time."
Testimony given by an IISi executive to the court also indicates that the Predator targeting software, as initially acquired by Netezza, was faulty. According to Zimmerman's deposition, his reaction upon finding out deadlines for their Netezza co-project for the CIA would not give enough time to fix software bugs was one of shock. According to the deposition, Zimmerman said "my reaction was one of stun, amazement that they (CIA) want to kill people with my software that doesn't work." The CTO was also nervous of any possible legal liability for IISi in case Predator missiles missed their target; in his words they would not continue participating "without some sort of terms around that indemnifies us in case that code kills people."
IISi's official statement, as provided by email, is that "the Superior Court has already ruled that Netezza's termination of IISi was wrongful and that Netezza breached the contract. Further, the Court approved a stipulation under which Netezza may not disclose to IBM any copies (including any portion thereof) of the IISi Geospatial and Extended SQL Toolkit products. We believe that Netezza's denial that it used our software is false and that it is directly contradicted by Netezza's own internal emails to CEO Jim Baum, which show clearly that Netezza "hacked" our software and delivered that hacked and defective version to the government."
So could IISi's injunction request shut down Predator drones? Hypothetically, yes. But given the tone, tenor and urgency of the CIA's counterterrorism programs abroad, it is not likely. Nonetheless, Judge Hinkle has been extremely receptive to IISi's claims. A betting man would guess that some sort of face-saving resolution involving escrow will be introduced. But in the meantime, amateur Graham Greenes everywhere can remain fascinated by how ordinary business lawsuits can end up spilling the guts on counterterrorism ops.
As of press time, Netezza has not responded to a request for comment.
A new lawsuit alleges that Predator drone targeting software was pirated, and emails obtained by Fast Company suggest the CIA knew it was sub-par.
l Qaeda and the Taliban haven't been able to bring down the CIA's Predator drones. But a new lawsuit alleging parts of their targeting software are pirated (and faulty) could.
On December 7, 2010, Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Margaret Hinkle is expected to issue a decision on a complicated contract and intellectual property-related lawsuit that could ground the CIA's Predator drones.
Intelligent Integration Systems (IISi), a small Boston-based software development firm, alleges that their Geospatial Toolkit and Extended SQL Toolkit were pirated by Massachusetts-based Netezza for use by a government client. Subsequent evidence and court proceedings revealed that the "government client" seeking assistance with Predator drones was none other than the Central Intelligence Agency.
IISi is seeking an injunction that would halt the use of their two toolkits by Netezza for three years. Most importantly, IISi alleges in court papers that Netezza used a "hack" version of their software with incomplete targeting functionality in response to rushed CIA deadlines. As a result, Predator drones could be missing their targets by as much as 40 feet. (The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, which assists the Defense Department with combat and homeland security support, also reportedly uses the software named in the intellectual property suit.)
According to a 2009 report by the Brookings Institute, 10 or more civilians die for every terrorist killed by drone missiles--and the topic of civilian casualties due to improperly targeted (or simply reckless) drone attacks is a controversial one.
Internal emails obtained by Fast Company indicate that both IISi and Netezza were aware of serious flaws in Geospatial, as-is, at the time of the alleged intellectual property fraud. The exact term used by IISi was "far from production ready code." In two emails dated September 16, 2009, IISi CTO Rich Zimmerman complains of "problems with some very intricate floating point calculations that are causing me to fail a lot of my regression tests" and that the software was not "production ready."
A Netezza email in the public record from October 13, 2009, indicates that, shortly before the partnership went sour, president Jim Baum wanted "to help our mutual customer reach his requirements" and that he (the client) believes that the expertise on his team is prepared to deal with early release software. He has a previous generation system so he is able to compare results himself. It is obviously in our mutual best interest to meet this client's needs quickly." Copious email evidence and court records indicate that both IISi and Netezza were well aware the client was the CIA and the software was to be used in unmanned drones.
One report in the British press sums it up this way: "IISi alleges that Netezza misled the CIA by saying that it could deliver the software on its new hardware, to a tight deadline [ ... ] Netezza illegally and hastily reverse-engineered IISi's code [ ... ] Despite knowing about the miscalculations, the CIA accepted the software."
This all goes back to when Netezza and IISi were former partners in a contract to develop software that would be used, among other purposes, for unmanned drones. The relationship between Netezza and IISi soured due to alleged disagreements over the CIA's (apparently rushed) project deadlines. IISi dropped out of their work developing Predator software; Netezza continued working with the CIA on the project.
Netezza initially sued IISi over contract-related issues. IISi then prevailed on core counterclaims relating to wrongful termination and put forth IP charges against Netezza. The original complaint by Netezza's counsels put the CIA-related information into the public domain; subsequent court proceedings revealed the specific contours of the unmanned drone targeting connection.
IISi's current counterclaim claims that both the software package used by the CIA and the Netezza Spatial product were built using their intellectual property.
IBM recently announced that they intend to purchase Netezza for approximately $1.7 billion. Netezza and IISi began collaborating in 2006, when IISi began reselling a bundle of Netezza's data warehousing kit and Geospatial. Their relationship continued through several joint software developments before souring in late 2009.
According to statements made by IISi CEO Paul Davis, a favorable ruling in the injunction would revoke the CIA's license to use Geospatial. In real life terms, this would either force the CIA to ground Predator drones or to break the law in their use if the court rules in IISi's favor. It is unknown if the CIA has a third option in case of a ban on the use of IISI's toolkit.
ISi's lawyers claimed on September 7, 2010 that "Netezza secretly reverse engineered IISI's Geospatial product by, inter alia, modifying the internal installation programs of the product and using dummy programs to access its binary code [ ... ] to create what Netezza's own personnel reffered to internally as a "hack" version of Geospatial that would run, albeit very imperfectly, on Netezza's new TwinFin machine [ ... ] Netezza then delivered this "hack" version of Geospatial to a U.S. Government customer (the Central Intelligence Agency) [ ... ] According to Netezza's records, the CIA accepted this "hack" of Geospatial on October 23, 2009, and put it into operation at that time."
Testimony given by an IISi executive to the court also indicates that the Predator targeting software, as initially acquired by Netezza, was faulty. According to Zimmerman's deposition, his reaction upon finding out deadlines for their Netezza co-project for the CIA would not give enough time to fix software bugs was one of shock. According to the deposition, Zimmerman said "my reaction was one of stun, amazement that they (CIA) want to kill people with my software that doesn't work." The CTO was also nervous of any possible legal liability for IISi in case Predator missiles missed their target; in his words they would not continue participating "without some sort of terms around that indemnifies us in case that code kills people."
IISi's official statement, as provided by email, is that "the Superior Court has already ruled that Netezza's termination of IISi was wrongful and that Netezza breached the contract. Further, the Court approved a stipulation under which Netezza may not disclose to IBM any copies (including any portion thereof) of the IISi Geospatial and Extended SQL Toolkit products. We believe that Netezza's denial that it used our software is false and that it is directly contradicted by Netezza's own internal emails to CEO Jim Baum, which show clearly that Netezza "hacked" our software and delivered that hacked and defective version to the government."
So could IISi's injunction request shut down Predator drones? Hypothetically, yes. But given the tone, tenor and urgency of the CIA's counterterrorism programs abroad, it is not likely. Nonetheless, Judge Hinkle has been extremely receptive to IISi's claims. A betting man would guess that some sort of face-saving resolution involving escrow will be introduced. But in the meantime, amateur Graham Greenes everywhere can remain fascinated by how ordinary business lawsuits can end up spilling the guts on counterterrorism ops.
As of press time, Netezza has not responded to a request for comment.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Curry Chicken. It is easy to cook.
I had guests coming over my place yesterday and i suddenly had craving for curry. Hence, as i was shopping at a Fairprice supermarket near home, i chance upon Hai's Instant Curry Chicken paste. It was going on offer price of $2.25 (usual price $3.00).
I was worried if i would be able to cook it and flip over the packaging hoping that there was a receipe and i was not disappointed. It tells me the ingredients i need and simple steps to cook it.
I decided that chicken wing will be packed in the exact weight required plus it is easier to eat. So i spend $7.20 on a packet of SADIA mid wing chicken and a packet of Granola (Washed) potato at $1.75 (usual price $2.00). As i was a little "health conscious", i made some adjustment to the receipe by replacing the coconut milk with the Carnation Evaporate Milk (Low Fat) at $1.73. Total cost $12.93.
It was easy to prepare, took less than 30 minutes (exclude to defrost the chicken wing and cutting the potatos) in total by just following the instructions to prepare.
Verdict
I would rate if 3.5 out of 5 because i was using frozen chicken wing and not fresh chicken. Also, the coconut milk would have given it the extra punch to the taste. However, i must say it satisfied my craving adequately and it was easy for a novice to prepare. So for those who just want a quick fix, i would recommend Hai's Instant Currey Chicken Paste.
Verdict
I would rate if 3.5 out of 5 because i was using frozen chicken wing and not fresh chicken. Also, the coconut milk would have given it the extra punch to the taste. However, i must say it satisfied my craving adequately and it was easy for a novice to prepare. So for those who just want a quick fix, i would recommend Hai's Instant Currey Chicken Paste.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Space Station
A space station is an artificial structure designed for humans to live and work in outer space for a period of time.
 |
| The International Space Station (ISS) |
To date, only low earth orbital (LEO) stations have been implemented, otherwise known as orbital stations. A space station is distinguished from other manned spacecraft by its lack of major propulsion or landing facilities—instead, other vehicles are used as transport to and from the station. Current and recent-history space stations are designed for medium-term living in orbit, for periods of weeks, months, or even years. The only space station currently in use is the International Space Station. Previous stations include the Almaz and Salyut series, Skylab and Mir.
Space stations are used to study the effects of long-term space flight on the human body as well as to provide platforms for greater number and length of scientific studies than available on other space vehicles. Since the ill-fated flight of Soyuz 11 to Salyut 1, all manned spaceflight duration records have been set aboard space stations. The duration record for a single spaceflight is 437.7 days, set by Valeriy Polyakov aboard Mir from 1994 to 1995. As of 2009[update], three astronauts have completed single missions of over a year, all aboard Mir.
Space stations have been used for both military and civilian purposes. The last military-use space station was Salyut 5, which was used by the Almaz program of the Soviet Union in 1976 and 1977.
Future developments
- The People's Republic of China is expected to launch its first space station named Tiangong 1 in the first half of 2011. This would make China the third country to launch a space station. China will be launching two more space labs called Tiangong 2 and Tiangong 3 before 2016. It will then launch a 30-ton space station by 2022. Project 921-2 is the working name given by the People's Republic of China for plans to create a manned space station.
- Currently, Bigelow Aerospace is developing commercial inflatable habitat modules, derived from the earlier NASA Transhab concept, intended to be used for space station construction and for a space prize they are funding and operating, America's Space Prize. Genesis I and Genesis II are ⅓-scale unmanned prototype modules orbited to test the feasibility of inflatable structures and other systems in space. Future modules include the Galaxy, Sundancer and BA 330, each being progressively larger and more complicated, with the BA 330 intended as the full-scale manned production model for Bigelow's expandable space habitation module program.
- In April 2008, the Russian space agency has proposed the construction of an orbital construction yard for spacecraft too heavy to launch from Earth directly. It would not begin construction or be finished until after the decommissioning of the International Space Station. This plan was described to ISS partners by Anatoly Perminov June 17, 2009.
- Galactic Suite is a space hotel planned to be operational by 2012.
- Excalibur Almaz plans to refit Soviet Almaz space stations for commercial purposes
Monday, September 20, 2010
2010 Moscato - Brown Brothers
I absolutely love this wine. Cheap and affordable at S$20 and easily obtainable at any NTUC Fairprice.
This current release is a light straw colour with some youthful green tinges, while the nose is lifted with aromas of musk, citrus and freshly crushed grapes. In the mouth the wine is alive with a vibrant and mouth filling sherbet flavour. A wine of universal appeal, the retained carbon dioxide gives a mild frizzante effect resulting in a lively and fresh wine. Serve well chilled and enjoy while young and vibrant.
This versatile wine is an ideal accompaniment to any occasion whether it is served with or without food, or as an aperitif or table wine. Try it with baked Stanley apple filled with quince and hazelnuts and mascarpone cheese.
Alcohol: 5.5% pH: 3.3 Acid level: 5.9 g/L. Enjoy while young and vibrant.
This current release is a light straw colour with some youthful green tinges, while the nose is lifted with aromas of musk, citrus and freshly crushed grapes. In the mouth the wine is alive with a vibrant and mouth filling sherbet flavour. A wine of universal appeal, the retained carbon dioxide gives a mild frizzante effect resulting in a lively and fresh wine. Serve well chilled and enjoy while young and vibrant.
This versatile wine is an ideal accompaniment to any occasion whether it is served with or without food, or as an aperitif or table wine. Try it with baked Stanley apple filled with quince and hazelnuts and mascarpone cheese.
Alcohol: 5.5% pH: 3.3 Acid level: 5.9 g/L. Enjoy while young and vibrant.
To learn more about Brown Brothers click here Brother Brothers
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Dividends Really Do Matter
Intelligent Investing
Daniel Peris, 09.16.10, 03:00 PM EDT
Steady and rising dividends over the years keep your portfolio growing even when the overall market goes nowhere.
Read on : Forbes - Intelligent Investing
World Most Expensive Car
The 1936 Bugatti Atlantic 57SC has recently been sold at auction for around $30 million.
Source : CNN News
Source : CNN News
The Bugatti Type 57 and later variants (including the famous Atlantic and Atalante) was an entirely new design by Jean Bugatti, son of founder Ettore. Type 57s were built from 1934 through 1940, with a total of 710 examples produced.
Most Type 57s used a twin-cam 3257 cc engine based on that of the Type 49 but heavily modified by Jean Bugatti. Unlike the chain-drive twin-cam engines of the Type 50 and 51, the 57's engine used gears to transmit power from the crankshaft.
Considered by some to be the most beautiful pre-war car, the Atlantic body Type 57S featured flowing coupe lines with a pronounced dorsal seam running front to back. It was based on the "Aérolithe" concept car of 1935. Like the Type 59 Grand Prix car, the Aérolithe used Elektron (a magnesium alloy) or Duralumin (an aluminium alloy) for its body panels. Therefore, the body panels were riveted externally, creating the signature seam.
The production Atlantics (just four were made) used plain aluminium, however. But the dorsal seams were retained for style, and have led to the car's present fame.
Only two of the cars survive. One is in the collection of Ralph Lauren, the second was owned by Dr. Peter
Williamson, and won the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Williamson's car (#57374) was sold for between $30 and $40 million at an auction in May 2010 to the Mullin Automotive Museum located in Oxnard, California.
The Atalante was a two door coupe body style similar to and built after the Atlantic, built on both the Type 57 and 57S, but with a single piece windscreen and no fin. Only 17 Atalante cars were made, four of which reside in the Cité de l'Automobile Museum in Mulhouse, France (formerly known as the Musee Nationale de L'Automobile de Mulhouse). The name Atalante was derived from a heroine of Greek mythology, Atalanta.
Rediscovered Type 57S Atalante
Main article: Bugatti Type 57S Atalante number 57502
In 2008 the Bugatti Type 57S with chassis number 57502 built in 1937 with the Atalante coachwork for Earl Howe was discovered in a private garage in Newcastle upon Tyne, having been stored untouched for 48 years and known about only by a select few people[4]. It was auctioned in February 2009 at the Retromobile motor show in Paris, France, fetching €3.4 million (about US$4.6 million), becoming one of the highest valued cars in automotive history, owing much to its extremely low mileage, original condition and ownership pedigree.
Source : 1937 Bugatti Type 57
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