Do You Want To Earn From Your Web?
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Ram-bo
This hapless sheep has become a real life ‘ram-bo’ after inadvertently abseiling down a hill when its horn became snagged on an electricity wire.
The unfortunate sheep was spotted bleating for help more than 15 feet above the ground next to an telegraph pole.
Amazed onlookers watched the ram descend from a grazing pasture – apparently accidentally – while dangling from a live wire.
Luckily he did not catch the current from the wire.
The drama unravelled at the small town of Helgoysund on the Norwegian coast on Wednesday.
Tourists at the scene mounted a rescue attempt and eventually roped him to pull him back to ground level in little over an hour.
Bemused spectators suggested he may have been trying to take the fast route down to a herd of ewes grazing in the field below.
Marita Vestersjo Landsnes, aged 13, caught the calamity on her camera phone. The schoolgirl said she couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the sheep sliding down the live wire.
Her dad Geir Landsnes, 45, also watched the dramatic events unfold. He said Marita would never to go out without a camera again.
He said: ‘As a reward for his embarrassing predicament we helped him to achieve his quest by allowing him access to the ladies.
‘My wife saw something surreal from the kitchen window and realised it was the sheep hanging five to six metres off the ground from the wire by its horn and called me straight away, asking what to do.
‘I asked my daughter Marita to photograph the rescue operation so I could see the images of what had happened.
‘Marita is so proud that her images and I’ve encouraged her not to leave the house without her camera.’
The sheep had been grazing on the hill. He had got his horn stuck on the zip wire and as he got more agitated, was pulled down the hill on the wire he was attached to and ended more than up five metres above the ground.
The German tourists were in the area because the Landsnes family, alongside the sheep farm, run a small vacation place on the Norwegian island.
The sheep escaped unharmed.
The unfortunate sheep was spotted bleating for help more than 15 feet above the ground next to an telegraph pole.
Amazed onlookers watched the ram descend from a grazing pasture – apparently accidentally – while dangling from a live wire.
Luckily he did not catch the current from the wire.
The drama unravelled at the small town of Helgoysund on the Norwegian coast on Wednesday.
Tourists at the scene mounted a rescue attempt and eventually roped him to pull him back to ground level in little over an hour.
Bemused spectators suggested he may have been trying to take the fast route down to a herd of ewes grazing in the field below.
Marita Vestersjo Landsnes, aged 13, caught the calamity on her camera phone. The schoolgirl said she couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the sheep sliding down the live wire.
Her dad Geir Landsnes, 45, also watched the dramatic events unfold. He said Marita would never to go out without a camera again.
He said: ‘As a reward for his embarrassing predicament we helped him to achieve his quest by allowing him access to the ladies.
‘My wife saw something surreal from the kitchen window and realised it was the sheep hanging five to six metres off the ground from the wire by its horn and called me straight away, asking what to do.
‘I asked my daughter Marita to photograph the rescue operation so I could see the images of what had happened.
‘Marita is so proud that her images and I’ve encouraged her not to leave the house without her camera.’
The sheep had been grazing on the hill. He had got his horn stuck on the zip wire and as he got more agitated, was pulled down the hill on the wire he was attached to and ended more than up five metres above the ground.
The German tourists were in the area because the Landsnes family, alongside the sheep farm, run a small vacation place on the Norwegian island.
The sheep escaped unharmed.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Big GOD in Poland
A statue of Jesus Christ that its builders say will be the largest in the world is fast rising from a Polish cabbage field and local officials hope it will become a beacon for tourists.
The builders expect to attach the arms, head and crown to the robed torso in coming days, weather and cranes permitting, completing a project conceived by local Catholic priest Sylwester Zawadzki and paid for by private donations.
Standing on an artificial mound, the plaster and fibre glass statue will stand some 52 metres (57 yards) when completed, taller than the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer with outstretched arms that gazes over Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Polish officials say.
The actual statue will measure 33 metres — Zawadzki has said this reflects the fact that Jesus died at 33, according to Christian tradition — and weigh 440 tonnes.
“I’m happy because this project will bring publicity to our town, not only in Poland but also from the global media. Other countries are showing a lot of interest,” said Dariusz Bekisz, mayor of Swiebodzin, a town of about 21,000 people in western Poland some 100 km (60 miles) from the German border.
“More people will visit Swiebodzin and leave their money. Some will come for spiritual reasons, others out of curiosity,” he said, adding no public money had been used in the project.
“The priest, Father Zawadzki, is a man of action who always, throughout his life, has built and created… In the future we’re going to have to think about bringing the carnival to Swiebodzin too, just as in Rio,” he joked.
SCEPTICISM
Zawadzki is avoiding media for the time-being and Polish church leaders could not immediately be reached for comment. But the editor of Poland’s Catholic Information Agency (KAI) sounded a sceptical note.
“Everybody has a right to do what they want. Swiebodzin’s Jesus project doesn’t touch my religious sensitivity. These kinds of monuments don’t have much to do with spirituality,” editor Tomasz Krolak said.
“People should think more about building within themselves rather than making big monuments.”
Local townspeople seemed bemused by the whole affair.
“Building Jesus is an interesting idea, but I’m afraid we can’t beat Rio. I don’t treat this 100 percent seriously,” said local resident Piotr Pinio.
Others thought the money could have been put to better use.
“There are far more important aims to which we could put the money — sick children, for example, orphanages, old people. Do we really have to build a big Jesus statue to make people believe,” said Mieczyslawa Hundert.
Poland remains one of the most religiously observant countries in Europe and its churches are regularly packed on Sundays, especially in the countryside and smaller towns. (Writing by Gareth Jones, editing by Paul Casciato)
The builders expect to attach the arms, head and crown to the robed torso in coming days, weather and cranes permitting, completing a project conceived by local Catholic priest Sylwester Zawadzki and paid for by private donations.
Standing on an artificial mound, the plaster and fibre glass statue will stand some 52 metres (57 yards) when completed, taller than the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer with outstretched arms that gazes over Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Polish officials say.
The actual statue will measure 33 metres — Zawadzki has said this reflects the fact that Jesus died at 33, according to Christian tradition — and weigh 440 tonnes.
“I’m happy because this project will bring publicity to our town, not only in Poland but also from the global media. Other countries are showing a lot of interest,” said Dariusz Bekisz, mayor of Swiebodzin, a town of about 21,000 people in western Poland some 100 km (60 miles) from the German border.
“More people will visit Swiebodzin and leave their money. Some will come for spiritual reasons, others out of curiosity,” he said, adding no public money had been used in the project.
“The priest, Father Zawadzki, is a man of action who always, throughout his life, has built and created… In the future we’re going to have to think about bringing the carnival to Swiebodzin too, just as in Rio,” he joked.
SCEPTICISM
Zawadzki is avoiding media for the time-being and Polish church leaders could not immediately be reached for comment. But the editor of Poland’s Catholic Information Agency (KAI) sounded a sceptical note.
“Everybody has a right to do what they want. Swiebodzin’s Jesus project doesn’t touch my religious sensitivity. These kinds of monuments don’t have much to do with spirituality,” editor Tomasz Krolak said.
“People should think more about building within themselves rather than making big monuments.”
Local townspeople seemed bemused by the whole affair.
“Building Jesus is an interesting idea, but I’m afraid we can’t beat Rio. I don’t treat this 100 percent seriously,” said local resident Piotr Pinio.
Others thought the money could have been put to better use.
“There are far more important aims to which we could put the money — sick children, for example, orphanages, old people. Do we really have to build a big Jesus statue to make people believe,” said Mieczyslawa Hundert.
Poland remains one of the most religiously observant countries in Europe and its churches are regularly packed on Sundays, especially in the countryside and smaller towns. (Writing by Gareth Jones, editing by Paul Casciato)
Baby in China Born with Second Face
Children born with facial deformities are always a sad tale. Whether or not it’s something correctable, such as a cleft palate, or something you just have to live with, like Moebius syndrome, it’s always gut-wrenching that a poor child has to suffer such a condition. One such example is Kangkang, a 14-month old born with a transverse facial cleft. What does this mean?
It means the baby essentially has a second face. Hailing from the Hunan province, all signs pointed to a normal, healthy baby for young Yi Xilian, but once Kangkang was born, the truth was revealed. The poor child looks like he’s literally wearing a mask, due in part to a massive cleft that extends almost all the way up to his ears. Unable to see her son upon birth, the unfortunate mother, who is employed at a company that manufactures electronics in the Guangdong Province, pleaded and pleaded with her husband to see the newborn. After finally be handed the child, she broke down into tears.
No one knows what causes this unfortunate condition, though theories abound. It could be caused by an infection, or even frequent drug use by the mother. According to one source, the only drugs the mother took while pregnant were prescribed anti-abortion agents her doctors prescribed. Sadly, this condition is incredibly expensive to treat, as Yi learned when she took Kangkang at 20-days old to a hospital in Changsha. The final tally: around 300-400,000 Yen, or approximately 80,000 to 100,000 dollars.
Thankfully, there is a happy ending, as Kangkang’s family has managed to gather together enough money for treatment at the People’s Liberation Army’s Military No. 163 Hospital.
It means the baby essentially has a second face. Hailing from the Hunan province, all signs pointed to a normal, healthy baby for young Yi Xilian, but once Kangkang was born, the truth was revealed. The poor child looks like he’s literally wearing a mask, due in part to a massive cleft that extends almost all the way up to his ears. Unable to see her son upon birth, the unfortunate mother, who is employed at a company that manufactures electronics in the Guangdong Province, pleaded and pleaded with her husband to see the newborn. After finally be handed the child, she broke down into tears.
No one knows what causes this unfortunate condition, though theories abound. It could be caused by an infection, or even frequent drug use by the mother. According to one source, the only drugs the mother took while pregnant were prescribed anti-abortion agents her doctors prescribed. Sadly, this condition is incredibly expensive to treat, as Yi learned when she took Kangkang at 20-days old to a hospital in Changsha. The final tally: around 300-400,000 Yen, or approximately 80,000 to 100,000 dollars.
Thankfully, there is a happy ending, as Kangkang’s family has managed to gather together enough money for treatment at the People’s Liberation Army’s Military No. 163 Hospital.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Japan’s Cbyerdine Robot Suit: Hope For the Disabled
Japan’s obsession with robots and the cold hand of technology have reached out to the disabled, offering hope and help in the form of a robot exoskeleton robotic suit called the Hybrid Assistive Limb, or HAL.
The robot suit grants the wearer power by using sensors monitoring electric signals sent from the brain to the muscles to both anticipate and support body movements.
Although the beneficent robot suit shares its name with the company responsible for nuclear destruction and Terminator movie fame, humane revolution is the mantra of this Cyberdine, for the disabled specifically.
HAL currently offers two options: the single or double leg device. (In this case, one size sort of fits all). It has many applications, and can be used for everything from assisting caregivers lift people to aiding construction workers or even firefighters in their arduous tasks.
In a wheelchair for nine years and after three weeks of training with HAL, a man who had suffered brain injuries was finally able to stand on his own feet.
Encouraged, the folks at Cyberdine are preparing to mass produce HAL and have already started leasing the battery-powered suit to welfare facilities.
“Developing robots without utilizing them in society would just be an extension of a hobby. What I develop should be part of society and benefit people… Many in the research and development field are motivated by their own interest…Research isn’t for just writing papers,” said Cyberdyne CEO Yoshiyuki Sankai, professor at the University of Tsukuba.
Some 50 Japanese hospitals and homes for the elderly in Japan are already using a lower-limb version of HAL to assist disabled people. Rental fees for both legs are 140,000-150,000 yen (1,600-1,800 dollars) a month!
The full-body version for caregivers, which assists both arms and legs and allows users to carry a load of up to 70 kilogrammes (154 pounds) with one arm
will be available next year. Consumes may be able to buy HAL by 2015.
The robot suit grants the wearer power by using sensors monitoring electric signals sent from the brain to the muscles to both anticipate and support body movements.
Although the beneficent robot suit shares its name with the company responsible for nuclear destruction and Terminator movie fame, humane revolution is the mantra of this Cyberdine, for the disabled specifically.
HAL currently offers two options: the single or double leg device. (In this case, one size sort of fits all). It has many applications, and can be used for everything from assisting caregivers lift people to aiding construction workers or even firefighters in their arduous tasks.
In a wheelchair for nine years and after three weeks of training with HAL, a man who had suffered brain injuries was finally able to stand on his own feet.
Encouraged, the folks at Cyberdine are preparing to mass produce HAL and have already started leasing the battery-powered suit to welfare facilities.
“Developing robots without utilizing them in society would just be an extension of a hobby. What I develop should be part of society and benefit people… Many in the research and development field are motivated by their own interest…Research isn’t for just writing papers,” said Cyberdyne CEO Yoshiyuki Sankai, professor at the University of Tsukuba.
Some 50 Japanese hospitals and homes for the elderly in Japan are already using a lower-limb version of HAL to assist disabled people. Rental fees for both legs are 140,000-150,000 yen (1,600-1,800 dollars) a month!
The full-body version for caregivers, which assists both arms and legs and allows users to carry a load of up to 70 kilogrammes (154 pounds) with one arm
will be available next year. Consumes may be able to buy HAL by 2015.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Chinese Girl Has Basketball for a Body
Qian Hongyan, who was forced to use half a basketball as her prosthetic body, has inspired millions recently with her ambition to compete as a swimmer in the 2012 Paralympics in London.
Qian swims about 2000 meters a day and trains really hard.
“Qian Hongyan studies hard. She never grouches in training although she was confronted with many difficulties at the beginning, ” her coach said.
The 10 year-old was injured trajically in an auto accident when she was only 3 years old. To insure her survival, the doctors were forced to amputate her legs.
Qian’s family, living in Zhuangxia, China, was unable to afford modern prosthetics and instead used a half a basketball to get around on. Once on the ball she uses two wooden props to help her move around.
Qian now has a pair of proper prosthetic legs, but still says she likes to use the basketball from time to time as it is easier for her to get in and out of the pool with.
Qian swims about 2000 meters a day and trains really hard.
“Qian Hongyan studies hard. She never grouches in training although she was confronted with many difficulties at the beginning, ” her coach said.
The 10 year-old was injured trajically in an auto accident when she was only 3 years old. To insure her survival, the doctors were forced to amputate her legs.
Qian’s family, living in Zhuangxia, China, was unable to afford modern prosthetics and instead used a half a basketball to get around on. Once on the ball she uses two wooden props to help her move around.
Qian now has a pair of proper prosthetic legs, but still says she likes to use the basketball from time to time as it is easier for her to get in and out of the pool with.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Robot Waitresses Serve Food in China
The Dalu Robot Restaurant, in Jinan, northern China’s Shandong Province, has a very special wait staff indeed. All of the waitresses (six in total) are robots that follow a fixed route that can serve up to 100 diners.
Developed by the Shandong Dalu Science and Technology Company, the 21 tables are set up in circles and diners are served in rotation. After serving the food, the robots prepare for the next round of customers by returning to the kitchen to refill their carts.
Humans prepare all of the food in the kitchen, which consists mostly of Chinese fondue. Other human staff welcome customers and explain how the restaurant works and what they can expect from their waitresses.
The developers of this idea are hoping to take the concept even further.
“Next, we’ll develop robots which can climb stairs and help with kitchen chores like washing the dishes. And our waitresses will become more sophisticated so they can go directly to a customer’s table and even refill drinks,” said restaurant spokesman, Zhang Yongpei.
A few questions linger in the restaurant air:
What if you want to change your order or ask a question?
AND…
How much should you tip a mechanized waitress? (After all, what can they do with the money?)
Developed by the Shandong Dalu Science and Technology Company, the 21 tables are set up in circles and diners are served in rotation. After serving the food, the robots prepare for the next round of customers by returning to the kitchen to refill their carts.
Humans prepare all of the food in the kitchen, which consists mostly of Chinese fondue. Other human staff welcome customers and explain how the restaurant works and what they can expect from their waitresses.
The developers of this idea are hoping to take the concept even further.
“Next, we’ll develop robots which can climb stairs and help with kitchen chores like washing the dishes. And our waitresses will become more sophisticated so they can go directly to a customer’s table and even refill drinks,” said restaurant spokesman, Zhang Yongpei.
A few questions linger in the restaurant air:
What if you want to change your order or ask a question?
AND…
How much should you tip a mechanized waitress? (After all, what can they do with the money?)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
真的猛男，跟世界80个地方的女人做爱 A Man Had Sex With Women From 80 Countries
德国的一位记者和他的朋友打了一个疯狂的赌，他将和世界上80个地方的女性发生性关系。
今年29岁的Thilo Mischke刚失恋，为了疗伤，他决定做个世界旅行，并尽可能地寻找一夜情对象。他已经去到16个国家，与这些国家的女大学生，空姐，女服务员在机场，酒店，海滩等不同地方发生过性行为。他的第一个约会对象在波兰。他还写了本关于他在旅行中遇到的女人的书，他觉得性在世界各地都是一样的，只有对象不同而已。日本女人非常温顺，而东欧女人更直接。
但是他的赌博没有完全成功，因为他在飞往斐济的旅途中找到了他的真命天女，赌博只得作罢。在遇到对的女人之前，他成功了19次。
今年29岁的Thilo Mischke刚失恋，为了疗伤，他决定做个世界旅行，并尽可能地寻找一夜情对象。他已经去到16个国家，与这些国家的女大学生，空姐，女服务员在机场，酒店，海滩等不同地方发生过性行为。他的第一个约会对象在波兰。他还写了本关于他在旅行中遇到的女人的书，他觉得性在世界各地都是一样的，只有对象不同而已。日本女人非常温顺，而东欧女人更直接。
但是他的赌博没有完全成功，因为他在飞往斐济的旅途中找到了他的真命天女，赌博只得作罢。在遇到对的女人之前，他成功了19次。
Indian Man Marries and Then Sells 60 Wives To Brothels
In Darjeeling, a mountainous tea-growing district of the eastern state of West Bengal, a 27 year-old man has been arrested for duping 60 women into marrying him and then selling them into prostitution.
Bikky Biswarkarma pretended to be a well paid army officer home on holiday when over a five year period, he married at least 60 girls and then sold them to brothels in Mumbai and Pune, cities in the western state of Maharastra, for 70,000-100,000 rupees ($1,500-$2,000).
“He used to pose as an army man on leave who…wanted to get married before returning to work. He would change bases frequently to lure girls from poor families in tea gardens and villages,” said district police chief, Debendra Prasad Singh.
Biswakarma was particularly cold-hearted. He would transport his new wife via train, telling her wanted her to meet a relative. A brothel owner would then arrive on the scene and coax her to go with him. Our hero would then leave his new, naïve bride to her undeserved fate.
It was difficult for the police to take action in this case because there were few if any complaints issued by the families of the girls who never knew they had been sold to brothels.
Police have located nine of the women so far and he has been charged with several serious offenses, including human trafficking. It is hoped that the other brides will be found soon especially since Biswakarma has been arrested. Police are also looking for several accomplices whose days are hopefully numbered.
Bikky Biswarkarma pretended to be a well paid army officer home on holiday when over a five year period, he married at least 60 girls and then sold them to brothels in Mumbai and Pune, cities in the western state of Maharastra, for 70,000-100,000 rupees ($1,500-$2,000).
“He used to pose as an army man on leave who…wanted to get married before returning to work. He would change bases frequently to lure girls from poor families in tea gardens and villages,” said district police chief, Debendra Prasad Singh.
Biswakarma was particularly cold-hearted. He would transport his new wife via train, telling her wanted her to meet a relative. A brothel owner would then arrive on the scene and coax her to go with him. Our hero would then leave his new, naïve bride to her undeserved fate.
It was difficult for the police to take action in this case because there were few if any complaints issued by the families of the girls who never knew they had been sold to brothels.
Police have located nine of the women so far and he has been charged with several serious offenses, including human trafficking. It is hoped that the other brides will be found soon especially since Biswakarma has been arrested. Police are also looking for several accomplices whose days are hopefully numbered.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Japan's Gundam robot crushes Chinese lookalike
Japan's 18 metre (60 foot) tall Gundam combat robot, hero to millions of sci-fi animation fans, emerged victorious Monday after apparently banishing a lookalike rival from a Chinese amusement park.
Japan's Gundam robot crushes Chinese lookalike
Japanese devotees of the "Mobile Suit Gundam" anime series had been up in arms after television news reports showed a giant golden figure that closely resembled their beloved battle-bot towering over a fun park in China.
Japan's Fuji Television showed images of the robot, of similar height and with similar features to a giant Gundam that has been on show and drawn large crowds in Tokyo and then coastal Shizuoka in recent months.
Like Gundam, the Chinese figure bears the logos EFSF and WB on its shoulders -- short, as all Gundam fans know, for 'Earth Federation Space Force', which controls space colonies, and 'White Base', Gundam's mothership.
A spokesman for China's Floraland park in Chengdu, Sichuan province, was quoted as telling Fuji TV that the design was "completely original", but that the park was "remodelling" it because some people said it looked like Gundam.
On a Japanese chatroom, one outraged writer thundered that "they have no shame", another critiqued the Chinese robot's colour scheme, and a third suggested it should be called "Gansaku" -- Japanese for "counterfeit".
Gundam's human defence forces were readying for a possible copyright battle.
"We have got information that a copied statue of 'Mobile Suit Gundam' is being built at a theme park in Sichuan," said an official of Sotsu Co., which handles trademark and merchandising issues for the TV and movie series.
"We are now collecting information as the details are still unclear."
Officials at the Chinese theme park denied the existence of the statue on Monday. A witness told AFP the statue had been removed from the premises.
The Gundam anime series, first aired in Japan in 1979, and its spin-offs, have won legions of enthusiastic fans in many countries, including China.
The copyright battle may not be over yet. Fuji network also showed figures at the park that resembled characters from Japan's "Ultraman" sci-fi series.
Japan's Gundam robot crushes Chinese lookalike
Japanese devotees of the "Mobile Suit Gundam" anime series had been up in arms after television news reports showed a giant golden figure that closely resembled their beloved battle-bot towering over a fun park in China.
Japan's Fuji Television showed images of the robot, of similar height and with similar features to a giant Gundam that has been on show and drawn large crowds in Tokyo and then coastal Shizuoka in recent months.
Like Gundam, the Chinese figure bears the logos EFSF and WB on its shoulders -- short, as all Gundam fans know, for 'Earth Federation Space Force', which controls space colonies, and 'White Base', Gundam's mothership.
A spokesman for China's Floraland park in Chengdu, Sichuan province, was quoted as telling Fuji TV that the design was "completely original", but that the park was "remodelling" it because some people said it looked like Gundam.
On a Japanese chatroom, one outraged writer thundered that "they have no shame", another critiqued the Chinese robot's colour scheme, and a third suggested it should be called "Gansaku" -- Japanese for "counterfeit".
Gundam's human defence forces were readying for a possible copyright battle.
"We have got information that a copied statue of 'Mobile Suit Gundam' is being built at a theme park in Sichuan," said an official of Sotsu Co., which handles trademark and merchandising issues for the TV and movie series.
"We are now collecting information as the details are still unclear."
Officials at the Chinese theme park denied the existence of the statue on Monday. A witness told AFP the statue had been removed from the premises.
The Gundam anime series, first aired in Japan in 1979, and its spin-offs, have won legions of enthusiastic fans in many countries, including China.
The copyright battle may not be over yet. Fuji network also showed figures at the park that resembled characters from Japan's "Ultraman" sci-fi series.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Fake Innovation: Are Copycats Creative?
In a bizarre turn of events related to intellectual property, a Chinese senior official has defended the blatant copyright practices employed by many Chinese manufacturers.
The clam is, believe it or not, that “innovative elements” should be commended and encouraged rather squashed without evaluation.
“Both the interests of intellectual property holders and of the end-consumers of these products should be considered when it comes to intellectual property, as both protection and use of property contribute to the progress of society,” said Yang Xueshan, vice minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
The “shanzhai phenomenon” that is sweeping across China covers a diverse range of electronic products including mobile phones, MP3 Players and Web designs. Since Apple released its iPhone 4, shanzhai models have been widely available across Chinese black markets. The cheapest copy sells for about 550 yuan ($83).
“It is not fair to label a knockoff product as piggybacking on existing intellectual property without careful assessment. Fake-product makers should pay for using intellectual property created by others to avoid any infringement. Otherwise, they should be encouraged, as they are also innovating,” Yang added.
It must be said that he included a pledge promising a properly conducted crack down on copyright infringement.
To illustrate the extent of the shanzhai trend, one website (shanzhaiji.com) markets exclusively shanzhai products ranging from mobile phones to high-definition TV sets, which are all priced cheaply.
The problem is that most of the copycat products while they may bear some semblance to the original are, generally speaking, of much poorer quality as well as lower cost.
“Knockoffs, which are more often better localized, just cater for the particular needs of low-income people, so there is sufficient room for them to survive and thrive,” claims Zheng Jianmin, a professor of business at the University of International Business and Economics.
Others sharply disagree.
“Shanzai products are controversial, as they are not clearly defined…
The act of stealing and pirating from other brands is intolerable worldwide. Developing self-innovated brands is the only way to make Chinese brands respected worldwide,” states Feng Jun, CEO and founder of the giant Chinese consumer electronics brand, Aigo.
There may remain many schools of thought on this highly charged, controversial issue, but last year alone across China, courts settled a total of 36,000 intellectual property disputes, marking an increase of 2.7% from the previous year.
The clam is, believe it or not, that “innovative elements” should be commended and encouraged rather squashed without evaluation.
“Both the interests of intellectual property holders and of the end-consumers of these products should be considered when it comes to intellectual property, as both protection and use of property contribute to the progress of society,” said Yang Xueshan, vice minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
The “shanzhai phenomenon” that is sweeping across China covers a diverse range of electronic products including mobile phones, MP3 Players and Web designs. Since Apple released its iPhone 4, shanzhai models have been widely available across Chinese black markets. The cheapest copy sells for about 550 yuan ($83).
“It is not fair to label a knockoff product as piggybacking on existing intellectual property without careful assessment. Fake-product makers should pay for using intellectual property created by others to avoid any infringement. Otherwise, they should be encouraged, as they are also innovating,” Yang added.
It must be said that he included a pledge promising a properly conducted crack down on copyright infringement.
To illustrate the extent of the shanzhai trend, one website (shanzhaiji.com) markets exclusively shanzhai products ranging from mobile phones to high-definition TV sets, which are all priced cheaply.
The problem is that most of the copycat products while they may bear some semblance to the original are, generally speaking, of much poorer quality as well as lower cost.
“Knockoffs, which are more often better localized, just cater for the particular needs of low-income people, so there is sufficient room for them to survive and thrive,” claims Zheng Jianmin, a professor of business at the University of International Business and Economics.
Others sharply disagree.
“Shanzai products are controversial, as they are not clearly defined…
The act of stealing and pirating from other brands is intolerable worldwide. Developing self-innovated brands is the only way to make Chinese brands respected worldwide,” states Feng Jun, CEO and founder of the giant Chinese consumer electronics brand, Aigo.
There may remain many schools of thought on this highly charged, controversial issue, but last year alone across China, courts settled a total of 36,000 intellectual property disputes, marking an increase of 2.7% from the previous year.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Housewife glues her eyes shut after pharmacy mix-up
A 63-year-old housewife glues her eyes shut after being dispensed with the wrong medication by the NUH pharmacy. (Yahoo! file photo)
A woman ended up in the Accident and Emergency department after literally glueing her eyes shut.
This after she was given a dental paste instead of an eye medicine due to a mix-up by the pharmacy at Singapore’s National University Hospital (NUH).
The Straits Times reports that Madam Pang Har Tin first saw a doctor at NUH last Friday for a routine follow-up to several pre-existing eye conditions, including glaucoma. Procedures performed during the appointment left a corneal abrasion on her eye, causing irritation.
On Monday, she went to see another eye specialist at NUH and was prescribed a gel called Solcoseryl 20% Eye Gel, which would help her eyes heal.
However, instead of taking home the prescribed medication, she was given a dental adhesive tube paste called Solcoseryl Dental Adhesive Paste, an ointment used to treat inflammation and wounds in the mouth.
As the 63-year-old housewife could not read English, she failed to spot the mix-up by reading the label on the medicine. She later went home and applied the wrong paste on her eyes, causing her eyelids to stick together.
She was eventually rushed to NUH’s A & E department to have her right eye flushed out. It is understood that she has since made a full recovery.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NUH apologised for the incident.
“We are deeply sorry for Madam Pang’s experience which resulted from our error. Her well-being is our priority, and we have arranged for our eye specialist to review her on Wednesday. We will do our best to see through Madam Pang’s recovery.”
An NUH spokesman added that “the pharmacy staff involved have been counselled, and we have tightened our processes to minimise the risk of a similar error.”
Madam Pang’ son, Austin Liow, 35, told paper, “This is a very severe mistake, especially for the elderly who might not be well educated or read English. They will not know that they have received the wrong medication.”
“We were lucky that the box indicated it was a dental paste. If it had just the substance name, we would not even have realised there was a mistake,” he added.
Thank you for the incredible, amazing response to Yahoo!’s Fit-To-Post blog so far. We continue to welcome your views and comments but please don’t abuse this opportunity. Be nice. Be courteous. Be sensible. Respect the feelings of others and refrain from using any kind of offensive language. And in the spirit of great conversations, please don’t stray from the topic at hand.
A woman ended up in the Accident and Emergency department after literally glueing her eyes shut.
This after she was given a dental paste instead of an eye medicine due to a mix-up by the pharmacy at Singapore’s National University Hospital (NUH).
The Straits Times reports that Madam Pang Har Tin first saw a doctor at NUH last Friday for a routine follow-up to several pre-existing eye conditions, including glaucoma. Procedures performed during the appointment left a corneal abrasion on her eye, causing irritation.
On Monday, she went to see another eye specialist at NUH and was prescribed a gel called Solcoseryl 20% Eye Gel, which would help her eyes heal.
However, instead of taking home the prescribed medication, she was given a dental adhesive tube paste called Solcoseryl Dental Adhesive Paste, an ointment used to treat inflammation and wounds in the mouth.
As the 63-year-old housewife could not read English, she failed to spot the mix-up by reading the label on the medicine. She later went home and applied the wrong paste on her eyes, causing her eyelids to stick together.
She was eventually rushed to NUH’s A & E department to have her right eye flushed out. It is understood that she has since made a full recovery.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NUH apologised for the incident.
“We are deeply sorry for Madam Pang’s experience which resulted from our error. Her well-being is our priority, and we have arranged for our eye specialist to review her on Wednesday. We will do our best to see through Madam Pang’s recovery.”
An NUH spokesman added that “the pharmacy staff involved have been counselled, and we have tightened our processes to minimise the risk of a similar error.”
Madam Pang’ son, Austin Liow, 35, told paper, “This is a very severe mistake, especially for the elderly who might not be well educated or read English. They will not know that they have received the wrong medication.”
“We were lucky that the box indicated it was a dental paste. If it had just the substance name, we would not even have realised there was a mistake,” he added.
Thank you for the incredible, amazing response to Yahoo!’s Fit-To-Post blog so far. We continue to welcome your views and comments but please don’t abuse this opportunity. Be nice. Be courteous. Be sensible. Respect the feelings of others and refrain from using any kind of offensive language. And in the spirit of great conversations, please don’t stray from the topic at hand.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Lun Sky (音樂男孩) Decided Not To Commit Suicide
Lun Sky (音樂男孩) from Facebook eventually decided not to give up his life. He has confessed in his Facebook for his deed. Many people prayed for him that he will not do so while many others out there are struggling to get life. However, Lun Sky gonna have lots of haters. Some say that he is attention whore, worse than Alviss Kong, mo liu, gay bla bla bla.. you judge LOL.
Haters created facebook page asking him to jump: 支持lun sky今晚跳楼！请赞这个网页.
Haters created facebook page asking him to jump: 支持lun sky今晚跳楼！请赞这个网页.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Chinese Man Builds Egg-shaped Bamboo Home
Dai Haifei, a recent 24 year-old college graduate, has built an egg-shaped bamboo home in northwestern Beijing’s Haidian District where he has lived for the past two months.
The young man works for an architectural design company and the inspiration for the design of his rather unusual abode came from the company’s display of a mobile, egg-shaped cabin called “egg of the city,” that was presented during a biannual exhibition.
This project appealed to young Dai because it provided small homes for those struggling with low incomes. Determined to find a way to lower his own living expenses by eliminating the need to pay rent, Dai borrowed 6,400 yuan (US$958) from his family to build his own house.
Placed in a small courtyard on the premises of the company where here works, Dai has also eliminated the cost of commuting to and from employment from his annual expenses.
Built with small wheels to render mobility, the interior of the cabin is constructed of woven bamboo boards fastened with nails. Bamboo mats and two kinds of insulation above the bamboo boards effectively retain the heat and keep out the water.
Although there is no kitchen, forcing Dai to use the restaurants near where he works, there is also no cleanup or need to store food. A meter-wide bed (3 feet) with several books on an overhead shelf and a water tank with a pressurized system provide water for bathing.
An oval-shaped gate with no lock surrounds the house, which stands about 2 meters high (more than 6 feet). The gate was hollowed out of the cabin’s exterior, which is comprised of gunnysacks.
According to the proud homeowner, the sacks contain grass seed that will sprout in the spring.
The young man works for an architectural design company and the inspiration for the design of his rather unusual abode came from the company’s display of a mobile, egg-shaped cabin called “egg of the city,” that was presented during a biannual exhibition.
This project appealed to young Dai because it provided small homes for those struggling with low incomes. Determined to find a way to lower his own living expenses by eliminating the need to pay rent, Dai borrowed 6,400 yuan (US$958) from his family to build his own house.
Placed in a small courtyard on the premises of the company where here works, Dai has also eliminated the cost of commuting to and from employment from his annual expenses.
Built with small wheels to render mobility, the interior of the cabin is constructed of woven bamboo boards fastened with nails. Bamboo mats and two kinds of insulation above the bamboo boards effectively retain the heat and keep out the water.
Although there is no kitchen, forcing Dai to use the restaurants near where he works, there is also no cleanup or need to store food. A meter-wide bed (3 feet) with several books on an overhead shelf and a water tank with a pressurized system provide water for bathing.
An oval-shaped gate with no lock surrounds the house, which stands about 2 meters high (more than 6 feet). The gate was hollowed out of the cabin’s exterior, which is comprised of gunnysacks.
According to the proud homeowner, the sacks contain grass seed that will sprout in the spring.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
“Welcome to Japan!” Said The Bra
Japanese bra-producer Triumph International—known for wacky concoctions like the Rice Bra, the Solar Powered Bra, and the Chopsticks Bra—is back at it again! This time around they’ve invented a patriotic, talking bra that welcomes visitors with a hearty, “Welcome to Japan!”
Meet the un-cleverly titled “Welcome to Japan! Bra,” an electronic brassiere featuring three push buttons that great visitors in English, Chinese and Korean, respectively. Also included are tour guide flags on each side of the bra for added support, a more attractive bust line and, of course, good ol’ patriotism.
The blue, bustier-style bra was designed to boost Japan’s economy by bumping up tourism up to 30-million visitors per year.
“Identifying and making good use of abundant tourism assets that still remain untapped in Japan will contribute to stimulating the domestic economy,” a Triumph spokesman told the Agence France-Presse news agency.
Meet the un-cleverly titled “Welcome to Japan! Bra,” an electronic brassiere featuring three push buttons that great visitors in English, Chinese and Korean, respectively. Also included are tour guide flags on each side of the bra for added support, a more attractive bust line and, of course, good ol’ patriotism.
The blue, bustier-style bra was designed to boost Japan’s economy by bumping up tourism up to 30-million visitors per year.
“Identifying and making good use of abundant tourism assets that still remain untapped in Japan will contribute to stimulating the domestic economy,” a Triumph spokesman told the Agence France-Presse news agency.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Japan’s Vending Machine Recommends Drinks to Customers
In today’s world, vending machines overwhelm the Japanese consumer, and everything from diapers to live crabs can be had with the drop of some coins in a slot.
But one canned drink vending machine (at least so far) stands out from all the rest; this one recommends drinks to its potential customers by using facial recognition technology based on the customer’s age and gender.
Developed by JR East Water Business Co, a subsidiary of the railway firm, JR East Co, these machines use large touch-panel screens with sensors that permit the determination of the characteristics of an approaching customer.
A “recommended” label will then appear on specific drink products and these change as they are affected by variables like time of day and the outdoor temperature.
If the customer is a man, the machine is likely to recommend a canned coffee drink, since men tend to prefer these… A woman in her 20s will be recommended a tea drink or slightly sweeter product, since market research has shown that they prefer these. We thought it would make it a lot more fun for the customers to have this kind of interaction with our machines…,” said a company spokeswoman.
If the proof is in the pudding as the old saying goes, sales have tripled over those from regular vending machines.
Results are based on only one machine that has been installed at one Tokyo train station, but it is expected that by early 2011, five more will be added at central Tokyo Station and nearby suburban areas. By March of 2012, some 500 machines are slated for installation all around Tokyo and its environs.
Cool, yes, but what if you desire a more significant conversation with the machine?
Where do you go from there?
But one canned drink vending machine (at least so far) stands out from all the rest; this one recommends drinks to its potential customers by using facial recognition technology based on the customer’s age and gender.
Developed by JR East Water Business Co, a subsidiary of the railway firm, JR East Co, these machines use large touch-panel screens with sensors that permit the determination of the characteristics of an approaching customer.
A “recommended” label will then appear on specific drink products and these change as they are affected by variables like time of day and the outdoor temperature.
If the customer is a man, the machine is likely to recommend a canned coffee drink, since men tend to prefer these… A woman in her 20s will be recommended a tea drink or slightly sweeter product, since market research has shown that they prefer these. We thought it would make it a lot more fun for the customers to have this kind of interaction with our machines…,” said a company spokeswoman.
If the proof is in the pudding as the old saying goes, sales have tripled over those from regular vending machines.
Results are based on only one machine that has been installed at one Tokyo train station, but it is expected that by early 2011, five more will be added at central Tokyo Station and nearby suburban areas. By March of 2012, some 500 machines are slated for installation all around Tokyo and its environs.
Cool, yes, but what if you desire a more significant conversation with the machine?
Where do you go from there?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Chinese Duck Has Three Legs and Four Feet
One can only wonder about Mother Nature and her odd sense of humor when viewing this little duck born in China with three legs and four feet.
The odd duckling was among a batch of 600 purchased by farmer, Yang Fuyong, of southern China’s Guangxi Province.
He discovered the duckling’s plight of having one too many legs and two too many feet while vaccinating all of them.
In its own way, this poor little duckling is fortunate as the farmer decided to sell the other ducklings but keep this unusual one as a pet.
“I have been raising ducks for more than 10 years but I have never seen anything like this before. It has an extra leg behind the other two and that leg has two feet. I’m going to carry on raising it to see how it does,” said Yang.
Local livestock experts are certain that the duck is the result of a genetic mutation.
This type of mutation is rare, but such cases have occurred over the years all over the world.
The odd duckling was among a batch of 600 purchased by farmer, Yang Fuyong, of southern China’s Guangxi Province.
He discovered the duckling’s plight of having one too many legs and two too many feet while vaccinating all of them.
In its own way, this poor little duckling is fortunate as the farmer decided to sell the other ducklings but keep this unusual one as a pet.
“I have been raising ducks for more than 10 years but I have never seen anything like this before. It has an extra leg behind the other two and that leg has two feet. I’m going to carry on raising it to see how it does,” said Yang.
Local livestock experts are certain that the duck is the result of a genetic mutation.
This type of mutation is rare, but such cases have occurred over the years all over the world.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Armless Man Caught Driving With His Feet
Zing Shen, a 42 year-old man with no arms, was recently caught driving with his feet in Beijing.
Zing told police that ever since he lost his arms in an industrial accident several years ago, he had used his feet to steer his vehicle without difficulty. He has no arms from the elbows down.
“He had an automatic so did not need to worry about changing gears and said he had put a lot of practice into learning to control the steering wheel with his legs. He said he was actually even more careful now with driving than he had been before he lost his arms. He was surprised when we arrested him.”
Zing told police that ever since he lost his arms in an industrial accident several years ago, he had used his feet to steer his vehicle without difficulty. He has no arms from the elbows down.
“He had an automatic so did not need to worry about changing gears and said he had put a lot of practice into learning to control the steering wheel with his legs. He said he was actually even more careful now with driving than he had been before he lost his arms. He was surprised when we arrested him.”
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Will China Ban Naked Wedding Photos?
A rather odd trend has been developing in China involving naked portraits of newly-weds. There are two options; the couple can either be posed wearing absolutely nothing at all or with sheets (or leaves) placed strategically across their bodies.
The Shanghai Wedding Trade Association for photographers is pressing the government to ban any studio that engages in this practice, claiming that it disrespects the institution of marriage.
“We don’t advocate such wedding photographs as they are out of keeping with the conservative traditions of Chinese people. Weddings should be holy ceremonies, so we hope young people can show respect,” said He Lina, the association’s vice president.
Traditionally, Chinese wedding photos are taken months before the ceremony unlike other cultures. The couple is usually posed wearing either Western or Chinese outfits.
Taking and posing for naked photos falls within the realm of the law, but spreading the display of such in the public domain falls under pornography.
There are naked wedding photos posted on the Internet, and certainly, one can only wonder about the wisdom behind such a decision.
The lingering issue appears to be a debate over the rights of privacy and common sense.
Check out the video below for naked couples in Jamaica, West Indies, who went a giant step further and performed the entire wedding ceremony, a buffo!
The Shanghai Wedding Trade Association for photographers is pressing the government to ban any studio that engages in this practice, claiming that it disrespects the institution of marriage.
“We don’t advocate such wedding photographs as they are out of keeping with the conservative traditions of Chinese people. Weddings should be holy ceremonies, so we hope young people can show respect,” said He Lina, the association’s vice president.
Traditionally, Chinese wedding photos are taken months before the ceremony unlike other cultures. The couple is usually posed wearing either Western or Chinese outfits.
Taking and posing for naked photos falls within the realm of the law, but spreading the display of such in the public domain falls under pornography.
There are naked wedding photos posted on the Internet, and certainly, one can only wonder about the wisdom behind such a decision.
The lingering issue appears to be a debate over the rights of privacy and common sense.
Check out the video below for naked couples in Jamaica, West Indies, who went a giant step further and performed the entire wedding ceremony, a buffo!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Werewolf boy appeals to doctors to find a cure
An 11-year-old "werewolf" boy who desperately seeks a cure for his condition is baffling medical experts.
Pruthviraj Patil is one of 50 in the world who suffers from hypertrichosis, a rare genetic condition known as Werewolf Syndrome.
As a result his face and body is covered in thick, matted hair.
But he is hoping doctors will one day find a cure for his ailment.
Born in the Indian district of Sangli, near Bombey, he hardly ever leaves his village because of his fear of being traunted by strangers.
The only parts of his body that are not covered with hair are the palms of his hands and soles of his feet.
The son of a well off farmer, his parents have tried homeopathy, traditional Ayurvedic remedies and laser surgery. But none of them have worked.
It is believe his genetic condition was caused by a flaw during pregnancy.
"Why did God do this to us," his 32-year-old mother Anita pleads. "He looks so odd and whever we go people throng to see him."
Plastic surgeon Vinay6 Saoji has examined the boy and confirms that the condition is very rare.
"Hairy nevus, where a person has patches of excess growth, or hirsurism, is not uncommon, but hair persisting all over the body is very rare," he added.
Pruthviraj says he is anxious to get the hair removed but even after laser treatment it simply grows back.
The doctors don't have any answers to his predicament.
When he first went to school he said he got bullied and the other children laughed at him. But now they have got used to him and they treat him like normal.
He appealed to the doctors to help find him a permanent cure.
Man Killed Girlfriend Because She Answered Her Phone During Sex
46-year-old Garron Lewis is currently facing a first-degree intentional homicide charge for murdering 44-year-old Sharron Dorsey. He confessed to strangling the woman with his belt because she answered her cellphone while the two were having sex.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County, Lewis committed the crime, went to a friend's home, and explained—in tears—that he had murdered Dorsey for daring to answer her cellphone mid-sex. The Milwaukee County medical examiner's report confirmed that Dorsey died of "asphyxiation due to strangulation," making Lewis' description of the murder plausible
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Proper Way to Pee in Japan
Do you remember the episode of South Park where Leopold “Butters” Stotch was seen using the urinal at school, holding his shirt up and his pants around his ankles? Sure, he may have looked as if he was having fun, what with the jaunty little tune he was singing and all, but while we all had a good laugh at this, if he were in Japan, things might be very, very different.
As the above graphic displays, dropping your pants at a urinal is clearly frowned upon in the land of the rising sun. The proper way is to clearly keep your pants firmly fastened around your waist with your hands placed around your member, presumably so you can control where your stream of urine ends up. In addition, the image supposes that by adhering to these strict rules of urinary etiquette you will be a much happier Japanese lad.
While this is a good lesson, it is rather humorous that Japanese children – or any children, for that matter – need a detailed description telling you the proper way to urinate. Children are potty trained pretty young nowadays, so one would imagine that the child’s parents would instill in them a sense of right and wrong when it comes to urinating in public. Of course, personal responsibility doesn’t really exist when we have signs telling us how to urinate properly.
In the end, proper or not, if we’re to believe the Internet, pulling your pants down to pee “feels good, man.”
As the above graphic displays, dropping your pants at a urinal is clearly frowned upon in the land of the rising sun. The proper way is to clearly keep your pants firmly fastened around your waist with your hands placed around your member, presumably so you can control where your stream of urine ends up. In addition, the image supposes that by adhering to these strict rules of urinary etiquette you will be a much happier Japanese lad.
While this is a good lesson, it is rather humorous that Japanese children – or any children, for that matter – need a detailed description telling you the proper way to urinate. Children are potty trained pretty young nowadays, so one would imagine that the child’s parents would instill in them a sense of right and wrong when it comes to urinating in public. Of course, personal responsibility doesn’t really exist when we have signs telling us how to urinate properly.
In the end, proper or not, if we’re to believe the Internet, pulling your pants down to pee “feels good, man.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)