Dennis Hong: Making a car for blind drivers | Video on TED.com

Check out Dennis Hong on Ted.com - his talk was about Making Cars for Blind Drivers....

Dennis Hong: Making a car for blind drivers | Video on TED.com

Dennis Hong is the founder and director of RoMeLa -- a Virginia Tech robotics lab that has pioneered several breakthroughs in robot design and engineering.

Full bio and more links

US preacher warns end of the world is nigh: 21 May, around 6pm, to be precise

Wonder this is something true or not.....

Harold Camping.... preached the end-times would come in 1994 but never did arrive, now preached again the end-times that certain to come in 2012....

 Something to read about....

The end of the world is nigh; 21 May, to be precise. That's the date when Harold Camping, a preacher from Oakland, California, is confidently predicting the Second Coming of the Lord. At about 6pm, he reckons 2 per cent of the world's population will be immediately "raptured" to Heaven; the rest of us will get sent straight to the Other Place.

If Mr Camping were speaking from any normal pulpit, it would be easy to dismiss him as just another religious eccentric wrongly calling the apocalypse. But thanks to this elderly man's ubiquity, on America's airwaves and billboards, his unlikely Doomsday message is almost impossible to ignore.

Every day Mr Camping, an 89-year-old former civil engineer, speaks to his followers via the Family Radio Network, a religious broadcasting organisation funded entirely by donations from listeners. Such is their generosity (assets total $120m) that his network now owns 66 stations in the US alone.

Those deep pockets were raided to allow Family Radio to launch a high-profile advertising campaign, proclaiming the approaching Day of Judgement. More than 2,000 billboards across the US are adorned with its slogans, which include "Blow the trumpet, warn the people!". A fleet of logoed camper vans is touring every state in the nation. "It's getting real close. It's really getting pretty awesome, when you think about it," Mr Camping told The Independent on Sunday. "We're not talking about a ball game, or a marriage, or graduating from college. We're talking about the end of the world, a matter of being eternally dead, or being eternally alive, and it's all coming to a head right now."

Mr Camping, who makes programmes in 48 languages, boasts tens of thousands of followers across the globe, with radio stations in South Africa, Russia and Turkey. After 70 years of studying the Bible, he claims to have developed a system that uses mathematics to interpret prophesies hidden in it. He says the world will end on 21 May, because that will be 722,500 days from 1 April AD33, which he believes was the day of the Crucifixion. The figure of 722,500 is important because you get it by multiplying three holy numbers (five, 10 and 17) together twice. "When I found this out, I tell you, it blew my mind," he said.

Recent events, such as earthquakes in Japan, New Zealand and Haiti, are harbingers of impending doom, he says, as are changing social values. "All the stealing, and the lying, and the wickedness and the sexual perversion that is going on in society is telling us something," he says. "So too is the gay pride movement. It was sent by God as a sign of the end."

Mr Camping, who founded Family Radio in the 1950s, grew up a Baptist. Many of his strongly held views – he does not believe in evolution and thinks all abortion should be banned – are relatively commonplace among America's religious right.

Critics point out that this isn't the first time Mr Camping has predicted the second coming. On 6 September 1994, hundreds of his listeners gathered at an auditorium in Alameda looking forward to Christ's return.

"At that time there was a lot of the Bible I had not really researched very carefully," he said last week. "But now, we've had the chance to do just an enormous amount of additional study and God has given us outstanding proofs that it really is going to happen." 

Mr Camping's argument has convinced Adam Larsen, 32, from Kansas. He is among scores of "ambassadors" who have quit their jobs to drive around America in Family Radio vehicles warning of the impending apocalypse. "My favourite pastime is raccoon hunting," Mr Larsen told CNN. "I've had to give that up. But this task is far more important." 

Nomination for your EPF savvings

NEW EPF RULES?

                                
If ONE (1) of your Nominees in the EPF Nominees list dies, automatically the whole arrangement (EPF Nominees list) is VOID ..
Meaning if, you only put in One (1) name & unfortunately he/she dies before you - automatically EPF will channel your EPF money to trustee of AMANAH RAYA upon your death.
Even though if you have few names in the EPF Nominees list, - the whole arrangement is VOID & none of the individual names left in the EPF Nominees list will get their portion & automatically EPF will channel your EPF money to trustee of AMANAH RAYA upon your death.

Piece of advice - if any of the your Nominees in the EPF Nominees list dies, please do immediately approach the nearest EPF counter & present the Death Certificate of the individual & register your NEW / LATEST Nominee in the EPF Nominees list + NEW / LATEST percentage .

If, you & the other party (maybe spouse) involved in the same misfortune (accident / illness) that caused death to both yourself / spouse please, please, please alert your siblings / relatives / parents to immediately approach the nearest EPF counter & share the information within 3 days to AVOID all EPF money to be surrendered to trustee of AMANAH RAYA .

Upon surrender to trustee of AMANAH RAYA, your children will have to battle the money thru 3 channels;

Majlis Agama

Pejabat Tanah

Mahkamah

The normal period via above 3 channels usually takes 2-3 years (except if you have inside/tip top connection) at Amanah Raya.

Tech Risks to Watch in 2011

The constant innovation indigenous to the technology industry may make the idea of risk management seem difficult and sometimes impossible. While challenging, tackling technology risk is not all that different than addressing possible exposures in other industries: Awareness and active involvement in risk management procedures are key. Understanding the potential risks that technology businesses face can help you keep clients better informed and help them consider ways to potentially mitigate those risks and limit costly exposures. Here are some of the key risks that your clients are likely to come across more frequently in 2011.
Everyone goes mobile. Smartphones are no longer the restricted realm of tech savvy professionals or young hipsters. Expect mobile broadband services to become even more mainstream this year, and more consumers to have an iPhone, Android or Blackberry in their pockets. And, as use of mobile Internet increases, so does the risk of security threats. With personal information like bank account numbers being readily transmitted through cell phones, that information can be stolen by an identity thief taking advantage of network vulnerabilities. As vendors of smartphones and related equipment work to develop more secure devices, both individuals and organizations need to take control of their data and be cautious of what they share on mobile networks.

Cookie crumbs. Cookies, seemingly innocuous data collection tools often employed by web advertisers to learn more about their audiences, may see new life in 2011. Data aggregators compile personal information from such cookies, including details such as name, birth date, Web site preferences and even Social Security number, from multiple sources, to assemble sophisticated consumer profiles. With new technologies like the persistent ever-cookie becoming popular, it may be more difficult for Web sites to discover their existence and even more difficult for consumers to get rid of them. Web sites that inadvertently host these cookies need to take particular notice, as the Federal Trade Commission now deems Web site hosts accountable not only for their own data collection, but also for third-party data tracking.
Breakthroughs in medicine. New technology isn't restricted to just computers. Each year, new breakthroughs in medical science change the way doctors administer care and improve the lives of patients around the world. With biotechnology, medical devices and pharmaceuticals poised to continue to grow exponentially in 2011, companies in these industries can expect their risks to grow in kind. Research and development, clinical trials and the production process need to be considered carefully when assessing any products being developed for human medical care, as they can expose companies to significant liabilities.
To the cloud. An emerging trend often discussed in 2010, the concept of cloud computing will likely continue to gain steam this year. By outsourcing certain parts of an organization's technology to a third party, a company can potentially see great cost savings and greater flexibility when it comes to IT services. But outsourcing the functionality does not translate to outsourcing the associated risks. Data compliance and integrity, while seemingly in the hands of the cloud provider, need to be tightly managed by the originating company. If the data stored in the cloud is breached, both parties could potentially be held liable, which makes it imperative that companies audit exactly how cloud providers are managing their data.
Solar heats up. Energy costs for traditional fuels — coal, oil and natural gas — continue to rise rapidly. Look for renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, to see greater demand this year. A spike in investment in solar development in emerging economies, like China and India, also suggests growth to come in the sector. With solar power comes a unique set of risks, from the production of the photovoltaic cells to the actual installation of the finished panels. As demand for renewables grows, these types of risks will need to be considered and managed appropriately.
The only guarantee in the technology industry is that it will continue to grow and change, with new tools available to improve our lives and the ways we do business. But with new technology come new, unknown risks. By continuing to be vigilant, staying abreast of current trends and using a bit of common sense, technology risks can be managed and appropriately addressed before they become costly losses.

More Expenses for Migrant Workers

Minister say migrant worker who do not buy insurance/settle hospital bills will not get work permit renewed...

It is shocking that the Malaysian government is asking that migrant workers themselves, not their employers, to pay for their own Foreign Workers Hospitalisation and Surgical Insurance. The exception being employers of domestic workers, and those in the plantation sector. I believe that this is discriminatory - and there is no justification why not all employers are required to pay.

Secondly, are not migrant workers already covered by the Workmen’s Compensation Act 1952 (amended 1996)., which provide today coverage not only for accidents that happen at the workplace, but for all accidents anytime. The coverage also covers the cost of treatment, hospitalization, etc... and if what is provided for in is inadequate, possibly also by reason that migrant workers are charged 1st class rates at government hospitals and healthcare facilities, then the appropriate action would be to amend these laws to update the coverage so that it is sufficient to cover the exorbitant rate Malaysian government charges all foreigners, including migrant workers.

Since all forms of accidents are covered, and certainly all other forms of workplace related illness are covered, all that remain are sickness that are not workplace related. But, given that most migrant workers also stay in accommodations provided by their employers, hence employers should also be responsible to cover the cost of treatment of illness caused by close human contact and/or proximity, any which is by reason of poor accommodation conditions. Hence, rather than insisting on another insurance, it may be best to just expand the scope of the insurance already existing under the Workmen’s Compensation Act 1952 (amended 1996)..

If it is an industrial accident, are we saying that the worker is supposed to pay for it - and not the employer? This is absurd - for logically and reasonably, if it is an industrial accident, then the employer is duty bound to pay all monies to ensure immediate treatment, surgery, etc...

What is interesting is that migrant workers have no choice, and they are forced to buy this insurance only and not some other. And, if they do not, then their work permits will not be renewed... Why do they have the choice to buy some other insurance?

Now, if their outstanding bill is not settled, their work permit will not be renewed. Is the Minister talking about present 'outstanding bill', or future outstanding bill? Why should migrant workers suffer for the failings of an employer. An errant employer who may no longer need the services of a migrant worker, despite the fact that the initial agreement may have been for a couple of years more can simply not settle the medical bill - and the worker's work permit will not be renewed, and he will be sent back to the country of origin prematurely. [Some say, why can't the worker fight and claim for breach of contract...the short answer is money and the fact that any court/tribunal needs the complainant/claimant to be physically present for the case to proceed, and a migrant worker with no work permit do not have the right to stay legally in the country...]. On a platter, the government of Malaysia has just handed errant employers another method to wrongfully and unjustly get rid of the worker when their services are no longer needed.

Liow said that any outstanding hospital bill must be settled by the foreign worker concerned or his employer before a work permit can be renewed.

Another matter of concern, was the assertion that migrant worker needing medical attention need ONLY to produce his passport. But, this is a problem because in most case employers and/or agents illegally hold on to the passports of migrant workers. And despite the fact that the Malaysian law requires the migrant worker to be able to produce his/her passport on demand, failing which it will be an offence, resulting usually in immediate arrest, detention, etc.. - the Malaysian government shows no political will to stop this wrong. Passports are used like leashes to 'control' migrant workers.

"These foreign workers only need to produce their passport at the registration counter," Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Friday.

I have knowledge of one case, where a worker who got injured in an industrial accident lost the usage of his fingers which could have been re-attached by surgery because the employer took time getting the passport and the required deposit to the hospital. Speed sometimes is essential for saving lives, limbs, etc - and it is hoped that Malaysian doctors and hospitals will not just stand by and see migrant workers die, or lose the opportunity of using one's hand by reasons like not having their passport, not having some medical insurance, not having enough money for deposit/treatment. Have we in Malaysia lost our humanity?

And the proposed insurance will cost the worker RM120, and the maximum coverage is RM1,000 according to the Bernama report attached. I just met a women migrant worker in Penang that took home about RM200 monthly wages, and so I wonder whether there is really any more money available to pay for insurance. Further, lowest deposit for a migrant worker who need to be warded is RM400, and if it was a surgical case, it is RM800-00. Operation charges can range from RM50 to RM3,000 depending on the type of operation. Ultrasound cost RM100. Radiology charges range from RM50-RM600. Lab charges range from RM5 to RM100 depending on the type of tests, and usually there will be quite a lot of tests needed. So, really do we think that RM1,000 coverage is sufficient? I believe that there are certain that there are other insurance policies in the market that provides better coverage...

It is also wrong to impose a new obligation to buy insurance on migrant workers already here and working in Malaysia. It could be done for new migrant workers - who then at least the opportunity whether they do want to come work in Malaysia or not.

Personally, I am of the opinion that all medical and healthcare charges should already have been borne by the Workmen’s Compensation Act 1952 (amended 1996) that now provides 24 hour coverage to the migrant worker. If the provisions do not provide enough payment for medical treatment at government healthcare facilities, then the Act needs to be amended. If sickness, i.e. not work related ailments and/or occupational diseases, are not covered maybe the scope of coverage should be covered. If there is be any additional insurance, then rightly it must be the employer who pays for it, and also for any medical charges over and beyond the coverage of the said insurance policy. If there outstanding medical bills, it must be the employer that is penalised by way of a fine or being 'blacklisted' from being to employ new migrant workers, the present migrant worker's work permit must never be held as ransom until outstanding payments are made. We are talking about human beings here - not some car or motorcycle.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Employees covered by the Foreign Workers Hospitalisation and Surgical Insurance Scheme need not pay a deposit or produce a guarantee letter to be admitted to a government hospital.

"These foreign workers only need to produce their passport at the registration counter," Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Friday.

This followed the implementation of the Foreign Workers Health Insurance Protection Scheme on Jan 1 which provides for cashless admission, he said in a statement.

The insurance scheme provides coverage of up to RM1,000 with premium payment of RM120 a year.

Liow said that employers of plantation workers and housemaids are required to finance the insurance policies while other foreign employees must pay for themselves.

The foreign workers are given three months to buy the insurance policies.

"For this group, the premium payment imposed by the insurance company will be based on the remaining period of validity of the work permit," Liow said.

"Those who fail to do this (buy insurance policies) will not be allowed to renew their work permits."

Employers who advance premium payments for their workers must seek permission from the head of the manpower department to deduct from employees' salaries.

Liow said that any outstanding hospital bill must be settled by the foreign worker concerned or his employer before a work permit can be renewed.

Liow said that 17 companies have agreed to take part in the scheme, 11 of them from Jan 1.

The 11 are AXA Affin General Insurance Bhd, Berjaya Sompo Insurance Bhd, Jerneh Insurance Bhd, Kurnia Insurans (Malaysia) Bhd, Malaysian Assurance Alliance Bhd, MUI Continental Insurance Bhd, Progressive Insurance Bhd, RHB Insurance Bhd, The Pacific Insurance Bhd and Tokio Marine Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd.

Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Bhd, QBE Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd, Overseas Assurance Corporation (M) Bhd and Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Bhd will start their policies on Feb 1 while Oriental Capital Assurance Bhd will begin theirs on Feb 15.

-- BERNAMA- Bernama, 7/1/2011, Foreign Workers With Insurance May Enter Hospital Without Deposit

Vietnam cleans up the insurance market

Here is something of interest.... to me that's it, but who knows, maybe you are also interest in.

Vietnam cleans up the insurance market

The draft law on the amendments and supplements to the Business Insurance Law has been completed before being submitted to the NA for approval at the forthcoming meeting from October 20 to November 27. The Ministry of Finance said that these amendments are necessary to heighten the responsibilities and mandates of state agencies, businesses and customers and create a healthy insurance market.

Representatives from the Vietnam Insurance Association said that the amendments and supplements to the Insurance Business Law will overcome any shortcomings in Vietnam’s insurance market, creating an equal playing field for all insurance companies.

Difficulties in bidding procedures

One of the articles to be amended this time is whether or not to apply bidding procedures on insurance products. Will the captive insurer model be prohibited or have stricter provisions. A representative from a major insurer in Vietnam said that if the regulations on providing insurance services have been carried out under proper bidding procedures, this would have helped Vietnam’s insurance market become healthier.

The draft law on insurance businesses stipulates that all groups and corporations will have to use bidding procedures in a public manner. Deputy Director of the Petro Vietnam Insurance Company (PVI), Vu Van Thang, said that every product should be put for tender as some domestic insurance companies do not have the capacity. Therefore, bidding procedures could cost more money and take longer.

However, an insurance expert emphasised that bidding procedures are necessary as at least 30 percent of insurance fees will be reduced. In addition, a public tender will offer opportunities for many other insurance companies to take part and more choice.

The National Assembly’s Economic Committee said that the activities of insurance services have not been regulated under bidding regulations over the past few years, leading to a lack of transparency in the insurance market.

Businesses’ insurance products under groups and corporations have been restricted in which insurer they can choose, leading to an unhealthy situation in the insurance market. Currently, Vietnam has more than 10 groups and corporations which have subsidiary companies (or captive insurers) offering insurance services. With the advantages of operating in their sectors, these captive insurers have more opportunities to get insurance contracts.

The re-insurance department at the PVI said that the establishment of specialised insurance companies by major corporations are an international practice and comply with Vietnam’s trend for international integration. Many big oil and gas companies in the world such as BP, Petronas, Talisman, Huyndai and Samsung also have subsidiary companies specialising in the insurance field.

A representative from PVI said that the use of captive insurers have helped groups recoup part of their investment capital and increase the efficiency of their operations.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Insurance Association said that the captive insurance model have been applied by many financial institutions in developed countries. However, these groups are private and often offer reasonable insurance rates. In Vietnam, these corporations belong to the State.

An insurance expert calculated that the rates for insurance contracts of captive insurers have often been higher than in the market. Meanwhile, 90 percent of the total insurance fees from these companies have been re-insured with international reinsurance companies.

The PVI said that captive insurers are fully aware of the parent companies’ business operations and mechanism for providing financial support.

However, a major insurance company in Vietnam does not agree with PVI. The company said that before PVI, many companies such as Bao Viet and Bao Minh had assumed these tasks and they are internationally recognised as prestigious re-insurance companies.

The NA’s Economic Committee reported that many economic groups and corporations have captive insurers, leading to a lack of competitive edge and transparency. A representative from the Vietnam Insurance Association said that the NA Standing committee has asked these groups to submit detailed reports on the captive insurer model and its financial operations. – VOV

BYO Image Search Lab - Idée Inc.

Hi, this great stuff

This BYO Image Search Lab really gathers nearly 3 million stock photos from Alamy. Using Piximilar visual search technology to submit an image from the web or your own hard drive to find visually similar images. Check out the FAQ. Have feedback?

BYO Image Search Lab - Idée Inc.

Don't say I did not tell you so.....