A brief explanation;

In the current generation of gaming consoles, the PS3 reigns supreme. The gaming catalogue isn’t as large as the PS2 [which is the best selling console of all time, and is still selling], the PS3 is the most technologically advanced one. A month ago, some faggy kid who had a hand with some iphone hacking told the world he was going to hack the PS3. He managed to get somewhere utilizing the Linux OS [via the OtherOS option included in older FAT PS3 models]. He managed to do this by messing with voltages that basically confuses the console, overrides the protection order and run unsigned codes. Unsigned code is basically anything not officially endorsed by Sony, including homebrews and applications.

Sony responded by removing the OtherOS function in a firmware update. Boo Hoo, the world cried foul, people placed a class-action law suit. Few weeks back, Geohotz decided to make his blog invite only, made some holier than thou comments about how people were expecting too much and deleted his twitter, etc etc. I can understand where he came from because 3000 kids were pounding him on how they can “backup” their games and play from their hard drives.

The real victim; Sony? Hardly, geohotz, in his obsession for attention, got all those PS3 users who actually use their PS3 Linux function victimized.

So yesterday, a miracle jailbreak was released. Basically, weighing in at the size of a USB dongle, all you have to do is plug it into your PS3 prior to booting up, and then you will be able to copy your PS3 disc onto your hard disk and then play from it. There are legitimate uses to backing up copies of game you own, but the inevitable truth is that this will lead to piracy of games. The video of this tool in action;

So why in the world would anyone buy this ;

When they can buy all of these for less than the price of one original game?

Anyways it was pretty exciting to see the PS3 hacked, it opens it up to a world of possibilities. Besides the pirating, the ability to use the PS3 to its full potential.  All previous hacks have been in the form of a mod chip, soldered onto the PCB itself, but this is a soft hack. A soft hack indicates that there is no need to open up your console. This also means your warranty is in-tact!

The release of the PS jailbreak made all sorts of suspicion alarm go off. For starters, there were talk about the videos being fake (previous PS3 being hacked videos were all fake) . However, trusted long term mod chip shop sellers were given free test units and confirmed that they work. Great. What’s the catch? Oh nothing much, just 150 dollars for it. The PS3 CONSOLE SELLS FOR 299 USD! This is about HALF THE PRICE OF THE CONSOLE!

The PS Jailbreak was a sudden announcement. It was not hyped up or anything for fears by repercussions from Sony or a fix for it via a firmware update. That makes sense, but they could have just mentioned something was in the works without much details. It was all pretty sudden. Second, when hackers have something like this, they release it for FREE. This indicates that this is a pretty quick scheme to make money.

In all the forums, nobody sheds any light on how the jailbreak works. Usually hackers are all too excited to explain the mechanism behind their hack. In this case it was only released because someone wanted to make a lot of money, quick!

Let me explain;

The USB Dongle is plugged in prior to starting the PS3. What this does is then trick the retail PS3 that it is running a debug unit. A debug unit is able to run unsigned code, and is usually used by developers to test the games they are creating, and stuff like that. You know it makes this a debug unit because when the set in the videos start, it adds additional options not available in a retail unit. So you’re essentially booting from the USB dongle instead of the PS3 unit.

It’s emulation. So what happens here, once you’re in this debug mode, you simply code and run a backup application. It will read the game cd, and save it unto the PS3 hard disk or an external hard disk. Then you can launch the game via the backup manager, if you notice the video, it restarts the XMB and indicates the disc loaded is the game you backed up.

Well, it does what it was intended for, so what’s the problem? For starters, it currently only supports FAT file structure, which is limited to 4GB. If any singular file is larger than 4GB you won’t be able to use it on an external. They say the NTFS version is in the works, but who knows?

Second, this will only work for firmware 3.41 [the current firmware], what happens then? The vendor claims the USB dongle can be updated should the need arise, and the dongle blocks forced updates on the PS3. If you do not update the PS3, you lose out on much. For starters, you can’t play online, you can’t download new demos, you can’t access the PSN network. You’ll be stuck playing older games.

Possible Fixes:

-Newer games can be made with any individual file sized greater than 4gb. It can be fixed if they introduce an NTFS file structuring though

-When gamers use this dongle to play their backups, third party hardware can be detected and by Sony’s EULA, your console and account can be banned from their system. That means, all your achievement and trophies are gone.

-Firmware update. An upcoming firmware update could kill this hack completely. Sony only has to disable initial USB boot, and it’s GG NO RE.

All this simply indicate that the sole reason this jailbreak has been released is to make a quick buck. My suggestion is not to jump into it kids, and take a backseat ride. If this never gets patched, wait for the chinese to make a clone of the device and sell it for 20 USD.

Disclaimer: I do not condone piracy and illegal backup of games. I only use original software, and you should too! This includes movies too!

This is how messy my initial set up looks:

Luckily, the TV mounting and installation was done by the delivery guy so what we needed to do was merely mount the 5 home theatre satellites and do some cable management.

Tools needed were pretty basic;

1) Pencil

2) Wall Plug

3) Screw

4) Drill set

5) Hammer

6) Plastic Bag

7) Measuring Tape

Patience

The first step was to visualize how I wanted to mount the speakers. I figured we’ll put two speakers right next to the TV and the front smaller satellite below the TV. The remaining two speakers which are used for surround sound will be set behind the seated position.

We started off with the smaller satellite which was to be placed below the TV. The first step is to measure the distance between the two sockets which will hang onto the screw from the wall. Then, draw two “X” marks on the wall with the required distance. Tape the plastic bag below the “X” marks and start drilling!

Once the hole is drilled, it’s time to hammer wall plugs into the wall and later screw in some screws which will act as mount points.

This is basically repeated for all the other mount points. Measure distance between sockets behind speaker, and drill on the wall with the appropriate spacing. All the other speakers have their sockets vertically placed.

Here you can see one hole drilled and the pencil marking above for the other mount socket.

Once done the only thing left to do is mount all the speakers up.

After this it’s just a matter of cable managements to make everything look neat and tidy. Here’s a picture of the end work;

That red light you see is the Astro B.yon Decoder

Till next time kids.

This picture has nothing to do with this post, but I figured It should be posted up anyways.

Once, 2 years ago I was pretty close to having them convinced and we almost purchased it till we saw the price, and then boom, it was too expensive. Fast forward today, Astro calls us up and says they will upgrade us to their new B.yond subscription for free. For the uninitiated, that’s Astro’s new HD broadcasting system.

Suddenly, they’re convincing me, that we may need a HD TV. So it took some astro sales person offering free B.yond to convince them to get a HD TV.

So anyways, I went scouting for HD tv’s all over the place, from electronic shops to even Tesco. One thing I’ve noticed is almost every shop now have some form of 12 Months, interest free flexi-payment scheme. As you may recall prior to this post I posted a picture of my aunt standing in front of a T.V.

I went to Sony, and they have a flexi-payment scheme. Needless to say, paying for something interest free over the duration of 12 months seemed less painful then shelling out the whole amount out in one go. This is what happens when you have a credit card and a flexi-payment scheme.

Helping impulsive buyers reach bankruptcy sooner than usually expected.

So I decided to grab a Sony Bravia T.V., a Sony Playstation 3, and a Home Theatre System. The whole system supports what is called Bravia Sync, which allows me to control everything from one Remote. Coming from a SD CRT T.V. I can immediately tell you the difference in clarity is amazing. Waiting to see If the B.Yond HD channels are worth all the hype. Note the PS3 is BOLDED. Time to remove that from my wish list.

So how much does this cost? Less than 700 bucks a month! What happens if I don’t make the payment? Oh nothing, for at least 12 months. After that, it’s a 4.7% interest per MONTH.

Sony Bravia KLV46 EX400. Sony Playstation 3. HT SF-470 5.1 3D Home Theatre System

If there is anything good from this was I was able to purchase a Sony LCD T.V. worth 1199 for  RM 299 because they had some promotion going. I had to get the receipts backdated so I can participate in the promotion which ended on 11th of July! Way to go me!

The KLV 22 BX300 worth 1199 for RM 299 due to some promotion.

Hopefully the next post will show how I’ve set everything up!

P.S. I am officially bankrupt.

Click to Enlarge!

So anyways, today, as I was walking my dog, a Fedex dude stopped me and asked, are you Karthik and proceeded to hand me a package.

Muahahahaha I have a mousepad for Moscow now since my previous one was starting to epic fail on me.

To see how huge it really is, here’s a side by side comparison with my aunt who weighs 55kgs.

The official logo of the Android Operating System. Lets call him Droid.

So after I returned home, I charged the phone to full on the Dock I purchased together with the phone (which comes with Audio cables so you can connect your phone to the stereo) and let it charge fully. Once charged, the first thing I did was apply protection to the device. For Fucks sake, the device is expensive, and knowing how clumsy I can get, I needed something to protect it if it falls. Just googling nexus one cases gets thousands of results, but after reading reviews and looking around for days, I settled for the Hybrid Tough Case by Case-Mate.

I didn’t have a very good camera source to take pictures since I gave my Omnia to my cousin, so the pictures may not turn out very well.

The phone is amazing. It is very responsive. Coming from windows mobile, the difference is immediately visible. I have personally played with many phones, and many OS’ however this one really stands out. Powered by a 1GHZ Snapdragon processor, you can really notice the difference. The OS is open source and is powered by Linux which means development for it will be continuous for time to come.

The moment I turned on the phone there was an OTA (over-the-air) update for firmware 2.2 Frozen Yoghurt (FroYo). I opted for the update. Days later, Cyanogen Mod was released, which boasts at least twice or thrice faster experience using the phone.

The Cyanogen Mod Logo

However, to Install the Cyanogen Mod, you need to root your device (To give you privileged admin access, if you use the linux terminal, you’ll remember sudo). After that, to install the cyanogen mod, you’ll need to unlock your bootloader. The bootloader voids your warranty, but from what I’ve read in forums, HTC has been more than happy to replace Nexus sets that have had their bootloader unlocked provided there are issues with their phones that arose from issues unrelated to unlocking.

Google leaves you a fancy warning

Anyways, everything said and done, whatever I’ve experienced with my phone at the moment is only the tip of the iceberg. Everyday I learn something new about it. The phone has a built-in GPS receiver, and together with AGPS, it pin-points directions flawlessly. It even shows shortcuts to destinations thanks to Google Maps. The other day It showed the shortest route to the kampung area of PJS 1.

I’ve been following the android progress since inception, and now that I’ve finally been able to use it, I must say I have fallen in love with this device. Of course over time newer and stronger devices will be released (like the Samsung Galaxy S) but for now, I’m much satisfied with my Nexus One.

There are a couple of problems with the Nexus one. For starters is the limited internal memory. Apps can generally only be installed onto the onboard memory. Version 2.2 allowed apps to be installed onto the SD but only if the author permits it as such. The cyanogen mod features an AP2SD feature that moves all apps to the SD card.

Another problem is the Android Market. Unlike the App Store for iPhone, google does not control the apps released there. So it is highly likely, that there are many spywares that are out the steal information. Best thing to do is to check all the properties the application would have access to and to google and read up on details available about the APP of interest.

You won’t believe it but I typed the draft of this post from my android, and only went to the computer to add in pictures and resize them. That’s how fun it is to use the phone.

Here are some pictures of the phone.

The Nexus One Box on the Right. The Desktop Dock Box on the Left.

Shipping packaging for the Case Mate Hybrid Tough Case

The Case Mate Hybrid Tough Case

Dock and Phone

The Main Home Screen using Launcher Pro

Few of the various installed applications. One of the apps is called trapster. It shows various speed traps and cameras installed and will warn you when you approach any of them. The rightmost app is Car Home, something you can turn on when you’re driving. Voice Search, GPS, Phone calls can all be made through this.

Msn Messenger. Facebook. There is twitter too but I got lazy.

The phone in all her glory.

I’ll write about my trip to India and such soon enough.

The day prior to my birthday was the last day of the semester, the last class of the forensics cycle, and everything should have gone smoothly. This was until only two people managed to collect their credits because everybody else bombed their final MCQ Test. If that wasn’t a good sign for the great things to come, not entirely sure what is.

The next day, the morning of my birthday Shorty comes down early to my room. Apparently he was serious when he said he wanted to run in a marathon for a local charity event. Naturally, I felt he was a bit out of his mind (not the part about him running, but the part about him inviting me to run with him). Anuisafag being nosy, decided to tag along as well.

So anyways, when I reached the park where the run was to be held, it was stated that there were 3 options to choose from, 1KM, 3KM and 5KM. Shorty wanted to do 5km, but kinda pitied the rest of us and said he’d just take the shorter distance so we don’t feel left behind. I suggested we go for 1KM because that actually sounds do-able. They insisted on 3KM, I wasn’t entirely sure, but then this girl standing next to me signed up for 5KM so my penis didn’t allow me to sign up for 1km, so I opted for 3KM.

Yeah, that’s her, right after she signed up for 5KM. Shorty scored with her but that is a story for another day, yes.

Prior to the run there was a lot of cam-whoring. I was interviewed by some TV Channel, but I doubt it was ever aired because Anuisafag tried so hard to squeeze her face into the shot.

This is the RSMU Representatives. Note however I was sponsored by the Raifaizen Bank because I’m just that awesome (I kinda asked one of the bank reps to gimmie a cap).

We’re off, the run begins, everybody is running, and I realized, I’m in deep shit, what the fuck am I doing. In my mind, I kept thinking, I’m going to be last, I’m going to be last, I’M GOING TO BE LAAAAAAAST. 5 minutes later, I kind of changed my mind. I felt that in the 5 mins that has passed, things have changed. Now I’m thinking, I’m not going to finish, I’m not going to finish, I’M NOT GOING TO FINISH.

3KM may not seem like a big number, but it was pretty difficult for me. I’m not an athlete nor do I even like moving. It was a new experience, and it was, I suppose interesting. It really took a toll on me. I am pretty much allergic to pollen, and the entire run I was sure I was taking in a shit-load of it. I had some difficulty breathing, but not the kind where you see in the biggest loser. It’s hard to explain, but it’s not because of fatigue or because of pushing yourself to the limit. It was more of a god my lungs are going to collapse kind of thing.

Run fat boy run. There is cake at the end. I promise.

Towards the last 100 metre there was a photographer. I was struggling, but I felt in the spirit of good sportsmanship, I should pose for a picture. Unfortunately, I wasn’t exactly in a position to pose well, so the picture turned out rather nasty. However, since I’m not affected by how bad I look, I’ll put it up for you to gawk at.

I was glad I finished the run, and this might be a laughing matter, but I clocked in at 20:00 minutes. The winner of this run finished at 12 minutes. I didn’t have any previous runs to compare this with (well obviously, kinda happens when you live a sedentary lifestyle), so I figured it’s a good start. The finish line is actually the place where the 5KM people come and turn around for the last 1 KM, much like a lap so to speak. The front runner of the 5KM made this lap at 16 minutes, yes, that’s right, the front runner of the 5KM race ran 4KM faster than I ran 3 KM, and he finished his 5 KM run in 19 minutes.

This might apparently be an annual event but knowing me I won’t be going. However, I have a feeling there will be a knock on my door on the morning of the run telling me to get my fat arse ready to go.

P.S. Yes, I did NOT finish last!

To quote an example, a friend was selling his iPhone 3GS to upgrade to iPhone 4, and I offered him RM 500. One point in time, Megafon was offering 100 years validity for 150 rubbles? Worried that my great-great grand kids might not be able to benefit from this, I extended my cell number validity for 200 years. It’s not like I’m trying to be frugal or maximizing my budget because heaven knows I can splurge like a woman when it comes to it.

Ensuring my great grand kids can benefit from the extended validity.

Here is photographic evidence of how much of a cheapskate I can be. Over the years of studying here in Moscow I’ve collected several “trophies” for my achievements.

Click pictures for enlargement!

All my discount cards in their full glory under proper lighting.

  The first card I ever procured. A discount card for the nearby Sinbad Restaurant. The card is useless now as discount is given to everybody and no longer the elite few.

The second card I procured in the first year of school. The card is no longer valid because Ramstor was taken over by Auchan city. This card allowed special discounts on certain products on specific days. If I recall correctly, fruits and vegetables went cheap at Ramstor on tuesdays or thursdays.

 

Another card for a grocery store. It allows access to prices for club members for certain goods. There is also a point collection system but what it could be used for remains a mystery!

 

Here’s a card I don’t utilize too often. This is the Malina card that can be used at most of their partner outlets including TGIF, IlPatio, Planet Sushi, etc etc.

This is the sportsmaster club card. Basically they sell sporting goods, and the card allows some point collection and shit, together with discounts on certain goods. I’m such a cheapskate, I have this card, despite not playing nor excelling at sports.

This card is courtesy of AnuIsAFag. She often brings me to this shop nearby the hostel that sells toiletries. The prices aren’t that great, but the selection is pretty big. This card offers some discount for metrosexual faggots and women.

 

The Stockman membership card. Stockman could be called a grocery store/department store that caters towards upper class Russians and expatriates.Elitists such as myself frequent this store often, so it’s a good thing to have.

 

This is my favourite card. This is for the franchise Quick-Burger. Their burger selection isn’t great, but they have this wonderful lava-cake desserts called Flan. It is the most amazing thing you would have ever had the opportunity of tasting. For poor people who can’t afford Gordan Ramsey cuisine, this will do. The card offers a 15% discount.

 

This is a gold member card for the pub/restaurant known as the Red Bridge. Excellent atmosphere to catch the world cup games if you have the time. Prices are decent, and one female waitress is fucking hot. Card offers a 10% discount.

 

This is a discount card for the Sushi/Italian restaurant down the street near the hostel. Personally I’ve never been to the Italian place on the second floor, but I find myself frequenting the sushi place pretty often. I don’t even like Sushi. Card provides a lousy 5% discount.

 

Marks and Spencer shoppers card. Only ever used once, and even then not by me. Not entirely sure what it does, but I would imagine discount on selected goods and a point based redemption system.

 

Not a discount card per-say but this card will give you a 600 rubble gift certificate if you get sushi delivered to you for 6 times. It’s not all that bad considering, since you only need 700 rubbles of sushi per delivery and you could easily reach that amount by sharing delivery with a few of your friends. I don’t care so much for sushi so I just settle for the tempura chicken stuff with some teriyaki chicken and rice.

I have several more cards that I’ve collected over the years. I also have an IKEA Family card that AnuIsAFag is utilizing at the moment, so I was not able to take a snapshot of that. Various other cards were lost over the years in the abysmal chasm that is known as my room. Alas this is all that remains.

Cheapskates for a better future.

When I’m over 40, I just hope I have a quarter of the amount of swagger this man has.

Click to enlarge etc etc.

Yes I have nothing to write about!

Anusya has been, the past 5 years on a severe diet, with hopes of getting into the GBOWF. After 5 long and tedious years, her dream has finally come true. Read on to follow her journey throughout these years that led to her recent achievement.

Shorty’s pic thrown into the mix for Crazy Wench.

This picture was back in 2005, where Anu weighed around 66KG (claimed weight). For those of you who don’t know, Anu is the girl in the back row, standing in the middle.

YUMM YUMM! GOBBLE GOBBLE!

Later in 2006. Around 60kg? The vegetarian constantly trained her appetite and will power by constantly visiting non-vegetarian restaurants. There she will watch everyone eat mouth-watering delicious food, and she, on the other hand will consume some shit like seaweed and be done for the night, or sometimes two.

The girl in the back, unhappy with Anu’s constant weight loss

This was in 2007, where she started showing signs of being unhealthy. Her father diagnosed her with Anorexia nervosa but she just shrugged it off and continued on her quest to enter the Guinness Book of World Faggotry. Estimated weight, 59kg?

The year is 2008, Anu had devised an evil plot to make her succession to the throne much easier. She had a new policy, she had decided that henceforth she will only pose with plump or fat people for photos. This made her look really thin, and acceptable in the eyes of society. Around this time, Anu was suspected to weigh somewhere around 57 KG.

What? No Fat Chickz?

2009 came and went. All fat chicks finally realized what Anu’s evil idea was, as a whistleblower by the name of Shantina Theajen Deepthroat told everyone about it. Sadly, she could not find anymore fat chicks to pose with, and could only get skinnier chicks who would even bother posing with her for photographs. That said, constantly being seen with thinner girls made her really sad and depressed which explains the 2kg she put on.

After becoming thinner than thin chickz, nobody wanted to pose with her, so Koi fishes will do.

This was in the end of 2009, where she worked long and hard to shed off all excess weight. She was successful and finally clocked in at 56kg. Slightly lower than her previous milestone. There was still work to be done.

A clear cut clinical case of Anorexia Nervosa.

2010 arrived with a bang for Anu. She was finally the lowest weight she’s ever been in her entire life. She was circling the drain around 50-52 kg. A normal human being would be happy with this achievement, but no, not Anu, for her, the GBOWF was within sight, but she still had the final mile to go.

Anu, dreams CAN become reality.

It is now April 2010, and Anu has gotten herself a page in the lengthy tome that is GBOWF. She has now become the record holder for the person who weighs the least in the world. Anu is now officially 0 KG. Her chronic need to constantly shed weight has gotten her the coveted place in the GBOWF. It was not an easy journey, but with hard work, she has managed it.

We were not able to reach Anu for a comment.

REMEMBER KIDS, WITH A BIT OF HARD WORK, DREAMS CAN COME TRUE!