DROID X2 by MOTOROLA Verizon Wireless Phone Nvidia Tegra2 Dual Core 1Ghz processor

DROID X2 by MOTOROLA (Verizon) Summary
http://easss.com/cell/letstalk


The Droid X2 for Verizon Wireless takes the Droid family forward by leaps and bounds. Featuring twice the performance of the original Droid X with the dual-core 1Ghz processor, 26% sharper qHD display, and 44% faster shot-to-shot times with an 8MP camera with continuous auto-focus. 


Great new features complement the updated hardware. Mirror Mode via HDMI shows your phone's display on your HDTV and lets you browse the web, view pictures, play games and more. Dual-layer anti-reflective coating reduces glare and allows you to enjoy richer colors. The Motorola Application Platform features integrated Google, Exchange, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and LinkedIn contacts. 


Between newly improved hardware and creative application features, the Droid X2 is a big step forward for the Droid family.


*DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license.


Average Customer Rating: 4.3  


DROID X2 by MOTOROLA (Verizon)
Nvidia Tegra2 Dual Core 1Ghz processor
Android™ 2.2 (Froyo) OS with Motorola Application Platform
Integrated Google, Exchange, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and LinkedIn Contacts
Push Email Support: Gmail, Exchange and Yahoo
IMAP and POP, MSN Hotmail, and AOL Mail also supported
Unified Google Calendar & Corporate Calendar (supports Exchange 2003, 2007, and 2010 protocols)
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Capable
Bilingual Interface: English/Espanol
aGPS capable for E911 emergency location/sGPS
Speakerphone
Advanced Speech Recognition
3.5mm Headset Jack
8GB Internal memory for emails, texts, and apps*
8GB pre-installed microSD card for music, videos, and pictures (expandable to 32GB)*
Virtually limitless contacts (only constrain is on-board memory (8GB)
TTY compatible
Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4 T3 
*Actual formatted capacity will be less
Included Accessories
DROID X2 by Motorola Phone
8GB microSDmemory card Preinstalled
Standard Lithium Ion Battery
Wall/USB Charger (USB Cable)
Getting Started Brochure
Product Safety & Warranty Brochure


----------------------


DROID X2 by MOTOROLA (Verizon) Description


The DROID X2 by Motorola sports a crisp, bright 4.3-inch display.


Who should get this phone? Consumers who want a fast Android 2.2 smartphone with a sharp, crisp display and also want the ability to view content on their cell phone on an HDMI-capable TV.
What cell phone compares to this model? This is the update to DROID X by Motorola for Verizon Wireless.


Why should I get this phone? You want a powerful Android smartphone, that’s fast, and sports a spacious 4.3-inch display.


In a nutshell: The DROID X2 by Motorola is a solid update to its predecessor the DROID X. It still has corporate functionality and can record 720p HD videos, but this model is faster, more powerful, and runs the Android 2.2 OS.


The DROID X2 by Motorola isn’t just a good-looking smartphone, it’s also surprisingly light-weight. The real showstopper is its gorgeous and crisp 4.3-inch qHD touchscreen display. It’s bright and viewable in direct sunlight. The entire front of the cell phone is essentially a large screen. The cell phone has a black rubberized-like casing that helps it from sliding around. Beyond the large screen there isn’t a lot more to describe. It has the standard 4 dedicated Android keys across the bottom of the display for Menu, Home, Go Back, and Search. Overall, the cell phone feels good in the hand. If you have smaller hands you likely won’t be able to wrap your fingers around the smartphone, but you’ll probably still enjoy using it.


On one side, you’ll find volume keys and on the other side you’ll find a microUSB port and a microHDMI port. On the top of the DROID X2 are a 3.5mm headset jack and the power/lock button (we should note that if you use this button to illuminate the screen you’ll need to press and hold for three seconds).  Turn the cell phone around and you’ll see the 8-megapixel camera lens and dual LED flash (Note: The camera can also be used to record 720p HD video). You’ll need to remove the black rubberized casing from the back of the Motorola DROID X to access the included 8GB MicroSD card. You’ll need to remove the battery if you want to swap out the microSD card.




Use the microHDMI port to connect to an HDMI-capable TV.


As noted, the DROID X2 by Motorola is touchscreen-only phone and therefore lacks a tactile QWERTY keyboard. You can choose between two onscreen keyboards: SWYPE or a basic multi-touch version with predictive text. We were impressed with the amount of times we tapped the correct letter on the first try and how well Swype works.
Testing the DROID X2 by Motorola
Making Calls: During calls we could hear callers pretty clearly and callers said they had a similar experience on their end. Regardless of how close you hold the smartphone to your face, the “End Call” button never seems to get “accidentally” hit.


Volume Adjustment: You can use the side buttons to adjust the volume, but we rarely needed to use them.
Speakerphone: Call quality is solid when using this feature. We didn’t cut each other off when speaking simultaneously and callers didn’t know we were using the speakerphone.
Operating System: The smartphone comes loaded with the Android 2.2 OS (a version higher than that of the DROID X), sports a Nvidia Tegra2 dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, which makes for a responsive user experience. Along with the included 8GB microSD card (it will support up to a 32GB microSD card), the smartphone 8GB of internal memory so you’ll have plenty of room to store music, photos, videos, and more. You can switch between the seven home screens and launch applications without delay. This also means video playback is smooth and seamless. Overall, the user interface is fairly straightforward and icon friendly.


At the base of the screen are four quick launch buttons for Apps, Phone/Contacts, Messages, and Camera. There are also three profile options: Work, Home, and Weekend. This means there are multiple ways to personalize the DROID X2 by Motorola. . Verizon has included a few apps on the cell phone such as the Blockbuster, Amazon Kindle, the company’s Backup Assistant, NFL Mobile, Skype Mobile, Slacker Radio, and of course access to the various V CAST offerings. We should also note that this cell phone will work with corporate e-mail accounts and corporate sync.


Web Navigation: Surfing the web is actually pretty fast on this cell phone via a 3G connection thanks to the phone’s dual-core processor, we didn’t need to access a WiFI connection. It also shows the full web site in a single view. You can zoom in and out of a page, set bookmarks, and manage multiple windows. We did also appreciate that you can have multiple browser windows open simultaneously and easily navigate between them.  The cell phone does support the latest Adobe FlashPlayer.
Social Media:
The smartphone comes loaded with a social networking app that lets you add a variety of social media accounts such as Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter, Picasa, and more. If you want access to more social networking options you can easily download them from the Android Market.


You can use the 8-megapixel camera to shoot 720p HD video.


Camera Features: The DROID X2 has a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with dual LED flash. However, it lacks a tiny mirror for snapping self-portraits.
Shutter Speed: We found the shutter speed to be fast. You can also choose between three picture modes: single shot, panorama, and multi-shot.
Picture Quality: We found colors to be true and details sharp.
Photo Settings: You can control the flash, zoom, focus, exposure, effects (normal, black and white, negative, sepia, and solarize) and scenes (sport, night portrait, sunset, macro, and steady shot). In addition to location tags, you can create personalized tags, which will help keep all those pictures on your phone organized. If you like a picture you can share it to Picasa, an Online album, via e-mail or text, Bluetooth, or Print to Retail. If you don’t like it, you can always use the included editing features to improve it.
Video Features: As was the case with the DROID X, you can record 720p HD videos with this Android cell phone. We found quality was acceptable. If you don’t want to shoot your own videos, you can also watch movies downloaded from the Blockbuster and V CAST video apps.
You can also view videos or pictures taken with the DROID X2 by Motorola on an HDMI capable TV using the Mirror Mode feature. We should note that you’ll need to purchase an HDMI cable accessory.


Photo taken at camera's highest setting.


Music Features: Playback of music through the phone’s speaker is loud, but can be a bit tinny. There’s also a FM Radio application, however, you’ll need to attach wired-headphones to use this feature.
Formats Supported: We were able to play MP3, and unprotected AAC (Apple’s audio format), and unprotected WMA (Microsoft’s audio format) music files.
Features: Repeat, Shuffle, and Playlists (you can even create playlists on the cell phone). You can save tunes stored in your cell phone as a ringtone, notification tone or set as an alarm. If the music app is launched, you can still pause or play music even when the phone is locked.
Connectivity: The DROID X2 by Motorola works with Verizon’s 3G network.


Bluetooth: The cell phone worked seamlessly with the Motorola Roadster and the optional MotoSpeak Android app that reads incoming text messages. Callers didn’t know we were using a Bluetooth connection. We were also able to connect the DROID X2 by Motorola with a MacBook Pro and transfer contacts, pictures, and music.
WiFi: It has 802.11 b/g/n WiFi (that’s pretty secure) and we were able to log onto available WiFi networks to surf the Web or send/receive e-mail. It just takes moments to set up. The only thing you need is the WiFi network you want to use and password if needed. You can also share the phone’s 3G data connection with up to five WiFi-enabled devices.
Battery Life: The battery life performance on the DROID X2 by Motorola was on par with other 4.3-inch smartphones. We were able to go a full day before needing to recharge the cell phone, when we had the cell phone’s screen set at full brightness and used it to check e-mail, surf the web, listen to music, play games, and take a few pictures.


With its dual-core processor and Android 2.2 OS, the DROID X2 by Motorola is a solid upgrade to the DROID X. We found the phone to be stable, easy-to-use, and the display is one of the sharpest we’ve seen. We just wish it came loaded with Android 2.3.

Samsung Transform™ Ultra (Sprint) smartphone Android 2.3 Review

Samsung Transform™ Ultra (Sprint) Summary
http://easss.com/cell/letstalk


The Samsung Transform™ Ultra from Sprint brings you all of the best smartphone features without an enormous price tag. This device features the Android 2.3 operating system, a 1 GHz processor, a 3 megapixel camera and a VGA front-facing camera for video chatting. The Transform Ultra has a sleek 3.5 inch touchscreen, and also a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard for quick and easy messaging!


Samsung Transform™ Ultra (Sprint)
Android 2.3 OS
1GHz Processor
3.5 Inch Touchscreen
Slide-out QWERTY Keyboard
Wi-Fi Capabilities
3.2MP Main Camera
VGA Front-Facing Camera
Included Accessories
Standard Battery
Wall Charger
2GB microSD Card (Pre-installed)
microSDTM Adapter
Getting Started Guide


Samsung Transform™ Ultra (Sprint) Product Features
Operating System
Operating System Android™
Operating System Release Number 2.3
Cell Phone Design
Phone Style Slider
Phone Size Standard
Dimensions (H x W x D) 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.55 in.
Weight (w/standard battery) 4.9 oz.
Keyboard Type Physical QWERTY
Touchscreen Yes
Screen Size 3.5 in.
Display HVGA TFT
Mil-Spec/Rugged No
Push To Talk (PTT) No
Camera & Video Features
Camera Resolution 3.2MP
Camera Flash Yes
Advanced Features
HDMI port No
1080p HD Video No
3D Camera/Video No
Wi-Fi Yes
Cell Phone Specifications
Processor Name Hummingbird
Processor Speed 1 GHz
Onboard Memory 2GB
Removable Memory Card - Type Micro SD Card
Maximum Memory Card Capacity 32GB SDHC
Removable Memory Accessibility N/A
Photo Caller ID Yes
Expandable Memory Slot MicroSD
External Volume Control Yes
Service / Support 1 Year Warranty
Accessibility
Hearing Aid Compliance M4/T3
Digital TTY/TTD Yes
Battery Specifications
Talk Time Up to 7 hrs
Standby Time N/A
Battery Type Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Milliamp (mAh) Hour 1500
Connectivity
Micro USB Yes
Web Browser Full HTML
GPS Type A-GPS
Bluetooth Yes
USB Port Type Micro-USB
Early Termination Fee
Early Termination Fee - Initial Amount Up to $350/line for Advanced Devices & up to $200/line for other devices
Early Termination Fee - Monthly Declining Amount $20 for Advanced Devices, for all other devices, the prorated ETF is calculated by taking the months remaining times $10

HTC Wildfire S White (T-Mobile) 3G capable smartphone Android™ 2.3 Review

HTC Wildfire S - White (T-Mobile) Summary
http://easss.com/cell/letstalk


The HTC Wildfire S for T-Mobile is a 3G capable smartphone that adds style to a practical device. This sleek device runs on the Android™ 2.3 platform, so you can have the latest Android™ technology and access to thousands of apps. It also features a 3.2 inch capacitive touchscreen, a 5 megapixel camera for capturing important moments and Wi-Fi calling/hotspot capabilities! Weighing only 3.7 ounces, the Wildfire S is extremely portable. If you are looking for a stylish and fun smartphone that is easy to use, the HTC Wildfire S could be the phone for you!


Average Customer Rating: 3.6 


HTC Wildfire S - White (T-Mobile)
Android™ 2.3 (Gingerbread) Platform
3.2" Capacitive Touchscreen
5MP Camera with Auto Focus & Auto Flash
Wi-Fi Calling & Mobile Hotspot
HTC Sense™
SWYPE Texting
Multi-Window Web Browsing
MicroSD Card Slot Holds up to 32GB
Included Accessories
Micro USB Cable
Wall Charger
2GB Memory Card
User Guides


HTC Wildfire S - White (T-Mobile) Product Features
Operating System
Operating System Android™
Operating System Release Number 2.3
Cell Phone Design
Phone Style Open Face/Bar
Phone Size Standard
Dimensions (H x W x D) 3.99 x 2.34 x 0.49 in.
Weight (w/standard battery) 3.2 oz.
Keyboard Type Touchscreen Only
Touchscreen Yes
Screen Size 3.2 in.
Display 480 x 320 Capacitive Touchscreen
Mil-Spec/Rugged No
Push To Talk (PTT) No
Camera & Video Features
Camera Resolution 5.0MP
Camera Flash Yes
Advanced Features
HDMI port Yes
1080p HD Video No
3D Camera/Video No
Wi-Fi Yes


Cell Phone Specifications
Processor Name N/A
Processor Speed 600 MHz
Onboard Memory 512 MB RAM
Removable Memory Card - Type Micro SD Card
Maximum Memory Card Capacity 32GB SDHC
Removable Memory Accessibility Under Cover
Photo Caller ID Yes
Expandable Memory Slot MicroSD
External Volume Control Yes
Service / Support 1 Year Warranty
Accessibility
Hearing Aid Compliance M3/T3
Digital TTY/TTD Yes
Battery Specifications
Talk Time Not Available
Standby Time Not Available
Battery Type Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Milliamp (mAh) Hour 1230
Connectivity
Micro USB Yes
Web Browser Full HTML
GPS Type A-GPS
Bluetooth Yes
USB Port Type Micro-USB
Early Termination Fee
Early Termination Fee - Initial Amount Not Available
Early Termination Fee - Monthly Declining Amount Not Available

Pantech Breakout™ Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone Review

Pantech Breakout™ (Verizon)
http://easss.com/cell/letstalk


The Pantech Breakout™ from Verizon Wireless is a 4G LTE smartphone with a 3G price tag! It features a slim bar design and a 4 inch touchscreen for a stylish look that you will love. The Pantech Breakout™ doesn't just look nice, it is packed full of impressive features as well. It has blazing fast Verizon 4G LTE speeds, a 1GHz processor for snappy response time, and it runs on the Android 2.3 platform! It also features a 5MP rear camera and a VGA front-facing camera for video chats. With the Pantech Breakout™, you can create a Wi-Fi connection for up to 10 different devices and stream content wirelessly using Net Media to your DLNA-compatible TV. Breakout of your basic cell phone with the Pantech Breakout™!



Average Customer Rating: 2.8


Pantech Breakout™ (Verizon)
4G LTE Capable
4 inch Capacitive Touchscreen
Android 2.3 Operating System
5MP Rear Camera & VGA Front-Facing Camera
1GHz Processor
Mobile Hotspot for up to 10 Devices
DLNA Capable
720p HD Video Capture
Media Player
Adobe Flash Support
MicroSD Card Slot - up to 32GB
Included Accessories
Wall Charger
MicroUSB Cable
User Guides

ZUJI StarZ 情人節旅遊好去處﹕尋找戀愛漫遊之旅

情人節好去處﹕尋找戀愛漫遊之旅
明報 
2/03/2012


【明報專訊】正為另一半尋找情人節旅遊好去處，但沒有半點頭緒？可請教ZUJI StarZ，今次化身愛神邱比特，為大家指引愛的旅程。


Zuji Hong Kong 


蒐羅實惠豪遊套票
ZUJI StarZ蒐羅一系列4日3夜的浪漫旅遊套票，由難忘寫意的沙灘，到魅力四射的大都會，讓你和另一半盡興而回。既有超值實惠的戀戀精選之旅，亦有豪歎豪玩的戀戀豪遊之旅 ，以迎合不同預算。另外，ZUJI StarZ又送上特別優惠，凡透過ZUJI銷售熱線訂購旅遊產品，即可獲贈100港元的電子現金券，於下次在ZUJI網頁訂購酒店或套票時，盡享折扣優惠。


是次的浪漫旅遊優惠推廣期至2月12日；而透過ZUJI銷售熱線訂購旅遊產品獲取電子現金券，推廣期至3月31日。

民主與狗：孔慶東不懂的事 台灣聯合報

民主與狗：孔慶東不懂的事
【聯合報╱社論】
2012.01.30 

孔慶東是北京大學教授，自稱是孔子後裔。他先在電視上辱罵香港人為「狗」，引發陸港兩地人民相互惡感升高；他接著砲口轉向台灣，批評台灣選舉是電視連續劇式的「假民主」，還說馬總統得票還不到「半個北京」多。


孔慶東的言行，說明了三件事：
一，作為大陸第一名校，北大教授素質參差不齊。
二，即使是孔子後裔，未必通達事理。
三，中國的言論尺度，或者不如外界想像的嚴厲。


Zuji Hong Kong 


試想，一名教授持續散播粗暴的族群和地域仇恨言論，挑起了兩岸三地民眾的敵意，還洋洋自得，無懼任何社會規範或道德制約，難道不是奇怪的事？


我們關心的，其實不是孔慶東個人言行與價值的乖張；我們關心的，是兩岸三地人民如何在日趨頻繁的接觸中認識彼此的歧異，並設法深化了解，而不是增加猜忌。


差異不一定是壞事，就像有時衝突或糾紛也能激發新的和平思維。最怕的是，如孔慶東般具有公共知識分子身分的人不珍惜自己的角色，不根據理性就事論事，反而以偏激、低俗的言論來挑撥群眾情緒。他滿足了自己個人英雄主義的幻覺，卻把仇恨和對立留給社會。


以大陸女童在香港地鐵吃麵引發的糾紛為例，其實是任何不同文化的碰撞都會發生的事；大陸觀光客需要學習香港社會的法治規範，香港人也要學習以更得體的方式來對待大陸來客。


包括北京和香港政府，都應警覺到兩地交流中日益增加的摩擦，設法調控觀光客數量，甚至增加陸客的行前教育等。否則，若港人一直覺得生活品質與資源遭到陸客和移民的侵蝕，而大陸人則認為港人倨傲、不友善，交流反而帶來雙方心理上的疏遠和隔閡，便得不償失。


然而，孔慶東的解決策略卻是義和團式的。他不從公民素養或社會差異的觀點去評論此事，卻高舉民族主義大旗，把香港人打為英國資本主義的「走狗」，甚至說出「用法治維持秩序的地方，就證明人沒有素質」的謬論，毫不掩飾他對法治的嫌惡。


在其煽惑下，引發大陸民眾認為「香港歧視大陸」的義憤，揚言要在香港地鐵集體吃麵以為反制；香港人民則反罵陸客如「蝗蟲」，揚言要帶相機上地鐵全面監控。一個名嘴教授，把陸港兩地民眾弄到如此劍拔弩張，豈不可怕？


義和團精神的核心，就是對對手的「全面否定」，但這也正是它自己的致命要害。把香港人比為「狗」，是暗喻自己是高一等的「人」，這不是虛無主義者最後的防衛武器嗎？就如中國大陸無法實施民主，孔慶東便貶抑台灣的民主為「假民主」，言下之意，才不稀罕這樣的東西。但是，不要民主、蔑視法治、醜化異地同胞，孔慶東除了販售敵意，他提出了什麼有意義的價值嗎？孔慶東覺得馬總統得票六百多萬只是區區之數，這顯示他根本不了解民主制度的精神根本不在人數，而在賦予每位公民平等的權利。事實上，許多人口數僅五六百萬的歐洲國家，卻發展出成熟穩健的民主社會，這也是孔慶東所不知道的事吧！


兩岸三地的社會、文化及歷史經驗並不相同，各方都有可以學習、借鏡之處。就算只是鄰邦，也得互相包容、尊重，何況三地具有血緣、語言、文化的共同根源。孔慶東心中只有自大、憤怒與輕蔑，他所擅長的是運用精神勝利法；但他所不懂的正是兩岸三地人民交往時亟需的節制、包容、以及公民素養。惡意的種子總是散播得最快、最遠，但對三地人民感情的黏合，它卻只有破壞作用。


在中國崛起的過程中，勢必會遇到國族自尊心受到挑戰或挫折的情況，中國人可以反擊、可以抗議，但有時也不妨自我反思一下，而不必流於情緒。尤其在港台議題上，如果也任意讓民族主義情緒發作，結果只會傷害民族的共同感情，卻無助贏取尊重。


建議孔教授，不妨仔細看看他所不屑的台灣「民主連續劇」，每一集可能都留有華人社會可資參考的珍貴經驗。至少，像他這樣以一張名嘴破壞台港中三地人民感情的事，在今天的台灣不會發生。

日本富士山地震山梨縣東部 溫泉水變色恐爆發

富士山地震溫泉變色恐爆發
2012年01月30日(一)
The Sun


【本報訊】日本富士山山腳的山梨縣東部，兩日發生三次黎克特制四點七級至五級地震。昨午發生的四點七級地震，持續約二十秒，沒有傷亡或建築物倒塌報告。


前日的兩次地震，震央位於富士山腳的富士五湖地下十八公里處，居民稱感覺強烈震動，川崎市一名五十八歲的男子不慎跌倒輕傷。


Zuji Hong Kong 


日本新聞網報道，多間溫泉酒店的經營者發現溫泉水顏色在地震後出現變化，居於富士山附近的居民對接連地震感到十分不安，擔心富士山會隨時爆發。氣象廳指地震與富士山火山活動無關，毋須過慮。


自去年九月以來，富士山周邊地區接連出現不少異象，位於山腳下的靜岡縣富士宮市，地下泉水湧出的分量比正常大幅增加；山梨縣有山洞內的蝙蝠數目亦比平常多出十多倍。氣象廳強調有關異象與火山活動或地震全無關係。


傳富士山附近溫泉水在地震後變色。日本溫泉。

關注「蝗蟲論」廣告 平等機會委員會呼籲港人寬容

關注「蝗蟲論」廣告 平機會籲港人寬容
明報 
2/03/2012


【明報專訊】平等機會委員會關注早前有報章刊登全版廣告，稱內地人為「蝗蟲」，主席林煥光呼籲港人，面對當前社會情况，保持寬容和理性。另一邊廂，昨日有內地網民製作海報反擊，比喻香港人是「兒子」，水電全靠內地，以表達不滿，但隨即引起港人抨擊。



http://www.facebook.com/nuclearfree
http://www.facebook.com/nukefree

Zuji Hong Kong 


內地網民製海報反擊 喻港人「兒子」
早前有網民在高登討論區籌款登廣告，反對「雙非」孕婦湧入本港，廣告中出現「蝗蟲」。平機會主席林煥光昨日發表聲明說，關注稱內地人士為蝗蟲的廣告，了解港人對近日某些社會議題有強烈情緒，包括醫療和其他社會資源，因外來需求大增而變得緊絀。他認同特區政府應即時採取有效措施，確保本地居民可繼續優先享有這些服務，並盡快檢討相關政策和法例是否完善。


但林表示，發表帶有譏諷和中傷意味的言論，會令雙方關係更緊張，帶來更多敵意，損害香港多元共融及友善的社會形象。他因此呼籲港人保持寬容理性，「對任何可能令我們降格為自私和狹隘社會的行動，須加以提防」。


中文大學政治與行政學系助理教授周保松則在社交網站呼籲，不要傳播有種族歧視和侮辱內地人的海報和言論，並指有內地同學因此感到不安。不過，周在文中提到部分觀點，如內地遊客不是蝗蟲，他們來香港觀光購物，推動香港經濟和良性文化交流，及大多雙非父母不是蝗蟲，入住私家醫院，子女根據法律才成為香港居民等，則惹來大批網民抨擊。周保松昨日向本報表示，自己只是希望港人不要標籤內地人，以希望政府以制度解決問題，並不是想引發更激烈的辯論。

港人反對內地客粵港私家車自駕遊湧港

網民反對內地客自駕遊湧港
星島日報 
2/03/2012


(綜合報道)(星島日報報道)港人和內地客衝突不斷浮面，預計下月起實施的粵港私家車自駕遊措施，亦引發網民反對。


有網民發起反對內地客自駕遊來港計畫，擔心令本港交通超負荷之餘，內地「黑煙車」更隨時令本港空氣污染加劇，昨發起一人一信要求多個環保團體表態支持。


政府回應稱，內地客自駕來港屬第二階段措施，屆時會審核申請人的交通違例紀錄。


　　首階段港車自駕北上
　　粵港雙方下月起推出私家車自駕遊計畫，有港人在社交網站facebook成立「多過十萬港人強烈反對自駕遊下月摧毀香港」群組，短短一日多，至昨晚已有逾二萬人加入，他們擔心內地客駕駛態度不佳，又不熟習本港路面，容易釀成車禍，亦令交通超負荷；更有機會促使更多「雙非」孕婦湧港。



[請廣傳] 多過十萬港人強烈反對自駕遊下月摧毀香港
http://www.facebook.com/events/287483797979807/


【表態活動】萬人力阻來港自駕遊　大陸車殺入 安全受威脅（已公布活動細節）
http://www.facebook.com/events/261104797291843/


【表態活動】萬人力阻來港自駕遊　大陸車殺入 安全受威脅（212維園見）
http://www.facebook.com/events/261104797291843/


[反自駕第一擊] 一人一信　要求環保團體表態反對大陸自駕遊加劇空氣污染!
http://www.facebook.com/events/102640569860278/

[請廣傳]不要車毀人亡：中港自駕遊計劃必須立即停止
http://www.facebook.com/stopCBPC


　　又擔心內地「黑煙車」更令本港空氣污染加劇，昨發起另一行動「一人一信，要求環保團體表態反對內地自駕遊加劇空氣污染！」昨晚已有六百多人參加，環保觸覺亦已表態支持。
　　根據粵港雙方協議，第一階段自駕遊試驗計畫，先讓五座位或以下的香港私家車車主，申請一次性特別配額北上，從香港駕駛汽車進入廣東省。


　　運輸及房屋局發言人表示，會盡快公布具體安排和執行細節，又強調內地私家車來港，屬於第二階段試驗計畫，有待粵港雙方專家進一步討論，並會視乎第一階段成效。


　　港府制定配額控制
　　發言人重申，政府會小心考慮兩地口岸和道路網絡的承受能力和其他因素，制定配額數量；兩地政府在審批申請時，又會考慮申請人的交通違例紀錄，只讓有良好駕駛紀錄的司機可自駕遊往來兩地，並會提醒兩地駕駛者應注意事項。

財政司司長曾俊華財政預算案 七項一次性利民措施

預算案:七項一次性利民措施
星島日報 
2/01/2012
http://www.facebook.com/6k10k


財政司司長曾俊華發表任內最後一份財政預算案。


曾俊華表示，為協助市民紓緩經濟下行的壓力，連同行政長官在《施政報告》中提出的建議，他會推出以下七項一次性措施。


當中包括


(一)寬免2012/13年度全年的差餉
註一，以每戶每季2500元為上限，估計近九成的物業在該年不用繳交差餉，涉及270萬個物業。這項建議會令政府收入減少117億元；


(二)寬減2011/12年度百分之七十五的薪俸稅及個人入息課稅，上限為1.2萬元，全港150萬名納稅人都會受惠。有關扣減會在納稅人2011/12年度的最終應繳稅款中反映。這項措施會使政府減少89億元稅收；


(三)向每個電力住宅用戶戶口提供1800元的電費補貼，涉及的政府開支是45億元。他們預計會有250萬用戶受惠，當中約有百分之二十的用戶現時平均每月支付電費不多於150元。補貼足夠為他們支付至少一年的電費；


(四)向領取綜合社會保障援助(綜援)、高齡津貼及傷殘津貼人士發放額外津貼，金額相當於一個月的綜援標準金額、高齡津貼或傷殘津貼。這方面的開支為21億元；


(五)為公屋租戶代繳兩個月租金。其中，政府會為須向香港房屋委員會(房委會)繳交額外租金的租戶繳付單位兩個月的基本租金。至於居住在香港房屋協會(房協)乙類單位的非長者住戶，政府會為他們繳交兩個月租金的三分之二。這項措施涉及開支十九億元；


(六)政府剛於去年年底增加1億元撥款，延續並改善短期食物援助服務，包括增加食物種類及供應新鮮食物。如有需要，政府會再增加1億元撥款；以及


(七)容許所有在2012年完成課程的學生貸款人，可以選擇在完成課程一年後才開始償還學生貸款，以紓緩他們畢業初期的財政負擔，並讓他們有更充裕的時間尋找穩定的工作。


預算案重點：稅務措施
雅虎香港新聞
2/01/2012


增增加基本免稅額和單親免稅額至12萬元；已婚人士免稅額增至24萬元。
增加供養60歲或以上的父母或祖父母至3萬8千元。與這些父母或祖父母連續全年同住的納稅人所享有的額外免稅額，增加至3萬8千元。
增加供養55至59歲的父母或祖父母至1萬9千元。與這些父母或祖父母連續全年同住的納稅人所享有的 額外免稅額會按同樣幅度增加。
如父母或祖父母入住安老院舍，長者住宿照顧開支的扣除上限，會由增加至7萬6千元。
增加子女免稅額至每名6萬3千元，而每名子女在出生的課稅年度所享有的一次性額外免稅額，也提高至6萬3千元。
增加供養兄弟姊妹免稅額至3萬3千元。
增加傷殘受養人免稅額至6萬6千元。
延長居所貸款利息扣除年期至15個課稅年度，最高扣減額則維持每年10萬元。

滴滴金：請勿阻撓政府派錢 - 勞永樂

滴滴金：請勿阻撓政府派錢
2012年01月31日(二)
勞永樂  東方
http://www.facebook.com/6k10k


要求政府不再派發現金的政黨不知所謂。期望夕陽曾蔭權政府大有為，搞全民退休保障、加強公營醫療等根本不切實際，要搞早已搞了，不派發現金亦不會搞。


派發現金乃曾蔭權在餘下任期唯一可做、且令大部分市民認同之事！


把「公義」掛嘴邊的政治人物，是否明瞭每人派六千元最合乎社會公義：


一名月入六千元人士，獲派六千元，獲益是月入百分之百；


相對之下，一名月入六十萬人士，獲派六千元，獲益只是月入百分之一。


因此，以累進原則，愈富裕獲益愈少，愈貧窮獲益愈多，跟累進稅制，收入愈高稅率愈高的原則一致。


反之，按百分比退稅，例如向所有納稅人退稅百分之十，便不符累進原則：不論納稅多少退稅率完全一樣，而且，納稅愈多獲退稅數額愈高。


向所有納稅人劃一退稅，例如每人一萬，合乎累進原則，納稅較少人士獲益相對較多；但沒有納稅、更需幫助的貧窮人，卻全不受惠。因此，退稅並非最有效的財富再分配措施。


派發現金，對低薪、低技術人士最為有利，符合令社會愈低層受惠愈大原則。


今年年宵生意暢旺，便是派發現金奏效好例子。販商獲利，有餘錢吃喝玩樂，慷慨付小費，令更多基層市民受惠。此乃適當派發現金，增加貨幣供應的良好效果。


謹此呼籲要求政府不要再派發現金的政黨重新考慮，切勿阻撓此基層市民最受惠措施。

在家生孩子

在家生孩子
專欄作家 陳曉蕾 | 生活好綠 
1/31/2012


身邊又有一個朋友，在家裡生孩子。



孕婦在家產子，在西歐國家並不稀奇，荷蘭有一半孩子是在家中出生，根據美國疾病防預中心調查，2004至2008年期間在家產子的婦女增加了20%。然而在香港，絕大部份的孕婦想都沒想過。


朋友甲是小學教師，因為不喜歡醫院的生產過程，決定在家分娩。在醫院裡，令產婦很難自然分娩的原因之一，是產床的設計要孕婦躺著張大雙腿，這方便了醫護人員，卻苦了準媽媽──請想像用同樣姿勢大便，那得多費氣力！


又要用剪刀剪開陰部、又要用吸盤把孩子吸出來，對母子的健康都有影響。


但在家裡，孕婦就可以選擇不同的姿勢生產，朋友甲相信在水裡生孩子，風險較低，於是把浴缸放在客廳，加上暖爐、暖水、音樂，在註冊護士幫忙下生下女兒。


http://easss.com/baby


去年朋友乙，是倚在孩子爸爸的身上，把兒子生下來。


她特地請了一位已經在港執業十年的冰島裔助產士，陪伴身邊的，還有護士朋友、曾經在家生孩子的朋友。生產時，大家都很輕鬆，唸小學的大女兒還在旁邊看漫畫。


朋友乙不希望嬰孩的臍帶被剪掉：「臍帶連著胎盤，其實還有營養繼續輸送給嬰孩，而且過幾天便會自然脫落，用剪刀反而為嬰孩帶來第一道傷口，對心身都不健康。」脫落的臍帶連胎盤，她曬乾了留起來，說日後孩子若生重病，可以煮來吃，裡面有母體帶來的天然抗體。


可是如果在醫院生產，臍連胎盤都一定會被當作醫療廢物丟掉。


剛剛一月，相信自然療法的朋友丙也請了助產士，在家生孩子，整個過程不用半點抗生素、止痛藥、麻醉藥、催產針。



在家生孩子，肯定也會有風險，只是三位朋友都有自己相信的一套醫學理念，在家生產就有選擇的權利。


法律上，不是在醫院出生的嬰孩，只要有人證等證明據嬰孩是在香港出生，一樣可以領取身份證。

金融時報2011年全球工商管理碩士MBA排名 港大上榜 科大跌4名

港大上榜 科大跌4名 金融時報MBA排名
明報 
1/31/2012
http://easss.com/edu/mba


【明報專訊】英國《金融時報》昨公布2011年全球工商管理碩士排名，科大、中大及港大均能躋身50強。其中港大首次參與今次排名評分，新上榜排第34位；科大則由去年第6位，大幅下跌至第10位。科大認為，今年因有新評分準則，不再將內地師生納入「國際化」指標才影響排名。


史丹福列榜首
今年全球最佳的MBA課程，由去年屈居第4位的美國史丹福大學GSB奪得；而上年度雙冠軍美國賓夕法尼亞大學（沃頓商學院）及英國倫敦商學院，今年的成績卻見下挫，分別只得第3及第4名。


科大的MBA課程今年維持亞洲第一，國際排名則由第6跌至第10，其中師生的國際化水平評分，分別下跌四成及兩成；學生畢業後3年的平均薪酬，也由去年錄得約104萬港元，跌4.5%至約99.5萬港元，但畢業生薪酬仍較就讀MBA前增加約1.5倍。


科大：內地師生不納「國際化」 影響評分
科大工商管理碩士課程執行總監曾志安表示，由於今年《金融時報》採用新評分準則，院校的內地人士，包括委員會成員及師生，均不再列為非本地類別，降低科大的「國際化」指標；畢業生的薪酬則估計受外圍經濟環境影響。科大MBA下學年維持加學費約5%，全日及兼讀制課程，分別需52.5萬及31.5萬港元。


港大自2003年開辦MBA課程，今年在首次符合排名要求下獲得評分，進入排名榜的34位。中大MBA課程今年名列28位，去年則無排名，2010年仍為28位。中大商學院課程推廣及招生部總監陳行健解釋，去年院方由於技術問題無法處理校友數據，又認為新的評分準則不利本港大學，以致中大排名無法上升。