旅業迷失十年 美重開大門 簽證手續簡化 倡快批中印巴西遊客
明報
2012年1月21日星期六
【明報專訊】自九一一後大舉收緊入境限制的美國，在當前首務由反恐變成振興經濟下，終決定重新向多國旅客大開方便之門。美國總統奧巴馬宣布，為中國、印度、巴西等新興國家旅客，加快批核和增加包括旅遊觀光及商務工幹的非移民簽證數目，又容許台灣居民免簽證等，希望刺激旅遊業，改善美國經濟和失業率。奧巴馬說﹕「美國是打開門做生意的。我們希望歡迎你。」
http://easss.com/travel
「美國是打開門做生意的」
美國旅遊界近年一直促請放寬九一一後收緊的入境政策。美國在全球旅遊市場的佔有率，在10年間由17％跌至12.4％，跌幅顯著。美國旅遊協會去年底曾發表報告稱，世界旅遊業在2000至2010年間，增加了逾6000萬旅客，美國市場卻未能受惠，「在這『迷失的十年』裏，我國浪費了從額外旅客的總消費中，賺取多達6060億美元（約4.7萬億港元）的機會。那筆錢足夠每年支持多46.7萬個職位」。
業界指10年賺少4.7萬億
奧巴馬周四在佛州「迪士尼世界」主題公園交代新措施，「我希望美國成為世界最多人造訪的旅遊目的地」。他表示已着令商務部和內政部就促進旅遊業，吸引更多遊客遊覽主題公園、國家公園、歷史勝地等提出建議，同時宣布向新興國家提供簡化審批商務、旅遊等非移民簽證。
台灣免簽 未提香港
奧巴馬說，政府今年內將開設更多的領事館和增派人手，增批四成的中國和巴西非移民入境簽證申請，當局也將加快批核「低風險」人士（如首次申請的長者或年輕人、從前已通過審核的加簽或更換簽證人士）的簽證申請，至於台灣居民更可享免簽證入境，但沒提及香港。
目前，外國人無論是否獲得過美國簽證，每次重新申請簽證時，均須往美國使領館辦理「面簽」手續。簡化此程序既便利申請人，亦可省減使領館開支。奧巴馬同時強調，當局會確保國土安全。
旅遊業在2010年美國GDP中雖僅佔2.7％，但它卻是美國其中一個高成本效益的產業，支持了750萬個就業崗位。2010年數據顯示，外國旅客每次訪美的人均消費為4000美元，2010年為美國帶來了1340億美元收入，其中入境人數持續增長的中國、巴西、印度旅客，對美國經濟的貢獻最顯著——3國旅客為美國提供了150億美元的收益，中國和巴西遊客的人均消費各為6000和5000美元。業界相信，倘能恢復2001年的旅遊業盛世，可於2020年前，為美國增加130萬個職位和促進8600億美元（約6.7萬億港元）經濟活動。
港旅社﹕盼港美加快商討免簽
康泰旅行社副總經理陳建鵬昨表示，理解內地人消費力強勁，新安排有助促進美國經濟。對於香港不在受惠之列，他稱特首曾蔭權去年底赴美，與美國國務卿希拉里會面時，曾公開爭取特區護照免簽證，他期望港府可加快商討程序，讓安排盡快落實。康泰目前於內地有開辦赴美旅行團，但陳建鵬說申請簽證審批嚴謹，成功申請的內地人仍有限，較難成團，若美方能讓代辦簽證一併開放至所有旅行社，相信可增加商機。
Sunday, January 22, 2012
檔案分享網站Megaupload 關閉 Kim Dotcom 居億元豪宅 擁20輛名車 「邪惡博士」奢華生活曝光
居億元豪宅 擁20輛名車 「邪惡博士」奢華生活曝光
星島日報
1/22/02012
(綜合報道)(星島日報報道)在香港註冊的大型檔案分享網站Megaupload日前被美國司法部關閉，擁有香港居留權的創辦人金德康（Kim Dotcom）在紐西蘭被捕，案件也暴露了這個外號「邪惡博士」的互聯網大亨的奢侈生活。
http://easss.com/internet
警方披露，周四在其高度設防豪宅沒收的名車就達二十部，包括一架價值四十萬美元（三百一十萬港元）的勞斯萊斯和一架一九五九年的粉紅色凱迪拉克。
綜合報道
金德康原名金•施米茨（Kim Schmitz），過去數年正式改名Kim Dotcom，以感謝令他成為巨富的互聯網。這位互聯網大亨周四在其位於紐西蘭奧克蘭市郊的二萬五千平方呎豪宅內慶祝三十八歲生日時被捕。
黑客技術揚威柏林
金德康的網站Megaupload被控侵犯版權，令版權持有人損失巨大，但靠互聯網致富的金德康平時的生活仍然很高調。警方起訴書顯示，當日沒收的二十輛名貴汽車包括一輛粉紅色凱迪拉克（Cadillac）古董車和一輛勞斯萊斯幻影房車，其中多輛名車都有獨特的車牌，包括KIMCOM、HACKER（黑客）、GUILTY（有罪）、MAFIA（黑手黨）、GOD（神）、POLICE（警察）等。
金德康且據報參加全球最奢華的Gumball 3000拉力賽，有如「炮彈飛車」般瘋狂，曾被拍得駕車越過一輛警車笑着說「邪惡先生常可逃脫。」
金德康在德國出生，上世紀九十年代在柏林以黑客技術揚威。
他其後到香港過新生活，成為Megaupload的幕後主腦及做其他生意，並在紐西蘭居住。警方指其豪宅正門寫着「Dotcom大宅」，並有大型長頸鹿和犀牛雕塑。大宅有三重閘門，又有保安人員及裝有攝錄機。
日前警方公布了突擊搜查金德康豪宅當日的行動細節，其落網過程被形容為恍如「占士邦」電影情節。警方當日派出了數十名警員荷槍實彈到金德康租住的高度設防豪宅，要破開電子鎖和破門才能入內拘捕他。
有組織及金融犯罪組偵緝督察沃莫爾德稱，警方對金德康採取拘捕行動當日，執勤警員已第一時間向金德康清楚表明身分，但他仍沒有理會，且退回屋內，開啟安裝於豪宅的電子鎖系統。
警員後來逼不得已使用武力打開鎖具，但一進門便發現金德康已自行反鎖於豪宅內的避難室，警方須再派人破門，才能進入避難室。
然而，警員一進入避難室便赫然發現金德康身處的位置附近放有一把短獵槍，警員大為緊張，幸而最終也能夠順利將金德康緝拿歸案。
未通過「良好品格」 被拒置業
金德康的豪宅據報現市值約三千萬紐元（逾一億八千七百萬港元），他去年曾試圖把該幢物業買下，但因為未能通過紐西蘭政府對移民人士的「良好品格」考查無法成事。
身高六呎七吋、體重約三百磅的金德康有「邪惡博士」稱號。短片分享網站YouTube一條片段中，金德康開着他的平治汽車參加歐洲Gumball 3000拉力賽，還大談自己如何賄賂一名摩洛哥官員。
另一段片則是奧克蘭市去年大除夕煙花表演，據報五十萬紐元的煙花表演費用是正由金德康贊助，以慶祝他的一家人獲紐西蘭當局給予居留權。
星島日報
1/22/02012
(綜合報道)(星島日報報道)在香港註冊的大型檔案分享網站Megaupload日前被美國司法部關閉，擁有香港居留權的創辦人金德康（Kim Dotcom）在紐西蘭被捕，案件也暴露了這個外號「邪惡博士」的互聯網大亨的奢侈生活。
http://easss.com/internet
警方披露，周四在其高度設防豪宅沒收的名車就達二十部，包括一架價值四十萬美元（三百一十萬港元）的勞斯萊斯和一架一九五九年的粉紅色凱迪拉克。
綜合報道
金德康原名金•施米茨（Kim Schmitz），過去數年正式改名Kim Dotcom，以感謝令他成為巨富的互聯網。這位互聯網大亨周四在其位於紐西蘭奧克蘭市郊的二萬五千平方呎豪宅內慶祝三十八歲生日時被捕。
黑客技術揚威柏林
金德康的網站Megaupload被控侵犯版權，令版權持有人損失巨大，但靠互聯網致富的金德康平時的生活仍然很高調。警方起訴書顯示，當日沒收的二十輛名貴汽車包括一輛粉紅色凱迪拉克（Cadillac）古董車和一輛勞斯萊斯幻影房車，其中多輛名車都有獨特的車牌，包括KIMCOM、HACKER（黑客）、GUILTY（有罪）、MAFIA（黑手黨）、GOD（神）、POLICE（警察）等。
金德康且據報參加全球最奢華的Gumball 3000拉力賽，有如「炮彈飛車」般瘋狂，曾被拍得駕車越過一輛警車笑着說「邪惡先生常可逃脫。」
金德康在德國出生，上世紀九十年代在柏林以黑客技術揚威。
他其後到香港過新生活，成為Megaupload的幕後主腦及做其他生意，並在紐西蘭居住。警方指其豪宅正門寫着「Dotcom大宅」，並有大型長頸鹿和犀牛雕塑。大宅有三重閘門，又有保安人員及裝有攝錄機。
日前警方公布了突擊搜查金德康豪宅當日的行動細節，其落網過程被形容為恍如「占士邦」電影情節。警方當日派出了數十名警員荷槍實彈到金德康租住的高度設防豪宅，要破開電子鎖和破門才能入內拘捕他。
有組織及金融犯罪組偵緝督察沃莫爾德稱，警方對金德康採取拘捕行動當日，執勤警員已第一時間向金德康清楚表明身分，但他仍沒有理會，且退回屋內，開啟安裝於豪宅的電子鎖系統。
警員後來逼不得已使用武力打開鎖具，但一進門便發現金德康已自行反鎖於豪宅內的避難室，警方須再派人破門，才能進入避難室。
然而，警員一進入避難室便赫然發現金德康身處的位置附近放有一把短獵槍，警員大為緊張，幸而最終也能夠順利將金德康緝拿歸案。
未通過「良好品格」 被拒置業
金德康的豪宅據報現市值約三千萬紐元（逾一億八千七百萬港元），他去年曾試圖把該幢物業買下，但因為未能通過紐西蘭政府對移民人士的「良好品格」考查無法成事。
身高六呎七吋、體重約三百磅的金德康有「邪惡博士」稱號。短片分享網站YouTube一條片段中，金德康開着他的平治汽車參加歐洲Gumball 3000拉力賽，還大談自己如何賄賂一名摩洛哥官員。
另一段片則是奧克蘭市去年大除夕煙花表演，據報五十萬紐元的煙花表演費用是正由金德康贊助，以慶祝他的一家人獲紐西蘭當局給予居留權。
東鐵罵戰主角籲勿分化 孔慶東堅稱「部分港人是狗」
東鐵罵戰主角籲勿分化 孔慶東堅稱「部分港人是狗」
明報
1/22/2012
【明報專訊】北京大學教授孔慶東罵港人是狗，有香港網民聲言要去信北大，要求撤換孔慶東，並說今日會到中聯辦「放狗」抗議。
孔慶東昨接受內地第一視頻網訪問時開腔，指「只是罵部分港人是狗」，兩地分化是媒體炒作造成。「東鐵食麵」事件當事人Ken接受本報訪問時，反轟孔慶東輕率評論才是分化源頭，他更為內地人平反，稱車廂事件及孔慶東的言論僅代表部分內地人，他不會參加抗議活動，挑起反對情緒。
孔慶東評論車廂事件怒罵港人的短片，前日瘋傳一天後，昨晚已被視頻網站YouTube以片段「違反YouTube禁止仇恨言論政策」為理由刪除。
早前一段網上瘋傳短片，拍下在港鐵車廂有港人因內地婦人縱容幼童在車廂吃麵，雙方發生罵戰，要職員前來調停。結果，不但本地網民轟內地人沒有文化，孔慶東更在網上節目轟港人無質素，並斥「港人是狗」。
fb中聯辦放狗專頁 1.6萬人讚好
社交網站facebook昨有人發起，今日下午帶狗到中聯辦「閒逛」，至昨晚已近1.6萬人「讚好」。
萬人圍堵中聯辦活動,要求孔慶東向港人道歉
http://on.fb.me/y2mBfu
嚴正要求孔慶東向全香港人道歉
http://on.fb.me/wT502b
嚴正要求孔慶東向香港人道歉
http://on.fb.me/A1DyJ8
此外，有網民針對孔慶東任教的北大，呼籲一人一信致函大學，要求孔慶東公開道歉，並表示「希望所有準備捐款予北京大學的香港富豪，無限期押後捐款計劃」。
眼看一宗地鐵車廂對罵事件在網上不斷發酵，事件當事人Ken接受本報訪問時首度開腔，表示對於事件引致兩地分化，很不開心。
Ken表示他不欲參加今天的到中聯辦行動，「他（孔）只是代表他個人，不要因此挑起反對情緒，香港人有自己的素養。如果他代表國家這樣說，是另一回事，但他只是代表個人立場」。
Ken：不欲到中聯辦遊行
他表示，YouTube片段未有拍攝事件的前段，內容是他以普通話溫和勸導內地婦人，因此造成不少誤會。他說﹕「（孔慶東）自己沒有了解整件事就評論，我覺得他是輕率。」他認為，是孔慶東輕率評論，才是今次造成分化的根源。
Ken說，不少在港內地人多年來循規蹈矩，「今次是很個別事件，不想營造到所有內地人都是沒有文化」。
他舉例，連日來有內地人向他發出粗言穢語的信息，但他解釋後，對方亦表示理解，證明內地人並不全是蠻不講理。Ken又承認，自己當時說出「大陸人係咁的﹗」這句話，是太衝動及負面，並為此公開道歉，「但孔教授有否為自己講的一句半句道歉」？
孔慶東：為港人好
孔慶東昨在自己的第一視頻網上節目《孔和尚有話說》接受訪問堅稱，是媒體歪曲其言論，故意炒作，「特別是過年的時候，就有一些言論，破壞香港跟內地的關係」。他表示對媒體的報道手法感到遺憾及要求道歉，又強調自己只是罵部分港人是狗，而他也罵北京人、上海人是狗。
他說，不少內地人到港旅遊後遭到不禮貌對待，稱自己只是批判事實，「我是為了香港人好」。
孔慶東又在微博中寫到﹕「假如真有一個人說『香港人是狗』，那麽這個人應該道歉。而這句話恰好是南方報系說的，所以我鄭重要求南方報系向我並同時向香港人民道歉。支援南方報系認罪的舉手！」
全國政協委員劉夢熊昨批評孔慶東的言論分化群眾，違背了中央和諧社會的主張，「他不止要道歉，直情要謝罪」，並指北大應將他嚴厲處分，甚至建議開除。
學者陳雲則在facebook個人專頁上提醒，孔慶東的評論並不代表官方機構，市民如到中聯辦要求譴責，有促請中國官方干預大學的學術自由及學者的言論自由之虞。
香港政府五百億浸庫房 市民盼派錢
五百億浸庫房 市民盼派錢
2012年01月20日 星期五
metrohk
香港政府請派錢六千或一萬貧窮人儲得又用得這是德政 Support Scheme 6000
http://on.fb.me/w9meck
面對高通脹、樓價高企、地產霸權等多種問題，市民的新年願望，當然是希望政府能夠「派糖」紓財困。特首曾蔭權昨在答問大會，被議員要求派錢退稅。他說社會上對派錢有不同的意見，顯示大多數人對措施有保留 ，言語間似暗示市民，今年派錢「無着落」。
有消息曾指今個財政年度，庫房盈餘將達到最少500億元，故不少市民都希望政府能繼續還富於民。人民力量陳偉業和社民連梁國雄均要求將盈餘派予市民。
陳偉業說，政府應該於財政預算案中，好好分配收益，以縮短和改善貧富懸殊問題。「貧富懸殊喺你（曾蔭權）在任期間不斷惡化，而家你剩番幾個月任期，最直接幫到基層嘅方法，係每人派8,000蚊。特首你會唔會有啲良知，有少少憐憫之心，作呢個重要決定，令香港貧苦嘅人可以過一個好年﹖」
曾蔭權重申，自己非常關注基層市民的生活，但認為要長遠解決貧富懸殊問題，不應只單靠派錢，相反要從教育、社會漏洞等着手，「將財富所得再分配嘅方法，以往歐洲不少國家可以睇到，唔係最有效用。」他強調，會否再派錢要留待財政司司長曾俊華決定，相信他會善用儲備。
長毛擲糖洩憤被逐
對於議員李國寶要求銀行優化銀行按揭政策，好讓市民容易買樓。曾蔭權則認為要審慎考慮，尤其是借貸比率方面，更應保守。他又表示，現行措施已有效穩定樓價，市場亦已有下調機制，故不同意在環境如此波動的情況下，將現時的措施改變。
另外，梁國雄在會上再次向曾蔭權擲物。梁要求政府動用至少500億元，推行全民退休保障，但曾蔭權只推說預算案會交代盈餘如何運用。梁怒將4顆從台灣買回的糖果擲向曾蔭權，意味政府只懂向市民「派細糖仔」。人民力量黃毓民則大叫：「回水八千好過年!」話畢就自行走出議事廳。
曾蔭權強調，餘下任期仍有多項工作要處理，包括面對歐債危機一觸即發，有需要時要推出及時措施，以做到撐企業，保就業以及紓民困；落實施政報告內各項有利民生的措施等。
政黨促推紓困措施
社會各界已有多項訴求，包括新民黨建議，政府設立「綜合課餘活動資助計劃」，為每名小學及中學生的監護人提供2,000元津貼；退稅九成助中產。
工聯會建議，政府繼續為市民提供電費補貼、寬免全年差餉等，減輕市民的生活負擔，作為政府派給市民的最好紓困利是。
毓民嗌「回水」長毛掟糖
2012-01-20
hkheadline
每次答問大會中，社民連梁國雄(長毛)、人民力量黃毓民和陳偉業(大嚿)，都不忘想想辦法作「議會抗爭」，昨日雖然煲呔病到聲都沙，但三人仍然「好好招呼」他。昨日大嚿和長毛都有份問問題，其中大嚿就要求政府在下月一日的《預算案》中人人派八千元，「還富於民」以解決貧富懸殊，煲呔就回應話，《預算案》由財爺曾俊華負責，但聽到社會上包括很多議員都不贊成派錢，相信可以有其他紓困方法。
大嚿黨友毓民在離開議事廳時，就大喊「回水！八千！」至於長毛延續派錢要求外，加上要求撥款設全民退休保障制度，一早預告如煲呔拒絕，就會「掟你！」而長毛就相當「守信用」，真的「掟」煲呔，但就不如上次般掟蛋，而是掟糖，寓意政府只派糖。
2012年01月20日 星期五
metrohk
香港政府請派錢六千或一萬貧窮人儲得又用得這是德政 Support Scheme 6000
http://on.fb.me/w9meck
面對高通脹、樓價高企、地產霸權等多種問題，市民的新年願望，當然是希望政府能夠「派糖」紓財困。特首曾蔭權昨在答問大會，被議員要求派錢退稅。他說社會上對派錢有不同的意見，顯示大多數人對措施有保留 ，言語間似暗示市民，今年派錢「無着落」。
有消息曾指今個財政年度，庫房盈餘將達到最少500億元，故不少市民都希望政府能繼續還富於民。人民力量陳偉業和社民連梁國雄均要求將盈餘派予市民。
陳偉業說，政府應該於財政預算案中，好好分配收益，以縮短和改善貧富懸殊問題。「貧富懸殊喺你（曾蔭權）在任期間不斷惡化，而家你剩番幾個月任期，最直接幫到基層嘅方法，係每人派8,000蚊。特首你會唔會有啲良知，有少少憐憫之心，作呢個重要決定，令香港貧苦嘅人可以過一個好年﹖」
曾蔭權重申，自己非常關注基層市民的生活，但認為要長遠解決貧富懸殊問題，不應只單靠派錢，相反要從教育、社會漏洞等着手，「將財富所得再分配嘅方法，以往歐洲不少國家可以睇到，唔係最有效用。」他強調，會否再派錢要留待財政司司長曾俊華決定，相信他會善用儲備。
長毛擲糖洩憤被逐
對於議員李國寶要求銀行優化銀行按揭政策，好讓市民容易買樓。曾蔭權則認為要審慎考慮，尤其是借貸比率方面，更應保守。他又表示，現行措施已有效穩定樓價，市場亦已有下調機制，故不同意在環境如此波動的情況下，將現時的措施改變。
另外，梁國雄在會上再次向曾蔭權擲物。梁要求政府動用至少500億元，推行全民退休保障，但曾蔭權只推說預算案會交代盈餘如何運用。梁怒將4顆從台灣買回的糖果擲向曾蔭權，意味政府只懂向市民「派細糖仔」。人民力量黃毓民則大叫：「回水八千好過年!」話畢就自行走出議事廳。
曾蔭權強調，餘下任期仍有多項工作要處理，包括面對歐債危機一觸即發，有需要時要推出及時措施，以做到撐企業，保就業以及紓民困；落實施政報告內各項有利民生的措施等。
政黨促推紓困措施
社會各界已有多項訴求，包括新民黨建議，政府設立「綜合課餘活動資助計劃」，為每名小學及中學生的監護人提供2,000元津貼；退稅九成助中產。
工聯會建議，政府繼續為市民提供電費補貼、寬免全年差餉等，減輕市民的生活負擔，作為政府派給市民的最好紓困利是。
毓民嗌「回水」長毛掟糖
2012-01-20
hkheadline
每次答問大會中，社民連梁國雄(長毛)、人民力量黃毓民和陳偉業(大嚿)，都不忘想想辦法作「議會抗爭」，昨日雖然煲呔病到聲都沙，但三人仍然「好好招呼」他。昨日大嚿和長毛都有份問問題，其中大嚿就要求政府在下月一日的《預算案》中人人派八千元，「還富於民」以解決貧富懸殊，煲呔就回應話，《預算案》由財爺曾俊華負責，但聽到社會上包括很多議員都不贊成派錢，相信可以有其他紓困方法。
大嚿黨友毓民在離開議事廳時，就大喊「回水！八千！」至於長毛延續派錢要求外，加上要求撥款設全民退休保障制度，一早預告如煲呔拒絕，就會「掟你！」而長毛就相當「守信用」，真的「掟」煲呔，但就不如上次般掟蛋，而是掟糖，寓意政府只派糖。
Saturday, January 21, 2012
９個月跨14國2.1萬公里 澳洲阿甘 Pat Farmer 北極跑到南極
９個月跨14國2.1萬公里 澳洲阿甘北極跑到南極
2012年01月20日(五)
The Sun
【本報訊】有澳洲阿甘之稱的國會議員法馬（Pat Farmer），昨天成功完成由北極跑到南極的極級馬拉松壯舉。法馬去年四月二日出發，穿越十四個國家，全程約二萬一千公里，穿州過省、攀山涉水，在極地忍受暴風雪，又在秘魯沙漠迷失方向；遇見北極熊、鱷魚、毒蛇等猛獸更不在話下。他亦須與土匪和軍閥周旋，又差點遭橫衝直撞的貨車撞倒。
法馬每日平均跑八十公里，從無間斷。期間身體曾經脫水，又要承受極大精神壓力；及至旅程完成，雙腳已體無完膚。
旅途雖艱苦，但為國際紅十字會籌得十萬澳元（約八十萬港元），幫助第三世界的人獲得清潔食水，法馬堅忍至最後一刻。九個多月後，他終成功把國際紅十字會會旗插在南極大陸上，完成這趟旅程。
法馬前日終抵達南極，拉起紅十字會橫額。
Running
NZ police cut locks in Megaupload raid
NZ police cut locks in Megaupload raid
21-01-2012
RTHK
The mansion home of Megaupload founder Kim Schmitz. Photo: Reuters.
It's emerged that New Zealand police broke through electronic locks and cut their way into a mansion safe room to arrest the alleged kingpin of an international Internet copyright theft case and seize millions of dollars worth of cars, artwork and other goods.
German national Kim Dotcom, also known as Kim Schmitz, was one of four men arrested on Friday in an investigation of the Megaupload.com website led by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The group was accused of engaging in a scheme that took more than US$500 million away from copyright holders and generated over $175 million in proceeds from subscriptions and advertising.
A police official said on Saturday that dozens of officers, backed by helicopters, forced their way into the mansion, nestled in lush farmland, after Mr Schmitz refused them entry to his home in Auckland.
The 37-year-old German citizen, who has New Zealand and Hong Kong residency, was denied bail with three other men on Friday when they appeared in an Auckland district court.
They will appear in court again on Monday.
Web Hosting
HK seizes $330 m in Megaupload raids
21-01-2012
RTHK
German internet millionaire Kim Schmitz also known as Kim Dotcom. Reuters file photo.
Customs officers have raided offices, domestic premises and luxury hotel suites in Hong Kong as part of a worldwide FBI Internet piracy investigation into file-sharing site Megaupload.com.
One hundred officers took part in the raids Friday which seized a large amount of digital evidence and uncovered about HK$330 million (US$42 million) in suspected crime proceeds, Customs said.
"The assets have been frozen in accordance with related ordinances. The operation is ongoing," it said in a statement.
Officers raided hotel suites costing HK$100,000 a day equipped with high-speed servers and large television screens which were suspected to be connected to the case.
Megaupload's website was shut down Thursday by US authorities who accuse it of one of the largest cases of copyright theft ever.
Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom, also known as Kim Schmitz, is being held in New Zealand following a police raid there.
The 37-year-old German citizen, who has New Zealand and Hong Kong residency, was denied bail with three other men on Friday when they appeared in an Auckland district court.
New Zealand police seized luxury cars worth NZ$6.0 million (US$4.8 million), including a 1959 pink Cadillac and a Rolls Royce Phantom, in a raid on Dotcom's Auckland mansion.
MegaUpload 被封網拉人 香港為基地 侵權獲利 13億
MEGAUPLOAD被封網拉人 香港為基地 侵權獲利 13億
2012年01月21日
Apple
正當美國國會審議的《反網絡盜版法》，引發科網界強烈抗議之際，司法部前天（周四）關閉以香港為基地、全球最大檔案分享網站 Megaupload.com，並透過新西蘭警方拘控七人，他們涉及非法發佈盜版電影及音樂獲利。黑客組織隨即攻擊聯邦調查局（ FBI）及司法部等網站報復，令網站癱瘓。
Megaupload拉人封網
Megaupload有 1.5億登記用戶，每日點擊率達 5,000萬次，更獲得多位樂壇巨星力撐。 FBI調查後發現，該網站利用美國伺服器複製及發佈侵權的盜版電影及音樂，又獎賞上載盜版內容的用戶，藉以獲利 1.75億美元（ 13.6億港元），導致版權持有人損失 5億美元（ 39億港元）。網站創辦人 Kim Dotcom去年就賺了 4,200萬美元（ 3.26億港元）。
Megaupload雖在香港註冊，但疑只是空殼公司，公司伺服器都在美國。
Web Hosting
美國司法部前天勒令關閉該網站，新西蘭警方同時在奧克蘭拘捕有香港居留權的 Kim Dotcom及德國籍香港居民奧特曼等四人，又撿獲槍械、藝術品、逾 800萬美元（ 6,240萬港元）現金及多輛名貴汽車，仍有三名涉案人士在逃。
港海關出動百人搜查
美國司法部前天下令關閉侵權的檔案分享網站 Megaupload。美聯社
香港海關亦配合採取行動，昨晨調動約 100人搜查四處目標地點，查獲大量電子證據，並凍結 3.3億港元涉案資產。
Kim Dotcom等四人被控侵權、串謀洗黑錢及詐騙等五罪，下周一會再次提堂，並將被引渡到美國受審。網站關閉後，黑客組織「無名氏」前晚即攻擊 FBI、司法部、環球唱片及美國唱片業協會等網站報復，多個網站癱瘓達數小時。
法新社/美聯社
香港凍結Megaupload逾3億資產
香港電台
1/21/2012
美國關閉以香港為基地的檔案分享網站Megaupload，香港海關配合相關行動，同美國執法機構合作，搗破有關集團，查獲大量電子證據，並凍結3億3千萬港元涉案資產，包括銀行存款及股票投資。
海關調動大約100人，搜查全港4個地方，並查問多名有關人士，包括涉案公司董事。
調查顯示，涉案平台貯存大量侵權物品，供人網上下載，已從事有關侵權活動超過5年，收入相當於大約13億6千萬港元。
另外，新西蘭警方應美國要求，拘捕Megaupload創辦人施米茨和3名員工。
他們其後在奧克蘭出席有關引渡去美國的聆訊，法官不准4人保釋，還押監房，
下星期一再應訊。
2012年01月21日
Apple
正當美國國會審議的《反網絡盜版法》，引發科網界強烈抗議之際，司法部前天（周四）關閉以香港為基地、全球最大檔案分享網站 Megaupload.com，並透過新西蘭警方拘控七人，他們涉及非法發佈盜版電影及音樂獲利。黑客組織隨即攻擊聯邦調查局（ FBI）及司法部等網站報復，令網站癱瘓。
Megaupload拉人封網
Megaupload有 1.5億登記用戶，每日點擊率達 5,000萬次，更獲得多位樂壇巨星力撐。 FBI調查後發現，該網站利用美國伺服器複製及發佈侵權的盜版電影及音樂，又獎賞上載盜版內容的用戶，藉以獲利 1.75億美元（ 13.6億港元），導致版權持有人損失 5億美元（ 39億港元）。網站創辦人 Kim Dotcom去年就賺了 4,200萬美元（ 3.26億港元）。
Megaupload雖在香港註冊，但疑只是空殼公司，公司伺服器都在美國。
Web Hosting
美國司法部前天勒令關閉該網站，新西蘭警方同時在奧克蘭拘捕有香港居留權的 Kim Dotcom及德國籍香港居民奧特曼等四人，又撿獲槍械、藝術品、逾 800萬美元（ 6,240萬港元）現金及多輛名貴汽車，仍有三名涉案人士在逃。
港海關出動百人搜查
美國司法部前天下令關閉侵權的檔案分享網站 Megaupload。美聯社
香港海關亦配合採取行動，昨晨調動約 100人搜查四處目標地點，查獲大量電子證據，並凍結 3.3億港元涉案資產。
Kim Dotcom等四人被控侵權、串謀洗黑錢及詐騙等五罪，下周一會再次提堂，並將被引渡到美國受審。網站關閉後，黑客組織「無名氏」前晚即攻擊 FBI、司法部、環球唱片及美國唱片業協會等網站報復，多個網站癱瘓達數小時。
法新社/美聯社
香港凍結Megaupload逾3億資產
香港電台
1/21/2012
美國關閉以香港為基地的檔案分享網站Megaupload，香港海關配合相關行動，同美國執法機構合作，搗破有關集團，查獲大量電子證據，並凍結3億3千萬港元涉案資產，包括銀行存款及股票投資。
海關調動大約100人，搜查全港4個地方，並查問多名有關人士，包括涉案公司董事。
調查顯示，涉案平台貯存大量侵權物品，供人網上下載，已從事有關侵權活動超過5年，收入相當於大約13億6千萬港元。
另外，新西蘭警方應美國要求，拘捕Megaupload創辦人施米茨和3名員工。
他們其後在奧克蘭出席有關引渡去美國的聆訊，法官不准4人保釋，還押監房，
下星期一再應訊。
Friday, January 20, 2012
護膚品 OLAY 長效保濕凝露修復年輕
護膚品OLAY修復年輕
星島日報
2012年1月18日 星期三
(綜合報道)(星島日報報道)從小時候跟媽媽到萬寧購買「玉蘭油」，到台灣美容大王大、小S徐熙媛和徐熙娣成為Olay代言人，至近日看到本港「o靚模」Angelababy擔當Olay Aquaction長效保濕凝露的廣告女郎，足見品牌亦緊隨護膚年輕化的大勢，新品設計進一步擴闊年齡層，身為「八十後」的我，亦決定一試品牌產品。
http://easss.com/beauty
試用了新推的長效保濕凝露後，發現皮膚變得水感彈嫩，原來有賴當中的聚水能量因子及嶄新保濕技術，能為肌膚補水和鎖水；另以三頭合金按摩滾珠設計的亮眼淡紋魔法棒，一按一轉便自動滲出高濃度美白精華乳，尤其方便懶人使用。至於Total Effects粉嫩氣色乳，則可調整膚色及防UV，更有效改善色斑、欠彈性、暗啞等老化問題。
a.Total Effects粉嫩氣色乳。（$199.9）
b.亮眼淡紋3X滾珠魔法棒。（$199.9）
c.長效保濕凝露。 （$219.9）
文：小叉 圖：陳鐵剛
(新登場)
Feds shut down popular file-sharing website Megaupload
Feds shut down popular file-sharing website Megaupload
Five-count indictment alleges copyright infringement, conspiracy to commit money laundering, racketeering
1/19/2012
msnbc
McLEAN, Virginia — One of the world's most popular file-sharing sites was shut down, and its founder and several company officials were accused of facilitating millions of illegal downloads of films, music and other content.
A federal indictment Thursday accused Megaupload.com of costing copyright holders at least $500 million in lost revenue. The indictment was unsealed one day after websites including Wikipedia and Craigslist shut down in protest of two congressional proposals intended to make it easier for authorities to go after sites with pirated material, especially those with overseas headquarters and servers.
http://easss.com/internet
The news of the shutdown seemed to bring retaliation from hackers who claimed credit for attacking the Justice Department's website. Federal officials confirmed it was down Thursday evening and that the disruption was being "treated as a malicious act."
A loose affiliation of hackers known as "Anonymous" claimed credit for the attack. Also hacked was the site for the Motion Picture Association of America and perhaps others.
Megaupload is based in Hong Kong, but some of the alleged pirated content was hosted on leased servers in Ashburn, Virginia, which gave federal authorities jurisdiction, the indictment said.
The Justice Department said in a statement said that Kim Dotcom, 37, and three other employees were arrested Thursday in New Zealand at the request of U.S. officials. Three other defendants are at large.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation, which defends free speech and digital rights online, said in a statement that, "This kind of application of international criminal procedures to Internet policy issues sets a terrifying precedent. If the United States can seize a Dutch citizen in New Zealand over a copyright claim, what is next?"
Before Megaupload was taken down, it posted a statement saying allegations that it facilitated massive breaches of copyright laws were "grotesquely overblown."
"The fact is that the vast majority of Mega's Internet traffic is legitimate, and we are here to stay. If the content industry would like to take advantage of our popularity, we are happy to enter into a dialogue. We have some good ideas. Please get in touch," the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Justice Department said its Web server for justice.gov was "experiencing a significant increase in activity, resulting in a degradation in service." It was working to fix it and "investigate the origins of this activity, which is being treated as a malicious act until we can fully identify the root cause of the disruption," the agency's statement said.
A spokesman for the Motion Picture Association of America said in an emailed statement that the group's site had been hacked, although it appeared to be working later in the evening.
"The motion picture and television industry has always been a strong supporter of free speech," the spokesman said. "We strongly condemn any attempts to silence any groups or individuals."
Megaupload was unique not only because of its massive size and the volume of downloaded content, but also because it had high-profile support from celebrities, musicians and other content producers who are most often the victims of copyright infringement and piracy. Before the website was taken down, it contained endorsements from Kim Kardashian, Alicia Keys and Kanye West, among others.
The company listed Swizz Beatz, a musician who married Keys in 2010, as its CEO. He was not named in the indictment and declined to comment through a representative.
According to the indictment, Megaupload was estimated at one point to be the 13th most frequently visited website on the Internet. Current estimates by companies that monitor Web traffic place it in the top 100.
The five-count indictment, which alleges copyright infringement as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering and racketeering, described a site designed specifically to reward users who uploaded pirated content for sharing, and turned a blind eye to requests from copyright holders to remove copyright-protected files.
For instance, users received cash bonuses if they uploaded content popular enough to generate massive numbers of downloads, according to the indictment. Such content was almost always copyright protected.
The site boasted 150 million registered users and about 50 million hits daily. The Justice Department said it was illegal for anyone to download pirated content, but their investigation focused on the leaders of the company, not end users who may have downloaded a few movies for personal viewing.
A lawyer who represented the company in a lawsuit last year declined comment Thursday. Efforts to reach an attorney representing Dotcom were unsuccessful.
Megaupload is considered a "cyberlocker," in which users can upload and transfer files that are too large to send by email. Such sites can have perfectly legitimate uses. But the Motion Picture Association of America, which has campaigned for a crackdown on piracy, estimated that the vast majority of content being shared on Megaupload was in violation of copyright laws.
The website allowed users to download some content for free, but made money by charging subscriptions to people who wanted access to faster download speeds or extra content. The website also sold advertising.
The indictment was returned in the Eastern District of Virginia, which claimed jurisdiction in part because some of the alleged pirated materials were hosted on leased servers in Ashburn, Virginia. Prosecutors there have pursued multiple piracy investigations.
Steven T. Shelton, a copyright lawyer at the Cozen O'Connor firm in New York, said opponents of the legislation are worried the proposals lessen the burden for the government to target a wide variety of websites. Shelton said he expects to see the government engage in more enforcement in the future, as technology makes it easier to catch and target suspected pirates.
海港城 D and G 門口萬人影相活動
D&G 門口萬人影相活動
http://on.fb.me/yuClvH
24198
反對D&G同海港城霸權! 扼殺港人公眾地方自由, 歧視港人! 罷買D&G
http://on.fb.me/xP3F88
4584
D&G 門口萬人影相活動2
http://www.facebook.com/d.g.2012.01.08
847
唔道歉 萬人今日圍住影 1/08/2012
千人圍堵D&G拍照以示不滿
數千人挑機 DOLCE & GABBANA道歉吧！
D&G 門口萬人影相活動----萬人空巷高呼 D O G
蘋果日報即時新聞2012年01月08日 (09:30 pm)
D&G 門口萬人影相活動---龍獅香港旗---撒溪錢
http://on.fb.me/yuClvH
24198
反對D&G同海港城霸權! 扼殺港人公眾地方自由, 歧視港人! 罷買D&G
http://on.fb.me/xP3F88
4584
D&G 門口萬人影相活動2
http://www.facebook.com/d.g.2012.01.08
847
唔道歉 萬人今日圍住影 1/08/2012
千人圍堵D&G拍照以示不滿
數千人挑機 DOLCE & GABBANA道歉吧！
D&G 門口萬人影相活動----萬人空巷高呼 D O G
蘋果日報即時新聞2012年01月08日 (09:30 pm)
D&G 門口萬人影相活動---龍獅香港旗---撒溪錢
Thursday, January 19, 2012
手提電話手機掉到水裏應對方法 入水急救法
手機入水急救法
星島日報
1/20/2012
(綜合報道)(星島日報報道)我的拍檔阮小儀不小心把手提電話掉進了馬桶，當她把電話拿上來後，就立刻按開關來檢視是否仍然能用，明知道這樣做是錯，但她仍然按捺不住做了。
http://easss.com/cell
現時的智能手機動輒四、五千元，看來真有必要談一下手機掉到水裏的應對方法。第一，千萬別碰任何按鍵，因為只要手機一通電，機內的水分就會令電路板短路而立即壞死。第二，立即用紙巾盡量將所有水分吸走，並用風筒或洗手間內的風機將手機吹乾。最後就拿到相熟的商戶修理。
如果沒有跟隨剛才的步驟，就唯有拿到路邊的收手機大叔處，因他們的要求很低，只要你的手機能夠開着一下，他們就會收貨。所以只要你博得一着，你就能將那真正的水貨電話賣出去。
當然，手機掉到水裏，錢財是其次，最擔心都是失去內裏的資料。這方面現時的雲端科技予人很大的方便，手機內所有資料都可放到互聯網去，不單止電話，即使是電腦壞了，只要你到任何有互聯網的地點，你仍能將資料提取。這可說是互聯網的最新進化，從此互聯網不再是一個網絡這麼簡單，當大家都一同使用互聯網，每部電話及電腦就都成為中端機，而網絡就成了一部超級大電腦，這個發展有如《未來戰士》裏的Skynet，只要有天Skynet成功連接上網，整個世界就由這部超級大電腦控制。
所以雲端科技的好處當然是令人類方便，但壞處莫說極端至由電腦控制人類，然後將人類毁滅，單說個人資料、相片及短片的保障都愈來愈低，私隱愈來愈容易泄漏。故奉勸你在雲端科技尚未完全普及前，好好調節你對科技的概念，私人的話語還是留在有個小金鎖的日記簿內好了，讓你老來仍可好好獨享逝去的青春及年輕時的大膽和率真。
(公子日記 森美)
Best Chocolates for your Valentine Organic Fair Trade
Best chocolates for your Valentine
Adapted from the 2/2012 Consumer Reports magazine.
Chocolate lovers can double their pleasure: Treat your Valentine to some great tasting chocolate and make a big difference by choosing organic, fair trade chocolates.
After trying three-dozen varieties of boxed chocolates for Consumer Reports 2012 taste tests, the testers high-rated one organic, fair trade chocolate brand: Theo Chocolate Confection Collection (12 pieces) at $26. The testers noted that Theo’s had outstanding pieces, such as “lemon ganache, fig, mint, and ginger enrobed in flavorful dark chocolate.” Also note that Theo’s products are kosher, gluten-free, and soy-free.
Chocolates
Another brand judged a Best Buy in the tests and produced in part with sustainably grown, local ingredients, is John & Kira’s Every Flavor Collection (56 pieces) on sale for $79. (A 15-piece box costs $32.) Testers found these chocolates infused with mint "taste as if the leaves were just picked." Although some ingredients can be locally sourced, these chocolates are not certified organic or fair trade.
Fran’s Chocolates Assorted Truffles Collection (36 pieces ) also was rated a Best Buy at $50, and uses some hand-selected organic ingredients, such as cream from the Fresh Breeze Organic Dairy in Washington State.
Many of the recommended handmade confections have a brief 5 to 10 day shelf life. So enjoy them right away.
For another winter-friendly chocolate experience, you might consider a gift of organic, fair trade hot chocolate. The last time Consumer Reports tested hot chocolates for taste, they recommended Dagoba Organic Authentic Drinking Chocolate, which costs $11.95 for a 12 oz. canister (or a 6-pack for $59.70), available online at www.dagobachocolate.com. It is certified both organic and fair trade.
Sweet health benefits for your heart
The high concentrations of antioxidants, called flavanols, in chocolate, especially in the dark variety, are naturally-occurring compounds known to have positive influences on vascular health, such as lower blood pressure and improved blood flow to the brain and heart. A study published in August 2010 in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure found that middle aged and elderly Swedish women who ate an average of one to two servings of high-quality chocolate per week had a 32 percent lower risk of developing heart failure than those who didn't eat chocolate.
In another 2010 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers asked 1,216 older women how many servings of chocolate they consumed each week. Those who consumed chocolate "frequently" (either 1 to 6 servings or 7 or more servings a week) had a 24 percent lower risk of hospitalization or death from heart disease or heart failure than those who ate it "rarely" (less than 1 serving a week) over the course of 10 years.
Clearly, eating a little dark chocolate occasionally can be healthful, but eating too much won't be: The tested chocolates that reveal nutrition facts have about 200 calories and 8 to 18 grams of saturated fat per 1.4-ounce serving. So large amounts might harm your heart and expand your waistline.
Consumer Reports health experts recommend limiting yourself to small to moderate portions a couple of times a week. Also, try to steer clear of chocolate treats filled with caramel, marshmallows, or toffee--those sugary ingredients add to the calorie and saturated-fat count.
Some cocoa product labels mention antioxidants, but processing can mean a loss of flavanols, and most commercial cocoa drinks contain relatively small amounts, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, an independent, evidence-based evaluator of natural products.
When you check the label, chocolate's main ingredient is roasted ground cocoa beans (called chocolate liquor). Cocoa powder is chocolate liquor with most of the cocoa butter removed.
The following is a list of some meaningful eco-labels you can find on chocolate:
USDA Certified Organic
What it means:
• Farmers emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality
• Crops are grown without using synthetic fertilizer or the most persistent pesticides
• Crops are produced without genetic engineering or ionizing radiation
• Crops are processed and handled separately from conventional cocoa
Fair Trade Certified
What it means:
• Farmers and workers receive a fair price for their product
• Trade is done directly between farmer-owned cooperatives and buyers
• Crops are grown using soil and water conservation measures that restrict the use of agrochemicals
Rainforest Alliance
What it means:
• Crops are grown using integrated pest management systems that limit the use of agrochemicals
• Crops are grown using water, soil and wildlife habitat conservation measures
• Farm laborers are paid salaries and benefits equal to or greater than the legal minimum wage of their countries
Adapted from the 2/2012 Consumer Reports magazine.
Chocolate lovers can double their pleasure: Treat your Valentine to some great tasting chocolate and make a big difference by choosing organic, fair trade chocolates.
After trying three-dozen varieties of boxed chocolates for Consumer Reports 2012 taste tests, the testers high-rated one organic, fair trade chocolate brand: Theo Chocolate Confection Collection (12 pieces) at $26. The testers noted that Theo’s had outstanding pieces, such as “lemon ganache, fig, mint, and ginger enrobed in flavorful dark chocolate.” Also note that Theo’s products are kosher, gluten-free, and soy-free.
Chocolates
Another brand judged a Best Buy in the tests and produced in part with sustainably grown, local ingredients, is John & Kira’s Every Flavor Collection (56 pieces) on sale for $79. (A 15-piece box costs $32.) Testers found these chocolates infused with mint "taste as if the leaves were just picked." Although some ingredients can be locally sourced, these chocolates are not certified organic or fair trade.
Fran’s Chocolates Assorted Truffles Collection (36 pieces ) also was rated a Best Buy at $50, and uses some hand-selected organic ingredients, such as cream from the Fresh Breeze Organic Dairy in Washington State.
Many of the recommended handmade confections have a brief 5 to 10 day shelf life. So enjoy them right away.
For another winter-friendly chocolate experience, you might consider a gift of organic, fair trade hot chocolate. The last time Consumer Reports tested hot chocolates for taste, they recommended Dagoba Organic Authentic Drinking Chocolate, which costs $11.95 for a 12 oz. canister (or a 6-pack for $59.70), available online at www.dagobachocolate.com. It is certified both organic and fair trade.
Sweet health benefits for your heart
The high concentrations of antioxidants, called flavanols, in chocolate, especially in the dark variety, are naturally-occurring compounds known to have positive influences on vascular health, such as lower blood pressure and improved blood flow to the brain and heart. A study published in August 2010 in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure found that middle aged and elderly Swedish women who ate an average of one to two servings of high-quality chocolate per week had a 32 percent lower risk of developing heart failure than those who didn't eat chocolate.
In another 2010 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers asked 1,216 older women how many servings of chocolate they consumed each week. Those who consumed chocolate "frequently" (either 1 to 6 servings or 7 or more servings a week) had a 24 percent lower risk of hospitalization or death from heart disease or heart failure than those who ate it "rarely" (less than 1 serving a week) over the course of 10 years.
Clearly, eating a little dark chocolate occasionally can be healthful, but eating too much won't be: The tested chocolates that reveal nutrition facts have about 200 calories and 8 to 18 grams of saturated fat per 1.4-ounce serving. So large amounts might harm your heart and expand your waistline.
Consumer Reports health experts recommend limiting yourself to small to moderate portions a couple of times a week. Also, try to steer clear of chocolate treats filled with caramel, marshmallows, or toffee--those sugary ingredients add to the calorie and saturated-fat count.
Some cocoa product labels mention antioxidants, but processing can mean a loss of flavanols, and most commercial cocoa drinks contain relatively small amounts, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, an independent, evidence-based evaluator of natural products.
When you check the label, chocolate's main ingredient is roasted ground cocoa beans (called chocolate liquor). Cocoa powder is chocolate liquor with most of the cocoa butter removed.
The following is a list of some meaningful eco-labels you can find on chocolate:
USDA Certified Organic
What it means:
• Farmers emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality
• Crops are grown without using synthetic fertilizer or the most persistent pesticides
• Crops are produced without genetic engineering or ionizing radiation
• Crops are processed and handled separately from conventional cocoa
Fair Trade Certified
What it means:
• Farmers and workers receive a fair price for their product
• Trade is done directly between farmer-owned cooperatives and buyers
• Crops are grown using soil and water conservation measures that restrict the use of agrochemicals
Rainforest Alliance
What it means:
• Crops are grown using integrated pest management systems that limit the use of agrochemicals
• Crops are grown using water, soil and wildlife habitat conservation measures
• Farm laborers are paid salaries and benefits equal to or greater than the legal minimum wage of their countries
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