Archive for March 12th, 2012

Remembering the earthquake-tsunami-nuclear disasters in Japan

Monday, March 12th, 2012

It’s hard to imagine one year has passed since the triple disasters struck in north eastern Japan on 11 March 2011.

I can still remember vividly the terrifying footage of the earthquakes that started it all; the gruesome images of the tsunami rolling in and cars in its path being swept aside; and the subsequent alarm arising from the melt-down at the nuclear plant in Fukushima.

Amidst news updates of the repeatedly futile attempts to bring the melt-down under control and to stem the release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere, the greatest consolation was the quick and generous response of other countries to offer aid for the disaster victims – as well as the steadfast and stoic resilience shown by the victims themselves.

Photo tribute to the victims of the disasters and the volunteers.

Photo tribute to the victims of the disasters and the volunteers.

Although saddened by the tragedy like many others, I put together a compilation – at that time – of some photos that I’d taken over the years in Japan.

“Photos that bring to mind some pleasant memories of a beautiful country with a wonderful culture, and most importantly the hospitable and kind people that I’ve had the privilege of encountering in Japan.

In the mass of depressing scenes depicting the horrors of the disasters, hopefully these photos will help remind us of the beautiful Japan.” March 27, 2011.

I’d hoped that the images would slightly ameliorate the depression caused by the horrors of the disasters.

It seems apt that one year after that fateful night, we should take pause from our hectic lives to remember the victims of the triple disaster, who had perished or who are still suffering from the aftermath.

May the passage of time heal the terrible wounds and losses that nature has so terribly dealt them.

Below is the photo remembrance that I compiled last year – my own little contribution – terribly insignificant compared to those who had risked life and limb physically helping out at the scene of the disasters.

May we also remember these selfless workers and volunteers who truly displayed the greatness of the human spirit.

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Norton Mobile Security protection for Samsung GALAXY smartphones

Monday, March 12th, 2012

Samsung Galaxy users worldwide will get a full-featured Norton Mobile Security free for 90 days. Usually, a one-year license costs S$19.90.

Complimentary 90-day subscription of Norton Mobile Security for Samsung GALAXY smartphones.

Complimentary 90-day subscription of Norton Mobile Security for Samsung GALAXY smartphones.

Norton Mobile Security, an application for Android OS, is available in multiple languages.

“With smartphone sales now outpacing PC sales, cybercriminals are devising new threats everyday to steal from mobile users. Consumers need to be protected more than ever,” said Janice Chaffin, group president, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec.Samsung Galaxy users will be able to download it from Samsung Apps.

Norton Mobile Security can be downloaded from the ‘Utility’ category in Samsung Apps or by entering ‘Norton Mobile Security’ into the search query at the Samsung Apps.

Norton Mobile Security supports all Samsung Galaxy Android smartphones, including Galaxy S2.

Norton Mobile Security combines anti-theft features with powerful anti-malware to protect user’s important data from loss, theft, viruses and other threats.

The following are the main features.

  • Remote Locate — Shows you the location of your smartphone so you can find if it’s lost or stolen.
  • Remote Lock — Lets you remotely lock your lost or stolen phone via the Internet or SMS to keep critical data safe and block unauthorized access.
  • Remote Wipe — Lets you remotely erase the data on your phone via SMS, blocking access to your private information. In addition, your phone is instantly locked if its SIM card is removed or replaced, so it can’t be used with another SIM card.
  • Anti-malware — Scans all files and application updates downloaded to your mobile phone and automatically detects and removes threats without slowing you down.
  • SD Card Scanning — Gives you the option of automatically scanning SD (Secure Digital) memory cards for threats when you plug them into mobile phone.
  • Automatic LiveUpdate — Automatically downloads and installs security updates keeping you a step ahead of cybercriminals.