Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Investing Updates: Ledger CTO warns users to halt onchain transactions amid massive NPM supply chain attack
Source:
ChatGPT:
Guillemet explained that the injected code silently swaps cryptocurrency addresses, redirecting funds to attackers without user awareness. This method, he warned, could endanger countless websites and applications — including crypto projects that rely heavily on JavaScript dependencies. Developers such as @0xCygaar and @0x_ultra highlighted that widely used packages like Chalk and its dependencies were impacted, noting billions of weekly downloads.
While the packages were reportedly patched around 15:15 UTC and NPM has disabled compromised versions, concerns remain that some website frontends could still be vulnerable. The package maintainer confirmed their account was hijacked after receiving a phishing email impersonating npmjs.com. Attackers threatened account lockouts to pressure maintainers into clicking malicious links.
Guillemet emphasized that users of hardware wallets like Ledger with “clear signing” are safe, provided they verify each transaction before approval. Those relying solely on software wallets are advised to halt onchain transactions temporarily.
The attack recalls earlier high-profile thefts, such as the $1.5 billion drained from Bybit by North Korean hackers, underscoring the crypto industry’s ongoing exposure to sophisticated exploits. Developers are urged to audit dependencies immediately and ensure their applications have not pulled compromised updates.
Though mitigations are underway, security experts caution that vigilance is crucial until the full extent of the attack is confirmed.
Monday, 8 September 2025
Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (September 9 Apple Event; ADBE and ORCL Earnings; Inflation Data)
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ChatGPT:
On Tuesday, Apple will unveil its iPhone 17 lineup, with particular attention on the much-anticipated ultrathin “iPhone Air.” Updated Apple Watch and AirPods models are also expected. Shares have rallied in advance, though concerns about device pricing remain.
Earnings will also draw focus. Chewy (CHWY) reports Wednesday, with profits projected to fall 79% to $0.14 per share despite 7.6% revenue growth. Adobe (ADBE) follows Thursday, expected to post 11% EPS growth to $5.18 and 9% revenue growth to $5.91 billion. Investors will watch closely how its digital media and marketing business sustains momentum. Oracle (ORCL) is also set to release results.
Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs’ Communacopia conference runs Monday–Thursday in San Francisco. Executives from Uber, Netflix, Alphabet Cloud, OpenAI, and Meta will outline strategies, potentially sparking stock moves through high-profile “fireside chats.”
Macroeconomic data may prove decisive. Bloomberg forecasts August CPI at 0.40% headline and 0.33% core, the strongest monthly readings since January. Year-over-year, that translates to 3.0% and 3.1% respectively, fueled by higher costs in autos, hotels, and airfare, while tariff-sensitive goods like apparel may have slowed. Labor indicators remain mixed: initial jobless claims are expected to edge higher after an unusual late-August decline, reflecting a cooling market. The University of Michigan consumer survey is likely to show weaker sentiment, with rising concerns about unemployment, tariffs, and prices.
Together, these developments—Apple’s product cycle, tech earnings, strategic updates from Communacopia, and inflation data—set the stage for heightened volatility and investor recalibration across both growth and cyclical sectors.
Opinion:
Beyond tech headlines, this week could bring plenty of market swings. Key earnings from Adobe and Oracle, plus inflation data and labor market updates, mean volatility is likely to stay elevated.
Saturday, 6 September 2025
Entertainment Updates: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 2025
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Here’s a refined overview of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025), presenting major critic reviews, netizen reactions with a 5-point rating scale, and the film’s most memorable dialogues:
Major Reviews & Ratings
Tom's Guide ranks it third among the summer’s top blockbusters, praising its “best action in the series despite a slow start.” (Tom's Guide)
The Week rates it ★★★ (~3 / 5), applauding Cruise’s performance and stunts—especially a biplane sequence—but critiques its “slow burn” and “staid dialogue” in the first half. (The Week)
The Australian offers an enthusiastic review highlighting visual spectacle, emotional weight, strong scripting, and speculative final arc for Cruise’s Ethan Hunt. (The Australian)
Forbes notes the Rotten Tomatoes score dropped from 88% to 81%, marking it as the lowest-rated Mission: Impossible film since 2006. The criticism centers on uneven storytelling not matching its spectacle. (Indiatimes)
The Guardian calls it a disappointment, lacking the franchise’s previous stylistic flair; it leans too much on exposition and fails to sustain its action grandeur. (The Guardian)
Entertainment Weekly gives it a solid B (~3.5 / 5), noting convoluted plotting but affirming Cruise’s commitment to real stunts and strong, energetic visual sequences. (EW.com)
RogerEbert.com points to a cumbersome first hour but acknowledges the film “recovers” through breathtaking stunts, especially underwater and aerial scenes. (Roger Ebert, Wikipedia)
Metacritic aggregates to a Metascore of 67/100 (~3.35 / 5) and a User Score of 7.0/10 (~3.5 / 5). (Metacritic)
Estimated critic average: ~3.4 / 5
Estimated audience average: ~3.5 / 5
Netizen Reactions
Reddit discussions showcase mixed feelings:
“Before the title sequence, Kittridge tells Ethan ‘This mission of yours… is going to cost you dearly.’ … I think this was subtle foreshadowing for Benji’s fate.” (Reddit)
“Guys I'm from the future. The best bit of the final reckoning is when Ethan says ‘it’s Cruisin’ time’ and Tom’s all over them.” (tongue-in-cheek praise) (Reddit)
Netizens are drawn to emotional beats and stunt moments—even amid story criticisms.
Overall Ratings Summary
| Perspective | Approx. Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Critics (average) | ~3.4 |
| Audience (average) | ~3.5 |
| Overall average | ~3.45 / 5 |
Best Dialogues & Memorable Lines
From WTFDetective (fan-discussion site):
“Our lives are the sum of our choices.” — Ethan Hunt (WTF Detective)
“This is the one mission I can’t walk away from.” — Ethan Hunt (WTF Detective)
“I’ve been running my whole life. Maybe it’s time to stop.” — Ethan Hunt (WTF Detective)
“No mask can hide the truth forever.” — Luther Stickell (WTF Detective)
“I chose this life. And I’d choose it again.” — Ethan Hunt (WTF Detective)
“We don’t need luck. We’ve got Ethan Hunt.” — Benji Dunn (WTF Detective)
“Goodbye, Ethan.” — Ilsa (WTF Detective)
From IMDb Quotes (official quotes page):
Luther Stickell: “Our lives are not defined by any one action. Our lives are the sum of our choices.” (IMDb)
Luther’s closing monologue (hugely poignant):
“Hello, brother… I never had a moment of doubt… We, who live and die in the shadows… Good luck, Ethan.” (IMDb)
Captain Bledsoe: “Mister, without the decompression chamber, you're going to die for sure.”
Ethan: “Sir, your decompression chamber has never been the part of the plan.” (IMDb)Ethan: “What separates a great pickpocket from a good one?”
Grace: “Timing.”
Ethan: “Blink of an eye.” (IMDb)
From GameRant Quotes:
“They were gonna kill you.” — Ethan Hunt (playfully intense escape moment) (Game Rant)
“It’s my name now.” — Jasper Briggs, redefining legacy (Game Rant)
“That’s your plan?!” — Admiral Neely reacting to Ethan’s audacious strategy (Game Rant)
“If you want to poke the bear, you’ve come to the right sub.” — Captain Bledsoe embracing danger with humor (Game Rant)
“Today… I choose not to attack.” — President Sloane, placing faith in Ethan (Game Rant)
“Whatever you do, don’t… cut the red wire.” — Benji Dunn, in a tense, near-humorous moment (Game Rant)
“Only one of us has a parachute!” — Gabriel, mocking mid-air chase drama (Game Rant)
“I knew you’d find a way. You always do.” — Luther Stickell, emotionally affirming their brotherhood (Game Rant)
From Wikiquote:
“There's no nations on this one. There's no rival ideologies, no dogma. It's who keeps their head and who panics.” — Ethan Hunt (en.wikiquote.org)
“Just... keep telling yourself: ‘It's only pain.’” — Ethan Hunt (en.wikiquote.org)
“Hagar! You spend too much time on the internet!” — Classic Ethan quip again (en.wikiquote.org)
Summary
Rating: Critics ~3.4/5, Audiences ~3.5/5 → Overall ~3.45/5
Strengths: Tom Cruise’s real stunts, emotional moments, visual spectacle
Weaknesses: Lengthy exposition, uneven tone, narrative heaviness
Memorable dialogue: Emotional reflections (“sum of our choices”), clever banter (“decompression chamber was never part of the plan”), and heartfelt stanzas from Luther.
Opinion:
Entertainment Updates: Thunderbolts 2025
ChatGPT:
Major (Professional) Reviews & Ratings
On Rotten Tomatoes, Thunderbolts holds a Critics’ score of 88%, translating roughly to 4.4 / 5 (Wikipedia, Business Insider).
Metacritic’s critic average is 68 / 100, which converts to 3.4 / 5 (Metacritic).
AP News awarded it 3 out of 4 stars → 3.75 / 5, praising its emotional tone and character depth (AP News).
Swedish outlets (SvD, DN, Expressen) praised it as a “tight, well-directed spy-action adventure” with standout performances, darker tone, humor, and analog sensibility (Omni).
Business Insider and Decider noted its emotional gravity, mental-health focus, grounded visuals—calling it potentially one of the MCU’s more substantial entries (Business Insider, Decider).
Estimated average critic rating: ~3.9 / 5.
Audience & Netizen Reactions
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) has a striking 95% "Certified Hot", one of the highest in MCU history—equivalent to ~4.75 / 5 (Forbes).
Metacritic (User Score) sits at 7.4/10, or approximately 3.7 / 5 (Metacritic).
CinemaScore reports an A–, roughly 4.0 / 5, while PostTrak gives 4.5 / 5 stars with 74% of viewers indicating they’d “definitely recommend” it (Wikipedia).
First Reactions on social media widely praise its team dynamic, emotional weight, and label it “one of the best Marvel movies in years” (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
Reddit comments reflect mixed tones:
“So that’s it, huh? We’re some kinda... Thunderbolts.” – a playful take on the team name
Some skepticism too—box office performance discussions and comparisons to other flops show that not everyone was entirely sold (Reddit).
Estimated audience rating: ~4.4 / 5.
Overall Ratings Summary
| Perspective | Approx. Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Critics (average) | ~3.9 |
| Audiences (average) | ~4.4 |
| Overall average | ~4.15 / 5 |
Best Dialogues from Thunderbolts (2025)
Drawing from multiple sources, here are the most iconic lines—mixing emotional depth, wit, and thematic weight:
Standout Dialogues (With Context)
Yelena Belova
“We own you now.”
Final line before the credits, signaling the team’s defiance and unity (moviesphilosophy.com).Bucky Barnes
“The past doesn’t go away. So you can either live with it forever… or do something about it.”
A call to action and redemption (moviesphilosophy.com, motivationmaze.com, Screen Rant).Yelena
“We can’t stop him alone. No one can. But we can find a way together.”
Establishes the theme of unity (moviesphilosophy.com, motivationmaze.com).Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
“We’re brought up with this belief that there are good guys and there are bad guys, but eventually you come to realize that there are bad guys and there are worse guys.”
Highlights moral ambiguity and cynicism (moviesphilosophy.com, MovieQuotesandMore).Yelena
“There’s something… wrong with me. An emptiness…”
Introduces her emotional void and grief arc (moviesphilosophy.com, donnalaprade.com, thedailyjagran.com).Red Guardian (Alexei)
“Yelena, being the hero, there is no higher calling. Your sister understood something about that.”
A touching nod to Natasha’s legacy (moviesphilosophy.com).Additional memorable lines (humorous, introspective, or thematic) include:
“Eat sht, Valentina. Where’s Bob?”*
“So none of us can fly? We all just punch and shoot?”
“We’re not heroes. We’re survivors. That has to be enough.”
(moviesphilosophy.com, WTF Detective, donnalaprade.com, thedailyjagran.com).
Takeaway
Critical acclaim: ~3.9/5
Audience love: ~4.4/5 — among top-tier MCU responses
Core appeal: Character-driven storytelling, emotional stakes, grounded action, and standout performances (especially Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman)
Quote power: Memorable lines that echo themes of redemption, unity, trauma, and survival
Opinion:
Entertainment Updates: Ballerina 2025
ChatGPT:
Critical Reception (Major Reviews)
Rotten Tomatoes
Critics score: 76% positive (~3.8/5) (Rotten Tomatoes, Wikipedia)
Audience (PopcornMeter): 92% approval (~4.6/5) (Rotten Tomatoes)
Metacritic
Critic Metascore: 59/100 = ~3/5 (“mixed or average”) (Metacritic, Wikipedia)
User Score: 6.5/10 = ~3.25/5 (Metacritic)
CinemaScore & PostTrak
Highlights from Press Reviews
The Washington Post (Ty Burr): Praises inventive action and slapstick flair in the third act—a chaotic but entertaining entry (The Washington Post).
Time: Calls it a “visually dynamic, physically exhilarating” film—though the narrative is simple (TIME).
New Yorker: Appreciates its mythology and visuals but notes thin characterization and overdesigned action (The New Yorker).
Financial Times: Critiques its lack of the franchise’s trademark wit and liveliness, though Huston’s dark humor stands out (“Tend to your wounds... sepsis... cut off your feet.”) (Financial Times).
AP News: Calls it visually engaging, especially early on, but repetitive in violence; gives it 2 out of 4 stars (~2.5/5) (AP News).
Average Critical Rating
Combining these, the film lands around 3.5 to 4 out of 5:
Critics: ~3.5/5
Audiences: ~4.2/5
Netizens & User Reviews
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience):
“The best action movie of 2025, wall-to-wall.” – 5/5
“It wasn't up to the John Wick standard but it was good.” – 4/5 (Rotten Tomatoes)
Metacritic (User):
“I loved it! … Hand-to-hand fight choreography … cinematography was phenomenal.” – 9/10 (~4.5/5) (Metacritic)
“Enjoyable… strong start… lacking at points.” – 7/10 (~3.5/5) (Metacritic)
IMDb Reviews:
Reddit Reactions:
Memorable Dialogues
From Wikiquote and other sources, here are some standout lines:
Eve Macarro
“They killed my father. This isn’t done until they’re dead.” — Stark, vengeful determination (en.wikiquote.org)
“You’re him. The one they call the Baba Yaga.”
John Wick: “Looks like you already have.” — A symbolic passing of the assassin torch (en.wikiquote.org)
Nogi, her mentor:
“To stop the assassin, you must become the assassin.”
“You will always be weaker. You will always be smaller. You want to win? Improvise. Adapt. Cheat.” — Clever and empowering lessons. (en.wikiquote.org)
The Director (Anjelica Huston, dry wit):
“The path to paradise begins in hell.” — Philosophical flair (en.wikiquote.org)
“Tend to your wounds before you get sepsis and we have to cut off your feet.” — Dark humor gold (Financial Times)
Bystander Dialogue (ComingSoon.net):
“Fight like a girl.” — Reclaimed as a badge of honor and strategy (comingsoon.net)
Summary Table
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Critics Average | ~3.5 / 5 |
| Audience Average | ~4.2 / 5 |
| Memorable Dialogues | Multiple standout quotes |
Final Thoughts
Ballerina (2025) is a visually bold, action-packed spin-off that leans heavily into the John Wick formula. Critics are mixed—appreciating its stylized violence and some comic beats, but noting thin characterization and pacing issues. Viewers, on the other hand, largely love it for the adrenaline-fueled spectacle, with many giving it 4+ stars.
Ana de Armas anchors the film with charisma and physicality. And while the story is lean, lines like “Fight like a girl”and Eve’s defiant declaration of vengeance stick the landing.
Opinion:
Rewards Updates: KrisFlyer devaluation: How the Saver vs Advantage gap will widen
Source:
ChatGPT:
Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer programme currently offers three award types — Saver, Advantage, and Promo — with Access awards launching on 1 November 2025. For most members, however, the real trade-off remains between Saver and Advantage. Saver awards cost fewer miles but are harder to secure, while Advantage offers better availability and flexibility at a premium.
The November 2025 devaluation significantly widens this premium. Saver awards will rise modestly (Economy: –5% to +5%, Business: +5%, First: +5%, except Zone 10 which sees up to +20%). Advantage awards, however, will climb by 10–15% across cabins. This contrasts with the July 2022 devaluation, which had narrowed the gap by raising Saver more steeply than Advantage.
From November 2025, the Advantage premium in Economy will average ~100% (double Saver), making it largely irrelevant except on monopoly routes or when cash fares spike. Business Class Advantage premiums will return to ~60% above Saver, similar to pre-2022 levels. For long-haul Europe and US routes, premiums jump from 20% to 30% — still tolerable for those seeking certainty, but harder to justify for two-person redemptions. First Class premiums revert to ~80%, with Suites on high-demand routes (e.g., London, Sydney, Frankfurt) virtually Saver-unavailable, making Advantage the only realistic choice for many.
Overall, the widening Saver–Advantage gap reverses recent trends. Travellers unwilling to pay higher premiums will need to be flexible with dates or explore partner programmes like Asia Miles, EVA Infinity MileageLands, or Qatar Privilege Club. For many, Advantage may shift from a reluctant compromise to an increasingly unattractive option.
Opinion:
Nice breakdown — it really shows how complex these changes can be.
Airline partner programmes are like an art form, constantly shifting and evolving.
For travellers, the challenge is keeping up with these developments and adjusting strategies accordingly.
What worked last year may no longer be the best option today, which is why staying informed is just as important as collecting miles in the first place.
Friday, 5 September 2025
Entertainment Updates: Why cinemas are still thriving in some countries – and it's not such an easy formula to copy
Source:
ChatGPT:
Cinema closures in Singapore, such as The Projector and Cathay Cineplexes, highlight a decline in local theatre attendance, which fell 16% in 2024 to 8.4 million tickets—far below the 22.13 million peak in 2011. Globally, cinema attendance dropped 8.8% last year, influenced by streaming platforms, pandemic habits, Hollywood strikes, and China’s domestic slump. Singapore faces unique challenges: small population, multi-racial diversity, high production and operating costs, and strong competition from international films. Local filmmakers often produce niche or arthouse films, limiting broad appeal.
By contrast, countries like France, Vietnam, and Indonesia maintain or grow attendance through structural and cultural advantages. France’s cinema culture is embedded in its education system, supported by government subsidies, film funding, protectionist release windows, and strong local film production, creating a sense of national identity around movies. Vietnam and Indonesia benefit from low ticket prices, a young population, rapid mall development, and locally produced films dominating box offices, often unavailable online. Similarly, Thailand saw domestic films outperform foreign releases in 2024, though overall attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Experts suggest Singapore cinemas can rebound, but not by directly copying foreign models. Strategies include enhancing the theatre experience with premium or novel offerings—luxurious seating, immersive formats, themed screenings, or post-show discussions—to provide value beyond streaming. Strengthening the local film industry is also key: increasing exposure for local productions, offering government support, and encouraging filmmakers to produce accessible, relatable stories rather than exclusively arthouse films. Small-budget, high-impact films, like Thailand’s 2024 hit How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, show that storytelling resonance can drive success without massive budgets.
Despite challenges, industry leaders remain optimistic: cinemas worldwide, including Singapore, have historically weathered competition from new media, adapted, and regained momentum, suggesting that with strategic innovation, the big-screen experience can thrive once more.
Opinion:
Some films are just meant to be experienced on the big screen. Yet, with cinema ticket prices in Singapore being so steep, My family would save the full cinematic experience for trips abroad.
Malaysia and Indonesia have become my go-to destinations for movies; affordable tickets, global blockbuster films, and acceptable theatre qualities make it worth it every time π
Gaming Updates: Interview: Netmarble discuss the development and launch of THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK
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ChatGPT:
Netmarble has launched THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK globally on iOS and Android, offering a fresh take on the iconic fighting game franchise by turning it into an idle RPG. Unlike traditional fighting titles, this adaptation emphasizes relaxed gameplay where character growth, team synergy, and strategic deck building drive success. The shift to an AFK RPG was motivated by player feedback from previous KOF action and fighting games, which highlighted barriers caused by complex controls and skill gaps. Netmarble aimed to create a game that is accessible, engaging, and enjoyable without requiring mastery of fast-paced controls, while tapping into the rising popularity of AFK RPGs.
The game adopts a 2D pixel art style, inspired by THE KING OF FIGHTERS R-2 on the NEOGEO POCKET COLOR, chosen through internal votes for its nostalgic appeal, accessibility, and performance efficiency. The style complements the casual, friendly tone of the AFK RPG format, showcasing fighters’ personalities and dialogue more vividly than traditional combat-focused titles. The KOF IP, known for its diverse and beloved characters, aligns well with AFK mechanics, allowing players to collect, nurture, and experiment with various fighter combinations while enjoying a narrative-driven experience.
Early Access launches in Thailand, Canada, Indonesia, and the Philippines were crucial for refining gameplay. Feedback led to adjustments in combat, transforming the initially slow turn-based battles into a faster, more thrilling experience while retaining strategic depth.
The story follows a player drawn into the KOF world, joining a new tournament with five-person teams and interacting with fighters from across the series. Unlike KOF ALLSTAR, AFK offers an original narrative, with rivalries against new characters enhancing engagement.
Launch celebrations include a seven-day check-in event with rewards such as Rubies and a Legendary Fighter Summon Ticket, plus a Kyo Kusanagi Pick-Up Event and increased chances for [Fury] synergy fighters, designed to encourage active participation and character collection.
Opinion:
Interesting development.
King of Fighters should make a movie like Street Fighter.
Still waiting on the next Warcraft movie.
Thursday, 4 September 2025
Investing Updates: Interest in money market funds in Singapore up 3 times in Q2 despite T-bill yields retreating
Source:
ChatGPT:
In Q2 2025, Singapore-registered funds saw robust growth, with net inflows of S$4.1 billion—an 86% increase from the previous quarter. Money market funds dominated, attracting S$2.8 billion, three times the prior quarter’s inflows, despite Treasury bill yields retreating to record lows. Total fund flows for H1 2025 stood at S$6.3 billion, with nearly 60% directed to money market funds.
Morningstar analyst Arvind Subramanian found the surge “surprising,” noting that investor demand is likely not yield-driven but reflects a lack of attractive alternatives amid global uncertainty. Recent tariffs by US President Donald Trump and geopolitical tensions have pushed investors towards safer, low-risk options. Money market funds typically invest in instruments like corporate bonds, municipal debt, and T-bills.
Within this category, Asia money market funds led with over S$2 billion in inflows, followed by miscellaneous (S$568.8 million) and US money market funds (S$168.3 million). Fixed income funds came next, attracting S$918.7 million, with Asia fixed income the standout at S$810.3 million. Equity funds, however, saw a sharp decline, falling from S$397.1 million in Q1 to just S$80.9 million in Q2, though Singapore equity maintained stable inflows at S$247.2 million.
CPFIS-included funds delivered 3.16% in Q2, supported by solid one-year gains of around 6.1%. Benchmark performance was mixed, with the MSCI World Index up 5.6% while the FTSE WGBI dipped 0.9%.
Analysts advise rebalancing portfolios and watching undervalued dividend-yielding stocks. However, Morningstar cautions that the money market fund momentum may fade if market volatility eases, given their currently low yield potential.
Opinion:
This development makes sense.
Because I think SG has many conservative investors.
If market continues higher, greed will seep in and tempt them, haha.
Sticking to my plan with no major changes.