[MyAppleMenu] Apr 7, 2009

[applesurf at myapplemenu.com]

MyAppleMenu
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**** Skype's iPhone App May Force FCC Hand On Wireless Net Neutrality <http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Skypes-iPhone-App-May-Force-FCC-Hand-on-Wireless-Net-Neutrality-527564/?kc=rss>
by Roy Mark, eWeek

It's a wireless carrier's worst nightmare: software on devices such as Skype's VOIP app for the iPhone and other innovative mobile video technologies that allow users to bypass the carrier's own services. The FCC must decide if the agency's network neutrality rules apply to the wireless world.

**** 4 Elements <http://www.insidemacgames.com/reviews/view.php?ID=1037>
by Richard Hallas, Inside Mac Games

Once you start on it, it's quite compulsive, in a mechanical sort of way, and it's not hard to find yourself playing through large chunks of it without coming up for breath. But it's so easy that one could theoretically just run through the whole thing in one sitting (given enough time), and there's not much replay value because there's no real challenge. It's such a pity because there's clearly a lot of potential here; it just hasn't been fully explored.

**** Brightkite For iPhone <http://www.macworld.com/article/139547/2009/04/brightkite.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Chester Baker, Macworld

Privacy features make this location-aware social networking app compelling.

**** A Special Phone App Helps Visually-Impaired Use The iPhone <http://www.macworld.com/article/139867/2009/04/aspecialphone.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Dan Moren, Macworld

**** Benchmarks: Mac Pros, iMacs Gaming Performance <http://www.macworld.com/article/131185/2009/04/2009_gaming_benchmarks.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by James Galbraith, Macworld

**** Scheduling Software Update <http://www.macworld.com/article/139860/2009/04/schedulesoftwareupdate.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Christopher Breen, Macworld

**** SelfControl Blocks Internet Time Bandits <http://db.tidbits.com/article/10192>
by Doug McLean, TidBITS

SelfControl is an excellent little tool for blocking out Internet distractions without sacrificing access to sites on which you rely.

**** Accounted 2 Accounting Software Adds New Reports, Multiple Currencies <http://www.macworld.com/article/139851/2009/04/accounted.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Peter Cohen, Macworld

**** Apple Updates iTunes TO 8.1.1 <http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/06/apple-updates-itunes-to-8-1-1/>
by Arnold Kim, MacRumors.com

**** Combination Offers Challenging iPhone Puzzles <http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2009/04/minireview-combination-offers-challenging-iphone-puzzles.ars>
by Erica Sadun, Ars Technica

For only a dollar, this game has enough challenges to keep you busy for hours.

**** CopyPaste Pro Updated <http://www.macworld.com/article/139845/2009/04/copypaste.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Jim Dalymple, Macworld

The latest version also adds a preference to paste a clip on double click instead of opening it in the Editor. An open editor tool has also been added.

**** Steve Jobs' Killer Instincts <http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/06/apple-microsoft-advertising-technology-enterprise-tech-apple.html>
by Brian Caulfield, Forbes

Despite Microsoft's recent anti-Apple ads, the iPhone maker still has the upper hand in craftiness.

**** Apple: A Sleeping Giant In The Enterprise And The iPhone Its Trojan Horse <http://www.technologyandbusiness.com.au/pcs-peripherals/News/Apple--a-sleeping-giant-in-the-enterprise-and-the-.aspx>
by Brendon Chase, Technology &amp; Business

Even if Apple doesn't seem too interested in the corporate market, some commentators believe the industry is at a tipping point, and Apple is slowly creeping in to the world of business.

**** Locking The Door On Mac Security... <http://www.mac-techs.com/wordpress/?p=37>
by Mac-Techs Blog

Just because OS X has a stellar record among users does not mean that OS X is secure.

**** Music Labels Pitch Extras On iTunes <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123906011712694965.html>
by Ethan Smith, Wall Street Journal

Record companies, weary of scraping by on 99-cent song downloads and dwindling CD sales, are trying to dress up and reimagine their most profitable product &mdash; the album &mdash; to woo music fans on Apple Inc.'s iTunes Store.

**** Labels Bet Flexibility Boosts iTunes Sales <http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE53608420090407?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews>
by Yinka Adegoke, Reuters

Apple Inc and major music labels are betting that the launch of three-tier pricing at the iTunes Music Store will boost music sales with a new mix of song-based packages and give consumers more options.

**** CanIAffordIt For iPhone <http://www.macworld.com/article/139787/2009/04/caniaffordit.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Ben Boychuk, Macworld

Expense tracker puts purchases in perspective.

**** Contour 1.1 <http://www.macworld.com/article/139852/2009/04/contour1.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Tm Haddock, Macworld

If you’re trying to finish a big box office feature but your story seems to run out of steam around page 60, Contour 1.1 could help you lay a proper foundation that better equips your story for success. If you prefer spending weeks working on backstory and character development for your Altman-esque ensemble film, you might find Mariner Software’s Contour too plot-centric for your taste.

**** Apple Introduces Nehalem-Based Xeon Xserves <http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/04/07/apple_introduces_nehalem_based_xeon_xserves.html>
by Sam Oliver, AppleInsider

As expected, Apple on Tuesday announced an updated family of Xserves that deliver an 89 percent improvement in performance per watt and up to twice the overall performance of the previous models by tapping Intel's "Nehalem" Xeon processors and a next generation system architecture.

**** Nineteen Ways To Open A File <http://www.macworld.com/article/139847/2009/04/openfile.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Kirk McElhearn, Macworld

You may content yourself with double-clicking on files to open them, but depending on what you’re doing, there may be a quicker or more convenient option. Here are 19 different ways to get the job done.

**** iTunes Is DRM-Free, Adds Variable Pricing <http://www.macworld.com/article/139879/2009/04/itunes.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Jim Dalrymple, Macworld

**** App4mac's Presto 1.0 Abbreviates Common Phrases <http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/presto_1.0/>
by Bryan Fergus, The Mac Observer

App4mac released Presto 1.0 on Monday. Presto 1.0 is a utility designed for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard that allows users to define text abbreviations for frequently used phrases.

**** Houdah Releases HoudahGeo 2.2 Geocoding Software For Mac OS X <http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/houdah_releases_houdahgeo_2.2_geocoding_software_for_mac_os_x/>
by Chris Barylick, The Mac Observer

The update adds support for iPhoto '09's Places feature, as well as new interface enhancements and other changes.

**** Data Robotics Intros 8-Bay, 16TB DroboPro <http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/data_robotics_intros_8-bay_16tb_drobopro/>
by Jeff Gamet, The Mac Observer

**** Apple Rebrands iPhone Stereo Headset, Drops 'iPhone' <http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/apple-rebrands-iphone-stereo-headset-drops-iphone/16599>
by Charles Starrett, iLounge



The Tomorrow Weblog
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**** The Future Of Baseball Cards Is Virtual <http://news.cnet.com/8301-13846_3-10213110-62.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20>
by Dave Rosenberg, CNET

**** 'I Need To Read This' Saves URLs Worth Reading Later <http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10213063-2.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20>
by Jsh Lowensohn, CNET

**** Scientists Use Virus To Help Build Battery <http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-10212842-76.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20>
by Tom Espiner and Robert Goodwins, CNET

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have demonstrated how a genetically modified virus can be used to construct both the cathode and anode of a lithium ion battery.



MyAppleMenu Reader
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**** When All You Have Left Is Your Pride <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/health/07mind.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss>
by Benedict Carey, New York Times

The fine art of keeping up appearances may seem shallow and deceitful, the very embodiment of denial. But many psychologists beg to differ.

**** Scratching Relieves Itch By Quieting Nerve Cells <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/health/07itch.html?partner=rss&emc=rss>
by Benedict Carey, New York Times

Neuroscientists at the University of Minnesota report that specialized cells in the spinal cord appear to be critically involved in producing the sensation of itch and the feeling of relief after the application of fingernails, at least in healthy individuals.

**** Bombs Rock Cario <http://www.slate.com/id/2215428/?from=rss>
by Chrstian Wiman, Slate

**** Happy 5th Birthday, Subservient Chicken <http://www.barbariangroup.com/posts/1938-happy_5th_birthday_subservient_chicken#fn1>
by Rick Webb, Barbarian Blog

Five years. Holy moly.



SingaporeSurf
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**** Temasek And GIC Ranked Lower Than Timor Leste's Petroleum Fund On International Scoreboard For SWFs By Peterson Insitute! <http://wayangparty.com/?p=7497>
by The Wayang Party Club

Temasek and GIC performed especially badly under the “structure” category. GIC does not state the source of its funds which is not kept separate from Singapore’s international reserves.

**** More Graduates Turn To Entrepreneurship As Job Market Sours <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/420659/1/.html>
by Lin Yanqin, Today

**** Why Currency Devaluation Is Singapore's Best Option <http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/International-Business/Why-currency-devaluation-is-Singapores-best-option/articleshow/4368069.cms>
by Reuters

For all the ambiguity afforded to Singapore by its unique currency-based monetary policy, its central bank will still have to effectively devalue the currency if it wants to meaningfully achieve lower interest rates.

Singapore's central bank announces its policy after a six-month hiatus next week, and barely anyone doubts that authorities will have to ease monetary settings to shore up an economy that is already in recession and toying with deflation.

**** 1 Dies, Another In Coma <http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_360398.html>
by Nicholas Yong, Sujin Thomas &amp; Diana Othman, Straits Times

One person is dead, another is in a coma and 25 others have been hospitalised so far in what is possibly Singapore's worst case of mass food poisoning.

**** Seletar Residents See Rising Rents <http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_360235.html>
by Tessa Wong, Straits Times

**** David Widjaja's Autopsy Report Released, Results Not Disclosed <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/04/latest-david-widjajas-autopsy-report-released-results-not-disclosed/>
by Terence Lee, The Online Citizen

“It’s very, very unfair,” he said before finally calming down.

**** Are We Lost? <http://www.yoursdp.org/index.php/component/content/article/2167-are-we-lost>
by Singapore Democrats

It is clear the PAP has lost its way. With the world financial and economic undergoing a fundamental shift in the way it operates, we need a new model upon which to build our future. That model is one based on transparency and accountability, one where the people come first.

**** &quot;Bonus&quot; Need Not Be A Dirty Word In Kindness Month <http://feedmetothefish.blogspot.com/2009/04/bonus-need-not-be-dirty-word-in.html>
by Feed Me To The Fish

It's only obscene when it makes a mockery of national service, nation building and civil service.

Or are we being 'unkind' to Mr Lim Boon Heng, his bosses and colleagues in highlighting their achievement of being the best paid in the world?

**** PTC Fines On Transport Companies Are Meaningless <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/04/ptc-fines-on-transport-companies-are-meaningless/>
by The Online Citizen

$100 is only 0.00024%% of SMRT’s quarterly profit. How can this amount encourage SMRT to improve their services? This amount is simply too little and meaningless.

**** Positive Tax Haven News For Expat Savers <http://www.shelteroffshore.com/index.php/offshore/more/positive-tax-haven-news-for-expat-savers-10383/>
by Shelter Offshore

The good news is, two havens that have recently become more attractive to expat savers have actually agreed to accept the transparency directives of the OECD.

**** Random Musing <http://endorphinxjunkie.blogspot.com/2009/04/random-musing.html>
by Running Legs

I was quite amazed by how Singapore have stoop so low to name a orchid after an authoritarian regime. Explanation given was to uphold tradition of naming an orchid for visiting head-of-state. Oh please. Dispense us with the crap.

**** Fallacious Facelift <http://2009ri3i02.blogspot.com/2009/04/fallacious-facelift.html>
by Prose Pedagogies

40 million dollars in making changes to things shopping crowds hardly ever notice is a completely asinine way of spending money.

**** One Hundred Dollar Fine For... SMRT. <http://singaporecitizen.wordpress.com/2009/04/07/one-hundred-dollar-fine-forsmrt/>
by Everyday's Life In A Snapshot - For Lesser Mortals Only

Well done, Public Transport Council. That fine was really productive. Oh sorry, I forgot. That was symbolic lah.The fines would have struck fear into the consumer-oriented SMRT and SBS Transit, hence they will 100% clean up their act to prevent themselves from being fined again in the future.

**** 'Bonus' Not A Dirty Word <http://blog.dk.sg/2009/04/06/bonus-not-a-dirty-word/>
by Dee Kay Dot As Gee

Why is our Minister talking about something that is so far away from home? What does AIG bonus has to do with Singapore?

**** This Week Is Kindness Week In Singapore <http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/2009/04/this-week-is-kindness-week-in-singapore.html>
by Diary Of A Singaporean Mind

There is nothing to change and the system is fine. ...

**** TOC Correction: What It Should Have Been <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/04/toc-correction-what-it-should-have-been/>
by Choo Zheng Xi, The Online Citizen

**** Singapore, Johor To Improve Network Of Buses <http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/National/2525298/Article/index_html>
by New Straits Times

Plans are afoot to put more buses on the road between Johor and Singapore to meet the demand of commuters.

**** Calling For A Mental Revolution <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/04/calling-for-a-mental-revolution/>
by The Online Citizen

The main problem seems to be a continuing stigma against mental illness and a perception that mental healthcare is “not scientific”.

**** Kidney Donors To Be Reimbursed Through Third Party <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/420802/1/.html>
by Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia

This means that the bills for post-transplant medical check-ups will be sent directly from the hospital or clinic to a charity or religious group that is responsible for administering the reimbursements.

**** 'Light Touch' On New Media <http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_360641.html>
by Serene Luo, Straits Times

Blogs, the Internet and other new media like social networks are already regulated 'with a light touch', and it is likely to continue in that vein, said the new acting minister for information, communication and the arts Lui Tuck Yew.

**** What Happened To Orchard Road? <http://2009ri3l10.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-happened-to-orchard-road.html>
by What Else Can This Be Apart From My Blog

**** Registers Of Electors Certified; Singapore Now Has Some 2.26m Electors On List <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/420816/1/.html>
by Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia

Those who want to look at the list can go to the Elections Department or any of the 105 Inspections Centres island-wide which are primarily community centres and clubs.