[MyAppleMenu] Apr 16, 2009

[applesurf at myapplemenu.com]

MyAppleMenu
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**** Money 3.3 Adds New Languages, nvoice Template Editor <http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/04/15/jumsoft.money.update/>
by MacNN

Users can now create templates and change fonts, colors, paper sizes or table styles from within the program.

**** A New Way To Read The WSJ For Free: On Your iPhone <http://www.businessinsider.com/a-new-way-to-read-the-wsj-for-free-on-your-iphone-2009-4>
by Dan Frommer, Silicon Alley Insider

Another way to escape the Wall Street Journal's famous pay wall: Its new iPhone app, which is available for free on the iTunes app store.

**** Late To The iPhone, Trip Hawkins' Digital Chocolate Falls In Love With It <http://venturebeat.com/2009/04/14/late-to-the-iphone-trip-hawkins-digital-chocolate-falls-in-love-with-it/>
by Dean Takahashi, Venture Beat

**** Snatch For iPhone <http://www.macworld.com/article/139573/2009/04/snatch.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Chester Baker, Macworld

The concept behind Snatch is simple—Hoofien’s app turns your iPhone or iPod touch into a trackpad and remote keyboard that controls your computer over a network. It’s quickly become one of my most used iPhone apps.

**** VMware Bug Allows Windows Hack To Attack Macs <http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9131647&source=rss_topic123>
by Gregg Keizer, Computerworld

A bug in VMware's Fusion virtualization software could be used to run malicious code on a Mac by exploiting Windows in a virtual machine, a security researcher said today.

VMware has released Fusion 2.0.4 to plug the hole.

**** Encrypt More Data With Latest SecuriKey Version <http://www.macworld.com/article/140020/2009/04/securikey31.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Philip Michaels, Macworld

**** SpiderOak Sync Delivers Cross-Platform Syncing <http://www.macworld.com/article/140019/2009/04/spideroak.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Jim Darlymple, Macworld

SpiderOak on Wednesday introduced a new syncing service for users of multiple cross-platform computers that want to sync documents, photos and other types of media.

**** A Year On, Psystar Still Defying Apple <http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10219427-37.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=News-Apple>
by Tom Krazit, CNET

**** Vocal Effects Come To The iPhone With StompVox <http://www.macworld.com/article/140015/2009/04/stompvox.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Jim Dalrymple, Macworld

Complete Software and iPhonicus have a released a new application for the iPhone and iPod touch called StompVox that gives users the ability to put effects on their vocals.

**** CNBC's Jim Goldman On Eric Schmidt, Google CEO And Apple Director <http://www.businessweek.com/technology/ByteOfTheApple/blog/archives/2009/04/cnbcs_jim_goldm.html>
by Arik Hesseldahl, BusinessWeek

Presuming this Android-based netbook product takes off, it’s not hard to imagine a scenario where Apple also launches a netbook that makes Apple and Google direct competitors on that front too.

**** Amazon Mobile For iPhone <http://www.macworld.com/article/139922/2009/04/amazonmobile.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Jeff Whitfield, Macworld

With access to all the details of items sold on Amazon, wish lists, and the Remembers feature, Amazon Mobile is one of those apps that you’ll find yourself turning to just about every time you go shopping.

**** Avoiding iPhone App Rejection From Apple <http://www.mobileorchard.com/avoiding-iphone-app-rejection-from-apple/>
by Brian Stormont, Mobile Orchard

As has been mentioned many many times on the various developer forums, Apple’s approval process can be very frustrating and inconsistent. However, if you are careful, you can greatly reduce your risk of getting an app rejected.

**** Review: Pixelmator - Is It A $59 Photoshop? In Many Ways It Is <http://macrevu.com/2009/04/review-pixelmator-is-it-a-59-photoshop/>
by MacRevu

It’s not a $59 replacement for Photoshop, but it is a design tool that offers a great many of Photoshop’s core features at only a fraction of the cost.

**** The Ultimate Mac RSS Reader Roundup <http://smokingapples.com/software/reviews/the-ultimate-mac-rss-reader-roundup/>
by Milind Alvares, Smoking Apples

**** AT&T May Have To Pay Dearly To Retain iPhone Exclusively <http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9131635&source=rss_news>
by Matt Hamblen, Computerworld

Five analysts interviewed today were divided over what Apple might do about extending the arrangement, but all agreed that an extension would clearly benefit AT&T.

**** iTunes Price Hikes Treating The Industry Just Fine <http://technologizer.com/2009/04/15/itunes-price-hikes-treating-the-industry-just-fine/>
by Jared Newman, Technologizer

**** Apple, Your Mighty Mouse Sucks. Please Fix It. <http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/04/15/apple-your-mighty-mouse-sucks-please-fix-it/>
by MG Siegler, TechCrunch

By far the worst part about the Mighty Mouse is its top track ball. While it’s nice that the thing can move in any direction, because of that, the ball accumulates much more dirt than regular mouse scroll wheels. And once it gets clogged up enough (which you can’t see mind you because it’s all inside), it is completely unusable.

Did Apple ever make a good mouse? Maybe Apple should just OEM Microsoft's. :-)

**** Latest MobileMe Takes Out Glitches And Eases Syncing <http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20090415/latest-mobileme-takes-out-glitches-and-eases-syncing/?mod=ATD_rss>
by Walter S. Mossberg, Wall Street Journal

Apple has fixed all of the speed and reliability issues I encountered last year.

**** Smule Releases Leaf Trombone: World Stage For iPhone <http://www.ipodnn.com/articles/09/04/15/leaf.trombone.for.iphone/>
by iPodnn

Smule has released Leaf Trombone: World Stage, its latest massively multiplayer online (MMO) musical game for the iPhone and iPod touch.

**** One Tale Of Woe: Apple, HP Laptop 'Refurbs' <http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10212472-64.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20>
by Brooke Crothers, CNET

Refurbished laptops from Apple and Hewlett-Packard are relatively inexpensive and, in many cases, virtually new. But it all depends on how you define "new."

**** Cell-Phone Multi-Player Gaming Posed For Take-Off? <http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2009/04/cell-phone_mult.html>
by Olga Kharif, BusinessWeek

**** LinkedIn For iPhone <http://www.macworld.com/article/139936/2009/04/linkedin.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Dale Gardner, Macworld

Mobile version of business networking service missing key functionality.



The Tomorrow Weblog
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**** Toshiba To Demo New Self-Encrypting HDD At RSA Conference <http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Data-Storage/Toshiba-to-Demo-New-SelfEncrypting-HDD-at-RSA-Conference-619381/?kc=rss>
by Chris Preimesberger, eWeek

The new encryption software, which uses Wave Systems' Trusted Drive Manager application, is built around NIST-certified AES encryption technology fully integrated within the HDD's controller, the company said.

**** IBM Building Analytics Clouds <http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Cloud-Computing/IBM-Building-Analytics-Clouds-385357/?kc=rss>
by Darryl K. Taft, eWeek

IBM is building analytics clouds it says will help its clients make better decisions and better utilize the data that is available to them.



MyAppleMenu Reader
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**** Cloned Species <http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/05/cloned-species/mueller-text>
by Tom Mueller, National Geographic

Bringing extinct species back to life is no longer considered science fiction. But is it a good idea?

**** Why Newspapers Are Like Department Stores <http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2009/04/16/newspaper/index.html>
by Gene Lyons, Salon

They're both outmoded business models, and they're both in trouble.

**** Watch Your Language! <http://www.salon.com/books/review/2009/04/16/slang/index.html>
by Stephanie Zacharek, Salon

Are you loaded or shitfaced? Edumacated or frakked? A new book explores the poetic, ever-changing world of slang.

**** When Nature Calls <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/opinion/16iht-edcohen.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss>
by Roger Cohen, New York Times

The bizarre case of an air traveler who was refused use of a business-class lavatory on a Delta Air Lines flight offers a morality tale for our age.



SingaporeSurf
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**** Stunned He May Face Court <http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_364286.html>
by Sujin Thomas, Straits Times

THE man at the centre of the food poisoning incident at Geylang Serai Temporary Market said on Wednesday he is resigned to having his licence suspended. However, Indian rojak stallholder Sheik Allaudin Mohideen, 70, was taken aback when told by The Straits Times that he may wind up in court.

**** IR Jobs: Are Singaporeans Being Given Priority? <http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_364216.html>
by Tan Shao Ken, Straits Times

The government and the IRs must work to ensure that Singaporeans who are qualified and want a job with the IRs get one.

**** Live Animals Sold In Supermarkets: It's Unhygienic &amp; Cruel, Says SPCA <http://tnp.sg/news/story/0,4136,199006,00.html?>
by Teh Jen Lee, New Paper

It has expressed 'serious concern' over the welfare of such animals like freshwater turtles and bullfrogs that are being sold in Sheng Siong supermarkets.

**** Should NEL Officer Be Punished For Sitting? <http://tnp.sg/news/story/0,4136,199016,00.html?>
by Geraldine Yeo, New Paper

**** Flutterbies <http://journeytothesinkinglands.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/flutterbies/>
by Journey To The Sinking Lands

But look underneath and you realise the flowers aren’t real. 

**** W <http://loozihan.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/w/>
by Loo Zhan

How will filmmakers in Singapore ever get the freedom to create a film like ‘W’?

**** Singapore Men Put Love On Hold On Financial Worry <http://www.canada.com/life/Singapore+love+hold+financial+worry/973462/story.html>
by Koh Gui Qing, Reuters

"No money no honey" seems to be ringing true for Singapore's bridal agencies, which are seeing slowing business as the financial crisis and a looming recession hit love in the country.

**** Some Comments On The Aware Thing <http://magnezium.blogspot.com/2009/04/some-comments-on-aware-thing.html>
by Musings

If you're wondering why Aware has done so much but you haven't heard of it, the answer has to do with the way civil society groups work in Singapore. You campaign for what you want, but only until the Government starts listening to you and realising that you're right. Then you back off and let the Government implement your proposals in the way they see fit. Then you let the Government take all the credit. The moment you start getting all media-whore-y and high-profile, your relationship with the Government is screwed.

**** Family To Take Legal Action To Investigate David's Death <http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/04/14/family-take-legal-action-investigate-david039s-death.html>
by The Jakarta Post

The family of David Hartanto, an Indonesian student accused of stabbing his professor at Singapore's Nanyang Technology University (NTU) before committing suicide, will take further legal steps to investigate his death.

**** A Government Out Of Order <http://geraldgiam.sg/2009/04/a-government-out-of-order/>
by Gerald Giam

It is plain to me that this law was drafted with one event and one person in mind: APEC and Chee Soon Juan.

**** Singapore-JB Bus Links To Double <http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_364062.html>
by Maria Almenoar, Straits Times

The number of bus services linking Singapore and Johor Baru in Malaysia is being doubled from eight to 16.

**** Women's Advocacy Group Aware Picks New President <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/422671/1/.html>
by Alicia Wong, Today

The new guard sealed its leadership grab in women’s advocacy group Aware yesterday when one of their own, Ms Josie Lau Meng Lee, was appointed president.

**** Residents Did Not Make Complaints <http://www.todayonline.com/articles/314081.asp>
by Zul Othman, Today

The panel has completed interviewing all the parties involved, chairman Johnny Tan told Today, and the only party that maintains it had called up the authorities about the broken railing is the family of victim Siti Nur Aini.

But the family is not certain when they placed the call, so tracing the records has not been possible.

**** Agency Should Take Responsibility <http://www.todayonline.com/articles/314052.asp>
by Tony Lee, Today

**** Singaproe's Government-Backed Loans Reach Record High In March <http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/15/content_11191126.htm>
by Xinhua

**** Time For Police And NTU To Answer Allegations In Jakarta Post Article On David Widjaja <http://wayangparty.com/?p=7792>
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club

**** Business Plummets At Geylang Serai Temporary Market <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/422672/1/.html>
by Neo Chai Chin, Today

Business has dropped by over 50 per cent, and on Wednesday afternoon, about half the food stalls were not even open.

**** What Is The Role Of Kampung Ubi Ciziten Consultative Committee In The Geylang Serai Food Poisoning Fiasco? <http://wayangparty.com/?p=7785>
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club

Everybody has a role to play in maintaining the hygiene of the environment. SM Goh Chok Tong has been quick to point fingers at the ungracious habits of Singaporeans, but conveniently forget to mention the fact that the wet market is a project by Kampong Ubi CCC under Marine Parade GRC.

**** DBS Exec Is Aware's Head <http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_364307.html>
by Tan Dawn Wei, Wong Kim Hoh &amp; Yen Feng, Straits Times

DBS Bank said it had told her just before last night's Aware exco meeting that it did not support her running for president. The bank said it supported employees' participation in community work, but they needed approval before taking on external appointments.

And Ms Lau did not have the green light to be Aware president.

**** S'pore Works With Countries Serious About Knowledge Transfer, Says MM Lee <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/422764/1/.html>
by Channel NewsAsia

Singapore minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew said Singapore will assess a country's ability to absorb the transfer of ideas and knowledge before deciding whether to collaborate with the country on joint projects.

**** Circle Line To Open 2 Days Ahead Of Schedule, Fares Identical To NEL <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/422710/1/.html>
by Channel NewsAsia

Commuters can look forward to the first stretch of the Circle Line starting operations two days earlier than scheduled, with fares identical to those on the North East Line (NEL).

There will be no changes to bus routes for now.

**** If A Resident Made A Complaint But Not In Writing <http://ringisei.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/if-a-resident-made-a-complaint-but-not-in-writing/>
by Ringisei

The only thing vaguely constructive I have to say about this small part of the whole sorry incident is, when dealing with any large organization, if it ain’t written down, it doesn’t exist. If the issue at hand really bothers you, it’s best to create a paper trail.

**** The New Adventures Of Josie And The Pussycats <http://thinkingbetterthinkingmeta.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-adventures-of-josie-and-pussycats.html>
by Sam's Thoughts

**** Home Affairs Ministry To Consider Borrowing From Loansharks An Offence <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/422746/1/.html>
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia

Wong Kan Seng said this would hold borrowers accountable if their reckless borrowing or gambling habits endanger the safety and security of the community. 

**** Singapore Steps In To Foster Media Sector <http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/efff395e-2a19-11de-9d01-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss&nclick_check=1>
by Sumathi Bala, Financial Times

The new media industries, which include game developers, animators and other related digital specialists, are projected to generate 10,000 jobs and more than S$10bn in value by 2015.

**** Naive To Expect IRs To Give Priority To Singaporeans In Job Applications <http://wayangparty.com/?p=7815>
by Jeremy Koh, The Wayang Party Club

To put it bluntly, the IRs are never meant to create jobs for Singaporeans in the first place. The Singapore government needs the IRs to provide an additional source of revenue for their coffers through taxation and the two consortiums who won the right to build the IRs just want to maximize their profits.

**** Iconic Raffles Hotel Is For Sale -- Again <http://theedgesingapore.com/blogsheads/972-Assif%20Shameen%20(2009)/3698-iconic-raffles-hotels-for-sale-again.html>
by The Edge Singapore

No buyers have yet emerged but analysts say several Asian and global hotel chains as well as private equity investors would probably be interested in buying a piece of Singapore history. Still, the US$450 million asking price in the current depressed climate might be too steep even for those who would normally treasure Raffles in their portfolio.