[MyAppleMenu] Jun 3, 2009

[applesurf at myapplemenu.com]

MyAppleMenu
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**** The Sims 3 Launches Simultaneously For Mac, PC, iPhone And iPod Touch <http://www.macworld.com/article/140923/2009/06/sims3launch.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Peter Cohen, Macworld

The new game features unprecedented customization capabilities — you can create a Sim that’s more realistic than ever, with dozens of unique personality traits. You can also extensively customize the interior and exterior of your Sims’ homes. And unlike past games, you don’t have to micromanage basic aspects of your Sims’ lives, like using the toilet and bathing. Plus, you can purchase additional, unique items for your Sims using an in-game store.

**** Apple Launches New One To One Personal Training Service <http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/02/apple_launches_new_one_to_one_personal_training_service.html>
by Sam Oliver, AppleInsider

Priced at $99, the new year-long One to One membership is available at the time of purchase to those customers who buy their new Mac in an Apple retail store, from the Apple online store, or through Apple Telesales. Apple says the “time of purchase” may extend from the day of a purchase until the end of its 14-day return period.

**** Slideshow: Macs At The Maker Faire <http://www.macworld.com/article/140906/2009/06/makerfaire09.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Heather Kelly, Macworld

**** Apple Wraps Up Push Notification Testing Ahead Of WWDC <http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/02/apple-wraps-up-push-notification-testing-ahead-of-wwdc/>
by Eric Slivka, MacRumors.com

While the test was scheduled to last one week, Apple is apparently just now putting the final wraps on its testing, thanking developers for their assistance throughout the testing process.

**** Apple Sued Over Methods For Repeat iTunes, App Store Sales <http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/02/apple_sued_over_methods_for_repeat_itunes_app_store_sales.html>
by Slash Lane, AppleInsider

Apple, along with more than a dozen other firms conducting e-commerce, have been hit with a lawsuit from a patent trolling claiming first rights to technology that simplifies the re-billing process for repeat customers making purchases through online stores.

**** Using Video Playlists On The iPhone/iPod Touch <http://www.macworld.com/article/140935/2009/06/video_playlists_iphone.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Christopher Breen, Macworld

The iPhone and iPod touch generally don’t respect video playlists. Sure, they’ll sync these playlists but, for the most part, they don’t gang together the items in them under one playlist entry.

The differences in how iPods and iPhones handle playlists frustrate me.

**** No Recession At Apple's Fifth Ave. NYC Store <http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10254695-37.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=News-Apple>
by Erica Ogg, CNET

**** Early Apple Documents Posted To Computer History Museum Site <http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/06/early-apple-documents-posted-to-computer-history-museum-site.ars>
by Jacqui Cheng, Ars Technica

Are you a history buff and a computer nerd? If so, the Computer History Museum in Mountain View has some Apple documents from as far back as 1977 that give some insight into Apple's beginnings.

**** NC House Passes Tax Code That Could Bring Apple Data Center <http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/06/nc-house-passes-tax-code-that-could-bring-apple-data-center.ars>
by Chris Foresman, Ars Technica

**** Comic Life Gains Enhancements In 1.5 Update <http://www.macworld.com/article/140942/2009/06/comiclife15.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Macworld

Comic Life users will now be able to create single page comics by dragging and dropping images, thanks to a new version of the comic-creation software announced by Freeverse on Tuesday.

Also announced: Updates for Involer, BlogAssist, GraphicDesingerToolbox, Portrait Professional.

**** Lonely Planet San Francisco City Guide For iPhone Free For A Limited Time <http://www.tuaw.com/2009/06/02/lonely-planet-san-francisco-city-guide-for-iphone-free-for-a-lim/>
by Victor Agreda, Jr., The Unofficial Apple Weblog

As a guide full of history and photos, hotel and restaurant data, workable maps and tons of "getting around" data, the Lonely Planet San Francisco City Guide is incredibly handy.

**** With 2M Downloads, Where Is Right On Track <http://gigaom.com/2009/06/02/with-2m-downloads-where-is-right-on-track/>
by Om Malik, GigaOM

I like using the Where app on my iPod Touch, mostly because it acts like a “portal” for a lot a location-based services.

**** Fetch 5.5 Adds Quick Look, Improves Remote Editing <http://db.tidbits.com/article/10317>
by Adam C. Engst, TidBITS

Fetch Softworks has released Fetch 5.5, a notable upgrade to the venerable FTP client, focusing improvements on user interaction with remote files and reliability of transfers.

**** Portrait Professional 9 Adds ClearSkin Technology <http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/06/02/portrait.pro.9.ships/>
by MacNN

The software allows users to airbrush photographs to correct undesirable skin appearance. Portrait Professional 9 utilizes the new ClearSkin technology and is claimed to be programed with a knowledge base of "human beauty," referenced to automatically fix pictures.

**** iPod Touch Gets Touchy About Upgrade <http://www.startribune.com/science/46743927.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUeyD8_o8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU>
by Steve Alexander, Star Tribune

**** Apple Quietly Sews Up School Sector <http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology/2009/06/02/apple-quietly-sews-up-school-sector-115875-21409846/>
by Mirror.co.uk

New stats show that Macs are invading the classrooms at a surprising rate, with Cupertino dominating the education market in the first quarter of the year.

**** Why Apple Can Afford To Phone It In With The Next iPhone <http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/06/thirdgeniphone/>
by Brian X. Chen, Wired

Apple could sleepwalk through its next iPhone release and competitors still couldn’t catch up, analysts say.

Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market, combined with the iPhone’s already innovative feature set, put the company in a strong position to stave off competitors, including the upcoming Palm Pre, said Roger Entner, an analyst at Nielsen Mobile.

**** Apple's Nehalem-Based Xserve Is Feature-Rich, Competitive Priced <http://www.eweek.com/c/a/IT-Infrastructure/Apples-NehalemBased-Xserve-Is-FeatureRich-Competitively-Priced-898245/>
by Cameron Sturdevant, eWeek

The well-priced Apple Xserve rackmount server has been significantly upgraded and is now among the first servers to run the latest generation of quad-core Intel Xeon "Nehalem" processors. However, the bundled Apple OS X operating system&mdash;while feature-rich&mdash;makes the Xserve most appropriate for use in departments where users work on Apple Mac clients.

**** Federal Antitrust Probe Targets Tech Giants, Sources Say <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/02/AR2009060203412.html?hpid=topnews>
by Cecilia Kang, Washington Post

The Justice Department has launched an investigation into whether some of the nation's largest technology companies violated antitrust laws by negotiating the recruiting and hiring of one another's employees, according to two sources with knowledge of the review.

The review, which is said to be in its preliminary stages, is focused on the search engine giant Google; its competitor Yahoo; Apple, maker of the popular iPhone; and the biotech firm Genentech, among others, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

**** Avid Media Composer 3.5 Review <http://www.macworld.co.uk/digitallifestyle/reviews/index.cfm?reviewid=3314&pagtype=allchandate>
by James Morris, Macworld UK

**** Your Mac, Your Way: The Workspace <http://www.macworld.com/article/140912/2009/06/customizeosxworkspace.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Macworld

Forget about the stock Apple wallpaper and icons: Customize!

**** WWDC 2009 Banners: 'One Year Later, Light-Years Ahead' <http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/03/wwdc-2009-banners-one-year-later-light-years-ahead/>
by Arnold Kim, Mac Rumors

**** Apple Has Squandered The Gift That Was Vista <http://www.macworld.com/article/140929/2009/06/apple_vista.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Michael Scallisi, PC World

**** Apple Rejects Electronic Frontier Foundation App Over YouTube F-Word Parody <http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/news/index.cfm?newsid=26182&pagtype=allchandate>
by Nick Spence, Macworld UK



The Tomorrow Weblog
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**** PC Touch Screens Move Ahead <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/technology/03touch.html?_r=1>
by Ashlee Vance, New York Times

Both personal computer manufacturers and software makers hope to do more with touch on larger devices by giving people a 10-fingered go at their screens.



MyAppleMenu Reader
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**** The Last Empire: China's Pollution Problem Goes Global <http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2007/12/last-empire-chinas-pollution-problem-goes-global>
by Jacques Leslie, Mother Jones

Can the world survive China's headlong rush to emulate the American way of life?

**** Live Your Best Life Ever! <http://www.newsweek.com/id/200025>
by Weston Kosova and Pat Wingert, Newsweek

Why health advice on 'Oprah' could make you sick.

**** The Puffington Host <http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=ce686bd3-233a-44a2-bdd4-ee3d879a1967>
by Isaac Chotiner, The New Republic

The many versions of Arianna Huffington, and their consequences.

**** Show Or Tell <http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/atlarge/2009/06/08/090608crat_atlarge_menand>
by Louis Menand, The New Yorker

Should creative writing be taught?

**** In Tales Of The Cashier's Tape, Writers Tap The Till For Inspiration <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124397827166478779.html#mod=rss_Books>
by Cecilie Rohwedder, Wall Street Journal

Workers take pen in hand to register opinions of those who are always right.

**** Bringing Flavor Back To The Ham <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/dining/03curi.html?partner=rss&emc=rss>
by Harold McGee, New York Times

Have you ever placed a vanishingly thin morsel of rosy meat on your tongue and had it fill your mouth with deepest porkiness, or the aroma of tropical fruits, or caramel, or chocolate? Or all of the above?

**** Bar? What Bar? <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/dining/03speak.html>
by William Grimes, New York Times

On a nondescript block in Williamsburg, not far from the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, a new bar and restaurant called Rye opened last week.

Try to find it.



SingaporeSurf
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**** Singapore Confirms Eighth H1N1 Case, Patient Is 15-Year-Old Student <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/433407/1/.html>
by Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia

The Ministry of Health has confirmed Singapore's eighth H1N1 flu case. The patient is a 15-year-old Singaporean student studying in India.

**** Cakeshop In Serangoon North Fined For Drying Noodles In The Sun <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/433418/1/.html>
by Channel NewsAsia

Although officers found the shop hygienic and clean, the licensee occasionally dried the noodles in the sun before packing them for sale.

**** 10-Year Series Back - But Do We Still Need Them? <http://tnp.sg/news/story/0,4136,203885,00.html?>
by Pearly Tan, New Paper

What started out as a supplement to textbooks seems to have become a necessity for many students.

**** Entitled To 'Full' Medical Benefits But Told To Pay <http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Online%2BStory/STIStory_384950.html>
by Ong Kwee Hong, Straits Times

**** Make Causeway Crossing Akin To Changi Airport Experience <http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Online%2BStory/STIStory_384968.html>
by Amarjit S. Wasan, Straits Times

It took 90 minutes to cross the Singapore checkpoint and get on the Causeway, and another hour thereafter to arrive at and clear the immigration and customs counters at JB. The return journey was a little less unpleasant, but it also took 90 minutes in all. We spent six hours on the road that evening to attend a two-hour wedding function in JB.

With no opportunities to collect rents from duty-free shops and restaurants, I doubt there will be any changes anytime soon.

**** Many Ways To Access Parliamentary Speech <http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_385069.html>
by Ng Sheau Jiuan, Clerk of Parliament, Straits Times

Our periodic reviews show that the demand for full texts of speeches made in Parliament during previous terms is not high and largely comprises academic and legal research requests. To better meet research needs and technical support requirements of online access, parliamentary reports, together with other legal resources, are placed on LawNet, which offers various subscription options suited to the user's need.

In other words, we find that there are people that are willing to pay us money for things that should be in public domain, so we are not putting 'em in public domain. We like money.

**** P1 Places Not For Sale <http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_385068.html>
by Lim Huay Chih, Ministry of Education, Straits Times

Phase 2 recognises the contributions and ties that parents have with schools and communities.

And aren't these "contributions" merely an indirect way of saying "money"?

**** MM Lee Goes &quot;Jiat Hong&quot; Again And List Of Overseas Trips Made By MM And SM Since 2008 <http://wayangparty.com/?p=10022>
by The Wayang Party Club

**** PM Lee Hsien Loong Vs. Dr. Ow Chin Hock On Population Growth <http://sgentropy.blogspot.com/2009/06/pm-lee-hsien-loong-vs-dr-ow-chin-hock.html>
by Singapore Peak Oil

**** Warning Signs Of Unhappy Sentiments Against Foreigners <http://kentridgecommon.com/?p=3751>
by Kelvin Teo, Kent Ridge Common

Like those who were concerned over the badminton showdown between JJC and RJC, there were repeated calls to exercise a strict cap or quota on the number of foreign employees a company can hire. Like local badminton players losing out on the opportunity to represent their school, local employees fear losing their rice bowls to foreign employees. If the calls remained unheeded, such unhappy sentiments against foreigners will rear its ugly head. The events at the badminton final provided a stark reminder to all.

**** Manage Divides Carefully <http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_385262.html>
by Yen Feng, Straits Times

Potential divides emerging within Singapore society must be handled carefully to preserve the nation's social cohesion amid a global recession, said second minister for finance and transport Lim Hwee Hua on Wednesday.

**** Singapore Arts Thriving In Financial Crisis <http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hj59r70iaBzyR1obR2fk6axkov0w>
by Philip Lim, AFP

The most severe recession in Singapore's history is proving a boon for the arts scene, as local works and performers share the limelight at the annual arts festival with foreign productions.

**** Aerospace Park On Track <http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_385265.html>
by Karamjit Kaur, Straits Times

**** Limitations Of New Media In Promoting Civil Activism In Singapore In Contrast To Malaysia <http://wayangparty.com/?p=10059>
by The Wayang Party Club

**** Singapore Confirms Ninth H1N1 Case <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/433527/1/.html>
by Channel NewsAsia

**** Suspension Extended 6 Months <http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_385293.html>
by Straits Times

THE suspension of the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme will be extended for another six months due to the prevailing market uncertainties, said the Ministry of National Development on Wednesday.

**** NWC Recommends Concerted Efforts To Cut Costs, Save Jobs <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/433565/1/.html>
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia

Singapore's tripartite National Wages Council (NWC) has urged employers, unions and the government to press on with concerted actions to cut costs, save jobs and enhance competitiveness.

**** No Defibrillator Out In The Field?! <http://blogs.straitstimes.com/2009/6/3/no-defibrillator-out-in-the-field>
by Gerard Wong, Straits Times

If your upcoming reservist stints include military exercises that require you to spend several days and nights out in the field, then please, please make sure your full pack is well-stocked with basic medicines for common ailments such as fever, flu, diarrhoea, nausea, and even ointments for rashes.

Because if you ever fall sick or find yourself suffering from the runs during the field exercise, the medic who is assigned to your exercise will not be able to provide you with much help or relief.

**** Singapore's Temasek Sold Barclays Stake - Sources <http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssFinancialServicesAndRealEstateNews/idUSWLA574220090603>
by Steve Slater, Reuters

Singapore state investor Temasek sold its stake in British bank Barclays Plc several months ago at a big loss, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

After spending over 1 billion pounds on the shares in the last two years, unlisted Temasek may have lost over 800 million pounds ($1.3 billion) on the investment, according to calculations by Reuters.

**** Singapore Bureaucracy Best In Asia, India Worst - Survey <http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-40061620090603>
by Reuters