[MyAppleMenu] Mar 11, 2009

[applesurf at myapplemenu.com]

MyAppleMenu
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**** Adobe Fixes Security Vulnerability With Acrobat 9, Reader 9 <http://www.macworld.com/article/139320/2009/03/acrobat9_update.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Jonathan Seff, Macworld

Adobe on Tuesday fixed a critical security vulnerability in its Acrobat 9 and Reader 9 applications, which the company said "would cause the application to crash and could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system."

**** Apple's Wozniak Using Twitter, Facebook To Survive <i>Dancing</i> <http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=knowledge_center&articleId=9129326&taxonomyId=1&intsrc=kc_top>
by Sharon Gaudin, Computerworld

Technology has long paid off for Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak and he's expecting nothing less now that he's on Dancing with the Stars.

**** Is Apple Turning Its Back On The Enterprise <http://industry.bnet.com/technology/10001039/is-apple-turning-its-back-on-the-enterprise/>
by Erik Sherman, BNET

My guess is that Apple sees the writing on the wall and is deemphasizing even more the business market because it knows that is not the company’s strong suit.

**** iTunes 8 Users Grapple With Missing Dolby Surround Sound <http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/03/10/itunes_8_users_grapple_with_missing_dolby_surround_sound.html>
by Aidian Malley, AppleInsider

Viewers hoping to hear 5.1-channel Dolby audio from movies and TV shows on Apple's iTunes Store are being frustrated by a known bug that disables the surround feature in software.

**** Apple Rejects Twitter App Because There's Swearing On The Internet <http://www.macworld.com/article/139316/2009/03/tweetie_rejection.html>
by Dan Moren, Macworld

Here’s the catch: the obscenity was in Tweetie’s Trends feature, shown at left, which scans the social networking to find the most popular keywords that people are talking about (and no, the obscenity in question was not "Kindle," smartypants). If there’s a naughty word in that section, it’s not because Tweetie’s developers put it there, but because people on Twitter were talking about it. It’s akin to rejecting the app because somebody was posting swears to their Twitter feed.

**** Hands On With Elgato's EyeTV Hybrid <http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/03/hands-on-with-e.html>
by Charlie Sorrel, Wired

The EyeTV has a ridiculous amount of functionality which I haven't even touched yet. As a straight up TV replacemant, though, it is outstanding &mdash;good quality and easy to use.

**** Is Apple Lying About Layoffs? <http://www.businessinsider.com/is-apple-lying-about-layoffs-2009-3>
by Dan Frommer, Silicon Alley Insider

Big picture, this means nothing to Apple's business. But it doesn't help us trust that Apple is telling us &mdash; or the public, or its investors &mdash; the truth.

**** App Store Lessons: Navigating Apple Reviewer Pitfalls <http://arstechnica.com/apple/guides/2009/03/app-store-lessons-navigating-apple-reviewer-pitfalls.ars>
by Erica Sadun, Ars Technica

When Apple's staff of application reviewers makes a blunder, what should you do? Sometimes, you should just roll over and take it. Agreeing to changes, no matter how inappropriate, is often the quickest path to getting your program into App Store.

**** iTunes Store Gift Codes Fall Prey To Hackers <http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/03/itunes-store-gift-codes-fall-prey-to-hackers.ars>
by Erica Sadun, Ars Technica

The secure algorithm that generates iTunes Store gift codes has apparently been duplicated by hackers. $200 iTunes gift cards are being sold in China for just a few dollars each, and the problem seems to be getting worse.

**** Blocked For iPhone <http://www.macworld.com/article/139271/2009/03/blocked.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by James Savage, Macworld

It is the perfect puzzle game for those quick moments during the day when you’ve got some time to kill and a puzzle to solve.

**** TextSoap Adds New Actions, Automator Options <http://www.macworld.com/article/139308/2009/03/textsoap.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Peter Cohen, Macworld

TextSoap helps you “clean” text while maintaining formatting. You can clean text based on its format or format based on text contents. More than 100 built-in cleaners are included, and custom cleaners are also available and can be created.

**** Create Application-Specific Smart Folders In Leopard <http://www.macworld.com/article/139309/2009/03/105smartfolders.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Rob Griffiths, Macworld

**** Is The Mac Mini Overpriced? <http://www.macworld.com/article/139312/2009/03/miniprice.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Jim Dalrymple, Macworld

I understand everyone wants the lowest cost computer they can get—so do I. But I think there is a point when the lower price starts to affect the quality of the machine you are getting. I would rather see Apple stay on the quality side of that line.

**** iPhone Developer Takes Measures To Combat Piracy <http://www.macworld.com/article/139298/2009/03/iphone_developer_takes_preventive_measures_to_combat_piracy.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Aayush Arya, Macworld

**** On The Renaming Of Xcode Projects <http://arustisha.wordpress.com/2009/03/08/on-the-renaming-of-xcode-projects/>
by Arustisha

What constitutes “renaming” or “cloning” may mean very different things to very different people, and depending on how thoroughly you’ve embedded the old name in source, filenames, build settings, string constants, etc. you may have a lot of manual work to do in order to achieve the results you want.

**** Apple Backs Down: Tweetie With Swear Words For All! <http://venturebeat.com/2009/03/10/apple-backs-down-tweetie-with-swear-words-for-all/>
by Mg Siegler, Venture Beat

At the end of the day, we have what we wanted: A new version of Tweetie in the App Store (it should be live tonight).

**** iPhone, iPod Prototypes On eBay Bug Apple <http://www.crn.com/mobile/215801698>
by Jennifer Bosavage, ChannelWeb

Apple iPod and iPhone prototypes were on the loose on eBay recently &mdash; but they were yanked off before they could be sold, at least through the popular auction site.

**** Apple: Was February The Bottom For Mac Sales? <http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2009/03/10/apple-was-february-the-bottom-for-mac-sales/>
by Eric Savitz, Barrons

**** Apple Erases Prototype iPhones From History <http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/03/apple-erases-pr.html>
by Charlie Sorrel, Wired

Could this be one of those handsets "loaded with fake software"?

**** Feeds For iPhone <http://www.macworld.com/article/139265/2009/03/feeds.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Kate Dohe, Macworld

App’s options, Google Reader integration make it a powerful RSS tool.

**** Apple Unveils New iPod Shuffle <http://www.macworld.com/article/139325/2009/03/shuffle.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Jim Dalrymple, Macworld

The shuffle has always been Apple’s smallest iPod, but now it is nearly half the size of the previous model.

All of the controls for the Shuffle are located on the earphone chord, allow you to play, pause, adjust volume, switch playlists and hear the name of the song and artist.

Me thinks that Apple has really gone too far with the no-buttons idea. You can't use an ordinary piece of headphones with this new shuffle!

**** Jobs For iPhone <http://www.macworld.com/article/139304/2009/03/jobs.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Dale Gardner, Macworld

Time-tracker offers simple, though functional way to log billable hours.

**** The New iPod Shuffle: Button, Button, Who's Got The Button? <http://www.macworld.com/article/139333/2009/03/ipod_shuffle_design.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by Dan Moren, Macworld

If you ask me, the war on buttons has gone too far. The new iPod shuffle takes a step back in both the usability and compatibility departments.

**** iTunes 8.1 Coming Soon With Speed Improvments, Says Apple <http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/03/itunes-81-coming-soon-with-speed-improvements-says-apple.ars>
by Jacqui Cheng, Ars Technica

Apple's iTunes page lists out a few things that users can expect from the upcoming update (scroll to the bottom). Speed improvements when loading large libraries, browsing the iTunes Store, and syncing devices will be coming with iTunes 8.1, as well as Genius sidebar updates that will include recommendations for TV shows and movies (right now, Genius sidebar only recommends music).

**** iPhone's Zen Bound Offers Beautiful UI, Great Puzzles <http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2009/03/iphones-zen-bound-offers-beautiful-ui-great-puzzles.ars>
by Erica Sadun, Ars Technica

Zen Bound offers an extremely playable, beautifully designed gaming experience for the iPhone. Between its compelling gameplay and interactive delights, it offers very good value for its five dollar price. It's fun, it's stable, it's beautiful, and it offers something unique and iPhone-like in its current App Store incarnation.

**** 15-Inch MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo/2.66GHz <http://www.macworld.com/article/139252/2009/03/15inch_macbookpro.html?lsrc=rss_main>
by James Galbraith, Macworld

Subtle update returns subtle performance improvements.



The Tomorrow Weblog
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**** How Simple Features Become Complicated <http://rc3.org/2009/03/10/how-simple-features-become-complicated/>
by Rafe Colburn, rc3.org

This is why I generally forbid the use of the word “just” when people are making feature requests.

**** Making Robots Give The Right Glances <http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/22271/?a=f>
by Kristina Grifantini, MIT Technology Review

By mimicking nonverbal actions, robots could become better assistants.



MyAppleMenu Reader
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**** Rising To The Occasion <http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090323/ehrenreich_fletcher>
by Barbara Ehrenreich &amp; Bill Fletcher Jr., The Nation

But we do understand&mdash;and this is one of the things that make us "socialists"&mdash;that the absence of a plan, or at least some sort of deliberative process for figuring out what to do, is no longer an option.

**** In A Charmed Life, A Road Less Traveled <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/fashion/08love.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all>
by Laying Martine Jr., New York Times

We knew we had a lot to learn, but we had no idea how much.

**** Virginia, Jean, And Flannery: A Good Role Model Is Easy To Find <http://chronicle.com/temp/reprint.php?id=94fzc0zclmtwwfpvxf0jtjrn43dssd32>
by Carlin Romano, The Chronicle Of Higher Education

Woolf, Rhys, and O'Connor sounds like a law firm, and indeed it could be — a firm sure to lay down clear laws and illuminating precedents for women writers.

**** The Lost Art Of The Irish Pub <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/dining/11pubs.html>
by Steven Kurutz, New York Times

For a half-Norwegian guy from Long Island, Bill Barich knows a thing or two about Irish pubs.



SingaporeSurf
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**** ä¸­å›½æ¸¸å®¢é­æ­§è§†æ€§æ‰£è¯èµ·è¯‰æ–°åŠ å¡èˆªç©ºèŽ·èƒœ <http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2009-03-11/023117379632.shtml>
by 扬梓, 扬子晚报

**** Singapore Airlines Is Seeking Greater Aussie Access <http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25168209-643,00.html>
by The Australian

In a submission to the National Aviation Policy lodged last week, the Singaporeans ramped up their rhetoric as they renewed their call for increased liberalisation of international air routes into and out of Australia.

**** Indonesia, Singapore Sign Border Deal <http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/article/12506.html>
by Jakarta Globe

The agreement, which ends five years and eight rounds of negotiations, defined a 12.1 kilometer-stretch along the western segment of the two countries’ joint maritime border.

**** Geylang Adventure <http://chadinsingapore.blogspot.com/2009/03/geylang-adventure.html>
by Chad In Singapore

Until my weekend excursion I mistakenly believed I was exploring the “real” Singapore by adventuring past the malls and instead slipping through alleyway markets far from the financial district.

**** Reckless Cyclists Remain A Menace To Pedestrians <http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Online%2BStory/STIStory_348394.html>
by Linda Ho, Straits Times

I am frustrated and helpless as a pedestrian against reckless cyclists riding along pedestrian walkways.

**** Shaw Centre Risks Losing Tenants To Upcoming Malls <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/414366/1/.html>
by Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia

It seems clear that older developments like Shaw Centre need to redevelop soon or risk losing tenants to newer malls.

**** Singapore Needs A Support Ecosystem For Its Startups <http://www.youngupstarts.com/2009/03/09/singapore-needs-a-support-ecosystem-for-its-startups/>
by Young Upstarts

It’s not about the lack of money. There are good schemes out there for startups to tap on. I am referring to the lack of a support system - the media, for example, and legal, financial, public relations and other kinds of consultancy services that cater to the unique needs of a startup.

**** US Move Puts Kink In Talent Flow Here? <http://www.todayonline.com/articles/306774.asp>
by Loh Chee Kong, Today

As the United States on Monday lifted barriers on embryonic stem cell research, and with South Korea set to also review its ban, Singapore could see its influx of international scientists slow.

But while the latest developments could dim Singapore’s allure a little, any impediment to its research efforts would “not be significant”, said scientists here — especially when set against the boost the new US policy is expected to bring to international stem cell research.

**** Why You Should Finish NS Before Poly <http://www.todayonline.com/articles/306745.asp>
by Denis Edward, Today

A lengthy pause from this type of study can hinder their knowledge of the trade and may affect their examination results in universities.

**** Is It RIP For Singapore Internet Radio? <http://www.todayonline.com/articles/306771.asp>
by Mayo Martin, Today

After an amendment to the Copyright Act in December, broadcasters here have been locked in talks with the Recording Industry Performance Singapore (RIPS).

A MediaCorp spokesperson explained to Today that, previously, radio stations were exempted from paying record companies when the songs played over the Internet were part of a radio simulcast, but now this exception only applies to broadcasts over the airwaves.

Please note the inherent conflict of interest while reading this article: Today is published by MediaCorp, which also operates a number of internet radio streams. Similarly, if you are reading the Straits Times, remember, too, that SPH operates a number of internet radio streams in its partnership with NTUC.

**** Singapore Airlines Asks Staff To Take Unpaid Leave <http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSSIN34800220090311>
by Kevin Lim, Reuters

Singapore Airlines, the world's biggest airline by market value, has asked staff to take unpaid leave for up to two years in a bid to reduce costs.

**** The Myth Of The PAP Singapore's Miracle Part II <http://singaporecitizen.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/the-myth-of-the-pap-singapore’s-miracle-part-ii/>
by Everyday's Life In A Snapshot - For Lesser Mortals Only

It is time Singaporeans truly question PAP’s real role in Singapore’s development, and step up the ante to push for change that Singapore clearly need, and not clearly accept what the PAP government has to tell us about what they have done in the past.

**** Is It RIP For Singapore Internet Radio? Probably. <http://rubenerdshow.com/blog/p3876/>
by Rubenerd

I’m going to be blunt, it’s for the same reason why internet radio has been stifled so many times in the US: arrogant old media authorities who pretend to be working in the interests of artists and the public when in fact they’re trying to milk their dying cash cows for all they’re worth and crush new technologies that could be percieved as a threat.

**** No Singaporean Fit To Manage Our Country's Reserves? <http://www.sgpolitics.net/?p=2471>
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net

I refuse to take this episode at face value, especially coming from a politician not exactly known for his graciousness in admitting his errors. MM Lee’s initial remarks clearly reveal that he had knowledge of Temasek’s internal succession planning and that no Singaporean within Temasek was up to the job of CEO in his honest opinion.

His backtracking is evidently made to ameliorate the backlash that would arise from inadvertently admitting that the PAP system has failed to produce talents capable to running the show.

**** Singapore, Sydney Top For Chinese Workers <http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25171621-23109,00.html>
by AFP

Singapore's much better air quality, low crime rates and good services give it the edge over other Asian capitals like Hong Kong, where pollution is a big drawback, human resources consultancy ECA International said today.

**** Switzerland, Austria Added To Tax Blacklist - Paper <http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/03/11/afx6151865.html>
by Anna Willard, Reuters

Switzerland, Luxembourg, Austria, Singapore and Hong Kong will be added to the OECD's list of non-cooperative tax centres, French newspaper La Tribune said on Wednesday, without giving details of its source.

The newspaper said the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development would include around 30 countries out of 84 that were examined.