[MyAppleMenu] Apr 17, 2010

[applesurf at myapplemenu.com]

MyAppleMenu
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**** It’s Not The Control, It’s The Secrecy <http://daringfireball.net/2010/04/not_the_control_the_secrecy>
John Gruber, Daring Fireball

Keeping the rules secret may make things easier for Apple, but it’s weakening the platform. Clarity is a sign of strength. If Apple’s leadership wants the tight control, they should accept the amount of hard work that would go along with managing it openly.

**** Non-Apple’s Mistake <http://www.loper-os.org/?p=132>
Loper OS

You want a non-tyrannical Apple?  Rather than striving to weaken Apple so that it can be devoured by its brawny-yet-mindless competitors, do something constructive.  Experiment with GUIs which don’t trace their descent to Xerox PARC.  Forever renounce the idiotic practice of copying Microsoft, that cheap imitation of a cheap imitation.  If you are creative, create.  Otherwise, strive to find a strong-willed Jobs figure gifted with good taste, and become his loyal servant.  This is how we get quality products, everywhere from architecture to operating systems.  There is no other way.  Creativity requires a mind, and a herd has none.

**** 12 iPad Tips And Tricks <http://www.macworld.com/article/150675/2010/04/ipad_tips.html?lsrc=rss_main>
Mitch Wagner, Computerworld

In my time using the iPad, I’ve found some tips and tricks for making the device even more versatile and easy to use, including accessories to buy, avoid, and re-use; tricks for writing on the iPad; and at least one really bad gotcha to avoid.

**** New MacBook Pros Using Revised Serial Number Scheme <http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/04/16/new_macbook_pros_using_revised_serial_number_scheme.html>
AppleInsider

The newly released MacBook Pro line is now using a new serial number format to support continued growth and scalability.

**** Investors Still Betting On Apple's Lofty Shares <http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1612903820100416?type=marketsNews>
Gabriel Madway, Reuters

Apple Inc's shares have barreled upward at a torrid pace over the past year, yet as the company's quarterly report approaches, no one on Wall Street seems prepared to slap an "overvalued" tag on the company.

**** Is Switzerland Still The Right Role Model? <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC100417-0000085/Is-Switzerland-still-the-right-role-model?>
Venessa Lee, Today

We seem to have moved beyond talk of a Swiss standard, towards aiming to be a global city. But to what extent is Switzerland still an appropriate role model, and should cross-pollination between the two cultures be looked at more seriously?

**** Apple Sued Over Use Of Moisture Indicators To Deny Free Repairs <http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/04/16/apple_sued_over_use_of_moisture_indicators_to_deny_free_repairs.html>
AppleInsider

A San Francisco resident has filed a lawsuit against Apple alleging that the company unfairly declines warranty coverage for its products solely on the basis of triggered moisture sensors, which the suit alleges are unreliable evidence of abuse.

**** How Much Control Will Apple Have Over News App Content? <http://news.cnet.com/8301-31021_3-20002730-260.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=News-Apple>
Erica Ogg, CNET News

So what does that mean for the future of news or editorial products on the iPad and iPhone? It's safe to assume that quashing political satire isn't Apple's goal here. But it's a legitimate concern for the journalism community that to be featured on the App Store they have to submit their news content to a company unafraid to exercise what sometimes seems like arbitrary control. The thinking goes, what if Apple finds a headline offensive? Or what if there's an unfavorable article about Apple itself even? That's not to say Apple would do that, but its inconsistent handling of App Store submissions sets a troubling precedent.

**** A $30 Cable And An iPad On A Television <http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/16/a-30-cable-and-an-ipad-on-a-television/?partner=rss&emc=rss>
Nick Bilton, New York Times

If you already own an iPad, or plan to buy one, a $30 cable can output some Web video, photos and presentations - completely displacing the Apple TV.

**** Blinded By The iPad <http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-18438_7-20002692-82.html?part=rss&amp;subj=news&amp;tag=2547-1_3-0-20>
David Carnoy, CNET News

I woke up the next morning and headed back to the Apple Store. This time I didn't stop to talk to anyone. I just went downstairs and paid for the thing, all $650 (including tax).

**** How Apple Friendly Is Your Town? Seattle Kinda Mac-ish, SF Tops <http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2011623916_how_apple_friendly_is_your_tow.html>
Brier Dudley, Seattle Times

The San Francisco region is the most Apple friendly part of the country, with 32.3 percent of the people in Apple's hometown area likely to own a Mac, iPod or iPhone, according to a new report from Experian Simmons.

**** Israel iPad Ban Puzzles Many <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304180804575188193529710852.html?mod=rss_Today's_Most_Popular>
Charles Levinson, Wall Street Journal

Travelers have been bringing laptops and cellphones configured to U.S. standards, including other Apple devices with the same wireless configuration, into Israel for years without incident. Some Israeli lawmakers alleged on Friday the decision undermines Israel's status as a global leader in the high-tech industry.

**** The Anatomy Of Desire <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/magazine/18fob-Bergner-t.html?partner=rss&emc=rss>
Daniel Bergner, New York Times

What is a man’s ideal female form? A study of the blind tries to find out.



MyAppleMenu Reader
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**** Bob Brown, Godfather Of The E-Reader <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/books/review/Schuessler-t.html?partner=rss&emc=rss>
Jennifer Schuessler, New York Times

Look past Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos to the forgotten Bob Brown and his 1930s reading machine.

**** Politics And Faith <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/books/review/Beinart-t.html?partner=rss&emc=rss>
Peter Beinart, New York Times

Reading Ian Buruma makes you feel parochial. In “Taming the Gods: Religion and Democracy on Three Continents,” he writes intimately about the relationship between politics and faith in Britain, the Netherlands, France, China, Japan and the United States. And beneath every cliché — about American religious fervor, French intolerance or Japanese godlessness — he uncovers ironies that wreak havoc with popular stereotypes.

**** Frank Herbert's 'Dune' Holds Timely -- And Timeless -- Appeal <http://www.latimes.com/features/books/la-ca-dune18-2010apr18,0,5887875.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+features%2Fbooks+%28Los+Angeles+Times+-+Books%29>
Scott Timberg, Los Angeles Times

The late author's epic of a desert planet anticipates contemporary issues and poses a lasting challenge to filmmakers.

**** Alex's Adventures In Numberland By Alex Bellosl <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/apr/17/alex-bellos-adventures-numberland-maths?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Fbooks%2Frss+%28Books%29>
Joan Brady, The Guardian

"Ballet dancers are stupid." God knows how many times I heard that while I was in the ballet. When I gave up performing, I decided on a trial by fire and somehow got into Columbia University to study philosophy and maths.

**** Christopher Hitchens Re-reads Animal Farm <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/apr/17/christopher-hitchens-re-reads-animal-farm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Fbooks%2Frss+%28Books%29>
Christopher Hitchens, The Guardian

Still outlawed by regimes around the world, Animal Farm has always been political dynamite – so much so, it was nearly never published.

**** Those Who Wait <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/books/review/Batuman-t.html?partner=rss&emc=rss>
Elif Batuman, New York Times

In Olga Grushin’s second novel, “The Line,” hundreds of citizens spend several hours a day, every day for a year, waiting to buy tickets to a concert that may or may not take place. The premise is loosely based on Stravinsky’s 1962 concert in Leningrad, which was likewise preceded by a yearlong ticket line.



SingaporeSurf
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**** Protecting Minorities And Their Rights In Singapore <http://seelanpalay.blogspot.com/2010/04/protecting-minorities-and-their-rights.html>
Charles Tan, Seelan Palay's Blog

There are practical and ethical reasons for opposition politicians to be more assertive in voicing minority issues. To take a safer middle path is to play into the prejudices concocted by the PAP.

**** Advertising? No, I Just Want To Advise On Traffic Jams <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_515546.html>
Ivy Singh-Lim, Straits Times

**** Commercialising Heritage Buildings Is Distasteful <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_515462.html>
Joyce Chng, Straits Times

The buildings are not hollow husks. Generations have walked through them. The walls have echoed with the voices of students. These historical buildings are our heritage. There is history in all of them.

**** Chee Must Reinvent Himself <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_515464.html>
Han Tau Kwang, Straits Times

With the poor voter response he has received, Dr Chee should respect and listen to the wishes of Singaporeans, and reposition himself to be relevant to our aspirations.

**** Imagine A S'pore Without Political Opposition <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_515463.html>
Lee Seck Kay, Straits Times

Singaporeans are sophisticated enough to make the right choices. I doubt we can be led into believing that without the PAP, Singapore is doomed, or that it is the only political party with all the talent to help Singapore advance.

**** Commercialisation Needed To Keep Old Buildings Alive <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_515461.html>
Wong Jia Yun, Straits Times

Identity is no longer a stagnant concept. Rather than let ourselves be bogged down by the need to reinforce the history of such places, why not let them be similarly evolving structures which move in line with our nation's creed?

**** Chee's Passion For Democracy Admirable <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_515467.html>
Aloysius Lau, Straits Times

I hope if Dr Chee is passionate about helping Singaporeans as his primary agenda, he should work with social groups and organisations to ensure his constructive input is heard.

**** Politics Of Confrontation Redundant Now <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_515460.html>
Joshua Selvakumar, Straits Times

In my opinion, the PAP need not be confronted today. It has given all Singaporeans and even non-Singaporeans an island to call their home with good opportunities. It is safe and peaceful here. That is what every citizen of any country needs and what every world leader should give his people. We do not need an opposition for the sake of having one. We do not need confrontation, but rather a contribution of opinions and suggestions to a system that is already working well.

**** Why PAP's Politics Works For Me <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_515466.html>
Patrick Tan, Straits Times

Forcing change by staging protest marches, hunger strikes and criticising Singapore while in foreign countries may be juicy news for foreign powers and their media, but they do not help our cause in any way.

**** More Space Sought For Professionals In Singapore <http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/jobs/More-space-sought-for-professionals-in-Singapore/articleshow/5823303.cms>
Amiti Sen, Economic Times

India will seek greater access for its professionals in Singapore in areas such as IT, health, education and finance in the upcoming review of the bilateral agreement between the two countries. The second review of the comprehensive economic cooperation agreement or CECA that was rolled out in 2005 will begin early next month.

**** A GDP Canary In The Inflation Coal Mine <http://seekingalpha.com/article/199156-a-gdp-canary-in-the-inflation-coal-mine>
Daryl Montgomery, Seeking Alpha

While countries are always trying to increase their GDP growth rates, this is one of those areas where the proverbial "too much of a good thing" can lead to trouble.

**** Singapore: Work In Progress <http://bxpnyc.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/singapore-work-in-progress/>
When the Dust Clears

**** A Sign Of Tolerance Or Intrusion? <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC100417-0000076/A-sign-of-tolerance-or-intrusion?>
Alicia Wong, Today

Religious events in public areas: Guidelines needed on 'how much is too much' says inter-religious group.

**** Box Of Surprise <http://wildshores.blogspot.com/2010/04/box-of-surprise.html>
Wild Shores Of Singapore