[MyAppleMenu] May 26, 2010

[applesurf at myapplemenu.com]

MyAppleMenu
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**** Apple, Google, And The Map Wars <http://counternotions.com/2010/05/25/mapwars/>
Counter Notions

Digital maps, once a wondrous novelty that started with Google Maps on the desktop, are no longer a mere destination app on mobile devices. Mapping frameworks are beginning to be tightly integrated at the OS level and maps are becoming primary UI conduits to ever more sophisticated location-based services. Apple’s acquisition of Placebase was an affirmation of that reality and, hopefully, we’ll get to see the early results next week.

**** Mac Utilities: Do Uninstallers Work? <http://www.macworld.com/article/151403/2010/05/essentialutilitiesuninstallers.html?lsrc=rss_main>
Joe Kissell, Macworld

Don’t worry about getting rid of every last crumb—because you won’t be able to and it probably won’t make any real difference. If you find some support files that you aren’t sure you can safely delete, chances are they’ll do no harm if you leave them where they are.

**** iStat Menus Displays Your Mac's Stats...stat <http://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/485210/review/istat_menus_301.html?expand=true&lsrc=rss_main>
Aayush Arya, Macworld

**** Google Drops Beta Badge From Chrome For Mac <http://www.macworld.com/article/151526/2010/05/chrome_mac_official.html?lsrc=rss_main>
David Chartier, Macworld

Fans of Chrome for Mac should receive a surprise today: a new version that takes the browser out of beta. After five months of testing, Google has declared Chrome to be stable and ready for the masses.

**** Elgato EyeTV Software Update Adds Support For Apple iPad <http://www.macworld.co.uk/digitallifestyle/news/index.cfm?newsId=3224587&print>
Nick Spence, Macworld UK

**** 13-inch MacBook Pro Receives Boot Camp Updates <http://www.macworld.com/article/151546/2010/05/macbook_bootcamp.html?lsrc=rss_main>
Serenity Caldwell, Macworld

The patches are available for users running either 32- or 64-bit versions of Windows on their Macs, and fix an issue “that causes the Boot Camp Control Panel applet to display an error when the brightness tab is selected and an issue that results in no headphone sound.”

**** Emergency! Apple Adds A Few Web Pages <http://kensegall.com/blog/2010/05/emergency-apple-adds-a-few-web-pages/>
Ken Segall's Observatory

Who knows what the new campaign will be, or if Apple even believes a Mac campaign is required at the moment. But I’ll go way out on a limb and predict that whenever a new campaign begins, it will not be a list of benefits with the theme line Why you’ll love a Mac.

**** From Singapore, A Tale Of Expensive Data Roaming <http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/from-singapore-a-tale-of-expensive-data-roaming/?partner=rss&emc=rss>
Warren Buckleitner, New York Times

Any seasoned traveler knows how to reduce the risk of being mugged. Wear a money belt, and stay in public places. But these days you can add one more tip: turn off data roaming.

**** Apps For iPad Cooking <http://events.nytimes.com/2010/05/26/dining/reviews/26testkitchen.html?partner=rss&emc=rss>
Wilson Rothman, New York Times

As long as you can avoid slathering it with grease or dusting it (lightly or otherwise) with flour, the iPad beats a mobile phone and a laptop for overall kitchen-counter friendliness, and is poised to be an indispensable tool, once enough of the cookbooks we all love go digital.

**** Critics Bite Into Apple; Complain Of Tech Giant's Domineering Ways <http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15160296?nclick_check=1>
Patrick May, San Jose Mercury News

**** Apple Faces Antitrust Inquiry About Online Music <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/26/technology/26apple.html?partner=rss&emc=rss>
Brad Stone, New York Times

The Department of Justice is examining Apple’s tactics in the market for digital music and its staffers have talked to major music labels and Internet music companies, according to several people briefed on the conversations.

People briefed on the inquiries said investigators had asked in particular about recent allegations that Apple had used its dominant market position to persuade music labels to refuse to give the online retailer Amazon.com exclusive access to soon-to-be released music.

**** New Yorker's Remnick Says He Won't Censor To Make Apple Happy <http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/05/new-yorker-apple/comment-page-1/>
Ryan Singel, Wired

The New Yorker editor-in-chief David Remnick has a message for Apple’s penchant for policing the content of its app store: “The hell with it.”

**** Rising Shares May Push Apple Ahead Of Microsoft <http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/feed/sc-biz-0526-apple--20100525,0,700052.story>
Troy Wolverton, McClatchy/Tribune

Apple Inc. shares have been surging, bringing the iPhone maker within spitting distance of displacing longtime rival Microsoft Corp. as the most valuable tech company in the world and having the second-largest stock market value among all U.S. companies.

Investors' appetite for Apple shares has been swelling as the tech giant introduced a slew of new products in recent years, including the iPhone and iPad.

**** Review: Torchlight <http://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/529470/review/torchlight.html?expand=true&lsrc=rss_main>
Chris Holt, Macworld

Dungeon crawlers are a niche within the larger RPG genre and not surprisingly, appeal to a smaller audience. But Torchlight is a really good introduction for novice role-playing gamers because it combines intuitive hack and slash combat with an obtrusive leveling system.

**** Mercedes To Give iPads To Dealers <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704026204575266350299079846.html>
Jeff Bennett, Wall Street Journal

There is always that moment in the car dealership when the customer, seated in their potential new purchase, is pulled from the vehicle and led to a cubicle only to sit and watch as information is slowly entered on a desktop computer.

A new approach, being tested by Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz dealerships starting this week, aims to keep shoppers near the car rather than in a cubicle by allowing dealers to access information from Apple Inc.'s iPad.

**** New Yorker Plans One Price for Access Across Digital Platforms <http://adage.com/mediaworks/article?article_id=144074>
Nat Ives , Advertising Age

The New Yorker wants to let readers pay once for digital access across the iPad, the Kindle and other platforms, hoping to improve on the current industry practice of charging even subscribers for each edition on each device.

**** Here's An Idea: A New 12-inch Apple MacBook <http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-20005832-64.html?part=rss&amp;subj=news&amp;tag=2547-1_3-0-20>
Brooke Crothers, CNET News

Would another 12-inch MacBook work? Who knows? But it would fit neatly into Apple's current lineup.

**** Wired Coming To Apple's iPad — With Adobe <http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/05/26/wired-coming-to-apples-ipad-with-adobe/>
Russell Adams, Wall Street Journal

Wired magazine’s iPad application is expected to hit Apple’s app store on Wednesday, capping a nearly year-long effort that thrust the Conde Nast publication into the middle of the public feud between Apple and Adobe.

**** Hon Hai Opens Plants As HP, Apple Probe Suicides <http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-26/hon-hai-opens-plants-as-hp-apple-probe-suicides-update1-.html>
Tim Culpan, Bloomberg

Hon Hai Group opened its largest manufacturing complex to the media to defend its working conditions as a mounting number of worker suicides in China prompted probes from clients Apple Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co.

**** Review: InCopy CS5 <http://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/526663/review/incopy_cs5.html?expand=true&lsrc=rss_main>
Sally Zahner, Macworld

**** Three Tips For Using Apple's Remote App With iTunes <http://www.macworld.com/article/151527/2010/05/remote_app_tips.html?lsrc=rss_main>
Kirk McElhearn, Macworld

Apple Remote app can help you control iTunes from afar, and in interesting ways.

**** Speed Up Your Wireless Network <http://www.macworld.com/article/151509/2010/05/speedupwirelessnetwork.html?lsrc=rss_main>
Glenn Fleishman, Macworld

How to diagnose and resolve Wi-Fi slow-downs.



The Tomorrow Weblog
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**** Prototype Microsoft Displays Watch You Back <http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/editors/25228/?ref=rss>
Katherine Bourzac, Technology Review

A new screen could enable more sophisticated touch computing and glasses-free 3-D.

**** Developers Reinvent The Music Store <http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/25387/?ref=rss>
Christopher Mims, Technology Review

A new partnership between "music intelligence" platform Echonest and streaming music service Play.me lets developers create apps that offer new ways to find music and stream whole tracks for free.

**** Software Works Out What's Troubling A PC <http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/25385/?ref=rss&a=f>
Erica Naone, Technology Review

Soluto's software runs in the background on a PC and is designed to detect problems that slow a machine down as well as solutions that speed it up again. The idea is to collect this information and use it to recommend software and hardware fixes to other users.



MyAppleMenu Reader
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**** Stop! <http://www.slate.com/id/2254863/?from=rss>
Tom Vanderbilt, Slate Magazine

Is it possible to design a better stop sign?

**** Making Soft Pretzels The Old-Fashioned Way <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/26/dining/26pretzel.html?partner=rss&emc=rss>
Julia Moskin, New York Times

Ms. Kulchinsky’s storefront — where the pretzels are yeasty, blistered and fresh — is one of a few places where New Yorkers can now buy a real soft pretzel, mahogany brown on the outside, with plenty of loft and pull. The pretzel dough is freshly mixed and twisted by hand. Flavor and perfume come from a traditional baking method, not from a bath of melted butter.

**** Looking Past The Children’s Menu <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/nyregion/25bigcity.html>
Susan Dominus, New York Times

Nicola Marzovilla runs a business, so when a client at his Gramercy Park restaurant, I Trulli, asks for a children’s menu, he does not say what he really thinks. What he says is, “I’m sure we can find something on the menu your child will like.” What he thinks is, “Children’s menus are the death of civilization.”



SingaporeSurf
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**** Anwar Flays 'Submissive' Najib In Singapore Deal <http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/anwar-flays-submissive-najib-in-singapore-deal/>
Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider

Anwar said that the terms of agreement between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong were questionable as it was “shrouded in secrecy” and Malaysians were not aware of the real arrangement.

The Pakatan Rakyat defacto leader said that the agreement which was announced yesterday raised concerns that Malaysia is seen to be too “submissive” in catering to Singapore’s demands.

**** Need A Seat? Just Ask For It! <http://geraldgiam.sg/2010/05/need-a-seat-just-ask-for-it/>
Gerald Giam

By asking people for a seat, you are doing other needy people — who may not have the ability or courage to ask — a favour by reinforcing social norms that able-bodied persons are obliged to give up their seats those who need it more. If these people know that they are going to be asked, they are more likely to pro-actively do it next time.

**** “Human Rights” VS ‘Human’ Rights. <http://crypticbedfellows.wordpress.com/2010/05/26/human-rights-vs-human-rights/>
The Observer Sleeping With Mr Depression & Mr HIV

When was the last time you actually look around you and realize that the people around you are human?

**** Najib, The Stealth Strategist <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC100526-0000084/Najib,-the-stealth-strategist>
Ooi Kee Beng, Today

In truth, this agreement carries great ramifications for the Malaysian economy, especially where Johor's development is concerned. This is also where Mr Najib's United Malays National Organisation (Umno) has its strongest support.

**** Singapore Beats Hong Kong To Remain Asia's Most Livable City <http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-25/singapore-beats-hong-kong-to-remain-asia-s-most-livable-city.html>
Le-Min Lim, Bloomberg

Singapore retained its ranking as the Asian city with the best quality of life, while Hong Kong lags rival financial hubs as it struggles with air pollution, according to a survey by Mercer Consulting.

**** Oil Slick Threatens Singapore Coast After Collision <http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100525/wl_asia_afp/singaporeoilpollutionmaritimetransportenvironment_20100525142532>
AFP

Salvage operators interviewed by AFP said the spill could potentially be damaging for the environment but the authorities' swift response would significantly lessen the impact.

**** Development Of KTMB Land In Singapore A Win-Win Situation <http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=501131>
Bernama

Transport minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said the 'formula' agreed upon by Malaysia and Singapore to develop several pieces of land belonging to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) in the republic will benefit both countries.

**** No Minimum Wage For Domestic Workers: NWC <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC100526-0000111/No-minimum-wage-for-domestic-workers--NWC>
Esther Ng, Today

It was the first time the National Wages Council had received such a request, which came from migrant welfare group Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2).

But the call for NWC to recommend an increase in the salaries of work permit holders did not get far, as "transient/migrant workers and foreign domestic workers do not fall under the ambit of NWC", the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) told MediaCorp yesterday as it confirmed the receipt of TWC2's letter.

**** Gains For Homes Near Track <http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_531455.html>
Fiona Chan, Straits Times

Property owners in Bukit Timah and Upper Bukit Timah will be cheering - and possibly reaping some capital gains - when the Malayan Railway (KTM) station moves from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands next year.

**** æ–°é©¬æ‹Ÿè®®å¢žåŠ  八条跨境新巴士路线 <http://www.zaobao.com/sp/sp100526_003.shtml>
谢燕燕 杨萌, 联合早报

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**** Did Najib Swap KTM Land To Settle RM363 Billion Debt? <http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/politics/barisan-nasional/6010-did-najib-swap-ktm-land-to-settle-rm363-billion-debt>
Free Malaysia Today

Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua is wondering if the Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s swap of six land parcels in Tanjung Pagar for two commercial lots in Singapore is related to the RM363 billion national deficit.

**** GIC Real Estate Mulls IPO <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704026204575267330036963348.html?mod=WSJ_Commercial_sections_RealEstate>
P.R. Venkat, Sam Holmes and Costas Paris, Wall Street Journal

Government of Singapore Investment Corp.'s giant real-estate arm GIC Real Estate is considering an initial public offering of its overseas assets in Singapore, a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday. "If the deal happens it would be huge, multi-billion dollars," the person said, adding that GIC Real Estate is talking to bankers about the IPO.

**** Oil Spill 'contained' Off S'pore As Cleanup Continues <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_singapore/view/1059056/1/.html>
AFP

**** Have We Knocked The Pedestrian Crossing Rules Down? <http://thelongnwindingroad.wordpress.com/2010/05/26/have-we-knocked-the-pedestrian-crossing-rules-down/>
The Long And Winding Road

**** "But I Didn't Tell A Lie ... I Just Didn't Tell The Whole Truth" - The SAF <http://mrwangsaysso.blogspot.com/2010/05/but-i-didnt-tell-lie-i-just-didnt-tell.html>
Mr Wang Says So

It was a cover-up. Exposed by the NSF's relative.

**** Singapore Manufacturing Grows At Fastest In 26 Years <http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100526-702555.html?mod=WSJ_World_MIDDLEHeadlinesAsia>
P.R. Venkat and Gaurav Raghuvanshi, Dow Jones

Singapore's manufacturing output growth unexpectedly accelerated to its fastest pace in 26 years in April on a surge in production by pharmaceuticals companies, putting the economy on a solid footing for a strong expansion in the second quarter.

**** Parts Of East Coast Beach Closed Due To Oil Spill <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1059124/1/.html>
Hetty Musfirah, Channel NewsAsia

Parts of Singapore's East Coast beach have been closed to the public after traces of oil from Tuesday's oil spill were found near the shore. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), the affected portion stretches 500 metres near the National Sailing Centre.

**** Plucking The 'Low-Hanging Fruits' <http://www.mysinchew.com/node/39556>
Lim Mun Fah, Sin Chew Jit Poh

The Tanjong Pagar Railway Station had long been disputed by Malaysia and Singapore. After entering Singapore through the Johor-Singapore Causeway, trains from Johor Bahru will continue to advance for about 20km before reaching the station. It is like a sword that stabs in the heart of Singapore, "cutting" it into half. We can understand Singapore's urgency to solve the "heart disease".

**** MDA, MTI, MOE & Mindef Found To Have Lapses In Audit Books <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1059168/1/.html>
Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia

Four government agencies have been singled out for lapses in the way they've managed their finances. 

The latest Public Accounts Committee report issued on Wednesday attributed three main factors to the significant number of audit findings. They are laxity in procurement and contract management, lack of rigour in scrutiny by approving authorities and too light a touch in ministry-statutory board dealings.

**** Singapore's Defence Ministry Said Wednesday That Two Of Its Soldiers, Not Just One, Were Accidentally Shot By A Villager <http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/325611,refile-singapores-defence-ministry-said-wednesday-that-two-of-its.html>
DPA

Asked why the shootings were not reported earlier, the spokeswoman said it was usual practice for the ministry not to report on military training accidents.