[MyAppleMenu] Feb 17, 2011

[applesurf at myapplemenu.com]

MyAppleMenu
====================================

**** Warner Brothers Sells Movies As Apps, Skirts iTunes <http://www.tuaw.com/2011/02/16/warner-brothers-sells-movies-as-apps-skirts-itunes/>
Dave Caolo, TUAW

In an interesting move, Warner Brothers has released two movies as apps -- including extras -- semi-skirting the iTunes Store. The idea is to offer movies to customers who live in countries without movie sales via iTunes.

**** When In Rome, Let Your Smartphone Do The Translating <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/technology/personaltech/17smart.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss>
Bob Tedeschi, New York Times

**** Relationship 2.1.1 <http://www.macworld.com/article/153866/2011/02/jumsoftrelationship.html?lsrc=rss_main>
Jeffery Battersby, Macworld

Jumsoft’s Relationship is a good application for organizing and keeping track of the many disparate and often disorganized pieces that come into play as a part of any project. But, while it’s designed to be a Customer Relationship Manager, it doesn’t really offer any of the tools necessary to manage that relationship and, while it’s designed to effectively organize all the pieces or a project, it lacks the tools necessary to effectively manage a project.

**** Apple Releases Digital Camera Raw Update For iPhoto, Aperture <http://www.loopinsight.com/2011/02/16/apple-releases-digital-camera-raw-update-for-iphone-aperture/>
Jim Dalrymple, The Loop

**** Multiple Copies Of The Same .Plist Name In Preferences Folders <http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20032310-263.html>
Topher Kessler, CNET

**** This iPhone 4 Exploded <http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/02/16/this-iphone-4-exploded/>
John Biggs, CrunchGear

**** The Next Brick To Decorate Your Wall: iOS 3.x Devices <http://www.osnews.com/story/24428/The_Next_Brick_to_Decorate_Your_Wall_iOS_3_x_Devices>
Eugenia Loli-Queru, OS News

Right now, users like me are just sitting with devices resembling semi-bricks. If developers, and especially the Apple engineers, don't get more careful about how they mark compatible their apps, our devices will get more and more app problems as time goes by. As I said in the beginning, it's one thing to stop updating the firmware or apps of older models, and another thing breaking official apps by forcing updates that are not compatible.

**** Why Elle, Nylon And Pop Sci Said Yes To Apple's iPad Subscription Terms <http://adage.com/mediaworks/article?article_id=148920>
Nat Ives, Advertising Age

But publishers participating are saying the same thing. "This is a work in progress," Mr. Guelton said. "I don't think this is something that is set in stone either for us or for Apple. I'd rather work with them to improve it over time than just sit on the sidelines."

**** Online Backup Options For Photographers <http://www.macworld.com/article/157967/2011/02/onlinephotobackups.html?lsrc=rss_main>
Glenn Fleishman, Macworld

While the advent of digital cameras has made it easier for photographers to protect and back up their images, you still need a plan. By augmenting your photo collection's physical backup with one or several of the following online systems, you can keep your memories intact.

**** Sony Denies Rumored Plans To Exit iTunes <http://www.tuaw.com/2011/02/17/sony-denies-rumored-plans-to-exit-itunes/>
Kelly Hodgkins, TUAW

**** Confessions Of An Apple Store Employee <http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/news/confessions-of-an-apple-store-employee>
Anonymous, Popular Mechanics

We aren't paid on commission, but you fear for your job if you're not selling enough. We're supposed to sell AppleCare product support with just about everything, and honestly, those aren't that hard to sell, since they aren't a bad deal. But we're also supposed to push MobileMe, and that's really hard to sell. Nobody ever sells it.

**** Developers Take Center Stage At Macworld Mobile <http://www.macworld.com/article/157999/2011/02/barcelona.html?lsrc=rss_main>
Jason Snell, Macworld

**** Twelve South MagicWand <http://www.macworld.com/article/157976/2011/02/magicwang_gem.html?lsrc=rss_main>
Dan Frakes, Macworld

Given its minimalist, device-matching design; stability; and reasonable price (compared to similar accessories we’ve seen), it’s easy to recommend the MagicWand. For those who wish Apple made a Wireless Keyboard with a built-in Magic Trackpad, the MagicWand gives you the next best thing.



MyAppleMenu Reader
====================================

**** In Florida Slough With The Gators And Family Ghosts <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/books/17book.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss>
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Karen Russell, author of the wave-making debut novel “Swamplandia!,” knows how to use bizarre ingredients to absolutely irresistible effect. 

**** How To Turn A Great American Novel Into A Great One <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2011/feb/17/great-american-novel?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Fbooks%2Frss+%28Books%29>
Gabriel Brownstein, The Guardian

Jonathan Franzen and Allegra Goodman both published accomplished novels on grand themes last year. Only one got the Capital Letter treatment.

**** Reading Is Overrated <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2011/feb/17/reading-overrated-rick-gekoski?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Fbooks%2Frss+%28Books%29>
Rick Gekoski, The Guardian

Too many people will have you believe that our very humanity resides in books – and that's reading a little too much into it.



SingaporeSurf
====================================

**** One Day It’s There, The Next Day It’s Gone! <http://jg69.amplify.com/2011/02/16/one-day-its-there-the-next-day-its-gone/>
Jacob George

What's missing is the phrase It is the first time an opposition party has come up with a detailed alternative Budget which i'm pretty sure I saw yesterday when the report was posted on ST's website. 

**** Wijeysingha Outlines SDP's Shadow Budget <http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/4601-wijeysingha-outlines-sdps-shadow-budget>
Singapore Democratic Party

Dr Wijeysingha called for the cost of living in Singapore to be lowered by abolishing the GST for basic foodstuffs and medicines as well as reducing the utility rates and public transport fares.

The Shadow Budget also calls for 'third sector' industries to be encouraged to create jobs for Singaporeans. These include the alternative energy fields including bio-fuels, solar and wind power. Also, social enterprises such as international and regional NGOs should be encouraged to set up offices in Singapore as these would yield plentiful and meaningful jobs for Singaporeans.

**** SMA's Confusing Suggestion <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_635640.html>
Colin Lim, Straits Times

Regardless of whether a physician is state-sanctioned, Western-trained or trained traditionally, he must be viewed with considerable caution if he does not practise methods of healing based on proper evidence by any standards.

SMA's suggestion that medical practitioners be allowed to refer to practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncturists is nothing short of wholesale endorsement of their methods.

**** Two Reasons To Love The Singapore Dollar <http://www.cnbc.com/id/41623038>
Kelley Holland, CNBC

**** Case Of Attempted Deportation Goes To Singapore High Court <http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/world/case-of-attempted-deportation-singapore-high-court-47841.html>
Lin Chunxin, The Epoch Times

Singapore’s High Court has accepted a case to review the actions of the country’s immigration department and police force in dealing with Cui Erqin, a Chinese citizen with a valid Singaporean visa who was almost deported to China.

Singapore’s Immigration Bureau last month ordered that Cui return to China after canceling her visa. The murky explanation for the order, coupled with the fact that Cui is a practitioner of Falun Gong who regularly sets up displays showing Chinese human rights abuses, have led to suspicions that she has become a political target.

**** The Average Waiting Time For BTO Flats Is Longer Than 3 Years <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110217-0000186/The-average-waiting-time-for-BTO-flats-is-longer-than-3-years>
Ong Dai Lin, Today

The official word is that the average waiting time for a build-to-order (BTO) flat is three years. 

But a check on the completion dates of the 21 BTO projects launched last year showed that 17 of them are expected to take longer than that. It is estimated that these projects will be completed only in 2014 or 2015.

**** MTI Forecasts GDP Growth Of 4.0 To 6.0 Per Cent For 2011 Following Strong Rebound In 2010 <http://www.singstat.gov.sg/news/news/gdp4q2010.pdf>
Ministry Of Trade And Industry, Singapore Government

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) announced today that the Singapore economy grew by 14.5 per cent in the whole of 2010, reversing the decline of 0.8 per cent in 2009. MTI’s growth forecast for 2011 remains at 4.0 to 6.0 per cent.

(Note: Link goes to PDF document.)

**** Race Issues In Singapore: Is The HDB Ethnic Quota Becoming A Farce? <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/02/race-issues-in-singapore-is-the-hdb-ethnic-quota-becoming-a-farce/>
Lisa Li, The Online Citizen

As Singapore becomes increasingly racially ambiguous and cosmopolitan, is our classification of race and ethnic quota for housing slowly but surely becoming a farce?

And given Singaporeans’ general mobility in this geographically small island, are we really in danger of forming racial enclaves, lacking in understanding and friendship with other races whom we interact with on a daily basis in school, at work, and everywhere else?

**** A $60 Billion National Regeneration Plan <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/02/a-60-billion-national-regeneration-plan/>
Tan Jee Say, The Online Citizen

**** SDP’s Ground-breaking Alternative Budget Challenges The PAP’s Economic Philosophy <http://www.sgpolitics.net/?p=5913>
Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net

**** Scantily Clad Babes In Singapore <http://singaporedesk.blogspot.com/2011/02/scantily-clad-babes-in-singapore.html>
Singapore Notes

Each time the civil servants embark on a spending binge like money is going out of style, they always claim to help profile Singapore as fun/ vibrant/ exciting /cool (delete where applicable). Didn't taxpayers already shell out for F1, YOG, etc? Besides, Singapore was already featured on Top Chef, The Martha Stewart Show, The Amazing Race, and De Dana Dan the Bollywood movie? Oops, was taxpayers' money involved there too?

**** 后港有居民：我们不放刘程强走 <http://www.zaobao.com.sg/sp/sp110217_021.shtml>
谢燕燕, 联合早报

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**** 免收消费税、解散淡马锡控股等等 民主党抢先提出“影子预算案” <http://www.zaobao.com.sg/sp/sp110217_017.shtml>
游润恬, 联合早报

å…æ”¶æŸ´ç±³æ²¹ç›æ¶ˆè´¹ç¨Žã€é”å‡å›½é˜²å¼€æ”¯ã€è§£æ•£æ·¡é©¬é”¡æŽ§è‚¡ç­‰ç­‰ï¼Œæ˜¯æ–°åŠ å¡æ°‘ä¸»å…šâ€œå½±å­æ”¿åºœâ€åœ¨æ”¿åºœå®£å¸ƒè´¢æ”¿é¢„ç®—æ¡ˆä¹‹å‰æ‰€æå‡ºçš„â€œå½±å­é¢„ç®—æ¡ˆâ€é‡ç‚¹ã€‚

民主党秘书长徐顺全博士昨天在“后博物馆”（Post Museum）召开的记者会上说：“我们所展现的是真正能让人民获益的预算案，而不是只让有钱人、国家或执政精英受益的预算案。”

**** Resilience Package: The Year After <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/02/resilience-package-the-year-after/>
Leong Sze Hian, The Online Citizen

After spending $20 billion of our precious reserves, in 2010 (The Year After), among resident households, the median monthly income from work increased in real terms by just 0.3 per cent.

**** Govt Should Hold MM Accountable For Remarks <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/02/govt-should-hold-mm-accountable-for-remarks/>
Ahmad Firdaus Daud, The Online Citizen

It is insufficient for the PM to merely say that he holds a different view. If the remarks are wrongful, they must be corrected. If the views are not to be attributed to the government, then they must be clearly repudiated. This must be so even if the words were spoken by the nation’s founder himself.

**** Price Not The Issue In ASX Merger <http://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/price-not-the-issue-in-asx-merger-20110217-1axf4.html>
Malcolm Maiden, Sydney Morning Herald

**** Las Vegas Sands Seeking More Land To Expand MBS <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1111278/1/.html>
Jo-Ann Huang, Channel NewsAsia

Las Vegas Sands chief executive officer Sheldon Adelson said he is lobbying to get more land from the Singapore government to expand its profitable integrated resort in Singapore.

Mr Adelson told reporters at the opening of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) that the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (MICE) business has been overwhelming and more land space would be needed.

**** Stagnant Wages, Immigration Fuel Singapore Squeeze <http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/17/apworld/20110217172056&sec=apworld>
Associated Press

A flood of cheap immigrant labor - and stiff competition for manufacturing jobs from Asian neighbors like China and Vietnam - has kept keep wages stagnant for many and widened the gulf between a very wealthy minority and the island's poorest. Housing prices have skyrocketed as rapid population growth outstrips supply.

At the same time, ostentatious signs of the wealth enjoyed by the elite have multiplied. That has put the government under pressure to loosen its tightfisted stance on welfare in the next national budget Friday as it tries to defuse criticism its policies have worsened the plight of ordinary Singaporeans.

"Some feel that we're creating this place to be a playground for the rich," said Eugene Tan, assistant professor at Singapore Management University. "There are people who genuinely feel that Singaporeans don't come first."

**** In Singapore, Some Thoughts Are Not All Right <http://yawningbread.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/in-singapore-some-thoughts-are-not-all-right/>
Yawning Bread

The root problem, as I have argued many times before, is the failure of our government to respect the constitution, which mandates freedom of expression. Instead, their guiding policy is to allow majoritarian views to ride roughshod over other points of view. Worse yet, sometimes it is even arguable whether the view being defended has majority support, since in the matter of film classification, the government appoints its own nominees as the “public”  consultation body. How do we know whether they represent the public?

**** Gazetting Of “The Online Citizen” As A Political Association Under The Political Donations Act <http://www.news.gov.sg/public/sgpc/en/media_releases/agencies/pmo-eld/press_release/P-20110217-1/AttachmentPar/0/file/Press%20Release_for%20Gazetting%20of%20Political%20Donations%20(TOC).pdf>
Registry Of Political Donations, Singapore Government

The prime minister has by Order in the Government Gazette, declared the internet content providers of the internet website known as “The Online Citizen” (TOC), as a Political Association under the Political Donations Act (Cap. 236) with immediate effect.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers has advised that the internet content providers of “The Online Citizen” make up an organization whose activities relate wholly or mainly to politics in Singapore. As a website, “The Online Citizen” provides coverage, commentary and analysis of political issues, and a platform for discussing such issues. “The Online Citizen” has organised online and offline campaigns to change legislation and government policies, provided a forum for local politicians, and polls on public support for local politicians and on other political issues concerning Singapore. Through such activities, “The Online Citizen” has the potential to influence the opinions of their readership and shape political outcomes in Singapore. It is therefore necessary to ensure that it is not funded by foreign elements or sources.

(Note: Link goes to PDF document.)

**** SGX-ASX Merger Still Faces A Number Of Obstacles <http://blogs.wsj.com/exchange/2011/02/17/sgx-asx-merger-still-faces-a-number-of-obstacles/>
Isabella Steger, Wall Street Journal

**** Singapore Warns On Inflation <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704171004576148950219225160.html>
P.R. Venkat And Gaurav Raghuvanshi, Wall Street Journal

The Ministry of Trade and Industry said Thursday it expects the island state's inflation rate to reach 3% to 4% this year, higher than its previous forecast of 2%-3%, and warned it could hit 5% to 6% in the first few months of the year before moderating in the second half.

**** Wijeysingha Takes Tharman And Press To Task <http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/4605-wijeysingha-takes-tharman-and-press-to-task>
Vincent Wijeysingha, Singapore Democratic Party

These are not the real reasons for the PAP’s GST policy, and we all know it in the SDP. The real PAP objection to our proposals are twofold. First: it taxes the wealthier more and this is a policy anathema to the PAP since it is a party committed to the rich and the exploitation of the poor rather than to all Singaporeans. Second: the PAP stands to have its own salaries, perks and lavish conditions reduced if smaller and frugal government is imposed.

**** æ–°åŠ å¡è§£é™¤40年赌场禁令 专家：严防公款海外赌博 <http://news.ifeng.com/world/detail_2011_02/17/4724885_0.shtml>
中国广播网

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**** Marina Bay Sands Marks Official Opening As Singapore Cashing In On Tourism <http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/marina-bay-sands-marks-official-opening-as-singapore-cashing-in-on-tourism-2217851.html>
The Independent

**** Screening At A Theatre Near You… With This <i>One</i> Print <http://www.mrbrown.com/blog/2011/02/screening-at-a-theatre-near-you-with-this-one-print.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+mrbrown+%28mrbrown%29>
mrbrown

So it's ok to screen movies where a guy mows down a whole lot of people with machine guns, sleeps around with various women, and smokes like a chimney? Because the public at large is fine with those things?

**** Singapore Raises 2011 Inflation Rate Forecast <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1111404/1/.html>
May Wong, Channel NewsAsia

Singapore has raised its inflation forecast for this year to 3%-4%, up from a previous estimate of 2%-3%. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said the higher forecast is because of factors such as the surge in COE premiums.

**** Govt Performance In Numbers.... <http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/2011/02/govt-performance-in-numbers.html>
Diary Of A Singaporean Mind

If you have been talking to people, the ordinary folks in Singapore - taxi drivers, hawkers ...the man on the street, you get a sense that certain thresholds have been crossed and there is feeling that patience has expired. Many have waited hoping that their problems will be solved or get some help solving them but you sense that the people already realised that they are not this govt's priority. This is a govt that would give out thousands of scholarships to foreigners but does not ensure its own citizens get quality pre-school. This is a govt that advertises Singapore as a medical hub to attract and treat foreign patients but tell its own citizens to go to Malaysia medical treatment and nursing homes if they want to more affordable care.