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The much anticipated animated movie from PIXAR, WALL*E, arrived at movie theaters today. I wanted to read the reactions that early viewers had of the movie, so I checked a few websites. What I found was fascinating. Naturally, the movie received rave reviews; that wasn’t the surprising part. What’s interesting is the fact that there are Apple references scattered throughout the movie.

See what people found after the break.

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Have you ever wished you could create your own cookbook using the same software you use to create your delicious cooking recipes? I have, and now I can. Mariner Software has released MacGourmet Deluxe 1.0. This application allows you to keep track of your recipes and wine collection in one convenient application. But what I really like is the fact that “create your own cookbook” feature.

I love cooking, so naturally I downloaded the software to my 17” MacBook Pro. I’ve used many recipe applications in the past, and it’s similar to a few of them I have used. MacGourmet Deluxe allows you to whip up your own recipes, edit them, share them with your friends and family, and post them on the web. Free recipes are also included with this application. If you’re a meal planner, MacGourmet has you covered. Not only do you have the option of creating your own meal plans, you also are able to integrate them with iCal.

More features after the break.

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What would you do if all mankind left earth and you were left behind? You’ll find out as you follow Wall*E, the robot, through some exciting adventures.

Disney/Pixar have announced they will be releasing the game Wall*E over the next few months. In the game, you will be able to follow Wall*E along with EVE, a sleek search robot, along numerous escapades. The action is intense, and you don’t know what lies ahead, so be prepared to fly, shoot, and dodge other robots on your numerous adventures.You’ll be traveling from the wastelands of Earth to the axiom space cruiser.

More on the game and movie after the break.

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People looking to purchase one of the hottest phones available won’t have to long to wait. With the numerous features added, 3G network, third party applications (and let’s not forget the price drop), the iPhone 3G will be on the top on many shopping lists this summer.

There are numerous features available for the iPhone, and many users would prefer not having to open a user manual or search forums to find the answers to their questions. Wouldn’t it be great if you had an instructor to guide you through almost every aspect of the iPhone? It’s About Time Productions has released a software application that lets you learn all about the iPhone. Instead of relying on a manual to learn the numerous iPhone functions, you learn by using a virtual iPhone. How is this accomplished? You click on the appropriate button and learn. Your virtual instructor, Saied, will guide you through each click.

Almost every aspect of the iPhone is covered in this application. There are over three hours of teaching available, and Saied will guide you through each application step by step. Once you’ve completed a lesson, you will receive a gold star. Still not grasping an application that Saied covered? No problem; click on “Watch Saied” and you can repeat it until you are ready to try it out on your own iPhone.

It’s About Time to Learn iPhone is available for the Mac and the PC for $29.95. There’s also a demo version for those who like to try before they buy. I downloaded it and was instantly taken to the virtual iPhone. Since it is a trial, the selections you have are limited, but I found it extremely informative and would definitely purchase this application if I wasn’t on Verizon.

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Although I enjoy playing video games, I really don’t get a chance to play them as much as I would like. Priorities such as family, work, and life in general always get in the way. But when I have a chance for some personal time, one of my luxuries is to completely immerse myself in a game. I normally play FPS on my Xbox 360 (Gears of War, Bioshock, and Mass Effect are some of my favorites) and occasionally I’ll play them on my 17” MacBook Pro. I recently heard about a new Mac gaming portal, as TransGaming has recently launched GameTree.

There are a lot of Windows based PC gaming websites online, and now GameTree Online is planning to offer similar features for Mac users. We already have Mac gaming websites that offer similar services, but I’m always happy to see more. Mac gamers will have the chance to download Mac games and write reviews about them. Also, Mac gamers will have the chance to check up on the latest gaming news and participate in a variety of promotional activities.

Details after the break.

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Well, well, what do you know? Don’t tell me the guy who plays a PC actually uses a Mac in real life? Say it isn’t so! Yes, it’s true, John Hodgman has been outed. He recently came clean about his devotion to Apple. The New York Daily News caught up with him at the Johnny Walker Blue bottle engraving party and John had this to say, “I play a PC only on television. I’ve used Macs since 1984.” When I was a kid, I talked my dad into getting the very first Mac and I’ve been loyal to the brand ever since.”

I definitely enjoy my Mac, too, but for some reason I never saw John as a Mac guy, perhaps because of the character he plays in the commercials. How silly of me.

Apple has been receiving a lot of attention lately, which isn’t surprising; it is an innovative company that provides excellent products. Read past the break if you’re curious to see what has been causing businesses to focus attention on Apple.

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Opening day of WWDC ‘08 appeared to kick off a string of software updates from Apple. Quicktime was updated to Quicktime 7.5 and iMovie has been updated to iMovie 7.1.2. Following close behind was an update to iDVD ‘08, which has been updated to iDVD 7.0.2. The download is 20.27MB.

Logging onto Apple’s support page, you’ll find that the update “fixes general compatibility issues, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues.” However, if you are searching for additional information about the update, Apple isn’t talking about it. I’ve found that annoying, and always wished Apple would release more information about its updates.

More after the jump.

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Today, Mac users received an iMovie update. Apple has released iMovie 7.1.2. Apple usually doesn’t reveal too much information about its updates, and the iMovie update isn’t any different. When you log onto the Apple support website, the message states, “This update addresses general compatibility issues, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues.” The download is 17.9MB.

iMovie is a fabulous movie application developed by Apple, Inc., which allows users to create their own movies. I purchased my 17” MacBook Pro almost two years ago, and iMovie was an application I used often. I’ve since moved on to Final Cut Express. iMovie was originally released by Apple in 1999 as a Mac OS 8 application.

More after the break.

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Are you finding the traditional keyboard uncomfortable? Or, perhaps you are looking for something a little different for your iMac, MacPro, MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro. If so, you might want to check out Kinesis Corporation innovate keyboard.

Recently, Kinesis unveiled the Kinesis Freestyle Convertible Keyboard. It’s not your traditional keyboard; it actually separates. It’s the first fully separating keyboard designed for Mac users. With the revolutionary Freestyle Solo Keyboard, the user has two accessory options the Freestyle Incline Accessory and the Freestyle VIP accessory.

Details after the break.

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Well it’s about time! Radiohead has finally come to its senses and has agreed to sell tracks on iTunes. Initially, they refused when Apple told them they had to sell them. It was the entire album or nothing.

I never understood the reasons Radiohead was so resistant to selling tracks. They would still get paid for the tracks that people bought. Apple didn’t budge; neither did Radiohead. Each went its separate way.

Now, here is where it gets interesting with their album In Rainbows. Radiohead decided to enter the “pay as you please” model. That’s right, they left it up to the fans to decide the amount they wanted to pay. Although many of the fans took it for free, the band still made millions, and get this—they didn’t have to pay distribution fees or record labels. However, they’ve now moved away from the “pay as you please” model.

Yorke says, however that the move was “... a one-off response to a particular situation,” and won’t happen again. He also added, “I don’t think it would have the same significance now if we chose to give something away again. It was a moment in time.”

Apple iTunes is the number one music retailer in the U.S. Other groups have done well selling their music on iTunes. I imagine it was a combination of things that caused Radiohead to change their minds.

Radiohead, for those who don’t know, is an alternative, English band from Oxfordhsire. Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway make up the band. I first heard them in 1993 when their first album Pablo Honey debuted. I’ve been following them ever since. Radiohead has sold over 23 million records and released 7 albums.

I occasionally purchase albums, but, for the most part, I buy singles from the iTunes music store. I just finished purchasing three of their tracks: “Weird Fishes,” “All I Need” and “Karma Police.” I’ll be back when I have more time to download additional singles. If you are a Radiohead fan, log onto iTunes and pick up your favorite tracks or albums. Enjoy!

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