Brand: MacNews

HandyMan, a Control Strip Launching Module, gives you quick and easy access to files, folders, applications and more in adjustable floating palettes. Version 2.1b1 is now available.

Apple’s Hot News Page notes the untimely passing of Douglas Adams, AppleMaster and author of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” who suffered a fatal heart attack on May 11. A link is also provided to a Tribute Page for this extraordinary man.

MacSurfer notes a story in The Birmingham Business Journal which reports that Apple plans to open a retail outlet in the city in the next few months — date and location not confirmed. Apple stores are also expected to open in Memphis, New York City, Dallas, Atlanta and Louisville.

As expected, version 5.5 of the venerable database solution FileMaker was released today. FileMaker Pro 5.5 is carbonized for Mac OS X and offers a slew of new features. FileMaker Pro users can upgrade for US$149 — $249 for the full release.

Mac developers are preparing to meet in San Jose next week for Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference. eWeek takes a look at the conference sessions, which mainly focus on OS X. Other sessions include AppleScript and game development.