The Big Apple

CNET, on last May's opening of what's sure to be one of New York city's hot spots - in more ways than one...

NEW YORK--Apple Computer's new 24-hour flagship store in Manhattan is set to open on Friday at 6 p.m. EDT, giving Apple enthusiasts access to products and face-to-face support all day and night.

The new midtown underground store, which features a distinctive 32-foot glass cube entrance, is the most ambitious Apple store to date.

And here's what I mean by "hot spot in more ways than one"...

On October 10, 2006, an Islamic website posted a message alerting Muslims to what it claims is a new insult to Islam. According to the message, the cube-shaped building which is being constructed in New York City, on Fifth Avenue between 58th and 59th Streets in midtown Manhattan, is clearly meant to provoke Muslims. The fact that the building resembles the Ka'ba (see picture below), is called "Apple Mecca," is intended to be open 24 hours a day like the Ka'ba, and moreover, contains bars selling alcoholic beverages, constitutes a blatant insult to Islam. The message urges Muslims to spread this alert, in hope that "Muslims will be able to stop the project."

The store will be staffed with nearly 300 trained employees who will be available 24 hours a day to provide free face-to-face customer support on the store floor and along the combined 45-foot "Genius Bar," "iPod Bar" and "The Studio," which are Apple's names for its help desks.

Best of luck with that, Mr Jobs.

Update: Heh - LGF had this story earlier today - and it seems the Apple store doesn't look quite the same any more...