B Is The New C
November 07, 2009
Cyber Attacks Caused Power Outages in Brazil
"Electrical blackouts impacting millions of people in Brazil in 2005 and 2007 were caused by hackers targeting control systems, according to the CBS news magazine 60 Minutes.
In a show set to air Sunday night, CBS blames a two-day outage in Espirito Santo in 2007 on a hack attack. The blackout affected three million people. Another, smaller blackout north of Rio de Janeiro in January 2005 was also triggered by computer intruders, the network claims."
In a show set to air Sunday night, CBS blames a two-day outage in Espirito Santo in 2007 on a hack attack. The blackout affected three million people. Another, smaller blackout north of Rio de Janeiro in January 2005 was also triggered by computer intruders, the network claims."
The Analog Cellphone Timeline
November 06, 2009
Suicide prevention groups protest `The Office'
"Some suicide prevention groups aren't laughing over a scene in 'The Office' where Steve Carell's character tries to scare young children by struggling in a hangman's noose.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and other mental health organizations say NBC and other entertainers should stop using suicide as a punchline. They worry that depiction of a method of suicide might encourage mentally ill people to take their own lives.
'We try not to be zealots about this,' said Robert Gebbia, the foundation's executive director. 'But this one ... kind of crossed the line.'
There's been a run of television shows that have inflamed sensibilities lately. The Parents Television Council has urged affiliates of the CW network not to air a Nov. 9 episode of "Gossip Girl" following on-air promos for a sexual threesome. Some religious groups were angered by an episode of HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" where a drop of Larry David's urine is splattered on a portrait of Jesus Christ."
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and other mental health organizations say NBC and other entertainers should stop using suicide as a punchline. They worry that depiction of a method of suicide might encourage mentally ill people to take their own lives.
'We try not to be zealots about this,' said Robert Gebbia, the foundation's executive director. 'But this one ... kind of crossed the line.'
There's been a run of television shows that have inflamed sensibilities lately. The Parents Television Council has urged affiliates of the CW network not to air a Nov. 9 episode of "Gossip Girl" following on-air promos for a sexual threesome. Some religious groups were angered by an episode of HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" where a drop of Larry David's urine is splattered on a portrait of Jesus Christ."
Studios and theaters clash over FCC waiver
November 05, 2009
"In regulatory filing today, the Motion Picture Assn. of America, the chief lobbying group for the major studios, restated its support for a waiver of current Federal Communications Commission rules that would clear the way for a technology that would allow consumers to watch movies at home close to or during their theatrical release. The so-called selectable output control technology would prevent the illegal copying of movies, which has been a major stumbling block to delivering first-run movies directly to consumers."
The Limits of Wikipedia
"Wikipedians are “80 percent male, more than 65 percent single, more than 85 percent without children, around 70 percent under the age of 30.” This homogeneity, too, may explain the persistence of certain knowledge gaps.
Some might disagree. As long as the information is available online, Wikipedia, they say, will eventually organize it according to the dictates of good judgment. But despite all of the notoriety guidelines clogging the site, judgment is lacking in the world of Wikipedia. There is virtually no sense of relative importance: improving an article about a prominent historical figure is as important as writing the biography of a soap opera character, as long as both are deemed notable. One does not have to be a natural-born elitist to see that relying on this simplistic binary will inevitably keep the focus on the frivolous, which is never in short supply."
Some might disagree. As long as the information is available online, Wikipedia, they say, will eventually organize it according to the dictates of good judgment. But despite all of the notoriety guidelines clogging the site, judgment is lacking in the world of Wikipedia. There is virtually no sense of relative importance: improving an article about a prominent historical figure is as important as writing the biography of a soap opera character, as long as both are deemed notable. One does not have to be a natural-born elitist to see that relying on this simplistic binary will inevitably keep the focus on the frivolous, which is never in short supply."
Intel Hit With a Massive Antitrust Suit, In the US This Time
"Remember how Intel got smacked in the face with a $1.45 billion fine in the EU for shadily suffocating AMD into submission? Today, New York's Attorney General has brought the fight to the US. This is going to get messy. From the looks of it, this case will mirror the European Commission's case almost exactly:
'Rather than compete fairly, Intel used bribery and coercion to maintain a stranglehold on the market,' Mr. Cuomo said in a statement. 'Intel's actions not only unfairly restricted potential competitors, but also hurt average consumers who were robbed of better products and lower prices.'"
8 Racist Ads You Won't Believe Are From the Last Few Years
November 04, 2009
"In the Golden Age of Advertising, producing commercials was easy. You could pretty much toss in any horrific stereotype you thought would help sell your product, and if any minorities complained, who cares? Minorities aren't the majority, duh.
Of course, in this era of political correctness, those clumsy, cringe-worthy stereotypes are a thing of the past. Well, almost..."
Of course, in this era of political correctness, those clumsy, cringe-worthy stereotypes are a thing of the past. Well, almost..."
Cocoa Krispies 'Immunity Claim' Challenged
November 03, 2009
"Kellogg is misleading parents by advertising Cocoa Krispies cereal as a boost to children's immune systems, several nutrition experts said.Cocoa Krispies boxes carry a banner saying, 'Now helps support your child's IMMUNITY.'
'By their logic, you can spray vitamins on a pile of leaves, and it will boost immunity,' said Kelly Brownell, director of Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity."
The Perfect Woman Circa 1930
DirecTV's Dead Celebrity Ads
After the fuss about the DirecTV ad featuring Chris Farley, they have released some other inappropriate dead celebrity ads:
Paranoid Fact of the Day
"...the NSA is constructing a datacenter in the Utah desert that they project will be storing yottabytes of surveillance data. And what is a yottabyte? I’m glad you asked.
There are a thousand gigabytes in a terabyte, a thousand terabytes in a petabyte, a thousand petabytes in an exabyte, a thousand exabytes in a zettabyte, and a thousand zettabytes in a yottabyte. In other words, a yottabyte is 1,000,000,000,000,000GB. Are you paranoid yet?
The more salient question is, of course, what are they storing that, by some estimates, is going take up thousands of times more space than all the world’s known computers combined? Don’t think they’re going to say; they didn’t grow to their current level of shadowy omniscience by disclosing things like that to the public. However, speculation isn’t too hard on this topic. Now more than ever, surveillance is a data game. What with millions of phones being tapped and all data duplicated, constant recording of all radio traffic, 24-hour high definition video surveillance by satellite, there’s terabytes at least of data coming in every day. And who knows when you’ll have to sift through August 2007’s overhead footage of Baghdad for heat signatures in order to confirm some other intelligence?"
There are a thousand gigabytes in a terabyte, a thousand terabytes in a petabyte, a thousand petabytes in an exabyte, a thousand exabytes in a zettabyte, and a thousand zettabytes in a yottabyte. In other words, a yottabyte is 1,000,000,000,000,000GB. Are you paranoid yet?
The more salient question is, of course, what are they storing that, by some estimates, is going take up thousands of times more space than all the world’s known computers combined? Don’t think they’re going to say; they didn’t grow to their current level of shadowy omniscience by disclosing things like that to the public. However, speculation isn’t too hard on this topic. Now more than ever, surveillance is a data game. What with millions of phones being tapped and all data duplicated, constant recording of all radio traffic, 24-hour high definition video surveillance by satellite, there’s terabytes at least of data coming in every day. And who knows when you’ll have to sift through August 2007’s overhead footage of Baghdad for heat signatures in order to confirm some other intelligence?"
Kindle, Price War Changing the Way We Read
The End of Miller?
October 30, 2009
"Wednesday’s ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which decided that a national community standard to define Internet obscenity is more appropriate than a local one, is likely to upset government prosecutions.
Gary Jay Kaufman of The Kaufman Law Group, who argued the 9th Circuit case along with Greg Piccionelli of Piccionelli & Sarno, told XBIZ that the opinion makes the Miller test obsolete as to Internet and email obscenity prosecutions in the jurisdiction of the 9th Circuit, which is the second-highest court in the nation covering the Western states.
The Miller test, developed in the 1973 case Miller vs. California, looks at three points for obscenity prosecutions.
The test asks whether the work as a whole appeals to the prurient interest, whether the work is patently offensive and whether the work lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.
Kaufman said that with the ruling prosecutors will have to work much harder reaching a conviction.
Gary Jay Kaufman of The Kaufman Law Group, who argued the 9th Circuit case along with Greg Piccionelli of Piccionelli & Sarno, told XBIZ that the opinion makes the Miller test obsolete as to Internet and email obscenity prosecutions in the jurisdiction of the 9th Circuit, which is the second-highest court in the nation covering the Western states.
The Miller test, developed in the 1973 case Miller vs. California, looks at three points for obscenity prosecutions.
The test asks whether the work as a whole appeals to the prurient interest, whether the work is patently offensive and whether the work lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.
Kaufman said that with the ruling prosecutors will have to work much harder reaching a conviction.
Boob Tube
"WJLA Washington says it will feature demonstrations of breast self-examinations without obscuring any body parts during a four-part series in the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. news over the next two days (Oct. 29 and 30).
'Touch of Life: The Guide to Breast Self Examination' is in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, according to station spokeswoman Abby Fenton, director of community relations. It also comes in the first days of the November sweeps period, when ratings help determine ad rates for stations.
'This unique television event will include a clinical demonstration of a breast self-exam without obscuring any of the breast area,' the station says in bold, underlined type in the release announcing the series. News series involving mammograms or self-examinations are not unusual and blurring is standard practice, but the station said its news team discovered that many women don't know how to properly perform the test."
'Touch of Life: The Guide to Breast Self Examination' is in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, according to station spokeswoman Abby Fenton, director of community relations. It also comes in the first days of the November sweeps period, when ratings help determine ad rates for stations.
'This unique television event will include a clinical demonstration of a breast self-exam without obscuring any of the breast area,' the station says in bold, underlined type in the release announcing the series. News series involving mammograms or self-examinations are not unusual and blurring is standard practice, but the station said its news team discovered that many women don't know how to properly perform the test."
Explain DRM to Your Dad
"Digital Rights Management, or DRM, isn't the easiest concept to explain simply because many different interests are driving the debate. You have those interested in protecting media from illegal copying and those interested in simply getting the media they have created out on the internet without restriction. Then you have your loved ones caught in the middle of a growing debate. How do you explain to your dad why he can't play that music file?"
Appeals Court Says Swearing In Text Messages Isn’t a Crime
October 29, 2009
"A 16-year-old California boy dumped by his high school girlfriend didn’t violate a state obscenity law by using four-letter words in anguished text messages to his ex, an appellate court ruled this week.
The boy, identified by his initials in the ruling, was convicted by a juvenile court judge in Chico, California of sending threatening or obscene telephone communications, based on two profanity-laced text messages he sent the girl shortly after the break-up last year.
“Fuck u u stupid fuckin girl!,” read one of texts, in part.
One of the girl’s friends told police about the texts, leading to the boy’s arrest. He was held four days in juvenile hall."
The boy, identified by his initials in the ruling, was convicted by a juvenile court judge in Chico, California of sending threatening or obscene telephone communications, based on two profanity-laced text messages he sent the girl shortly after the break-up last year.
“Fuck u u stupid fuckin girl!,” read one of texts, in part.
One of the girl’s friends told police about the texts, leading to the boy’s arrest. He was held four days in juvenile hall."
Takedown Hall Of Shame | Electronic Frontier Foundation
SAG stats: Diversity lags
October 28, 2009
"Minorities, seniors and female actors have achieved few gains in recent years in the number of film and TV roles they receive, according to casting stats released by the Screen Actors Guild.
“The diverse and multicultural world we live in today is still not accurately reflected in the portrayals we see on the screen,” SAG president Ken Howard said in a statement. “We will continue to work with producers, hiring executives and industry professionals in accurately portraying the American scene by ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for all of our members.”
The latest statistics, released Friday, showed minority performers reached a high mark in 2007, with 29.3% of total roles, and then declined last year to 27.5%.
The breakdown of film and TV roles for 2008 was 72.5% Caucasian, 13.3% African-American, 6.4% Latino-Hispanic, 3.8 Asian-Pacific Islander, 0.3% Native American and 3.8% other-unknown. SAG noted in its report that U.S. Census data from 2000 showed that the nation’s population was 73.4% Caucasian, 11.5% African-American, 10.6% Latino-Hispanic, 3.7% Asian-Pacific Islander and 0.8% Native American."
“The diverse and multicultural world we live in today is still not accurately reflected in the portrayals we see on the screen,” SAG president Ken Howard said in a statement. “We will continue to work with producers, hiring executives and industry professionals in accurately portraying the American scene by ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for all of our members.”
The latest statistics, released Friday, showed minority performers reached a high mark in 2007, with 29.3% of total roles, and then declined last year to 27.5%.
The breakdown of film and TV roles for 2008 was 72.5% Caucasian, 13.3% African-American, 6.4% Latino-Hispanic, 3.8 Asian-Pacific Islander, 0.3% Native American and 3.8% other-unknown. SAG noted in its report that U.S. Census data from 2000 showed that the nation’s population was 73.4% Caucasian, 11.5% African-American, 10.6% Latino-Hispanic, 3.7% Asian-Pacific Islander and 0.8% Native American."
Sex-positive ways to observe Pornography Awareness Week
"This week is the 14th annual Pornography Awareness Week, a project of conservative groups Concerned Women for America, Morality in Media, and the Maryland Coalition Against Pornography. If you see anyone wearing a white ribbon this week, know that it's an anti-pornography symbol of White Ribbon Against Pornography (WRAP) campaign. Protests planned this week include demonstrations at the U.S. Supreme Court, calls for Marriott and Hilton to stop profiting from the sales of on-demand porn in their hotel rooms, and efforts to encourage citizens to report 'obscenity crimes' to their local prosecutors."
China accuses Google of 'malicious' censorship
"The Chinese Communist Party's main newspaper is (apparently without a trace of irony) accusing Google of unfairly censoring its website for having reported on the search firm's book-scanning copyright dispute.
People's Daily said its online book section was blocked from Google searches via a malware warning for three days beginning last Wednesday. It insists the blockage was 'malicious revenge' for the book section prominently featuring stories about how Google's rather dubious practice of scanning books without permission might violate the rights of Chinese authors."
People's Daily said its online book section was blocked from Google searches via a malware warning for three days beginning last Wednesday. It insists the blockage was 'malicious revenge' for the book section prominently featuring stories about how Google's rather dubious practice of scanning books without permission might violate the rights of Chinese authors."
In Defense of Extreme Pornography - Reason Magazine
"Ultimately, however, two American citizens are currently spending a year in prison for making movies that involved adult actors participating in fictional scenarios with their full consent. The rapes and murders they staged were no less imaginary than the rapes and murders Hollywood stages with far greater verisimilitude every day. The gross-out stunts they engaged in were no grosser than the bug-eating contests of reality TV or the bodily fluids gags that can be found in countless Hollywood comedies.
Unfortunately, Romano and Zicari had the audacity to mix genres of entertainment that, while permissible on their own, are apparently not allowed to be combined. And thus they managed to achieve what not even John Waters ever accomplished: They were sent to prison for having bad taste."
Unfortunately, Romano and Zicari had the audacity to mix genres of entertainment that, while permissible on their own, are apparently not allowed to be combined. And thus they managed to achieve what not even John Waters ever accomplished: They were sent to prison for having bad taste."
Newspaper circulation falling fast, WSJ beats out McPaper for #1
October 27, 2009
"The decline in U.S. newspaper circulation is accelerating as the industry struggles with defections to the Internet and tumbling ad revenue.
Figures released Monday by the Audit Bureau of Circulations show that average daily circulation dropped 10.6 percent in the April-September period from the same six-month span in 2008. That was greater than the 7.1 percent decline in the October 2008-March 2009 period and the 4.6 percent drop in the April-September period of 2008.
Sunday circulation fell 7.5 percent in the latest six-month span.
As expected, The Wall Street Journal has surpassed USA Today as the top-selling newspaper in the United States. The Journal's average Monday-Friday circulation edged up 0.6 percent to 2.02 million — making it the only daily newspaper in the top 25 to see an increase."
Ratings for NBC's primetime Jay Leno Show disappoint
"Six weeks after Jay Leno moved to primetime, NBC's wait-and-see approach to his sinking ratings is testing the patience of affiliate stations across the country.
The Peacock network maintains that putting Leno on five nights a week will pay off when fresh episodes of his show go up against reruns on other networks, but so far Leno has been a disappointing lead-in for the late newscasts that follow him.
After a strong start, his program at 10 p.m. is down sharply from its premiere week and is drawing one-quarter fewer viewers than its scripted predecessors a year ago. This is having a ripple effect on the local newscast and late night.
Ratings for late newscasts at NBC affiliates in 44 of the top 56 metered markets are down this year, falling an average of 13 percent in the first four weeks of the season compared with a year ago. In 10 of the top 25 major markets, the numbers are worse, with New York down 22 percent, Philadelphia off 37 percent and Miami down 30 percent."
The Peacock network maintains that putting Leno on five nights a week will pay off when fresh episodes of his show go up against reruns on other networks, but so far Leno has been a disappointing lead-in for the late newscasts that follow him.
After a strong start, his program at 10 p.m. is down sharply from its premiere week and is drawing one-quarter fewer viewers than its scripted predecessors a year ago. This is having a ripple effect on the local newscast and late night.
Ratings for late newscasts at NBC affiliates in 44 of the top 56 metered markets are down this year, falling an average of 13 percent in the first four weeks of the season compared with a year ago. In 10 of the top 25 major markets, the numbers are worse, with New York down 22 percent, Philadelphia off 37 percent and Miami down 30 percent."
Can the Internet handle H1N1?
"While sounding a bit like Chicken Little, Federal government watchdogs today said that the H1N1 pandemic will cause a significant increase in the use of the Internet by students and teleworkers that would create serious network access congestion. Such problems may need to be fixed by government involvement or service providers limiting network access or by asking people to lay off the streaming videos for a while."
MacFarlane special loses Microsoft
"Microsoft has yanked its sponsorship from Fox's upcoming Seth MacFarlane comedy/variety special over content concerns.
Fox still plans to air 'Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show' on Nov. 8, but with another, yet-to-be-named, sponsor.
'Almost Live Comedy Show' was announced earlier this month as part of a major marketing partnership Microsoft had sealed with a wide range of News Corp. properties to promote the launch of the computer giant's Windows 7 operating system. As part of the deal, 'Almost Live Comedy Show' was set to run commercial-free, with Microsoft marketing messages built into the special instead (Daily Variety, Oct. 14).
But that was before Microsoft execs attended the special's taping Oct. 16. The program included MacFarlane and Alex Borstein -- the voice of 'Family Guy' matriarch Lois -- pitching Windows 7.
For most of the special, however, MacFarlane and Borstein made typical 'Family Guy'-style jokes, including riffs on deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest.
Such material was apparently a bit much for Microsoft."
Fox still plans to air 'Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show' on Nov. 8, but with another, yet-to-be-named, sponsor.
'Almost Live Comedy Show' was announced earlier this month as part of a major marketing partnership Microsoft had sealed with a wide range of News Corp. properties to promote the launch of the computer giant's Windows 7 operating system. As part of the deal, 'Almost Live Comedy Show' was set to run commercial-free, with Microsoft marketing messages built into the special instead (Daily Variety, Oct. 14).
But that was before Microsoft execs attended the special's taping Oct. 16. The program included MacFarlane and Alex Borstein -- the voice of 'Family Guy' matriarch Lois -- pitching Windows 7.
For most of the special, however, MacFarlane and Borstein made typical 'Family Guy'-style jokes, including riffs on deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest.
Such material was apparently a bit much for Microsoft."
Internet set for change with non-English addresses
"The Internet is set to undergo one of the biggest changes in its four-decade history with the expected approval this week of international domain names — or addresses — that can be written in languages other than English, an official said Monday.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN — the non-profit group that oversees domain names — is holding a meeting this week in Seoul. Domain names are the monikers behind every Web site, e-mail address and Twitter post, such as ".com" and other suffixes.
One of the key issues to be taken up by ICANN's board at this week's gathering is whether to allow for the first time entire Internet addresses to be in scripts that are not based on Latin letters. That could potentially open up the Web to more people around the world as addresses could be in characters as diverse as Arabic, Korean, Japanese, Greek, Hindi and Cyrillic — in which Russian is written.
"This is the biggest change technically to the Internet since it was invented 40 years ago," Peter Dengate Thrush, chairman of the ICANN board, told reporters, calling it a "fantastically complicated technical feature." He said he expects the board to grant approval on Friday, the conference's final day."
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN — the non-profit group that oversees domain names — is holding a meeting this week in Seoul. Domain names are the monikers behind every Web site, e-mail address and Twitter post, such as ".com" and other suffixes.
One of the key issues to be taken up by ICANN's board at this week's gathering is whether to allow for the first time entire Internet addresses to be in scripts that are not based on Latin letters. That could potentially open up the Web to more people around the world as addresses could be in characters as diverse as Arabic, Korean, Japanese, Greek, Hindi and Cyrillic — in which Russian is written.
"This is the biggest change technically to the Internet since it was invented 40 years ago," Peter Dengate Thrush, chairman of the ICANN board, told reporters, calling it a "fantastically complicated technical feature." He said he expects the board to grant approval on Friday, the conference's final day."
Media Effects?
October 26, 2009
"At least one in five U.S. children aged 1 to 11 don't get enough vitamin D and could be at risk for a variety of health problems including weak bones, the most recent national analysis suggests.
By a looser measure, almost 90 percent of black children that age and 80 percent of Hispanic kids could be vitamin D deficient — 'astounding numbers' that should serve as a call to action, said Dr. Jonathan Mansbach, lead author of the new analysis and a researcher at Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital in Boston.
The body also makes vitamin D when sunlight hits the skin, but many children don't spend enough time outdoors. That's one reason why lower vitamin D levels are found in children living in colder climates and those with darker skin, which absorbs less sunlight."
By a looser measure, almost 90 percent of black children that age and 80 percent of Hispanic kids could be vitamin D deficient — 'astounding numbers' that should serve as a call to action, said Dr. Jonathan Mansbach, lead author of the new analysis and a researcher at Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital in Boston.
The body also makes vitamin D when sunlight hits the skin, but many children don't spend enough time outdoors. That's one reason why lower vitamin D levels are found in children living in colder climates and those with darker skin, which absorbs less sunlight."
On The Media: Free Music
October 25, 2009
Are Flash Cookies Devouring Your Privacy?
"Even if you delete normal tracking cookies regularly to evade tracking by snooping sites and eager advertisers, little-known Flash cookies may be making an end run around your attempts to preserve your privacy."
Flash cookies (also known as local shared objects or LSOs) can save certain Adobe Flash-related settings--storing preferences for watching Flash video on a certain site, for example, or caching a music file for better playback.
But Flash cookies can also store unique identifiers that track the sites you visit, much as regular tracking cookies do. Deleting the regular cookies on your machine via a standard browser option such as Clear Private Data•Cookies (in Firefox) or Tools•?Delete Browsing History•Delete cookies... (in Internet Explorer) doesn't affect Flash cookies, which are stored elsewhere on your PC.
Flash cookies (also known as local shared objects or LSOs) can save certain Adobe Flash-related settings--storing preferences for watching Flash video on a certain site, for example, or caching a music file for better playback.
But Flash cookies can also store unique identifiers that track the sites you visit, much as regular tracking cookies do. Deleting the regular cookies on your machine via a standard browser option such as Clear Private Data•Cookies (in Firefox) or Tools•?Delete Browsing History•Delete cookies... (in Internet Explorer) doesn't affect Flash cookies, which are stored elsewhere on your PC.
Conde Nast Slashes Traveler, Architectural Digest, Allure
October 23, 2009
"More cuts came to S.I. Newhouse Jr.'s Conde Nast today, with staffers laid off at Conde Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest and Allure.
The latest layoffs push the number of people fired from Conde Nast this year to just under 430, the Post estimates. But the cuts may peter out early next week, insiders say.
The carnage began on October 5 with the shuttering of Gourmet, Cookie, Elegant Bride and Modern Bride and the firing of 180 people.
Conde Nast is believed to be on target to post a loss of $200 million this year as ad revenues have tumbled by more than twice that. Magazines are cutting budgets by 25 percent following three months of scrutiny by management consultants McKinsey & Co."
The latest layoffs push the number of people fired from Conde Nast this year to just under 430, the Post estimates. But the cuts may peter out early next week, insiders say.
The carnage began on October 5 with the shuttering of Gourmet, Cookie, Elegant Bride and Modern Bride and the firing of 180 people.
Conde Nast is believed to be on target to post a loss of $200 million this year as ad revenues have tumbled by more than twice that. Magazines are cutting budgets by 25 percent following three months of scrutiny by management consultants McKinsey & Co."
Everything is better with a laugh-track
INTERNET FOR KIDZ!
FCC Approves Net Neutrality Rules, Now the Fight Begins
"The FCC approved strong openness rules for wired and wireless broadband connections to the internet Thursday, leaving the details of the rules open to public debate for the next 60 days. The move will gratify President Obama’s grassroots supporters and internet services like Google, but draw the wrath of large telecoms like AT&T and the wireless industry.
The rules codify four old principles and introduce two new ones. Broadband providers must not block users from sending legal content on the net. They must let users run the applications and services they like and connect whatever devices they care to. And providers must not harm competition among ISPs or online services. The new principles require that broadband providers not discriminate against content services (i.e. block Skype because it competes with an ISPs voice service) and that they disclose to users and the feds how they manage their networks.
The rules would also explicitly extend beyond so-called wireline providers such as DSL and cable and apply to wireless internet services, such as 3G, satellite and WiMax. Providers would have leeway to shape or throttle traffic for network management purposes or to help police or “homeland security.”"
The rules codify four old principles and introduce two new ones. Broadband providers must not block users from sending legal content on the net. They must let users run the applications and services they like and connect whatever devices they care to. And providers must not harm competition among ISPs or online services. The new principles require that broadband providers not discriminate against content services (i.e. block Skype because it competes with an ISPs voice service) and that they disclose to users and the feds how they manage their networks.
The rules would also explicitly extend beyond so-called wireline providers such as DSL and cable and apply to wireless internet services, such as 3G, satellite and WiMax. Providers would have leeway to shape or throttle traffic for network management purposes or to help police or “homeland security.”"
Lutefisk and loot: Tax records open in Norway
"It's the moment nosy Norwegian neighbors have been waiting for — the release of official records showing the annual income and overall wealth of nearly every taxpayer in the Scandinavian country.
In a move that would be unthinkable elsewhere, tax authorities in Norway have issued the 'skatteliste,' or 'tax list,' for 2008 to the media under a law designed to uphold the country's tradition of transparency.
It's Norwegians' way of keeping up with the Johansens — from fishermen on the western fjords and Sami reindeer herders in the north to members of the committee that awarded President Barack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize.
To non-Scandinavians, it would seem to be a gross violation of privacy"
In a move that would be unthinkable elsewhere, tax authorities in Norway have issued the 'skatteliste,' or 'tax list,' for 2008 to the media under a law designed to uphold the country's tradition of transparency.
It's Norwegians' way of keeping up with the Johansens — from fishermen on the western fjords and Sami reindeer herders in the north to members of the committee that awarded President Barack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize.
To non-Scandinavians, it would seem to be a gross violation of privacy"
FCC No Longer Neutral About The Net
October 22, 2009
"After enduring intense lobbying from various groups, the Federal Communications Commission is expected today to publish its proposed rules for net neutrality, the principle that Internet providers should treat all data equally and avoid restricting or delaying access to certain sites.
Some ISPs, especially cable and phone providers, naturally don’t want the government intruding on their network-management operations. They’ve sent a number of letters to lawmakers and encouraged people to make their voice heard on the FCC’s blog. On the flip side are “open Internet” supporters, such as entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who would benefit from net neutrality."
Some ISPs, especially cable and phone providers, naturally don’t want the government intruding on their network-management operations. They’ve sent a number of letters to lawmakers and encouraged people to make their voice heard on the FCC’s blog. On the flip side are “open Internet” supporters, such as entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who would benefit from net neutrality."
Google Music Service
You had me at "Vile"
I got an e-mail today, for some reason, from a group trying to force an NC-17 rating on Lars von Trier's new movie Antichrist:
At least they're trying to work within the system, and not ban the film altogether.
We're grieved to tell you about one of the most vile movies of all time which is set to hit theaters next week. Read details below. If we even put the poster in this e-mail, you would be disgusted. Your help we can make a significant difference in stopping its impact.
Please sign the petition by clicking here to get this movie rated NC-17, which will limit it's distribution.
Currently the movie has elected to be "Not Rated" which will allow ANYONE OF ANY AGE TO VIEW THIS HORRIFIC, WICKED MOVIE.
THE MOVIE not only includes deliberately explicit and pornographic sex scenes, it also contains graphic close-ups of sexual mutilation and murderous, accidental violence, including the death of a baby.
A woman is portrayed as the antichrist in this film. The main female character in the movie takes a two by four to her husband's private parts. And then drills his leg to a millstone while doing other acts of mutilation. This is not the kind of thing we want our children to observe.
The movie is designed not only to shock and titillate the audience. It is also designed to contain symbols, metaphors and other content referring to Christian, biblical themes.
We must act now, today since the movie is coming out next week. Please stand with us and others who care about how movies affect our kids.
At least they're trying to work within the system, and not ban the film altogether.
Vermonster Name Likely To Stay
"A Morrisville, Vermont brewer is breathing a sigh of relief today. Rock Art Brewery, which makes the popular ‘Vermonster' beer, has apparently won its battle with Hansen Natural Corporation, maker of Monster Energy Drinks.
Hansen had threatened to sue Rock Art for copyright infringement."
Hansen had threatened to sue Rock Art for copyright infringement."
Walking Back a Single Day's Top News Stories
October 21, 2009
"“Society doesn’t need newspapers,” wrote Clay Shirky in a widely read blog post this March. “What we need is journalism.” Shirky was trying to shift the conversation from the fate of particular institutions to the project of original reporting. But who does in fact break news? Where do previously unknown twists to a story come from? Rather than exploring the question rhetorically, we decided to conduct a little experiment. We took a random Monday— September 21, 2009—and gathered all the news that was reported that day from 84 news sources across the spectrum, including sixteen major papers; thirteen magazines; many prominent network, cable, and radio news shows; and eighteen news-focused websites. Then we chose seven stories and set out to determine who was responsible for the individual pieces of original reporting that advanced each one."
Autotune Symphony of Science - 'We Are All Connected' (ft. Sagan, Feynman, deGrasse Tyson & Bill Nye)
October 20, 2009
Walmart's War on Amazon Could Obliterate the Publishing Industry (Even More)
October 16, 2009
"'If there is going to be a 'Wal-Mart of the Web,' it is going to be Walmart.com,' says Walmart.com CEO Raul Vazquez. This 'Amazon' thing is royally mucking that up, and Walmart's not gonna take it anymore.
The first shot at Amazon reported by the WSJ is kinda weak in the grand scheme of things: Yesterday, Walmart started selling 10 'hotly anticipated' books, like almost-President-of-the-United-States Sarah Palin's Going Rogue for 10 bucks. The paper kind. For the same price as the pretend books you buy on a Kindle. Amazon fired a volley back, matching the price. Walmart went to its classic $9 position this morning. Ker-plow.
This is apparently deeply frightening to already publishers. Why? Because once people expect a book for 10 bucks, they're not gonna pay $28 for it, which would seriously alter the economy of the publishing industry. And I mean, they're already deathly afraid of the very uncertain future of publishing. A standard $10 price would make books feel more disposable—granted, this is the future that's coming with ebooks anyway.
Walmart actually still makes a bit of money at that price—and obviously Amazon does hawking ebooks for that much. The people this would seriously screw are independent booksellers, who couldn't scrape by on margins that low. Which makes you wonder how they're going to continue existing in a world where we're all buying books, for cheap, on tablets. Amazon and Walmart's likely just the beginning of the end. "
The first shot at Amazon reported by the WSJ is kinda weak in the grand scheme of things: Yesterday, Walmart started selling 10 'hotly anticipated' books, like almost-President-of-the-United-States Sarah Palin's Going Rogue for 10 bucks. The paper kind. For the same price as the pretend books you buy on a Kindle. Amazon fired a volley back, matching the price. Walmart went to its classic $9 position this morning. Ker-plow.
This is apparently deeply frightening to already publishers. Why? Because once people expect a book for 10 bucks, they're not gonna pay $28 for it, which would seriously alter the economy of the publishing industry. And I mean, they're already deathly afraid of the very uncertain future of publishing. A standard $10 price would make books feel more disposable—granted, this is the future that's coming with ebooks anyway.
Walmart actually still makes a bit of money at that price—and obviously Amazon does hawking ebooks for that much. The people this would seriously screw are independent booksellers, who couldn't scrape by on margins that low. Which makes you wonder how they're going to continue existing in a world where we're all buying books, for cheap, on tablets. Amazon and Walmart's likely just the beginning of the end. "
In Like a Finn
"Finland has become the first country in the world to declare broadband Internet access a legal right.
Starting in July, telecommunication companies in the northern European nation will be required to provide all 5.2 million citizens with Internet connection that runs at speeds of at least 1 megabit per second."
Starting in July, telecommunication companies in the northern European nation will be required to provide all 5.2 million citizens with Internet connection that runs at speeds of at least 1 megabit per second."
Rock Art Brewery vs. Monster Energy Drink
Surveillance Function
October 15, 2009
If you need me, I'm down at the lake boiling lobsters....
Anchor Marselis Parsons signing off
His first story as a rookie reporter for WCAX-TV was covering a county prosecutor, an attorney named Patrick Leahy, who was talking to the Burlington Rotary Club. It was 1967.His last story as the 6 o’clock anchor for Vermont’s CBS affiliate will be determined today, as reporters and producers decide the day’s top news stories.
"This evening at 6, Marselis Parsons will present his final news broadcast for WCAX. He joined the station 42 years ago, a few years out of Lafayette College, and has anchored or co-anchored the signature 6 o’clock broadcast for 25 years."
Mystery Google
'Cleveland' youngest fall show; 'Good Wife' oldest
"'Cleveland' tied 'Family Guy' as the youngest broadcast show overall on TV. And even though 'The Simpsons' has been on the air for 21 seasons, it's still averages a youthful 30. The oldest show was the other scripted show that's hit 20 seasons, 'Law & Order,' with a median age of 60. And because no blog post this week seems complete without something about 'Dollhouse,' if you're curious it's 43."
Real World Diseases
MTV's Real World was in town for auditions this past weekend, and they left behind their interesting standard Release For. Section 5, all in caps, seems particularly important to them.
Microsoft ropes in Family Guy to pimp Windows 7
October 14, 2009
"If Windows 95 made you Mick Jagger, and Windows 98 made you David Bowie, then Windows 7 is going to make you a Family Guy or American Dad.
Microsoft has coughed up to take over the talent behind the apparently subversive comedies to celebrate the launch of its must-succeed operating system this month.
Or as Microsoft puts it, "The cornerstone of the effort is the exclusive Windows 7 sponsorship of an upcoming television event devoted to the comedy of Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy, American Dad and The Cleveland Show."
Microsoft has coughed up to take over the talent behind the apparently subversive comedies to celebrate the launch of its must-succeed operating system this month.
Or as Microsoft puts it, "The cornerstone of the effort is the exclusive Windows 7 sponsorship of an upcoming television event devoted to the comedy of Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy, American Dad and The Cleveland Show."
Redmond and MacFarlane are apparently taking the idea of "commercial-free" to the next level, with the "original FOX variety special Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show."
They promise "simplicity for viewers" with no ads or promos - just "unique Windows 7-branded programming that blends seamlessly with show content"."
Girls Only
October 13, 2009
UK publishers plan to charge online
October 11, 2009
The Economist is the latest publication to start charging for online content. And apparently... "the majority of digital publishers in the UK are planning to charge for content online in the next 12 months, according to a survey released yesterday by the Association of Online Publishers. Around 70 per cent of publishers from across the newspaper, magazine and TV industries said they would charge for some content. This compares to 46 per cent in 2007, before the advertising slump hit revenues. One in three of those who plan to charge said that they would adopt a pay-as-you-go, or micropayment system. Meanwhile, more than half of the 28 companies represented said that they are using Twitter to publish content."
Marge Simpson poses for Playboy cover
October 10, 2009
"Marge Simpson has done something that Homer might not like but will make Bart the proudest kid in his school: She's posed for Playboy magazine.After more than a half century featuring women like Marilyn Monroe, Cindy Crawford and the Girls of Hooters on its cover, Playboy has for the first time given the spot to a cartoon character.
Playboy even convinced 7-Eleven to carry the magazine in its 1,200 corporate-owned stores, something the company has only done once before in more than 20 years.
For those who do collect the magazine — and they're out there — the cover will bring to mind another first for the magazine that occurred in 1971 when a black woman appeared on the cover in exactly the same pose and, like Marge, smiling under an impressive head of hair."
Censoring Bananas
October 09, 2009
"The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned as 'unforgiveable censorship' attempts by the US fruit company, Dole Food, to prevent the release of a documentary film Bananas by Swedish journalist and film maker Fredrik Gertten, which exposes threats to the health of banana plantations workers in Nicaragua.
'The company's action is designed to legitimise censorship,' said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. 'We condemn the use of law to try to evade media scrutiny and public accountability. It is an unforgiveable violation of free speech.'
The US fruit company Dole Food has lodged a lawsuit for defamation against Gertten following the screening in Los Angeles of his documentary film. The film focuses on the legal dispute in Nicaragua where banana plantations workers claimed illnesses were being caused by the use of the pesticide DBCP in banana fields.
The company contests the claims and after heavy lobbying succeeded in removing the film from the Los Angeles film festival. The action drew widespread criticism from press freedom groups, according to reports."
'The company's action is designed to legitimise censorship,' said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. 'We condemn the use of law to try to evade media scrutiny and public accountability. It is an unforgiveable violation of free speech.'
The US fruit company Dole Food has lodged a lawsuit for defamation against Gertten following the screening in Los Angeles of his documentary film. The film focuses on the legal dispute in Nicaragua where banana plantations workers claimed illnesses were being caused by the use of the pesticide DBCP in banana fields.
The company contests the claims and after heavy lobbying succeeded in removing the film from the Los Angeles film festival. The action drew widespread criticism from press freedom groups, according to reports."
Black Barbie earns praise . . . but no Afro? (and no baby-daddy?)
"Mattel has launched a line of black Barbie dolls with fuller lips, a wider nose and more pronounced cheek bones - a far cry from Christie, Barbie’s black friend who debuted in the 1960s and was essentially a white doll painted brown.The “So In Style” line, which recently hit mass retailers, features BFFs Grace, Kara and Trichelle, each with her own style and interests and a little sister she mentors: Courtney, Janessa and Kianna. The dolls reflect varying skin tones - light brown, chocolate, and caramel - and Trichelle and Kianna have curlier hair.
But some say the dolls with long straight hair are not “black enough” and do not address the beauty issues that many black girls struggle with. In the black community, long, straight hair is often considered more beautiful than short kinky hair.
Chris Rock highlights the issue in his “Good Hair” documentary, which opens in select cities today and shows black women straightening their tight curls with harsh chemicals and purchasing thousand-dollar hair weaves."
Telephone Company is Arm of Government, Feds Admit in Spy Suit
"The Department of Justice has finally admitted it in court papers: the nation’s telecom companies are an arm of the government — at least when it comes to secret spying.
Fortunately, a judge says that relationship isn’t enough to squash a rights group’s open records request for communications between the nation’s telecoms and the feds.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation wanted to see what role telecom lobbying of Justice Department played when the government began its year-long, and ultimately successful, push to win retroactive immunity for AT&T and others being sued for unlawfully spying on American citizens."
Fortunately, a judge says that relationship isn’t enough to squash a rights group’s open records request for communications between the nation’s telecoms and the feds.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation wanted to see what role telecom lobbying of Justice Department played when the government began its year-long, and ultimately successful, push to win retroactive immunity for AT&T and others being sued for unlawfully spying on American citizens."
Facebook, Twitter Fuel Indie Movie Ticket Sales
"A new independendent horror film is succeeding at the box office, and it's all thanks to word of mouth on social networks.
The film Paranormal Activity has been all the buzz on popular sites like Twitter and Facebook, and has already grossed $780,000 in two weeks, in spite of limited, late-night showings on only 33 screens across the country.
The film's producers are using the social networks to drive demand for the movie, and have even roped popular actors into the cause. Jon Favreau just wrote in his Twitter feed about the film, for example. The Twitter entries link to Eventful.com, where the filmmakers encourage fans to request local showings. 'Hit 1,000,000 demands,' notes the site, 'and Paranormal Activity will open nationwide!
Movie website here.
Thanks to Amanda for this.
The film Paranormal Activity has been all the buzz on popular sites like Twitter and Facebook, and has already grossed $780,000 in two weeks, in spite of limited, late-night showings on only 33 screens across the country.
The film's producers are using the social networks to drive demand for the movie, and have even roped popular actors into the cause. Jon Favreau just wrote in his Twitter feed about the film, for example. The Twitter entries link to Eventful.com, where the filmmakers encourage fans to request local showings. 'Hit 1,000,000 demands,' notes the site, 'and Paranormal Activity will open nationwide!
Movie website here.
Thanks to Amanda for this.
How Cooking Made Us Human
October 08, 2009
Art Can Be Simple and Fun!
YouTube - LIPDUB - I Gotta Feeling (Comm-UQAM 2009)
October 07, 2009
172 students up across the border have wayyyy too much time on their hands, as they do a one-take lip-sync to "I Gotta Feeling."
Monty Python is 40
October 06, 2009
"'This parrot is no more. It has ceased to be. It’s expired and gone to meet its maker. This is a late parrot. It’s a stiff. Bereft of life, it rests in peace. If you hadn’t nailed it to the perch, it would be pushing up the daisies. It’s run down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. This is an ex-parrot!”
Four decades on, the image of John Cleese’s increasingly hysterical pet-shop customer — pacamac buttoned up, hair plastered down, vowels strangulated — remains one of the most memorable in television history. No other comedy series has seared itself into the national consciousness quite like Monty Python’s Flying Circus."
Monty Python fans will be interested to know that later this month the Independent Film Channel is set to air a six-part documentary called Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyers Cut). The series is scheduled to premiere on October 18th at 9:00 p.m. ET and will continue to air each night through October 23rd.
Here's the "Four Yorkshiremen" sketch, one of the few they did which had a clear punchline:
Four decades on, the image of John Cleese’s increasingly hysterical pet-shop customer — pacamac buttoned up, hair plastered down, vowels strangulated — remains one of the most memorable in television history. No other comedy series has seared itself into the national consciousness quite like Monty Python’s Flying Circus."
Monty Python fans will be interested to know that later this month the Independent Film Channel is set to air a six-part documentary called Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyers Cut). The series is scheduled to premiere on October 18th at 9:00 p.m. ET and will continue to air each night through October 23rd.
Here's the "Four Yorkshiremen" sketch, one of the few they did which had a clear punchline:
Why Is CBS Trying To Take Down Letterman Revelation Video?
October 05, 2009
"Last week, soon after the news broke that David Letterman had confessed, on air, to a variety of affairs with staffers, following a blackmail attempt about those affairs, Peter Kafka over at AllthingsD pointed to a YouTube video of the 10 minute revelation, noting that he expected CBS to be playing wac-a-mole in trying to force all of the clips offline. And, indeed, that's exactly what's happening. CBS has apparently been sending takedown after takedown to YouTube to get the clip offline. This is odd for a few reasons. First, CBS is actually one of the few TV networks to actually like YouTube, and use it regularly to its own advantage. Way back in 2006, the company announced that tests showed that when it put clips on YouTube, it resulted in more viewership, not less."
CBS Appeals Breast
"In a Friday filing with the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals, CBS says the FCC is asking for 'yet another chance' to prove that the 2004 Super Bowl 'wardrobe malfunction' that momentarily exposed singer Janet Jackson's breast violated FCC indecency regulations. The FCC last month asked the court to look into whether CBS was 'reckless' when it chose not to use video delay technology for the broadcast.:
The CBS says the real issue in the case is the FCC's "noncompliance with the [Administrative Procedure Act] and/or with the First Amendment," and says a constitutional inquiry is appropriate now in light of the commission's "renewed commitment to pursue this case indefinitely" and the Supreme Court's invitation to the Circuit Court to look at the constitutional issues involved in indecency enforcement in the Fox Television fleeting-indecency case involving unscripted expletives on two awards shows.
CBS says the FCC's "obsessive zeal" in pursuing the Super Bowl case "and the attendant chill on broadcast speech illustrates why First Amendment scrutiny may not just be appropriate, but necessary." "
The CBS says the real issue in the case is the FCC's "noncompliance with the [Administrative Procedure Act] and/or with the First Amendment," and says a constitutional inquiry is appropriate now in light of the commission's "renewed commitment to pursue this case indefinitely" and the Supreme Court's invitation to the Circuit Court to look at the constitutional issues involved in indecency enforcement in the Fox Television fleeting-indecency case involving unscripted expletives on two awards shows.
CBS says the FCC's "obsessive zeal" in pursuing the Super Bowl case "and the attendant chill on broadcast speech illustrates why First Amendment scrutiny may not just be appropriate, but necessary." "
Does Tucker Max think that rape is funny?
"WHEN, EXACTLY, did implications of sexual assault become fair game for an ad campaign to promote a Hollywood movie?
Producers of the much-hyped Tucker Max movie I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell--based on the execrable 'memoir' of the same name, on the New York Times best-seller list now for more than 100 weeks--decided to market the film with bus ads reading, 'Deaf girls never hear you coming.' Equal opportunity offenders, they also had ads referring to 'blind girls.'
Producers of the much-hyped Tucker Max movie I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell--based on the execrable 'memoir' of the same name, on the New York Times best-seller list now for more than 100 weeks--decided to market the film with bus ads reading, 'Deaf girls never hear you coming.' Equal opportunity offenders, they also had ads referring to 'blind girls.'
As Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn noted, the ads read "like a helpful hint in a predator's handbook."
If the idea of menacing disabled women wasn't funny enough for you, TV commercials for the movie (which is set largely in a strip club) are one long string of abuse. In one, an announcer says, "Strippers will not tolerate disrespect--just kidding!" while the Tucker Max character can be seen yelling "dance, monkey, dance for your dollar" at a woman.
Two of the bus ads were pulled by the Chicago Transit Authority after complaints (though one referencing strippers remained)."
Thanks to Amanda for this article.
Google Pulls Pirate Bay From Search Results
"The homepage of Pirate Bay disappeared from Google’s search results Friday, after Google allegedly received a DMCA takedown notice targeting the site.
The move is unexpected because, while the Pirate Bay is rife with pirated material, the site’s spare landing page contains no content to speak of — just links, a logo and a search box. By law, DMCA notices are targeted to specific infringing content."
Over the weekend the site was still available, but I couldn't reach it this morning...
Thanks to Taylor for alerting me to this.
The move is unexpected because, while the Pirate Bay is rife with pirated material, the site’s spare landing page contains no content to speak of — just links, a logo and a search box. By law, DMCA notices are targeted to specific infringing content."
Over the weekend the site was still available, but I couldn't reach it this morning...
Thanks to Taylor for alerting me to this.
Reviewing Project Censored's Latest Top 25 Censored Stories
October 04, 2009
"For 33 years, Sonoma State University's (SSU) Project Censored (PC) has engaged in pioneering research on, and advocacy for, First Amendment issues.
Each year, it ranks the top 25 and publishes them in its yearbook, "Censored: Media Democracy in Action." The latest "Censored 2010: The Top 25 Censored Stories of 2008 - 09" just out is the subject of this review. The book may now be purchased locally, online, and most easily at projectcensored.org/store."
Each year, it ranks the top 25 and publishes them in its yearbook, "Censored: Media Democracy in Action." The latest "Censored 2010: The Top 25 Censored Stories of 2008 - 09" just out is the subject of this review. The book may now be purchased locally, online, and most easily at projectcensored.org/store."
Letterman creates brilliant hour of TV from woes
October 02, 2009
"It was business as usual for David Letterman and CBS' 'Late Show.' The band played. The host, dapper as always in a well-tailored suit, recited his monologue; some jokes hit, some missed.
Then Letterman proceeded to take viewers, and television, on an extraordinary journey that was part confessional, part entertainment and wholly, if jarringly, hypnotic.
The medium has come close to moments like this before — Hugh Grant's prostitute mea culpa on 'Tonight' is the familiar example of recent years — but never achieved the merger of farce and drama that Letterman finessed."
Then Letterman proceeded to take viewers, and television, on an extraordinary journey that was part confessional, part entertainment and wholly, if jarringly, hypnotic.
The medium has come close to moments like this before — Hugh Grant's prostitute mea culpa on 'Tonight' is the familiar example of recent years — but never achieved the merger of farce and drama that Letterman finessed."
Comcast 'is in talks to buy NBC'
"Comcast, the biggest US cable TV provider, is reported to be in talks to buy a majority stake in the television and film company NBC Universal.
NBC Universal owns the NBC television network, Universal Pictures, cable networks such as Bravo and CNBC as well as the Universal Studios theme parks.
It is 80%-owned by General Electric and 20%-owned by France's Vivendi.
Several news agencies have said that Comcast is discussing buying 51% of the business, leaving GE with 49%."
NBC Universal owns the NBC television network, Universal Pictures, cable networks such as Bravo and CNBC as well as the Universal Studios theme parks.
It is 80%-owned by General Electric and 20%-owned by France's Vivendi.
Several news agencies have said that Comcast is discussing buying 51% of the business, leaving GE with 49%."
Nude Image of Brooke Shields Removed From British Museum
A controversial piece of art based on a 1975 nude photograph of actress Brook Shields has been removed from a London art exhibit over concerns that it breaches the U.K.'s obscenity laws. The piece shows a 10-year-old Shields, nude, oiled, and heavily made-up, standing in a bathtub and looking directly at the camera.
Pic here.
Pic here.
Visibility
October 01, 2009
"The number of gay and bisexual characters on prime-time network TV is up slightly this season to 18 out of a total of 600 roles, according to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
The increase over 2008 fell well short of the more than twofold percentage jump in the '08 season compared to 2007, according to the group.
And on mainstream cable channels the number of such characters continued to drop, slipping from a total of 32 in 2008 to 25 this year. The 2007 tally was 40."
The increase over 2008 fell well short of the more than twofold percentage jump in the '08 season compared to 2007, according to the group.
And on mainstream cable channels the number of such characters continued to drop, slipping from a total of 32 in 2008 to 25 this year. The 2007 tally was 40."
Dramatized ads weave plot lines around product placement
"In television's latest quest to discourage viewers from skipping ads, actors from NBC and ABC shows are appearing in character in commercials to interact with products in parallel story lines.
This new kind of commercial further blurs the line between program and advertisement and comes as traditional product placements within shows, an early response to fast-forwarding, have become common.
[...]Sprint also has a "Heroes" series of dramatized ads on NBC that follows new character Lydia, who is able to identify faces in the shape-shifting tattoos on her body. She uses the Pre to find her daughter, who also has a heroic power.
"It's definitely groundbreaking for ABC and NBC," said Denise Ocasio, managing partner of MindShare, the marketing firm that helped Sprint create the spots. "It's not a commercial. It looks and feels and has all the drama and excitement of the show. It is an entertainment experience. It's just brought to you by Sprint.""
This new kind of commercial further blurs the line between program and advertisement and comes as traditional product placements within shows, an early response to fast-forwarding, have become common.
[...]Sprint also has a "Heroes" series of dramatized ads on NBC that follows new character Lydia, who is able to identify faces in the shape-shifting tattoos on her body. She uses the Pre to find her daughter, who also has a heroic power.
"It's definitely groundbreaking for ABC and NBC," said Denise Ocasio, managing partner of MindShare, the marketing firm that helped Sprint create the spots. "It's not a commercial. It looks and feels and has all the drama and excitement of the show. It is an entertainment experience. It's just brought to you by Sprint.""
New media explosion upends TV ratings system
"The explosion of ways people watch television is confounding the media industry, which has relied for decades on the Nielsen ratings but now must adapt to the realities of the Internet and on-demand video.
Americans are watching more TV than ever -- an average of 151 hours a month -- on more networks and in increasingly diverse ways. Industry heavyweights and analysts are calling for a new ratings system to keep up.
At first there was a 'crisis in measurement' due to the scarcity of data, said Alan Wurtzel, president of research and media development at NBC Universal, which is 80-percent owned by General Electric Co.
But now, he said, content providers are 'drowning in data.'"
Americans are watching more TV than ever -- an average of 151 hours a month -- on more networks and in increasingly diverse ways. Industry heavyweights and analysts are calling for a new ratings system to keep up.
At first there was a 'crisis in measurement' due to the scarcity of data, said Alan Wurtzel, president of research and media development at NBC Universal, which is 80-percent owned by General Electric Co.
But now, he said, content providers are 'drowning in data.'"
Letting it all Tweet out
"Short answer: R U kidding? No bodily function, emotional trauma or personal exchange is beyond bounds or beneath broadcasting these days. Thus did 43-year-old Penelope Trunk, CEO of the aptly named 'Brazen Careerist'' blog, Twitter her recent miscarriage: 'I'm in a board meeting. Having a miscarriage. Thank goodness, because there's a f***-up 3-week hoop-jump to have an abortion in Wisconsin.' (The asterisks are mine, not hers.)
Although my own first reaction was to look away and keep walking, such squeamishness was not widely shared. In fact, if the tweet was in part a PR stunt by Trunk, who makes her living by – wait for it -- offering career advice to the young, it worked to perfection, and set virtual jaws flapping across the blogosphere and the political spectrum."
Thanks to WV for this.
Although my own first reaction was to look away and keep walking, such squeamishness was not widely shared. In fact, if the tweet was in part a PR stunt by Trunk, who makes her living by – wait for it -- offering career advice to the young, it worked to perfection, and set virtual jaws flapping across the blogosphere and the political spectrum."
Thanks to WV for this.
U2 360 Tour: Breaking Uneven
September 30, 2009
"It is one of the world's most popular live events but U2's massive 360 tour has still not turned a profit.
The concerts have generated (EU)205m in ticket sales so far, but Paul McGuinness, the band's manager, said that the tour has not yet broken even because the daily running costs are more than (EU)500,000.
The band started the tour in Barcelona at the end of June, followed by North America for a string of concerts that began at Chicago's Soldier Field on September 12.
'When do we hit the break-even point? We haven't hit it yet,' McGuinness told Billboard, the American music trade publication last week. 'But we will between now and the end of this leg. Not exactly gravy, because whether we're playing or not, the overhead is about $750,000 daily.'
With more than 120 trucks transporting three stages that cost $40m to build and up to 500 staff on the payroll, U2's tour is being touted as the most expensive rock 'n' roll expedition ever mounted."
Thanks to Michael for this.
The concerts have generated (EU)205m in ticket sales so far, but Paul McGuinness, the band's manager, said that the tour has not yet broken even because the daily running costs are more than (EU)500,000.
The band started the tour in Barcelona at the end of June, followed by North America for a string of concerts that began at Chicago's Soldier Field on September 12.
'When do we hit the break-even point? We haven't hit it yet,' McGuinness told Billboard, the American music trade publication last week. 'But we will between now and the end of this leg. Not exactly gravy, because whether we're playing or not, the overhead is about $750,000 daily.'
With more than 120 trucks transporting three stages that cost $40m to build and up to 500 staff on the payroll, U2's tour is being touted as the most expensive rock 'n' roll expedition ever mounted."
Thanks to Michael for this.
A Life Well Wasted
Carl Sagan Auto-Tuned
"Auto-Tuning the news, as well as ourselves, has provided us with many hours of entertainment. But what happens when you Auto-Tune one of the great science-minds of the last few decades?This. Plus, Stephen Hawking drops by."
Apple Tablet Aiming To Redefine Newspapers, Textbooks and Magazines
"Steve Jobs said people don't read any more. But Apple is talks with several media companies rooted in print, negotiating content for a 'new device.' And they're not just going for e-books and mags. They're aiming to redefine print.Several years ago, a modified version of OS X was presented to Steve Jobs, running on a multitouch tablet. When the question of 'what would people do with this?' couldn't be answered, they shelved it. Long having established music, movie and TV content, Apple is working hard to load up iTunes with print content from several major publishing houses across several media."
