Sony has patented an idea for smelling movies. “The Japanese electronics giant hopes to develop a device that will bombard viewers with pulses of ultrasound that will stimulate neural activity in our brains and have us smell something we’re seeing on the screen. Not only that, but we’ll be able taste on cue and, possibly, have the sensation of being touched.”
Month: April 2005
Secret Service Investigates Art Exhibit
The US Secret Service is investigating an art exhibit at Columbia College in Chicago. “Two federal agents arrived at the exhibit’s opening night Thursday, took photos of some of the works and asked for the artists’ contact information. The agents were most interested in Chicago artist Al Brandtner’s work titled “Patriot Act,” which depicted a sheet of mock 37-cent red, white and blue stamps showing a handgun pointed at Bush’s head.”
Royal Opera House Dominates RPS Award Nominations
“London’s Royal Opera House leads the race for this year’s Royal Philharmonic Society Awards with seven nominations. Its performers John Graham-Hall, Ben Heppner and Janice Watson dominate the best singer category. And the prestigious London venue’s music director Antonio Pappano is shortlisted for best conductor.”
In Minneapolis: Wireless Internet As Basic Public Infrastructure
The city of Minneapolis is to go wireless. The city will be covered with a wireless internet connection available to anyone. “Consumers would be able to buy broadband access of 1 million to 3 million bits per second for $18 to $24 a month — a bit slower than wired cable modem service but about half the price. The network also is expected to create an economic incentive for businesses to locate in Minneapolis. If someone gets off a plane at the airport and signs up for Minneapolis Internet service, they can sign on with one password anywhere in the city.”
Fixing Rome’s Modern Architecture Problem
“Lackluster modern architecture in Rome is so pervasive that even the Italian government is doing its part to spark a revival. The Senate is examining legislation to promote better urban architecture after decades of economic expedience and careless design. The movement’s centerpiece is Maxxi, the first national contemporary art museum. The 60-million-euro project was designed by Ms. Hadid, an Iraqi-born architect who has lived in London since 1972 and is known for her daring designs.”
CBC Axes PR Staff
Trying to save money, the CBC has laid off much of its public relations staff. The corporation says it will outsource much of the publicity for both radio and TV to independent public-relations firms.
Rockefeller Gives MoMA Biggest Gift Ever
David Rockefeller has given the Museum of Modern Art $100 million for its endowment. “Mr. Rockefeller said the gift was intended to shore up public programs at the Modern, which just completed an ambitious $858 million expansion that more than doubled its size. Mr. Rockefeller, who is 89, said the museum would receive the money after his death. In the meantime, he said, he would give the Modern $5 million a year as if the money were already invested in the endowment.”
Staking Out The Creative Process
“The new Calgary-based Institute for the Creative Process — or ICP@ACAD, for short — is being built on the belief that artists and designers should be making meaningful contributions to the real world beyond the design of a new Coca-Cola bottle or simple manufacture of product. The ICP will be working with businesses and various community groups to apply creative design solutions to everyday social and organizational problems. In addition to developing partnerships and thinking up new graduate-degree possibilities for the college, the ICP will be responsible for cultivating dialogue and research activities that directly address the nature and application of the creative process.”
Who Owns The Copyright? (A Tale Of Orphans)
A big problem with the current copyright laws is that it’s difficult or impossible to trace the owners of the vast majority of older works protected by copyright. “Even if the risk of a copyright infringement claim is low, creators who build on another’s work do not want to take the risk of getting sued. Copyright owners can ask for up to $150,000 damages per work infringed.” Now the US copyright office is trying to address the problem, and asking for help.
How Download Will Change The Top 40
UK Singles charts will soon begin counting legal downloads alongside cd sales, and the songs that make the Top 40 are sure to change. “In the first three months of 2005, 4.5 million songs were downloaded legally in the UK – compared with 5.8 million bought over the counter. Many of the fans who stopped buying singles are now keen on downloading – and while single-buying is largely left to teenage girls, downloaders are overwhelmingly male and more mature.
So their return to the chart returns could have a big impact on the Top 40.”