Category: media

“You might look at ‘oldies’ as a genre, certain music from a certain time with a certain aesthetic. Or perhaps you think “oldie” merely connotes something that’s a certain amount of old. Or here’s another possibility: The whole concept of ‘oldies’ is on its way to history’s dustbin, taking with it songs from the ’50s and early-to-mid-’60s.”

“CBC/Radio-Canada’s annual parliamentary allocation is $1.1 billion and its overall expenditure is $1.7 billion. The Deloitte and Touche study estimates the public broadcaster has a substantial positive impact on the economy — well above its spending power — because it supports jobs and businesses across Canada.”

“Part of the problem here is that Hangover II is sharply at odds with Thailand’s own image of itself as a conservative defender of Buddhist values, despite Bangkok’s international reputation as a city of indulgence.”

“Picture Categorisation for Suggesting Soundtracks, or PICASSO, has learned what makes a good soundtrack by analysing existing films to find the properties that link the music with on-screen action. “

“Sir Salman, whose accolades include the “Booker of Bookers” award, has switched his attentions from literary fiction to the small screen, currently working on a new science fiction series in America.”

“The Academy said the change came after analyzing the voting from the last two years. In 2009, the Oscars expanded the best picture field from five nominees to 10.”

Both Tom McMaster (A Gay Girl In Damascus) and Bill Graber a/k/a Paula Brooks (Lez Get Real) “defend their impersonations on the grounds that, had they voiced the same opinions as men, readers wouldn’t have taken them seriously. As much as I hate to agree with frauds, they’re likely right.” (Which doesn’t let them off the hook.)

“Sales of games, consoles and game accessories, such as extra controllers, dropped 14% last month to $743.1 million, down from $866.8 million in May 2010.”

“The industry is going through fundamental change in technology, in business models and in corporate structures. It has become a single industry, thoroughly converged and integrated. Yet it continues to be regulated under three separate acts which date from 20 years ago.”

“Stand-up comedy in Saudi Arabia remains a somewhat clandestine affair, emerging from the raw local performers hired as warm-up acts for the mostly Arab-Americans who began touring the Middle East a few years ago. But Saudi comics are now coming into their own” – mostly on the Web, where there is less worry about the kingdom’s morals enforcers.