The music and movie industries are suing hundreds of college students who have been using the Internet 2 to download movies and music. “The i2hub software is a peer-to-peer, file-sharing application developed for “student collaboration” on Internet2, according to the software’s website. “I2hub is the conduit in which students across the globe connect to share ideas, collaborate and form social networks in a real-time environment never before achieved,” the site says.”
Tag: 04.12.05
Will Luxury Seating Lure People Back To Movie Theatres?
Movie ticket sales have been down the last few years, and theatre owners are trying to figure out ways to lure people back. One idea? Luxury seating and pampering. “Some of its theaters offer first-class seats that are sectioned off and reserved inside the traditional theater and allow those customers to order snacks from their seats. The more exclusive Loews Club at a theater in West Homestead, Pa., offers free coat check, lounge chairs to watch the show and a restaurant.”
“Millionaire” Tops World TV Charts
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire is the world’s most popular TV show, seen in 106 countries. “The trend in format TV – programmes bought and copied wholesale for different countries – is now worth £1.6bn each year, a report shows. The Weakest Link is the second most popular show, selling to 98 countries, followed by Pop Idol in 30 markets.”
Our Worldwide TV Habits
We’re watching more TV worldwide, except in Asia. “The annual Eurodata TV Worldwide study found that average world TV viewing figures rose slightly, to three hours and three minutes per day. Regionally, Asia-Pacific fell to last spot from third, with an average of two hours 33 minutes, down by six minutes. Japan leads the way with an average of five hours per day, trailed by the US on four hours 46 minutes.”
What’s At Stake: National Ballet Of Canada Comes To NY
The National Ballet of Canada is back touring, and after a seven year absence, has performed in New York. Being seen in the dance capital is as much about image as dance: “When Americans see that we represent world class standards in the arts, it gives us a different image than mountains and Mounties. A visit such as that of the National Ballet to the Brooklyn Academy is crucial to what we do here.” But the reviews have not been kind, and the theatre was not full. So what now?
Miami Art Museum Chief Steps Down
The Miami Art Museum is losing the only director it has ever known, with Suzanne Delehanty stepping down after nearly 11 years. “Delehanty’s resignation comes at a critical juncture for MAM: a $100 million bond issue passed in November will take the museum to a newer, larger home. And Miami’s art scene has exploded in the last several years, with galleries and private collectors’ warehouses popping up throughout the Design District and Wynwood, and Art Basel Miami Beach bringing thousands of collectors every December. The museum is in the midst of a $75 million fundraising drive.”
In Ohio: Smoking For The Arts
“The Ohio House Finance Committee made a change to the proposed state budget Monday morning that would allow cigarette taxes in Cuyahoga County to be raised by as much as 25 cents per pack to support a countywide arts and cultural district.”
Why You Want To Be A RingHead
Why are people so fanatical about wanting to see Wagner’s Ring cycle? “The enthusiasm of the hardcore “Ring” fans must have a major effect on people wanting to see The Ring” again and again. Compared to the average opera and symphony performance, the rampant exuberance and giddiness of the audience here was infectious and unmatched in all but a few other concert events. Just as important was the camaraderie. Not strangers, this was a group of acquaintances through the common love of “The Ring.” Opera crowds are often icy by nature; this one was inviting. Every time I walked back to my hotel I got in a long conversation about “The Ring” with a different person, most people I had never seen before. Who wouldn’t want to again be a part of a crowd like that if you are remotely into opera? The passion rivaled fans of a team in the playoffs, but with art, music and philosophy on everyone’s lips.”
Sony: Movies That Smell
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.”
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.”