Hollywood writers break off talks

Here we go, the Writers Guild of America’s contract has expired, but at this writing it’s unclear if the union writers will walk off the job. Here’s Variety’s coverage.

The Wall Street Journal breaks down how the value of TV content on DVDs and the internet has been a big issue in negotiations (WSJ sub. req.)

1 comment October 31st, 2007

Wired’s list of disgusting Halloween candy

We’re passing around the candy here at One LR and, mercifully, none of these are in the bowl. Wired is taking reader votes and suggestions for the most horrible, gross, disgusting candy found online. Some leading contenders: Lick Your Wounds (”Pick it, lick it, eat it!”), Box of Boogers, and Cockroach Cluster. (What - no Crunchy Frog?)

2 comments October 31st, 2007

Google launches open APIs for social networks

As teased earlier, Google has just announced a way for developers to build social applications that span more than one social network. It’s called OpenSocial, but it doesn’t work on Facebook or MySpace… yet. So what’s left? Orkut, LinkedIn, hi5, iLike, Slide, Ning, Friendster, and Plaxo.

Oh yeah, and Google’s stock hit $700 today, up 52 percent for the year so far.

5 comments October 31st, 2007

ESPN to stream its NBA games live online

Every NBA game broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2 will be streamed live on ESPN360.com, which is available for free for people who subscribe to a participating broadband service (Verizon). Of course, this raises questions for cable operators who are paying big fees to ESPN for content that now in part is simulcast on the internet. But ESPN is ESPN, and the sports network carries a ton of leverage in cable negotiations.

7 comments October 31st, 2007

Baby born in TV station parking lot

A couple pulled into KRIV-TV’s parking lot after getting stuck in traffic on the way to the hospital, and mom gave birth to baby boy. “All of us were busy working on the morning news when the call came back to the newsroom and we all scattered,” reads the blog on MyFoxHouston. “Everyone started gathering newspapers, plastic and towels to help but the paramedics were already there and had things well in hand.” Of course, the station is now asking for ideas to name the baby (which already has a name, by the way.)

5 comments October 31st, 2007

CNN opens bureau in Second Life

Reuters did this a long time ago, and now CNN is opening a bureau and a bunch of kiosks in Second Life in an effort to solicit more user content for iReport. Just about everyone I know who created an avatar on Second Life have moved on, but I think virtual spaces have tremendous merit as the technology improves — especially if merged with Facebook or an Xbox Live environment.

7 comments October 31st, 2007