ETC. — 6/3
“ETC.” is a semi-weekly compilation of news stories in Entertainment, Technology, and everything in between and slightly outside of them (Cetera). With a critical (yet loving) voice, we’ll attempt to give perspective with a dash of sarcasm and humor. As this is a developing project, please forgive the blemishes and wrinkles.
INTRODUCING: CAITLYN JENNER
She’s the talk of Hollywood and beyond. It’s kind of amazing seeing the frequency and amplitude of coverage over an event that is not quite that groundbreaking. What assists in the coverage are the Jenner and Kardashian names, which we don’t follow or cover. However, the potential this story could serve towards others who are struggling with similar difficult situations cannot and should not be undermined. We live in a world where the LGBTQ community is breaking ground around us where courage and strength are needed. If this helps one person, then huzzah!
GAME OF THRONES: HARDHOME (The singularity when book readers and TV-only fans joined together in awed harmony)
It’s been fair to asses this fifth season of Game of Thrones as lackluster (moving chess pieces with no consequences), disappointing (Dorne and the Sand Snakes), and tiresome with some it’s go-to acts (you know what we mean). As we edge out from the book source, both camps of fans walk together, not knowing where the show is taking them. Episode 8 of Season 5 brought them to a place where they both want to be: wondrous, fearful (for the right reasons), exhilarated, and theorizing.
BEFORE AND AFTER SPECIAL EFFECTS PICTURES FROM MAD MAX: FURY (Those classes in Photoshop finally pay off)
We haven’t seen MAD MAX: FURY ROAD because honestly: not a cup of our tea. However, many trusted sources have been lauding the movie and yeah, we’re interested now. Even without seeing the movie, these before and after shots display the wise mix of practical effects layered with post production visual effects. It warms the cynical heart knowing that some Hollywood blockbuster movies see the value of utilizing practical sets and shots and executing quite flawlessly.
http://www.fxguide.com/featured/a-graphic-tale-the-visual-effects-of-mad-max-fury-road/
FIFA PRESIDENT SEPP BLATTER ABRUPTLY RESIGNS FOUR DAYS AFTER BEING RE-ELECTED (U!-S!-A!, U!-S!-A!, U!-S!-A!, U!-S!-A!)
It has been a tumultuous week for the soccer governing body. Last week, Swiss authorities raided the Zurich FIFA headquarters and arrested several high ranking officials via a U.S. investigation of the corrupt organization (hello! U.S./Swiss extradition laws!). Two days later, the embattled president was re-elected while the eyes of the world collectively rolled. A short four days later, he resigns. Shocked noises everywhere. Russia is angry (LOL Putin). The world celebrates. And all because of the United States. Oh and we await to see John Oliver bathe in Bud Light Lime on Sunday. Happy days are here again!
“YAHOO TO HOST FIRST-EVER FREE GLOBAL LIVESTREAM OF AN NFL GAME” (… [reads]… [reads]… oh Jaguars vs. Bills)
Beating out Facebook and YouTube, the first livestream of an NFL game will be hosted on Yahoo. It’s touted as being the “first free” event, since one can stream in-season games via paid services. A grand step for the Internet presence of live events, but then again… ehhh it’s a Jaguars and Bills game (sigh). And from London (woo a 9:30am ET kick off). Maybe one can say that if it was a marquee match-up, that servers may crack under traffic pressure (because LOL Jags/Bills won’t) and this is just a test.
http://adage.com/article/media/nfl-livestream-regular-season-game-yahoo/298866/
FOUNDER OF ONLINE DRUG MARKET PLACE SILK ROAD SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON (With great digital power, comes great responsibility)
Ross Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of narcotics conspiracy, engaging in continuing criminal enterprise and other similar charges. Though considered a harsh sentence from the presiding judge, it is meant to serve as a warning that a drug dealer is a drug dealer (or, insert other felonious crimes) no matter the technique or method. “You are no better a person than any other drug dealer. Your education doesn’t make you different, and makes this more inexplicable,” the judge said to Ulbricht during the sentencing.
http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/29/8687583/prison-sentence-ross-ulbricht-guilty-silk-road-dread-pirate-roberts
NETFLIX IS TESTING ADS (Or something)
Big data comin’! Some Netflix users were reportedly seeing some post and pre-roll ads while viewing content. That was the initial reporting from Cord Cutter News, and after our highlight of Netflix using their data for various testing from two weeks ago (prescient!), this wasn’t as surprising since adding branded advertising could be seen as a next logical step. However, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings later posted on his Facebook account the following: “No advertising coming onto Netflix. Period. Just adding relevant cool trailers for other Netflix content you are likely to love.” At this time, we remain skeptical that ads have NOT been tested on a small sample or that they may not start down the road (because of course you have to! It’s an added revenue stream that the company may or may not have to tap into).
http://cordcuttersnews.com/netflix-starts-testing-pre-roll-ads/
https://www.facebook.com/reed1960/posts/10153135896969584
THE DOCUMENTED SPORTS HOT HAND FALLACY WAS A FALLACY (Don’t you EVER doubt NBA Jam, nerds!)
http://www.vox.com/2015/6/3/8719731/hot-hand-fallacy
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH CABLE/INTERNET PROVIDERS IS… (Do you really need to click to see results?)
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/06/02/customer-satisfaction-with-tv-internet-and-phone-service-at-7-year-low-study-finds/
PROGRAMMATIC SPENDING ON THE RISE (The humans are dead/ I poked one and it was dead)
http://adage.com/article/advertising/programmatic-today-tomorrow/298836/
