NASA-commissioned Songs Released as Juno Spacecraft Closes in on Jupiter
About five years ago, NASA launched the Juno spacecraft probe to study Jupiter by entering its orbit which is scheduled for the 4th of July this year. To celebrate Juno’s entrance into Jupiter’s orbit, NASA and Apple apparently asked some American musicians to compose original tracks to mark the occasion, as the world is finding out today. So far, Weezer has released a power ballad dedicated to the ol’ U.S. of A., and Trent Reznor and his long-time collaborator Atticus Ross have created a chilling soundscape congruent with the Oscar-winning duo’s soundtrack work. Will more of these surprise songs spring up as the day goes on? Who knows? For now, purchasing and streaming of these tunes is only available via iTunes and Apple Music.
Apple Patents Technology That Can Disable iPhone Cameras at Concerts
Two days ago, Apple patented a technology that would allow certain venues and/or artists to disable iPhone cameras at concerts. Carrying out the technology would involve installing infrared sensors at venues or on stages that would detect the iPhone users camera, and simply disable its use therefore blocking the user from filming the show and inevitably annoying many concertgoers standing behind the perp. So far, Apple has yet to directly comment on the patent or its intent for the technology.
Lady Gaga Banned from China for Meeting with Dalai Lama
China has banned popstar and actress Lady Gaga from its country…again. This time, it was for meeting with the Dalai Lama last Sunday to discuss “the power of kindness and how to make the world a more compassionate place.” As a result, China’s propaganda department released an immediate cease and desist issue banning media outlets from distributing or uploading Gaga’s music, while broadcasters were instructed to publicly condemn the pop star and her meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader. How strictly Lady Gaga’s ban is being enforced is speculative at best.
-Taylor Wallace
