Turnbulled

Some TVs Go Directly Online for Streaming Movies

Several manufacturers are putting Web connectivity into their TV sets as movies streamed directly from the Internet have become more popular.

http://s.nyt.com/u/D3M

After Mickey’s Makeover, Less Mr. Nice Guy

For years, the Disney character was squeaky clean. His makeover will start with the release of a video game in which he can be cantankerous and cunning.

http://s.nyt.com/u/D3G

http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2009/11/03/turning-out-the-lights-proquo/

From Wall Street Journal.  List of venture backed companies that shut down this year.  My favorite company made the list

SplashCast Corp., Portland, Ore. – The company, which lets people watch television shows within social networking sites, was unable to raise new funding and decided to shut down. In March 2008, SplashCast announced $4 million in Series A financing led by Australian media and advertising veteran Mark Bayliss with participation from angel group Emergent Growth Fund.

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=116652

With the noise level rising over consumers possibly paying a fee for TV shows online, now comes a report that iTunes is considering an all-you-can eat $30-a-month TV service.

A new subscription service would turn iTunes into a pseudo cable and satellite TV operator — a company that charges monthly fees for traditional TV/cable networks. The difference is that iTunes service would be sans advertising. Shows would not be distributed via linear networks — but, as iTunes does now, by program.

http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/31/scamville-the-social-gaming-ecosystem-of-hell/

From The New York Times:

SMALL-BUSINESS GUIDE: The New Rules of Angel Investing

The deal makers still exist, but they are pickier and less tolerant of risk.

http://s.nyt.com/u/WJh

From The New York Times:

Web Marketer Ordered to Pay Facebook $711 Million in Anti-Spam Case

Facebook sued Sanford Wallace for accessing users’ accounts without their permission and sending phony posts and messages.

http://s.nyt.com/u/WKX

http://blog.oregonlive.com/siliconforest/2009/10/playing_with_blazers_new_onlin.html

I'll pay for it (it needs to be all games, not just the subset on local broadcast TV). 

From the Oregonian's Mike Rogoway:

The real goal is to expand this for Comcast's exclusive games for fans who aren't in Comcast's service territory or aren't subscribers. Mensah told me Comcast is contemplating the idea in several markets, and has indicated the service might be available at the start of 2010.

The Tiny Leader of the Pack

Reva, which has been making stubby electric cars for eight years, may be the dark horse of the industry.

http://s.nyt.com/u/Wgu