Predicting hit songs has always been the Holy Grail of the music industry, which has a success rate of only 10 percent. Now, a high-tech company says it has an algorithm that can predict which singles have the best chance of becoming hits, and it’s correct 80 percent of the time.
Music Intelligence Solutions’ program analyzes underlying patterns in each song and compares the mathematical data to successful recordings from a wide range of genres. The data is mapped on a multidimensional grid that shows “clusters” of hits.
For a fascinating in-depth look at this technology, click here. At that same site, there’s a short video that shows how harmonicas are made at the Hohner factory. Too cool.
- Mark Your Calendars for Nov. 5-7 when public television station KIXE hosts its live on-air holiday auction. Lots of interesting art, products and gift certificates on the menu, as well as great deals on travel packages to the California wine country, Lake Tahoe, Palm Springs and other destinations. Go to KIXE’s website here for a full list. The phone-in auction starts each night at 7 p.m.
- The Injury Prevention Coalition of Shasta County has a new tool to battle DUI: An 18-minute film called “It’s About Time — Real Stories of Driving Under the Influence.” The film, which features county residents who’ve been affected by DUI, will be presented to schools and community groups and will be available to all at county libraries. Law enforcement officers are available for live presentations with the film. For more info, call Wendy Millis at 245-6858.
- Did you hear about the guy who was smuggling snakes and lizards under his clothes? This guy in Norway got caught with 14 baby royal pythons and 10 albino leopard geckos under his clothes. He’d put the critters inside bags made from nylon stockings, then duct-taped the packages to his abdomen and legs. What tipped off customs officials? The tarantula in his suitcase. For the whole story, complete with PHOTOS, click here.
- And, yes, Snake Sack would be a great name for a rock band.
Tips appreciated: Send news tidbits to steveb.anewscafe@gmail.com.
