• SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Last Update on December 03, 2008 03:07 EST

IN THE NEWS: BLOCKBUSTER TO START SELLING CONCERT TICKETS

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Blockbuster is making moves to become a box office, not just a place to rent or buy box office favorites. The company says it will start selling concert tickets at 500 of its video rental stores. The company has struck a three-year deal to become the main outlet for tickets for concerts staged here in the U.S. by promoter Live Nation. Until now, Live Nation had leaned on a mishmash of department stores, supermarkets and other retail sites set up under a partnership it made with Ticketmaster. The deal between Live Nation and Blockbuster helps get rid of that patchwork arrangement and helps Blockbuster strengthen its effort to become a one-stop center for entertainment.

IN THE NEWS: STATE SENATORS IN N.C. GET LAPTOP ACCESS

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina state senators will finally get to do something lots of other office workers have the ability to do: have a laptop computer on their desk. But they still won't be able to check e-mail or surf the Web while on the floor of the Senate. Starting next month when the Legislature reconvenes, members will be able to use specially outfitted laptops in the chamber. Access to the the Internet will be limited to matters like proposed bills, state laws and Senate rules. And no sites other than those involved with the General Assembly will be allowed. House members in North Carolina have been able to use state-issued laptops on the floor for years with no restrictions. But Senate leaders have frowned on that idea for the chamber, saying it would be a distraction.

ON THE WEB: BSO ON WWW

CYBERSPACE (AP) -- Think of it as iTunes for the high-brow set. The Boston Symphony Orchestra has launched a download service that lets music fans buy new and historical recordings through its Web site. The service currently has 179 previously released by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, and the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra. And early next year, more material will be made available. The tracks are available in both MP3 and HD Surround formats.

On the 'Net:

Boston Symphony Orchestra site: http://www.bso.org