TWO FROM THE BEEB

The IPKat brings you two news items from the BBC - one which was drawn to his attention by Simon Haslam (Abel & Imray), the other of which he found himself.

Fake Coke secret scam

Two men accused of plotting to steal trade secrets from Coca-Cola and sell them to rival PepsiCo pleaded guilty to conspiracy in a US federal court. They now face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. A third defendant stands trial this November, being accused of stealing samples and giving them to the men to sell. According to the BBC the gang were trapped while attempting to steal fake information. The IPKat marvels at such ingenuity.


Oh Sting Where is Thy Death?

Former Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, having committed suicide in 1994, has overtaken Elvis Presley as the highest earning dead celebrity, according to US business website Forbes.com. Presley headed the list for the last four years. Peanuts cartoon creator Charles Schulz was third, followed by John Lennon. Others in the Top Ten are scientist Albert Einstein, artist Andy Warhol, children's author Dr Seuss (Theodor Geisel), soul star Ray Charles, actress Marilyn Monroe and country singer Johnny Cash. Full details of earnings are available from the BBC here.

The IPKat notes the oft-quoted sentiment that death can be an inspired career move. He nonetheless mourns the fact that so many of his old favourites aren't on it. Merpel says, if these people are earning so much when they're dead, just think how much their publishers and recording companies must be making ...

Dead who made money when still alive here
Songs that made money out of death here and here