A recent poll taken by Variety indicated that 77% of moviegoers stated that they were not willing to pay an extra $2 for improved security at cinemas (with 52% saying they weren't willing to pay $1) - I totally agree with them.
What's all of this pay extra for services that should come free-of-charge. Checked bags at airlines, 15-20% automatic gratuity at restaurants, extra per-day fees for use of hotel amenities, fee for this, that, and the other, up-charges for large screened cinema auditoriums - all in the name of higher profits. I'm sick of it!
Now cinemas want an extra fee for having a safe place for moviegoers to visit. You've got to be kidding. If cinemas don't get the security up-charge fees does that mean cinemas are now unsafe public venues? This makes no logical sense for cinemas from a marketing standpoint and will deter moviegoers.
What's to say that an extra $1 or $2 will make patrons more secure? Precisely what do I, as a patron, get for the extra charge? A cinema staff that takes a security training course? Armed guards? Closed circuit cameras in all auditoriums monitored for suspicious characters? Metal detectors and security entry checks? Or perhaps nothing, and the cinema pockets the up-charge.
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| Cash pickup by armored truck at cinema |
When I go to a public place, be it a cinema, shopping mall, arena, etc. I automatically assume that security is provided. That a trained staff is on tap to help in situations ranging from lost car keys to a lost child. God knows that huge amounts are spent preventing shoplifting and pilferage and that includes cinemas. So, I expect to receive security when I go to a cinema without having to be charged a fee for my safety. Cinema exhibitors currently spend lots on securing their property - box offices with bullet-proof glass, armored truck cash pickups or bank safe-deposit drops several times per day, key-coded locks on projection rooms, etc. all for the protection and security of the cinema but none for the moviegoer!
The idea of moviegoers paying for their own security is a very bad one - period. 77% of the folks know it and don't like the idea. Cinemas should be providing security for their patrons -NOW! I believe that if several more cinema shooting incidents occur people will seriously think twice about going to the movies - I know I will.
Minions Used For Drug Smuggling
New York City police busted a massive drug ring that was using 'Minions' and 'Frozen' toys to smuggle huge quantities of cocaine into Manhattan.
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| Minion toys were stuffed with cocaine |
NYC police intercepted numerous packages containing pounds of cocaine valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The packages were addressed to people with fake names and were wrapped to look like birthday presents. In addition to the toys there were wireless internet router boxes full of drugs.
Like straight out of a movie script, police worked backwards using wiretaps, surveillance, and various undercover drug buys. The investigation moved from low-level operators through the ranks, until the masterminds of the scheme were reached. 71 total charges were issued against the seven major perpetrators - all have pleaded not guilty. All are being held without bail pending trial.
The poor Minions. Why pick on them? They are jolly, fun-loving characters that shouldn't be used for nefarious deeds. Using them, in itself, should be a criminal offence.
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