‘Spamalot’ triggers new Hormel product

A play called “Monty Python’s Spamalot” is headed for Broadway, and Hormel Foods Corp. is laughing.

Based on the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” the musical begins previews Feb. 14 at New York’s Shubert Theatre; it also is set for a run in Chicago.

Hormel plans to issue Spam golden honey grail in a collector’s edition can. The product will be available in limited quantities at select New York City retailers in February.

“Spam is the holy grail of canned meats,” said Eric Idle, a Monty Python veteran and lyricist and book writer for the new musical.

Regulation

Supreme Court to hear case on cable access

The Supreme Court agreed Friday to consider whether cable companies must open their high-speed lines to rival Internet providers.

Justices will hear two cases challenging a lower ruling that forces cable companies to share their lines. That October 2003 decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has been stayed pending the outcome of appeals.

At issue is whether cable-based broadband is a “telecommunications service” that makes it subject to strict Federal Communications Commission rules requiring phone companies to provide access to independent providers.

Competition

Boeing reassigns leader of jet sales

Boeing Co., facing another year of being beaten in jetliner deliveries by archrival Airbus, said Friday it was replacing its top commercial jet salesman with an executive who had led the firm’s efforts to sell high-speed Internet services to airlines.

Toby Bright, the executive vice president for commercial airplane sales ousted in the move, “will be accepting new responsibilities in Boeing Commercial Airplanes,” the company said in a statement.

Bright will be replaced by Scott Carson, who has been head of Connexion by Boeing, the company’s in-flight Internet service venture, since 2000.

Leadership

Disney dissidents end CEO ouster bid

Two former board members of The Walt Disney Co., including the son of the company’s co-founder, have ended their yearlong campaign to oust CEO Michael Eisner and force other changes at the media giant.

Stanley Gold and Roy E. Disney, son of Roy O. Disney and nephew to Walt, said Friday they would not run a challenge slate of directors at next year’s board meeting. Friday was the deadline for filing an alternate slate.