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Features

FEATURES

Universal unveils CD copy-proof technology

Dan Julian
January 25, 2002

CD-duplicating gurus may find themselves getting burned in the near future. Record companies have noticed a decline in sales this past year, and Universal Records spokesman Bob Bernstein said it’s due to the accessibility of CD burners and free music Internet sites. “Like the rest of the entertainment industry, Universal Music Group is evaluating emerging technologies to assess their viability in controlling the growing problem of unauthorized copying, duplication and dissemination,” Bernstein said in a written statement. In response to these barriers, Universal released an album in December with a copy-proof feature. The soundtrack “More Fast and Furious” contains a sticker that explains the presence of copy protection and that some playback difficulties may persist. “The integration of copy-protection technology into some of our CDs is a first step in measuring its effectiveness in a quickly evolving marketplace,” Bernstein said. “When music is made available without permission, the appropriate licenses, artists and other creators are deprived of their livelihoods.” Universal Music Group and Warner Bros.

FEATURES

Napster to introduce its fee-based system

Leslie Escobar
January 25, 2002

Napster’s back, but the free music’s not. A seemingly endless amount of copyrighted music, once the enticement of the program, will no longer be made available in the same way. The newest Napster creation is an attempt to satisfy both artists and listeners by offering some copyrighted files - at a cost. Users will pay an estimated $5 to $10 a month per 50 downloads when Napster is released, and will be able to pay extra if they want to have access to more music, a Napster spokesman who wished to remain anonymous said. Although a large amount of material will be available for downloads when Napster is released to the public after March, only about 110,000 tracks are available now, he said. A tentative version of the new Napster was launched Jan.

FEATURES

Winter trends blend funk, denim, warmth

Michelle Matthews
January 25, 2002

Trend followers, creators and haters share a common goal these days - staying warm.Right now getting dressed for the cold can be fun, thanks to hot fashion trends that leave room for style, comfort and individuality without sacrificing warmth.

FEATURES

Check out In the Mood for Love

Drew Harmon
January 25, 2002

Anyone hoping to get the chance to see some very intriguing foreign film on the big screen this weekend is in luck - The East Lansing Film Society is showing “In the Mood for Love” starting today.

FEATURES

Been Taken a good choice for U

Tanee Elston
January 25, 2002

The MSU Department of Theatre presents “Been Taken,” which focuses on many issues young people deal with in the process of maturing. Leading cast member Andy Towler (John) said preparing for this play was more of a challenge because of playwright Roger Hedden’s presence. “The opportunity to work with the person who actually wrote the material was exciting,” said Towler, a theater graduate student.

FEATURES

Napster to introduce its fee-based system

Leslie Escobar
January 25, 2002

Napster’s back, but the free music’s not.A seemingly endless amount of copyrighted music, once the enticement of the program, will no longer be made available in the same way.The newest Napster creation is an attempt to satisfy both artists and listeners by offering some copyrighted files - at a cost. Users will pay an estimated $5 to $10 a month per 50 downloads when Napster is released, and will be able to pay extra if they want to have access to more music, a Napster spokesman who wished to remain anonymous said.Although a large amount of material will be available for downloads when Napster is released to the public after March, only about 110,000 tracks are available now, he said.A tentative version of the new Napster was launched Jan.

FEATURES

Chrome Flies to perform with Cruella

Dan Julian
January 24, 2002

Eric Winebrenner admits it’s difficult to captivate audiences nowadays, especially when the crowd isn’t familiar with his band’s music.“You’ve really got to have something to offer,” said the guitarist of the Detroit-based Chrome Flies.

FEATURES

Gosford Park a boring snob-fest

Drew Harmon
January 24, 2002

There are two types of British entertainment on PBS. There are the long, boring movies that last an entire Sunday and consist of people drinking tea and riding horses. And then there’s “Are You Being Served?”. My sister introduced me to the show years ago, having gotten addicted to it herself, thanks to my family not having cable while growing up.

FEATURES

Globetrotters return to Breslin

Leslie Escobar
January 24, 2002

One of the last times the Harlem Globetrotters made an appearance in East Lansing, they were subject to a whooping by the MSU men’s basketball team. And memories of the Globetrotters’ 72-68 loss to the team in November 2000 still linger. But an enjoyable time was still had by all. “It was good, we had a great crowd,” said Globetrotters 6-foot-9, 265-pound forward Otis Key.

FEATURES

Fan wins chance to sing Star-Spangled Banner

Leslie Escobar
January 24, 2002

Hearing “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung 12 times in a row can be a bit much to take for some.And singing it can be even harder.But Lansing resident Amanda Cena did both and earned a chance to sing the national anthem at the Harlem Globetrotters show on Saturday at Breslin Center.Lansing radio station WFMK (99.1-FM) sponsored “Oh Say Can You Sing,” a singing contest Saturday at Meridian Mall in Okemos.“My sister told me that she heard the advertisement on the radio,” said Cena, 33.

FEATURES

Artist breaks the rules on latest

Valentin Narvaez broke all the rules when he recorded his solo record. By writing and performing every instrument on this album, he did something that other artists attempting the same feat have failed to do - he made a fine sounding recording. “The Stars are Bombs Luring Overhead” segues to a combination of what would happen if rock band The Cars got funky, but progresses into an easy-going tune with a solid beat. “Red Skies” is held together by a familiar indie-rock drum pattern, and Narvaez’s vocals are soothing and melancholy at the same time.

FEATURES

Weekend guide

Friday • The Campus Center presents the Shake It Fast Dance Contest with DJ Kutz from 10 p.m.

FEATURES

Wit is worth a visit

Tanee Elston
January 23, 2002

There is just one word to describe the Pulitzer Prize winning play “Wit”: astonishing.“Wit” is the heartfelt story of Vivian Bearing, a scholar and professor of English who is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer.

FEATURES

Webb weaves a good tale

Simplicity can be the most powerful form of expression.Trying to convey a statement with unnecessary words and phrases is annoying, but describing something in its simple, bare state helps the reader relate more.Best known for his 1962 novel, “The Graduate,” Charles Webb hits the mark of simplicity in its truest fashion with his ninth book, “New Cardiff.” His modern-day love story contains enough subtle humor to give it a partial thumbs up to contemporary literature buffs.The story revolves around Colin, an artist from England who is immersed in his drawings.While taking part in his other favorite pastime, reading, Colin finds a trend that applies to him, where the heartbroken tend to escape to another country to find happiness when a relationship goes awry.Colin attempts to reverse that literary trend after a sour breakup with his fiancee Vera - she mailed him a wedding invitation to her wedding with her new fiance the day before the scheduled wedding - by venturing to America.He finds solace in a quaint little Vermont town called New Cardiff.