| From today, feel free to download another 25 million songs - legally
Nor is a lack of compatibility with the iPod player expected to put fans off. Apple is unlikely to allow tracks downloaded from its rival to be compatible with iPods, but, while the iPod is the most popular music player, it has not succeeded in dominating the market: sales of the iPod account for 50 million out of 130 million total digital player sales. Qtrax has also spoken of an "iPod solution", to be announced in April. Qtrax files contain Digital Rights Management software, allowing the company to see how many times a song has been downloaded and played. Artists, record companies and publishers will be paid in proportion to the popularity of their music, while also taking a cut of advertising revenues. The Qtrax team, which spent five years working on the system, promised a "game-changing" intervention in the declining recorded music market when the service was presented at the Midem music industry convention in Cannes.
The Observatory
Made in Maryland
Nicole Kidman and Daniel (James Bond) Craig star in an update of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," part of which was filmed in Baltimore over an estimated 45 days in fall of 2005. For a change, Baltimore wasn't just a stand-in for another city, as much of the movie takes place in Charm City.
Ladder 49 (2003)
Joaquin Phoenix portrays a firefighter trapped in a burning building. Confronted with death, the firefighter recalls the events of his life. Look for scenes filmed in Baltimore including the 2003 St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Shamrock 5K Race. Other scenes were filmed around Curtis Bay just south of the Inner Harbor. Directed by Jay Russell. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and John Travolta.
Liberty Heights (1999)
Barry Levinson's fourth film in his Baltimore series.
BC Dorms Consider Switch to Swipe Access
In Barnard College residence halls, the policy dictating security practices seems simple—a desk attendant is stationed at the front entrance of all dorms, and students flash their Barnard IDs when entering. But this may change soon, as safety and security officials are considering switching to swipe access because the current system is prone to error. Barnard Director of Security Dianna Pennetti said at a recent Student Government Association meeting that some have exploited the current policy, flashing Columbia IDs, driver's licenses, MetroCards, or even empty ID holders—and that desk attendants, particularly during busy times when dozens of students are entering at once, are not always able to distinguish with a quick glance the valid IDs from the invalid. “I would prefer the swipe card system because it is safer," Pennetti said at an SGA meeting on Feb.
Curtain Call
One of the opening night leads, Asero (the choreographer), was so perfect as to foil all guesses that she was a last-minute replacement for an ailing star. Bibby has the most impressive voice of all, but Giddings, Juran and Flynt are also excellent singers. Giddings has a fine lilting quality to his voice and a narcissistic but sweet demeanor. Juran’s Pirate King resonates humor and is most watchable for the personal touches he brings to his character. Flynt has a naturally commanding bearing that makes him less of a buffoon than is typical for his role. Their voices blend beautifully, and careful diction makes this the most clearly understandable Pirates that I have ever heard remarkable in light of the dated language and sizable orchestra. In fact, the entire ensemble sings with refreshing tonal and rhythmic precision.
Government orders biggest-ever U.S. beef recall
Officials said it was the largest beef recall in the United States, surpassing a 1999 ban of 35 million pounds of ready-to-eat meats. No illnesses have been linked to the newly recalled meat, and officials said the health threat was probably small. The recall will affect beef products dating to Feb. 1, 2006, that came from Chino-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. , the federal agency said. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer said his department has evidence that Westland did not routinely contact its veterinarian when cattle became non-ambulatory after passing inspection, violating health regulations. "Because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection, Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined them to be unfit for human food and the company is conducting a recall," Schafer said in a statement.
U.S. senator to investigate televangelists, including ORU regents
For more: View the letters from Sen. Chuck Grassley and other documents, read the latest ORU stories and watch slide shows and video.
WASHINGTON -- A veteran U.S. senator announced Tuesday that he is looking into generous salaries, luxury cars and private jets provided to six televangelists, including three who serve as regents for Oral Roberts University. "I'm following up on complaints from the public and news coverage regarding certain practices at six ministries," said Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee. "The allegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces." In his announcement, Grassley revealed he has sent detailed letters .
Apple negotiates for Thai iPhone rights
Apple's latest attempt at negotiating international distribution of the iPhone is in Thailand, according to reports. Reuters cites Prattana Leelapanang, the assistant VP of wireless business marketing for Thailand's Advanced Info Service (AIS); according to Leelapanang, his company is already discussing the details of an arrangement with Apple, including revenue sharing. The last point is particularly notable, as neither Apple nor its telecom partners have in the past admitted to revenue sharing, although it is a widely accepted fact amongst analysts. AIS owns approximately 50 percent of the Thai cellular market, at 24.5 million subscribers. It is not known when the iPhone might premiere with AIS, but there is unlikely to be a rush, as the company is still planning a test of 3G broadband services.
A WEB Q&A WITH BIN LADEN'S NO. 2
Since the announcement, no other issue has been as hotly debated on the al-Qaida-sanctioned jihadist sites. Of course, it doesn't happen every day, either, that one is granted more or less direct access to an al-Qaida leader. There's no doubt that this is a propagandistic act. And terror experts and analysts around the world agree that al-Zawahiri is probably seeking two things: to attract attention, especially in the international media, and to create the impression that his network is wired and uses the latest in communication technologies. As it builds its Web community, al-Qaida is apparently also looking for user-generated content. Al-Qaida Adopts Web 2.0 Despite reports to the contrary, it's not the first time al-Qaida leaders have engaged in Web 2.0 activities.
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