March to beat of your own drum
Software program Hammerhead Rhythm Station allows users to create drum beats on their computers without requiring any musical skill.
The program can be downloaded from www.threechords.com/hammerhead, and the user is not asked or required to provide any information or money in exchange.
The program is laid out like a small mixing board. It has six channels, allowing users to select one of 29 different built-in drum sounds, such as snare or kick drums and cymbals, for each channel.
Each drum sound can then be assigned to any part of the rhythm measure. When the drumbeat is complete, it can be looped over to create the beat of almost any genre.
-Joe Renaud
Fans kick back at Crew site
Ohio’s Major League Soccer team, the Columbus Crew, has an official Web site to provide soccer fans with information about the team and current events.
The Web site, at www.TheCrew.com, has information about upcoming games, statistics for Crew players, an archive of previous game scores and league standings, a history of the team/stadium, and editorial stories about the Crew and MLS written by the staff of the site.
The site has a fan community, where there are posted quotes from e-mails sent in by fans as well as a forum for fans to speak directly with each other about soccer.
Ticket prices and availability for upcoming matches can be found online, and a link to Ticketmaster is provided for those wishing to make a purchase over the Internet.
-Joe Renaud
New eMac keeps desk clutter small
A new Macintosh computer, the eMac, will be introduced to the market in May.
The “e,” which stands for education, is being targeted for widespread educational use as a space-saving, all-in-one design that will easily fit on desks and in computer labs.
Without multiple cords to connect monitors to computers, the one-unit eMac keeps desktop clutter to a minimum.
The 17-inch flat CRT screen displays nearly 40 percent more viewing area.
Included are 16-watt stereo speakers, a CD-recordable drive and easy Web-access. The eMac also comes with a choice of two optical drives, CD-ROM or a Combo drive for storing classroom projects on data CDs or for watching DVD movies.
It is priced between $999 and $1,199.
-Caroline Soltesz
Audio system amplifies car ride
Imagine hitting the open road with thousands of your favorite songs in your car. The newest car audio system promises the ultimate mobile digital music experience.
The PhatBox stores, accesses and catalogs thousands of digital music files. It was designed to simplify the creation and organization of extensive digital music. These MP3s can be played and scanned using a compatible in-dashboard car stereo, the PhatNoise Car Audio System.
The PhatNoise, a music manager, uses the CD changer controls on your existing car stereo to play and navigate songs and playlists.
The PhatBox, priced at $900, is only sold through authorized Kenwood dealers.
-Caroline Soltesz
Whiplock security: bike safety assured
The Whiplock offers a no-hassle, lightweight approach to securing bicycles around campus.
Weighing only 6 ounces, the 20.75-inch Whiplock can be stored inside bicycle handlebars until needed. It will fit all handlebars with a diameter from 17.5-23.5 mm according to their Web site at www.whiplock.com.
Constructed from steel aircraft cable, the lock can withstand 2600 pounds of tension. Its zinc alloy protects against corrosion and the PVC sleeve covering prevents scratching to the bicycle surface, the Web site said.
All of this is offered for $24.95, with no additional shipping charges. A one year warranty is included.
-Amanda Hardesty
Wake with N’Sync every morning
The Download Musical Alarm Clock offers an alternative to the grating buzzer alarm clock by allowing owners to download the MP3, CD or audio files of their choice.
A 50-second personalized alarm can be created by the user with PC software and cable provided with the alarm clock, according to www.sharperimage.com.
The clock offers a sweep second hand, glow-in-the-dark hands and transparent antennae which flash when the alarm sounds.
The $39.95 price includes a 90 day warranty but not the three AA batteries necessary.
-Amanda Hardesty
Congress mandates all use digital cable
Hoping to ultimately improve the television experience for everyone in the country, Congress has mandated the eventual use of digital cable by all television viewers.
The 2006 deadline set by Congress will enable all American viewers to receive “crisper pictures, interactive capabilities and simultaneous programming.”
There are issues surrounding not only the manufacturing of the expensive equipment, but also concerns about the projected losses in revenue by the television industry itself.
Congress and the television industry are still negotiating in order to solidify the arrangement and provide fair distribution of digital cable.
-Peggy Scott
New version of BMW Mini offered
The British Motor Corporation introduced a new version of the BMW Mini automobile March 22.
The new Mini will be offered in two models: the base Mini Cooper and the sportier Mini Cooper S. They will sell from $16,830-$19,300.
The outside follows the look of the old Mini but with subtle stylistic changes. Buyers have options such as 17-inch wheels, leather seats, automatic air conditioning and more.
The Mini Cooper is powered by a 1.6-liter engine creating 115 horsepower and 110 pounds per foot of torque. The Mini Cooper S has 163 horsepower and 155 pounds per foot of torque.
Minis can be leased or bought in the traditional way or purchased through a new style of lease. The Mini motoring lease allows buyers to set the amount of miles for which they would like to lease the Mini. This lease option is in place of the limit usually set by automobile manufacturers, which is 12,000 or 15,000 miles per year with fees for additional miles.
-Miriam Dick
