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We've got the music business singing the blues with record sales down across the chart. Do you think the music from 2001 stacks up to that of previous years?

Film sequels are a mixed blessing. If an action movie holds my attention, I can't wait to see the sequel: same characters, same actors, new adventures. And if the first film was successful, studios are more than willing to oblige. So <I>Jurassic Park</I> begat <I>The Lost World</I>, which begat <I>Jurassic Park III</I>. But the results are often unsatisfying.

As we wrap up the year, what do you consider the best CD/LP/SACD/DVD-A release from 2001?

Genesis Technologies, one of the audio industry's most respected names throughout the 1990s, has ceased operation and has filed for protection from creditors under Chapter 7 of US bankruptcy law. The company's website (www.gen-tech.com) has gone dark. Genesis was more than a million dollars in debt near the end, according to a source familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

It's widely acknowledged that the American economy is in a downturn, but some economic indicators point otherwise.

Well known in the European audiophile community, British hi-fi manufacturer <A HREF="http://www.cyrusaudio.com">Cyrus Electronics</A> is preparing for the introduction of its brand in America. The company says it plans to use the upcoming 2002 Consumer Electronics Show next month to scout out US dealers and introduce several new products.

My friend Ed (not necessarily his name) used to be an audiophile. Ed had a great-sounding pair of floorstanding Joseph speakers, optimally placed so as to create a magic soundstage when he sat in the sweet spot. His component rack featured such famous high-end names as Mark Levinson, Meridian, and Z-Systems. But then Ed went DSL and discovered MP3s. Pretty soon, he was hanging as many hard drives on his PC as he could manage. His Josephs and his Levinson CD player gathered dust. Ed was enjoying his music sitting in front of his high-end Dell, with an active NHT Pro mini on either side of the monitor.