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The University has finally released to the Recording Industry Association of America the names of eight students and one staff member suspected of illegally uploading files. RIAA subpoenaed the names of the individuals, and the University had to honor the subpoenas after reviewing them. The suspects can either settle their cases out of court or take their cases to trial. RIAA has acknowledged that the average settlement in other cases has been about $3,000; in court, the law allows for damages from $750 to $150,000 per song, depending on the number of files shared.

This summer might be the perfect time to consolidate your student loans, thanks to historic lows in interest rates on certain federal loans like the popular Stafford loan. Beginning July 1, the interest rate is likely to drop even further, and if you consolidate between July 1, 2004, and June 30, 2005, you’ll be able to lock in the low rates for the lifetime of the loan. When consolidating, you will always be offered the same interest rate and zero fees under the Federal Consolidation Loan Program, but there are other differences between lenders. The Wall Street Journal offers some tips when choosing the right consolidator:

• Look for discounts that can drop your interest rate or payments over time. (Consolidation rates are set by the federal government, but lenders can offer discounts.)
• Some lenders will offer cash rebates rather than interest rate reductions to those who will make regular payments. You’ll probably save less over time, but it could be helpful if you need cash in the short run.
• Check out automatic-payment programs. Many lenders offer discounts simply for enrolling and additional discounts for people who make on-time payments over a certain period of time.

Summer is here, and what better time to take advantage of outdoor music festivals around the country? Grab some friends, pile into your car and hit the road for the following festivals:

Lollapalooza
Various cities, July/August
Featuring the Pixies, Modest Mouth, PJ Harvey, Wilco and many more.

Bonnaroo
Manchester, Tennessee, June 11-13
Featuring Ani DiFranco, Patti Smith, Dave Matthews, Gillian Welch, Yo La Tengo and more.

Siren Music Festival
Coney Island, New York, July 17
Featuring Death Cab for Cutie, Electric Six, The Thermals and many more.

Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
Falcon Ridge, New York, July 22-25
Featuring Greg Brown, Lucy Kaplansky, Erin McKeown and many more.

Philadelphia Folk Festival
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 27-29
Featuring Taj Mahal, Natalie MacMaster, John Prine, Chris Smither and many more.

Bumbershoot
Seattle, Washington, September 3-6
Featuring the Pixies, Nickelback, Nas and more.

When you head out on those road trips, you can take advantage of the hotel discounts offered to you through your Alumni Association membership. We also offer other discounts that will help make your summer more enjoyable. Some of these include:

• Car rentals and hotels
• Movie tickets, movie rentals and other entertainment
• Tickets to Cedar Point amusement park

Most financial planners will tell you that the best time to start saving for retirement is in your 20s. Why? If you start saving a certain percentage of your income now (for example, 10 percent), you won't have to increase that to 15, 20 or 30 percent later in life in order to be financially secure for retirement. You can stay at 10 percent savings for the rest of your life. But if you wait until you're 30, you'll likely have to start saving 20 percent of your salary and increase that amount as time goes on.

Most people in their 20s are worried about paying back student loans, saving for homes and having fun and may choose not to save for retirement. By the time you're past that stage, however, it will be more difficult to save a higher percentage of your income. Charles Schwab suggests that you start early so you never feel the pinch of having to save a third or more of your income. It will pay off in the long run.