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Commentator Jeremy Rifkin says in the world where we measure nano-seconds and have every time-saving device imaginable, we still find ourselves without free time. Our culture is obsessed with efficiency. Rifkin is looking for a paradigm that replaces efficiency with sufficiency.

Commentator David Fleischaker blames high gas prices around the country on consumers who drive gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles. He suggests leaders could help by educating consumers, encouraging exploration for oil and gas, and mandating minimum mileage. Fleischaker is an independent oil and gas producer who lives in Oklahoma City.

NPR's Debbie Elliott tells Linda Wertheimer a Florida jury has ordered tobacco companies to pay more than 144-Billion dollars in punitive damages to sick smokers.

NPR's Chris Arnold reports the Internet music company Napster has been hauled into court by the music industry for its popular system that allows people to download copyrighted music for free. But even if the recording industry prevails, its battle against web piracy may have just begun. There's a new breed of free music services that go beyond Napster's technology.

NPR's Michele Kelemen reports on a dispute at the highest levels of the Russian military. A long-standing personal rivalry between the defense minister and the chief of general staff broke into the open this week. The chief of staff suggested scaling back Russia's strategic missile force. The defense minister called the idea "madness." President Vladimir Putin has so far refused to take sides.

Film critic Bob Mondello reviews The Five Senses, a drama from director/screenwriter Jeremy Podeswa. The movie follows five story lines -- one for each of the five senses -- which all interconnect.

The Taliban took over Kabul a month ago. How is the U.S. dealing with the group's interim government in Afghanistan and what challenges lie ahead?

NPR's Linda Gradstein reports thousands of Israeli settlers in the West Bank could face a tough decision if the ongoing summit talks at Camp David produce a final peace accord. Some of the settlers could well have to choose between finding new homes inside Israel or staying where they are, as Jews in an independent Palestinian state.

Kate Seelye reports from a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, where there is little optimism about the ongoing summit at Camp David. The refugees want to return to the homes they fled during past Arab-Israeli wars, but few believe the summit will make that possible.

Director and Screenwriter ANTHONY MINGHELLA. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for the 1996 film The English Patient. The movie also won the Oscar for Best Picture. His film The Talented Mr. Ripley, starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Cate Blanchett is out on video. The film is based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith. (ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12/22/99) 12:28:30 FORWARD PROMO (1:29)12:29:00 I.D. BREAK (:59)12: