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The article reports on business conditions in the U.S. computer software industry. Large software companies and independent software vendors are invading one another's software turf. The competition is a boon for consumers in terms of a price decline but not for software companies, which will see their profit margins squeezed. INSET: LINKING ALL THE COMPANY DATA: WE'RE NOT THERE YET.

The article looks at AIDS issues in the U.S. workplace as of 1987. Discrimination against AIDS sufferers indicate the need to educate employees about AIDS transmission. Companies that have developed AIDS policies include Levi Strauss, Pacific Telesis and Syntex Corp. The disease continues to be concentrated among homosexuals, bisexual males and intravenous drug users. Other issues discussed are AIDS testing by insurance firms, HIV antibody testing and dismissal of workers with AIDS. INSET: VOLUNTEERS, HOME CARE, AND MONEY: HOW SAN FRANCISCO HAS MOBILIZED.

Reports that the medical industry is rapidly trying to gain control over infectious diseases as the death rate from those infections surges. Pharmaceutical companies increasing their effort to find new drugs, vaccines, and other treatments to fight viruses; Reasons why progress is needed; Microbes mutating new defenses to fight existing treatments; Headlines relating to infectious diseases.

This article reports that with its daring bid to acquire MCI Communications Corp., Bernard J. Ebbers, chairman of WorldCom Inc., is planning to build WorldCom into a new kind telecommunication empire. MCI and WorldCom own two of the biggest chunks of the Internet-which could raise antitrust concerns there as well. According to market researcher Yankee Group Research Inc., the two companies control 57% of the consumer Internet access market. According to Melanie A. Posey, a senior Internet analyst at International Data Corp., This merger has to have some anti-competitive implications. The specter of WorldCom-MCI racing out ahead has executives across the communications industry pondering a new landscape. The new company is likely to become the biggest threat to the small firms in the $100 billion local telephone market. INSETS: THE COMBINED COMPANY;HOW WORLDCOM DEALT ITS WAY INTO THE BIG TIME;`This is the official day the telecom...,' by Catherine Arnst.

The article discusses issues involving General Motors Corp. (GM), which shut down half of its Pontiac and Chevrolet assembly operations in Van Nuys, California. This move led to the setting up of a team production system by the GM executives. Accordingly, becoming a catalyst for change in the automobile industry is possible through this Van Nuys experiment. GM has been trying to consider adopting Japanese style-plants. However, it resulted to bitter intra-union battles at several GM facilities.

Reports on the trend towards deregulation of voice-telecommunications in Europe. Fears of fallout; Projected consequences; Investment by telecommunication companies; Status of wireless communications; Price-cutting moves; Creation of partnerships.

Discusses the Anheuser-Busch Cos.' efforts to gain markets overseas. Goal of the brewery division; Additional investment and marketing plans; Partnerships with foreign breweries; Presence of rival Miller Brewing Co.; Expected gains in operations for 1993.

The article profiles Roland W. "Tiny" Rowland, a business magnate in Africa. Rowland is recognized for his expertness in buyout acquisition over American oil involvement in Libya. His successful buyout deals include the Tehran and Tripoli disputations as well as the U.S. oil and gas holdings. He is recognized for his various investments including the platinum mine, and Hondo Oil & Gas partnership. Mt. Kenya Safari Club recognized as one of the most successful buyout deal made by Roland.

The article underlines the business strategy which Roger W. Johnson has applied to boost the business growth of Western Digital Corp. When Johnson took over as chief executive in 1982, this company was suffering from great losses. Its inability to compete with companies like Intel Corp. and Texas Instruments Inc. is considered as a prime factor for this development. When he took over, Western earned $43 million on sales of $463 million.

The article describes how Los Angeles, California-based Chiat/Day Advertising was able to win the $150 million account from Nissan Motor Corp. USA. Chiat/Day was able to win over Chicago,Illinois-based Tatham-Laird and Kudner. This advertising account is projected to increase Chiat/Day' s billing to $500 million.

The article examines the impact of the immigration law on illegal labor in the United States. According to the authors, the number of illegal immigrants caught by the Border Patrol has declined as much as 60 percent since the debate on the immigration law started. The Immigration and Naturalization Service warns, though, that the decline might not last unless employers looking for cheap labor are convinced that the law will be tightly enforced.

The article reports on computer companies' development of erasable optical disks for storing data. It predicts that erasable optical memories could replace magnetic hard and floppy computer disks. The International Business Machines Corp. has launched its optical memory which is developed by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. for its personal computers.

The article reports on the plans of John W. Amerman, chairman of Mattel Inc., to boost the sales of the company after a weak first quarter results and a loss of $1 million on sales of $1.06 billion in 1987. Threatened by the reaction of its shareholders, Amerman worked with management consultants McKinsey & Co. He plans to cut about 200 jobs from the executive ranks to help reduce administrative costs and looks forward to relocate its operation in areas with low labor costs.

The article reports that the immigration reform law passed by U.S. Congress in 1986 has created a crisis of its own, as immigrants and companies alike try to comply with a statute that they do not totally comprehend. For the companies, the problem is the increased volume of paperwork, employee turnover, and possible labor shortages. For both legal and illegal immigrants, the result is lost jobs and discrimination. INSET: HOW THE NEW IMMIGRATION LAW AFFECTS EMPLOYERS.

The article reports that Thousand Oaks, California-based biotechnology firm Amgen has developed a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) that is able to produce red blood cells. Clinical tests have shown that EPO corrected anemia and abolished the need for blood transfusions in all 25 kidney-dialysis patients. EPO was able to these without significant side effects.

The article discusses the business management of Irvine Co., a firm owned by Donald Bren. The company is involved in developing, building, managing and owning several commercial and residential properties. However, a problem arise when Bren's plan to develop fully the Irvine Ranch is under attacked by anti-growth activists. An overview of its business plan and management are offered. Also, Bren's law suit over Joan Irvine is discussed.

The article offers information on the development of Long Beach, California. It is stated that Long Beach is attracting number of ships loaded with goods from East Asia, and is attracting lot of U.S. and Asian development money. It is noted that developers have invested about $770m in several new projects in Long Beach. It is stated that Michael J. Choppin, chairman of Long Beach developer IDM Corp., along with Japan's Kajima International Inc. is building a $550m world trade center in the city.

The article reports on the drug developed by ICN Pharmaceuticals Inc. to treat patients with AIDS. Scientists have criticized the company's clinical data which showed that its proprietary drug, ribavirin, prevented AIDS from developing in patients infected with the deadly virus. However, despite the criticisms, Milan Panic, ICN Chairman, showed enthusiasm for ribavirin during a conference sponsored by ICN.

The article highlights the success of the advertising work of the Los Angeles, California-based Keye/Donna/Pearlstein for car maker Suzuki. K/D/P opened a small office in Atlanta, Georgia to service the Suzuki automotive account. The agency has experienced profit growth and expanded its market to other national accounts such as International Business Machines' Rohm Corp. and Microsoft among others.

The article reports on the financial ranking of the baseball team Los Angeles Dodgers. The revenues of the team in 1986 is expected to hi 42 million dollars. The Dodgers is considered to be the sport's most profitable enterprise. The Dodgers is the only baseball club managed with consistent professionalism.

The article discusses the career developments of several executives from the International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) who transferred to other companies in the computer industry in the U.S. Dan H. Wilkie transferred to Tandon Corp. to become its president after working with IBM for 18 years. Richard E. Greene who belongs to the Golden Circle top salesmen left to become the founder and chairman of Data Switch Corp. Bob O. Evans moved to Hambrecht & Quist, Inc. to become its president. INSET: WHERE IBM GRADS GO, BOB McGRATH FOLLOWS.

The article discusses the marketing strategy of Michael P. De Angelo, the chairman of Clothestime Inc. in Anaheim, California, who made his company one of the most successful specialty retailer in the U.S. It is stated that his talent for driving a hard bargain helps the great sales performance of the company. The overall performance of the company has earned a slot on the journal's list of the best small growth companies in the country.

The article discusses the plans of Walter L Weisman in his 25-year-old hospital chain, American Medical International Inc., which is not performing well. When he became chief executive, he slashed operating budgets and fired hundreds of employees and prepared write-downs which in turn resulted to a loss. However, he had his own strategy to keep companies which are planning to takeover, away. Weisman believes that he can prevent such companies to take advantage.

A letter to the editor is presented concerning the creation of a united Filipino community in Los Angeles, California.

The article provides some insights into investing in collectibles in the United States. A scandal in art investments began when David C. Bathurst resigned as president of the auction house Christie Manson & Woods International Inc. after admitting that he reported the sale of two French Impressionist paintings in 1981 which in fact were not sold. Investors are advised to know what they want, find the best artist around and invest in their works. INSET: H&R BLOCK'S CHIEF, A COLLECTOR OF IMPRESSIONISTS….

The article reports on key issues pertaining to the strike of employees and members of the Unified Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of the Los Angeles, California-based Vons Grocery. The employees have suffered four years of wage and benefit cuts and began to demand their benefits back following the recovery of the company. The UCFW claimed that unless Vons' management softens their position, they may extend the strike to stores across the United States.

The article focuses on California's growing crackdown on boiler rooms, which refers to shady companies that sell phony oil leases, gems, precious metals, and even vitamins and office supplies by telephone, in 1985. Topics discussed include a California law requiring all telephone sellers to register annually with the state, and a plan by enforcers to conduct surprise raids on telephone sales shops, based on consumer tips.

The author reflects on the bioethical issues concerning the advancements in biotechnology. She stresses that misuse of genetic information can harm rather than help people. Included in the issues discussed are the overuse and commercialization of diagnostic tests for breast cancer lacking medical justifications and the disclosure of genetic tests of life insurance applicants to insurance companies.

The article reports that Richard A. Pick, founder of U.S.-based software company Pick Systems Inc., is going more corporate to market his new software. Pick is now appearing in a suit and tie in magazine advertisements. He has also adopted a formal business plan to market an operating system, a program to guide the basic functions of a minicomputer.

The article reports that California officials used pesticide-dumping helicopters and an army of sterile male flies on August 27, 1987 to prevent the Mediterranean fruit flies from destroying avocados and oranges. The move was made after 38 Mediterranean fruit flies were found around East Los Angeles, California.

The article discusses the business achievements of J. Sidney Webb Jr. and his latest business venture. J. Sidney Webb Jr. is the vice-chairman of the defense and electronic company TRW Inc. He has retired from TRW Inc., but is back on business with the establishment of his second defense company, the Titan Corp. Titan corp. was created in 1985 following the merger of two electronics contractors.

The article reports that Robert O. Anderson, who retired as chairman of Arco in 1985, is planning to launch his latest public venture in the oil industry. He plans to merge his year-old private firm, Hondo Oil and Gas Co., into Pauley Petroleum Inc., the publicly traded flagship company of Edwin W. Pauley. The $240-million deal will establish one of the biggest independent oil firms in the U.S.

The article reports on the business programs and why its expensive price is not an issue in the industry. Developers and sellers of business programs believe that despite the expensive prices of computer programs, its consumers would still purchase them. Computer program developers also started to show prototype programs in order to gauge how much the new programs should cost and how interesting it is for the consumers.

The article reports on the financial troubles facing the United States-based health maintenance organization Maxicare Health Plans Inc. According to the author, Maxicare lost a total of $36 million in a span of two quarters and its stock price plunged to 11 7/8 in June 1987. Analysts are claiming that the trouble started for Maxicare when it acquired Health-America which was suffering from high treatment costs and low premiums.

The article discusses the tasks and role of wedding consultants in the planning, coordination and arrangements of wedding events in the U.S. Wedding consultants are responsible in planning every detail of the event, including reception and its menus, flower arrangements and photography. They also recommend caterer, florist and photographer. Their organization is called the Association of Bridal Consultants, in which according to its head Gerard Monaghan, an elegant wedding means more details.

The article presents an instructional material on renting recreational vehicles.

The article reports that the Seattle Mariners baseball team, which was the worst in the American League and is owned by George L. Argyros, has become a potential gold mine. Cities such as Denver, Tampa, Phoenix, and St. Petersburg want to acquire the team. The mostly like winner is John Dikeou, a real estate mogul from Denver, Colorado.

The article profiles Robert E. Price, chief executive of Price Co. and John F. Connelly, chairman of Crown Cork and Seal Co. Both top officers are hands-on operators who emphasize cost-cutting, pay close attention to details, and prefer to pay themselves low salaries. Connelly's total pay for the past three years was only $663,000 while Price got only $655,000 for the same period.

The article looks at the troubles faced by United Farm Workers (UFW) in the U.S., which was founded by Cesar Chavez, arising from a California Court's judgment, ordering UFW to pay nearly $1.7 million to vegetable grower Maggio Inc. for violence during a 1979 strike. To stop Maggio from collecting, Chavez needs $3.3 million in cash for an appeal bond but UFW has only $500,000 in cash. UFW is also in the middle of a direct mail campaign to convince consumers to boycott table grapes.

The article focuses on Beverly Enterprises Inc. and plans made by its chairman Robert Van Tuyle for its growth. Van Tuyle has transformed a financially troubled company with 65 nursing homes into a chain of 1,110 homes giving annual revenue of $1.7 billion. The company is trying its best to attract wealthier patients by lowering down its prices. It states that 35% of Beverly's revenues come from private-pay patients, which is regarded as lowest proportions in the industry.

The article offers information about the computer software company Kaypro Corp. that was earlier known as Non-Linear Systems Inc. It is reported that the company was founded by Andrew F Kay who renamed it in 1982. It is noted that after a phenomenal success, the company' sales plunged to $75 million in the year 1985. It is informed that company is trying to make a comeback with the help of several Kay family members.

The article reports on the introduction of health services for female patients fed up with conventional care in the United States. Women are the major health care consumers. To attract new patients, medical clinics must offer services that women usually do not find in doctors' offices. Women spend more than men in health care.

The article reports that Japanese industrialists are establishing factories in the border towns of Mexico because of its low wages and weak currency. They have found that border towns such as Tijuana are inexpensive places to assemble products. However, there are less than a dozen factories being operated by seven Japanese firms, compared to 750 maquiladora plants established by U.S. corporations.

The article profiles Arnold Beckman, an entrepreneur. Beckman created the Beckman Instruments Inc. into a $618 million company before he sold out in 1982. Since he started his full time drive in philanthropy, Beckman has passed out $100 million to recipients other than the Internal Revenue Service in the U.S.

Reports on the licensing to automobile manufacturers of Torotrak, a so-called infinitely variable transmission, by the British Technology Group. When the concept for such a transmission came into being; Comparison to continuously variable transmissions; How Torotrak works; Ford Motor Co., which could be first manufacturer to use Torotrak; Other details.

Explains that Great Britain's Foreign Office issued a report confirming that Germany looted more than $550 million in gold from German-occupied countries and stashed most of it in Switzerland's banks. Nightmare for the Swiss government and banking community; Gold from the teeth of Jews who perished at Auschwitz.