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Presents information on various world news events and happenings between December 31 and January 6 1996. Information on Bill Clinton's visit to Bosnia; Reference to the resignation of Tomiichi Murayama, former president of Japan; Information on Orphan abuse in China; Additional information on other news events. INSET: From the world's headlines.

Presents important world news items for the week October 15-21, 1995. Includes a report on the number of persons wounded in the Paris train bomb; Resignation Willy Claes, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; Rally by Okinawans to demand the reduction of the presence of the United States military.

Presents news update on events around the world from September 3-9, 1995. Includes the agreement on Bosnian territorial integrity among Bosnia, Croatia and Yugoslavia; North Atlantic Treaty Organization's military campaign against the Bosnian Serbs; Impact of US First Lady Hillary Clinton's speech at the international conference on women in China; France's underground atomic device testing at the Mururoa Atoll.

Discusses the devaluation of the Russian ruble and its impact on the Russian financial crisis. Impact on central banks and stock markets in other countries; Role of Boris Yeltsin in the devaluation; Problems with Russia's banking system; Russia restructuring its debt; Impact of Russia's crisis on Latin America; Role of the United States and the International Monetary Fund (IMF); Concerns about emerging markets; Prices and inflation in Russia. INSETS: An awfully bad week;When Russia fell;...The world got hurt.

Reports on the changes being made regarding how Blockbuster is run in the late 1990s. More current titles with more copies; Other changes; How Blockbuster's new chief executive officer, John Antioco has helped Blockbuster's sales rise again; Comments.

Focuses on the decision to reduce the sizes of Sony IMAX theaters in the United States. Mention of the IMAX motion picture, `Everest'; Efforts of the company to present films at theaters and commercial sites; Use of the theater system at museums and science centers; Possible impact of deciding to present the film on smaller screens; Financial values of the company.

Recounts the visit of Pope John Paul II to Cuba in January 1998. The Pope's efforts in stimulating new revolutionary ideas within Fidel Castro's closed society; How the Pope's message was only covertly political, chiding Cuba's lapsed family values harder than its lack of human rights, calling more for Catholic education than confrontation with the regime; Castro as skillful in extending his blessing over the visit.

Reports on the competition between fashion industry rivals LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA and Gucci. Bernard Arnault, who is founder and president of LVMH and has tried to buy out Gucci; Efforts of Domenico De Sole of Gucci to stave off the powerful LVMH through its own acquisitions of smaller companies; Increasing popularity of Gucci and its brand name designers; Use of the fashion shows as marketing tools for the companies. INSET: From New Wave to Wavering, by David E. Thigpen.

Discusses the investigation of Sotheby's and Christie's auction houses by the United States Justice Department. Allegations that the two colluded to rig the art auction market by fixing their sales-commission rates; Damage to the companies from civil suits; Question of long-term effect of the scandal on the auction industry.

Focuses on the media battle between Hispanic television companies Univision Communications Inc. and Telemundo. How the two companies are fighting over the fastest-growing media market in the U.S.; Why Univision is the leader so far; Expectation of more confrontations.

Reports on an increase in sales of recreational vehicles in the U.S. in 2002. Decrease in air travel; Purchase by baby boomers; Features, such as icemakers and washer-dryers.

Focuses on Singing Machine Co., which made 'BusinessWeek's' list of hot growth companies for 2002. Role of its chief executive Edward Steele; Improvement in the company's finances since it filed for bankruptcy protection; Success in marketing tie-ins with MTV and a shift to selling karaoke machines for home use; Comment of Steele that the key to his company's success was going directly to the mass markets and selling his machine through retailers like Best Buy; Outlook for the company's continued growth.

Reports that more consumer companies are using forced arbitration as a way to avoid costly litigation. Reasons for the trend; Example of forced arbitration by Alltel Corp.; Concern of critics that corporate arbitration clauses are depriving consumers of their legal rights, and discourage legitimate class actions; View of arbitration proponents that it simplifies dispute resolution; Challenges to arbitration.

This article discusses the trade policy between the U.S. and Cuba in 2002. The U.S. trade embargo allows Cuba to purchase only essentials such as food and medicine and to pay only in cash. Cuba bought its first U.S. food in 40 years six months ago, following the devastation of Hurricane Michelle. Since then, sales have reached a total of $90 million. It's mostly staples, such as corn, rice, chicken, and wheat. But lately, executives have been flying in with more exotic fare, such as apples from the Washington State, cabernet sauvignon from California, and soy spaghetti.

Focuses on business travelers behavior since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Observation that with business fares still high, corporate fliers are choosing for discount carriers and cheaper advance fares; Profit losses suffered by the airlines because of lower fares; Outlook for whether the airlines business travel will rebound.

Discusses the touch-screen computers that Palm Beach County, Florida installed after complaints about its butterfly ballot in the 2000 U.S. Presidential elections. Report of problems and delays at a March, 2002 municipal voting session; Comment of County Democratic Party Chairman Monte Friedkin that Elections Supervisor Theresa LePore is to blame for not hiring enough adequately trained workers.

Discusses lessons learned about electronic banking from the economic crisis in Argentina. Way that people are banking online as a result of the economic problems in the country; How banking online can help people avoid waiting in lines.

This article presents an outlook of the condition of retail trade in the U.S. for 2002. By autumn 2002--barring any more mayhem--retail sales should pick up, in the view of many analysts, consultants, and retailers. Nationwide, same-store sales in the U.S. could grow by 3% to 5%, according to Jay Scansaroli, managing partner for Andersen's retail advisory services. Because retail sales hinge on consumer spending, a real reversal of fortune for retail will require an economic recovery strong enough to raise consumer confidence.

Reports that money from the tobacco settlement in the United States is being used for purposes other than anti-smoking campaigns. Details of a National Conference of State Legislatures study that showed only five percent was going to smoking prevention; How several states, including Illinois, Iowa, and North Dakota, used their share of the $246 billion.

The article reports on the establishment of group medical practices by physicians of the U.S., who are frustrated with managed health care. These physicians are quitting health maintenance organizations to set up expensive, specialized groups for patients willing to pay. Group medical services are already available in Park Avenue and Seattle. Recently, Boca Raton, Florida-based four-month-old company, MDVIP, has been helping several doctors in Florida to launch upscale medical groups.

The article reports that the recently released Census 2000 numbers which have revealed an explosive population increase among blacks, Hispanics and Asians in the United States should have been the start of a marketing bonanza. These groups now accounting for 79 million out of 281 million Americans represent an estimated $1 trillion in annual spending power. According to Lesya Juchymenko, vice-president of marketing for Mott's Inc., a more detailed profile of these consumers are rare.

The article reports on Scott, Mississippi-based Delta & Pine Land Co. The 77-year-old cottonseed company has found a big market overseas for its pricey but resilient seed and farmers as far away as China and South Africa have cottoned to the company's weed-and pest-resistant genetically modified seeds. According to Kenneth Hood, whose Gunnison, Mississippi-based family grows 10,000 acres of cotton, the seeds are more economically feasible and environmentally friendly.

The article reports on Fort Myers, Florida-based fashion retailer, Chico's FAS Inc., which has 260 boutique-style stores, usually located in high-end malls in the United States. Chico's is adding about 50 stores per year to its existing stores. After Marvin J. Gralnick retired in November 1993, as CEO of Chico's FAS Inc., it changed radically and instead selling casual cotton resort clothes, began selling large-size clothes for women.

Reports on the case of United States businessman Paul Bilzerian who is accused of tax evasion. Amount of money owed to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; His claim of bankruptcy; Suspicion that he has assets hidden in offshore trusts and family-owned companies.

The article offers news briefs related to business in the United States. The labor union officials of the country are fuming over the indication of U.S. president George W. Bush to intervene in the long labor dispute between Northwest Airlines and its mechanics union. A consensus Republican Party bill to allow oil and natural gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, is going to be offered by Frank Murkowski, Senator from Alaska.

Argues that Delta Air Lines should not try to merge with another airline. Competition it faces from a merger of United and American airlines; Opinion that Delta is one of the United States' best-run airlines and could lose that in a merger; Possibility that Delta may pursue mergers with Northwest and Continental.

Comments on the outlook for the United States retail industry as of January, 2001. Expectation that the slowing economy will negatively affect consumer spending; Companies that issued fourth-quarter warnings in 2000, including Lowe's Cos., Neiman Marcus, and Ann Taylor; Decision of many retailers, such as Toys 'R' Us Inc., to withhold from expanding into virgin markets.

Comments on the ruling of United States District Court Senior Judge Jaime Pieras Jr. that Puerto Rico's U.S. citizens are entitled to the Presidential vote. Plans of the U.S. Dept. of Justice to ask that the decision be overturned; Belief of Pieras that voting is inherent in U.S. citizenship; Argument that the Constitution gives only states the Presidential vote.

The article features Delta Air Lines Inc. and its technological innovations in the U.S. The company has planned to be the ultimate web-savvy airline, automating ticketing, offering wireless links for time-pressed flyers, and even selling seats to name-your-fare Priceline.com. The company's chief executive officer, Leo F. Mullin, has poured $2 billion, since 1998, into information technology, transforming into one of the Web-savviest airlines.

Focuses on Cuba as a vacation destination for Americans. How illegal travel to Cuba has grown since 1994, according to the United States-Cuba Trade and Economic Council; Laxity in enforcing the US travel ban for US citizens.

Presents news items in the United States for the week of October 1-7, 1995. Includes the acquittal of retired football star O.J. Simpson; Features of the United States visit of Pope John Paul II; Presidential apology to Americans subjected to secret radiation tests sponsored by the government during the cold war.

Examines possible signs that the United States stock market is headed for a bearish season for the rest of 1998 or early 1998. Movement of the stock market during the early part of 1998; Possible impact of the `wealth effect' on the nation's economy; Increase in number of Americans who hold stock investments; Threat posed by the Asian economic crisis; Speculation about future interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve.

Focuses on the growing market for regional airlines in the United States. Advantages of regional jets over bigger airplanes; Consumer preference for regional carriers; Pressure on major airlines to purchase regional jets.

Reports that the owner of the Dow Jones & Co. may be preparing one of its businesses, `The Wall Street Journal,' for sale. Release of senior management; Cut-backs on plans; Financial difficulties reported; Activities of shareholders.

Focuses on the decision of Ted Turner to donate $1 billion to the United Nations. The increase in Turner's earnings in 1997 due a rise in Time Warner stock as prompting Turner to donate the money; Turner's donation as the largest ever made to a single organization; Details on other famous philanthropists; The gift as aimed for nonadministrative programs.

Examines the status of settlement negotiations between tobacco giants Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds and state attorneys general, private lawyers and antismoking advocates. Concessions offered by tobacco firms in exchange for blanket immunity from future prosecution; The role of tiny tobacco company Liggett Group; How Wall Street is responding to the negotiations; The unwillingness of antismoking groups to allow for future immunity.

Presents a humorous look as to how male figure skaters in the 1998 Winter Olympics would like if they were dressed by cutting-edge designers. Phat Farm and skater Alexei Yagudin; Nicole Miller and skater Elvis Stojko; Cynthia Rowley and skater Ilia Kulik.

Focuses on Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that creates real-hair wigs to children who have lost their own hair due to conditions such as alopecia areata or from chemotherapy. Founding of the organization in 1997; Financial problems the organization faces as of 1999; The importance of children between the ages of 7 and 12 to appear normal; The psychological benefits the children receive from the wigs.

Provides information on the charges filed against Shirley Egan for shooting her daughter, Georgette Smith. Details on Smith's gun shot wound caused by Egan; Relationship between mother and daughter; Reason for Smith's death.

Remembers the life of poet/artist Shel Silverstein, who died in May 1999. Popularity of his books `The Giving Tree,' and `Where the Sidewalk Ends'; Songs that he wrote; Awards; Reactions to his death.

Focuses on the growth of online securities trading, as of spring 1998. Number of electronic brokers in 1998 compared to 1997; The average commission charged by an e-broker; Estimate of the number of Internet users with portfolios in excess of $100,000, according to @plan; The hazards of e-trading; Identification of e-brokers.

Presents information pertaining to various news briefs on the United States. Information on the five largest tobacco companies; Reference to Jennifer Harbury, a human-rights crusader against the Guatemalan military; Reference to Hilary Rodman Clinton, First Lady's involvement in the dismissal of White House travel-office employees.

Reports on issues relating to science for the week of December 10-16, 1995. Name zoologists suggested for the organism, Symbion pandora; Information on the genetically engineered clot-dissolving drug, TPA; Comments from John Getty, a sufferer of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, who received a baboon's bone marrow to help boost his immune system.

Presents news briefs from across the United States for the week of December 10-16, 1995. Number of times the Federal Government was forced to partially shut down; Confrontation between the Senate Whitewater committee and the White House; Information on O.J. Simpson's civil trial.

Presents news update on business issues in several parts of the world from September 10-16, 1995. Effect of a interest payment freeze on Eurotunnel's debt restructuring strategies; Mitsubishi Estate Co.'s pullout of investment in New York City's Rockefeller Center; Agreement for a single format for multi-use digital videodiscs.

Reports on IMAX Corp.'s plan to develop scaled-down versions of its mega-theater system for smaller cities of the United States. Projection of audiovisual realism by the Sony IMAX Theater in Manhattan, New York City; Cities where IMAX plans to expand; Improvement of the company's stock market performance since it went public in June 1994; Positive reaction to IMAX's strategy of suburban movie-theater owners.

Reports on advertising agencies that target Hispanic consumers in the U.S. as of February 19, 2002. Growth in the number of Hispanic consumers; Marketing programs to reach Hispanic consumers; Expenditures in advertising.

Examines the multibrand strategy of Tricon Global Restaurants in the United States. Background on the fastfood stores of Tricom that feature Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell restaurants; Advantages of the strategy; Concerns over the strategy; Expansion plans of the company.

Discusses the launch by United States food chain Taco Bell of an advertising campaign featuring Amazon.com chief executive Jeff Bezos. Goals of the campaign; Background on the products of Taco Bell; Information on the financial performance of Taco Bell as of October 2001.

Focuses on the surcharges that banks in the United States levy on consumers for withdrawing cash at automatic teller machines (ATM). Communities such as New York City that are proposing to restrict ATM fees; How the surcharges more than cover the cost of the transaction; Bankers' justification of the charges; Consumer dissatisfaction with the banking industry.