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I NEED A SNAKE By Lynne Jonell. Illustrated by Petra Mathers. Putnam, $12.99. (Ages 2 to 5) It must be the rage among children's illustrators, even prizewinning ones, to flaunt [...]

The wooden crate that arrived in Philadelphia that day was the plain-looking sort typically used to transport clothing and textiles. Just over 3 feet long, it was 2 feet 8 [...]

BRINGING BUSINESS GUESTS home for dinner does not have to mean forgoing the tax deduction that is often allowed when the venue is a boardroom or a supper club. But [...]

LEAD: ELLEN R. MARRAM, PRESIDENT AND C.E.O. of the Nabisco Biscuit Company, drives to her office in East Hanover, N.J., from her apartment on Manhattan's Upper West Side in a [...]

The article discusses the changes in E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.'s operations. Its diversification to oil business after purchasing Conoco Inc. is increasing the company's vulnerability to commodity markets. Although it still spends much on research and development, du Pont is increasingly buying technologies rather than developing it. Moreover, the company is now hiring outsiders to run some of its new growth areas. These changes are brought in by chairperson Richard E. Heckert.

The article reports on the business strategy of Eugene J. Sullivan, who is chairman and chief executive officer of Borden Inc. He prioritized the condition of the company's shareholders by attending on the return on equity (ROE) of the company. He restructured the company, reduced its staff, and consolidated plants. Analysts expect that after the strategic management of Eugene J. Sullivan, the company will have a 16 percent ROE for the year, which is one percent higher than what is expected.

The article describes ITT Corp. chairman Rand Araskog's strategic plan for the turnaround of the troubled American conglomerate. The plan includes the sale of the telecommunication equipment business to the France-based government-controlled Compagnie Generale d'Electricite (CGE) and reduction of corporate debt amounting to one billion dollars.

The article reports on the functions of Samuel J. Heyman, as the chief executive officer (CEO) of GAF Corp. In pursuit of GAF Corp., Heyman had only scorn for Jesse Werner's attempt to buy time for a defense delaying a stockholders' meeting. As the CEO of GAF, he says that it is a necessity to ensure continuity and stability within the company.

The article focuses on Coniston Partners and the three partners involved in the formation of the company. The three partners Keith R. Gollust, Paul E. Tierney Jr., and Augustus K. Oliver are Wall Street veterans involved in takeover business. It is noted that their work functions involve targeting an under valued company and buying a stake in it and then arouse for a change. It is also noted that their policy has reaped them huge profits and have acquired massive stakes in various companies.

The article features Knogo Corp., a firm founded by Arthur Minasy which makes antishoplifting devices for retail stores. Knogo and it rival Sensormatic Electronics Corp. make plastic tags commonly pinned to garments in stores. The profits of Knogo in 1985 were six million dollars and are growing at more than 30 percent annually.

The article focuses on the factors which contribute on the success of Dun & Bradstreet Corp. The company keeps electronic records from corporate credit reports to Yellow Pages listings to airline departures. It is constantly seeking ways to repackage its information for new customers. It is prompt to exit businesses that do not offer similar opportunities for cross-pollination.

The article discusses the impact of hiring of outsiders or promoting insiders to top management levels as part of overall strategy of a company. The study conducted by the University of Michigan and the Strategic Planning Institute provide found out that many companies are likely to benefit from putting outsiders in key jobs. And those that relied on inside talent fell short of their goals by 20%. Companies that undergoes on outsider-insider decisions are also mentioned in the article.

The article reports on threats of a strike by members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in South Africa, which is expected to affect the operations of gold and coal mines. The union handed an ultimatum to the Chamber of Mines to resolve issues in wages and related issues. The NUM wants higher wages for black miners citing how mines earn record profits despite a global decline in the gold market.

The article focuses on the recent turnaround brought about by Thomas M. Begel, chief executive officer (CEO) of Pullman Co., at the company. Information about his efforts to diversify the company is also presented. It is noted that Begel is going to buy Peabody International Corp. at the cost of $115 million.

The article discusses the dynamics of dual-purpose funds with emphasis on its implications to financiers and investors. A double purpose fund uses two classes of stocks, the first one is available for dividends and the other is for capital gains. However, financial analysts are wary of the practicability of the said fund as the fund's dynamics only looks positive in theory.

The article focuses on the New York Stock Exchange's high rate of bonuses expectations in spite of the Wall Street insider trading scandal in the U.S. in 1986. Reportedly, the exchange has recorded a pretax profit of $5.7 billion in 1986. It is reported that the average bonus of major investment banks including Goldman Sach & Co., Salomon Brothers Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. is expected to touch an all time high.

The article focuses on the financing strategies of the Dallas, Texas-based Duffy Broadcasting Corp. under president Martin G. Greenberg. The company was able to get interim financing from venture capitalists but was unable to elimiante a contractual clause that surrendered a small interest in the company. They hired a chief financial officer to improve cash management at the company.

The article reports on the battle between William F. Connell and Albert Bossier for the top post at Avondale Industries Inc. The Chancery Court in Delaware will decide who the leader of the company is. Ogden Corp. established Avondale Industries in 1984. The day-to-day operations of the company are handled by Avondale's seven division since the battle for position began.

The article discusses the disadvantages of a Viacom International Inc. leveraged buyout (LBO) valued at $2.7 billion to take the company private. Stockholders protested that the LBO offer is too low at $40.50 a share. The announcement caused the stock price to surge from 28 to 42, making the company worth more than management's offering price.

The article reports on International Paper Co.'s acquisition of Pammermill Paper Co. The acquisition is expected to add a new strategy for International Paper. The acquisition will make the company one of the biggest players in premium papers in the U.S. Greater efficiency in manufacturing and distribution is also expected.

Presents the views of professors Douglas Ricci and Naba S. Hamid and Reverend Keith Kimber on several issues. Advice on cherry tomatoes; Conduct of life amid car bombs and kidnappings in Iraq; Accessibility to the Internet during church services.

Reports that Iranian policewomen have rappelled down the side of a building in Tehran during their graduation in spring 2005. Compliance with the state's Islamic dress codes.

Reports on the research conducted by biologist Bryan Fry and colleagues in Australia concerning snake venoms. List of deadly snakes; Potential medical advantage of the research.

Provides information on the iPod used by U.S. President George W. Bush during his mountain-bike rides. Estimated number of songs included in the iPod; Role of personal aide Blake Gottesman in downloading music for the iPod.

Reports on the conflict within the Connecticut Legislature over a bill that would have banned soda and candy from public school cafeterias and vending machines. Purpose of the bill; Response of school officials to the bill.

Compares the use of the Internet between teens and adults. Percentage of teens who use instant messaging and music sites.

Presents an interview with Danica Patrick, a participant at the Indianapolis 500 car race in Indiana in May 2005. Views about her fame; Resistance felt from the public; Lesson learned from racing in the Indy 500.

Reports on the grammatical errors committed by U.S. small businesses when advertising with hand-lettered signs. Cause of language problem among immigrants.

Reports that the city of Yokohama in Japan has set a goal of reducing incineration over five years, as of May 2005. Instruction given for sorting garbage; Percentage of garbage that were incinerated in the state.

Reports on the scanning of the mummy of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamen. Reconstruction of the face of the Pharaoh; Display of his treasures at the museum.