July 22, 2002

New Time Inc chairwoman and chief executive Ann S Moore comments on plans; her role in 1990's in expanding Time, world's largest magazine company, recalled; photo (M)

New York Giants first-round draft pick Jeremy Shockey assumes heavy burden, coming to rescue of ailing team as promising offensive playmaker who is just out of Miami University; photos (M)

New York City officials urge electricity customers across large section of Lower Manhattan to use power sparingly at start of work week to prevent blackouts in wake of major explosion and fire at Consolideted Edison's East River Generating Station; temperatures expected to be in 90's with high humidity; officials blame fire on short circuit; say its cause is under investigation; photos (M)

Corporate chief executives, facing angry investors and indignant politicians, are focusing intensely on details and demanding more from ranks; are sharing pressure of Aug 14 deadline for personally certifying their financial statements; John Hancock Financial Services chief executive David F D'Alessandro comments on his decision to require every financial officer and heads of all business units to certify own numbers (M)

New York Yankees defeat Boston Red Sox, 9-8; photos (M)

Celestine Bohlen interviews Rezo Gabriadze, master puppeteer from Georgian Republic; Gabriadze's puppetry versions of Battle of Stanlingrad and Autumn of My Springtime will be performed during final week of Lincoln Center Festival; photos (M)

News analyis of possible implications of bankruptcy filing by Worldcom Inc; filing, even though expected for weeks, creates cascade of problems in interdependent industry of local and long-distance carriers, as well as their equipment suppliers; is unlikely to have much direct effect on business customers or residential callers; creditors and regulators are likely to ensure that company's network operations remain relatively intact in months ahead (M)

High-level defector from Iran's intelligence agency says Iranian government organized and carried out bombing of Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1994 that killed 85 people and paid former Argentine Pres Carlos Saul Menem $10 million to cover it up; transcript of deposition by Abdolghassem Mesbahi is received by New York Times from Argentine officials frustrated that case remains unsolved; says Menem, president from 1989 to 1999, benefited for years from his ties to Iranian intelligence officials who courted him for his combination of rising political power, Muslim ancestry and connections to Argentina's small but influential Syrian-Lebanese community; allegations in transcript detailed; Menem, through spokesman, rebuts charges; suggests they are politically motivated; has launched new campaign for president despite taint from political corruption scandals; bombing of community center recalled; photos (M)

State Dept experiences difficulty filling hardship posts overseas despite record number of people applying to join Foreign Service as American diplomats shun jobs over security and lifestyle concerns; problem is especially acute in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, whose strategic importance has surged because of US-led campaign against terrorism; 60 percent of embassies and consulates are designated hardship posts for variety of reasons; from Nigeria to Kazakhstan to China, all considered hardship assignments, American missions report vacancy rate 50 percent higher than in more developed nations; while newly minted diplomats are more eager than ever to serve country and even express interest in hardship assignments, they are quick to state desire to avoid places that might pose risk to families; map (M)

RealNetworks Poses Challenge to Microsoft In a significant challenge to Microsoft, RealNetworks plans to announce a new version of its software that can play audio and video in a range of formats, including Microsoft's own proprietary Windows Media. The software is intended for large media companies and other corporations that need to send audio and video data to customers and employees in a variety of different formats. But RealNetworks acknowledged that it was possible that the company might incur Microsoft's legal wrath. Nevertheless, RealNetworks considers the strategys good for both Microsoft and consumers. [Page C8.]

Analysis of factors that could end steep stock market plunge; they include stock buybacks, actions by Federal Reserve or Bush administration, small investors or market itself (M)

Superfund Money Restored The Environmental Protection Agency has restored money to clean up 11 toxic dump sites, after having told local officials they would not receive money this year. PAGE A8 Formula One Record Tied Michael Schumacher won the French Grand Prix in Magny-Cours to secure his fifth world drivers title, tying Juan Manuel Fangio's 45-year-old record. SPORTSMONDAY, PAGE D3