December 14, 2002

Say Mee Ngu is found badly beaten, apparent victim of robbery, and dies at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens; no witnesses have come forward (M)

Henry Kissinger, saying he cannot reveal names of clients and is unwilling to sever ties with Kissinger Associates, his consulting firm, abruptly resigns as chairman of commission investigating September 11 terrorist attacks; surprised Pres George Bush vows to find replacement quickly; photos (M)

William C Rhoden Sports of The Times column contends that New York Jets, which are always under large media spotlight because of New York market, are behaving badly at worst time--just before playoffs; Jets player is accused of assaulting limo driver Donald Matinsky after team dinner and at least 10 Jets players were involved in brawl during practice on next day; photo (M)

Retailers have mastered how to use Internet in conjunction with catalogs, stores or both; online sales have grown 19 percent so far this holiday season; biggest online retailers--Amazon.com and eBay--are still creatures almost exclusively of Internet; both are increasingly creating marketplaces that allow traditional retailers to offer their wares online; Amazon's new apparel section is dominated by catalog companies and by mall retailers; Amazon.com also recently created service that lets customer pay for purchases on its Web site and then pick them up in Borders bookstores; retail strategy of some companies using Internet in conjunction with catalogs, stores or both, including Sears, Roebuck, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, J Crew, Gap and Hanover Direct, discussed; chart; photos (M)

Discounters Wal-Mart, Target and Kmart are closing in on what was once specialized segment of retail, stocking their stores with latest in consumer electronics; idea of visiting discounter to buy advanced television three years ago was contradiction in terms; discounters did not have such products, and manufacturers rarely considered them to be respectable outlet; experts say difference between specialty stores and discounters is narrowing, especially this year, with no clear must-have products and with wavering economy holding spending in check; photos (M)