September 2, 2004

Report by former Hollinger International executives says Conrad M Black, controlling shareholder and former cheif executive executive, used company's money to smooth and solidify his and his wife Barbara Amiel's position in elite society; for $15,000, Lord Black and his wife became part of benefit committee for Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Benefit in 2003; Breast Cancer Research Foundation 2001 Gala received $20,000 when Blacks and former board member Marie-Josee Kravis were vice chairman and chairwomen; pledge of $100,000 made to New York Public Library last year coincided with Blacks' being asked to serve as chairman and chairwoman of last year's Literary Lions' dinner; photo (M)

William Grimes comment on trying to trade in his fabulous collection of remote controls for ProntoPro NG, touch-screen device made by Philips that promises to take couch potatoes to promised land, even though $1,000 price is more than some of devices it talks to; describes failed efforts at programming, and return to old ways, with two stunning additions to his collection; photos (M)

TAKING THE OFFENSIVE -- Senator John Kerry, in a speech to the American Legion, rebuked President Bush for his handling of both the war on terror and the war in Iraq. PAGE P1

Brazil posts trade surplus of $3.43 billion in August, up from surplus of $2.67 billion year earlier; accumulated trade surplus for year is $21.95 billion, compared with $15.13 billion in first eight months of 2003; exports and imports totaled $9.1 billion and $5.6 billion, respectively (S)

Harvey Araton Sports of The Times column discusses New York Yankees' road to postseason, which is littered with obstacles--namely Boston Red Sox and American League West; photos (M)