February 17, 2005

Selena Roberts Sports of The Times column contends that New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has become subject of contention among opponents and even fans who seem to think he is insincere or less of a Yankee than veterans like Derek Jeter (M)

Mystery surrounds inspiration for The Thug, life-size, two-dimensional paper target that every New York City police officer has shot at since early 1960's; police departments in other states have used image over years, and it is official target used by Dept of Homeland Security; it is also available in gun shops; among theories, some say it looks like actor Ernest Borgnine, others say it resembles various police officers; Edwin Love, first administrative lieutenant at police firing range, claims he ordered artist to make image look like 'nobody,' for fear of offending anybody; photos (M)

Computer game America's Army lets users play soldier online, band together with other Internet warriors and battle enemies in detailed scenarios that Army says are more realistic than any other game; since its introduction in 2002, it has registered about 4.7 million users with about 30,000 logging on every day, making it one of cyberspace's most popular combat games; Army has no detailed figures on game's success in encouraging recruitment, but 2003 survey found that game is more effective at delivering Army's message than its ad campaign; photos (M)

Soundproofing materials and creative design allow developers to put up condominiums near bridges, freeway ramps, rail lines, bus terminals and other noisy sites; photos (M)

Critics say loophole in New York State's weak campaign finance law lets corporations give unlimited amounts to local parties' so-called housekeeping accounts, rendering $5,000 limit on corporate donations largely meaningless; housekeeping committees have few restrictions on how they can spend money; increasing use of such committees was highlighted this year by disclosure that state Republican Party's housekeeping committee pays salary of full-time assistant for state's first lady Libby Pataki; critics note that bond underwriters, barred from making large political donations, are instead giving tens of thousands of dollars to party housekeeping accounts; state records show that over last five years committees have accepted 18 checks for $100,000 each from corporations, including some that lobby state or do business with it; state law bars use of housekeeping money to promote candidacy of specific candidates, but analysis of campaign filings finds parties are finding artful ways to spend money to help specific candidates (M)