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The nice thing about being the Bulls is you don't have to win tobe successful. Team leaders in merchan-dise sales at the NBA Storeand NBA.com since the start of the 2002-03 …

Who needs a V8?

The GMC Envoy is another highly practical, versatile seven-passenger SUV, although slated for the mid-sized sector and likely in the budget range of more CFI readers. We've tested an array of Envoy's and Chevy Trail Blazers since they were launched two years back, in both five and seven passenger versions, and found little to fault them with. They are smooth, relaxing to drive, roomy, and attractively arranged inside.

One of the best things about this SUV, however, is the torquey in-line six. Its 275 hp and similar torque spread over a long, flat curve move the Envoy along with gusto, and even the 7-passenger Envoy XL hauled a full load without complaint. So with an efficient …

Unlocked iPhone 3G on sale in Hong Kong

Apple Inc. is putting on sale unlocked iPhone 3G in Hong Kong, allowing people to use it with any mobile phone carrier.

The move seems to depart from its previous strategy of introducing the popular device capable of 3G, or third-generation, through specific service providers in 22 nations.

On its Hong Kong Web site, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company is advertising direct sales of iPhone 3G, saying people can "buy directly from Apple" and choose their own carrier.

"Phone 3G purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier," it said on the site.

Offering free shipping, the 8-gigabyte …

Social housing overhaul ; news in brief

Social housing overhaul Property developers are being encouragedto rent out newbuild homes under a scheme to overhaul the UK'ssocial housing system announced by Housing Minister Grant Shapps.The Affordable Rent programme will allow landlords to offer homes onfixed tenancies and charge a rent of up to 80% of local market rate.The extra revenue raised from rents would then be invested intobuilding new homes. On top of this private …

Scoopsville . . .

Dateline: The broken line . . . Sneed has learned ChristopherKennedy, who injured himself in a horseback riding accident whilevacationing at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannisport recently,broke three bones in his back.

"He is out of the hospital, but it was a pretty bad fall," hissister, Kerry Kennedy Cuomo, wife of HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo, toldSneed at a private dinner this week.

Kennedy, one of the late Robert F. Kennedy's youngest sons, livesin Kenilworth and is executive vice president at the ChicagoMerchandise Mart.

The ad-lib controversy . . .

Let's set the record straight: Sneed saw a personally autographedcopy of President Clinton's …

Sprint leader Groothuis reinstated in 500

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands (AP) — Disqualified overnight leader Stefan Groothuis was reinstated Sunday to the speedskating sprint world championships despite earlier appearing to skate over the line in the final straightaway.

The Dutchman's coach Jac Orie said referees reversed the disqualification after studying video images following a protest by Dutch officials.

"I'm glad they overturned it," Orie said. "I just hope we can get rid of this ridiculous rule."

Groothuis was cleared to skate in Sunday's closing 1,000-meter race.

Groothuis was in the final pair of the 500-meter race when his right skate crossed the center line as he sped out of the final bend at about 60 …

Wal-Mart to roll out smart tags on men's basics

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is putting electronic identification tags on men's clothing like jeans starting Aug. 1 as the world's largest retailer tries to gain more control of its inventory. But the move is raising eyebrows among privacy experts.

The individual garments, which also includes underwear and socks, will have removable smart tags that can be read from a distance by Wal-Mart workers with scanners. In seconds, the worker will be able to know what sizes are missing and will also be able tell what it has on hand in the stock room. Such instant knowledge will allow store clerks to have the right sizes on hand when shoppers need them.

The tags work by …