Notebook

By Amanda Bower, Val Castronovo, Ling Minhua, Ellin Martens, Julie Rawe, Sora Song, Joel Stein and Josh Tyrangiel

WINNERS & LOSERS

[WINNERS]

JEFF IMMELT Jack Welch successor wins keys to business world's Rolls. Can add huge book advance to new salary

ARIEL SHARON Israeli hawk takes just 17 months to get Barak on the ropes. Arafat impressed

RYDER TRUCKS Ballot transport recasts Okla. City van as justice on wheels. What has U-Haul done for us?

[& LOSERS]

JEFF BEZOS Two site crashes and stock nosedive. Inside source sets repeat Man of Year odds at 90 to 1

CLARENCE THOMAS Big case, lots of media coverage. Would it have killed him to ask one question?

BACKSTREET BOYS Can't top 'N Sync sales record, plus new long hair makes 'em creepier than 98 Degrees