W I N N E R S INDIA'S COWS Already regarded by Hindus as sacred, they get own state commission to look after their well-being PHILIP OZERSKY The lucky fan who caught Mark McGwire's 70th home run sells the $10 orb for $2.7 million SARAH FLANNERY Girl power! Irish 16-year-old develops code that makes e-mail 10 times faster, and just as secure

L O S E R S FURBYS Spies R Us. U.S. National Security Agency bans the talking--and re-cording--toys from its premises LINDA TRIPP "A sheepdog in drag" says critic who names fearsome confidante 1998's worst-dressed woman CHINESE AIRLINE CHIEFS O.K. with Y2K, Beijing orders them all to fly on Jan. 1, 2000. But will there be any passengers?

V E R B A T I M

"Untied States Senator" Misprint on the pens U.S. Senators used to swear impartiality in the impeachment proceedings "I'm not a recluse." Mike Tyson, boxer, defending himself against a writer's claim that the ex-champ is a "rapist recluse" "It smells a lot like it did when Russia let itself go." Cameron Crise, Warburg Dillon Read analyst, as world markets tumbled after Brazil devalued its currency

"Maybe the glass ceiling has been raised a bit. But certainly when a woman hits her head on it, she can look up and see men's loafers." Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, agent, on client Julia Roberts' expected request of $20 million--what top male stars make--for her next film "He's Jesus in tennis shoes." Jayson Williams, New Jersey Nets center, on Michael Jordan