A GIANT DEPARTS: If he weren't so modest, South African President Nelson Mandela could take pride in a distinguished political career that ended last week with the election of protege Thabo Mbeki as his successor. Now the man who defeated apartheid can ride off into the sunset like the hero he is. Illustration for TIME by Christian Clayton

W I N N E R S KING JIGME Bhutan's monarch brings TV and Internet to remote nation and is dubbed "Light of the Cyber Age" BARBRA STREISAND Well-beaked chanteuse becomes second performer with 40 gold albums. With 62, Elvis still rocks AIBO Sony sells out new robot dog in Japan over the Net in 20 minutes--at $2,050 apiece

L O S E R S SPIKE LEE Filmmaker's quip--that National Rifle Association president Charlton Heston should be shot--backfires DAVE STEWART Few takers for ex-Eurythmics star's cricket World Cup anthem: release coincides with England's exit HOLLYWOOD Entertainment industry reels as U.S. orders inquiry into marketing of violent movies to kids

V E R B A T I M

"We have a rocket scientist, and look where we are now." Wimar Witoelar, Indonesian political commentator, criticizing President B.J. Habibie, an aeronautical engineer, on the eve of national elections "And don't spread any rumors that the haze is back." Spokesman, Malaysia's Environmental Department, advising reporters not to equate the smog that's descended on the country with last year's severe forest-fire pollution

"I've just discovered it's very hard to whistle up there. Not enough air pressure." Dan Barry, U.S. astronaut, after setting up a crane outside the new International Space Station "I understand them a lot better since they got their braces out." Diane Bourley-Medecin, interpreter at the French Open tennis tournament, speaking of Venus and Serena Williams

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