Forward Spin

By Janice Castro

BABY, IT'S YOU

Tim Robbins captured Hollywood as a baby mogul in Robert Altman's The Player. Now he's skewering politics with Bob Roberts. Possible next role: CEO, the selfless keeper of the bottom line.

GET ME AMTRAK

Congressmen are fleeing Washington. Many career Capitol Hill aides are also depressed and planning to quit. Look for soft real estate values in northern Virginia.

WORD WATCH

Sam Skinner's staff planned "private time" on official trips (for private things like playing golf). Over at Clinton headquarters, frazzled aides talk about a scarcity of "face time" -- opportunities to talk to the candidate in person. Next: "ear time," those moments when the boss is actually listening.

REALITY CHECK

Rappers "sample," building songs on pieces of other people's music. But with Gilbert O'Sullivan and others suing over it, sampling is getting expensive. On their new albums, the Beastie Boys and Ice-T feature actual musical instruments. Next they'll be carrying a tune.