Notebook

By Melissa August, Harriet Barovick, Autumn DeLeon, Tam Gray, Lina Lofaro, James Poniewozik and Michele Orecklin

WINNERS & LOSERS

[WINNERS]

REGIS PHILBIN He's 60-something and his Millionaire TV show is the summer hit. Who needs Kathie Lee?

IRA MAGAZINER Health-care guru cleared of false statements charge. And his HMO I-told-you-so's prove true

IGOR SERGEYEV Russian Defense Minister routs Dagestan rebs. Keep your AK-47 warm. More revolts coming

[& LOSERS]

JOHN MCCAIN Mr. Straight Talk does a double backflip on abortion--just like a regular pol

AMERICAN AIRLINES Employees busted for coke smuggling. You'd think we'd get our luggage faster

TED TURNER Atlantans protest CNN (and TIME) honcho's huge billboard plan. W&L sez: Make it bigger!