SNEAKERS NO LAUGHING MATTER FOR CONVERSE: 400,000 RECALLED

     Converse recalled 400,000 pairs of its RAW Power basketball
shoes after finding that the shock-absorbing fluid in the product
has leaked in at least 300 of the model's pair.  An unidentified
analyst told the BOSTON HERALD that the cost to Converse could be
as much as $7M, from the recalls alone (BOSTON HERALD, 12/9).
Cavalier Danny Ferry is the only known pro player to experience a
problem with the shoe, when his show leaked during a November 10
game in Detroit (NEWSDAY, 12/10).  The story found its way into
Jay Leno's monologue Friday night.  Leno:  "Just when you think
basketball shoes couldn't get any more expensive.  Now, when they
break, you have to call a plumber" ("Tonight Show," NBC, 12/8).
Converse closed Friday at $3.875/share, down $.50 (BOSTON HERALD,
12/9).