COMPANIES SHOOT TO SIDELINE SOCCER BALLS MADE BY CHILDREN

          "At least 50 sporting goods manufacturers will announce
     today they plan to avoid selling products made by child
     laborers,"  according to Michael Hiestand of USA TODAY.  The
     plan includes only soccer balls produced in Pakistan, which
     Hiestand notes is a "pretty big deal" considering that
     Pakistan makes about 75% of the $1B soccer ball world
     market, including almost 70% of the ten million balls sold
     in the USA each year (USA TODAY, 2/14).  In N.Y., Steven
     Greenhouse reports that adidas, Reebok, Nike, Umbro, Mitre
     and Brine are among companies that will take part. The
     companies stated the plan "might push up" the cost of soccer
     balls "slightly" due to the price of overseeing labor and
     paying adults more than children (N.Y. TIMES, 2/14).