NORTHWEST AIR TO TELL SHAQ TO RELAX AND ENJOY THE FLIGHT

          MN-based Northwest Airlines "is hoping to grab ...
     headlines with a deal it's finalizing to carry" seven NBA
     teams and one NHL team to their away games for the next
     seven years, according to John Schmeltzer of the CHICAGO
     TRIBUNE.  Northwest will convert five Boeing 727s into
     "luxury VIP layouts," where each plane will have 56 "first
     class style" seats, card tables, a couch, a dual video
     system, and leather seats.  In-flight food will be catered
     from restaurants in each city where the teams play.  NBA
     teams in the deal include the Lakers, Clippers, Rockets,
     Spurs, Warriors, Pacers, and Nuggets.  The NHL's Avalanche
     will also taken part.  Schmeltzer: "Curiously missing are
     the Minneapolis-based teams" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/22).