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THE REGULATORY risks inherent in ScottishPower's multi-utility strategy are coming home to roost. Whereas other electricity companies have had to contend with one or, at worst, two price reviews, the not- so-canny Scots are facing a quadruple whammy from the energy and water regulators.

Colourscape

IT IS easy to criticise the Government proposals that were announced yesterday for extra-parental leave. It is said that the well-off will benefit most, because those on lower incomes cannot afford to take three months without pay. Small businessmen, especially, are unhappy because it will make life more difficult if essential employees are allowed to vanish for weeks or months at a time. This, in turn, could mean that the new rules will backfire; employers could be less eager to hire the parents of young children, or women of child-bearing age, who might cause such unwanted chaos. The idea that an employee has the right to walk out on the job at any moment because of a hiccup with the child-minder conjures up visions of disastrous chaos.

Northamptonshire 579 Essex 258-3

THE CORINTHIANS striker Edilson was dropped from Brazil's Copa America squad yesterday for juggling with the ball while play was in progress during Sunday's Paulista Championship final against Palmeiras.

SCHOOL CHILDREN are to be given lessons in circus acrobatics as part of an overhaul of the PE curriculum.

Dance

The Big Picture

"Find a busy spot with lots of `people traffic', making sure you're not in anybody's way - a nice disused shopfront will do. Put out something to collect money - an old hat, guitar case, a dog on a blanket - and put a few coins in yourself, including at least one pounds 1 coin to encourage likewise donations. That way, people won't think you're so awful that no one's given you anything. But don't put too much in or people might get the impression that you don't really need any more. Now all you need to do is to get people's attention. If you use your best song/trick/joke first, make sure you can follow it up - punters lose interest very quickly. Musicians - it's probably best to stick to popular, well-known pop songs which people will recognise instantly. Otherwise, invest in an unusual ethnic instrument

Rachelle Thackray meets a 20-year-old who is dancing his way to success

`I have got all my priorities in order and my life has been an absolute pleasure'; Andy Farrell says the US PGA has come at the right time for a former champion