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Commentator Jeff Steinbrink may be a man of steel in his daily life, but confesses the mere thought of financial planning saps his energy like kryptonite.

NPR's Philip Davis watched last night's debate with a group of Miami voters and got their reaction as the candidates made a final plea for their votes.

Claire Doole reports from Geneva on a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative to control the trade and distribution of tobacco and related products. The WHO is meeting to push for a coordinated worldwide policy to address the massive public health problems linked to tobacco use. The proposal would allow WHO member states to set their own specific national policy on trade and distribution of tobacco products, but still encourage them to cooperate in curbing the problems related to the tobacco marketing and consumption.

Theresa Schiavone of Colorado Public Radio reports on the play "Tantalus." The marathon-length Greek drama begins in Denver this weekend and is scheduled to travel to London in January. While 3 days of metered verse might be too much for some people, the producers of "Tantalus" say the drama's themes are still contemporary. They hope a more modern script will hold the audience's attention.

Critic Tom Shales reviews the movie Billy Elliott. It's a British film about a working class boy who bucks tradition and follows his dream to be a ballet dancer. Despite his father's hopes that he become a boxer. Shales says it's a sentimental movie with liberating dance sequences.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden in Jerusalem reports there was widespread violence in the West Bank and Gaza today, dimming hopes for the cease-fire announced earlier this week. Israeli troops fought gun battles with Palestinians in some areas. In others, the Israelis clashed with rock-throwing demonstrators. At least nine Palestinians were reported killed, and there were injuries on both sides.

Robert talks to Geneive Abdo, Tehran Correspondent for The Guardian newspaper and author of No God But God: Egypt and the Triumph of Islam. Abdo says the Egyptian people in general are strikingly more "anti-Israel" than the government of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. (4:30)No God But God: Egypt and the Triumph of Islam by Geneive Abdo is published by Oxford University Press, 2000.

NPR's Michael Sullivan in Cairo reports Arab leaders are gathering in the Egyptian capital for a week-end summit conference, called to voice support for the Palestinians in their confrontation with Israel. Egyptian analysts expect the summit to conclude with a strong denunciation of Israel, but also with a reaffirmation of support for the peace process.

NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr examines the evolution of George W. Bush's policy on American involvement in the Balkans.

Vice President Al Gore began his kitchen table tour today, having breakfast with a small business owner and her 14-month-old son in Portland, Oregon. Gore is in the Pacific Northwest to stress his stand on the environment and consumer issues. He's hoping to head off defections to the Green Party campaign of Ralph Nader. Polls show both Oregon and Washington close enough for Nader's vote to make Republican nominee George W. Bush the winner. Linda Wertheimer talks to NPR's Andy Bowers.