ABUJA (AFP) - Sudanese government and rebel leaders from the war-torn region of Darfur agreed to sign two accords on the humanitarian and security crises in the western area, delegates said.

Sudanese government and rebels to sign security protocol


KINSHASA/KIGALI (Reuters) - Rwandan troops have killed at  least 19 civilians in an attack on a town in eastern Congo, a  Congolese commander said on Tuesday, after Rwanda said its  forces may have launched an attack in pursuit of Hutu rebels.

Rwandan Troops Enter Congo, Congo Officials Say


Istanbul's largest synagogue reopens amid tight security, 11 months after being  damaged in a suicide bomb attack.

Bombed Turkish synagogue reopens


Major League Baseball officials will announce today that the Montreal Expos are relocating to Washington, Mayor Paul D. Fraim said Tuesday night.

DC scores the Expos; Norfolk mayor praises local bid


A WEB SITE quotes Intel #39;s chief technology officer, Pat Gelsinger, emphasising the importance of Israel to the firm #39;s future research and development.

Israel central to Intel #39;s future research


Santa Barbara's sheriff asks a judge if he can release the results of an inquiry into Michael Jackson's treatment by police.

Jackson probe 'should be public'


Washington Wizards forward Antawn Jamison hit a jumper from the right corner late in the fourth quarter and lightly tapped his right fist against his chest.

Wizards Too Strong For Nets


Unification Minister Chung Dong-young on Thursday stressed that the stalled six-way talks over Pyongyangs nuclear weapons programs need to be resumed first in order for the much-anticipated second inter-Korean summit to occur.

#39;6-Way Talks Prerequisite to Inter-Korean Summit #39;


Thirteen years ago, when Jennifer Capriati made her first US Open semifinal at age 15, she appeared headed for a long run of titles in her home Grand Slam.

WOMEN #39;S PRO TENNIS: Americans are idle at Open


Chicago Cubs shortstop Nomar Garciaparra expects to return to the lineup tonight after being out since Sept. 11 with a strained groin. Manager Dusty Baker said the plan is to play Garciaparra tonight, rest him for tomorrow's afternoon game, and then start him again Friday in New York.  quot;Hopefully, knock on wood, he can play every game after that, quot; Baker ...

Garciaparra on mend, expected to return tonight


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Deere   Co. <A HREF=

Deere Earnings Up, Raises 2004 Forecast


Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat is interested in returning former Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas to activity, according to Fatah central committee member Sacher Habash.

Report: Arafat seeking Abbas #39; return to activity


NEW YORK, Oct. 21 -- AT T Corp. reported a third-quarter loss of \$7.12 billion Thursday because of huge charges resulting from the company's retreat from traditional telephone services, which included at least 7,500 more job cuts and a write-down in the value of the company's long-distance network.

AT T Reports \$7 Billion Loss


\

 By Spencer Swartz

 SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - PeopleSoft Inc. will push ahead\with a new marketing alliance with IBM and other initiatives\despite a recent court ruling that bolstered Oracle Corp.'s\\$7.7-billion hostile bid to acquire the company, PeopleSoft's\CEO said on Tuesday.

PeopleSoft Defies Oracle Bid, Pursues IBM


LEVI Strauss has scrapped plans to sell its Dockers brand because potential buyers would not meet the companys price for the casual clothing line.

Levi scraps brand sale


washingtonpost.com - The board of PeopleSoft Inc. yesterday rejected Oracle Corp.'s  #36;24-a-share hostile takeover bid as too cheap, but said it was open to a deal at a higher price.

PeopleSoft Directors Reject Oracle's Offer (washingtonpost.com)


The birth simulator has now been used to determine the best way to deliver a baby whose shoulders become stuck in the birth canal.

Device Allows Doctors to Practice Deliveries


Hurricane Frances battered the Kennedy Space Center, a top NASA official said Tuesday, blowing gaping holes in the Vehicle Assembly Building and ripping open the

Spaceport Repairs Could Delay Flight


Once upon a time, first-person shooter games had about as much plot and character development as a porn flick. Your digital hero just ran around and pumped hot lead into demons or aliens or Nazis, much like the porn hero .

Life is good


Crude oil prices surged past an unprecedented \$55 a barrel before sliding back in overnight trading Monday, amid ongoing uncertainty over production, high demand and tight global supplies.

Crude oil prices surge past \$55 a barrel


Time Warner Inc. will pay \$210 million to settle charges that its America Online unit fraudulently inflated its revenue figures. Separately, it is expected to pay about \$300 million to settle SEC charges related to its buyout of a stake held by Germany's Bertelsmann AG in AOL Europe.

Time Warner settles AOL fraud charges for \$210M


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - SBC Communications <A HREF=

SBC Gives Microsoft \$400 Mln Internet TV Deal


Business software maker SAP, which employs 450 people in Dublin and Galway, has said that a strong performance in its European activities helped boost earnings in the third quarter, which came out higher than analysts #39; expectations.

SAP benefits from Europe bounce


DAVID HARDAKER: Britain #39;s Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced he #39;s to be admitted to hospital later today Australian time for a heart procedure.

Blair to stay for third term


A lone inventor with a colorful past has come up with a way to let you tap into your home TV reception anywhere in the world.

I Want My Moscow TV


Today may be a dark day for Canada and its national sport, but the country #39;s favorite sons lit up the night last evening. On the eve of an almost certain National Hockey League lockout

Canadian gold rush: Thornton key to downing Finland


AP - U.S. Army deserter Charles Jenkins was released from military jail on Saturday after serving 25 days for abandoning his squadron in 1965 and defecting to North Korea, where he lived for nearly four decades.

U.S. Army Deserter Leaves Jail in Japan (AP)


If a plastic card that gives you credit for something you don't want isn't your idea of a great gift, you can put it up for sale or swap.

Exchange That Funky Gift Card


JENS LEHMANN was for the high jump last night after his double cock-up in the Olympic city. One howler might have been excused - but two was simply unforgivable.

Panathinaikos 2 Arsenal 2


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices jumped more than a dollar,  climbing above \$48 a barrel on Wednesday after U.S. data showed  the disruption caused by Hurricane Ivan had eaten into fuel  stocks.

Oil Tops \$48 After U.S. Inventories Dive


Company pursuing different wholesale access rates to its local phone network for Net phone providers.

SBC seeks new Net phone fees


(Corrects dates: in paragraphs 4, 9 and 16 ...Sept... instead of ...Aug... and in paragraph 7...Sept. 8 to 9...instead of...Aug. 2 to 3.).

CORRECTED: N.Korea Blast Cause Unclear But Many Theories


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Standard   Poor's on Friday said  ratings on about \$30 billion of aircraft-backed debt could be  threatened if creditors lost a legal dispute with bankrupt UAL  Corp. <A HREF=

Legal Fight Menaces Aircraft Debt Ratings


Indonesia calls on the International Monetary Fund to help reschedule its debts, as figures reveal a slowdown in economic growth.

Indonesia urges debt flexibility


BAGHDAD, Iraq - The U.S. military and Iraqi Shiite and tribal leaders held talks Sunday aimed at reducing tensions in the Baghdad's Sadr City slum, where 10 people died in fighting a day earlier between Shiite militiamen and U.S...

Iraqi Leaders Meet in Peace Effort


Forbes.com - Early last year 61-year-old Judy Norris was ready to stop all treatment and let her cancer run its course. Her kidney tumor, diagnosed in 1997, had spread to her abdomen, pancreas and both lungs. Six months of treatment with toxic interleukin-2, one of the only treatments for advanced kidney cancer, had eroded nerves in her hands and feet, caused frequent vomiting and made her skin peel all over--but did nothing to slow the tumors' relentless growth. In June, in a last-ditch effort to save her life, her oncologist recommended an experimental pill from Pfizer called SU11248. ...

Swiss Army Medicine (Forbes.com)


Japan #39;s deadliest typhoon in more than two decades killed 66 people, news reports said on Thursday as rescuers searched frantically for 22 still missing in floods and landslides.

Typhoon kills 66 in Japan, deadliest in 22 years


Reuters - Iranian President Mohammad Khatami\said on Thursday Syria and Iran had to cooperate for the sake\of peace in the Middle East and in the face of pressure from\the United States.

Iran Wants Syria Cooperation in Face of U.S. Pressure (Reuters)


Microsoft will join with ISV partners Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Computer Associates International and Veritas Software to unveil a host of management add-ons for its Virtual Server 2005, which will launch next week.

Microsoft, ISV Partners Gear Up For Virtual Server 2005


AP - Three U.S. Open chair umpires were dismissed from the tournament after an investigation into their improper handling of credentials at the Olympics.

Three U.S. Open Chair Umpires Dismissed (AP)


Microsoft founder also tells college students outsourcing jobs is not a 'zero-sum game.'

Two Words from Bill Gates: Computer Science


Google Inc. will roll out POP3 (Post Office Protocol) support gradually over the coming weeks to Gmail users, who will be able to use the feature to download e-mail messages

Google to give Gmail POP3 support, plans antivirus


Despite being under the weather yesterday, junior forward Aja Parham provided the spark as the Boston College women's basketball team routed Northeastern, 90-63, at Conte Forum.

Illness can't stop Parham


The Dutch rider, who was injured in a crash in the women #39;s road race on Saturday and was unable to defend her Olympic title from Sydney, climbed triumphantly to the top of the podium on Wednesday.

US comes in second in women #39;s cycling


Siemens (Quote, Chart) will acquire wireless LAN technology player Chantry Networks to fill out its HiPath lineup, executives said Thursday.

Siemens Snaps up Chantry


Mount Asama #39;s mid-sized eruption set off a loud blast and shook a nearby town. It also sprinkled small bits on ash on downtown Tokyo.

Mount Asama erupts for first time in five days, shaking nearby <b>...</b>


TORONTO (CP) - CIBC reported Thursday its quarterly profit fell by 14 per cent due to a \$300-million charge related to litigation over loans to American energy trading firm Enron.

CIBC Q4 profit falls to \$439M from \$510M after \$300M Enron charge


AP - At least 4 million Ethiopians would die each year without food aid, a British aid group said Monday, marking 20 years since a devastating famine killed more than half a million people in the impoverished country.

Millions in Ethiopia Said to Need Food Aid (AP)


The American defence minister has thanked Bulgaria for the work of its contingent in Iraq, and expressed appreciation of Bulgarian troops #39; professionalism.

US Thanks for Bulgarian Troops Expertise


SOFTWARE LEVIATHAN Microsoft has been given the blessing by Blu-Ray for its video compression standard for new high-definition discs.

Vole gets Blu-Ray


FRANCE ran out of superlatives as it joined in rare unison to praise the spectacular new - British-designed -otorway bridge across the Tarn valley at Millau, which was opened by President Chirac yesterday.

World #39;s tallest bridge will let drivers fly to the Med


Under his two-and-a-half year tenure, the south coast club were transformed from First Division also-rans into an established side in the Barclays Premiership.

Redknapp: I went of my own accord


The UK Music Industry is sitting on  quot;a broadband timebomb quot; and the only way to stop illegal file sharers could be via the courts, a senior industry source warned today.

UK file sharers warned  litigation could be the only way


Bonzi Wells scored 26 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with less than a minute left, and Lorenzen Wright had 10 points and 10 rebounds to help Memphis beat the San Antonio Spurs 93-90 on Monday night.

Grizzlies stun Spurs on go-ahead 3-pointer


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nintendo Co. Ltd. said on  Thursday it will make available 12 software titles for its new

Nintendo Says 12 DS Games to Debut in Japan


Arsenal reserve goalkeeper Graham Stack was charged Wednesday with raping a 21-year-old woman at his home in London. The offence was alleged to have taken place in Beckenham, southeast London, on Sept.

Arsenal reserve goalkeeper Graham Stack charged with rape


From bank accounts and mortgages to credit cards and car loans, let the buyer beware: Financial fees are on the rise. And many are just waiting to blindside you.

Hidden fees


The high level expert group chaired by former Dutch prime minister Wim Kok has presented its review of the Lisbon strategy to the European Commission on 3 November 2004.

Le rapport Kok suscite des ractions mitiges


BAGHDAD : Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has declared a state of emergency across Iraq, except for the northern region of Kurdistan, for 60 days due to a spike in deadly violence, his spokesman said.

Iraq declares state of emergency


He says he will walk away if the majority of shareholders don #39;t themselves sell to Oracle by Nov. 19. By Rick Whiting. PeopleSoft #39;s fate is in the hands of its shareholders.

PeopleSoft Rejects Oracle; Ellison Appeals To Shareholders


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's parliament backed on Friday  President Vladimir Putin's plan to scrap elections for  governors under sweeping political reforms aimed at  strengthening his grip on power.

Putin Gets Duma Nod for Reforms to Boost Power


President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, the world #39;s most populous Muslim nation, on Monday called on all religions to rise up against terrorism and show that faith could be a force for peace.

Religious Forum in Indonesia Aims to Blunt Radicals


NEW YORK - A federal jury in Houston yesterday convicted four former Merrill Lynch executives and one former Enron executive for a 1999 fraud that helped Enron improve the earnings picture it presented to investors.

Enron Conviction: Milestone Or End Zone?


Yellow Roadway cited a more disciplined pricing environment and more efficient operations for the improved outlook. The Overland Park-based carrier said it expects earnings of \$1.

Yellow Roadway Raises Earnings Outlook


Iran is ready to discuss a further suspension of uranium enrichment but will never give in on its work of nuclear fuel cycle, Iran #39;s state TV quoted the country #39;s to pnuclear official as saying on Monday.

Iran to discuss suspension of uranium enrichment


Sharper Image Corp., a retailer of personal and home electronics, posted a third-quarter loss Thursday, saying same-store sales slipped and that the presidential election campaign hurt business.

Sharper Image says campaign hurt 3Q


A total power blackout has hit Bahrain, leaving the entire country without electricity and air conditioning at a time when temperatures have risen above 50C.

Power failure hits Bahrain


Spanish giants Real are brimming with galacticos that make their team the envy of Europe. But strike whizkid Reyes reckons Arsene Wengers Invincibles are more than a match for Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo and Co when it comes to fantasy football.

Jose Reyes reckons Arsenal are more  #39;galactic #39; than Real Madrid


Union officials and leaders at AB Ports are meeting conciliation experts to try to reach an agreement in the docks crisis.

Dockers seek conciliation help


CRANS-SUR-SIERRE, Switzerland (PA) -- Luke Donald will tell Bernhard Langer this week that he is confident enough to be paired with any of his European teammates in the 35th Ryder Cup Matches at Oakland Hills.

Donald confident enough to play with any of his Ryder Cup <b>...</b>


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli police put nuclear  whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu under house arrest on Thursday  on suspicion of spilling more state secrets, seven months after  he completed an 18-year prison term for treason.

Israel Arrests Nuke Whistleblower Vanunu for 'Leak'


The longer-term solvency of the US agency that insures pensions is at risk, threatened by troubled airlines and other companies failing to fund their retirement plans, the agency #39;s director said on Thursday.

UPDATE 3-US pension agency chief warns of solvency risk


Three weeks of celebrations, a guest list that included princes and world leaders, and a 21-gun salute. Jonathan Este reports on the marriage of the Crown Prince of Brunei.

The \$5m royal wedding


The leaders of India and Pakistan have revitalised a flagging peace process, analysts say, a day after the two met in New York for their first face-to-face talks.

India-Pakistan peace hopes lifted


Tehran - Iran #39;s top nuclear official said on Sunday the Islamic republic would refuse to accept any limitations on its nuclear activities, and threatened to halt tough UN inspections if the case was referred to the Security Council.

Iran talks tough on nukes


Celtics lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League table was cut to four points on Wednesday night when an injury time goal from John Stewart gave plucky Aberdeen their second successive victory at Parkhead.

Dons seal back-to-back Parkhead wins


Hong Kong #39;s de facto central bank on Thursday raised its key rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 3.50 percent, matching the latest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve.

Hong Kong #39;s De Facto Bank Matches Hike


Roger Federer hadn #39;t played anybody for keeps in six weeks. So, even though he #39;d been routinely putting in four-hour training sessions after he arrived at Westside Tennis Club last week, a measure of apprehension lingered.

Federer races to opening win


XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. said Thursday its third-quarter loss narrowed due to a sharp revenue increase from the company's growing subscriber ranks.

XM Satellite Radio's Loss Narrows


European shares edged higher at Monday #39;s opening led by Germany #39;s Bayer on news of an alliance with US healthcare giant Schering-Plough.

Bayer leads Europe stocks higher


For 54 years, Labor Day weekend meant one thing to NASCAR: a trip to Darlington Raceway for the Southern 500. No more. A new tradition will begin today with the Pop Secret

New tradition starts in California


The global economy is healthy and no major financial crises loom. Yet finance ministers meeting this week must confront uncertainties about the fight against terrorism, rising interest rates and volatile oil prices.

Despite healthy global economy, ministers still face tricky issues


The Environmental Protection Agency has suspended a controversial study aimed at exploring how infants and toddlers absorb pesticides and other household chemicals, officials said this past week.

EPA halts study of pesticides and kids


ABIDJAN (AFP) - South African President Thabo Mbeki wrapped up a four-day peace-making trip to the Ivory Coast, saying that all parties in the divided west African nation have agreed to four proposals including key political reforms to put the country

S. Africa #39;s Mbeki wraps up Ivory Coast peace talks with four <b>...</b>


LAGOS, Nigeria A union leader in Nigeria is threatening to prolong a four-day nationwide strike that has helped push world oil prices to record highs.

Union threatens to extend Nigeria strike if government toughens <b>...</b>


Cicadas, a possible flooded future, and the discovery of a hobbit-like human were the most popular National Geographic News stories in 2004. Read the full list and

Top Ten National Geographic News Stories of 2004


An Israeli missile hit the house of a Palestinian family of 10, killing two and badly injuring some of the eight children in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza.

Israeli offensive hits children in Gaza


China sought to play down election eve criticism of President Bush by a leading architect of its foreign policy, saying Beijing had clarified the issue with Washington.

China Plays Down Election Eve Barb Against Bush


AP - Iranian scientists have developed technology to produce zirconium, a key metal used in the heart of a nuclear reactor to produce nuclear fuel, a top nuclear official said Monday.

Iran develops key nuclear metal


ISN SECURITY WATCH (15/11/04) - Iran has agreed to fully suspend its uranium enrichment program, in a move that could improve the Islamic republics relations with the West.

Iran to halt uranium enrichment


Symantec Corp. (SYMC), the top global security software maker, on Thursday said it will buy Veritas Software Corp. (VRTS) for \$13.5 billion, expanding

CORRECTED: Symantec to Buy Veritas for \$13.5 Billion


Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova routed Anne Kremer of Luxembourg 6-0, 6-2 Saturday to advance to the Korea Open final. The top-seeded Sharapova will play for the title Sunday against Poland #39;s Marta Domachowska

Sharapova advances to Korea Open final


Users of the Internet Explorer click on ad banners four to five times as often as Firefox surfers, Adtech AG, a service provider for Internet ads, has determined (PDF).

Firefox surfers ignore ads


Ed Hinkel made a diving, fingertip catch for a key touchdown and No. 16 Iowa stiffened on defense when it needed to most to beat Iowa State 17-10 Saturday.

No. 16 Iowa Survives Rival Iowa State


INDIANAPOLlS - Imagine being an employee who must sit in a chair while, a few feet over either shoulder, crowds of observers loudly register their opinions, mostly negative and sometimes grossly profane.

Artest deserves blame, especially from Pacers


MUKERIAN, India (Reuters) - Two passenger trains collided  in northern India on Tuesday, killing at least 27 people and  injuring more than 50, officials said.

Indian Train Crash Kills 27, More Than 50 Injured


MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - The bodies of six young men, all  shot in the head as if executed, were discovered in the  northern Iraqi city of Mosul Tuesday, bringing the total of  such corpses found to 14 in two days.

Fourteen 'Executed' Bodies Found in Iraq's Mosul


Federal spending on contractors is expected to grow more quickly than it has historically in 2005, with contractors that specialize in technology services growing the most according to experts.
 <FONT face=

Growth in Government Specialty Work


The Kyoto Protocol, a global agreement on reduction of greenhouse gases, comes into force on Feb. 16 next year, seven years after it was negotiated.

EDITORIALSPrepare for post-Kyoto


Canadian inventor Dmitry Gorodnichy has developed a new method of computer input: the Nouse (from  quot;nose as mouse quot;). Similar to a standard mouse, the Nouse directs the computer cursor and gives left button and right button commands.

Drop the mouse, use your nose


Unseeded Brazilian Ricardo Mello  quot;Yello quot; won his first career title in his first career final Sunday at the ATP stop in Delray Beach, upsetting local favorite and No.

Mello Steals First Career Title From Spadea at Delray Beach


Reuters - Microsoft Corp. launched a new online\store for music downloads on Wednesday, taking direct aim at\Apple Computer Inc.'s popular iTunes music service.

Microsoft Launches Online Music Store (Reuters)


Iran is likely to be given an ultimatum to suspend all uranium enrichment activities, top UK officials say.

Iran faces 'nuclear ultimatum'


New Mississippi football coach Ed Orgeron answers a reporter #39;s question, in Oxford, Miss., Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004, moments after he was introduced as the new head coach.

Orgeron Introduced As Ole Miss Coach


Several explosions ripped through a Bangladeshi opposition party rally here on Saturday, killing at least 9 people and wounding as

Explosions at Protest Rally in Bangladesh Kill 9


Following the lead of Google and Yahoo!, Microsoft has announced a  #39;beta #39; version of a desktop search tool, the  #39;Toolbar Suite #39;.

Microsoft enters desktop search fray


The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 2004 report on economic development in Africa has criticised the eligibility and debt sustainability criteria of the HIPC initiative, saying they are arbitrary and lacks objectivity.

HIPC has not lived up to expectation - UNCTAD


To see a hurricane grow on Earth, one's best view is from orbit. But on the windiest planet in the solar system, Saturnian clouds can gather to sizes greater than our tiny blue planet...

Saturn's Perfect Storms


LYON (Reuters) - Third seed Juan Carlos Ferrero suffered a  shock defeat at the hands of fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in  the second round of the Lyon Grand Prix Thursday.

Ferrer Upsets Ferrero in Lyon


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Circuit City Stores Inc. <A HREF=

Circuit City Cautious on Outlook


ATHENS (CP) - Perdita Felicien of Pickering, Ont., and Angela Whyte of Edmonton each advanced to the 100-metre hurdles final. Felicien, one of Canada #39;s best hopes for a medal in Athens, won her heat in a time of 12.

Canadians Felicien and Whyte advance to 100-metre hurdles final on <b>...</b>


The Afghan government announced Tuesday that contact had been made with the three United Nations election officials kidnapped nearly two weeks ago and expressed hope that they would be released soon.

Kabul in Touch With Captors of UN Aides


this was the foundation that fashionable women in Roman London would put on their faces before an evening or day out. Scientists

Roman beauty secrets revealed in 1,800-year-old tin of make-up


Researchers examining ancient tree-ring records have linked prolonged periods of epic drought in the West with warmer temperatures, suggesting that global warming could promote long-term drought in the interior West.

quot;Mega-drought quot; risk studied


KABUL, Oct 9 (AFP) - Afghanistan holds its first ever presidential election Saturday. Following is a list of major events since the current President Hamid Karzai took office in 2001.

Major events in Afghanistan since December 2001 election of Karzai


Tehran - Iranian and European Union officials have reached a  quot;preliminary agreement quot; on resolving concerns over the Islamic republic #39;s nuclear programme following two days of negotiations in Paris, a top Iranian official said on Sunday.

Iran, EU reach nuke agreement


AFP - As the convention-time boost enjoyed by President George W. Bush began to wane, he and rival John Kerry were again running neck and neck less than two months ahead of the November 2 election.

Kerry and Bush running neck and neck in White House race: poll (AFP)


Volkswagen challenged its workers with a tough wage plan on Monday ahead of talks seen as a gauge of their readiness to favor job security over pay

Volkswagen Lays Gauntlet at German Union #39;s Feet


AFRICAN leaders have backed an arms embargo and other immediate UN sanctions against Ivory Coast, isolating President Laurent Gbagbo #39;s hardline Government even further in its deadly confrontation with its former colonial ruler, France.

Africa backs Ivory Coast embargo


A year after the MSBlast worm, the software giant releases SP2 for Windows XP. Would it have stopped the fast-spreading virus?

Microsoft's blast from the past


TEENAGE boxing sensation Amir Khan punched is way to an Olympic silver medal yesterday - then worried about his homework and passing his driving test.

Boxing: Khan will keep feet on ground


Reuters - In a 26th-floor office suite\overlooking Lake Michigan, some 40 industrial designers,\mechanical engineers and specialists in fields ranging from\anthropology to musicology converge for their daily dance:\developing mobile phones for Motorola Inc.

Motorola Aims to Sharpen Design Edge (Reuters)


PRINCE Harry has flown home from Argentina amid allegations that his behaviour had sparked an extraordinary plot to kidnap him. According to reports, officials were so concerned that they called British Embassy

Harry flies home on kidnap rumour


AP - Pakistani security forces and militants clashed on Sunday in fighting that killed at least nine people in the mountains near the Afghan border where al-Qaida-linked fighters are believed to be hiding, military officials said.

Pakistan Clashes Said to Leave 9 Dead (AP)


Some 250 CIOs surveyed last month by CIO magazine said they expect their IT budgets to grow by 7.4 during the next year, down slightly from the 8.9 spending increase respondents predicted in August.

CIO Survey: IT spending cools slightly in September


In a landmark overhaul of pay eligibility, the Labor Department and unions clash over how much clarity has really been attained. By JEFF HARRINGTON, Times Staff Writer.

Unclear on overtime rules


Encryption circles are buzzing with news that mathematical functions embedded in common security applications have previously unknown weaknesses.

Digital signatures  #39;could be forged #39;


Reuters - Financial markets may be all ears on\Thursday night for hints about August job growth from President\Bush, but they will be listening in vain since he plans to\purposely avoid an early peek.

Bush to Avoid Sneak Peek at Jobs Data (Reuters)


Maybe it #39;s true, as the old adage suggests, that the best revenge is living well. Just don #39;t try convincing Indianapolis Colts standout defensive end Dwight Freeney that

Freeney finishes with 3 tackles, 2 sacks


Bob Melvin spoke to the Arizona Diamondbacks about becoming the team #39;s manager on Monday, joining Mark Grace and Al Pedrique as candidates interviewed for the job.

Melvin interviews for Arizona job


AP - President Bush's former New England campaign chairman pleaded innocent Monday to charges that he took part in the jamming of the Democrats' get-out-the-vote phone lines on Election Day 2002.

Ex-Bush Campaign Official Pleads Innocent (AP)


Declaring himself  quot;here on business, quot; hometown favorite Yao Ming joined Tracy McGrady and the rest of the Houston Rockets on Tuesday as they prepared for a pair of exhibition games against the Sacramento Kings -- the first NBA games played in China.

Yao Ming and Rockets arrive in Shanghai for NBA #39;s first games in <b>...</b>


The head of the UN nuclear watchdog has officially informed the Security Council of some 380 tons of high explosives missing from a weapons dump in Iraq.

IAEA informs UN of missing Iraq explosives


AP - Gas prices have eased up a bit over the past couple of months, but they are still more than 30 cents higher than a year ago. Which is why price-sensitive motorists are flocking to the Internet to find cheap  #151; or at least cheaper  #151; gasoline.

Motorists Look for Cheap Gas on Internet (AP)


quot;Do you think I am going to leave my country with no air defence? quot; Gbagbo said in an interview on. siding with the rebels in drafting the council text.

UN puts arms ban on Ivory Coast


The four hurricanes striking Florida and other coastal states in the past two months appear  quot;to have held down employment growth but not enough to change materially quot; the overall jobs picture in September, the Labor Department said Friday.

Employment rises during September


Mirapoint plans to release a new Rapid Anti-Spam technology next week that offers real-time protection against spam and many virus threats.

Mirapoint adds spam technology


In the rapid-fire pace of the technology business, Microsoft #39;s successful, though illegal, campaign to thwart competition in the market for Web browsing software during the 1990s seems to be ancient history.

Firefox aims at Microsoft in browser battle


Under threat of hostile takeover, PeopleSoft offers freebies to customers that migrate to latest software release

PeopleSoft pushes customers to upgrade


The US trade deficit has exploded 19 to a record \$55.8bn as oil costs drove imports higher, according to a latest figures.

US trade deficit swells in June


AP - Twenty-three people died and three others were injured Sunday in an explosion at a coal mine in the Karaganda region of Kazakhstan, officials said.

Mine Explosion Kills 23 in Kazakhstan (AP)


The mystery of how a type of lizard

How lizards walk on water


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Here it was, just moments after Purdue #39;s skittish, too-close-for-comfort 38-30 victory over Illinois, and coach Joe Tiller and defensive coordinator Brock Spack were standing outside the visitor #39;s locker room and smiling.

Defense can learn from poor 1st half


Two Premiership managers have now felt the full force. Kevin Keegan was left totally embarrassed and David Moyes, judging by the shouts coming from the away team dressing room on Tuesday night, was just plain livid.

There seems no end to Arsenal #39;s reserves of vivid youthful talent


AFP - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered Kashmiris peace and prosperity as he pulled an army battalion out of the troubled state and held out hope of further troop cuts.

Indian PM offers Kashmir new start as first troops pullout (AFP)


Ayman al-Zawahri, Osama Bin Laden's suspected right-hand man, appears in a video on Arab TV.

Al-Qaeda deputy in new tape


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar kept its gains versus other  major currencies early on Monday after U.S. economic data eased  concerns that surging oil prices may have hurt growth, keeping  expectations alive for more rises in interest rates.

Dollar Keeps Gains, Market Wary


The eBay auction of a cheese sandwich said to bear the image of the Virgin Mary has drawn cheesy spoofs, including victuals meant to resemble the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Virgin Mary sandwich toast of bidders


AP - He's got the same name as his famous father. He's also got a lot of athletic ability.

Bubka Hoping to Scale Heights - Like Dad (AP)


SPACE.com - There are some questions \  that have curdled the brains of hominids ever since they developed the power \  to ponder. Questions like  quot;what is the nature of evil? quot; or  quot;what \  caused the Cambrian explosion? quot; not to mention Freud's famous stumper, \   quot;what does a woman want? quot;

Life, the Universe and Everything: How Astronomy Addresses the Big Questions (SPACE.com)


The Mozilla Foundation released the final version of Thunderbird 1.0, the standalone open source e-mail client application, which is available for public download.

Mozilla #39;s e-Mail Client Thunderbird 1.0 Launched


A cutting-edge Apollo 11 science experiment left behind in the Sea of Tranquility is still running today.

What Neil   Buzz Left on the Moon


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Sales of existing U.S. homes surged  by an unanticipated 3.1 percent in September as low mortgage  rates fueled home buying, a trade association said on Monday.

Existing Home Sales Surge in September


They knew all about this haunted house in the Bronx and about the ghosts that come out around midnight in October. But until last night, the Minnesota Twins hadn't lived the nightmare themselves. Now, they have.

Yankees rally in 12th, even series


Reuters - Amazon.com Inc.  Chairman and\Chief Executive Jeff Bezos sold a total of 450,000 shares in\the online retailer this week, for a total of  #36;18.2 million,\according to regulatory filings.

Amazon CEO Bezos Sells 450,000 Shares for  #36;18.2 Mln (Reuters)


Andy Robinson tonight refused to rule new England captain Jonny Wilkinson out of next month #39;s Twickenham Tests - despite the World Cup hero suffering fresh injury misery.

ROBINSON WON #39;T RULE OUT WILKINSON


By ANICK JESDANUN     NEW YORK (AP) -- As a Washington journalist during the 90s, I made frequent treks to the Federal Election Commission to inspect cabinets full of campaign-finance reports to find out who was giving to whom.    Though some data were available through a proprietary online system, those \$20-per-hour access fees added up...

Many Web Sites Keep Tabs on Campaign Giving


Once again, Iran has sent out a clear signal that it intends to become a nuclear power, presenting President George W. Bush or his successor with the next major foreign policy dilemma.

Parliament yells  quot;Death to America quot;


SPACE.com - Anyone who \  wants to follow in the shoes of Burt Rutan and win the next big space prize \  will have to build a spacecraft capable of taking a crew of no fewer than five \  people to an altitude of 400 kilometers and complete two orbits of the Earth \  at that altitude. Then they have to repeat that accomplishment within 60 days.

Exclusive: Rules Set for  #36;50 Million 'America's Space Prize' (SPACE.com)


Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho could hardly find enough superlatives to describe his side #39;s 3-0 win at Paris St Germain in their Champions League opener.

Mourinho waxes lyrical over Chelsea victory


The City University of New York tapped BusinessWeek editor Stephen B. Shepard late yesterday to lead its new graduate school of journalism, set to open in 2006.

Editor to head CUNY school


Reuters - U.S. consumers turned gloomier in\October, beset by soaring energy costs, relentless violence in\Iraq, sluggish hiring and an increasingly bitter presidential\campaign.

Consumer Confidence Hits 7-Month Low (Reuters)


Even as American and Iraqi forces move to surround the last large group of insurgents in Falluja this weekend, they are also scrambling to quell fighting that has erupted in many other Sunni towns and cities in Iraq.

Calling All Troops, and Then Some, in Iraq


Canadian Press - RED DEER, Alta. (CP) - The fate of an Alberta woman charged with abducting her son and fleeing to the United States hangs on the interpretation of a court order.

Decision reserved in case of Alberta woman charged with abducting son to U.S. (Canadian Press)


Reuters - Military officers from Seoul and\Pyongyang met Thursday to discuss rail and road links through\the Demilitarised Zone, ending a three-month break in two-way\talks, but North Korea dodged making any clear pledge over key\issues, the South Korean defense ministry said.

Two Koreas Discuss Road, Rail Links Across Border (Reuters)


At HP World this week, company officials scrambled to reassure customers that it is working hard to fix its order processing problems by the end of this month.

HP pledges to correct order processing problems


CAIRO (Reuters) - OPEC oil producers said on Thursday that  Friday's ministerial meeting would focus on cutting back  oversupply to support falling prices and that producers would  have to reduce output quotas early next year.

OPEC Warns Oil Supply Cuts Needed for '05


Redskins rookie Chris Cooley, an obscure third-round pick from Utah State, finds himself starting at H-back, a critical position in the offense installed by Joe Gibbs.

A Great Place to Start


Tony Blair admitted yesterday that British troops could be in the American-controlled area of Iraq for months, contradicting assurances from his Defence Secretary that

Blair admits British troops may stay in US area for months


ATHENS, Greece -- For a brief moment Monday night, the Olympic Stadium, sounded the chant so often heard when American #39;s take the field in international competition:  quot;USA -- USA -- USA.

Special to ESPN.com


PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Reuters) - Can't wait for the U.S.  presidential election? Think you can run a campaign better than  the handlers for George W. Bush or John F. Kerry?

Column: Game Offers Peek at Presidential Politics


Reuters - U.S. home builder optimism grew in\October to its strongest level in 2004 on low mortgage rates\and heavy traffic of potential buyers, rebounding from a\decline in September, an industry report said on Monday.

Home Builder Optimism Reported Rising (Reuters)


An Israeli aircraft fired a missile Sunday at a Palestinian target in Gaza #39;s Jebaliya refugee camp, witnesses said. Ambulances rushed to the scene, but it was not

Israelis Fire Missile at Gaza Refugee Camp


Researchers in the field of cryptography have been successfully breaking the hash functions that are used to secure the privacy of electronic communications, threatening the integrity of digital signatures, according to a report on Slashdot.

Cryptography break threatens digital signatures


KHARTOUM, Sept 4 (AFP) -- Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir declared that he was committed to resolving the crisis in the troubled western Darfur region amid international criticism that his government was not doing enough to stop what the UN has

Sudan committed to resolving Darfur crisis: Bashir


Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said in London yesterday that the future of digital technology in the home will be with Microsoft, not Apple.

Ballmer Says Apple Won #39;t Dominate Digital Technology


In his debut for Manchester United on Tuesday, the 18-year-old England striker scored three goals as United thrashed Turkey #39;s Fenerbahce 6-2 in the second rotation of the Champions League.

Rooney scores hat trick in debut for Manchester United


The virus, dubbed W64.Shruggle by Symantec, seems mainly to be an experiment to test the concept of a 64-bit infecter and is not actively spread, said Alfred Huger, senior director of security at Symantec.

New virus targets 64-bit version of Windows


It was three plays that stood out like Howard Stern in a crowd of pre-schoolers. Three plays that made your eyes bulge and mouth flap in disbelief.

Consecutive turnovers destroy Giants


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Britain and Israel on Monday held out  the prospect of a Middle East peace conference in London after  the Palestinians elect a successor to Yasser Arafat on Jan. 9.

Britain, Israel Hold Out Prospect of Mideast Talks


Sven-Goran Eriksson, England #39;s head coach, said last night that he would be advising David Beckham that  quot;silence is golden quot;.

Eriksson to have a word in Beckham #39;s ear


NEW YORK For the first time, oil has settled the day priced at more than 50 dollars a barrel. In New York, crude for November delivery rose 48 cents and closed at a record 50 dollars, 12 cents a barrel.

Oil prices close above 50 dollars for the first time


The Miami Hurricanes (5-0, 2-0 ACC) have yet to lose this season. But they haven #39;t gained much respect. After falling this week in the Associated Press poll from No.

Hurricanes take on nation #39;s No. 1 defense


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. telephone and cable companies  saw the growth of high-speed Internet services slow in the  second quarter to the lowest rate in a year, an industry  research firm said on Tuesday.

U.S. Broadband Growth Slows - Analyst


Saturday night's Game 1 World Series telecast returned a 13.7 national rating (25 share), the highest number for a Game 1 since the 1999 opener of the Yankees-Braves Series delivered a 14.2 (26 share) on NBC. It was the highest-rated World Series Game 1 for Fox since it began broadcasting baseball in 1996 (NBC retained the Series in 1997 and ...

Ratings off to a good start


AFP - Officially the US presidential election is not a war, but Republicans and Democrats have drawn up what looks suspiciously like rules of engagement for the televised debates between George W. Bush and John Kerry.

Kerry-Bush rules of engagement leave little room for debate (AFP)


Nigeria #39;s president has kicked off a mammoth effort to immunise 80 million children against polio in 23 sub-Saharan African countries, described by international health experts as  quot;the single-largest public health campaign quot; in history to wipe out the

Nigeria launches polio vaccination bid


Israel #39;s planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, which won parliamentary approval Tuesday, will prove to be a victory for the Palestinian resistance against occupation, the militant Hamas movement said on Wednesday.

Gaza withdrawal a victory - Hamas


Reuters - A U.S. unit of Dutch financial\services group ING Groep NV said on Wednesday a review of\improper trading in its mutual funds showed only isolated\incidents of impropriety.

ING Reveals Improper Trading Case Details (Reuters)


Japan resumed rescue efforts at first light on Monday as aftershocks rattled the area where the country #39;s deadliest earthquake in nine years killed at least 23

More Aftershocks as Japan Aids Quake Victims


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says he will seek a governing coalition with Shimon Peres #39;s Labour Party and pledged to press ahead with a planned Gaza pullout.

Sharon says will seek coalition with Labour


Experimental network excels at long-distance collaboration; researchers hope to up ante with hybrid optical packet infrastructure.

Internet2: 2004 and beyond


Just days after the president of a huge California pension fund was ousted, some California officials are proposing that the state get out of the pension business and give state and municipal workers a 401(k) plan instead.

Some Officials Seeking Shift From Pensions


Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) reported higher third-quarter earnings on Wednesday and an 11 percent increase in sales on strength in its mission systems, integrated

Northrop Third-Quarter Profit Rises


(CBS) If you thought that the drive, determination and spirit that carried the United States to the moon is gone, that  quot;The Right Stuff quot; is history, think again.

Next Space Race Under Way


Aston Villa have been charged with allegedly making an illegal approach for Southampton striker James Beattie. The Premier League said on Tuesday the charge relates to comments made by Aston

Aston Villa charged over Beattie approach


AP - The cable pay-per-view company iN DEMAND has backed away from a plan to show a three-hour election eve special with filmmaker Michael Moore that included the first television showing of his documentary

Moore's Pre-Election TV Special Nixed (AP)


The FTC today issued a report assessing whether and how a system that rewards members of the public for tracking down spammers would or could help improve enforcement of the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2002

FTC Assesses Bounty System for Catching Spammers


Valencia and Barcelona are the front-runners in Primera Liga after an easy win each today. Champions Valencia, coached by Claudio Ranieri, dispatched Racing Santander 2-0 with goals from Vicente Rodriguez and Stefano Fiore.

Valencia and Barca Set the Pace


Newtowns Phil Mills tasted further world championship glory yesterday when he co-drove Petter Solberg to victory in the Wales Rally GB.

Solberg steals win with a  #39;flying finish #39;


Reuters - Thailand's foreign minister said on\Thursday he is campaigning to become U.N. secretary-general out\of a lifelong interest in foreign affairs, and because his\prime minister told him to.

Thai Minister Says His Boss Wants Him to Run U.N. (Reuters)


Tottenham Hotspur missed the chance to climb to third in English soccer #39;s Premiership after a 0-0 draw at home against newly promoted Norwich.

Tottenham Misses Chance to Climb to Third With 0-0 Norwich Draw


British insurer and fund manager HHG was back in the black at the half-year stage today as it recovered from losses of 902m (1.

HHG buoyed by return to profits


Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was happy to give Didier Drogba the day off after his two-goal salvo against PSG last night. Drogba, 26, is due to collect the Marc-Vivien Foe award for the best African Footballer

Mourinho hands Chelsea #39;s Drogba a day off


BEIJING (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova  swept into the semi-finals of the China Open on Friday when  opponent Jelena Jankovic retired hurt in the first set with an  ankle injury.

Sharapova Sets Up China Semifinal with Kuznetsova


Courier firm DHL decides to ditch its plan to make Brussels its international hub as authorities delay a decision over night flights.

DHL scraps Brussels growth plan


SONOMA, California (Ticker) - Tom Kite kept alive his slim hopes for the Charles Schwab Cup. Kite fired an 8-under-par 64 at the Sonoma Golf Club to take the lead after Thursday #39;s opening round of the \$1 million Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

Kite leads at Schwab Cup Championship


Bank of Ireland has reported a 5 percent rise in first-half profits, in line with predictions made in its September trading update, and says it is confident about the outlook for the full year.

Bank of Ireland profit up


TOKYO -- Search-engine provider Google opened a research and development center at its Tokyo offices this week, the company said Thursday.

Google opens Tokyo research center


Plans to strip car makers of their exclusive right to sell spare parts such as bumpers, bonnets and headlights were outlined yesterday, as part of a drive to open up a 10bn market across Europe.

Brussels unveils plan to free-up market for car parts


The timid media won't do it, so 'radical' librarians are standing up against the government to protect free speech and fight censorship. Commentary by Adam L. Penenberg.

Don't Mess With Librarians


New York -- The quarterfinals #39; forgotten men Thursday were Lleyton Hewitt and Tim Henman, but they will toil in relative obscurity no longer.

US OPEN NOTEBOOK Hewitt, Henman reach the spotlight


AFP - Steven Gerrard has moved to allay Liverpool fans' fears that he could be out until Christmas after breaking a metatarsal bone in his left foot.

Gerrard promises speedy comeback from broken foot (AFP)


Virgin Group boss Richard Branson has signed an agreement with Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to launch a new airline in the African country that will be majority owned by Nigerian investors.

Branson #39;s Virgin Group creating  #39;21st-century airline #39; in Nigeria


David Jones Limited (DJS) said today that it expected a 5 increase in profit after tax in the 2005 financial year after a strong rally in FY04 net profit.

David Jones flags 5 profit growth in FY05


AP - Adrian Beltre hit a grand slam to become the first player to reach 40 home runs this season, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 10-2 victory over the Montreal Expos on Tuesday night. His previous career high for homers was 23, set last season.

Beltre Hits 40th in Dodgers' Win (AP)


Government forces battled separatists for strategic areas near South Ossetia #39;s main city as Georgia sought the upper hand in some of the worst fighting in the breakaway region since a war more than a decade ago.

Russia Accuses Georgia of Violating Cease-Fire


Thirty-two countries and regions are scheduled to participate in the Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition Monday in Zhuhai, China.

China air show to begin


Angelo Que of the Philippines carded a final-round 70 on Sunday to capture a two-stroke win in the inaugural Vietnam Masters golf tournament.

Que wins inaugural Vietnam Masters


TOKYO (Reuters) - The yen hovered near a five-week low  against the dollar on Friday after minutes from a U.S. central  bank meeting reinforced expectations that measured rate rises  would continue, and as oil prices closed in on record highs.

Yen Near 5-Week Low Vs Dollar


Reuters - Vice President Dick Cheney has\received a flu shot, aides said on Wednesday, citing his\history of heart disease as a reason to qualify for a shot\during a national shortage.

Cheney Got Flu Shot, Aides Say, Citing Heart Issue (Reuters)


AP - The New York Yankees are raising ticket prices for most of their top seats by  #36;10 next season, with the best box seats going for  #36;90.

Yankees Raise Price of Best Box Seats  #36;10 (AP)


Eighty percent of Australia's snake species are venomous, making the continent a paradise for researchers seeking the next generation of miracle drugs for human diseases.

Could Australia's Deadly Snakes Put Bite on Cancer?


CAMP ZAMA, Japan A military court-martial is under way for Charles Jenkins, the Army sergeant who #39;s accused of deserting his unit in 1965 and defecting to North Korea.

Court-martial opens for accused 1960 #39;s Army deserter


Company's looking at ways to offer wireless phone service, executives say. The move is targeted at the Baby Bells.

Time Warner Cable mulling wireless


A closely watched measure of future economic activity fell in July for the second consecutive month, reinforcing evidence that the nation's financial recovery is slackening.

Leading Indicators and Jobless Claims Dip


AP - The pilot and designer of a private rocket plane say they are confident it could return to the sky next week in a quest to claim a multimillion-dollar prize, despite a harrowing flight in which the spacecraft rolled dramatically while hurtling toward the edge of the atmosphere.

Pilot, Designer of Rocket Plane Confident (AP)


PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 5 (AScribe Newswire) -- Cassini scientists will report on the latest results from the mission during two press conferences at the Division for Planetary Sciences meeting in Louisville, Ky.

Press Conferences to Highlight Latest Cassini Results


Joe Cole, the Chelsea midfielder, has withdrawn from the England squad to play in a friendly against Spain because of a stomach bug.

Cole misses England trip


A Pennsylvania school district Friday defended its decision to discount Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and teach what critics say is a version of creationism.

School District Challenges Darwin's Theory


The company's revenue and earnings are just two reasons to like this stock.

6 Reasons to Love Rambus


Game kingpin and Motley Fool Stock Advisor recommendation Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS) has another hit on its hands. Madden NFL 2005 was the top-selling game its first week on the market.

Electronic Arts Breaking Out


On Stephon Marbury: He got into a rhythm and it was a nice zone to be in. His shot looked good and he had good form. He hit big shots and it helped change the game.

Game Quotes


Microsoft is aggressively moving into Google #39;s traditional turf, making its own search engine to challenge the Internet search king.

Google opens new office in Kirkland


Michael Phelps, of the United States, holds his gold medal after setting an Olympic-record 1:57.14 in the 200-meter individual medley at the Olympic Aquatic Centre during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, in this Aug. 19, 2004 file photo.

Gold Medalist Phelps Faces DWI Charges


At a press conference during his recent visit to Tehran, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia does not support the idea of referring Tehran #39;s nuclear case to the United

Russia Treads Fine Line On Iranian Nuclear Issue


ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada - Hurricane Ivan bore down on Jamaica on Friday with deadly winds and monstrous waves, after leaving Grenada a wasteland of flattened houses and twisted metal and setting off a frenzy of looting...

Jamaicans Flee As Ivan Approaches; 23 Dead


Slobodan Milosevics court-imposed British lawyer told the UN war crimes tribunal today he will ask for a suspension of hearings until an appeals chamber has considered overturning his appointment at the request of the former Yugoslav president.

Sack Seeking Milosevic Lawyer Seeks Trial Suspension


Shaquille O #39;Neal wants to play in the Miami Heat #39;s season opener tonight at New Jersey despite a strained left hamstring. O #39;Neal said after yesterday #39;s practice the hamstring felt awkward when he ran.

O #39;Neal could go either way


The stock exchanges in the United States would be forced to tighten their governance and move toward separating their self-policing function from their business operations under a plan proposed by federal regulators on Tuesday.

SEC wants to strengthen governance at exchanges


Newcastle United Football Club has sacked Sir Bobby Robson, the oldest manager in the English Premier League.  quot;After a disappointing start to the Premier League season, the directors of Newcastle United have

Newcastle sack manager Robson


St. Louis right-hander Jeff Suppan came up through the ranks with Boston and returned there as an established veteran last year in a midseason trade.

Suppan now sees different shade of red


NewsFactor - A Gartner Group report on PC hardware sales in emerging global markets has stirred up controversy in both the open-source and proprietary software worlds. Eighty percent of personal computers sold in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe that ship with the Linux operating system eventually will be running a pirated copy of Windows, predicts Gartner.

Linux Community Steamed over Windows Piracy Report (NewsFactor)


JC Penney Co. Inc. named a former chairman and chief executive of both Macy #39;s and luxury retailer LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, to lead the department store company, replacing Allen Questrom.

Update 2: JC Penney Taps Former Macy #39;s, LVMH Head


71-inch HDTV comes with a home stereo system and components painted in 24-karat gold.

LG Unveils Big, Pricey Plasma TV


BAGHDAD, Iraq - A car bomb exploded north of the Iraqi capital on Sunday, killing two people and injuring four others, including a deputy provincial governor, police said.

Police: Car Bomb Expodes North of Baghdad


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia  Inc.<A HREF=

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Has Loss


IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Ed Hinkel made a diving, fingertip catch for a key touchdown and No. 16 Iowa stiffened on defense when it needed to most to beat Iowa State, 17-10, yesterday.

Iowa weathers Cyclones


In the end, Cleveland #39;s Butch Davis was right where he wanted to be, which was ironic because it was that position that made him such a convenient target for dismissal.

Skidding Browns finally see the light, purge Butch


AP - TCU has gone from trying to become the first outsider to bust into the Bowl Championship Series to just hoping for a chance to play in the postseason.

TCU Hoping to Play in Postseason (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Treasury yields hovered near six-month  lows on Tuesday as investors bet rising energy costs would  handicap the economy and perhaps sway the Federal Reserve to  slow the pace of rate hikes.

Treasury Yields Near Lows, Oil Hugs Highs


New York, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Mets have  reportedly told Art Howe he will be fired, but he has agreed to  remain as the team's manager until the end of this season.

Howe Done with Mets, Effective at Season's End


Business India Los Angeles, Sep 24 : After months of wrangling, a consortium led by Sony Corp has signed a definitive deal to buy the famous Hollywood studio MGM, Xinhua reports.

Sony-led consortium inks MGM purchase deal:


DLA looks near certain to rubber-stamp its ambitious merger with US suitor Piper Rudnick within hours, as partners are due to cast their votes on the proposed deal at 2pm tomorrow (4 December).

DLA set for transatlantic merger


UEFA, footballs European governing body, can work in mysterious ways, but there was no mistaking the speed and clarity of its decision-making on Tuesday.

Attack on referee costs Roma dear


Money-losing Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Monday that it is setting up a joint venture with Merrill Lynch to offer auto-sales financing services in the United States.

Mitsubishi, Merrill Lynch in Joint Venture


India's main opposition says the case of a Hindu seer facing murder charges must be heard outside Tamil Nadu to ensure that justice is delivered.

BJP demands transfer of seer case


AP - Alex Smith threw for three touchdowns, rushed for two more and finished with 435 yards of offense, and No. 20 Utah backed up its first preseason ranking with a 41-21 win over Texas A amp;M on Thursday night.

No. 20 Utah Beats Texas A M 41-21 (AP)


Internet search giant Google, quiet since going public in August, introduced a feature Wednesday that lets users search through pages of books online.

Google feature offers pages of books online


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed mostly lower on  Tuesday as oil prices climbed to another record and economic  data showed slower-than-expected growth last month.

Stocks Lower as Oil Breaches \$51/Barrel


Paula Radcliffe will run in tonight #39;s 10,000 metres final at the Olympic games in Athens. The decision was announced at 11:30am in Athens, barely 10 hours before the race which begins at 9:50pm (7:50pm Irish time).

Radcliffe to run in 10,000 final


It is now more than obvious that developments in Myanmar have taken a sad turn. The harden- ing of the junta #39;s position does not augur well for future United Nations involvement.

Wanted: a more realistic Myanmar policy


Alcoa Inc. is part of a three-company consortium that will buy a major natural-gas pipeline in Australia for \$1.3 billion. The consortium, which includes Diversified Utility  amp; Energy Trusts (DUET) and Alinta

Alcoa in group buying Australia pipeline for \$1.3B


Trying to save the famed Hubble Space Telescope (news - web sites) with a robot would cost \$2 billion with just a 50-50 chance of success, an aerospace

Group: Robotic Rescue Mission Uncertain


Beijing, Oct 12. (PTI): Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing today held in-depth exchange of views with visiting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on global hotspot issues, including Iraq, and reached  quot;consensus quot; on the reform of the United Nations.

China, Annan agree on UN reform


The Motion Picture Ass. of America (MPAA) yesterday confirmed the organisation has begun legal proceedings against two makers of DVD chip alleging that the pair #39;s willingness to offer their products more widely than they should.

Hollywood sues DVD-chip makers


The Blue Devils 81-74 victory over Michigan State perfectly depicted the cast of characters on the Duke squad. Specifically, the role each upperclassman performed in this early-season test

Tough task reveals character


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices surged to new record highs on  Monday near \$50 for U.S. crude as Nigeria emerged as the latest  focus for worries about supply security on world energy  markets.

Oil Near \$50, Supply Eye Nigeria Turmoil


AP - Newspaper endorsements for President Bush, a Republican, or Sen. John Kerry, a Democrat, in the 2004 presidential campaign.

2004 Presidential Endorsements (AP)


Profit at Tyco #39;s electronics unit rose more than fourfold in the quarter as revenue climbed 15 percent on higher sales volume in automotive, communications, computer and consumer electronics.

Electronics, Health Care


He was tired. He had finally lost a fight after 40 straight victories. Since the age of 7, Felix Trinidad Jr. had sparred or ran or skipped rope or hit the heavy bag and the speed bag almost every day.

Izenberg: Trinidad refuses to take shortcuts in comeback


In the world #39;s gambling capital, a city built on the back of so many broken dreams, Danny Williams #39;s mission to win the world heavyweight title ended in a painful, humiliating and bloody defeat at the Mandalay Bay Hotel where he was utterly outclassed by

Williams rejects retirement


Two-time defending champion Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand and former world number one Lleyton Hewitt of Australia have advanced to Saturday #39;s semifinals of the Long Island Cup men #39;s tennis tournament in New York.

Men #39;s Tennis: Srichaphan, Hewitt Advance to Long Island Cup <b>...</b>


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended little changed  on  Tuesday as Internet companies like eBay Inc. <A HREF=

Stocks End Flat; Internet Shares Rise


Yoran helped form US-CERT, the government #39;s cybersecurity information clearing house, but was reportedly frustrated with his post #39;s limited authority and budgets.

Homeland Security Cybersecurity Chief Abruptly Resigns


ST. LOUIS (Sports Network) - For the second year in a row,  a member of the Seattle Mariners has captured the Roberto  Clemente Award, as Major League Baseball awarded Mariners  designated hitter Edgar Martinez the 2004 honor on Tuesday.

Seattle DH Martinez Wins 2004 Roberto Clemente Award


Who: North Texas (7-4)vs. Southern Miss. (6-5) When and where: Tonight, 7:30,at New Orleans. TV: ESPN. Last meeting: Southern Mississippi won, 22-0, in 1981. Comments: North Texas freshman running back Jamario Thomas led the Sun Belt in rushing with 1,709 yards in just nine games. He rushed for more than 200 yards four times and scored 17 touchdowns while leading ...

New Orleans Bowl


Deena Kastor celebrated her Olympic bronze medal in the marathon in Athens with an ice bath, a controlled meal of proteins and carbohydrates, and sleep.

After Athens, Marathoners Nurse Emotions


The WS-Management spec is part of the effort to improve Sun-Microsoft system interoperability. But IBM is taking a different road.

Leading Vendors Back Competing Systems-Management Specifications


AFP - Retired general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was confirmed as Indonesia's next leader as final counting from the country's first direct presidential polls gave him a landslide victory over his predecessor.

Ex-general declared victor in Indonesian elections (AFP)


AFP - A review of security at Australia's diplomatic missions around the world is under way following the bombing of its Jakarta embassy on September 9, the government said.

Australia reviewing security at embassies around the world (AFP)


Reuters - New applications for U.S. home loans\eased last week for the second week in a row even though\30-year mortgage interest rates decreased slightly, an industry\group said on Wednesday.

Mortgage Applications Ease in Aug 27 Week (Reuters)


President of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament (EP) Martin Schulz on Thursday hailed the efforts by incoming President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso in revamping his team for approval.

EP Socialist Group hails Barroso #39;s revamping efforts


Glasgow, Scotland (Sports Network) - Scotland coach Berti Vogts #39; concerns mounted Monday as he learned captain Barry Ferguson and defender Russell Anderson remained questionable for Wednesday #39;s World Cup qualifier at Moldova.

Scotland, Vogts in hot water


Australian Prime Minister John Howard, center, his wife Janette, right, and opposition lawmaker Bob McMullan in Canberra, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, laying wreaths in memory of victims of the Bali bombings..Commemorations

Victims of Bali Bombings Remembered


Pakistan's National Assembly brings in the death penalty for extreme cases of so-called honour killings.

'Honour killings' law tightened


A weak dollar should be good for U.S. exports. But it's already causing pain overseas, and in the long run it could drive up the cost of living at home

Wither The Dollar


AP - Venezuelans overwhelmingly voted to keep President Hugo Chavez in office, dealing a crushing defeat to a splintered opposition and allowing the leftist leader to convert one of the biggest challenges of his presidency into an even broader mandate to carry on his

Venezuelans Vote to Keep Chavez in Office (AP)


The hurricane-weary Miami Dolphins had their matchup against Pittsburgh moved back to a night game because of Hurricane Jeanne. But the Steelers also had reasons to be out

In the Rain, Pittsburgh Makes a Mess of Miami


BAIJI, Iraq (Reuters) - A car bomb exploded near a U.S.  military patrol in the town of Baiji, north of Baghdad, on  Tuesday, killing at least seven Iraqis and wounding 20 people,  including two U.S. soldiers, doctors and the military said.

Car Bomb North of Baghdad Kills 7, Wounds 19


The metamorphosis of a Communist Party expatriate to business consultant mirrors China's shift from a closed-door state to a freewheeling money-making society.

A Long March From Maoism to Microsoft


This weekend in baseball, two teams from Northern California face two teams from Southern California and all four are in contention for a playoff spot.

North-South Showdowns Bring Out State's Polar Opposites


VIENNA (MNA) -- Mark Gwozdecky, the spokesman for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said on Tuesday that the IAEA does not intend to adopt a tough approach toward Iran and will only take technical points into consideration.

IAEA does not intend to adopt tough approach toward Iran


Reuters - Consumer electronics giant Sony Corp.\said on Thursday it is mulling a major strategic shift to make\digital music devices that play MP3 song files.

Sony Considers MP3 Support to Silence iPod Fans (Reuters)


One week before the elections, the national economy remains stuck in a fragile and sluggish recovery.

Economy Improves, but Not Optimism


Martha Stewart announced today that she had decided to begin her prison sentence

Stewart Ends Appeal Effort, and Asks to Serve Sentence Soon


While a jury will not decide Kobe Bryant #39;s future, a jury of a different sort - voters - will decide District Attorney Mark Hurlbert #39;s.

Now, Hurlbert #39;s future will be decided


KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Maoist guerrillas have set off a bomb at an empty police post near Kathmandu, police say, and the Nepali capital remains cut off by land for the third day due to a rebel blockade call.

Blast rocks Nepal police post


Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf Sunday termed his New York summit meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a  quot;gain for peace quot;.

India-Pakistan talks gain for peace: Musharraf


Technology India: Washington, Dec 7 : Scientists are now developing a new aircraft scheduling system using computer models which, would not only make air travel safer but would also curb the pollution.

New aviation system makes flying safer, pollution free:


Florida will not be forced to create a paper record in case of recounts in elections on touch-screen voting machines, a federal judge ruled Monday.

Judge Tosses Fla. E-Voting Paper Trail Suit


CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- Shares of PF Chang #39;s China Bistro jumped 7 percent in early trading Wednesday after the casual dining chain said sales jumped amid new store openings, higher traffic and a hike in prices.

Higher sales lift PF Chang shares


The UN nuclear watchdog is to release a report into Iran's nuclear plans, as Tehran says it will halt uranium enrichment.

Verdict due on Iran nuclear plans


The University of Maryland plans to raise \$200 million for scholarships, a campaign that basketball coach Gary Williams will head and seed with \$500,000 of his own.

Williams to lead scholarship drive at Maryland


Australia's John Howard captures control of his country's Senate, giving him extensive legislative power.

Howard seizes Australia's Senate


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Shi'ite fighters left the Imam Ali  Mosque in Najaf Friday and began turning in their weapons,  after tens of thousands of pilgrims celebrated a peace  agreement that ended a bloody rebellion.

Iraqi Rebels Leave Najaf Shrine, Hand in Weapons


David Coulthard has admitted that he is keen to prove himself in testing with the Red Bull Racing team this week, aware that it could possibly be his last chance of salvaging a Formula One drive for 2005.

Coulthard ready for F1 return.


Tiger Woods produced one of the most remarkable rounds of his glittering career yesterday. A four-under-par 68 on the first day of the AmEx World Championship at Mount Juliet

Tiger plays through agony of back injury to show inner drive


Kutztown, PA (Sports Network) - Lorena Ochoa fired a seven-under 65 on Sunday to come from behind and win the Wachovia LPGA Classic.

Ochoa comes from behind to win Wachovia LPGA Classic


AP - An Army reservist charged with abusing Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison said Monday he will plead guilty to some offenses, acknowledging he broke the law and saying he accepts responsibility for his actions.

Judge Urges U.S. to Speed Abu Ghraib Case (AP)


AP - The New York Mets recalled right-hander Matt Ginter from Triple-A Norfolk in time for him to start Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants.

Mets Recall Ginter, Option 1B Brazell (AP)


AFP - Rising oil prices are slowing growth across the world but key emerging economies such as China and India will continue to support the near-term outlook for commodities, the world's largest mining company said Friday.

China, India will sustain global economy despite high oil prices, BHP says (AFP)


Apple introduces an iPod capable of storing and displaying photos in an effort to stay ahead in the market for digital music players.

Apple unveils photo-display iPod


TOKYO (Reuters) - As the death toll rose from Japan's  deadliest typhoon in two decades, experts warned on Friday that  climate change could bring a stormier future.

69 Dead in Japan Typhoon as Hopes Fade for Missing


Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - A McGill University student has been found dead in her dormitory room and police are calling the death suspicious.

19-year-old woman found dead in dorm room at McGill University (Canadian Press)


ATHENS, Greece Aug. 23, 2004 - Allyson Felix led three American women into the second round of the 200 meters on Monday, posting the fastest time of 22.

Felix, Two Other US Women Advance in 200


India #39;s space agency said it successfully launched the nation #39;s first satellite for educational services on Monday, which is expected to boost distance learning in a country with a huge rural population.

India Launches First Education Satellite


It wasn #39;t long ago that competitive entities seemed to be joining together to combat Internet users #39; common foe, spam. However, despite the fact that big Internet players

AOL, Microsoft Spar on Spam


Unilever is shutting its Birds Eye factory in Grimsby with the loss of 600 jobs as part of an attempt by the consumer goods giant to revive its struggling frozen food arm.

Grimsby feels the chill as Birds Eye site shuts


The former CEO of Computer Associates pleaded not guilty to federal securities fraud and other charges yesterday in a multibillion-dollar accounting scandal at the business software maker.

Computer Associates #39; ex-CEO enters plea


Early Sunday morning IDF soldiers shot at three Palestinian men who they spotted crawling two hundred meters from the security fence north of the Karni crossing in the Gaza Strip.

IDF kills gunman crawling toward security fence


Fifty thousand are dead, thousands more will die, and more than 1 million have lost their homes. Simon Robinson visits Darfur and witnesses what is happening while the world dithers.

The Tragedy of Sudan


_ Third-string quarterback Sage Rosenfels, a Maquoketa native and Iowa State grad, could be pressed into service when the Miami Dolphins play the Buffalo Bills this weekend.

Maquoketa #39;s Rosenfels could make first career start for Dolphins


Billionaire philanthropist and speculator George Soros has given his sons greater responsibility in his firm as it spins off real estate and credit card operations in a move to return to its roots as a hedge fund, a company memo said.

Soros gives bigger role to sons


ORLANDO, Fla.Windows users said actions speak louder than words when it comes to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer #39;s promise that Microsoft will fix the various security vulnerabilities in his company #39;s computing platform.

Windows Users Want Results, Not Ballmer Promises


The 14million summer signing broke his leg during the 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday in a horrific injury, and he is almost certain to have kicked his last ball this season.

Cisse blow for Liverpool Football Club


WASHINGTON: Using computer programs, scientists have suceeded in reconstructing the DNA of a creature that lived at the time of the dinosaurs more than 75 million years ago, a small, furry nocturnal animal that was the common ancestor of all placental

Ancient mammal #39;s DNA code rebuilt


A labor dispute between San Francisco hotel workers and management is spreading to more hotels in the city. Employees at ten major hotels are being been locked out from their jobs today.

Hotel workers being locked out at ten hotels


THE local stock market advanced today after a slide in oil prices sparked a rally on Wall Street on Friday. A fall in the price of crude oil was expected to ease investor concerns about high fuel costs crimping

Stock market advances


NEW YORK, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Mills Corp. (MLS.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , adeveloper of theme shopping and entertainment malls, on Tuesday said it would pay a General Motors unit about \$1.033 billion to buy a 50 percent managing stake ...

(Recasts first paragraph, adds transaction details, CEO interview, stock price and byline)


But a new report from the Asian Development Bank also finds a growing gap between rich and poor.

Fewer Asians live on less than \$1 a day


Former Massachusetts House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran, who opposed embryonic stem cell research while on Beacon Hill, now says state lawmakers should support the research in order for the Bay State to keep up with California.

Former Speaker reverses stand on stem cell research


USATODAY.com - Voters are sending mixed signals about how they want their communities to grow, embracing strict controls in some places and rejecting them in others.

Voters show they want more say in growth issues (USATODAY.com)


Tim Cahill revealed he thought Australia deserved to win tonights international match with Norway at Craven Cottage. Norway took the lead through Steffen Iversen shortly before half-time, before Tim Cahill

Cahill: Victory Should Have Been Ours


The Hopkinton data storage company EMC Corp. will roll out a set of new products today, aimed at filling out the company's  quot;information lifecycle management quot; strategy.

EMC debuts data-management software


AP - The woman who writes Wonkette! needed no introduction and offered no apologies Saturday, telling her peers in online journalism that Web logs like hers have spurred a quicker response to breaking news by major media outlets.

Conference Studies Blogs' Impact on News (AP)


AP - Spain's Socialist government approved new conditions governing research with embryonic stem cells Friday, allowing scientists to investigate using frozen embryos while seeking cures to diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and diabetes.

Spain OKs Stem Cell Research Conditions (AP)


Tomball City Council approved a \$40.5 million budget Tuesday that entails utility rate hikes and pay raises but no increase in the property tax rate.

Tomball City Council approves budget


ALTON -- Argosy Gaming Co., owner of the Alton Belle Casino, announced a merger agreement Wednesday with Penn National Gaming Inc.

Argosy is merger target


With the pro football season in full swing, it's time again for a superfluous digression into the corollaries between investing and sports. I can already hear some of you groaning, but cut me some slack.

Football can parallel investment decisions


AP - Hurricane Frances did more damage to the Kennedy Space Center than any other storm in history, tearing an estimated 1,000 exterior panels from a giant building where spaceships are assembled, officials said Monday.

Frances Damages NASA Space Center (AP)


Damien Martyn notched up his second century in as many Tests in an astonishing day that saw Australia score 362 and lose wickets. His innings was typically classy, and liberally dotted with exquisite shots off both spinners and quicker bowlers.

#39;Satisfying to get runs in tough conditions #39; - Martyn


The 35 countries of the United Nations nuclear agency board, including the United States, passed a long-awaited resolution today welcoming Iran #39;s total freeze of a sensitive part of its nuclear program.

UN Agency Welcomes Iran #39;s Suspension of Nuclear Program


President Bush rejected calls for a delay in next month #39;s Iraqi elections, insisting Thursday that the vote was too important to put off even though violence and chaos still grip the country.

Bush rejects Iraq vote delay


The European aircraft manufacturing group Airbus believes it will benefit from a US decision to take a subsidy dispute to the WTO, since the move will destabilize development of the 7E7 by US rival Boeing, EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy said here

Lamy says Airbus pleased with US decision to take subsidy dispute <b>...</b>


More than a record unbeaten streak is at stake when Arsenal plays at Manchester United on Sunday: The result could go a long way to determining who wins the Premier League championship.

Arsenal tries to extend unbeaten streak to 50, put away rivals


The family of a British hostage captured in Iraq has appealed to the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to intervene to try to save his life.

Appeals to Blair over UK hostage in Iraq


Reuters - The number of U.S. wireless\subscribers who are switching providers while keeping their\telephone numbers is accelerating, the Federal Communications\Commission said on Friday.

Pace for Wireless Number Switches Quickens (Reuters)


Reuters - Brain scans show that the brains of\people who are lying look very different from those of people\who are telling the truth, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

Brain Scan Shows Differences in Truth, Lying (Reuters)


US Treasury Secretary John Snow on Friday is expected to renew his call for Capitol Hill action on President George W. Bush #39;s health care ideas

US Treasury #39;s Snow says health costs impede growth


If you live for the mens 100 meters and figure that once its over, the rest of the Olympic track meet is just a lot of people from places you couldnt find on a map

Gatlin #39;s the best by the blink of an eye


SIALKOT, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan beefed up security  Saturday as minority Shi'ite Muslims prepared to bury victims  of a suicide bomb attack on a mosque in the eastern town of  Sialkot that killed at least 30 people a day earlier.

Pakistan Ups Security, Shi'ites Mourn Bomb Victims


IBM has handed over speech technology to two open-source groups to boost development of speech-recognition applications, which proponents say will eventually become common in customer-service call centers, automobiles and elsewhere.

IBM Releases Speech Technology To Open Source


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - US Airways and its pilots union said  on Saturday that they were willing to resume talks over a \$295  million package of concessions, as time ran short for the  company to strike giveback deals with its labor groups and  avert another trip into bankruptcy.

US Air Pilots Agree to New Talks


PC World - Chip maker offers few details about its plans for dual-core server processors.

Intel Silent on Jayhawk Replacement (PC World)


Reuters - The economic outlook for the United\States and Japan weakened slightly in October, but prospects\for the Eurozone improved slightly, according to an early\warning indicator issued by OECD on Friday.

OECD Index Dips for U.S., Japan (Reuters)


The Cubs suffered a stunning loss yesterday, and their closest rival in the wild-card race took advantage of the situation, the Giants beating Los Angeles to close within a half-game of Chicago and 1 1/2 games of the West-leading Dodgers.

Cubs feel pain as the Giants gain


Leader Stewart Cink played eight holes Friday morning to polish off a first-round 7-under 63 at the NEC Invitational and was at 8 under when play was suspended.

Cink Leads Soaking NEC


AP - A young Missouri woman was acquitted Monday of charges she helped former NHL player Mike Danton hire a hit man in a failed plot to kill his agent.

Woman Acquitted in Hockey Murder Plot (AP)


Google Inc. ranks lower in corporate governance than any company in the Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 stock index, according to influential proxy adviser Institutional Shareholder Services, said a newspaper report published Monday.

Group: Google governance flawed


It is much too easy to call Pedro Martinez the selfish one, to say he is walking out on the Red Sox, his baseball family, for the extra year of the Mets #39; crazy money.

Other Voices: Red Sox, not Pedro, lacking loyalty


The Redskins contend that last week's debacle in the secondary against the Rams isn't a true gauge of life after Champ Bailey.

Up to the Challenge


Your hard drive is overflowing with gazillions of digital pics. DSC00234.jpg might as well be labeled don't_know_don't_care.jpg. Here is the quest to build the photo archive of the future. By David Weinberger from Wired magazine.

Point. Shoot. Kiss It Good-Bye


SAN JOSE, Calif. -- After months of unprecedented hype, Google took a final step toward its long-awaited public stock sale, asking regulators to finalize paperwork that could start trading as early as Wednesday.

Google IPO imminent


DURBAN - Schabir Shaik #39;s corruption trial got off to a low-key start in the high court here yesterday, adjourning early after several hours of legal argument on an e.tv application to televise proceedings live.

Ruling today on televising Shaik trial


An ailing Pope John Paul II says Mass at Lourdes, the French shrine revered by Roman Catholics.

Pope celebrates Mass in Lourdes


The state is holding a rummage sale to get rid of a whole bunch of unwanted stuff. SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is holding a rummage sale to dispose of unwanted state property from aircraft engines to jewelry.

Calif. to host greatest garage sale ever


Reuters - President Bush on Monday chose\Carlos Gutierrez, the Cuban-born CEO of Kellogg Co , as\his nominee to be commerce secretary, his second selection of a\Hispanic for a second-term Cabinet.

Bush Picks Kellogg CEO for Commerce (Reuters)


Reuters - Office Depot Inc.  on Tuesday\warned of weaker-than-expected full-year profit because of the\string of hurricanes in Florida and poor sales across North\America and Europe, sending its stock down nearly 8 percent.

Hurricanes Hit Office Depot Profit (Reuters)


The following activities will take place in the area this week. Events are listed as space allows.

Sports  amp; Fitness Calendar


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - An Israeli tank opened fire and  killed three Egyptian troops Thursday on the sensitive border  between the two countries, mistaking them for Palestinian  militants on the way to carry out an attack, Israeli media  said.

Report: Israeli Tank Kills 3 Egyptian Troops


LONDON, AUGUST 22: Arsenal equalled Nottingham Forests 42-match unbeaten league record in heart-stopping style on Sunday when the Premier League champions roared back from 1-3 down to beat Middlesbrough 5-3 at Highbury.

Arsenal win thriller, equal Notts record


Lake Forest, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Bears, already without safety Mike Brown for the rest of the season because of an Achilles injury, will be without two more starters on defense for awhile.

Bears #39; defense takes another hit


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon unveiled on Tuesday an accelerated timetable for his planned pullout of the Gaza Strip and said it should win parliamentary approval in early November.

Sharon to speed up Gaza pullout


BAGHDAD : Six staff of a Saudi Arabian company, including one US citizen, an Asian and at least three Iraqis, were kidnapped from their offices in Baghdad, police and a lawyer for the company told AFP.

Six people, including one American, Asian kidnapped in Baghdad


Business and charities in the UK have joined forces to persuade more people to go online.

Push to win over net 'refuseniks'


AP - Scott Rolen became the third St. Louis player to hit 30 homers this season and Chris Carpenter set a career best with his 13th win, leading the Cardinals over the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3 Friday night to complete a day-night doubleheader sweep.

Cards Top Pirates 5-3 to Sweep Twinbill (AP)


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi police took control of the  Imam Ali Mosque in the holy city of Najaf on Friday after  entering the shrine and arrested some hundreds of militiamen,  Interior Ministry and an Iraqi government source said.

Iraqi Police Enter Najaf Shrine, Arrest Militiamen


WASHINGTON - American firms announced the steepest job cuts in eight months in September and also slashed hiring plans, a survey showed.

US firms announce deeper job cuts


FOXBOROUGH -- A tale of two lines. One could take a bow the morning after a 27-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The other, though it played better in the second half Thursday night, needed to spend a little more time watching its errors on film, and hoping to improve next Sunday in Arizona.

Bottom line up front


Reuters - Pedro Martinez pitched seven\innings and Manny Ramirez drove in the go-ahead run with a\sacrifice fly to power the Boston Red Sox to an 8-3 win over\the Anaheim Angels in the American League Divisional Series\(ALDS) Wednesday.

Red Sox Cruise Into 2-0 Lead Over Angels (Reuters)


AFP - At least 79 people were killed and 74 were missing in some of the worst storms southwest China has seen in many years, disaster relief officials said.

At least 79 dead, 74 missing in China storms (AFP)


The Centre is to promulgate an ordinance to repeal the contentious Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002 (Pota) along with another ordinance making changes in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967.

As promised, UPA decides to kill Pota


The Red Sox have reached agreement with free agent pitcher Matt Clement yesterday on a three-year deal that will pay him around \$25 million, his agent confirmed yesterday.

Sox reach agreement with Clement


SIR BOBBY ROBSON believes Craig Bellamy can strike fear into the England camp in Saturday #39;s crunch World Cup showdown at Old Trafford.

Paul Abbandonato, Western Mail


Reuters - Japanese stocks will probably move little\on Monday as soaring oil prices and caution ahead of the U.S.\presidential election next month and its possible impact on\financial markets make investors nervous about trading\actively.

Tokyo Stocks Seen Moving Little (Reuters)


Spanish explosives experts blew up a suspicious object found on an electricity pylon near the French border on Saturday after Basque separatist guerrillas ETA warned they had planted two bombs, police said.

ETA Warns of Bombs on Spanish Power Pylons


\\I'm starting to realize that my blog is a bit of a time machine.  For example I\can create a blog entry to warn myself about something that WILL happen in the\future.  \\My current NTP  blog entry is a good example.  I wrote this for myself as\much as for the people who read my blog (or find me via Google).\\I know for sure that NTP on Debian is going to bite me sometime in the future\and I'm going to forget WHY.  Then I'm going to (of course) go to Google or my\aggregator and search for NTP and then find my blog post.  \\I've done this about a dozen times now and its saved me a TON of time!\\

My Blog as a Time Machine


NEW YORK (Reuters) - International Business Machines Corp.  <A HREF=

IBM Settles Part of Giant Pension Lawsuit


US stocks advanced slightly on Monday as investors were optimistic that corporate earnings reports may exceed expectations, but oil at a fresh record near \$54 a barrel curbed gains.

Stocks End Higher Before Earnings Blitz


Aussies Mark Hensby and Stuart Appleby are just two shots off the lead after the first round of the elite 30-man Tour Championship in Atlanta.

Hensby, Appleby close


NEW YORK -- After her sentencing on July 16, Martha Stewart angrily denounced the case against her as a ''circus event quot; and vowed, Terminator-style: ''I'll be back. quot;

Stewart's image makeover may be a good thing


Research firm predicts closure of more than 3,000 U.S. centers as jobs fly north.

U.S. call center jobs moving to Canada


Following consultation with state government, emergency management officials, and Southeastern Conference representatives, Auburn University announced at 9:30 am Friday that the Sept.

Auburn, LSU will play Saturday


Unidentified gunmen shot dead two elderly Buddhist men in Thailand #39;s largely Muslim south hours before a trip to the troubled region by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Sunday, police said.

Two elderly Buddhists killed in Thai Muslim south


Britain took a shock gold in the men #39;s Olympic 4x100 meters relay Saturday, pipping favorites the United States by one hundredth of a second.

British Stun US in Sprint Relay


The Dow Jones industrial average fell 24 to ten-thousand-289. But gainers on the New York Stock Exchange outnumbered losers by a better than three-to-two margin.

Stocks close mixed...


A new round of peace talks between the Sudanese government and rebels from the Darfur region is set to re-open on Friday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

Peace talks on Darfur to resume


September trade data prompted economists to warn anew that the dollar, which briefly hit a record low against the euro Wednesday morning, is likely to continue moving downward in the months ahead.

Trade Deficit Falls, But Big Gap Persists


Canadian Press - MOSCOW (AP) - Canada's Barrick Gold Corp. said Thursday it was acquiring a nine per cent stake in London-based Celtic Resources Holding Ltd., in a deal that potentially gives the Canadian gold giant major clout ahead of next year's auction of Russia's biggest gold deposit.

Canada's Barrick Gold acquires nine per cent stake in Celtic Resources (Canadian Press)


Reuters - Political parties and civil rights\activists have brought a wealth of lawsuits on voting issues\before the Nov. 2 U.S. presidential election even gets under\way.

FACTBOX-Lawsuits Surround U.S. Election Before It Starts (Reuters)


Foreign Secretary Jack Straw revealed on Tuesday that British spy masters have formally withdrawn the claims that Iraqi troops had the capability of producing chemical and biological weapons on 45 minutes notice, the key justification used by the US and

Straw withdraws WMD Claims


KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's AirAsia is leaning  toward European aircraft maker Airbus for an order of up to 80  short-haul planes, a source close to the airline said on  Monday, in what would be another blow to rival Boeing.

Malaysia's AirAsia Favors Airbus Planes


KABUL, Afghanistan -- A day before Afghanistan's historic presidential election, Captain Jacob Larkowich's US infantry company took up positions on a hilltop next to the Intercontinental Hotel, looking out over the dusty capital for puffs of smoke and bracing to rush to the scene of any bombing.

Despite fears of attacks at polls, 'resilient' Afghans ready to vote


AP - Joseph Jefferson's right knee might never be completely healthy. He can't worry about it now.

Colts' Jefferson Ready for First Action (AP)


United Parcel Service, the US delivery company, is to take direct control of its core international express operations in China, paying US\$100m to buy out its local partner, Hong Kong-listed Sinotrans.

UPS to take control of Sinotrans for \$100m


Shoppers Drug Mart Corp., Canada #39;s biggest pharmacy chain, said third-quarter profit rose 21 percent to C\$92.5 million (\$77.3 million).

Shoppers Drug Mart 3rd-Qtr Profit Rises 21 to C\$92.5 Million


Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - The promotion of free trade around the world will help fight terrorism and is in the security interests of the U.S. and Canada, the U.S. ambassador to Canada said Friday.

Promoting free trade promotes security for Canada and U.S., ambassador says. (Canadian Press)


On a day of big movement in baseball, the New York Yankees are on the verge of claiming the biggest prize of all. The Yankees closed in on completing a blockbuster three-team trade that would send Randy

Seattle lands big prize in Beltre; Hudson traded from Oakland to <b>...</b>


AFP - Sudanese government envoys sat down with leaders of the rebellion in the western Darfur region as African Union peace talks took off here with a likelihood of bitter rows over security arrangements.

Sudanese peace talks open with dispute on security looming (AFP)


Despite not getting a decision starting pitcher Park Chan-ho contributed to the Texas Rangers stirring 5-4 win Thursday that clinched a three-game series sweep of the Oakland As and moved

Fireballing Park Back on Track


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rookies Bobby Crosby and Nick Swisher  belted back-to-back homers in the eighth inning to rally the  Oakland Athletics to a 5-4 win over the Cleveland Indians in  the American League Saturday.

AL Wrap: Rookie Pair End A's Losing Streak


Austrian goalkeeper Alex Manninger could be out for the rest of the season after dislocating his shoulder at the end of his team #39;s 3-3 draw with Northern Ireland in their World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

Manninger faces six months out with injured shoulder


LONDON - Oil prices charged back up to \$55 a barrel this week as a fresh fall in US heating oil stocks stoked worries over winter supplies.

Oil Back Up to \$55 on US Winter Stocks


A group of small telephone companies said Thursday it #39;s worried that state regulators next week will allow telecommunications giant SBC Communications Inc.

SBC request concerns small phone companies


Mexican state oil monopoly Petroleos Mexicanos has chosen potential private partners for a US\$2.7 billion (euro2.15 billion) project to boost its faltering petrochemicals business.

Mexico #39;s Pemex Chooses Partners


Almost by accident, NASA #39;s Mars rover Opportunity has found a rock that may point to a second water event in the red planet #39;s past.

Opportunity Rover Stumbles Upon Rocky, Maybe Watery, Find


VIENNA (Reuters) - The United Nations said on Monday that,  as far as it knew, Iran had not diverted any nuclear materials  to a weapons program -- a verdict diplomats said undermined the  U.S. case for U.N. sanctions on Tehran.

UN Partly Clears Iran on Nuclear Issue


Call it a fluke, or the upset of the week, or whatever you want. Fresno State's players and coaches don't think of it that way.

Off To a Fast Start


Sweden #39;s Henrik Stenson ended a three-year barren spell with a four-stroke victory in The Heritage on Sunday to take his second European Tour title.

UPDATE 1-Sweden #39;s Stenson holds firm to win Heritage title


Madison area cable provider Charter Communications is set to complete the  quot;telecom triple play quot; with the addition of phone service.

Charter will add phone service


AP - On the eve of Kobe Bryant's rape trial, a frustrated judge chastised prosecutors Thursday for waiting until the last minute to challenge DNA evidence the defense says shows the accuser had sex with someone else hours after her encounter with the NBA star.

Bryant Judge Chastises Prosecutors (AP)


USATODAY.com - I'm guessing the founders of a San Francisco start-up called OQO are bummed that Microsoft long ago snagged the name Pocket PC for its personal digital assistants. Because Pocket PC might be the ideal moniker for OQO's new model 01

Edward C. Baig: Personal Tech - OQO pocket-size Windows XP PC clever but could be better (USATODAY.com)


Fifteen years ago, Berliners took to the streets in a spontaneous explosion of disbelief and jubilation as they realized that the wall that had divided their city for 28 years had crashed to the ground literally and figuratively.

Fifteenth Anniversary of the Berlin Wall #39;s Fall


The retrial of Peruvian guerrilla leader Abimael Guzman is halted for a second time in a week.

Shining Path retrial halted again