Recent history tells me a lot when it comes to picking the top contenders for Sunday #39;s Nextel Cup race at Dover (Del.) International Speedway.

Three to beat at Dover


Oracle has opened a new front in its 17-month battle to take over PeopleSoft, announcing a slate of nominees to challenge the rival software companys existing board of directors at its annual meeting next year.

Oracle names candidates for PeopleSoft board


Iran on Monday suspended its uraniumenrichment activities under a commitment in an agreement reached with the European Union, the state TV reported.

Iran carries out promised suspension: report


ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Poverty and conflict in Africa have  made it a refuge for terrorists, British Prime Minister Tony  Blair said on Thursday at a summit in Ethiopia he hopes will  turn the continent's problems into a global priority.

Africa's Woes Make It Haven for Terrorists - Blair


AFP - Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson insisted that polls suggesting lukewarm African American support for Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry will be proved wrong on election day.

Black vote firmly behind Kerry: Jesse Jackson (AFP)


New world No1 Amelie Mauresmo beat Swiss Patty Schnyder 7-5, 6-4 in the second round of tennis #39;s Filderstadt Grand Prix in Germany.

Errors stretch Mauresmo


GAZA (Reuters) - The Israeli army killed 14 Palestinians in  a raid on a Gaza refugee camp Monday as Prime Minister Ariel  Sharon prepared for a critical parliamentary vote on his plan  to withdraw from the occupied territory.

Israel Kills 14 in Gaza Before Key Withdrawal Vote


NEW DELHI -- Kenya #39;s Paul Kirui won the World half-marathon Sunday and China #39;s Sun Ying Jie took the women #39;s race. The 24-year-old Kirui finished in 1 hour, 2 minutes, 15 seconds, beating Tanzania #39;s Fabiano Joseph by 16 seconds.

Kenya #39;s Kirui wins World half-marathon


ATHENS : If they gave out medals for unhappiness and misery, Olympic gymnastics would provide a podium sweep. It seems everyone involved is peeved at someone, feeling slighted or robbed, and not even gold

Gymnastics takes a tumble - Hamm and egg on judges #39; faces


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were set to open near  unchanged on Thursday after a warning from technology  bellwether Nortel Networks Corp. <A HREF=

Stocks Seen Flat as Nortel and Oil Weigh


L. Gordon Cooper was the real deal. He and his six colleagues - known as the Mercury Seven - inaugurated an age and captivated a generation of Americans.

Editorial: Cooper got America going in space


A special committee of independent directors at building products manufacturer Royal Group Technologies Ltd. (Woodbridge, ON) has fired president and CEO Douglas Dunsmuir and senior vice-president and CFO

Royal Group dismisses founder Vic De Zen as chairman, fires two <b>...</b>


ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly will meet in a special session at the Parliament House in Islamabad Friday at 4:00 pm (PST) to ascertain the new leader of the house.

Election of the new Prime Minister takes place today afternoon


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The chances of trying former Iraqi  leader Saddam Hussein in 2004 are remote, a U.S. official said  Friday, casting doubt on remarks by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi  who said the trial could begin as early as October.

U.S. Sees Chances of Saddam Trial in 2004 'Remote'


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Peyton Manning was 13-for-13 for 162 yards on three touchdown drives to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a 24-17 victory Sunday against the previously unbeaten Jacksonville Jaguars...

Manning Leads Colts Past Jaguars, 24-17


A former Enron Corp. executive and four former Merrill Lynch bankers were found guilty on Wednesday of conspiracy and fraud for the bankrupt energy company #39;s sale of electricity barges to Merrill Lynch in 1999.

Five Convicted in Enron-Merrill Trial


KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainians Sunday began choosing a new  president in a landmark poll offering a choice between the  ex-Soviet state's prime minister, backed by Russia, and a  liberal rival seeking gradual integration with the West.

Ukrainians Choose New President in Landmark Poll


Greenhouse gases have contributed to a gradual warming of the ecologically-fragile Arctic region, causing massive climate changes, including melting glaciers and sea ice, according to a soon-to-be-released environmental study.

Fragile Arctic region endangered by greenhouse gases: report


Software maker heads to LA to show off a host of gadgets that use one or another Microsoft technology to access movies, music and video.

Picture 3 of 8: Microsoft's new Media Center push


The DVD Forum has approved the physical disc specifications for the rewritable version of HD-DVDs (High Definition/High Density-DVDs), taking the format an important step nearer to mass production.

DVD Forum approves HD-DVD RW standard


Reuters - Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ.N) on\Friday will unveil a range of products including its version of\the iPod digital music player that raises the stakes in a war\between PC and electronics makers for a spot in increasingly\digitized living rooms.

HP Set to Launch Latest Push Into Consumer Markets (Reuters)


Aligning technology and business  what a concept. Everyone is talking about it, but to put things in perspective, I imagine the day after the wheel was invented the wife of the inventor got sick and tired of watching her husband roll it down the hill all day. She probably said, Cyxny, honey, why dont you make another one and put them on the cart?

IT and business align around rules and patterns


Mitsubishi has decided to stop production of LCD panels for televisions and computers. Instead the company will focus on the production of smaller LCD panels.

Mitsubishi to stop producing big LCD panels


American Express Co. Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Chenault probably will say earnings rose more than 10 percent for the 11th straight quarter, the best performance of all the companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

American Express #39;s Chenault Seen Extending Profit-Growth Streak


IRELANDS online bookmakers are lining up to grab a share of the \$73 billion (56.3 billion) American gambling market following a landmark ruling by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) last week that US legislation prohibiting gambling over the

WTO opens US door for Irish bookies


New Southampton boss Harry Redknapp plans to bring Jim Smith in as his assistant in time for Saturday #39;s Premiership clash against Tottenham.

Smith to join Redknapp at Saints


THE striking transporters on Thursday adopted an aggressive stand after the Delhi Police arrested some of their leaders including the former President of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), Mr OP Agarwal, here.

Truckers to intensify agitation further  Some AIMTC officials <b>...</b>


A videotape of the beheading of British hostage Kenneth Bigley appeared Sunday on an Islamist website, showing the civil engineer pleading that he wanted  quot;to live a simple life quot; moments before he was decapitated.

Tape of Bigley #39;s assassination posted on website


BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Level 3 Communications, Inc...

Level 3 Acquires Sprint's Wholesale Dial Internet Access Business


Weston In a city where lush landscaping is the law, a different kind of garden was growing inside a \$500,000 Weston Hills Country Club home, snuggled in the same development where the mayor lives.

Pot plants found in Weston home


Conexant (CNXT:Nasdaq - news - research) posted a sequential decline in fourth-quarter revenue due to lower demand that boosted inventory -- a circumstance that the chip supplier said will plague results in the current quarter.

Conexant Sees Continued Revenue Decline


Johnson   Johnson will be allowed to market an artificial spinal disk in the U.S. as a new form of treatment for people with severe lower back pain.

Artificial Spinal Disk Gains Approval From the F.D.A.


The nations retailers had a disappointing start to the holiday season, reporting sluggish sales for November after a surge in Thanksgiving weekend business failed to materialize.

Retail sales sluggish as holiday season opens


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Top U.S. retailers, including Wal-Mart  Stores Inc. <A HREF=

Storms Soak Retailers' September Sales


Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday said it is launching a desktop application that aims to seamlessly integrate e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, traditional phone service and Internet-based calling.

Microsoft to Integrate PC Communications


TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei stock average opened down  0.15 percent on Wednesday as investors took a breather from the  market's recent rises and sold shares of gainers such as Sharp  Corp.

Tokyo Stocks Open Lower on Profit Grab


After some years on the drawing board, Japanese mobile giant NTT DoCoMo has announced its work on a common platform for 3G phones has come to fruition.

DoCoMo Chooses Linux  amp; Symbian


Nvidia Corp. and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) said Tuesday that the two companies are working together to deveop a graphics subsystem for Sony #39;s next-generation video-game console.

Nvidia To Power Next-Gen Sony Console


Arsenal defender Sol Campbell will miss the big north London derby against his old club Spurs and England #39;s clash in Spain. The England center back is struggling with an Achilles

Achilles injury forces Campbell out of north London derby


The siege of Fallujah began with an expectation of weeks, if not months, of heavy fighting and worries about how that would influence

As smoke clears, next battles are political


Arguably the longest running soap-opera drama in the wireless industry has announced its final episode: Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) announced plans to acquire assets of a reorganized

Verizon Catches the NextWave


Iraqi forces, backed by U.S. soldiers, stormed one of the major Sunni Muslim mosques in Baghdad after Friday prayers, opening fire and killing at least three people, witnesses said. Another raid overnight at a hospital allegedly used by insurgents in Mosul led to three arrests, the military said.

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Troops Storm Baghdad Mosque


President Thabo Mbeki should publicly clear his name amidst claims that he had allowed deposed Haitian leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide to incite violence from South Africa, says the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP).

#39;Mbeki should clear name over Haiti #39;


Closeout retailer Tuesday Morning Corp. (Nasdaq:TUES) on Monday cuts its fourth-quarter earnings per share to 83 cents, well below the \$1.05 a share estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call.

Tuesday Morning revises 4Q guidance


LAKE FOREST - In the early stages of the season Rex Grossman proved to be developing into a playmaker, but it also became his downfall.

Show must go on without Grossman


Arab foreign ministers faced the divisive issue of Syria #39;s role in Lebanon when they met here Tuesday, a day after Gulf states and Jordan endorsed a UN call for Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon.

Arab League FMs consider pressure on Syria to quit Lebanon


Internet retail giant Amazon.com Inc. said Thursday that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Joyo.com Ltd., China #39;s largest online retailer of books, music and videos, in a deal worth about \$75 million.

Amazon.com to Acquire Retailer Joyo.com


Crude oil futures traded below \$49 US a barrel Monday following a steep runup on Friday that was prompted by persistent concerns about winter fuel supplies.

Crude oil futures hover near \$49 US a barrel amid winter supply <b>...</b>


NEW YORK - A cable pay-per-view company has decided not to show a three-hour election eve special with filmmaker Michael Moore that included a showing of his documentary

Moore's Pre-Election TV Special Nixed


BELFAST (Reuters) - A standoff over how the scrapping of  IRA arms is proved looks set to dash hopes of a landmark deal  in Northern Ireland on Wednesday, when Britain and Ireland plan  to unveil their blueprint for a lasting political settlement.

IRA Arms Photo Row Set to Break New N.Irish Deal


Beijing, Dec 3 : A man intruded into a primary school in north-east China #39;s Jilin province today and slashed 12 grade one pupils, four of them seriously.

Man knifes 12 primary school children in north-east China :


The Red Sox and the Indians were tied, 8-8, in the fifth and deciding game of the 1999 Division Series when Pedro Martinez was summoned from the bullpen.

Davidson: He was maestro on the mound in Boston


NEW YORK: IBM said that it is making the design of its blade computer servers widely available, in a move designed to gain wider acceptability in data centres and the telecom industry.

Company to storm market with blade servers


Reuters - Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corp. said on\Tuesday it would gradually stop making liquid crystal display\(LCD) panels for televisions and computers, instead focusing on\smaller LCD panels.

Mitsubishi Elec to Stop Making Large LCD Panels (Reuters)


The first livery design for the new Red Bull Racing team is  #39;in the can #39; - so to speak - following confirmation that the paintwork appearing on the team #39;s interim test car will resemble the famous drinks brand #39;s packaging.

First pics: Red Bull Racing livery.


In the old days in Japan, a merger between two banks would have been quietly brokered behind closed doors. But the current clash between two major Japanese banks over competing

Japanese bank battle a break from the past


Ziff Davis - Linux and open source are at the heart of today's computing technology. Deal with it.

Linux and Open Source: The 2005 Generation (Ziff Davis)


Colombian paramilitary leader Miguel Arroyave is killed, casting further doubts on ongoing peace talks.

Top Colombia militant gunned down


The \$160 million deal signals that Semel  amp; Co. will mount the biggest challenge yet to Apple #39;s dominance of online music. Since grabbing the helm at Yahoo (YHOO ) in 2001, CEO Terry Semel has banked on key

Yahoo! and Musicmatch: A Hot Duet?


Everyone's nervous, Acting Undersecretary of Defense Michael W. Wynne warned in a confidential e-mail to Air Force Secretary James G. Roche on July 8, 2003.

E-Mails Provide A Glimpse Into 'Iron Triangle'


TEHRAN - A defiant Iran yesterday rejected a resolution by the UN atomic watchdog calling for a halt to sensitive nuclear work and threatened to block tough inspections if the issue was referred to the Security Council.

Iran rejects IAEA call,threatens to block checks


ATHENS (Reuters) - The United States and Australia set  world records in the men's and women's 4x100 medley relay races  Saturday, the final day of swimming competition at the Athens  2004 Olympics.

Olympic Swimming Ends with U.S., Australian Records


LOS ANGELES (Sports Network) - Los Angeles Dodgers third  baseman Robin Ventura has decided to call it quits following a  16-year Major League Baseball career.

Ventura Hangs Up Spikes


AP - Seattle defensive end Grant Wistrom has ligament damage in his left knee and will miss up to six weeks, though coach Mike Holmgren said Monday he could be available if the Seahawks reach the playoffs.

Seattle DE May Return if Playoffs in Cards (AP)


AFP - US President George W. Bush and Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry battled over Iraq, terrorism, health care, and jobs, hoping their final debate would break their deadlocked race.

Bush, Kerry trade shots on bin Laden, economy, health care (AFP)


AP - Francisco Garcia matched his career-high with 29 points, including eight straight during a 27-4 run, and No. 19 Louisville pulled away for a 98-64 victory over Tennessee State on Sunday.

No. 19 Louisville Tops Tennessee St. (AP)


Federal officials are concerned that terrorists could try to down aircraft by blinding pilots with laser beams during landing approaches.

Terrorists Explore Lasers as Weapons, U.S. Warns


Reuters - Fossils from extinct dogs show why\bigger is not better -- giant meat-eating animals died out\because they relied too heavily on hunting other big animals,\scientists reported on Thursday.

Dog Extinctions Show Why Bigger Isn't Better (Reuters)


com September 17, 2004, 9:32 AM PT. There #39;s no doubt the Internet will continue to make its mark in the world of business and technology.

Oprah #39;s auto giveaway fuels Web spike


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- With its stock down 26 percent this year, Texas Instruments boosted its quarterly dividend payment to 2.5 cents a share and set a \$1 billion stock repurchase plan, the chipmaker announced late Thursday.

TI increases dividend, buyback


Research firms rode high during the high-tech boom, advising businesses to use technology to cut costs and boost efficiency.

Adapting to shift in tech landscape


SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft Corp. has started recruiting testers for the first beta of Windows Server 2003 R2, an update to Windows Server that the vendor plans to ship in October next year.

Microsoft readies Windows Server 2003 R2 beta


Greg Maddux won his 14th Gold Glove award and three members of the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals have been honored as the top fielding players at their positions.

Baseball: Maddux wins 14th Gold Glove


Pfizer Inc. on Monday announced a major clinical trial of its Celebrex arthritis drug to gauge its possible cardiovascular benefits for osteoarthritis patients.

Pfizer Plans Test Of Its Arthritis Drug


FALLUJAH, Iraq -- Through the tiny rectangular windows of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle the five infantrymen peered out at a junkyard of twisted metal and burned-out trucks. They were chafing to get out.

At times, a fight against boredom


A US private equity group tonight said it had bought a majority stake in luxury shoe label Jimmy Choo in a deal valuing the company at 101 million.

US Investor Steps into Jimmy Choo


IBM will sell its once vaunted personal computer business to Lenovo Group Ltd., the leading computer maker in China.<FONT face=

IBM Reassures Workers After Milestone Deal


The NFL made him look inferior. His old school wanted him to stand in line and take a number. The more things change, the more Steve Spurrier remains the same.

Professor Spurrier back in college; get ready to take notes


Reuters - Yahoo Inc. in November will close\PayDirect, its online payments service that aimed to compete\with eBay Inc.'s PayPal, the company said on Friday.

Yahoo to Close PayDirect Online Payments Service (Reuters)


Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova had little trouble overcoming France #39;s Youlia Fedossova 6-3 6-4 to claim her place in the women #39;s semifinals at the Japan Open.

Sharapova reaches Japan semifinals


ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece was plunged in national  self-satisfaction on Tuesday after its synchronized divers won  the host nation's first gold medal of the Athens Olympics.

Olympics: Greeks Dive for Joy, More Gold for Thorpe


Australian Gas Light Company has flagged the sale of its stake in New Zealand #39;s NGC Holdings, after the Australian energy retailer today reported an 18.

Profits rise as AGL flags NZ sale


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices firmed after touching a  four-month low on Wednesday, as a government report showing  that U.S. supplies of heating oil rose only slightly last week  kept dealers on edge ahead of Friday's OPEC meeting.

Oil Firms After Touching Four-Month Low


Sharman Networks has called former Napster expert witness Justin Tygar to give his testimony during the ongoing trial against the parent company of Kazaa for alleged copyright infringement.

Sharman witness: Tech can control illegal swapping


Jason Williams strolled through the turnstile at Charlotte Coliseum on Tuesday night wearing a purple Hornets T-shirt from the teams 1999 opener against the Orlando Magic and

Crowd salutes changing of the garb


ROME : Two female Italian aid workers arrived back in Rome after being released from a three-week hostage ordeal in Iraq, sparking scenes of joy at their homes and relief among world leaders.

Italian women arrive home from Iraq after hostage ordeal


Software maker Compuware has charged IBM with keeping back key evidence in a long-running legal battle over copyright and anticompetitive practices.

Compuware asks court to punish IBM


Kyle Boller throws two touchdown passes in the third quarter to lead the Ravens past the sliding Cowboys, 30-10, on Sunday.

Ravens Slug Cowboys


As Apple's iPod moves fast into the mainstream, many users shun the telltale white earbuds. Behold the closet iPod lover, some of whom are not too keen on the growing hordes of plebes with new iPods. By Leander Kahney.

IPod Users Go Into the Closet


KABUL - Afghan President Hamid Karzai dismissed a powerful warlord from his post as provincial governor Saturday in the latest move to solidify the central governments control of wayward provinces ahead of Octobers landmark polls.

Karzai dismisses powerful military governor ahead of Afghan polls


Spain #39;s Miguel Angel Jimenez carded a four-under 66 in the final round to total 14-under 266 to win the Omega Hong Kong Open, his third victory in Asia this year.

Spain #39;s Jimenez wins Golf HK Open


LOS ANGELES -- Walt Disney Co. #39;s ESPN sports television network is launching its own brand of mobile phone service in a deal with Sprint Corp.

ESPN to Launch Mobile Phone Service in Sprint Deal


AP - The age-old NASCAR ethic of hard work and patience has helped Jimmie Johnson win three straight races and put him back in the Nextel Cup championship picture.

Jimmie Johnson Back in Nextel Title Race (AP)


Microsoft and Sun have declared some progress in their efforts to achieve interoperability citing co-operation on web services standardisation and deployment of Windows on Sun systems.

Sun shines on interoperability progress with Microsoft


Here's where the Baltimore Ravens are missing the bus: They've got Deion Sanders and they've scheduled his news conference for early in the afternoon. Put it in Prime Time!

No Time Like Prime Time


Springfield, IL (Sports Network) - Christina Kim posted a six-under 66 on Friday to cruise to a four-shot lead midway through the State Farm Classic at The Rail Golf Course.

Kim on fire at State Farm Classic


Roger Clemens won his 327th career game with seven strong innings, and the Houston Astros kept pace in the NL wild-card race by holding on for a 7-5 victory over the St.

Astros 7, Cardinals 5


ATHENS - Hu Jia, Olympic silver medallist in 2000, went one better to win the men #39;s platform crown and bring China six of the eight diving titles.

Diving: Hu steps up to take diving gold


The Motion Picture Association of America says it has sued a company that sells Internet downloads of current movies like  quot;I, Robot quot; and  quot;Spider-Man 2 quot; without permission.

Website sued over illegal film downloads


Stuart Rose today consolidated his authority at Marks  amp; Spencer as the ailing retailer announced a clear-out of top executives.

Rose axes four M amp;S directors


The global standard will drive commercialization of RFID and EPC worldwide, according to EPCglobal.

Group ratifies next-generation EPC specs


Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - University of Washington head football coach Keith Gilbertson will step down at the end of the 2004 season.

Gilbertson to step down after the season


As browsers like Mozilla and Opera find more widespread use, Microsofts Internet Explorer is facing a new challenge to its superman status in the world of browsers, says LinuxInsider in its sneak preview of new Mozilla Firefox browser.

Internet browser: Mozilla Vs Microsoft


Moving to capitalize on a recent acquisition, Computer Associates International Inc. this week released an updated version of its home spyware-zapping software, and began selling a corporate

CA updates spyware-zapper


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

IBM Net Flat; Says Confident on Outlook


British Prime Minister Tony Blair says his Government is making every effort to secure the release of Ken Bigley, who is being held in Iraq.

Blair ready to respond but not negotiate


Brad Hogg will play no further part in Australia #39;s ICC Champions Trophy campaign because of a torn hamstring. The leg-spinner suffered the injury during a net session at Edgbaston on Sunday and will return home to Australia as soon as possible.

Injured Hogg heads home


Pedro Martinez could be back on the mound for the Boston Red Sox sooner than the New York Yankees expected. After throwing 113 pitches in a 3-1 loss in Game 2 on Wednesday night, Martinez said he #39;d be willing

Martinez may step up a spot for a Game 5


Diminutive yet dynamic Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Romesh Kaluwitharana has retired following his omission from a Sri Lankan training squad due to face New Zealand next month.

Kaluwitharana calls it a day


MELBOURNE: Two dancers and a diva can cut an artistic flourish to the finish of today #39;s Melbourne Cup, but if Irish champion Vinnie Roe starts in the race, the calls of  quot;bravo quot; are more likely to be for him.

Vinnie roe to rule - if he starts


LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigeria's main umbrella union said Sunday  it would go ahead with a general strike in Africa's top oil  producer Monday to protest against rising domestic fuel prices.

Nigeria Unions Say Strike to Go Ahead on Monday


(Article Central) Officials at EarthLink #39;s R amp;D facility have quietly released a proof-of-concept file-sharing application based on the Session Initiated Protocol.

Earthlink Releases SIPshare


Red Hat CEO Matthew Szulik, in a statement the company issued, said the assets have  quot;tremendous longterm strategic value for the open source industry quot; and his company.

Red Hat To Acquire Netscape Security Assets


Clashes between Sudanese army and rebel forces in Darfur are stopping aid agencies assessing the needs of some of the more than one million displaced people there, the United Nations says.

Darfur clashes block access to refugees


For months, the Charlotte Bobcats were nothing more than a concept with a bright orange logo. They became a reality Thursday night in their NBA debut, hanging tough in a 103-96 loss to Washington that impressed Wizards star Antawn Jamison.

Bobcats fall in first regular-season game


A standoff between rival Palestinian factions shut down a West Bank university on Monday, reflecting the growing state of chaos plaguing the Palestinian territories.

9:26 am: Rival Palestinian factions force shutdown of West Bank <b>...</b>


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  marshalled support on Wednesday for a Likud party vote to bring  the Labour Party into government, a move that would avoid snap  elections and pave the way for a Gaza withdrawal next year.

Israel's Sharon Lines Up Support for Likud Vote


Increase in mishaps--sometimes explosive--highlights growing danger of defects and unsafe, counterfeit batteries.

Cell phones: Too hot to handle?


Diversification is usually a road to mediocrity for small companies. The truly great ones stay focused.

Focus! Focus! Focus!


Marcus Trescothick maintained his consistent form in the ICC Champions Trophy with a century as favourites England totalled 217 against West Indies in todays final at The Oval.

Trescothick Ton Lifts England


AP - Even though he grew up hundreds of miles away, a young Bob Stoops was intrigued by the rivalry. In Chicago, Bill Callahan was watching, too.

Oklahoma-Nebraska Rivalry Still Shines (AP)


England #39;s players hit out at cricket #39;s authorities tonight and claimed they had been used as  quot;political pawns quot; after the Zimbabwe government produced a spectacular U-turn to ensure the controversial one-day series will go ahead.

ENGLAND STARS  quot;SADDENED quot; BY ZIMBABWE DRAMA


The Amazon.co.uk is launching a DVD rental service, the online retailer #39;s first foray into a market that was pioneered by US-based Netflix.

Amazon launching DVD rentals


AFP - Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq won the toss and elected to bat in their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against West Indies at the Rose Bowl here.

Pakistan win toss and bat against West Indies (AFP)


AP - Eastman Kodak Co. and International Business Machines Corp. Thursday said they have agreed to develop and make image sensors for digital still cameras and camera phones.

Kodak, IBM to Make Sensors for Cameras (AP)


Ancient Egyptians revered cats and other animals and took as much care in preparing them for their passage to the next life as they did with humans, scientists said Wednesday.

Egyptians treated animals like kings


UAL Corp., parent of United Airlines, asked a bankruptcy court Wednesday to terminate its union contracts if the carrier can #39;t get an additional \$725 million in cost savings from employees by mid-January.

United Seeks Court #39;s Aid in Getting Labor Concessions


A bomb exploded in front of market in Poso district of Central Sulawesi province, in eastern part of Indonesia on Saturday, killing three people and seriously injured six others, the district police said.

Bomb explodes in Indonesian Poso killing 3


AFP - Indian shares, Asia's second top performers last year, are poised for long-term gains as foreign investors buy into the market, seeing the country as an economic

Indian shares to notch long-term gains as global investors line up (AFP)


ATLANTA (Reuters) - Since the 1990s, bottled water has  become a fixture in American health clubs, offices and sports  stadiums, emerging as one of the most popular and fast-growing  drinks on the market.

Coke, Rivals Betting on Flavored Water


Lightning-fast wireless Internet access, anywhere, anytime has been the elusive goal of Internet junkies and e-mail-a-holics. It #39;s finally arrived - in Grand Haven, Mich.

Resort town becomes wireless hotspot #39;


A technical glitch with a docking system of a Russian spaceship might postpone the next crew #39;s launch to the International Space Station by five to 10 days, media

Russian spaceship glitch may delay next launch to ISS


Brazil has successfully launched a test rocket from the Alcantara base in northern Brazil on Saturday, October 23. The two-stage VSB-30 prototype flew for seven minutes at an altitude of about 100 kilometers above the earth.

Brazil Successfully Launches First Rocket Into Space


Palestinian democracy activist Mustafa Barghouti joins the race to replace Yasser Arafat as Palestinian president.

Reform candidate enters PA race


com. Michael Cuddyer #39;s RBI double in the bottom of the 12th scored Jason Bartlett to give Minnesota a 6-5 victory Sunday over the Indians during the completion of Saturday #39;s suspended game.

Twins win suspended game quickly


A year ago, the Advanta Championships returned to The Pavilion after a two-year absence, but the tournament suffered from injury withdrawls and a lack of star power.

Stars come out to compete at Advanta Championships at Villanova


BERKELEY - Someone asked Marshawn Lynch, Cal #39;s precocious true freshman, how far he could throw a football. His tone is matter-of-fact, a  quot;how #39;s the weather quot; voice.

Cal #39;s Arrington passes the torch to Lynch, and future looks bright


Iraqi militants have released a Sri Lankan truck driver and his Bangladeshi colleague after holding them hostage for 43 days, the foreign ministry said Friday.

Iraqi militants free Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi hostages


Bob Goodenow, executive director of the NHL Players Association, created a lot of suspense when he submitted a dramatic contract proposal to the league last week.

Players #39; offer likely to be rejected


HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan  Tsvangirai was acquitted on Friday of plotting to assassinate  President Robert Mugabe and seize power, a verdict he said may  boost prospects for national reconciliation.

Zimbabwe Opposition Leader Acquitted of Treason


IT is undergoing the kind of cultural evolution that companies endured when they first pushed computing technology out to the bulk of their workforces.

Virtual offices will reverse years of isolation


Reuters - Shares of Internet search companies\Google Inc.  and Yahoo Inc.  rose on Monday\after Goldman Sachs raised its fourth-quarter estimates for\both companies.

Yahoo, Google Stocks Up on Upbeat Analyst Forecast (Reuters)


Optical fiber can deliver data fast, sometimes too fast. Slowing light might make some networking bottlenecks vanish.

Slowing the speed of light to improve networking


Yahoo and SBC Communications will collaborate to extend to cell phones and home entertainment devices some of the online services and content they currently provide to PC users.
ADVERTISEMENT

<img src=

Yahoo, SBC extend partnership, plan new services


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pharmacy chain CVS Corp. (CVS.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said it would offer the world #39;s first disposable digital camera with a bright color viewing screen that allows consumers to instantly preview pictures.

Drugstore Offers New Wave of Disposable Cameras


MONTREAL -- Despite a jump of 19 per cent in world air traffic so far this year, airlines are expected to lose as much as \$4 billion US in 2004 due to high fuel costs, says the International Air Transport Association.

Airlines expected to lose \$4 billion


In a continued effort to compete with IBM Corp. and its WebSphere offerings, Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday announced imminent availability of Host Integration Server 2004.

Microsoft readies Host Integration Server 2004


SiliconValley.com - Cisco Systems' substantial influence over the  #36;8 million technology plan for San Jose's new City Hall reflects a deliberate strategy by the networking giant: get involved in the planning process early to win more business down the road.

Rivals: Cisco's tactics unfair (SiliconValley.com)


The leaders of India and Pakistan on Friday hailed a new era in often fraught relations between the two south Asian nuclear rivals and agreed to study a joint pipeline project as part of closer economic ties.

India, Pakistan Leaders Hail New Chapter in Ties


The Mets #39; big message at Omar Minaya #39;s surprise coronation yesterday was that Minaya has  quot;full autonomy, quot; baseballese for the power to make any decisions related to baseball.

Minaya: free to be real boss?


Between 1997 and 2003, Conrad Black and his associates personally received in cash up to 92.5 percent of Hollinger #39;s entire adjusted net income -- much of it to keep the various Black households

Hollinger Money Funded Lavish Lifestyle


A study of an ancient human pest - head lice -uggests that the ancestors of today #39;s American Indians may have met and fought with pre-humans long extinct elsewhere, scientists said on Tuesday.

lice provide clue to prehistoric lives


PC World - DOJ announces arrests, convictions for online fraud and other Net-related crimes.

Dozens Convicted of Cybercrimes (PC World)


Transmeta has licensed its LongRun2 power management technology to Fujitsu, the second customer to purchase the rights to use the technology, Transmeta said Thursday.

Transmeta licenses low-power technology to Fujitsu


Network Appliance Inc. has unveiled the next version of its operating system, DataOntap 7G, which includes two significant new features that improve provisioning and capacity utilization within its filers.

NetApp eases storage provisioning pain


Drivers try to focus on racing with the tragedy that killed 10 still weighing on their minds. By BRANT JAMES, Times Staff Writer. HAMPTON, Ga.

Hendrick team tries to grieve at track


Having served a four-game suspension stemming from a July 24 ejection against the Yankees, Jason Varitek returned to work. It would have been an understatement to say the Red Sox catcher was happy to be back in his familiar spot, crouched behind the plate at Fenway Park, for last night's 5-3 victory over the Tigers.

Varitek had catching up to do


a clear rejection of the UN atomic watchdog #39;s demand that Iran halt such activities. Uranium enrichment can be used both to produce nuclear power and to make atomic bombs.

Iran bill backs nuclear energy drive


How many teams can save a 20-game winner for Game 2 of a playoff series? One. And with Roy Oswalt set for a postseason start four years in the making, the Houston Astros are feeling pretty good.

Red-hot Oswalt gets nod in Game 2


Microsoft's decision to reposition its .Net Passport identification system comes as Monster is dropping support for the authentication service.

Microsoft scales back Passport ambitions


The French government sent its foreign minister Sunday to the Middle East region to try to free two French journalists held hostage in Iraq as a truce was reached in Baghdad #39;s slum of Sadr City.

France sends FM to free hostages in Iraq


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  intends to present a timetable for withdrawal from Gaza to  lawmakers from his Likud party Tuesday despite a mutiny in the  right-wing bloc over the plan.

Sharon to Present Gaza Timetable to Mutinous Party


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Martha Stewart entered a minimum security federal prison in West Virginia shortly after 6 am Friday to begin her five-month sentence for lying to investigators about her sale of ImClone stock.

Media maven begins five-month sentence


Satellite internet service providers are often the only alternative to dialup in far-flung areas. The battle with latency still rages, although companies are making gains in upload speeds. By Elliot Borin.

Satellite Service Battles Lag


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States set final  anti-dumping duties of up to 112.81 percent on shrimp imported  from China and up to 25.76 percent on shrimp from Vietnam to  offset unfair pricing, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday.

U.S. Sets Final Duties on Imported Shrimp


AP - Instead of wearing khakis, students this summer at Croton Point Park donned wet suits and scuba gear as they dug up discoveries beyond the reach of landlocked archaeologists.

Underwater Archaeologists Dig for History (AP)


PITTSBURGH (5-3) vs. NOTRE DAME (6-3) When, where: Tomorrow, 2:30 p.m., at South Bend, Ind. TV: Ch. 7. Ranking: Notre Dame is No. 24. Last season: Notre Dame won, 20-14, at Pittsburgh. Comments: The Fighting Irish put up their dukes last Saturday, knocking off ninth-ranked Tennessee in Knoxville, 17-13. Notre Dame, playing its final home game of the season, has ...

College games on TV


AP - Rich Gannon no longer needs a bulky, plastic brace to protect the broken vertebra in his neck.

Gannon No Longer Wearing Neck Brace (AP)


New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer #39;s filing last Thursday of charges against giant insurance broker Marsh for alleged commercial account steering and bid rigging has already had significant impact on Marsh and is expected to reach into the insurance

Impact of Spitzer Broker Fraud Charges Felt at Marsh and Beyond


The EU says competition is bad, especially if it might produce a winner.

Europe's New War with America


TOKYO: Major Japanese computer maker Toshiba Corp. said Wednesday it is aiming to sell laptop computers loaded with its next generation DVD drive by next year.

Toshiba aims to launch laptops with next-generation DVD drives in <b>...</b>


AP - Juan Encarnacion hit a two-run single in the first inning and a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth, leading the Marlins over Colorado 4-3 Saturday night and extending the Rockies' losing streak to six.

Encarnacion Leads Marlins Over Rockies 4-3 (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Big Four accounting firms wrongly  let some corporate clients understate liabilities and distort  their financial health in their 2003 accounts, the regulatory  body for auditors said in a report on Thursday.

Audit Body: Big 4 Firms Missed Problems


Carbon dioxide emissions will be almost 40 higher by the end of the decade than they were in 1990 despite growing use of renewable energy, the International Energy Agency said yesterday.

Worries over rising carbon dioxide emissions


DaimlerChrysler AG said Thursday it had been notified that it was under investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission over alleged violations of a federal anti-bribery statute after a fired employee complained to labor officials.

DaimlerChrysler Facing SEC Investigation


After signing a five-year, \$25 million contract extension last week, the Wizards hope that Brendan Haywood fills the stat sheet as well as the lane.

Big Salary, Big Year?


Tellabs, which makes equipment for telephone networks, reduced its takeover offer for Advanced Fibre Communications to about \$1.5 billion, citing a decline in Advanced Fibre #39;s profit and outlook.

Business Briefs


AUGUST 24, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Cisco Systems Inc. said yesterday that it has agreed to acquire Sunnyvale, Calif., software developer P-Cube Inc.

Cisco to acquire software developer P-Cube for \$200M


AP - Two top Egyptian officials arrived in the West Bank on Monday for talks with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Israel's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Egyptian Officials Arrive in West Bank (AP)


Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced Monday charges had been filed against six men in the deadly February bombing of a ferry.

Arrests made in Philippines ferry bombing


KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainians voted for a new president on  Sunday, choosing between their Russian-backed prime minister  and a West-leaning liberal in a tight contest many fear could  degenerate into turmoil.

Ukrainians Vote for New President in Landmark Poll


As usual, the Big Ten coaches were out in full force at today #39;s Big Ten Teleconference. Both OSU head coach Jim Tressel and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz offered some thoughts on the upcoming game between OSU

Tressel, Ferentz Discuss Upcoming Matchup


Ricky Williams #39;s attorney met with NFL officials yesterday to discuss the former Miami Dolphins tailback #39;s desire to return from his brief retirement.

League Officials, R. Williams #39;s Attorney Meet


Monday night will mark the beginning of Europes space exploration, as a tiny spacecraft will start orbiting the moon. On Monday, SMART-1 (the acronym stands for Small Missions for Advanced Research and

Europes ticket to the moon


AFP - Disgraced Pakistani nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan's network has helped Iran with its nuclear program, providing not only expertise but also components, according to a CIA report to Congress.

CIA says Khan's network aided Iran with nuclear program (AFP)


Time Warner Inc., the world #146;s largest media company, and Comcast Corp. said they are considering making a joint bid for bankrupt cable-television operator Adelphia Communications Corp.

Time Warner, Comcast eye joint bid for Adelphia


Jagmohan Dalmiya, the president of the Indian cricket board, has blamed Zee Telefilms and ESPN-Star Sports, the opposing parties in the telecast-rights issue, for putting the Australian series in jeopardy.

Dalmiya blames Zee and ESS


Embattled Tommy Hilfiger Corp., desperate to acquire an upscale brand to help re-ignite its growth engine, will buy designer Karl Lagerfeld #39;s small business and roll

TOMMY TUNES UP


Too many business interests are clinging to a failed status quo and resisting necessary governance reforms, the government #39;s top securities regulator said yesterday.

Be open to reform, business groups told


The Florida Gators are set to renew their annual rivalry with Georgia on Saturday, but the talk around Gainesville continues to revolve around one man.

Gators deny contact with Spurrier


Bristol, TN (Sports Network) - Carl Edwards elected to go to the back of the field after spinning during qualifying, but it didn #39;t hurt his chances of victory as he drove all the way to the front and captured Wednesday night #39;s O #39;Reilly 200 Craftsman Truck

Edwards goes from worst to first at Bristol


US airstrikes in Fallujah are targeting Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and his followers. Is he the mastermind of the insurgency?

Going after Iraq's most wanted man


Mid-priced clothing retailer and maker Jones Apparel Group Inc. said on Thursday it was buying Barneys New York Inc. in a \$400 million deal to boost its retail business and move into luxury apparel.

Jones Apparel to Buy Barneys in \$400 Mln Deal


Even as Microsoft appeals a finding that it broke antitrust rules, the company says it has spent millions to make a stripped-down version of Windows.

Microsoft: Ready To Comply With EU Order If Appeal Fails


US crude leapt about \$1.50-a-barrel yesterday as petroleum giants evacuated thousands of workers from the Gulf of Mexico ahead of Hurricane Ivan.

Hurricane Ivan blows price of oil higher


Turnpike officials had anticipated a walkout by about 2,000 toll collectors, maintenance workers and office employees, so they waived tolls all day Wednesday after the strike began at 4 am, costing the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission about \$2 million in

Turnpike managers collecting tolls during strike #39;s second day


IBM is releasing a new line of ThinkPads that will include embedded fingerprint readers to amp up security. The new reader will be on a wrist rest below the arrow keys on select models of the T42.

IBM Adds Biometrics to ThinkPads


RICHARD Green is campaigning for a fair go for golfers in a bid to inject more excitement into home tournaments this summer. Green blasted the brutal course set-up for last week #39;s Australian

Green slams tough courses


The impact on physical anthropology of the diminutive hominid Homo floresiensis cannot be understated. The discovery in a rock shelter on the Indonesian island of Flores , announced in the

Island of the Little People


United Airlines parent UAL Corp. suffered a loss of \$274 million for the third quarter of this year, a smaller hit than it took in the same period of last year, when it lost \$367 million.

UAL Corp. takes \$274 mil. hit in 3rd quarter


EDINBURGH : Hearts have appointed John Robertson as their new manager to succeed Craig Levein at the Scottish Premiership club where he became a goalscoring legend during his playing career.

Soccer: Old flame Robertson back to rekindle Hearts


PATTANI, Thailand (Reuters) - Almost 80 Muslims died in  military custody in southern Thailand, suffocated while being  transported in trucks to an army barracks after a violent  demonstration, officials said on Tuesday.

Thailand Says 78 Muslims Died in Army Custody


Orlando Hernndez failed to protect a 3-0 lead, so the Yankees lost a chance of clinching at least the wild card.

Hernndez Drops First After Losing Yanks' Lead


TOKYO - Another strong typhoon was approaching Japans southwestern-most prefecture of Okinawa Tuesday morning, causing the cancellation of 260 domestic flights, authorities said.

Another typhoon near Japan, 260 flights cancelled


Union leaders in Nigeria vow to press on with a general strike despite government efforts to promote talks.

No early end to Nigeria strike


Drugmaker Pfizer announced Friday that its painkiller Celebrex puts patients at  quot;increased cardiovascular risk quot; for heart problems, citing a long-term cancer study.

Pfizer: Painkiller may pose increased cardiovascular risk


The Air Force scrubbed its planned launch of a new Delta 4 rocket on Saturday afternoon when engineers were unable to fix a computer system designed to fire the engines.

Test of Rocket Postponed


The last time the Marshfield girls' soccer team traveled to the Division 1 state final, in 2000, it earned its ticket by defeating Newton North in the EMass final. The last time they won a state title, in 1994, the Rams beat Newton North on penalty kicks.

Marshfield rams way to final


TEHRAN (MNA) -- Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said here Tuesday that he was confident that experience has taught the United States not to dare to attack Iran.

Experience has taught US not to enter dangerous territory <b>...</b>


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Venus Williams carved out a testy 6-4,  6-4 win over qualifier Alina Jidkova, while French and U.S.  Open runner-up Elena Dementieva led seven Russians into the  second round of the Kremlin Cup Tuesday.

Venus Wins, Russians Dominate Early Action


UNITED NATIONS - President Bush unapologetically defended his decision to invade Iraq and asked skeptical world leaders on Tuesday to do more to help secure and rebuild the country.

Bush: No apology, no retreat on Iraq


A car bomb targeting police exploded on a crowded Baghdad street Wednesday, killing at least 10 people and wounding 15 others, police said.

Car Bomb Targeting Iraqi Police Kills 10


The fossil gives us a missing link, not directly between humans and an apelike ancestor, but between great apes and lesser apes such as gibbons.

Science ; Fossil ape may be father of all apes


The United States pressed Iran to meet the demands of the UN nuclear watchdog after the three big European countries made a last-chance offer to make Tehran comply.

US presses Iran to respond to European nukes offer


AP - House and Senate negotiators refused to give ground Wednesday toward a compromise on putting in place the Sept. 11 commission's terror-fighting recommendations. The White House and victims' families appealed for a deal.

Little Progress on Sept. 11 Legislation (AP)


SAMARRA, Iraq - A suicide attacker detonated a car bomb Sunday near a joint U.S.-Iraqi checkpoint, killing three people and wounding seven, including four U.S. soldiers in the northern city of Samarra, the military said...

3 Dead, 7 Hurt in Iraq Suicide Car Blast


The government has approved Liverpool #39;s plan to build a new stadium next to its current Anfield home. The decision means Liverpool can start building the 60,000-seat project next spring.

Liverpool #39;s stadium plan approved


'CSI' Effect


Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis pleaded guilty yesterday to using a cellphone to try to set up a drug deal and will be sentenced to four months in prison, to be served after the regular season ends in January.

Lewis pleads guilty; will serve 4 months


A UK internet service provider is offering broadband that is sixteen times faster than average packages.

UK broadband gets speed injection


By TED BRIDIS    WASHINGTON (AP) -- A woman in Milwaukee and her ex-boyfriend are under orders to pay thousands to the recording industry. A man in California refinanced his home to pay an \$11,000 settlement...

Some Strange Twists in Music Piracy Lawsuits


Appeals court says punitive award against Philip Morris is still  #39;excessive #39; and must be halved. LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A California appeals court has ruled that a smoker #39;s \$3 billion punitive damages award

Smoker #39;s award cut to \$50M from \$3B


Crude oil prices surged past an unprecedented 55 dollars per barrel today as uncertainty swirls over production, high demand and tight global supplies.

Oil Prices  #39;Heading for 60 Dollars A Barrel #39;


Reuters - President Bush, who swiftly\reshuffled his foreign policy team on Tuesday, is planning a\more gradual overhaul of his top economic staff, people close\to the White House said.

Bush Econ Team to Undergo Gradual Changes (Reuters)


About 2,800 South Korean troops have completed deployment to northern Iraq to become the third largest coalition partner after the United States and Britain, officials said Wednesday.

South Korea says troops successfully deployed to northern Iraq


JERUSALEM/GAZA - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his security cabinet agreed late Thursday to a major offensive military offensive against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

Sharon, cabinet agree to major offensive in Gaza


TORONTO (Reuters) - A series of errors and  misunderstandings led to the botched drug test that resulted in  American cyclist Tyler Hamilton retaining his gold medal from  the Athens Olympics, said a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)  report Thursday.

WADA: Botched Tests Allowed Hamilton to Keep Olympic Gold


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

Reservist to plead guilty on Abu Ghraib charges


AP - An explosion was heard in Gaza City early Monday, but Palestinian and Israeli security officials said the blast had apparently been caused by a sonic boom.

Explosion Rocks Gaza City (AP)


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar crept up on Wednesday,  although it stayed under pressure after the Federal Reserve  raised interest rates as expected but raised doubts about its  next move.  The policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee  raised rates by a quarter percentage point to 1.75 percent,  adding to similar increases in June and August.

Dollar Under Pressure, Focus on Fed


French Foreign Ministry confirmed Friday the delay of Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar #39;s visit to France, previously scheduled for Sept.

France confirms delay of Iraqi president #39;s visit to France


The fantasy of a germ-free home is not only absurd, but it is also largely pointless.

Germs, Germs Everywhere. Are You Worried? Get Over It.


The Milky Way is a vast, diverse neighborhood. If you're hoping to find Earthlike planets that may harbor life, you'll need to narrow the search. Stars are a good place to start, because the dusty discs around stars spawn young planets.

Knocking on Heaven's Door


World number three golfer Ernie Els of South Africa has a two-stroke lead over Denmark #39;s Thomas Bjorn after the third round of the American Express Golf Championships in Ireland.

Golf: Els Leads American Express Golf Championships


Some Canadian pharmacies are looking at countries like Britain, Ireland and New Zealand for their drug supplies as demand from the US increases, USA Today said.

Canadian Pharmacies Look Overseas for Drug Supply, Paper Says


Cassini is flying to within 745 miles of Titan's surface and beaming back hundreds of images in a scouting trip that will lead to the Christmas Eve release of a probe for a parachute drop into Titan's atmosphere.

Mysterious Moonscape Seen on Saturn's Titan


According to a British Army spokesman, two armoured Land Rovers were attacked this morning near the southern city of Basra. The first vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and when soldiers from the

Two British soldiers killed in Iraq


By the numbers. By Shari Rudavsky. Jon Steinberg, 18, takes careful aim and shoots. Red spray fills the air, and the target falls dead, as Steinberg laughs lightly and says,  quot;There #39;s the blood.

IU researchers target video game violence


THE HAGUE Dutch leaders debated Tuesday about invoking a rarely used law banning blasphemy in response to a wave of ethnic tension and violence.

Tension high, Dutch ponder old blasphemy law


NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Google Inc. slashed the  size of its initial public offering nearly in half to less than  \$2 billion on Wednesday, splashing cold water on what has been  touted as the hottest Internet IPO in years.

Google Slashes IPO, SEC OK Expected Today


Everton manager David Moyes has signed a new contract that will keep him at Goodison Park until 2009. The 41-year-old Scot, who joined Everton from Preston in March 2002, has guided the Merseysiders to third place in the Premiership this season.

Everton tie up Moyes until 2009


SAN FRANCISCO - A California judge has denied three motions for summary judgement in a patent infringement case filed by TV Interactive Data Corp. (TVI) against Microsoft Corp., meaning the case will proceed to trial.

TV patent suit against Microsoft will proceed


After a shaky first half, Eli Manning showed why the Giants mortgaged their future on draft day. Manning led New York on two second-half drives that turned a one-sided game into a thriller in a 14-10 loss to Atlanta on Sunday.

NFL: Eli Manning loses debut but inspires Giant hopes


Drew Gooden and LeBron James both score 27, leading the Cavaliers to a 105-97 win over the feuding Raptors, who didn't have Vince Carter.

Raptors Fall to Cavs


AFP - The landmark trial of a Rwandan Roman Catholic priest accused of supervising the massacre of 2,000 of his Tutsi parishioners during the central African country's 1994 genocide opens at a UN court in Tanzania.

Rwandan priest to be tried for alleged role in 1994 genocide (AFP)


That #39;s the theme of a marketing blitz the technology giants are launching this week to educate consumers about new digital-entertainment-oriented PCs.

Microsoft, Intel unite in holiday ad blitz to spread joy of PCs


Betty Lennox had another huge night, scoring 23 points to lead the Seattle Storm to their first WNBA title with a 74-60 victory over the Connecticut Sun last night.

Storm scuttles Sun


short time I was there, #39; #39; he said. I just felt Chicago is the best place for. me. I #39;m looking forward to going out there and, hopefully, turning this into a. 182 home runs and 710 RBIs.

Garciaparra stays with Cubs


WASHINGTON - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said Thursday that the world body is doing its job in Iraq in preparation for the Jan 30 elections.

Annan says UN is doing its job in Iraq


Sears Roebuck and Co. probably will put a new spin on the Sears name for the 56 stores it is taking over from Kmart and Wal-Mart.  quot;Sears will be in the name, but we #39;re reviewing whether the name will be something

Kmarts to be converted into some kind of Sears


Two-time defending champion Paradorn Srichaphan rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-3 victory over Joachim Johansson Friday to reach the semifinals of the TD Waterhouse Cup.

Defending champ Srichaphan advances


A UN worker sorts Hamid Karzai #39;s ballot papers at a counting center in Kabul on Tuesday, Oct. 26. 2004. With 97.7 percent of ballots counted, Karzai has 55.

Karzai Wins Afghan Election, Official Says


3) Rain may postpone Game 6. Do the Sox still have a chance if rain breaks their momentum? Yes, a day of rest would help the Sox, too.

Red Sox starters (Bronson Arroyo, Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling <b>...</b>


NEW YORK - By year #39;s end a five-year-old company called PortalPlayer will begin selling its shares to the public. What #39;s notable is that this company owes its success--even its existence--to the popularity of Apple Computer #39;s iPod.

The IPod Economy


VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Reuters) - Nearly two decades  after Air India Flight 182 exploded over the Atlantic Ocean  killing 329 people, the fate of the two Sikh extremists charged  with the bombing is finally in hands of a judge.

Deliberations Begin in Air India Bomb Trial


The future of Alitalia is at stake as the Italian flagship carrier meets with unions Monday to reveal the number of planned job cuts as part of a restructuring plan aimed at averting collapse.

Update 2: Alitalia #39;s Future at Stake in Union Talk


Bulgaria's first budget airline says that the government is driving it out of business.

Row over Bulgarian budget airline


The Boeing Co. and other defense stocks jumped higher Wednesday, buoyed by expectations that President Bush #39;s re-election would benefit the sector.

Defense stocks jump on outcome


SHANGHAI, Oct. 2. - Argentinean Guillermo Canas dominated opponent Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic to book his place in the final of the \$380,000 Shanghai Open tennis tournament.

Canas thrash Novak


Cingular Wireless on Tuesday closed its \$41 billion cash purchase of AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc. (AWE), creating the biggest US mobile service with more than 46 million customers.

Cingular Closes \$41 Bln ATT Wireless Deal


WASHINGTON, Oct 13 (OneWorld) The environmental group Greenpeace has echoed a call by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to permit the UN watchdog to return in force to Iraq to track nuclear-related materials looted after the 2003 US-led

Greenpeace Calls For Stepped Up Action to Protect Iraqis from <b>...</b>


England got strikes from sparkling debut starter Jermain Defoe and Michael Owen to defeat Poland in a Uefa World Cup qualifier in Chorzow.

England Doubles Up Poland


LOS ANGELES - As Reggie Bush neared the goal line on the first of his two jaw-dropping long-distance touchdowns runs, the University of Southern California game-breaker went airborne.

Orange Bowl will showcase four of five Heisman Trophy finalists


Reuters - A powdered anthrax vaccine that\people potentially could take by themselves protects rabbits\against the deadliest form of the bacteria, researchers said on\Tuesday.

Inhaled Anthrax Vaccine Protects in Animals-Report (Reuters)


AP - Gunfire crackled around Haiti's capital as hundreds of mourners gathered to bury five police officers killed in a week of violence pitting supporters of the U.S.-backed government and ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Slain Policemen Laid to Rest in Haiti (AP)


LOS ANGELES (Sports Network) - LenDale White carried the  ball 14 times for 123 yards and scored three touchdowns to lead  top-ranked Southern California to a dominating 49-0 shutout of  Colorado State at the Coliseum.

Top-Ranked Trojans Whip Colorado State


Four US movie studios have announced their intention to release next-generation DVDs in the Toshiba-backed HD DVD format, the technology firm announced on Monday.

US movie studios back HD DVD format


Reuters - The two U.S. and Russian astronauts on\the International Space Station had to rely on a candy-laden\diet for five weeks because their predecessors raided the\pantry.

Astronauts on Candy Diet After Pantry Raided (Reuters)


Negative pre-announcements from Colgate and Unilever hurt industrials. Fed rate news on tap Tuesday. By Alexandra Twin, CNN/Money Staff Writer.

Dow heeds warnings


AP - Salvadoran police have arrested the mother-in-law of a U.S. Teamster gunned down in El Salvador last month, along with five other suspects, describing the slaying as a contract killing that was the result of a family dispute.

Mother-In-Law of Slain Teamster Arrested (AP)


ATHENS, Aug 17 (Reuters) - World number one Roger Federer #39;s top target for the year -- an Olympic tennis gold medal -- was taken away from him in a  quot;terrible day quot; on Tuesday.

Olympics-Federer #39;s Olympic dream shattered twice over


The Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates a quarter-point for the fourth time in five months Wednesday, extending its campaign to keep inflation in check after the economy showed impressive job growth over the past three months.

Fed raises rates another quarter-point


Portable Media Center devices, MSN Music store, and Windows Media Player 10 launched.

Microsoft Lets the Digital Media Play


PhoneBites' cellular service inserts sound clips into conversations. Ridiculous? The same was said of the multibillion ring tone market.

Making the call as silly as the ring tone


PREVIEW-Cricket-South Africa, West Indies seek semi-final spot September 17, 2004 02:00:15 LONDON, Sept 18 (Reuters) - South Africa and West Indies came into the ICC Champions Trophy as the least fancied of the established sides but one will progress

Windies win toss, field v S. Africa - Champions Trophy


UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan says Afghanistan needs help with security to ensure its presidential elections are successful.

'Afghanistan needs security help'


Thousands of people were facing a second night in emergency shelters or out in the open yesterday after the deadliest earthquake to strike Japan in nine years left at least 21 people dead and more than 1,800 injured.

Japan in shock after earthquake devastation


Reuters - Signs of discord emerged between\India and Pakistan as foreign ministers from the nuclear armed\rivals prepared to meet on Sunday to review and advance a peace\process that has faltered recently over Kashmir.

Signs of Discord Emerge as Indo-Pak Ministers Meet (Reuters)


NEW DELHI, Sept. 5. - A good beginning. That was how senior official sources categorised the first day of talks between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, Mr Natwar Singh and Mr Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, today.

A good beginning on Day One of talks


A new report on UN inspections in Irans nuclear facilities may undermine the US demand to send Tehrans nuclear file to the UN Security Council this month, diplomats said on Wednesday.

IAEA report on Iran may undermine US demands


BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. troops pounded Fallujah with airstrikes and tank fire Sunday, and the Iraqi government appealed to residents to expel

Car Bomb Kills at Least Seven in Baghdad


Adams Oshiomhole, the president of Nigeria #39;s main union body, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is missing. He was picked up by secret police at the airport of the capital, Abuja, early on Saturday.

Nigeria union leader goes missing


AP - Kobe Bryant's trial began Friday with 300 prospective jurors arriving at the county courthouse to fill out questionnaires, the first step toward choosing 12 people who will decide whether the NBA star is guilty of rape.

Potential Bryant Jurors Arrive at Trial (AP)


OAKLAND, Calif. -- The media attention on Ichiro Suzuki #39;s pursuit of George Sisler #39;s season hit record has become frenetic.

Suzuki #39;s chase deserves more attention


Screaming and pounding her chest, Gerta Stefan pointed to a pool of mud from which protruded a mattress, a bicycle tire, a few bricks and a sheet of corrugated metal.

Waiting for relief amid the ruins


A US Marine arrests Iraqi men in the western part of Fallujah, Iraq, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004. About 80 percent of the city was said to be under US control, with insurgents pushed into a narrow corner.

US Troops Occupy All of Fallujah


New component will help next generation of Intel's wireless chip reach full audience for Wi-Fi.

Intel's Centrino connects with all Wi-Fi standards


One day after China urged the Bush administration to adopt greater flexibility in talks over North Korea's nuclear programs, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell on Tuesday sought to maintain a united front with South Korea over the administration's tough line on dismantling Pyongyang's weapons.

Powell Maintains Tough Stance on N. Korean Weapons Program


Several major industry players and law enforcement agencies are collaborating in a new effort to respond to the rapidly growing phishing problem.

Digital PhishNet launched to combat phishing scams


Durban, Sep 20 (PTI) South African cricket has been thrown into further public scrutiny after the national team crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy by going down to the West Indies yesterday.

South African cricket reeling under another debacle


Two pints of lager and the latest White Stripes single, please

UK group preps public digital music 'ATMs'


The MSN Toolbar Suite Beta rounds out Microsoft #39;s MSN search family with fully indexed searching of local documents and e-mails.

MSN Toolbar Suite Beta


SYDNEY, Australia - Prime Minister John Howard's conservative alliance handily won a fourth term in Australia's parliamentary elections Saturday, overcoming widespread anger at his decision to send troops to Iraq last year and his pledge to keep them there.    The island continent's robust economy under Howard's leadership apparently trumped concerns about the war...

Howard Wins Re-Election As Australia PM


VIENNA - England head into Thursday #39;s World Cup qualifier against Poland knowing a repeat of their mistakes in a 2-2 draw with Austria could leave them looking for a new manager.

Soccer: Another defeat could see England coach Pole-axed


DUBLIN, Ohio - Wendy #39;s International Inc. on Thursday said earnings for the third quarter were up more than 4 percent, partly because of increased sales at its Wendy #39;s and Tim Hortons restaurants.

Wendy #39;s third quarter earnings jump 4 percent


Nokia is about to start a trial in Germany that will see travelers paying for public transport with their mobile phone rather than cash.

Nokia replaces cash with phone


Jewelry retailer Zale Corp. (ZLC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said Tuesday its quarterly loss widened as its business took a hit in the autumn from the string of hurricanes that battered the US Southeast and Puerto Rico.

Zale Loss Widens Blames Hurricanes


A big explosion rocked a northern province of  North Korea last week, South Korean media are reporting.

Big blast reported in North Korea


Sony Electronics has released the first of its digital audio players to support the popular MP3 format, marking a significant shift in its music strategy.

Sony launches music players with MP3 support


Fannie Mae would have to maintain 30 percent more capital than current rules demand it hold on its balance sheet, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, said in a statement.

Fannie Mae to increase capital WASHINGTON, Sept 27 (Reuters)


Michael Phelps will bid to repeat his feat of six Olympic gold medals when he competes in the Fina swimming short course world championships.

Phelps targets six golds


AP - The inventor of the World Wide Web told a technology conference on Wednesday that making the Web more useful hinges on a familiar challenge: Getting the players behind the technology to agree on standards governing how computers communicate with one another.

Web Founder Promotes Future Cooperation (AP)


AOL Canada Inc. will announce plans today to enter the burgeoning market for providing telephone service over the Internet. The on-line service company has beaten its US parent Time Warner Inc

AOL Canada makes the leap into VoIP


AP - In a victory for environmentalists, a federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Bush administration cannot change the standards commercial fisheries must meet before the tuna they catch can carry the

U.S. Barred From Weakening Dolphin Rules (AP)


NEW YORK - Soaring oil prices trumped positive earnings news Wednesday, sending stocks skidding as investors rushed to take profits on new fears that the market is in the midst of a commodities bubble.    Stronger than expected profits at chip bellwether Intel Corp...

Soaring Oil Prices Send Stocks Skidding


Some Chinese shrimp exporters will have to pay discouragingly hefty tariffs of more than 100 percent if they want their products to appear on American dinner tables, the Commerce Department ruled Tuesday.

US keeps big tariffs on shrimp from Asia


Updated antivirus software for businesses adds intrusion prevention features.

McAfee Beefs Up VirusScan Security


SOUTHHAMPTON - West Indies want to redeem a disappointing summer with a place in the Champions Trophy final while Pakistan are equally as eager to continue its resurgence under new coach Bob Woolmer.

Plenty At Stake - Wednesday 22, September-2004


Reuters - IBM  plans to offer\Web-conferencing as a hosted Internet service, seeking to reach\small and medium-sized business customers while taking on more\established rivals in the market, the company said on Tuesday.

IBM Plans Web Meeting Service, Takes Aim at WebEx (Reuters)


LOS ANGELES - Gasoline prices have climbed nearly 8 cents a gallon in the last two weeks because of record-high crude oil prices, and they are likely to continue rising, an industry analyst said Sunday.

Oil prices raise cost of gasoline


November 04, 2004 - We sometimes hear of big-name games being released simultaneously across the globe. Typically this means the game will be released on the same day in each supported territory, although

VUG Goes For  #39;True #39; Simultaneous Release With Half-Life 2?


SAN JOSE, California Steve Jobs has promised that Apple Computer #39;s iPod will become  quot;the Walkman of the 21st century, quot; but for that to happen, Jobs must do what he failed to do in the 1980s: prevail over his old nemesis, Bill Gates, who sees entertainment

Microsoft aims to end Apple #39;s sprint on music


WASHINGTON -- In a breakthrough that could mean a \$500 bonus for thousands of Washington state taxpayers, congressional negotiators yesterday agreed to allow state sales taxes to be deducted from federal returns for the first time since 1986.

\$500 tax break is in the works


But he felt unwanted in Dallas and resented that the Cowboys had brought in veteran Vinny Testaverde to challenge him this past off-season.

Jets: Injured shoulder KO #39;s Pennington 2-4 weeks


MULTAN, Pakistan (Reuters) - A suicide car bomb exploded in  central Pakistan, killing at least 37 people and wounding more  than 50 at a rally for an assassinated militant religious  leader early on Thursday, police said.

Suicide Car Bomb Kills 37 at Pakistan Religious Rally


An extremely rare Hawaiian bird dies in captivity, possibly marking the extinction of its entire species only 31 years after it was first discovered.

Rare bird falls to avian malaria


Reuters - A new round of peace talks for Sudan's\troubled Darfur region will be delayed by two days because top\rebel delegates have been unable to get to Nigeria for the\negotiations, a rebel leader said.

Darfur Rebels Say Peace Talks Delayed (Reuters)


As the big carriers sink into the ooze, their smaller cousins are poised to benefit greatly -- if the big guys #39; trouble doesn #39;t pull them under, too.

Company Focus Follow the dinosaurs to airline profits


AP - An appeal did little to help St. Louis reliever Julian Tavarez, who was suspended for eight days Friday for applying a foreign substance to balls while pitching last month.

Cards' Tavarez to Sit Out Eight Games (AP)


The Food and Drug Administration said yesterday it is setting up a new system for identifying potentially dangerous and mislabeled dietary supplements, and it promised to aggressively go after

FDA Unveils New Rules For Supplement Labels


his third of the week dominated by Eli-mania - someone at last asked Tom Coughlin about a matter largely lost in the hysteria: the standings.

Manning promotion no sign of surrender


A protein which helps increase lifespan in worms offers hope for new Parkinson's and Alzheimer's treatments.

Worms may slow Parkinson's


BERKELEY, Calif. (CP) - Former CFL player and coach Jeff Tedford agreed to a five-year extension Monday with the University of California that will see him remain under contract as the school #39;s head football coach through 2009.

Cal coach gets extension


MICROSOFT has issued an out-of-schedule critical patch for its Internet Explorer web browser, plugging a security hole that could allow a hacker to take control of a PC.

Critical IE patch issued


EBay has given notice that from now on, racially offensive terms may be used only if they are part of a book, movie or other product title.

Internet Life EBay Restricts Use of Racially Offensive Terms


Northern Irish Protestant leader Ian Paisley has challenged his IRA foes to give up their weapons, saying it is  quot;now or never quot; for Catholic republicans to agree a lasting political settlement with his party.

Paisley says now or never for Northern Ireland


Media giant Time Warner Inc. will pay fines of \$210 million under an agreement with the US government to be announced on Wednesday to settle charges that its America

US to Charge AOL with Fraud, Defer Prosecution


Jenson Button says he can thrive with BAR in 2005 despite his bitter contract dispute with the Formula One team. Button agreed to join Williams next season but was told he must stay with BAR by the contract recognition board.

Button confident of 2005 chances


NC State #39;s Jay Davis trotted back to the Wolfpack sideline early the third quarter, the quarterback absorbing his teammates #39; adulation and exuding a swagger

Davis, Pack beat Deacons


Most of the big names advanced safely to the inaugural group stage of the UEFA Cup after a frantic night #39;s action Thursday, though Parma, Real Zaragoza and particularly Rangers, cut it fine.

Soccer: Big Names Through to UEFA Cup Group Stage


Upcoming Gartner study on IT spending for offshoring.

Gartner: Offshore IT spending to hit \$50 billion


Microsoft is investigating reports of a serious security flaw in Internet Explorer (IE), but has not yet seen malicious code that exploits the reported flaw, the company said Thursday.

Microsoft checks out new IE security flaw reports


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Visionary Vehicles LLC, started by the  man who brought the Yugo to America in the 1980s, has agreed to  sell imported vehicles from China at bargain basement prices in  the United States, the company said on Monday.

Company to Sell Chinese Autos in U.S.


OAKLAND, Calif. The owner of the Texas Rangers has issued an apology after a fan suffered a broken nose after getting hit by a thrown chair during last night #39;s game in Oakland.

Owner of Texas Rangers issues apology after thrown-chair incident


BAQUBA, Iraq (Reuters) - Gunmen killed a Sunni Muslim  cleric in the city of Miqdadiya Tuesday, the second such  killing in Iraq in as many days, witnesses and hospital  officials said.

Second Sunni Cleric Gunned Down in Iraq


CLEVELAND - The White House said Vice President Dick Cheney faces a

Edwards, Cheney Set to Meet in Only Debate


A plan that would have allowed people without tickets to shop in stores at Pittsburgh International Airport has been postponed for at least two months, airport officials said.

Pittsburgh airport may allow nonticketed shoppers


They came out wanting to set a tone. They wanted to keep the hostile crowd of 56,135 as quiet as possible. More than anything, the Red Sox wanted to jump out front in this

Red Sox rally falls short


Neowin was told that Microsoft is planning to release both Windows Media Player 10 and their MSN Music Store service on Thursday. The company #39;s latest version of Media Player will feature a new design, online

Microsoft to launch Windows Media Player and MSN Music Store on <b>...</b>


Oracle announces a blowout quarter and a deal for PeopleSoft at \$26.50 per share.

OracleSoft At Last


LAKE LOUISE, Alta. (CP) - Austria #39;s Michaela Dorfmeister won the opening women #39;s World Cup super giant slalom race of the season Sunday.

Dorfmeister wins Super-G at Lake Louise


roundup Plus: Computer scientists slam e-voting machines...

Briefly: Credit union beefs up database security


A: In the early stages of coal mining, miners would take a caged canary deep into the mines with them as a warning of poisonous air.

Global warming melts arctic ice at alarming rate


The International Space Station will have enough oxygen on board to support its crew of two until the next Progress supply vehicle delivers more on Christmas Day, says NASA.

Space station oxygen supply safe for now


The National Hockey League lockout may be officially a week old, but already a considerable number of its players are finding employment elsewhere.

PRINCE OF PUCKS: Players keeping busy


A curfew has been imposed on the Afghan city of Herat after protests over the sacking of former governor Ismail Khan, local television reports said.

Curfew in protest-hit Afghan city


AFP - Japan's top court has a damages suit brought by South Koreans forced to work as sex slaves or soldiers by the Japanese Imperial Army, saying their suffering in World War II cannot be compensated under the post-war constitution.

Japan's Supreme Court refuses compensation to South Korean war slaves (AFP)


The Renault F1 Team drivers explain how you can make up positions at the Hungarian circuit.

Overtaking at Budapest? Its possible


Reuters - Novellus Systems Inc. , a\maker of semiconductor production equipment, on Wednesday\warned of a sharp business decline in the current quarter that\some analysts fear could turn into a long-term slump.

Novellus Posts Profit, Plans Cost Cuts (Reuters)


HOLLYWOOD  There were plenty of fireworks in and out of the ring Thursday night when Aussie Vic Darchinyan knocked out Colombian Irene Pacheco in a battle of unbeaten left-handers for the International Boxing Federation flyweight title.

Aussie wins title by KO


Cell phone executives say new data-oriented services such as TV will help bolster an industry in a precarious state.

For cell phones, it's TV to the rescue


LA HIGUERA, Bolivia -- The people here pray to a man who once limped through their village in tattered clothes, a legendary guerrilla who fought his last battle on their dusty, unpaved streets, and who was executed in their schoolhouse.

On a tourist trail in Bolivia's hills, Che's fame lives on


Net income at Foot Locker Inc., the country #39;s largest sports-shoe chain, increased 19 percent in its fiscal third quarter as sales climbed 14 percent.

Update 1: Foot Locker 3Q Net Income Up 19 Percent


SPACE.com - Amid uncertainty over the fate of the Hubble Space Telescope and with a key instrument not working, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe gave the go-ahead Monday for planning a robotic servicing mission.

NASA Chief: 'Let's Go Save the Hubble' (SPACE.com)


WELLINGTON : Finance Minister Michael Cullen apologised Wednesday for saying that the Reserve Bank had hiked it #39;s key interest rate.

New Zealand Finance Minister apologises for interest rate hike <b>...</b>


Toutatis, a potato-shaped asteroid about 4.6 km (3 miles) in its longest extent, will pass within 1,550,000 km (963,000 miles) of the Earth #39;s center on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - reaching its closest approach at 13:35:28 GMT (06:35:28 PDT).

Asteroid (4179) Toutatis to Pass Closely By Earth on Wednesday <b>...</b>


Kathmandu, Sept 19 (PTI) Suspected maoist rebels have abducted more than 100 students and teachers from three schools in western and eastern districts of Nepal over the weekend, media reports said today.

Maoists abduct over 100 students and teachers in Nepal


World leaders gathered at the United Nations on Tuesday to confront an agenda dominated by new terrorist threats, a humanitarian disaster in Sudan, turmoil in Iraq

Bush to address UN assembly


India #39;s ruling Congress party won power in a giant state on Saturday, a victory that would boost the fortunes of Italian-born Sonia Gandhi #39;s party

India #39;s Congress Wins Polls in Key Industrial State


ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia: The African Union (AU) said yesterday it supports United Nations and French intervention in Ivory Coast as UN Security Council held talks last night on a French resolution to impose an arms embargo on Ivory Coast.

Africa backs French troops in Ivory Coast


She arrived at 6.15 am, Friday at the Alderson Federal Prison Camp, according to an announcement by the US Bureau of Prisons. She put out the news first, on her Marthatalks.

Stewart Enters Prison


Australia #39;s Lleyton Hewitt further fine-tuned his game ahead of the US Open with a convincing 6-3 6-4 win over Gilles Muller to capture the \$US500,000 (\$A692,377) Washington Open.

Hewitt wins Washington Open


NEW YORK Marsh  amp; McLennan, the insurance brokerage company being sued by the New York State attorney general for taking payments from insurers, has said that it plans to put about \$230 million of the fees into an account that may become part of a

Marsh puts fees in contingency fund


Woolworths Ltd. won aA\$1.3 billion (\$997 million) takeover battle against Coles Myer Ltd. for Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality Group, cementing its position as the nation #39;s biggest liquor retailer.

Woolworths Wins Australian Leisure Bidding Contest (Update4)


NAIROBIAs ethnic violence continues in Sudan, and the government and southern rebels pursue a deal that appears increasingly elusive, a group of Sudanese women are working toward making peace with one another.

Clearing a path to peace


The Irish government has stepped up its efforts to free the British hostage in Iraq, Ken Bigley, whose mother is from Ireland, by talking to diplomats from Iran and Jordan.

Ireland tries to get UK hostage #39;s release


Sports India: Tokyo, Oct 10 : Michael Schumacher on his Ferrari breezed to a sixth victory of the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka Sunday.

Schumacher wins Japanese Grand Prix:


A European judge today cast a skeptical eye on whether Microsoft Corp. should be forced to create two versions of its Windows operating system, one with its program for

Microsoft Judge Skeptical


RealNetworks Inc. is merging its RealPlayer and Music Services business units into a single group so that the teams can collaborate on developing new products and services, the company announced Thursday.

Real merges its player, music services units


Wall Street is set to open lower on Monday, as a dearth of corporate news and wariness ahead of economic data later in the week keep investors out of the market.

Wall Street set for soft start


TOKYO Japan and the United States signed an agreement on Friday to improve cooperation in their missile defense programs. The agreement, a memorandum of understanding allowing the two allies to share information

Japan and US sign missile accord


Governor of the Ulyanovsk Region General Vladimir Shamanov, former commander of the 58th Caucasian Army, has signed an appeal for a pardon of his former subordinate, Colonel Yuri Budanov.

WILL PUTIN PARDON BUDANOV?


FOXBOROUGH -- History never felt quite this ho-hum. For weeks, cautious Patriots players downplayed their run at the record book, insisting their systematic construction of a winning streak dating back to October of 2003 was of little or no consequence. We were chastised for forecasting the possibilities and discouraged from attaching significance to a milestone that would not produce a ...

As promised, party was quite subdued


FOR so long written off as a perennial contender at Wimbledon but nowhere else, Tim Henman has stood convention on its head this year.

Henman thrives on lone mission


Drew Henson will have to wait before he's the star of the Dallas Cowboys offense. Right now, the youngster turning heads is rookie running back Julius Jones.

Julius Jones Sparks Cowboys' Victory


UN peacekeepers rushed to this storm-ravaged city Monday to guard against looters stealing food aid while military doctors performed operations on howling patients and hundreds of weary victims, after a miserable night spent out in

UN peacekeepers rush to storm-ravaged Gonaives to stop looting


THE jailed firebrand Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti has decided not to run for the presidency of the Palestinian Authority, lifting the threat of a divided vote in his Fatah faction.

Militant won #39;t run for leader from jail


Mark Thatcher, the son of the former prime minister Baroness Thatcher, has been arrested at his home in Cape Town . South African authorities say he has been detained by police investigating an alleged coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea .

Thatcher #39;s son arrested over coup plot claims


Feedster and Eurekster Mix RSS, Blogs, and Social Search\\Feedster, Inc., the RSS feed and blog search engine, today announced that it will power RSS and blog search results for Eurekster, the Internet search engine powered by social networking technology. By integrating Feedster rsquo;s news search technology and RSS feeds, Eurekster now ...


AUSTRIAN triathlon athlete Kate Allen passed Australia #39;s Loretta Harrop just seconds before crossing the finish line yesterday, completing a stunning race in which she passed over half the field during the final leg.

Athens Asides


AP - A witness who knew the Hamburg-based Sept. 11 hijackers outlined the group's hatred of Israel and said its members believed suicide attacks were legitimate as testimony opened Tuesday in the retrial of a Moroccan accused of helping the pilots.

Testimony Opens in 9/11 Retrial Case (AP)


The Bank of America Corporation said yesterday that it would cut an additional 4,500 jobs from its ranks, beginning this month, as it simplifies operations.

Bank of America to Cut 4,500 More Jobs


Former Computer Associates (CA) CEO Sanjay Kumar pleaded not guilty on Thursday in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, N.Y., to charges of securities fraud and obstruction of justice involving a multi-billion dollar accounting scandal.

Ex-CA boss Kumar pleads not guilty


Pakistans defeat at the hands of the Australians by only 17 runs in the Videocon Trophy final followed by a 10 runs loss at the Lords indicate that the Australian supremacy over the world cricket is in danger.

The Australian supremacy in danger


Forensic science experts in Kenya have exhumed the body of a pregnant teenage girl who allegedly died after being raped by British troops in a remote area of the country nine years ago.

Kenya rape case body exhumed


At least 84 Muslim protesters died, mostly from suffocation so severe their eyes bled, after being arrested and locked in army trucks following clashes with security forces in the south, officials said yesterday.

Suffocation cited in most deaths


BEA Systems yesterday unveiled Version 9.0 of its WebLogic Server application server, code-named Diablo, with the promise of simplified development of service-oriented applications.

BEA hails app server upgrade


A New York judge throws out legal cases against more than 30 firms, accused of having aided the apartheid-era South African Government.

Court throws out apartheid cases


Reuters - NASA scientists studying images\from the Cassini spacecraft's encounter with Saturn's moon\Titan, said on Wednesday they were mystified by masses of\bright and dark material and surprised at the celestial body's\apparent youthful surface.

Scientists Mystified by Images of Titan's Surface (Reuters)


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Texas Instruments Inc. has begun  developing a chip that could bring television shows to mobile  phone screens in three years.

TI Working on Television Chip for Phones for 2007


Shopping Cart Search Engine Optimization\\I had a few interesting conversations about shopping carts last week.  (Note to Yahoo, anyone who has two interesting conversations about shopping carts in the same seven-day period needs better online entertainment options. Please step up the pace.)  Actually, shopping carts are fairly interesting, ...


Chief financial officer for Russia #39;s embattled oil giant Yukos said Thursday he delayed his return to Moscow indefinitely after Russian prosecutors had summoned him for questioning.

Update 2: Yukos CFO Delays Return to Moscow


Jones said the deal is valued at approximately \$400 million, including cash consideration of \$19 per share to Barneys stockholders totaling \$294.

Jones buying trendy Barneys


LONDONBritish Prime Minister Tony Blair undergoes a procedure to correct heart palpitations today - hours after dramatically announcing that he wants to serve no more than a third term in office.

Blair faces surgery for heart flutter


NEW YORK: Indias Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the complicated problems between Pakistan and India would take time for resolution.

Resolution of problems with Pakistan will take time: Manmohan


Shares in a range of area retailers dipped Monday on disappointing Thanksgiving sales data from Wal-Mart Stores Inc. In addition, ShopperTrak, which tallies sales results from 30,000 stores nationwide, said

Disappointing holiday news hurts retail shares


The Miami Dolphins have filed a grievance against Ricky Williams, asking an arbitrator to uphold their contractual right to recover \$8.6 million paid in signing bonus and incentives.

Dolphins File Grievance


3 September 2004 - Secretary-General Kofi Annan today hailed the decision of a Malaysian court to overturn the sodomy conviction of the country #39;s former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and release him from jail.

Annan welcomes release of Anwar Ibrahim from Malaysian jail


AFP - Softbank Corp., Japan's largest Internet provider, complained that its plan to offer a new mobile phone service could be thwarted by the government's refusal to provide the necessary bandwidth.

Softbank protests Japan's 3G cell phone market policy (AFP)


GAME NOTES: Big 12 rivals clash in Columbia this weekend as Brad Smith and the Missouri Tigers play host to the surprisingly undefeated Buffaloes of Colorado.

Colorado (3-0) At Missouri (2-1)


Perhaps it was the name at the top of the leaderboard which inspired Ernie Els. Todd Hamilton was the first round leader but Els cruised past the Open champion with an eight

Els duels with Troon nemesis Hamilton


Google has launched a new search technology that helps publishers sell books online. The service, called Google Print, will be incorporated into Google search queries.

Google to Sell Books Online


Iraq will bring top figures of Saddam Hussein  #39;s ousted regime to court next week for the first time since they appeared before a judge five months

Iraq War Crimes Trials to Begin Next Week


LaVar Arrington practiced for the first time since undergoing knee surgery. Now the Redskins have to wait and see if he #39;ll be able to play.

Redskins Daily 12/8


British Airways Plc, Europe #39;s second- biggest airline, reached a pay accord with unions, averting a strike planned for the Aug. 27-30 holiday weekend by 11,000 baggage handlers and check-in staff.

British Airways Averts Strike, Agrees Pay With Unions (Update2)


Religious leaders from around Southeast Asia and Australia are urging greater efforts to promote tolerance and understanding. They met in Indonesia to build inter-religious bridges to reduce the threat posed by extremists.

Indonesia Meeting Urges Greater Religious Tolerance


Haggling between election allies delays the formation of a new government in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

Indian allies haggle after poll


AP - Internet giant Yahoo Inc. on Thursday said it has extended and expanded its partnership with SBC Communications Inc. to transform their Internet access service into a multimedia platform connecting Web, television and wireless phone services.

Yahoo, SBC to Create Multimedia Platform (AP)


Reuters - Kimberly-Clark Corp.  said on\Monday it is targeting  #36;400 million to  #36;500 million in cost\savings over the next three years and still expects earnings\this quarter to meet its previous expectations.

Kimberly-Clark Sets Cost-Cut Plan (Reuters)


Reindeer People


Maximus Inc., which manages federal programs for state and local governments, disclosed yesterday that federal prosecutors have subpoenaed records connected to Medicaid reimbursement claims it prepared for the District.

Contractor Maximus Subpoenaed


A suicide car bomber killed seven people at a Green Zone checkpoint early Tuesday. Meanwhile, trials against the top figures in Saddam Hussein #39;s ousted regime will begin


The US Treasury Department on Wednesday said it would sell \$51 billion in notes at its quarterly  quot;refunding quot; auctions next week, and warned it was running out of room to maneuver around the federal debt limit.

UPDATE 2-US Treasury to sell \$51 bln next wk;warns on limit


On Monday, billionaire Kirk Kerkorian sold Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. for the third time. As a Hollywood reconciliation story, that means Kerkorian has bought and sold the venerable movie studio more times than Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton.

Studio Mogul Kerkorian And MGM, Off Again


Retailer Woolworths raised its bid Thursday for Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality Group (ALH) by 15 percent to Aust. \$1.11 billion (\$795 million), topping an offer by private equity firm Newbridge Capital.

Woolworths tops rival pubs offer


There was no champagne celebration by the players, no Gatorade bath for the coach. Maybe another team would be impressed with itself after clinching

Eagles clinch NFC East, aim higher


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue chip stocks were lower on  Friday after a profit warning from aluminum maker Alcoa Inc.   <A HREF=

Blue Chip Stocks Fall, Techs Rise


Energy company TXU Corp. on Friday said it plans to mothball eight natural gas-fired power plants representing a quarter of its Texas capacity in an effort to save about \$20 million in annual expenses.

TXU to Take Eight Power Plants Offline


NOVEMBER 08, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Fresh from setting a record for performance among supercomputers just a few days ago, IBM today announced it is making a commercial version of its Blue Gene system available for businesses and scientific researchers.

IBM to commercialize Blue Gene supercomputer


More than two dozen federal agents with subpoenas spent five hours Wednesday searching the Will County land use department #39;s computer records in an investigation related to building permits.

Agents search Will County office in permit probe


KABUL, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Three men have been arrested  for trying to kill Afghan President Hamid Karzai by firing a  rocket at his helicopter during his first election campaign  trip outside the capital, officials said on Friday.

Afghans Arrest Three for Rocket Attack on Karzai


Hoping to avoid the problems of dimpled ballots and hanging chads, election officials around the U.S. will rely on electronic voting machines for tomorrow's presidential vote. But are the machines secure?

Are Electronic Voting Machines Reliable?


Reuters - European shares started little changed\on Tuesday, weighed by the dollar's fall to a new record low\against the euro, and a rise in oil prices, while French\insurer Scor fell on worries over a WTC jury decision.

European Shares Start Little Changed (Reuters)


The communications equipment maker scales back the size of its purchase of Advanced Fibre Communications.

Tellabs scales back AFC buy


What #39;s at stake: First place in the AFC East and a place in the history book. Victory for the Jets means they will go down as the team that stopped New England #39;s winning streaks.

The best matchup of the day


Forty-one years ago today, President John F. Kennedy was gunned down during a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. Now, a British video game company recreates one of the darkest moments in recent US political history.

New video game recreates JFK assassination, angers Quad-Citians


Ruud van Nistelrooys four-goal haul against Sparta Prague has only underlined his huge importance to Manchester United - and when his fortunes rise and dip so too do his teams.

United Need to Be in Ruud Health


Matt Morris will return to the St. Louis Cardinals, agreeing Tuesday night to a \$2.5 million, one-year contract that allows him to earn an additional \$4.5 million in performance bonuses.

Cardinals re-sign pitcher Matt Morris


The last time Supah Blitz raced at Calder he was beaten a dozen lengths in the Memorial Day Handicap. When he returns Saturday for the \$200,000 Carl G. Rose Handicap, the onetime local

Supah Blitz heads Florida Million card at Calder


London 2012 Olympic bid leaders yesterday insisted that the capital has a realistic chance of winning the right to host the next but one summer games despite starting the campaign behind the clear favourites, Paris.

Blair rallies support for 2012


Tacoda, an online marketing company, plans to announce the creation of a network of 60 Web sites that will display ads based on how people surf through the network.

Ad Network Monitors Web Habits


British Airways has cancelled nearly 1,000 flights at Heathrow over the next three months in an effort to halt a slide in the reliability of its timetable.

BA cuts 1,000 flights to beat delays