NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India could consider Pakistani  suggestions for resolving the Kashmir dispute if they are made  formally, Foreign Minister Natwar Singh said on Saturday after  Delhi announced it was scaling back its forces in the region.

India Could Consider Pakistan's Kashmir Proposals


AP - Hurricane Jeanne forced the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers to move their game to prime time Sunday.

Storm Moves Steelers-Dolphins to Evening (AP)


The tone was light, but the dapper comedian #39;s words were sobering as he outlined his vision for regime change in leftist Venezuela.

Officials blame exiles in US


BRITISH mobile telephone operator mmO2 has announced a deal with NTT DoCoMo, Japan #39;s leading mobile phone operator, to launch i-mode mobile internet services in Britain, Germany and Ireland.

MmO2 signs i-mode deal


MOBILE phone giant Vodafone today rewarded its shareholders with a 100 per cent dividend increase on the back of half-year profits equivalent to more than 340 per second.

Vodafone to double dividend


The phenomenon, known as frame-dragging, is quite small, amounting to 6 feet in the distance that satellites, moving at about 18,000 miles per hour, cover in their orbits in a year, but it is within the ability of NASA #39;s instruments to detect.

Einstein Gravity Effect Demonstrated by NASA


CHICAGO (Reuters) - American Airlines expects soaring jet  fuel prices to push its expenses up more than \$1 billion in  2004 from last year's level, parent AMR Corp. <A HREF=

American: \$1 Bln More in '04 Fuel Expense


Stranglehold copyright could be going the way of the dinosaur, it seems, with both the big names and independent organisations moving towards a more open copyright structure.

Music industry ditches hardcore copyright for  #39;free love #39; tunes


In just five years, Netflix Inc. shot out of nowhere to create a new segment in the movie rental business with a simple business model that allows people to rent popular DVDs online and

Netflix Braces for Amazon


ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Reuters) - The U.S. Air Force's former No.  2 weapons buyer was sentenced to nine months in prison on  Friday after telling the court she had given Boeing Co. a  rival's secret data and inflated weapons deals to ingratiate  herself with the company, her future employer.

Ex-Air Force Buyer Gets 9-Months Prison


AP - The Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to decide if political parties can open their primaries to all voters, in a constitutional challenge to Oklahoma's voting system.

Supreme Court Takes Up Okla. Voting Case (AP)


Hewlett-Packard said Friday that it has won a \$55 million, five-year contract from retailer 7-Eleven to upgrade the technology at the convenience store chain.

HP bags orders from 7-Eleven, Publix


The Serious Fraud Office investigates allegations of false accounting in connection with contracts between the Saudi Arabian government and three firms, including BAE Systems.

SFO to investigate BAE contracts


The White House insisted on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is committed to the US-backed road map Middle East peace plan, despite his comments in a newspaper interview that suggested otherwise.

US Says Israel Still Following Peace  #39;Road Map #39;


The US Congress has been paying tribute to the hundreds of people killed in the terrorist takeover of a school in southern Russia, as well as other recent incidents in that country.

US Congress Remembers Victims of Terrorism in Russia


I am surprised this is still making news after so many days. However, if someone pays 28000 dollars for a grilled sandwich it is something.

Virgin Mary Cheese Sandwich


SPARKS, Nev. - Some 300,000 people are expected to pig out on about 130,000 pounds of pork ribs...

Nevada Stages Huge Rib Cook-Off


AP - Dry Falls lives up to its name. Not a drop of water cascades down the 500-foot cliffs at this arid, rocky place near Grand Coulee Dam.

U.S. Weighs Creation of Geologic Trail (AP)


TAIPEI, Taiwan - A strong earthquake rocked Taiwan #39;s capital during the lunch rush today, shaking tall buildings for about a minute.

Strong temblor sways buildings in Taiwan capital


AP - Thousands of abortion-rights activists marched across the Brooklyn Bridge and demonstrators rang handbells at the World Trade Center site Saturday, the latest in a growing procession of protests leading up to the Republican National Convention.

Protesters March Across Brooklyn Bridge (AP)


NAJAF, Iraq - U.S. and Iraqi forces battled militants Tuesday in Najaf, sending plumes of black smoke over the holy city, as Iraq's government warned fighters loyal to a radical cleric to abandon their weekslong standoff inside the Imam Ali Shrine or face attack...

Iraqi Guardsmen Ring Najaf Shrine


German scientists are working on tiny portable sensors that can spot health problems very early.

Silicon sensors could save lives


If so, leave early. Travel experts predict traffic congestion, poor weather and possible job actions by Pennsylvania Turnpike toll takers and US Airways workers at Philadelphia International

Holiday travel may exceed record


U.S.C. received 46 first-place votes in The Associated Press poll released Sunday, eight fewer than last week.

U.S.C. Stays Atop A.P. Poll; Okla. Earns No. 2


Hewlett-Packard Co., a maker of computers and office equipment that also provides information technology services, said on Wednesday that it will provide the world #39;s largest cell phone maker, Nokia Corp.

HP Gets Extended Nokia IT Pact


MADISON, Wis. -- Anthony Davis rushed for two touchdowns and No. 6 Wisconsin beat Northwestern , 24-12, yesterday with star defensive end Erasmus James and his pass-rushing partner Jonathan Welsh on the sideline.

Badgers able to dig deep


The fan in the first row in leftfield who was hit by Mark Bellhorn #39;s three-run homer in the fourth inning wasn #39;t taking any chances.

Fan:  #39;It was a HR #39;


Sir Alex Ferguson faced another nail-biting few days this week as ten of his depleted squad went out on international duty.

Fergie #39;s View: Norwich


GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A series of bomb blasts killed  nine people and wounded 35 in northeastern India on Saturday in  the deadliest attack since a cease-fire with the main  separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.

Bomb Blasts in Northeast India Kill 10, Wound 35


More than 100million profit is expected to be made from staging the 2012 Olympic Games in London, it has been claimed. The estimate forms part of the London 2012 bid book handed into the International Olympic Committee on Monday.

OLYMPICS  #39;WILL MAKE 100m PROFIT #39;


It was the most difficult pitching change Ken Macha has ever made in his life. Giving a quick hook to Mark Mulder, whose baffling slump is showing no signs of ending

A #39;s stagger home up by one


ATHENS - Aaron Peirsol was reminded last night of a lesson he probably learned as a child: It doesn #39;t pay to make the umpire angry.

Reversal of fortune: Upon review, go


PeopleSoft Inc. unveiled a new incentive program on Wednesday offering customers free upgrade assistance and a credit toward new purchases, an initiative the company hopes will spark sales and encourage customers to move to its latest releases.

PeopleSoft throws customers a discount and free upgrade


Fabric and craft retailer lowers its profit outlook for both the third quarter and full year. ATLANTA (Reuters) - Shares of fabric and craft retailer Jo-Ann Stores Inc.

Jo-Ann shares fall 10 on warnings


WASHINGTON - The White House has drafted executive orders aimed at implementing the Sept. 11 commission's recommendations for a more powerful intelligence director and a new national counterterrorism center...

White House Drafts Intel Reform Orders


One worker was killed and three critically injured on Friday when a platform fell as they attempted to repair a highway overpass, police said.

Construction accident in Detroit kills one, critically injures <b>...</b>


Reuters - The woman who accused basketball star\Kobe Bryant of rape apologized to police at one stage for\providing confusing information, according to court documents\released on Friday.

Kobe Bryant's Accuser Apologized for 'Mix-Up' (Reuters)


Kudos to Red Wings winger Brendan Shanahan for reaching into his own pocket last week to bring in a bunch of his pals for a hockey summit in Toronto. Finally, a member of the rank and file emerges as the conscience of the game, and at a time when the NHL product desperately needs propping up in the  quot;E quot; (for ...

Shanahan tries hand at being a Mr. Fix-It


The usually heated rivalry between the Raiders and Broncos didn #39;t have the same fire this Sunday after Denver waltzed into Oakland and embarrassed the Raiders, 31-3.

Raiders fail to keep up with Broncos


After boxing suffered a one-two punch with knockouts of Oscar De La Hoya and Roy Jones Jr. on successive weekends, Felix Trinidad swept away the devastation in a swift lesson about the battered game #39;s resiliency.

Trinidad #39;s win stops the bleeding


Formula One's governing body imposed sweeping technical changes Friday designed to slash costs and improve the qualify of racing starting next year.

Formula One Gets Big Technical Changes


NEW YORK - CNN has a new boss for the second time in 14 months: former CBS News executive Jonathan Klein, who will oversee programming and editorial direction at the second-ranked cable news network.

CNN Hires Former CBS Exec to US Post


Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poitier, who starred in  quot;To Sir, With Love, quot; took the stand yesterday to testify about another Hollywood drama: Michael Ovitz #39;s brief and

POITIER SAW  #39;DEEP MISMATCH #39;


Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 offers new features such as graphical systems views and enhanced reporting tools, and has been designed to be easier to deploy than its predecessor.

Microsoft wraps up MOM 2005 management tool


com. Washington-bound Expos general manager Jim Bowden made another bold move to upgrade the club #39;s offense on Friday, acquiring outfielder Jose Guillen from the Angels in exchange for

Anaheim receives Izturis, Rivera in trade


The Federal Government yesterday revealed that security agencies are holding talks in Abuja with the leadership of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), led by Alhaji Asari Dokubo, over the continued unrest in the Niger Delta.

FG Holds Talks with Niger Delta Militants


Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:    -----     Arizona Leads Nation in West Nile Cases      Thousands of abandoned swimming pools, along with irrigation canals and other prime breeding sites for mosquitoes in Phoenix, have made Arizona the state hardest hit by West Nile virus this year.      Arizona has accounted for at least 290 of more than 500 reported cases of West Nile virus in the United States so far in 2004...

Health Highlights: Aug. 17, 2004


SEPTEMBER 06, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - F5 Networks Inc. plans to announce an upgrade of its application traffic management software tomorrow, the same day that rival Redline Networks Inc.

F5, Redline Expand Technology for Speeding App Performance


AP - The first U.S. cases of the fungus soybean rust, which hinders plant growth and drastically cuts crop production, were found at two research sites in Louisiana, officials said Wednesday.

La. Reports First Case of Soybean Rust (AP)


CHICAGO -- The governor of Illinois wants to make it a misdemeanor for businesses to distribute, sell, rent or make available violent and sexually explicit video games to minors.

Lawmaker Wants To Ban Sale Of Violent Video Games To Minors


A SERIES of powerful earthquakes in central Japan, including an initial tremor measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, have left 20 people dead or missing and injured 1000 others, officials and news reports said.

Earthquake death toll hits 16


On my last visit to the Darfur area in Sudan, in June, I found a man groaning under a tree. He had been shot in the neck and jaw and left for dead in a pile of corpses.

Liberty Beat by Nat Hentoff The Most Evil Crime


AFP - British drinks giant Allied Domecq, maker of Beefeater gin, Courvoiser cognac and Malibu rum, posted a six-percent rise in annual pretax profits as sales of spirits and wines stagnated.

Allied Domecq profits edge up as sales lose fizz (AFP)


QOM, Iran -- These are pilgrims of a different kind. Several times a week, Shi'ite Muslim clerics and community leaders from neighboring Iraq climb stairs to a little office in this Iranian city of shrines and Islamic seminaries. There, an aged and hunched figure sits on a swivel chair fitted with an electric blanket.

Across border, cleric raises voice of reason


Shops and businesses were shut and traffic was light in many parts of Indian Kashmir on Wednesday after separatists called a strike to mark the 57th

Separatist strike shuts down many parts of Kashmir


The yen advanced against the dollar on Friday, shrugging off weak third-quarter growth figures for Japan as market worries persisted about the huge US deficits.

Yen Rises Vs Dollar Despite Japan Data


Motorsport.com. CHARLOTTE, NC - Casey Mears knocked Robby Gordon off the pole late in Busch Series time-trials to grab his second pole of the season, and second of this career.

Mears on pole at Charlotte


BERLIN: Apple Computer Inc is planning the next wave of expansion for its popular iTunes online music store with a multi-country European launch in October, the services chief architect said on Wednesday.

Apple plans European expansion of iTunes


Online movie rental service Netflix Inc. reported Monday that it lowered its monthly rental fee by \$4 in what is heating up to be a price war with video rental giant Blockbuster Inc.

Netflix Lowers Rental Price by \$4


Reuters - With its acquisition of Hollywood film\studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Sony Corp is one step closer to its\vision of linking hardware and content, and to winning the key\battle for the next generation DVD.

Sony Closer to Content/Gadget Vision with MGM Deal (Reuters)


Russia welcomed Tuesday the International Atomic Energy Agency #39;s (IAEA) resolution not to refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council for a decision on Iran #39;s nuclear program

Russia hails IAEA resolution not to refer Iran nuke dispute to UN


RAMALLAH, West Bank -- A grandson of Mohandas Gandhi took the Indian leader's doctrine of nonviolent resistance yesterday to Yasser Arafat's bullet-riddled headquarters in the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A Gandhi preaches peace in Mideast


SDEROT, Israel (Reuters) - Palestinian militants eluding an  army crackdown killed two Israeli children in a rocket attack  from Gaza on Wednesday and troops killed nine Palestinians in  raids in the coastal strip and the West Bank.

Rockets Kill 2 Israeli Children, 9 Palestinians Die


LONDON (Reuters) - When Colin Montgomerie's final putt  plopped into the hole on the 18th green at Oakland Hills on  Sunday, it clinched a remarkable Ryder Cup triumph and soothed  the Scot's personal anguish.

Monty Hailed as Hero of Stunning Victory


AFP - Jordan has launched a broadband Internet network to link eight state universities in an initiative unveiled on the sidelines of a two-day IT forum that got underway.

Jordan launches Internet network to link state universities (AFP)


Last year Brady Quinn entered Purdue #39;s Ross-Ade Stadium as a tentative freshman embarking on a crash course in college quarterbacking.

Quinn displays progress from  #39;03


Pakistani jet fighters and helicopter gunships launched air strikes on the South Waziristan tribal area bordering Afghanistan, killing dozens of people on Thursday, a witness said.

Pakistan Strikes Kill Dozens Near Afghan Border


SCOTSMAN John Stewart - drafted in to turn around Australia #39;s largest bank - said today the overhaul of National Australia Bank will take several years as he unveiled an  #39;unacceptable #39; 15 fall in the group #39;s full-year cash earnings.

NAB slide  #39;unacceptable #39; says Stewart


Webmail.us is announcing improvements to its service next week and will migrate its core e-mail platform from Microsoft Windows to an open-source platform.

Webmail leaves Windows for open-source platform


The most senior Russian army officer to have been convicted of war crimes in Chechnya was put forward for a presidential pardon yesterday, less than 18 months after he was found guilty of strangling an 18-year-old Chechen woman.

Pardon for Russian officer would  #39;spit in the soul of Chechens #39;


The average circulation of the nation #39;s newspapers fell in the six months ended in September, as new federal restrictions on telemarketing and a more conservative approach by some publications

Newspaper Circulation Continues to Decline


The Leonid meteor shower will peak on Friday in the early hours before dawn. Sky-watchers say long, glowing meteor trails will highlight the heavenly show.

Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks Friday


Barcelona moved seven points clear at the top of the Spanish League on Saturday following a three-nil victory at home to second-placed Real Madrid.

Barcelona beat Real Madrid


AP - A sprawling hacienda once owned by Pablo Escobar, emblematic of the drug lord's excesses, may soon house a museum highlighting the evils of drug trafficking, a top Colombian official said.

Colombia Looks to Build Drug Crime Museum (AP)


Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appeared to have locked up enough support Thursday to win a coming parliamentary vote on his Gaza withdrawal plan despite deepening fissures within the ruling Likud Party.

Sharon appears to have majority for parliament vote on Gaza <b>...</b>


ATHENS, Georgia (Ticker) -- Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball lost count of the downs at a most inopportune time. Ball inexplicably threw the ball away on fourth down in the final minute as Georgia held on for a 19-13 victory over the Yellow Jackets.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets


Cleveland, OH -- LeBron James had 26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and became the youngest player in NBA history to score 2,000 points, as the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers pasted the Chicago Bulls, 96-74, at Gund Arena.

NBA Game Summary - Chicago At Cleveland


ATHENS : Kosuke Kitajima completed a sweep of Olympic breaststroke gold on Wednesday, capturing the 200m title in a Games record ahead of Hungarian teenager Daniel Gyurta.

Olympics : Japan #39;s Kitajima completes breaststroke double


AT amp;T Corp (TN: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said it was lowering the price on its CallVantage Internet calling service by \$5 per month, matching the price from several other suppliers.

AT amp;T Lowers Price on Internet Calling Service


Apple Computer unwrapped an attractive gift for SMB design shops that rely on Mac-quality graphics capability. The sleek new iMac stores the entire computer in its flat-panel display.

Apple #39;s New iMac  It #39;s All in the Display


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Delegates at Iraq's National Conference called Monday for radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to abandon his uprising against U.S. and Iraqi troops and pull his fighters out of a holy shrine in Najaf...

Delegates Urge Al-Sadr to Leave Shrine


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Treasuries prices were swept lower for  a second straight session on Friday as technical selling from  different pockets of the market overshadowed a moderate set of  U.S. inflation numbers.

Treasuries Hit Again by Technical Selling


The local phone giant going after

SBC joins the VoIP party


For Republicans trying to hold the White House four more years, it didn #39;t look good: The son of the late President Ronald Reagan, the party #39;s modern savior, addressing

In stem cell debate, truth lies between the slogans


BRUSSELS -- Coca-Cola agreed Tuesday to dramatically change the way it sells soft drinks in Europe, ending a five-year investigation into allegations that Coke abused its power to keep rivals out of the market.

Coke to alter sales methods in Europe


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Johan Santana pitched seven strong innings to win his fifth straight start and Shannon Stewart homered, had three hits and two RBI to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 7-2 home win over the New York Yankees.

AL Wrap: Santana Solid on Mound as Twins Beat Yankees


Surgeons completed a kidney transplant Wednesday in what is believed to be the first operation where the donor and recipient met through a commercial Web site.

Transplant Arranged via the Internet Is Completed


HOUSTON (Reuters) - Halliburton Co. <A HREF=

Halliburton: May Not Rebid for Iraq Work


AP - Brian Cashman's job is safe  #151; at least for now. The rest of the New York Yankees have plenty to worry about this winter. Soon after the Yankees completed a historic collapse against Boston in the AL playoffs, volatile owner George Steinbrenner told Cashman, the team's general manager, that he will not be fired before next season.

Steinbrenner to Cashman: You're Not Fired (AP)


NewsFactor - As part of its update of its EnterpriseOne suite, PeopleSoft (Nasdaq: PSFT) has launched two new applications targeted toward the established customer base of what used to be J.D. Edwards (Nasdaq: JDEC) -- manufacturing enterprises.

PeopleSoft Rolls Out Two New Manufacturing Modules (NewsFactor)


The Indian cricket board Monday told the Supreme Court it would provide live pictures of the upcoming India-Australia Test series that Prasar Bharati would telecast within the country and another company would do so abroad.

We #39;ll telecast Australia Tests


AP - The Jacksonville Jaguars managed to go 3-0 despite scoring only 35 points. With Indianapolis coming to town Sunday, the Jaguars might need 35 just to keep pace with Peyton Manning.

Colts One of 10 Road Favorites This Week (AP)


For 10 pulsating seconds, the fastest men on earth take center stage on Sunday at the Olympics to run for the ultimate prize -- the 100 meters gold medal.

World #39;s Fastest Men Take Center Stage at Games


Jason Bay proved this past baseball season he could consistently hit a major league curveball. On Monday, the Trail native proved he can also handle a soft-lobbed verbal knuckleball with suitable diplomacy.

Vancouver Sun


General Motors , which has experienced two months of disappointing sales, reveals a new winter sales programme in the US.

New sales push for struggling GM


SAN JOSE, Calif.--When Sun Microsystems releases Solaris as open-source software, it plans to provide legal protection from patent-infringement suits to outsiders using or developing the operating system--one of several ways Sun hopes to make Solaris more

Sun plans patent protection for open-source Solaris


Oct. 4 - A group of private citizens in California are hoping to make another giant leap for mankind. SpaceShipOne has already made it to space and back.

SpaceShipOne Prepares for Second Flight


ith half the preseason over and the annual ritual of facing the Giants looming, the Jets seem to possess a powerful offense, but their now-speedy defense is still having trouble halting the run.

Questions Remain for the Jets


Virus writers are exploiting the publicity surrounding England football captain David Beckham, offering photos proving that he has been having an affair, to infect computer users PCs with the malicious Hackarmy trojan virus.

Beckham virus: affair pics infect the net


DJIBRIL CISSE faces a year out of football with a horror double leg-break that has plunged Liverpool into a major crisis. French striker Cisse snapped two bones in his left leg above the ankle

BREAKING POINT


BERLIN/LONDON (Reuters) - Bankers now in talks with Russian  gas firm Gazprom about paying for its bid for the oil  production arm of YUKOS will not go against a U.S. ruling that  the sale was illegal, banking sources said on Friday.

Gazprom Hits Funding Snag on YUKOS Bid


Reuters - U.S. communications regulators on\Thursday insisted the United States was making progress in\rolling out high-speed Internet service, despite falling\further behind other countries.

FCC Insists Broadband Deployment Improving (Reuters)


LONDON - Johnny Depp reckons he's no great movie pinup - he just has a

Johnny Depp Says He's No Heartthrob


Our position is: ATA was caught in forces that are pounding the entire airline industry. Indianapolis-based ATA Airlines, which declared bankruptcy Tuesday, was caught in a convergence of business forces that

ATA bankruptcy a blow to local economy


OJIYA, Japan (Reuters) - Aftershocks kept striking northern  Japan on Sunday, hours after a powerful earthquake killed at  least 14 people, injured more than 700 and knocked out power  and phone services to at least 278,000 homes.

Aftershocks Strike Fear After Japan Quake Kills 14


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - DaimlerChrysler AG <A HREF=

SEC Probes DaimlerChrysler


A series of prohibitions recently issued by the Higher People #39;s Court of the Beijing Municipality on judges #39; dealings with cases are expected to help maintain justice if strictly implemented, says an article in Beijing Youth Daily.

Independent judges vital


The Chinese government refrained on Monday from saying much about the results of Sunday's elections in Hong Kong, but the country's Communist leaders had reason to be pleased.

After Hong Kong Election, China Faces New Calculus


The technology at the \$55 million facility allows doctors to access patient information -- including digital scans, lab results and prescription drug information -- from anywhere in the hospital, at home or off-site, using a wireless network.

'Digital' hospital showcases GE Healthcare technologies


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian oil major YUKOS said on  Wednesday it had filed for bankruptcy protection in a U.S.  court and would seek an order from the court to halt the Dec.  19 sale by the Russian state of its main oil unit.

YUKOS Files for U.S. Bankruptcy


POLICE on Palm Island fear fresh violence today following nine arrests in the wake of yesterday #39;s riot over a death in custody.

Nine in custody after riot


President Bush stressed the importance of spreading freedom in the world and defended his decision to invade Iraq in a speech Tuesday to the UN General Assembly.

Bush tells UN  #39;all must fight the murderers #39;


Morocco salvaged some pride after defeat with victory in the first reverse singles match in the Davis Cup World Group play-off in Perth.

Morocco stave off whitewash


PARIS (Reuters) - Two French journalists are missing in  Iraq and have not been heard from since Thursday, the Foreign  Ministry in Paris said Saturday.

Two French Journalists Missing in Iraq - Ministry


Web media giant offered a preview of its redesigned front page Tuesday and said the new simpler look will replace the old one in a few weeks. <FONT face=

Yahoo's Home Page Gets Functional Facelift


Federal Reserve officials are expected to nudge interest rates up on Tuesday for a fifth time this year, another small step in a campaign to gradually lift borrowing costs before inflation rears its head.

US Fed set to serve up another small rate hike


Attackers could bombard PCs using instant messenger's

Flaw opens AOL chat software to intruders


Here's a reader-friendly, quickie version of today's column -- for those of you who can't spare the full 2 1/2 minutes it takes to wander through the entire, labored effort -- about all things NBA other than L'affaire du Artest et Les Spectateurs:

Shopping With Spree


COLOMBO: Sri Lanka stepped up security in the capital Colombo on Saturday as police launched an investigation into the slaying of a judge and his bodyguard, officials said.

Sri Lanka steps up security


Brendon McCullum produced an outstanding 143 as New Zealand moved into a commanding position on day three of the first Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

McCULLUM LEADS NEW ZEALAND CHARGE


The UN has photos and video footage of sexual abuses committed by UN staff in DR Congo, says an official.

UN DR Congo sex abuses 'on film'


VIC, Spain -- New world champion Sebastien Loeb pulled out of the Catalunya Rally with a mechanical breakdown after winning the first leg on the second day.

Champion Loeb forced to drop out


Wake Forest has eight interceptions for the season -- which ranks 12th nationally -- and will test Va. Tech quarterback Bryan Randall, who has thrown six picks in five games.

Hokies' Road Test


AP - Rashad McCants scored 27 points and North Carolina rode a sharp first half to a 94-81 victory over Tennessee on Tuesday night in the semifinals of the Maui Invitational.

No. 11 N.C. Trumps Tennessee 94-81 (AP)


The new model, unveiled at the opening of the Apple Expo in Paris, upgrades the iMac line with the faster G5 processors already used in Apple's top-end Power Macs.

Apple Unveils New iMac at Paris Show


TOKYO - Stocks opened slightly lower Monday on the Tokyo Stock Exchange as declines in US technology shares last Friday prompted selling.

Tokyo stocks open slightly lower


TORONTO - Shares of Nortel Networks dipped on the TSX in the wake of news the RCMP has launched an investigation into accounting practices at the telecommunications company.

Nortel shares down following news of RCMP probe


A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.2 has shaken northern Japan in the same region that was hit by a deadly tremor last month, but there are no immediate reports of serious injuries or damage.

Strong earthquake shakes northern Japan


MacCentral - Apple Computer Inc. on Monday released an update for Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), the company's software solution to assist Mac system administrators and computer managers with asset management, software distribution and help desk support. ARD 2.1 includes several enhancements and bug fixes.

Apple Remote Desktop 2.1 available (MacCentral)


CHELSEA virtually assured its place in the next round of the Champions League yesterday while calamity-prone goalkeeper Jens Lehmann cost Arsenal a point.

Arsenal rues blunders


Three years ago, the regulatory overseers at the new Bush administration's    Office of Management and Budget  invited suggestions on which federal rules needed some work -- a tuneup, elimination, or maybe a new rule altogether. The effort was directed by Congress, which wanted the OMB to report to it annually on the costs and benefits of regulation and send along an inventory of ineffective or inefficient rules that should be reformed or killed.

Progress of Rule Reviews Difficult to Track


ATLANTA, Nov. 26 (Ticker) -- Steve Francis and rookie Dwight Howard made the defense of the Atlanta Hawks look like it wasn #39;t there.

Francis, Howard Lead Magic Past Hawks


Louisville announced Wednesday night that the little-used Farley had been dismissed but did not specify the reason. Farley had only seen six minutes of action in two games this season.

Pitino might bring back Farley


MOSUL: Iraqi commandos backed by US troops were preparing to storm insurgent strongholds in the city of Mosul yesterday as US-led forces continued their bid to clear the city of rebels.

Commandos set to storm Mosul


CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Arguing over who can best lead the nation in war, Sen...

Bush, Kerry Clash Over Iraq in Debate


Venezuela #39;s electoral authorities said Saturday an audit of the vote on President Hugo Chavez #39;s rule found no proof of fraud.

Venezuela finds no fraud in election


NEW YORK - Investors pushed stocks lower Friday as a surprisingly lackluster job creation report deepened Wall Street's pessimism over the health of the economy, while a solid earnings report from General Electric Co. minimized losses for blue chips...

Stocks Slide on Lackluster Job Report


CANBERRA: Australia #39;s government cemented the most powerful mandate in nearly 25 years by winning control of the upper house, freeing it to push ahead with reforms such as the full sale of telecommunications group Telstra Corp Ltd.

Australian govt #39;s senate win opens Telstra sale


BESLAN, Russia (Reuters) - A prominent doctor negotiated on  Thursday with gunmen holding hundreds of children, parents and  teachers for a second day under threat of death in a school  near Russia's rebel Chechnya region.

Hopes Pinned on Talks in Russia Hostage Drama


Reuters - An Israeli missile strike killed at least\two Hamas gunmen in Gaza City Monday, a day after a top\commander of the Islamic militant group was killed in a similar\attack, Palestinian witnesses and security sources said.

Israeli Missile Strike Kills Two Gaza Militants (Reuters)


NewsFactor - In a move to strengthen its software tools portfolio, IBM (NYSE: IBM) plans to buy Systemcorp, which develops project-management applications.

IBM Buys Systemcorp (NewsFactor)


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - A Supreme Court justice challenged a lawyer Wednesday who defended his Rwandan client's call in 1992 for the extermination of ethnic Tutsis prior to a bloody genocide in the African country.

Supreme Court challenges lawyer for Rwandan accused of triggering slaughter (Canadian Press)


Upcoming chips will lead to relatively inexpensive hardware, company says.

Intel Outlines WiMax Plans


Outstanding ROIC and market-beating performance go hand-in-hand for these stocks.

Five Stocks With Outstanding Returns


Family and Tony Robbins have matured and molded University of Maryland free safety Ray Custis into a trusted leader and anchor of the Terrapins' defense.

Custis Takes Control


Pakistani forces and Islamic militants in South Waziristan agree a 10-day ceasefire for talks to end fighting.

South Waziristan ceasefire agreed


Letters: More from the Reg postbag

Readers love mobiles in church; hate mobiles on planes


Reuters - The United States could lose its war\on terrorism unless it deals with the political disputes that\give rise to militant extremism, starting with the Palestinian\issue, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said on Monday.

Musharraf Says U.S. Must Address Palestinian Dispute (Reuters)


Micron Technology Inc., the world #39;s No. 2 maker of computer-memory chips, struck a deal with the US Justice Department to shield it from sanctions after a probe found some employees engaged in price fixing.

Micron Strikes Deal With US in Price Fixing Probe (Update2)


AP - One of man's closest relatives, the pygmy chimpanzee, may be much closer to extinction than previously thought, a conservation group said Thursday.

Pygmy Chimpanzee May Be Near Extinction (AP)


David Coulthard #39;s season-long search for a Formula One drive next year is almost over. Negotiations between Red Bull Racing and Coulthard, who tested for the Austrian team for the first time

Coulthard fits the bill at Red Bull


US President George W. Bush said on Wednesday that his government still adheres to the strong-dollar policy.  quot;The policy of my government is a strong-dollar policy, quot; Bush

US president pledges strong-dollar policy


LOS ANGELES, SEPT 14: A consortium led by Sony Corp has agreed in principle to acquire Hollywood studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc for nearly \$3 billion.

Sony To Acquire Hollywood Studio For \$3Bn


LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Oscar-winning animated movie team Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios have delayed the release of their final joint venture  quot;Cars quot; until June 2006, they said.

Disney and Pixar push back their last joint movie effort to 2006


First place, and the warm, fuzzy feelings that came with it, felt great for about 23 hours. By the 24th hour, the Knicks looked and played more like a team destined to wander the depths of the Atlantic Division.

First to Futile in 24 Hours as Knicks Waste the Day


The Mets are close to signing Red Sox free agent Pedro Martinez to a long-term deal. All that #39;s left for Pedro is passing the physical and being fitted for a batting helmet that can cover his entire body.

Senor Moment?


Australian Lleyton Hewitt #39;s hot streak has continued, the No.4 seed crushing Slovakian Karol Beck to reach the US Open quarter-finals.

Hewitt streak continues, through to last 8


Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Mike Hampton pitched six solid innings and added a two-run homer to lead Atlanta to a 5-4 win over Chicago in the opener of a three-game series at Wrigley Field.

National League Game Summary - Atlanta at Chicago


In what it called an  quot;Information Age undercover investigation, quot; the US Secret Service announced the arrest of 28 people from eight states and six countries allegedly involved in a global organized cybercrime ring.

Secret Service Busts Internet Organized Crime Ring


quot;I expect steady growth in consumer spending and the continued growth in business investment, quot; says Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia president Anthony Santomero.

Fed #39;s Santomero Expects Steady Growth


In July, the Fool #39;s James Early looked at stocks that combine the following: a small market cap, a boring industry, and a savvy Pac-Man-style acquisition strategy of adding a portfolio of brands.

Jarden #39;s Brandfest


NEW YORK -- Northeast Utilities , UIL Holdings Corp. , and New England's grid operator have proposed changes to a planned power line in Southwest Connecticut that would increase costs by more than 40 percent.

Power line's cost could grow 40


The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has given preliminary approval to two new domain names. The  quot;.

ICANN making available new domain names


Because his job involves driving around on Mars all day, Cornell University astronomer Steve Squyres is glad he no longer has to make a cross-country commute to get home.

Cornell moves into the driver #39;s seat for Mars rovers


Reuters - The chief spokesman for rebel Iraqi\cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said on Wednesday no deal had been\agreed with Iraq's government to end fighting in Baghdad's\Shi'ite slum district of Sadr City.

No Deal on Ending Baghdad Clashes-Senior Sadr Aide (Reuters)


OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Nick Swisher and Bobby Crosby kept the Oakland Athletics alone in first place for at least another day.

SI.com


The Brazilian government and a United Nations agency team up to help the country reap more financial rewards from its

Brazil finds true value of art


The Internet's biggest players are preparing for all-out war, adding new weapons to their arsenals in hopes that they can offer the best full suite of digital services to future Net users. <FONT face=

Clash of the Tech Titans


It was the fourth month in a row that the bank #39;s Monetary Policy Committee decided against changing the rate. The decision was widely expected following indications that Britain #39;s economy has slowed, and that

Bank of England Leaves Rate Unchanged


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell further from record  highs on Monday as easing concern about winter supplies  prompted big-money hedge funds to switch money away from oil  and into other financial markets.

Oil Down as Supply Fears Ease, Funds Exit


Reuters - The European Central Bank is expected\to keep interest rates steady at 2 percent on Thursday, with\markets looking for any hint that the central bank's worries\about growth have heightened.

ECB Rates Seen Steady as Euro, Oil Weigh (Reuters)


WALTHAM, Mass.--IBM is ramping up its recruitment efforts with application companies in an effort to make an emerging distributed computing technology, called grid computing, pervasive in corporations.

IBM steps up grid partner plan


Malaysia #39;s press is breathing a collective sigh of relief at the release of former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. Commentators see the move as turning a new page in Malaysia #39;s political life, arguing

Malaysia press relieved at Anwar release


Javier Valentin smacked a three-run homer in a five-run ninth inning off John Smoltz to carry the rallying Cincinnati Reds to an 11-8 victory over the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wednesday.

NL Wrap: Rallying Reds Make Braves Wait for East Title


Japanese firms continue to spend on new equipment and production plants, a survey finds, underlining a continuing recovery in the world's second-largest economy.

Japanese firms step up spending


US sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer has raised his stake in Manchester United Plc to 27.63 percent from 25.3 percent, the Premier League club said on Tuesday, heightening speculation that he will bid for them.

Manchester Utd confirm Glazer raises stake to 27.6 pct


The vast US services sector grew in October for the 19th straight month, but a survey showed that high energy prices began to bite.

Oil price bites US service firms


PARIS - Orange SA will offer blind customers a software application designed to make their mobile phones talk to them, as part of a new package of services for the visually impaired that will go on sale in France Thursday.

Orange makes phones talk to the blind


Sony PlayStation 2's slimmer shape has proved popular with UK gamers, with 50,000 sold in its first week on sale.

Slim PlayStation triples sales


PalmOne (Quote, Chart), maker of the lower-priced Zire handheld and the Treo smartphone, unveiled the Tungsten T5 handheld Monday, which adds heaps of memory and an Intel 416MHz XScale processor.

Latest Tungsten T5 Adds Power, Resolution


Lack of bidders forces largest US local telephone companies to terminate efforts in small markets. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Verizon Communications Inc.

Verizon, SBC nix access line sales


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Islamic militants killed four anti-drugs  unit members and seized more than 170 submachine guns and  pistols on Tuesday in an attack on the unit's offices in  Russia's volatile Caucasus region.

Gunmen Kill 4, Seize Weapons in Russia's Caucasus


Immune systems can perhaps accept tissues from people with other blood types, Canadian researchers find.

Immune find may help transplants


USATODAY.com - Democrats were giddy with anticipation thinking about this year's vice presidential debate when John Kerry selected John Edwards as his running mate back in July. Their man is 51, dashing and camera-ready; Dick Cheney is 63, phlegmatic, balding and hardly a matinee idol. This was to be a fight Democrats would love.

Nice guy vs. The Ice Guy, Tuesday night in Cleveland (USATODAY.com)


Egypt has brokered an understanding to halt Israeli-Palestinian violence and move toward a peace accord, the official Egyptian news agency said Tuesday.

Hamas attack kills Israeli soldier, ends lull in Gaza violence


SAN FRANCISCO: Intel upcoming mid-quarter report will be closely watched for signs of weak back-to-school computer sales, though recent market share gains in memory chips could help offset any softness in computer microprocessor demand.

Back-to-school fears cloud Intel report


(Hartford-WTNH, Oct. 5, 2004 12:01 PM) _ A UConn basketball player is in the hospital in critical condition at this hour. Freshman AJ Price was admitted to Hartford Hospital Monday.

UConn basketball player hospitalized


AFP - Miss World contestants united in defending the pageant's relevance and angrily denied it degraded women.

Miss World beauties defend relevance of contest (AFP)


Concern over falling profit margins at Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. grew on Thursday as the company said it was spending more on handset marketing and a top broker issued a sell #39; #39; rating on its stock for the first time in years.

Samsung Faces Concerns Over Margins


Turkey yesterday shelved plans to criminalise adultery which were threatening the country #39;s prospects of joining the European Union.

Turkey abandons plan for adultery to become a crime


WASHINGTON - President Bush on Thursday marked the opening of the new American Indian National Museum, saying it will serve as a powerful reminder of the spirit and vitality of peoples native to the nation.

Bush Marks Opening of Indian Museum


AP - Bucky Jacobsen drove in three runs with a home run and a double to lead the Seattle Mariners past the Kansas City Royals 9-7 Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader.

Jacobsen Leads Mariners Past Royals 9-7 (AP)


Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Owners voted 29-1 on Friday to approve the proposed move of the Montreal Expos to Washington for the 2005 season.

Expos move closer to DC


Ichiro Suzuki had two hits to move within three of tying the single-season record, and the Seattle Mariners pounded Tim Hudson in a 7-2 victory over the host Oakland Athletics last night.

Angels tie A #39;s in West


How's this for thinking outside the box: a cafe with jammies-clad servers pouring cereal day and night, topping it off with everything from fruit to malted milk balls, and serving it in  quot;bowls quot; resembling takeout Chinese containers.

Cereal-only restaurant looks to milk new format


ST. PAUL, Minn. - A winner of the World Cup of Hockey tournament has yet to be crowned, but newly signed Coyotes player Brett Hull already is assured an award - Most Unhappy Player.

Healthy-scratch Hull leaves practice in a huff


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar edged up against the yen on  Thursday as surprisingly limp machinery orders data for Japan  helped investors to recoup earlier losses made on cautious  remarks about U.S. growth by the Federal Reserve chief.

Dollar Up Vs Yen on Weak Machinery Data


World News New York, Sep 24, : Sanjay Kumar, former CEO of New York-based software giant Computer Associates, has pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding investors by fudging records.

Kumar pleads not guilty fraud allegations:


NEW YORK - Roger Federer is at his best against the best, when it counts the most, and he was pretty much perfect in the U.S. Open final...

Federer Beats Hewitt Easily to Win Open


Everton Football Club have rejected an offer of 20million from Newcastle United Football Club for Wayne Rooney - although they may return with an improved offer.

Newcastle United Football Club back in for Rooney?


An increase in smog sparks a small but measurable increase in deaths, scientists report Wednesday in a study showing the strongest link yet between smog and damage to health.

Smog linked to increase in deaths


(Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins will try to lock up their third consecutive AL Central title tonight, when they begin a three-game set against the second-place Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field.

Minnesota Twins Team Report - September 20


Friday night #39;s game between the Magic and the Miami Heat drew an announced 20,454 to the St. Pete Times Forum. For an NBA exhibition game, that #39;s not bad.

Fans Flock to See Shaq, but He Sits


Ruud van Nistelrooy added another brace to his incredible European goals collection as Manchester United put their Premiership woes behind them at Old Trafford.

United in control at old Trafford


measured against the industry-standard LINPACK benchmark -- was able to turn in a sustained a performance of 36.01 teraflops. That edges it ahead of the three-year-old top mark

IBM #39;s Supercomputer New Speed Champion


Reuters - Fighting global warming will get\tougher once the Kyoto protocol ends in 2012 and the world must\try to get Washington involved in the long term, the head of\the U.N. Environment Program said on Wednesday.

Global Warming Fight to Get Harder from 2012 -U.N (Reuters)


OCTOBER 12, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - Microsoft Corp. #39;s monthly patch release cycle may be making it more predictable for users to deploy software updates, but there appears to be little letup in the number of holes being discovered in the company #39;s software

Microsoft releases fixes for seven  #39;critical #39; vulnerabilities


That was then and this is now. That was there and this is here. So which is a bigger moment? Mary Lou Retton's  quot;No-Fault Vault quot; that produced America's first Olympic all-around gold medal in women's gymnastics 20 years ago in Los Angeles? Or Carly Patterson's  quot;Dream Beam quot; here last night that clinched the second?

All-American girl


Rome, Italy (Sports Network) - Juventus stretched its lead in the Italian Serie A to five points on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Chievo.

Juventus extends Italian lead


AP - Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson practiced Friday and is expected to start against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

Tomlinson Expects to Start Against Raiders (AP)


WASHINGTONThe US House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a bill that would make spyware illegaland provide stiff sanctions for anyone found breaking that law.

US House Passes Anti-Spyware Bill


Cyber threats, chiefly viruses like NetSky and Sasser, make security an ongoing concern as it holds steady over software infrastructure as the third top priority.

Digital ID: How are you managing?


The US Supreme Court said today it will hear argument on whether online cable access must allow rivals to use its equipment. The case could ultimately decide whether cable operators must allow use of their

High Court To Decide if Rivals May Use Cable for Web Access


Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile has predicated a successful outcome to free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with China.  quot;We can #39;t afford not to enhan ce our relationship

Australian govt predicts positive conclusion to FTA with China


AP - Jose Maria Canizares birdied his last hole to complete a 5-under-par 67 and share the first-round lead with Bruce Summerhays and Vicente Fernandez at the Tradition on Thursday.

Three Share First-Round Lead at Tradition (AP)


AFP - Republican and Democratic leaders each declared victory after the first head-to-head sparring match between President George W. Bush and Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry.

Stand by your man: Parties defend candidates after Bush-Kerry debate (AFP)


Israeli PM says his country Israel will  #39;maintain calm #39; in absence of Palestinian militants attacks. JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Israel would  quot;maintain the calm quot; in the absence of attacks

Sharon offers calm in absence of Palestinian attacks


AFP - Philippine President Gloria Arroyo vowed the country will never default on its debt repayments, as she found herself embroiled in a public row with key economic advisers following her declaration that Manila was in a

Philippines will never default on debts, Arroyo vows (AFP)


If you are going to depend on a windmill, it's best to find a windy place to put it. Companies that can assess a location's wind potential are in demand, and they are pushing the technology to predict shifting breezes. By John Gartner.

Reaping From the Wild Wind


STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Technicians at Sweden's public television have unearthed an unexpected delight for music lovers - a complete original recording of a Jimi Hendrix concert in Stockholm from 1969 on a tape long thought to have been destroyed.    The unmarked tape was recently found stashed on a shelf deep inside the station's enormous archives during a project to transfer archived material from tape and film to digital, SVT spokeswoman Catarina Wilson said Friday...

Long-Lost Hendrix Concert Tape Discovered


UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Washington on Tuesday swept  aside objections from Beirut and called for a Security Council  vote within days on a draft resolution to put pressure on Syria  to respect Lebanese sovereignty.

U.S. Seeks Quick UN Vote Warning Syria on Lebanon


AP - Tony Sanneh scored his first MLS goal in six years, helping the Columbus Crew extend their unbeaten streak to 12 games with a 1-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night.

Sanneh Scores As Crew Beat Earthquakes 1-0 (AP)


A rebel group in Sudan #39;s western Darfur region says the government is responsible for an upsurge in fighting there in violation of a ceasefire.

Sudan Rebels Stand by Cease-Fire Despite Violations


British black scientists are vastly under-represented in their chosen field, says a leading commentator.

Science 'excludes black people'


In the Washington retail landscape, only a few signs of Herbert H. Haft's business empire remain. But his contribution to the way Americans shop is felt every day by just about any consumer who buys a product at a discount.

Herbert  Haft Redefined The Rules of Retail


CHICAGO, Oct 27 (AFP) - Aviation and defense giant Boeing said Wednesday its third-quarter profit shot up 78 percent from a year ago to 456 million dollars and gave an upbeat forecast for the rest of 2004 and into 2005.

Boeing profit up 78 percent in quarter, upbeat on 2005


The five-year-old naturalised Australian girl seriously injured in last month #39;s bombing outside Australia #39;s embassy in Jakarta is leaving hospital in Singapore for Italy.

MANNY MUSU HEADS TO ITALY


LONDON Faced with multiplying signs of an economic slowdown, Gordon Brown, the chancellor of the Exchequer, stuck to his guns on Thursday, predicting that Britain #39;s economy will keep growing at some of the fastest rates of any large industrial country.

UK upbeat despite signs of slowdown


Linux is much more popular in the enterprise than previously thought, according to a new report out today. IT research firm IDC combined several of its data studies and threw in a few that it didn #39;t already

Linux to Grow Steady for Next Four Years


French technology firm Thomson (TMS.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said it would join Microsoft Corp. and Time Warner Inc.

France #39;s Thomson Moves Into Anti-Piracy Software


The Peace Corps has opened its first office in Mexico, staffed largely with a new breed of volunteers -- older people with expertise in computers, engineering and business, Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez said Tuesday.

Peace Corps Opens Office in Mexico


Samsung, Micron Technology and Hynix Semiconductor have acknowledged that they have received subpoenas related to the investigation.

Four Infineon Execs Plead Guilty in DRAM Probe


Microsoft #39;s lack of multicultural savvy cost the Redmond, Wash., behemoth millions of dollars, according to a company executive.

Microsoft #39;s multicultural missteps


Red Hat Inc.'s Enterprise Linux 4 products, scheduled for release early next year, will support five Indian languages, reflecting the growing importance of the Indian market, according to an executive of the Raleigh, North Carolina-based Linux company.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 to support Indian languages


Google has seen many benefits from its internal Web log system and may consider providing blogging tools and expertise to corporate clients, a company executive said.

Google sees benefits in corporate blogging


PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Panama's outgoing president on  Thursday pardoned four Cuban exiles jailed for plotting to kill  Cuban President Fidel Castro in 2000 and three or them flew  straight to Miami, a haven of anti-Castro groups.

Panama Pardons Cuban Exiles in Castro Bomb Plot


Reuters - Atlantic salmon\once teemed up the rivers of eastern Canada in staggering\numbers to spawn in an annual ritual that put the biological\richness of the region on full display.

Dwindling Atlantic Salmon Still King on Canada River (Reuters)


AP - Ben Watson's rookie year with the New England Patriots started late and ended early.

Patriots Place Watson on Injured Reserve (AP)


NEW YORK : New York crude oil smashed past 48 dollars a barrel for the first time, menacing the 50-dollar mark, as heavy fighting gripped the Iraqi city of Najaf.

New York crude smashes past 48 dollars for first time


Crude oil prices hovered nearly five percent below a 21-year high Monday, lifting most Asian shares and giving investors some respite from concerns that energy costs would choke off profits and economic growth.

Oil Retreats, Lifts Asian Stocks


The alleged allegiance of Al-Tawheed wal Jihad group in Iraq to Al-Qaeda network of Osama Bin Laden pledged in an unverified statement

Zarqawis Al-Qaeda Allegiance Intelligence Work: Expert


The two companies reach a settlement and sign a cross-licensing agreement, ending years of litigation over patent infringement.\

Proxim and Symbol make nice


Josh Caldwell, co-founder of the

Photos: Segway--coast to coast


LONDON - A spacecraft the size of a washing machine and driven by a revolutionary ion motor will begin a braking sequence on Monday that should make it the first European mission to enter lunar orbit.

European probe to enter lunar orbit


USATODAY.com - Investors usually get nervous when a company relies on the sales of one product. The exception is when that product is an Apple iPod. Just as consumers can't seem to get enough of the iPod, investors are foaming over companies having anything to do with the digital music player.

IPod creates its own economy (USATODAY.com)


Procter  amp; Gamble (NYSE: PG) is the latest company to experiment with new-age advertising techniques to lure the consumer dollar.

Procter  amp; Gamble #39;s On Demand


The homeland security secretary today inspected arrangements for the Republican convention that starts next week.

Ridge Reviews Security in N.Y., Declaring 'We Are Prepared'


The two roving vehicles Spirit and Opportunity have explored Mars about three times as long as originally scheduled and keep finding evidence of past liquid water.

Still Exploring After Martian Winter, Rovers Send Back More Signs of Water


AP - The Baltimore Ravens did their part to get into the playoffs. It wasn't enough. After beating the Miami Dolphins 30-23 Sunday, the Ravens had to wait until the late afternoon games ended to learn their postseason fate.

Ravens Beat Dolphins but Miss Playoffs (AP)


WASHINGTON  #151; Praising Yemen as a partner in the war on terror, the Bush administration has approved the sale of military equipment to the Persian Gulf country after more than a decade of a nearly total ban. Delivery of spare parts for C-130 cargo planes was approved last week, which followed a recent decision to permit Yemen to purchase parts ...

Citing terror aid, US eases arms sales ban


The federal agency that oversees auto safety has decided -- based largely on arguments from automakers and their Washington, DC, lobbyists -- that reams of data relating to unsafe automobiles or defective parts will not be available ...

Info on car safety off-limits to public


The brain #39;s response to another person #39;s body language may help explain why humans are quite efficient at fleeing from danger, according to researchers.

Fearful Body Posture Tells Others: Run!


The cell phone maker is working on a phone that uses controversial microchips used to store product information and signal their location.

RFID cell phones take shape at Nokia


Straining under the looming pension crisis in the airline industry, the federal pension benefits insurer yesterday reported that its deficit more than doubled from a year earlier.

Insurer feeling strain


Forbes.com - After earning a PH.D. in Sociology, Danny Bazil Riley started to work as the general manager at a commercial real estate firm at an annual base salary of  #36;70,000. Soon after, a financial planner stopped by his desk to drop off brochures about insurance benefits available through his employer. But, at 32,

Safety Net (Forbes.com)


The former Fannie Mae employee who assisted federal regulators in an investigation of the company #39;s accounting will not testify at a congressional hearing next week.

Ex-Manager At Fannie to Skip Hearing


Yankee manager Joe Torre has some tough decisions upcoming, starting with whether to use Jason Giambi against Toronto left-hander Ted Lilly tonight.

JOE FACES TOUGH CALLS ON JASON, ESTEBAN


Burma's military has cancelled talks with the Karen rebel group just days after dismissing the prime minister.

Burma cancels talks with rebels


Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen chase Houston starter Roger Clemens with two key hits as the Cardinals top the Astros, 5-2, to advance to the World Series against Boston.

Cardinals Down Astros, Move to World Series


Big Blue says it has improved the processor of its JS20 blade servers and now sells them with its AIX version of Unix.

IBM brings Unix, faster chip to Power blades


Israeli troops seize a nine-kilometre area in Gaza to try to stop Palestinian rocket attacks inside Israeli towns.

Israelis secure Gaza buffer zone


Pacers forward Jonathan Bender is expected to be out six weeks with an injured left knee. The knee has troubled Bender his entire career.

Bender Hurt Again


Siding with chipmakers, the software giant says it won't charge double for dual-core chips when they come to market next year.

Microsoft math: Multicore licensed as one chip


Amateur anglers have a significant and possibly damaging impact on certain sea-fish populations, scientists claim. The Science magazine study says the US #39;s 10 million saltwater recreational anglers may need better regulation.

Hobbyist anglers take big catch


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - McDonald's Corp. <A HREF=

McDonald's Profits In-Line with Estimates


WASHINGTON Sept. 1, 2004 - Secretary of State Colin Powell said the United States wants UN sanctions imposed on Iran after the Bush administration concluded the country is on the verge of enriching enough uranium for four nuclear weapons.

Powell: US Wants UN Sanctions Vs. Iran


SAN FRANCISCO--A mysterious bidder paid \$15.5 million Monday in a bankruptcy court auction of dozens of Internet-related patents--and then rushed out of the courtroom.

Web services patents fetch \$15.5 million


From the opening kickoff, it seemed all coach Mike Mularkey needed was to wind up the Buffalo Bills and watch them go. Actually, he encouraged them to wind down in Seattle.

McGahee #39;s four TDs lead Bills #39; rout of Seattle


The British and Iraqi governments said they would not bow to the demands of militants threatening to kill a British hostage, despite tearful pleas from the captive and his family.

Iraq, UK Govts Say Will Not Give in to Kidnappers


A high-level Army investigation has found that military intelligence interrogators played a major role in the abuse of Iraqi prisoners.

Abuses at Prison Tied to Officers in Intelligence


AFP - Representatives of the Sudanese government and the southern rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) urged the world community to provide 300 million dollars (244 million euros) in aid to cover emergency needs.

Sudan's government, rebels call on world to provide 300 million dollars in aid (AFP)


Oil giant BP today said record fuel prices and better refining margins had helped it to bank nearly 1 million a day in profits. BP posted profits of 3.94 billion US

BP Profits  #39;1m A Day #39;


Reuters - U.S. blue chip stocks fell on\Wednesday after Honeywell International Inc.  and J.P.\Morgan Chase   Co.  had quarterly reports that\disappointed investors, while oil prices hovering at  #36;55 per\barrel sparked fresh worry about higher corporate energy costs.

Blue Chips Slip as Earnings Disappoint (Reuters)


After toying with Division 1-AA Georgia Southern, the Georgia Bulldogs football team broke open the game with a 28-point third quarter, defeating the Eagles 48-28 in the season opener for both teams Saturday afternoon at Sanford Stadium.

Dogs have their day


Jeans maker Levi Strauss  amp; Co on Tuesday said lower costs helped it to a third-quarter profit of \$46.6 million. The San Francisco-based company said this compares to a net loss of \$4.

USA: Levi Strauss Posts \$46.6m Q3 Profit On Lower Costs


OSLO (AFP) - A seemingly unstable passenger attacked two pilots aboard a Norwegian passenger plane with an axe but the aircraft was later able to land, amid concerns over lax security on the country #39;s local flights and at regional airports.

Norwegian pilots land plane after axe attack by passenger


Kurt Warner's first preseason as the Giants' starting quarterback ended ominously as he was sacked twice more Thursday night.

Despite Loss, the Giants' Line Shows Progress


Reuters - Islamic militants freed seven truck\drivers from India, Kenya and Egypt held hostage in Iraq for\six weeks, offering a ray of hope Wednesday to a dozen other\foreign nationals still in captivity.

Seven Foreign Truckers Freed in Iraq; France Anxious (Reuters)


The Minnesota Twins clinched on a bus in 1991. They clinched in a plastic-covered clubhouse in Cleveland in 2002, watching television.

Twins make it 3 straight


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Byron Leftwich threw two touchdown passes and the Jacksonville defense constantly harassed Chad Hutchinson in the Jaguars #39; 22-3 victory over the injury-depleted Chicago Bears yesterday.

Jaguars get jump on Bears


Sports fan Jarno Trulli got a rare privilege this week as he visited the Olympics in Athens, as a guest of PUMA.

Jarno takes in the Olympics


While Microsoft #39;s Live Communications Server (LCS) is first and foremost an enterprise instant-messaging server, Microsoft is expected to position its 2005 version as its entre into the telephony market.

Microsoft to Muscle Deeper into VOIP?


The world #39;s sole remaining Cold War frontier post lost its American guards yesterday when the United States withdrew from the demilitarised zone between North and South Korea.

50 years of trip-wire weirdness end as US leaves Korean border


Charline Labonte has served notice she wants to become the next starting goaltender of the Canadian women #39;s hockey team. The 22-year-old from Boisbriand, Que.

Charline Labonte rises to challenge


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission president  urged Turkey on Thursday to

Barroso Urges Turkey to Go Extra Mile on EU Talks


Computer Associates International Inc., the software maker operating under government oversight after an accounting scandal, will fire 800 workers, or 5 percent of its employees, as the company trims its product line.

Computer Associates to Fire 800, Trim Product Line (Update3)


ASTON VILLA were dealt another severe injury blow yesterday when it was revealed that Darius Vassell, their England striker, broke an ankle in Saturdays 2-0 victory over Fulham.

Vassell injury a bad break for Villa


AFP - Britain's Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) could break with a century-old tradition by dropping the word 'lawn' from the governing body's name, it was reported.

British tennis set for grass cutter (AFP)


In a matter of 11 days, they turned the baseball world upside down. The Boston Red Sox, a franchise that had cornered the market on hardball heartache, that had shed too many tears and endured too many disappointments, vowed this time to alter history.

Now the tears are of joy


Trevor Sinclair is Manchester City #39;s only doubt after picking up a knock in the game against Everton. Antoine Sibierski stands by to replace him, but Steve McManaman is still out with an Achilles problem.

C Palace v Man City (Sat)


WASHINGTON - The Bush administration said Friday that neither China nor any other major trading partner of the United States is violating a US law against currency manipulation to gain unfair trade advantages.

White House: China Abides by Currency Law


ATHENS (Reuters) - Zeus and the other gods of ancient  Greece smiled on the Athens Olympic Games, whose spectacular  success surprised the world, the head of the organizing  committee said Monday.

Olympics Chief Says Zeus Smiled on Athens


AP - Bruce Fleisher parlayed eight birdies into a tournament-low 65 Saturday and cruised to a 3-shot lead after the second round of the Greater Hickory Classic.

Fleisher Takes Lead at Hickory Classic (AP)


Pity the poor epicure paying record prices for imported caviar, thanks to export limits on the ever-scarcer Caspian Sea delicacy. But take heart: CITES - the Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Editorial: Relief for gastronomes


The hot topic at many golf clubs is one few members could have dreamed of talking about a decade ago.

At Country Clubs, Gay Members Want All Privileges for Partners


Researchers at Rockefeller University make small synthetic vesicles that resemble a crude kind of biological cell.

'Artificial life' comes step closer


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox could be without  starter Curt Schilling for the remainder of the American League  Championship Series against the New York Yankees after their  ace aggravated an ankle injury in a Game One loss.

Red Sox Could Lose Schilling for Game Five


The economic cost of the Iraq war may be larger than what has actually been spent directly on the war.

Counting the Hidden Costs of War


Dhaka: After claiming his first 10-wicket haul in Tests at Dhaka, Irfan Pathan on Sunday said the Bangabandhu National Stadium wicket is the best he has seen in Asia.

Dhaka the best wicket in Asia - Pathan


MANILA Fernando Poe Jr., the popular actor who challenged President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the presidential elections this year, died early Tuesday.

F. Poe dies from effects of stroke


Jenson Button set himself a target of winning the final race of the season after again falling just short in yesterday #39;s Japanese Grand Prix.

F1: Button has his sights on victory


BRUSSELS The dispute that engulfed Rocco Buttiglione and the 732-member European Parliament last week was partly about a prospective member of Europe #39;s executive body professing unacceptable views and the legislature rising up to censure him.

News Analysis: Questions arise on democracy at the EU


NEW YORK - Americans are woefully ignorant about credit scores, a consumer group found, even though these measures of credit risk affect everything from the interest people pay on mortgages to whether they qualify for insurance.

Credit still a mystery to most


Halliburton may not rebid for contracts to support US troops in Iraq if the US army breaks up its contract, the company says.

Halliburton may ditch Iraq deal


Half-Life 2 will be available worldwide on November 16, according to Vivendi, the game #39;s publisher. Serious PC gamers will want to reserve a copy from their favorite game supplier or download an encrypted copy from the game maker.

Half-Life 2 Set For November Release


Juventus and Olympique Lyon became the third and fourth teams to reach the knockout stage of the European Champions League on Wednesday.

Juventus, Lyon qualify from group stage in Champions League


AFP - China is ratcheting up pressure for the lifting of its EU arms embargo to remove the stigma of sanctions but also because it needs the technology to upgrade its existing systems, analysts say.

China will upgrade weapons technology if EU lifts arms embargo (AFP)


Houston #39;s Robby McWilliams continued his steady play at the 80th annual Greater Houston City Amateur by carding his second consecutive 69 to tie Steven Colwick for the top spot after two rounds of play.

Colwick, McWilliams lead City Amateur


SEARCH outfit Yahoo! has splashed out on an email software company that develops software technology that allows users to quickly search through mails and attachments.

Yahoo buys email start up


Italy #39;s government tried to reassure an anguished nation Thursday that two women hostages in Iraq were most likely still alive, saying an Islamist group #39;s claim to have killed them was  quot;unreliable.

Italian Govt. Tries to Assure Country Over Hostages


SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame will feel a little more at home today than the last time it returned from the road. Two weeks ago, the Irish were reeling as they entered the home opener after a season-opening loss at Brigham Young.

Willingham warns Irish to beware of Washington


Critics say the state has been too quick to embrace electronic voting and could be headed for a fiasco in November elections.

Md. Machines Seek Vote Of Confidence


AP - Are right-leaning voters spending all their online time on Rushlimbaugh.com? Are left-leaning voters locked into the like-minded Talkingpointsmemo.com?

Voters Checking Out Other Sides' Sites (AP)


England lost 1-0 to Spain in an eventful match which saw Wayne Rooney substituted just before half time. He had already been booked for pushing the Spanish goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, into the advertising hoardings

INTERNATIONAL ROUND UP


If ABC hoped to generate a little bit more buzz for Monday Night Football and  quot;Desperate Housewives, quot; its risqu intro to the Dallas-Philadelphia game sure did the trick.

Intro still generating buzz, mostly negative


PalmOne's Tungsten T5 comes with 256MB of flash memory, so you never risk losing your data.

New Tungsten Boasts Big Storage


Coca-Cola #39;s chief executive yesterday said the world #39;s largest beverage maker needs to work harder, better execute its strategy, and improve its culture

CEO of Coke lowers outlook for quarter


Washington: EarthLink Inc. and Yahoo Inc. have said they would begin tests of a new anti-spam technology that encodes digital signatures into customers #39; e-mail as a way to separate legitimate messages from unwanted spam.

Yahoo Mail to use Domainkeys


AP - Bob King, Larry Bird's first coach at Indiana State and the architect of New Mexico basketball who never had a losing record in 10 seasons with the Lobos, died Friday at 81.

Bob King, Architect of N.M. Hoops, Dies (AP)


Taylor Dent of the United States cruised past Australian qualifier Peter Luczak 6-3, 6-2 Tuesday at a rain disrupted China Open. Israel #39;s Noam Okun also took an easy 6-3, 6-2 win over Britain #39;s Arvind Parmar before rain set in at Beijing.

Dent, Okun win as rain disrupts China Open


Libya took another big step towards respectability yesterday when the European Union #39;s most senior diplomats agreed that an arms embargo against Tripoli should be lifted.

Arms embargo on Libya should be lifted, says EU


Michael Schumacher returned to top spot in today #39;s first practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The Ferrari driver suffered a rare defeat two weeks ago in Belgium, although second place was enough to clinch a seventh world championship.

SCHUMACHER GRABS TOP SPOT


An approaching hurricane failed to faze the Tennessee Titans, and the Miami Dolphins #39; offense didn #39;t give them much trouble, either.

Titans defense keys win over Dolphins


It was the final Saturday morning in August in this North Shore town, the kind of day made for yard sales or packing off to the beach with the kids. But as the brilliant sun poured through the stained-glass windows of St. Richard Church, hundreds had come to say goodbye to Tim Harbert, a husband, a father of ...

No easy answers


A three-team trade that would send the D #39;backs #39; ace left-hander to the New York Yankees is close to completion, pending physicals.

Johnson may go to Yankees


Major League Baseball has chosen Washington, DC as the new home of the Montreal Expos, a city official has told The Associated Press.

City official: Expos will move to DC next year


Maoist rebels yesterday cut off routes into the Nepalese capital Kathmandu in their first blockade of the city since they launched their insurgency to overthrow the constitutional monarchy eight years ago.

Maoist rebels cut off Kathmandu


India #39;s first Test against Bangladesh begins on Friday in Dhaka and already all the talk is not on whether India will win but when.

India to take on Bangladesh


Typhoon Nock-Ten killed three people and injured several others in Taiwan, according to a Hong Kong radio station on Monday. The dead include a male TV reporter and a fireman and another person still remained missing.

Typhoon kills 3 in Taiwan


The youngest, smallest member of the Virginia State Police bomb squad can fearlessly pick up an unidentified bomb, walk into a tense hostage situation and hand a cell phone to a gunman. And he requires no food, water, insurance benefits or sleep.

Robot Is Pivotal Member of the Force


AP - Joe Cannon made two key saves on shots by former teammate Landon Donovan to help the Colorado Rapids tie the San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 Saturday night.

Rapids Play Earthquakes to 0-0 Tie (AP)


The packaging firm's P/E looks reasonable, but free cash flow has dried up.

Sonoco: Which Side Is Up?


Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 Update 3 limits how much damage a hacker could do. The company said the release is ahead of schedule and not a reaction to any specific threat.

Red Hat ups security for Enterprise Linux 3


ATHENS, Greece - Yao Ming bounced back from a rough opening game with 39 points and 13 rebounds to lead China to a 69-62 victory over New Zealand in the men #39;s basketball Group A tournament Tuesday.

Yao #39;s 39 carries China past New Zealand


AP - Polish lawmakers narrowly voted Friday against reintroducing the death penalty following a series of killings that outraged the nation, including the case of a young woman who was tortured and killed on a train, then dumped out the window.

Poland Rejects Return of Death Penalty (AP)


A strong defensive effort helped Kentucky overcome poor shooting against instate rival Morehead State on Wednesday night. Kelenna Azubuike scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half

No. 10 Kentucky 71, Morehead St. 40


CHAMPION Kiwi cyclist Sarah Ulmer denied Victorian Katie Mactier the Olympic Games 3000m individual pursuit gold medal today by smashing the world record.

Mactier #39;s pursuit halted by Kiwi gold


Houston Rockets #39; Yao Ming answers a question from journalists during a press conference for the NBA China 2004 game Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004 in Shanghai, China.

Yao Ming and Rockets Arrive in Shanghai


Reuters - Jason Larsen types in a few\lines of computer code to hack into the controls of a nearby\chemical plant. Then he finds an online video camera inside and\confirms that he has pumped up a pressure value.

On Fed Payroll, Hackers Seek to Save America (Reuters)


The British government is facing demands to pump funds into Northern Ireland in a bid to bolster a talks deal if it is struck, Sinn Fin leader Gerry Adams said tonight.

British govt cash called for to bolster peace


Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. #39;s (005930.KS: Quote, Profile, Research) quarterly profit jumped 46 percent from a year ago on strong memory chip earnings, but fell

Samsung Electric Quarterly Profit Up


The Ryder Cup is always emotional, which ensures that it will be compelling. No other event in golf stirs up similar passions, and nobody involved seems immune to it.

It May Not Be Red Sox-Yankees, but Ryder Cup Rivalry Is Real


AP - General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG, two of the world's biggest automakers, are teaming up to develop fuel-saving hybrid technology for a range of vehicles that will help them compete with hybrid-vehicle leaders Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co.

DaimlerChrysler, GM to Team Up on Engines (AP)


A student was killed last week as police tried to curb unruly celebrations. Would a World Series win turn violent? By Sara B. Miller  Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor.

Boston faces riot-control test


The only birdie putt Mike Weir made yesterday in the Canadian Open came at a good time, a 6-footer on the 18th hole that gave him a three-shot lead and left him

Roundup: Canada #39;s Weir increases his lead


Companies agree to incorporate software interoperability tools in e-commerce partnership.

WebMethods, Global Exchange ink reseller deal


Professional baseball in Japan has truly come of age: the nation is bracing for its first ever players #39; strike. Athletes are angry about a proposed merger between two clubs, the

Japanese baseball strike nears


Throughout November violence in Sudan increased and there has been  quot;a marked deterioration quot; in Darfur, a senior UN official told the Security Council December 7. Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs

Security in Sudan Deteriorating, UN Official Warns


The United States must diversify its global oil supplies, expand a world network of strategic petroleum reserves and raise fuel efficiency standards to ensure its energy security, a panel of experts will recommend Wednesday.

A plan for US energy security?


Restaurants with laid-back style arrive on the North Side of Chicago.

Upscale Flavors on Chicago's North Side


Federal prosecutors on Monday charged five former natural gas traders with reporting fake prices to industry publications in a bid to manipulate commodity prices.

Five Former Natural Gas Traders Charged


But the step could risk social unrest if heavily indebted state companies respond by laying off more workers.

China Raises Rates to Cool Its Economy


AP - Gov. Rod Blagojevich is proposing to make it a misdemeanor for businesses to sell violent and sexually explicit video games to minors, a step that other states have tried with little success.

Ill. Gov. Seeks Ban on Violent Video Games (AP)


AP - President Clinton can't put his recovering heart into John Kerry's election effort out on the campaign trail, but he is using his voice to help in the final weeks of the race.

Clinton Lends His Voice to Kerry Campaign (AP)


Microsoft has filed a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) - and it looks like the Redmond giant could be in for a lean year ahead, even going as far as to hint that Linux and other open-source rivals might be to blame.

Microsoft: Linux is a threat, it may mean prices cuts and less <b>...</b>


For about a decade, Frances B. Craig looked for a product to build her company around. She had started an information technology consulting company but missed building software to help companies operate efficiently.

Unanet's Software Lets Managers Watch Work in Progress


Grizzlies coach Hubie Brown cites health concerns and a loss of energy Friday as the reasons for announcing his retirement.

Brown Explains Leaving


The Connecticut Sun have the  quot;Tasmanian Devil quot; on their side as they enter the WNBA Finals tonight.

Veteran guard Black bugs opponents


Taipei - Acer, the world #39;s fifth-largest brand-name personal computer vendor, said global sales in its core business are expected to rise 30-40 percent in 2005 from the 205-215 billion Taiwan dollars (R37.

Acer confident of rise in global PC sales


The San Jose Police Department offers an object lesson in how to build a poor user interface, as the New York Times #39; Katie Hafner reports.

Life-or-death UI issues


AFP - Sudan's pro-government Janjaweed militia killed 16 people in a western village in the troubled Darfur region, a spokesman of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement told AFP by telephone.

Pro-government Sudanese militia kill 16 in Darfur: SLM (AFP)


NEW YORK - It doesn #39;t look like Britannia will again rule the waves anytime soon. In the World Economic Forum #39;s Global Competitiveness Report, the UK #39;s business environment rose four places to 11th this year, ahead of Germany at 13 and France at 27.

Global Competitiveness Survey Highlights


The government yesterday condemned a group of retired military officers who signed a petition opposing its arms procurement budget, saying that they were encouraging a  quot;defeatist quot; attitude, and

Government responds to anti-arms-deal activists


OPEC served notice yesterday it intends to make money this winter - no matter how mild the weather might be. Meeting in Cairo, the 11-member cartel, which pumps about a third of the world #39;s oil, said it will

OPEC curbs oil output


ATHENS, Aug 24 (AFP) - A member of Greece #39;s Olympic judo squad who leapt from a third-storey apartment after an argument with her boyfriend just days before the Athens Games has died, a hospital source said Tuesday.

Greek Judoka Dies In Hospital After Balcony Suicide Leap


Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (SCBHK) announces Monday that Peter Wong, chief executive officer of the SCBHK, has decided to leave the bank with effect from Nov. 19, 2004.

Standard Chartered Bank (HK) announces management changes


Reuters - IBM is expanding and adding new\technology to 11 of its data centers in North America, Europe\and Asia to meet growing demand and rolled out new services to\customers, the world's largest computer company said late on\Thursday.

IBM to Expand Data Centers Across World (Reuters)


Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies are reporting a possible answer to a longstanding question in research on the origins of life on Earth--how did the first amino acids form the first peptides?

Component of volcanic gas may have played a significant role in <b>...</b>


PARIS : US national champion Johnny Weir looks poised for his second win of the season when he lead the ISU Grand Prix figure skating event after the short program, as favourite Brian Joubert, the men #39;s world silver medallist from France, struggled in

Figure Skating: American in Paris outshines France #39;s Joubert


Duke Energy Corp. reports third-quarter net income of \$389 million, or 41 cents per diluted share, sharply above earnings of \$49 million, or 5 cents per diluted share, in the same period last year.

Duke earnings jump in third quarter


Not just any bread will do: Americans need more fiber, and whole wheat is better than white bread for getting it, a panel of scientists and doctors said Friday. The federal advisory panel was offering its final recommendations for making the government's food pyramid a better guide to proper eating.

Panel Says Americans Need To Eat More Fiber


TOKYO: Typhoon Tokage has killed at least 15 people and snarled transport as it lashed Japan with heavy rains that set off landslides and forced thousands to flee their homes.

Typhoon wreaks havoc in Japan


CHICAGO -- There was no Chicago Hope yesterday. If there was any thought that NHL agents might be able to help solve the NHL lockout, it was quickly crushed when agent Mark Gandler declared there won #39;t be a season.

#39;I see no hope whatsoever #39;


com November 2, 2004, 4:35 PM PT. With the latest version of iTunes, Apple has disabled an add-on program that let people transfer songs off of their iPod.

Apple disables iTunes plug-in


AP - Compact speakers for personal music players have been around since the original Walkman. Now that mini-hard drive music machines can hold your entire collection, the product category is back with a vengeance.

REVIEW: IPod Speaker Sets Get a Hearing (AP)


13 September 2004 -- US aircraft and artillery struck targets in the central Iraqi city of Al-Fallujah today, killing at least 15 people.

US Strikes Kill 15 In Al-Fallujah


A new nature preserve and resort in Dubai has set aside 4.8 percent of the desert emirate's total landmass for conservation.

Luxury and Conservation at Dubai's Desert Haven


STEWART CINK cruised to a comfortable four-shot win at the NEC Invitational in Akron, Ohio today. Cink started the day with a five-shot cushion and, while it wasn #39;t all smooth sailing, Rory Sabbatini was the

Cink wins by four shots


Symantec launches an optional, anti-spam subscription service for customers of its Internet e-mail gateway and enterprise-class antivirus products.

Symantec Unveils Anti-Spam Subscription Service


KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- A former inmate at the US prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, who returned to Afghanistan to rejoin the Taliban as a key commander, was killed with two other militiamen in a raid by Afghan security forces, two senior officials said yesterday.

A top Taliban commander reportedly killed in raid


Alan Curbishley has warned his Charlton squad that reputation and past achievements play no part in his team selection. One of Curbishley #39;s highest-profile signings - Denmark winger Dennis Rommedahl - stepped

PLAYERS MUST PROVE THEMSELVES - CURBS


Computer Associates (NYSE: CA) announced on Wednesday that it was buying Netegrity (Nasdaq: NETE) at a value of \$430 million, or \$10.

Computer Associates buys Netegrity at \$430m value


Reuters - Outback Steakhouse Inc. (OSI.N) on\Tuesday said it lost about 130 operating days and up to  #36;2\million in revenue because it had to close some restaurants in\the South due to Hurricane Charley.

Hurricane Charley Tears Into Outback (Reuters)


TOKYO - US beef exports to Japan, valued at more than US\$1.7 billion last year, will resume in a matter of weeks after Tokyo agreed to ease a 10-month ban on the meat brought by a lone case of mad cow disease in Washington state.

Japan poised to take US beef


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar edged up against the yen on  Friday, building on a rebound from a five-year low ahead of  closely watched U.S. jobs data.

Dollar Builds on Gains Versus Yen


Reuters - California officially launched\its controversial  #36;3 billion embryonic stem cell research\program on Friday, swearing in a policymaking committee and\elevating the campaign leader for the program to chairman.

Calif. Launches  #36;3 Billon Stem Cell Program (Reuters)


Bangkok: Fourteen people were killed and five injured Sunday in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Thailand #39;s ancient capital Ayuthaya, officials and witnesses said.

At least 14 killed in Thailand blast


BRUSSELS, Belgium - European Union leaders are expected to approve opening talks with Turkey on its wish to join the EU during a two-day summit opening Thursday, but they will likely impose stiff conditions on Ankara.

EU expected to approve talks with Turkey


President George W. Bush has tapped Kellogg Chairman and Chief Executive Carlos Gutierrez to become secretary of the US Commerce Department.

What #39;s The Biggest Challenge Carlos Gutierrez Would Face As US <b>...</b>


ROME : Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini was to leave for the Middle East, as Rome pressed on with efforts to win the release of two Italian aid workers kidnapped in Iraq, his ministry said.

Italian FM to Middle East to seek release of aid workers in Iraq


NEITHER APPLE nor Microsoft will join a consortium formed today to address digital rights management for music and films. But the Coral Consortium has heavyweight firms Sony, Samsung, Philips, Matsushita, HP and 20th Century Fox backing their plans.

Coral copyright plan faces Apple, MS barriers


The Web is filling up with rumors about an alliance between search giant and browser maker Firefox. LONDON (Reuters) - The Firefox browser is looking for allies in its quest to challenge Microsoft #39;s dominant

Google to back Microsoft browser foe?


EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., (Sports Network) - The Minnesota  Vikings added some much- needed depth to its secondary on  Tuesday by signing veterans Terrance Shaw and Ralph Brown.

Vikings Add Depth in Secondary; Ink Shaw and Brown


Six-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong will decide in May whether he will return to defend his title in 2005.

Armstrong Ponders Tour


Barca expanded their lead with Real Madrid #39;s lackluster 0-0 draw at Villarreal in the Spanish first division league on Sunday.

Barca expand lead with Real #39;s goalless draw


Turns out that

'Grand Theft Auto': Keeping America safe from crime


Three Egyptian soldiers were mistakenly killed by IDF tank fire on the Egyptian Israeli border near Rafah close to midnight Wednesday when soldiers mistook the three for terrorists.

Three Egyptian soldiers accidentally killed by IDF near border


Oil prices rose off three-month lows yesterday, after an attack on the US consulate in Saudi Arabia and reports of an OPEC pledge to raise its minimum price target.

Terrorist attack pumps up oil prices


AFP - Two Islamic militants were killed in a fierce gunbattle with security forces near a stadium in Kashmir where Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was later due to speak, an army spokesman said.

Two militants, civilian killed in Kashmir attack (AFP)


This would be a good time for the Pistons to build a winning record as they try to regain their championship form. In the next eight days, they play four teams with losing or .500 records.

Upcoming slate offers opportunity


NEW YORK - Bill O'Reilly, whose Fox News Channel show is the highest-rated cable news program, has been accused of sexual harassment by one of his producers. O'Reilly says the complaint is a politically motivated extortion attempt...

TV Host O'Reilly Accused of Harassment


A confident Willie Randolph emerged from a break in his interview with the Mets yesterday to talk to reporters on a conference call set up by the team, and sounded every bit the leading candidate that he is.

Mets: Randolph still leading man


Leslie R. Caldwell, a veteran prosecutor who directed the Justice Department #39;s probe of Enron Corp. until early this year, has joined the Morgan, Lewis  amp; Bockius LLP law firm as a partner in its criminal defense and investigations unit.

Former Head Of Probe Into Enron Joins Firm


, Carlito Pablo. Editor #39;s Note: Published on page A1 of the Dec. 14, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. HIS PASS was good for three hours but former President

Poe condition turns for worst


Reg review A great idea - just a year too late?

Voq Pro smart phone


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Militants pounded central Baghdad on Sunday with one of their most intense mortar barrages ever, targeting the Green Zone and destroying a U.S. vehicle along a major street...

Troops Battle Militants in Iraq; 13 Dead


Denmark #39;s Mianne Bagger yesterday made history by becoming the first transsexual woman to earn a place on the on next year #39;s Robe di Kappa Ladies #39; European Tour.

Transsexual breaks new ground on womens tour


AP - Green Bay traded strong safety Marques Anderson to the Oakland Raiders for two 2005 draft picks on Friday.

Packers Send Marques Anderson to Raiders (AP)


Express shipping giant FedEx Corp. on Wednesday reported that first-quarter earnings more than doubled on sharply higher revenue and average daily package volumes to meet Wall Street expectations.

FedEx Meets 1Q Wall Street Estimates


AP - Rival factions in Congo's postwar army battled in the eastern region of the vast nation Saturday, killing several people, a top military official said.

Rival Congo Army Factions Clash (AP)


AP - Florida coach Ron Zook acknowledged Wednesday that he confronted several fraternity members after a fight between them and three of his players last month, and athletic director Jeremy Foley called Zook's behavior

Florida Coach Zook Admits Confrontation (AP)


On Monday, Virgin Group subsidiary Virgin Digital launched an online store designed to leverage the name recognition of its brick-and-mortar Virgin Megastore while competing with a subscription-based model.

Virgin launches subscription-based music service


Philip Morris USA, a division of Manhattan #39;s Altria Group and the largest US maker of cigarettes, announced Friday that it will cut discounts on its Marlboro, Virginia Slims, Basic and Parliament brands--the first time in two years the company has

Altria hikes cigarette prices


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Mexico's Grupo TMM agreed to sell its  51 percent voting stake in Grupo Transportacion Ferroviaria  Mexicana SA de CV, or Grupo TFM, to Kansas City Southern  Industries Inc. for \$200 million in cash and 18 million shares  of stock, the companies said on Wednesday.

TMM to Sell 51 Percent Stake in TFM


Apple Computer has broadened its line of popular iPods by introducing an edition of the product dedicated to the Irish rock band U2 and a separate iPod combining music and photos.

U2 can have an iPod


Both business and labor lobbyists plan to keep up fight over Bush administration's eligibility rules for overtime pay, despite doubt that legislation can pass this year.

Lobbyists Line Up on Overtime Pay


At least three people have been killed and more than 40 wounded after twin suicide car bombs blew up outside a police station near Baghdad #39;s Green Zone.

Baghdad Green Zone targeted by car bombers


Australia #39;s Alicia Molik has caused an upset in the second round of the WTA tournament in Zurich, beating sixth-seeded Russian Vera Zvonareva.

Molik upsets Zvonareva in Zurich


Edson Buddle scored a career-best and team-record four goals, and the host Columbus Crew beat the MetroStars, 4-2, last night, securing a playoff spot and extending their unbeaten streak to 13 games.

Four more for Buddle


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Time Warner Inc. is close to a deal  with U.S. regulators in which the world's largest media group  would pay about \$750 million to settle allegations of  accounting irregularities at its America Online division, The  Washington Post reported on Tuesday.

Report: SEC, Time Warner Near Settlement


India and Pakistan have been unable to agree on starting a bus service between the capitals of divided Kashmir in two days of talks which have ended

Kashmir bus talks to continue


AP - Consumers stepped up their borrowing in July by the largest amount since the beginning of the year, the Federal Reserve reported Wednesday.

Consumer Borrowing Jumps by 6.4 Percent (AP)


B aseball #39;s dirty little secret is leaking out all over now. Steroids known as the  quot;clear quot; and the  quot;cream quot; have gushed into the news, staining the reputations of stars such as Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi, and

Baseball must clean up its act


Ask iPod users what they like the most about the device, and most will probably mention the scroll wheel. MP3.com's Eliot Van Buskirk has the story behind it.

The secret of iPod's scroll wheel


Owen Hargreaves will probably be the beneficiary of David Beckham #39;s moment of madness if Sven-Goran Eriksson decides to retain his bold three-man attack for Wednesday #39;s match in Azerbaijan.

England can run away with it


BULLETIN
BC-OLY--Women's Final BKW,0040
BULLETIN
    ATHENS, Greece (AP)  --  The United States won the gold medal Saturday in women's basketball, beating Australia 74-63.

U.S. Wins Third Gold


Militants in Iraq have killed the second of two US civilians they were holding hostage, according to a statement on an Islamist website.

Group  #39;kills second US hostage #39;


AP - Leta Lindley birdied seven holes Saturday to shoot a 6-under 65 and take a one-shot lead over two-time champion Juli Inkster after three rounds at the LPGA Longs Drugs Challenge.

Lindley Leads LPGA Longs Drugs Challenge (AP)


SYDNEY (Reuters) - Qantas Airways, Australia #39;s biggest airline, says it will raise ticket prices for the second time in three months to help tackle rising fuel costs, just a day after posting a record annual profit.

Qantas slaps new fuel surcharge on fares


Retief Goosen has revealed that he almost decided not to make the trip to Hawaii after the birth of his daughter Ella last Friday.

NO BABY BLUES FOR GOOSEN


LONDON (Reuters) - The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)  has postponed its hearings with American sprinters Tim  Montgomery and Chryste Gaines who have been charged with  serious doping violations.

Montgomery and Gaines Hearings Postponed


The Palestinians #39; ruling Fatah party threatened Monday to strip Marwan Barghouti of his membership if the jailed candidate continues his bid for the Palestinian presidency.

Fatah threatens to revoke Barghouti #39;s membership


Humax has announced that it is now shipping its DRT800 Tivo hardware. Humax reps here at the Digital Life trade show claim the DRT800 is the first sub-\$500 three-in-one Tivo device to include a DVD recorder

Enter your e-mail:


BAGHDAD: A suicide car bomber linked to al-Qaeda killed 13 people in Baghdad yesterday, the first anniversary of Saddam Hussein #39;s capture.

Anniversary marked with fire and blood