ALBANY, Ga. - Frank Jones says he's angry about newly revealed memos that indicate President Bush got preferential treatment in the Air National Guard during the Vietnam war, but he's not surprised by favoritism in the Guard...

U.S. Servicemen React to Bush Guard Memos


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Adelphia Communications Corp.  <A HREF=

Adelphia Says Rigas Family Owes \$3.23 Bln


AP - Seattle at Portland (10 p.m. EST). The SuperSonics (13-2) have the NBA's top record and are off to their best start since going 14-1 in the 1993-94 season.

NBA Today (AP)


AP - A 48-year-old woman became the first person in Chilean history to file for divorce Thursday, ushering in a new era for this heavily Roman Catholic country that had been the last in South America with no divorce law.

Chileans Take Advantage of Divorce Law (AP)


The federal Opposition has asked Australia #39;s spam legislation enforcers to investigate what it claims is a breach of the Spam Act 2004 by the Prime Minister, coalition politicians and a company whose directors include the Prime Minister #39;s son.

Labor claims PM #39;s Net Harbour deals breach Spam Act


AP - A judge ruled Friday that a lawsuit demanding that Florida's touch-screen voting machines produce a paper record will not be heard until Oct. 18  #151; too late, perhaps, to affect the November presidential election.

Fla. Judge Delays Voting Machine Lawsuit (AP)


IT security vendors and analysts reported an increase in the number of cyberattacks being targeted at specific companies doing business online. An ongoing denial-of-service attack against payment processor Authorize.Net is a prime example.

E-Biz sites hit with targeted attacks, extortion threats


Some 40,000 computers in the U.K. Department for Work and Pensions were cut off from their network last month when an IT technician erroneously installed a software upgrade, according to EDS.

EDS: IT upgrade caused software glitch at U.K. agency


AP - Yahoo Inc. is buying online jukebox provider Musicmatch Inc. for  #36;160 million in a deal designed to broaden the Internet giant's appeal with the growing audience of consumers who buy songs off the Web.

Yahoo Buys Online Jukebox Musicmatch (AP)


At a specially convened news conference today, Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric cleared former boss Harry Redknapp of any wrong doing in his transfer deals during his time at the club.

Mandaric clears Redknapp of dodgy deals


Shug McGaughey hadn #39;t sent a horse to California for 11 years, since the fall Lure won the Breeders #39; Cup Mile at Santa Anita.

Good Reward for McGaughey in Hollywood Derby


NEW YORK: PeopleSoft Inc, fresh from firing its chief executive amid a hostile takeover bid from Oracle Corp, said yesterday that quarterly revenue would exceed Wall Street #39;s expectations helped by an increase in customers making larger orders for its

PeopleSoft sees quarterly revenue above estimates


WAREHOUSE Australia #39;s struggles in the \$4 billion discount sector were highlighted yesterday when its New Zealand parent, The Warehouse Group, revealed deeper than expected losses from the Australian business.

More Warehouse woes


President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi early on Friday for talks with leaders of India #39;s new communist-backed government amid expectations that India and Russia will bolster trade and military ties.

India, Russia aim to improve trade, military ties


Seldom has the gulf between diplomatic talk and effective action been as stark as it was this week at the United Nations. Yesterday President Bush, speaking before the

End the Genocide Now


Talks to avoid a crippling strike at British Airways are set to resume on Friday with unions and the airline

'Deal nearer' in BA strike talks


The San Diego Chargers would like to think that their big win Sunday was the real thing and not a mirage. The Chargers beat Tennessee 38-17, getting strong performances from LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees

Chargers hope big win wasn #39;ta fluke


Arsenal striker Thierry Henry insists that winning trophies at the end of the season is more important than setting records at the start.

Henry: Its Winning Things That Matters


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar hit a record low against  the euro Thursday as traders bet officials would not act to  stop its slide, sending gold to a fresh 16-year peak and  hurting Japanese stocks as a stronger yen weighed on exporters.

Dollar Hits New Euro Low; Nikkei Falls


Yukos shares plunged 18 on the Russian exchange yesterday after reports that the oil firm has been hit with another back-tax bill, bringing its total debt to \$17bn (9.

Latest back-tax bill raises Yukos debt to 9bn


By MICHAEL HILL    (AP) -- Americans are more calorie-conscious and holding the line on weight gain after years of expanding waistlines, according to a market survey released Wednesday, but nutrition experts were wary of the findings.    The NPD Group's annual survey on eating habits found the portion of overweight Americans holding at 62 percent for a second year...

U.S. Finally Holds Line on Weight Gain


Some US computer users vastly under-estimate the dangers of going online, a survey shows.

Americans 'misjudge online risks'


Is the U.S. investing in the proper technologies to fight terrorism? Leading figures such as Jim Barksdale give their insights.

Digital Agenda: Homeland security roundtable


Reuters - Most big U.S. airlines will more\frequently test and disinfect aircraft storage and delivery\systems to ensure water used for drinking and washing meets\federal standards, the government and industry said on Tuesday.

US, Airlines Agree on New Water Testing Guidelines (Reuters)


Reuters - Russia will lease to India a nuclear-powered submarine capable of firing nuclear and conventional missiles, Russian news agencies reported on Thursday.

Russia to lease India nuclear submarine - agencies (Reuters)


SEPTEMBER 24, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - A distributed denial-of-service attack that disrupted Web-based systems at credit card payment processing firm Authorize.


Concord management software has helped uncover a range of problems at Northwestern medical group, which is now seeing improved system performance.

Northwestern Medical cites performance boost from Concord software


LONDON: JP Morgan Chase  amp; Co, the ninth ranked underwriter of UK stocks, formed a joint venture with Cazenove Group Plc to improve its access to Britain #39;s biggest companies.

JP Morgan, Cazenove tie up


Novell Inc is set to discontinue its SUSE Linux Openexchange Server collaboration software product in favor of the Open-Xchange Server technology that underpins it from Netline Internet Service GmbH.

Novell exchanges Linux collaboration products


Banking group Barclays today took the first steps towards establishing its Barclaycard operation in the United States credit card market.

Barclays Move Towards US Credit Card Market


Freddie Mac, the second biggest provider of financing for US residential mortgages, said significant #39; #39; revisions are still required before it can resume quarterly reports of its earnings.

Freddie Mac to Resume Quarterly Profit Reports in  #39;05 (Update4)


As a young man, Recep Tayyip Erdogan was a gifted footballer; but not quite good enough to turn professional. So he concentrated on politics instead.

Turkish captain foils EU #39;s would-be defenders


AP - Steel tycoon Lakshmi N. Mittal announced plans to pay  #36;4.5 billion in cash and stock for U.S. steelmaker International Steel Group Inc., which had been cobbled together by onetime investment banker Wilbur L. Ross Jr. from mills whose parents landed in bankrupcty court.

Dutch Steelmaker Buying ISG in  #36;4.5B Deal (AP)


AT amp;T #39;s top IT exec says automation thanks to its IT systems will let it shed more than 12,000 jobs this year without hurting its network or service.

AT amp;T #39;s Gambit: Relying On Automation To Make Up For 12,000 Fewer <b>...</b>


Portsmouth players have installed goalkeeper Shaka Hislop as favourite to follow Harry Redknapp to south coast rivals Southampton.

Portsmouth players make Shaka favourite to join Southampton


The battle for PeopleSoft intensified on Tuesday, with the company #39;s two top shareholders said to be taking opposite sides in the software maker #39;s struggle against an \$8.8 billion hostile bid by its bigger rival Oracle.

Peoplesoft bid battle heats up


A mixture of problems including sharp currency fluctuations has led to uncertainty about how strong and durable the world recovery will prove, British finance minister Gordon Brown said yesterday.

Strength of global recovery in question - Gordon Brown


BAE Systems North America announced a deal Saturday to acquire Herndon-based DigitalNet Holdings Inc. for \$595 million in cash, pushing it further into the growing government information technology market.

BAE Systems Unit to Buy DigitalNet


Business confidence in Germany, Europe #39;s largest economy, fell to its lowest level in more than a year in November as the euro #39;s climb to a record high against the dollar threatened exports and unemployment at a five-year high crimped consumer spending

Consumer confidence takes tumble in Germany


THE tournament result is almost a sideshow as Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh slug it out for the world #39;s No.1 ranking in the final round of the \$US5million (\$7.

Tiger #39;s ranking on line


Microsoft vows to punish whoever stole the hotly anticipated Xbox game, due for release next month. \

Stolen 'Halo 2' hits pirate sites


SOUTHAMPTON, England: English Premiership side Southampton announced yesterday the resignation of their manager Paul Sturrock - the first managerial casualty of the new season.

Wigley replaces Sturrock at Saints


Having been duped last year by Iran, negotiators for France, Germany and Britain labored mightily over the past months to produce what they hoped would be an airtight agreement that would force Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Iran #39;s nuclear gamesmanship


A highly touted technique that uses radioactive seeds to clear clogged arteries offers no long-term benefit, according to a new study.

Study debunks treatment for clogged arteries


Sophomore Steve Sealy netted his third winning goal in the last four games, giving Connecticut a 2-1 overtime victory over Marist yesterday in an NCAA Division 1 first-round men's soccer playoff game at Morrone Stadium in Storrs, Conn.

UConn ousts Marist


A frustrated crowd in Southwest Washington denounces Mayor Anthony A. Williams's proposal to build a stadium in their community.

Stadium Upsets Crowd


F   ranco Frattini , Italy's foreign minister, said a two-day international meeting on Iraq in late November will examine ways to stabilize the country and develop plans for an exit strategy for the U.S.-led occupation force there.

Nations to Strategize on Iraq, Italian Foreign Minister Says


Port-Au-Prince - Calm settled over the Haitian capital early on Sunday after two days of political unrest left 10 dead, as aid continued to arrive in flood-ravaged areas in the north.

Calm returns to Haitian


The bloody end to the hostage crisis in Russia leaves unfathomable human suffering. More than three hundred children, parents and teachers died in the gruesome 52-hour siege that began

Putin #39;s War If Putin Refuses to Change Course Russia #39;s Future is <b>...</b>


Reuters - Dow Chemical Co said on Friday that there was no basis whatsoever in a BBC World report saying that it had accepted responsibility for India's Bhopal disaster.

Dow says no basis in BBC Bhopal report (Reuters)


Most people think oil companies are awash in cash -- until they look at the balance sheet.

The Other Side of Oil


JAMES Hardie executives face criminal charges over the company #39;s 2001 move to the Netherlands after a government commission found the building company underprovided a fund for asbestos victims by up to \$2 billion.

Hardie executives face charges


RALEIGH, NC - For the past two weeks, Florida State tailback Leon Washington has been torn between a feeling of helplessness and something that almost made him feel guilty.

In A Rush To Return


AP - President Bush asked for it. Sen. John Kerry voted for it. Both candidates now find their education agendas driven by the No Child Left Behind law.

'No Child Left Behind' Top Education Issue (AP)


AP - Former Toronto Blue Jays manager Carlos Tosca interviewed with the Mets on Friday, the first candidate brought in to discuss their managerial opening following the firing of Art Howe.

Carlos Tosca Interviews With Mets (AP)


President Hu Jintao (  ) could ease China #39;s hardline stance on Taiwan and Hong Kong now that his predecessor Jiang Zemin (  ) has retired but major policy changes are unlikely, analysts said yesterday.

Hu unlikely to ease up on Taiwan and HK: analysts


AP - Holocaust survivors and their families gathered at one of Europe's largest Jewish cemeteries Sunday to remember more than 200,000 Jews from this city killed by the Nazis, a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the last transports from the Lodz ghetto to Hitler's death camps.

Polish Holocaust Victims Remembered (AP)


The economy grew at an annual rate of 3.7 percent this summer as a big rebound in auto sales offset weakness from an exploding trade deficit, soaring oil

GDP rise slight in quarter


CUPERTINO, CaliforniaOctober 14, 2004Apple today unveiled its new  quot;mini quot; retail store, a stunning all-new design featuring stainless steel walls and seamless white floors and ceilings.

New Mini Retail Store Design


This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web Services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.

Google plans desktop search tool for Apple PCs


HARARE (AFP) - England skipper Michael Vaughan turned up the pressure ahead of the opening match against Zimbabwe by warning that his team will quit the tour if they are forced to meet Robert Mugabe.

We #39;ll quit tour if we have to meet Mugabe, warns England skipper


AP - Wade Boggs might have to get used to a new routine Tuesday: life as a Hall of Famer. The five-time AL batting champion, known for his array of pre- and postgame rituals, is the top newcomer on the Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot, joining holdovers Ryne Sandberg and Bruce Sutter.

Wade Boggs Leads Hall of Fame Candidates (AP)


Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu is facing up to the realisation of what a positive drugs test could mean after he was relieved of his training obligations while the club investigate the case.

Mutu to assess options


\Brazil, Germany, Japan and India launch a joint bid for permanent seats on the UN Security Council.

Four nations launch UN seat bid


AP - Prince Harry scuffled with a paparazzi photographer outside a nightclub early Thursday, further feeding his growing public image as a rebellious party boy.

Harry scuffles with photographer


named Swift for its fast pivoting and pointing -- launched this weekend will detect and analyze gamma ray bursts, which astronomers believe represent the birth cries of black holes.

Swift Spacecraft Scans Big Bang Births


Japan #39;s ruling party is considering proposals to revise the constitution to let women take the throne, according to a draft seen by local media.

Japan may allow women on throne


The flushed toilet turned the already hot water into a scalding stream from the shower nozzle. Kevin Brown bellowed, then stormed out of the stall, picked up a baseball

Yankees: Brown #39;s fire sometimes burns a little too hot


Lenovo Group #39;s takeover of IBM #39;s personal computer business is a giant step in a multibillion-dollar foreign expansion by China, which is buying auto, television and telecommunications companies abroad.

IBM agreement fuels nation #39;s foreign growth


A US conservation group has launched an advertising campaign to persuade Thais to report traders in protected wildlife. In a series of television commercials, famous models, actors and other

Thai campaign targets animal lovers


US stocks were slightly lower on Thursday, reversing some of Wednesday #39;s sharp rally, as another slide in oil prices knocked shares of energy-related companies.

Stocks Off, Energy Shares Down, Oil Falls


Johnson  amp; Johnson, the US medical and consumer goods group, is in advanced discussions to buy Guidant, a maker of medical devices, in a deal that could be worth about \$24bn (12bn).

J amp;J in Guidant merger talks


Violence spread across Bangladesh yesterday, as mobs set railway coaches on fire and smashed cars in retaliation for grenade attacks on an opposition rally in Dhaka that left 19 people dead and 200 injured.

Violence spreads after rally ends in 19 deaths


Biggest fine for US accounting firm will settle charges it mishandled Gemstar-TV Guide #39;s books. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - KPMG will pay \$10 million -- the largest fine ever against a US accounting firm -- to

KPMG fined record \$10M


But the company, which appeared on an Oracle takeover list, acknowledges that it can't stop someone from trying.

BEA vows to fight off suitors


The Black Watch has taken part in its biggest offensive since being re-deployed near Baghdad, raiding homes of suspected Saddam Hussein loyalists.

Black Watch raid on Saddam Millionaire #39;s Row


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices struck a fresh record on Thursday, spurred higher by renewed violence in Iraq and fresh evidence that strong demand growth in China and India has not been slowed yet by higher energy costs.

Oil Sets Record as New Violence Flares in Iraq


Following its latest rejection, the next stage in Oracle #39;s battle to buy PeopleSoft is set to begin in a courtroom on Wednesday.

Ellison May Attempt Boardroom Coup at PeopleSoft


Employers slowed their hiring as they headed into the holiday shopping season, adding just 112,000 new jobs in November for the weakest gain in five months.

Employers Add 112,000 New Jobs in Nov.


The headline-grabbing rivalry between Shaquille O #39;Neal and Kobe Bryant is likely to dominate the opening weeks of the NBA season that begins on Tuesday.

Bryant, O #39;Neal Rivalry Focus of New NBA Season


After ending a career-worst five-game losing skid last week, the right-hander held the Kansas City Royals to three hits in eight innings Tuesday night, pitching the New York Yankees to a 4-0 victory.

Yankees bounce back


A helicopter carrying 17 people including Egypt #39;s Patriarch of Alexandria, one of the top leaders of the Greek Orthodox church, crashed on Saturday into the sea off northern Greece, a Defense Ministry spokesman said.

Top Egypt cleric #39;s  #39;copter crashes


The Jets signed 33-year-old cornerback Terrell Buckley, who was released by New England on Sunday, after putting nickel back Ray Mickens on season-ending injured reserve yesterday with a torn ACL in his left knee.

Buckley signed to replace Mickens


By RACHEL LA CORTE    MIAMI (AP) -- Cheryl Roberts was impressed with Florida's new voting machines in the 2002 primary, when she cast an electronic ballot for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride. But a series of computer glitches - including startling cases of corrupted or missing data - has undermined her faith...

Florida Electronic Voting Procedures Scrutinized


Reuters - The U.S. Securities and Exchange\Commission barred U.S. mutual funds on Wednesday from\channeling brokerage commissions toward Wall Street firms based\on their promotion of the funds' shares.

SEC Bars Some Mutual Fund Fees (Reuters)


Joe Borchard cracked the longest home run in the history of Chicago #39;s US Cellular Field to help the White Sox defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 9-8 in an interleague game on Monday.

MLB Wrap: Borchard #39;s Blast Helps White Sox Edge Phillies


While Google Inc. (GOOG) made some well publicized mistakes leading up to its initial public offering, the IPO still brought in \$1.1 billion for the company and more than \$450 million for its founders and initial investors. But was the company's unique Dutch auction system successful enough for other companies to follow Google's lead?

Google Sets Possible Precedent for Future IPOs


America Online Inc. (AOL) is developing a new service that will let its members back up files from their PCs on AOL data centers, so that the members will be able to recover files either deleted accidentally or lost due to a hard drive failure, an AOL executive said.

AOL developing file-backup service


THE Western media is deceiving the world into thinking that the Arabs are responsible for the atrocities that have driven 1.3 million people out of their homes in Darfur, Sudan, according to a former member of the West Darfur parliament.

Arabs are not responsible for atrocities


DETROIT (Reuters) - AutoNation Inc. <A HREF=

Some Car Dealer Groups Hurt by Weather


AFP - Diplomatic efforts are underway to hold a preparatory meeting for the six-party talks aimed at ending the nuclear crisis in the Korean peninsula, the US State Department said.

Efforts underway to hold Korean crisis talks: US (AFP)


LAWYERS acting for 12 foreign terror suspects detained without trial will try to get them released on bail within the month after the ruling by the law lords that holding them is unlawful.

Suspects try for freedom after terror ruling by law lords


The Yankees' Alex Rodriguez , who missed Friday night's game with the flu and stayed back at the team hotel yesterday, dropped his appeal of a four-game suspension issued for his involvement in the July 24 brawl at Boston and began serving the penalty. He won't be eligible to play until Thursday at Minnesota.

Notables


Three suspected militants armed with guns and hand grenades have been killed in a clash with Saudi security forces, an Interior Ministry statement said today.

Terror Suspects Killed in Militant Crackdown


Verizon Wireless this week said its 3G service will be available in 14 US markets and 20 airports on September 27. Next Monday, it will also be offered in Atlanta; Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Kansas City, Missouri

Verizon Spreads Its 3G Coverage


With Pedro Martinez headed to the New York Mets and Curt Schilling #39;s recovery from ankle surgery taking longer than expected, the Boston #39;s newest acquisition might start the season opener against his former team at Yankee Stadium.

Wells finalizes deal while Red Sox ponder rotation


When U.S. soldiers need expert engineering advice -- like how to gauge the structural integrity of a bombed-out bridge in a battle zone -- they contact the Army's crack squad for quick answers. Michelle Delio reports from Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Hardest Tech-Support Job on Earth


No. 5-ranked Bears roar back after stale first half, keep hopes of dream season very real. By Dave NewhouseSTAFF WRITER. SEATTLE -- This was a migraine weekend for top-10 teams as No.

Cal train stays on track


BEIRUT -- Four Cabinet ministers resigned yesterday to protest the extension of President Emile Lahoud's term, part of a bruising political battle that divided allies and drew the attention of the UN Security Council. The ministers' resignations were not expected to bring down the 30-member government of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. But they prompted Lahoud to convene a meeting with ...

Four Cabinet members quit over term battle


The 2002 NFL MVP has a broken vertebra in his neck that will sideline him at least eight weeks, starting Sunday when the Oakland Raiders play the Texans in Houston.

Collins to replace Gannon against Texans


Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan will hold talks on the withdrawal of troops from a glacier in disputed Kashmir known as the world #39;s highest battlefield, a defence official said Wednesday.

India, Pakistan to discuss troop pullback from Kashmir glacier


Usually, a teen driver learns how to shift a manual transmission in an empty parking lot or on a dead-end street. Marblehead race car driver Matt Dusenberry learned on a racetrack. It took the 17-year-old a few laps around Seekonk Speedway to learn how to get his 1980 Chevrolet Camaro into gear, but since then he's gotten up to speed ...

Dusenberry loves living in fast lane


n an apparent mea culpa, the chief executive of Wal-Mart Stores said yesterday that the company #39;s  quot;message has not in fact gotten out quot; and called it  quot;management #39;s failure.

At Wal-Mart, the New Word Is Compromise


Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows decreased by 18 percent in 2003 to USD560 billion, compared to a 17 percent decrease in 2002 according to the latest report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Foreign direct investment outlook good


The experts claim hackers have compromised these sites by exploiting scripting vulnerabilities in their guestbooks.

MyDoom worm still causing problems


ATLANTA (Sports Network) - BJ Elder poured in a game-high 27 points to lead fourth-ranked Georgia Tech to a convincing 99-68 win over Michigan in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge at Alexander Memorial Coliseum.

College Basketball: Georgia Tech, UConn Win


Lawyers in a California class action suit against Microsoft will get less than half the payout they had hoped for. A judge in San Francisco ruled that the attorneys will collect only \$112.

Business News for Technology Leaders Judge Cuts Legal Fees in <b>...</b>


The No. 2 official at the San Francisco Department of Public Works threatened workers under contract to clean city streets with loss of pay if they didn #39;t campaign for Gavin Newsom for mayor, according to

Campaign probe names SF official


BRONX, NY (Ticker) -- New York Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield, who finished second in voting for the American League Most Valuable Player, will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday.

Yankees #39; Sheffield to undergo shoulder surgery


PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - Andy Reid will get a few more chances to lead the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl. The Eagles on Wednesday signed Reid to a four-year contract extension through the 2010 season.

Eagles ink Reid through 2010


REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - As they prepare to wrap up their murder case against Scott Peterson in the death of his pregnant wife Laci, even prosecutors have acknowledged their case has at times left jurors scratching their heads...

Prosecutors Ready to Wrap Up Peterson Case


Moktada al-Sadr suggested he would vacate the shrine in Najaf, disband the Mahdi Army and transform it into a political party.

Rebel in Najaf Sends Messages of Conciliation


Times remain tough for IT workers looking for jobs across the U.S., according to a new employment study of the IT marketplace.

Study: IT job market is still stagnant


BANGKOK (Reuters) - The ouster of Myanmar's prime minister,  architect of a tentative

Myanmar Hardliner Power Play Dashes Reform Hopes


Investors focused instead on uncertainty about the health of the economy, third-quarter earnings pre-announcements, and fiscal policy.

Stocks Lower After Greenspan Testimony


Athens: New Zealand doubled its Olympic medal tally in sensational style yesterday as Hamish Carter and Bevan Docherty blitzed the men #39;s triathlon to plunder gold and silver on the Athens waterfront.

Dynamic duo grab double glory


Will GMail change the way email marketing is done?\\I read this great article online sometime back which made big sense in current scenario. A lot of people I know have started to use GMail as their primary mail service. And most of them do not move due to the much ...


Moves by easyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou to launch a low-cost mobile service were boosted today by an agreement to rent airtime from T-Mobile.

Easymobile Closer to  #39;Lean, Low-Cost Service #39; Launch


NEW YORK Oct. 1, 2004 - Manufacturing activity remained strong in September and construction spending surged to a record high in August, according to a pair of reports issued Friday that provided an optimistic look at the sturdiness of the economy.

Manufacturing Activity Strong in September


SIALKOT, Pakistan Oct. 1, 2004 - A suicide attacker carrying a bomb in a briefcase struck a Shiite mosque crammed with hundreds of worshippers in eastern Pakistan, killing at least 25 people and wounding more than 50 during Friday prayers.

Blast Kills at Least 25 at Shiite Mosque


Every 30th or so request for an advert was redirected to another compromised server, which in turn tried to execute the Bofra Internet Explorer exploit in an attempt to infect the user #39;s machine.

Notice: IE  #39;worm #39; targets IOL ad supplier


Krispy Kreme Doughnuts stunned investors on Thursday with disappointing earnings for the second consecutive quarter, sending its shares to their lowest level in more than four years.

Krispy Kreme posts big drop in net


The space agency taps Lockheed Martin and MD Robotics to build robotic technology it may use to repair the ailing Hubble Space Telescope. By Amit Asaravala.

NASA Hedges Bets on Hubble


DENVER - The food at the Federal Corrections Camp in Alderson, W.Va., apparently is nothing to write home about - unless one is eating it with Martha Stewart.

Nun enjoys prison meals with Martha


The grim news coming out of the airline and steel industries about their pension plans and the government agency that insures them is giving Congress, along with older workers across the nation, a sudden case of the jitters.

No Simple Solutions to Pension Problems


Oracle Corp. on Monday introduced a standalone business intelligence product that #39;s designed to address a large portion of an enterprise #39;s analytical requirements, including information access

Oracle Unveils Standalone Business Intelligence Product


49ers officials have told FOXSports.com that 49ers head coach Dennis Erickson met with his players this morning and informed them that he was staying put, turning down the Ole Miss head coaching job.

Erickson turns down Ole Miss coaching spot


With PeopleSoft stocksholders reportedly tendering some 60 percent of the company #39;s shares, Oracle is pressing forward with its proposed hostile takeover.

Oracle Gets Nod from PeopleSoft Shareholders


MacCentral - After announcing on Wednesday that the Canadian iTunes Music Store had been postponed, Apple Computer Inc. has quietly launched the store. Apple CEO announced the Canadian store would open in November at the iPod event in October that also launched the EU iTunes Music Store, which added Austria, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain to the countries that already had the music store in Europe (United Kingdom, France and Germany).

Apple opens iTunes Music Store in Canada (MacCentral)


SANTANDER has unexpectedly unveiled a Spaniard as the next chief executive of Abbey - defying expectations that a British banker was in line for the job.

Santander appoints Spanish chief at Abbey


The third fight between Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera promised to break a tie and determine the best little fighter of the era.

Barrera Proved he #39;s Better than Morales


Todd Woodbridge ruled out any thoughts of retirement after his quest for back-to-back US Open men #39;s doubles titles ended with a third-round defeat at Flushing Meadows today.

Woodbridge down but not out


Khartoum if it does not stop Arab militia terrorising African farmers in the remote western province.  quot;I first discussed the crisis in Darfur when I was in Khartoum in December ... They

Britain says pressure on Sudan to intensify


A robust revenue stream combined with an exciting drug pipeline is the recipe for success.

PDL Rakes It In


Wi-Fi hotspot owners BT Openzone, Singapore #39;s StarHub, Malaysia #39;s maxis, Japan #39;s NTT Com, T-Mobile, Australia #39;s Telstra and Telecom Italia have entered into a broad roaming agreement to allow each company #39;s customers to access the others #39; networks.

Major telcos tout Wi-Fi roaming pact


While the city of Spokane is racing to get out of federal court, the local Catholic Church is plunging head-long in, and now the fate of the Spokane Diocese rests in the hands of a federal judge.

Catholic Church Files for Bankruptcy


Shares of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD:NYSE - news - research) took a joyride Friday as news circulated that server giant Dell (DELL:Nasdaq - news - research) may adopt AMD #39;s server chip.

AMD Climbs on Dell #39;s Server Chip Interest


AP - Killer whales get the superstar treatment every summer off the Washington coast, where tourists fill up whale-watch boats to catch a glimpse of the majestic animals. Now, researchers are studying whether all the attention could be a bad thing.

Wash. Scientists Study Whale Watchers (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - TiVo Inc., maker of television  recording technology, on Monday said it has started shipping

TiVo Upgrade Shifts TV Shows to Computer Laptop


Ngugi wa Thiong'o, goes back to Kenya to give evidence against four men accused of attacking him and his wife.

Kenya author returns to testify


German authorities claimed to have foiled a plot to attack Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, as German police arrested three Iraqis in a series of raids across three cities.

Germany foils plan to attack Allawi


Enterprise software takes an evolutionary step forward as Edge Dynamics and Tibco Software develop software that combines elements of both ERP and BI applications.

Edge Dynamics launches new breed of enterprise app


British Sky Broadcasting, the pay-TV station that is partially owned by Rupert Murdoch #39;s News Corp. and run by his son James, said Friday that it added 62,000 subscribers in the three months ended Sept.

Briefs: BSkyB exceeds expectations


OAKLAND, Calif. - This can be said with absolute certainty: The Golden State Warriors were excited to see the Bulls show up at The Arena in Oakland.

Bulls the answer to Warriors #39; struggles


The aunt of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Alice, died on Friday at the age of 102, Buckingham Palace say. She had been the longest living member of the Royal Family.

Princess Alice dies at 102


Reuters - The United Nations again appealed for the\safe return of three of its workers held hostage in Afghanistan\on Thursday, three weeks after they were snatched from their\car on a busy street in central Kabul.

UN Appeals for Release of Workers in Afghanistan (Reuters)


Canadian bonds gained on concern that the North American economy may slow as higher prices of oil translate into greater transportation and production costs.

Canadian Bonds Gain; Rising Oil Prices May Curb Economic Growth


NEW DELHI: A day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced reduction of troops in Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said a roadmap was being prepared for the withdrawal.

Roadmap for troops cut being readied:Pranab


AP - One of the few unchallenged accomplishments of Myanmar's military junta  #151; securing peace with the country's armed ethnic rebel groups  #151; may be in jeopardy after Prime Minister Gen. Khin Nyunt lost his job this week.

Ethnic Peace May Be in Jeopardy in Myanmar (AP)


nowhere more so than in the Middle East. The most-watched news stations like al-Jazeera have given over their coverage

Arab media eye US race


Striker Nacho Novo expects Rangers to respond in style to their UEFA Cup setback in Holland because of the prevailing  quot;great spirit quot; in the squad.

NOVO PROMISES RANGERS REACTION


It was a stormy day, with torrential rain lashing down, but an audience splashed their way to a north London theatre to hear four leading commentators discuss Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s latest plan for his country and the Palestinians.

Dialogue of the deaf


Company will begin selling the Vision Smart Device PPC-6601, a combination cell phone and Pocket PC device with a slide-out keyboard.

Sprint phone boosts data capacity


IBM has filled out the top end of its eServer range with three multiple-processor systems aimed at datacentres and large enterprise clients.

IBM launches top-end Power5 servers


PRAGUE (Reuters) - The Czech Republic's vaunted offense  finally roared to life, erupting for five unanswered goals in  the second period on the way to a 7-2 thrashing of Germany at  the World Cup Friday.

Czech Republic Crushes Germany in World Cup Hockey


A bus was hijacked today and shots were fired at police who surrounded it on the outskirts of Athens. Police did not know how many passengers were aboard the bus.

Bus hijacked on outskirts of Athens


The US space agency Nasa has awarded military and space contractor Northrop Grumman a \$400m contract to co-design its Jimo space probe to Jupiter.

Contract award for Jupiter probe


International Business Machines Corp. said Thursday that it agreed to acquire Charlotte, NC-based Venetica, a privately held developer of software for organizing and accessing business documents and media.

IBM to Buy Software Developer Venetica


Reuters - Sudan's government said on Thursday it\hoped to reach a peace deal in talks resuming on Friday with\rebels in Darfur, where the United Nations says one of the\world's worst humanitarian crises has unfolded.

Khartoum, Darfur Rebels Split on Peace Chances (Reuters)


AP - At least three of the original 75 dissidents arrested in a broad crackdown last year were released for health reasons Monday, according to friends, relatives and local rights activists. The surprise move raised hopes for additional releases in the coming days.

Cuban Gov't Releases Several Dissidents (AP)


quot;These new smart services could allow the Internet to detect and warn of worm attacks on its own, dynamically re-route network traffic to avoid delays, and improve video web casting, quot; said Intel

Intel Proposes Internet Transformation


CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury debt prices slipped on  Friday after a key consumer sentiment report was not as weak as  some dealers had suspected, triggering some profit-taking after  Thursday's brisk rally.

U.S. Treasury Debt Prices Slip


Canton field hockey coach Christine O'Connor didn't think one goal would be enough to beat Watertown last night. She's overjoyed that her defense proved her wrong.

Canton reaches goal


Delta Air Lines, the third-largest carrier in the United States, announced Wednesday it will cut 7,000 jobs -- 10 percent of its workforce -- during the next 18 months and will slash wages.

Delta Air Lines cuts 7,000 jobs, reduces wages


Reuters - Russia formally ratified the Kyoto\Protocol on global warming on Thursday, clearing the way for\the environment pact to come into force in February 2005.

Russia Ratifies Kyoto, Starts on Feb 16 (Reuters)


WASHINGTON - Senate Intelligence Committee Republicans proposed removing the nation's largest intelligence gathering operations from the CIA and the Pentagon and putting them directly under a new national intelligence director.    Sen...

Senate Republicans Weigh Dismantling CIA


Michael Owen was ecstatic following his second match-winning goal in his last two matches for Real Madrid over the weekend against Valencia.

Owen loving form


AP - A team of scientists is traveling a 600-mile stretch of the Inside Passage this month to study the effects of cruise ship waste and other contaminants in Southeast Alaska waters.

Scientists to Study Effects of Ship Waste (AP)


America Online has decided not to fully support Microsoft #39;s Sender ID spam-fighting plan after the Internet Engineering Task Force and the open-source community expressed intellectual property concerns.

AOL Signs Off From Sender ID


The Texas A amp;M University System Board of Regents in a special meeting Wednesday named Robert D.  quot;Bob quot; McTeer, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the sole finalist the chancellor position, the university system said Wednesday.

A amp;M names finalist for chancellor


AP - IOC president Jacques Rogge said the five cities bidding for the 2012 Olympics accepted his advice and agreed to stop complaining about each other.

Five Cities to Make Olympic Presentations (AP)


The Manchester United-Arsenal spat assumed even more surreal proportions yesterday when the Arabic television channel, al-Jazeera, descended on the champions #39; London Colney training ground to grill Patrick Vieira on flying pizza.

Arsenal cannot escape from tunnel vision


AP - Online search engine upstart Vivisimo Inc. is setting out to persuade the masses that Google Inc.'s vaunted technology isn't the most efficient way to find things on the Internet.

Search Upstart Launches New Site (AP)


Cambridge University -- Scientists have pieced together the journey of a bundle of doomed matter as it orbited a black hole four times, an observational first. Their technique provides a new method to measure the mass of a black hole; and this may enable the testing of Einstein's theory of gravity to a degree few thought possible...

Scientists Follow Doomed Matter on a Ride Around a Black Hole


Justin King, a Gateway High School cornerback-running back who is considered one of the nation #39;s top 10 high school players, will play at Penn State.

Pittsburgh prep star King chooses Penn State


COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Every word spoken in the courtroom where Branden Basham is on trial for his life appears immediately before U.S...

E-Courtrooms Designed to Reduce Trial Time


Head coach Sam Mitchell has set some substantial goals for Carter, the club #39;s best swingman, and Bosh, the club #39;s best big man.

Coach Sam raises bar


AFP - The medical files of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat can be released upon demand to eligible parties, such as his family, a French defence ministry spokesman told AFP.

France says Arafat medical file can be released to family (AFP)


PC World - Boxlight Raven's black chassis matches the Xbox.

Gaming Projector Geared to Xbox Users (PC World)


The Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday named Mike Fratello as the head coach, replacing Hubie Brown, who retired last week for health reasons, according to a NBA TV report.

Grizzlies name Fratello as head coach


Bengals middle linebacker Nate Webster will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Webster had surgery Monday to repair the patella tendon in his right knee, torn during the closing minutes of a 23-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Bengals LB Webster out for season


WASHINGTON - Federal Reserve policy-makers are expected to raise short-term interest rates for a third time this year, part of a gradual process to wean the economy from ultralow rates, which are no longer needed as a bracing tonic.    Although private economists have mixed opinions whether the economy still is working through its late-spring blues or has emerged, most believe the economy is in good enough shape for the Fed to boost rates again...

Fed Is Expected to Boost Rates Again


David Beckham has recovered from a virus and is expected to take his place in the Real Madrid starting line-up for tonight #39;s Champions League Group B clash with AS Roma.

Beckham and Owen fit the bill for Real


OLED or Organic LED is not made of semiconductors. It #39;s made from carbon-based molecules. That is the key science factor that leads to potentially eliminating LEDs #39; biggest drawback - size.

Sony To Begin Mass Production of Full-Color OLED Displays


Bosses at BP - Britains biggest firm -ave fired off a memo to staff asking them to stop having sex in the office. It comes after romps in toilets, in a meeting room and behind cabinets were caught on CCTV cameras, says The Sun.

BP warning to randy staff


REDMOND, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. and cable television provider Comcast Corp. said Monday they would begin deploying set-top boxes powered by Microsoft software starting next week.

Comcast, Microsoft to deploy DVR units


Both campaigns have exhorted their supporters to flood the media with messages declaring a winner in the debates, hoping to influence the post-debate spin wars.

Spinning Out Clear Winner Even Before Debate Begins


With Turkey #39;s hopes of joining the European Union on the line, a senior European envoy flew to the country #39;s troubled southeastern region on Monday to assess the status of

European Envoy Visiting Turkey to Assess Situation of Kurds


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Jason Campbell threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns, and No. 8 Auburn proved itself as a national title contender by overwhelming No.

Auburn simply awesome


Afghan President Hamid Karzai has expressed concern about violence against aid agencies in the country. The president #39;s office said Thursday non-governmental organizations have provided invaluable services

Afghan President Condemns Violence Against Aid Workers


Blu-ray and HD DVD -- will be costly to everyone concerned, analysts say. The availability of two rival formats will raise prices and confuse consumers.

Worldwide Technology Consumers To Lose in DVD Standards War


Wondering what your shiny new Nintendo DS looks like on the inside? Lik Sang saves you the trouble--and voided warranty--with a new online...

Nintendo's innards


AP - The Reds picked up Sean Casey's contract option for 2006 on Friday, an indication they have no intention of trading the popular first baseman who is among the team's highest-paid players.

Reds Pick Up Casey's Contract Option (AP)


An asteroid with a wild orbit is about to zoom by our planet. Plus: Solving the mystery of the Pioneer anomaly could take decades.... A biologist finds a chunk of space shuttle Columbia. By Amit Asaravala.

Freak Rock to Buzz Earth


Oracle said that it was at an impasse with PeopleSoft Inc., signaling that the two software makers will wage a proxy battle.

Oracle at Impasse With PeopleSoft


The Toronto Blue Jays agreed to buy SkyDome, the team #39;s ballpark, for about \$21.24 million. The 50,000-seat stadium, which opened in 1989, cost about \$375 million to construct and was mostly funded by taxpayers.

Blue Jays to buy SkyDome for \$21.24 million


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - ATA Holdings Corp. <A HREF=

ATA Files for Bankruptcy


Sudanese authorities said Friday they foiled another plot by an opposition Islamist party to kidnap and kill senior government officials and blow up sites in the capital

Sudan Security Foils New Sabotage Plot -- Agency


Mohammed Kallon #39;s fine start to his Monaco career continued on Tuesday when the Sierra Leonean scored his first ever Champions League goal.

Kallon #39;s fine form continues


Beleaguered Russian oil company Yukos announced Monday that it had reduced its crude output forecast for the year as bailiffs continued to collect cash against the company #39;s crushing back taxes bill from its frozen bank accounts.

Update 1: Yukos Cuts Output Forecast, Shares Fall


AP - The biotechnology revolution is shaking up the pet world.

Biotechnology Shaking Up the Pet World (AP)


Blizzard Entertainment today announced that its eagerly awaited massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft will be in stores in North America on November 23, 2004.

World of Warcraft On November 23rd


The use of psychic powers adds a novel twist to the action in two new video games.

Psychic powers add gaming twist


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. investment bank Morgan Stanley  <A HREF=

Morgan Stanley Profit Down, Shares Drop


AP - Edgar Gonzalez held Cincinnati hitless through six innings, but Adam Dunn's 39th homer helped the Reds rally for a 6-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. Ryan Freel drove in the go-ahead run with an eighth-inning single and the Reds avoided a three-game sweep.

Dunn Hits 39th HR As Reds Beat D-Backs (AP)


The California Air Resources Board on Thursday reviewed a proposal to cut greenhouse gas emissions from cars and prepared to vote on the plan on Friday.

Calif. Air Board Prepares to Vote on Car Emissions


Executives from Sprintand Nextel Communicationstook to a stage at the St. Regis Hotel in New York Wednesday to announce a definitive agreement to merge their two companies and create the third largest mobile phone company in the U.S.

Sprint, Nextel herald 'future of communications'


NEW DELHI (Dow Jones)--Publishing Thursday joined the list of industries tapping into India #39;s outsourcing boom, with global business news provider Reuters Group PLC (RTRSY) announcing plans to turn Bangalore into a hub for its data operations.

UPDATE: Reuters Chooses India As Hub For Global Data Ops


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Lawyers leading a record-setting sex discrimination case against Wal-Mart Stores said on Tuesday they filed a lawsuit against Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , claiming the company kept women out of top ...

Costco Target of Sex Bias Lawsuit


GUWAHATI, Sept 22: Ten people, including a state government minister and two lawmakers, were killed in a helicopter crash in India #39;s mountainous north-east on Wednesday, officials said.

Minister dies in Indian copter crash


Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish and the Bryan brothers hope to add to Davis Cup lore this weekend when they assume the monstrous underdog role, facing Spain on their home red dirt in front of an expected record-setting crowd in Seville.

US Davis Cup Brings 9-Year Title Drought to Final Versus Spain


Dr. Mario Roederer and Adam Treister at Stanford University wrote FlowJo, Mac OS X analysis software for flow cytometers, high-speed, automated microscopes. Today, some 15,000 to 20,000 cytometers in use are Mac based. Aug 3

Revolutionizing Flow Cytometry


Reuters - Several mortar bombs were heard\landing in the southern Iraqi city of Najaf on Tuesday after\Shi'ite rebels came under fierce U.S. bombardment overnight.

Mortars Hit Central Najaf After U.S. Attacks (Reuters)


Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Chicago White Sox pitcher Jon Garland has agreed to a one-year, \$3.4 million contract, avoiding salary arbitration.

ChiSox #39;s Garland agrees to one-year deal


AUGUST 18, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - Web browsers are our windows to the Internet. They enable us to navigate about the Internet with ease and they help secure us and protect our privacy when we conduct online transactions.

Browsing for secure alternative browsers


Shares of Italian airline up on optimism that pilot agreement is first step to regaining health. ROME (Reuters) - With a boost from a vital deal with pilots, Alitalia and unions for cabin crew and ground staff

Alitalia soars after pilot pact


Women are being  quot;parachuted quot; into precarious positions within companies where there is a high risk of failure, according to a psychologist.

Women looking over glass cliffs


TOKYO - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi vowed on Sunday that Japanese troops would continue their domestically unpopular mission in Iraq after Islamic militants demanding a pullout killed a 24-year-old Japanese tourist.

Japan vows troops will stay in Iraq after 24-year-old hostage <b>...</b>


AP - The holiday shopping season got off to a modest start after bargain-hunters jammed malls on Friday for early bird specials but did less buying the rest of the weekend after the sales ended.

Retailers Post Unimpressive Holiday Sales (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - When Virgin Group <A HREF=

Virgin Making Mark Among Mobile Services


Iron Mountain plans to acquire Connected Corp. to enhance its online backup and recovery portfolio.

Brief: Iron Mountain snaps up backup software vendor


MAKHACHKALA, Russia -- An ideological aide to Chechen rebel warlord Shamil Basayev was convicted yesterday of involvement in a 1999 raid in the southern Russian region of Dagestan.

Islamic rebel convicted


As he was ushered off the field Saturday, West Virginia receiver Chris Henry gestured belligerently toward the stands until he reached the tunnel.

WEST VIRGINIA 35, RUTGERS 30 Mountaineers Embarrassed but <b>...</b>


Asian stock markets closed mostly lower Tuesday on continued worries about the surge in global oil prices. Tokyo #39;s benchmark Nikkei Stock Average of 225 issues slipped 43.

Asian Shares End Mostly Lower On Worries Over Oil Prices


ASSET management companies (AMCs) concede that the immaturity of the Indian mutual fund industry forces fund managers to spend substantial amounts of time in sales activities.

Manage and sell - Fund managers #39; dual role could affect <b>...</b>


The US and rights groups condemn the acquittal in Haiti of an ex-paramilitary leader accused of murder.

Complaints follow Haiti acquittal


The lack of standby rescue helicopters at CFB Moose Jaw was not a factor in the fate of two Snowbird pilots after their planes crashed on Friday, says Defense Minister Bill Graham.

Monday #39;s Canadian briefs


AP - Mike Matheny, Edgar Renteria and the St. Louis Cardinals can win with singles, doubles and triples, too.

Cards Use 'Small Ball' to Beat Dodgers (AP)


Parmalat #39;s government-appointed administrator sued Bank of America Corp. on Thursday, alleging that the bank helped executives at the dairy company hide debt and conceal its insolvency from investors.

Update 11: Parmalat #39;s Trustee Sues Bank of America


Reuters - California Gov. Arnold\Schwarzenegger said on Monday that his speech backing President\Bush at the Republican Convention in August resulted in a cold\shoulder from his wife, Maria Shriver, a member of the famously\Democratic Kennedy family.

Schwarzenegger Says Pro-Bush Speech Irked His Wife (Reuters)


Reuters - America Online on Thursday said it\plans to sell a low-priced PC targeting low-income and minority\households who agree to sign up for a year of dialup Internet\service.

AOL to Sell Cheap PCs to Minorities and Seniors (Reuters)


BRUSSELS: European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso has defended the appointment of Rocco Buttiglione as Europe #39;s justice and security chief, despite outrage at his claims that homosexuality is a sin.

Gay row hits EC


ATHENS, Greece -- Britain #39;s Amir Khan is now only one bout away from becoming the youngest Olympic boxing champion since Floyd Patterson won gold in 1952, after defeating Serik Yeleuov of Kazakhstan in the semifinals.

Teenager Khan is through to final


Arbitrators have awarded \$75,000 to a longtime WorldCom Inc. employee who argued that bankers contributed to her financial losses by profiting from their relationship with the struggling company and its chief executive at the same time they administered a stock-options program for WorldCom workers.
\<FONT face=

Citigroup Unit Violated Its Fiduciary Duty


High Street electrical retailer Dixons has pulled the plug on the VCR, and announced today video recorders will disappear from its shelves before Christmas.

Dixons pulls the plug on VCR sales


The school bus, on its way to Athens from central Greece, collided with a truck. Thirty people were injured, 26 of them pupils in their.

Paralympics scrap closing celebrations after crash


JAKARTA, Indonesia - A powerful car bomb exploded outside the gates of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on Thursday, killing seven people and wounding nearly 100 in an attack police blamed on al-Qaida-linked terrorists.    The blast flattened the embassy's gate, mangled cars on the busy commercial street and shattered the windows of nearby high-rise buildings...

Car Bomb Near Embassy in Indonesia Kills 7


Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said the company isn't interested in buying PeopleSoft, Oracle or SAP, but he wouldn't rule out smaller deals.

Ballmer strikes big rivals from Microsoft shopping list


NEW YORK - Michael Cherkasky, the new CEO of Marsh  amp; McLennan, was, until recently, known for three things: He tried John Gotti; he  quot;investigated mobsters, quot; he  quot;participated quot; in the trial of the 1993 World Trade Center bombers, he was a prosecutor in the

Marsh #39;s Cherkasky, Mr. Monitor, Failed Up


CRANS-SUR-SIERRE, Switzerland (Reuters) - Colin Montgomerie  says his Ryder Cup wildcard was rubber-stamped by colleagues  who had already qualified for this month's event against the  U.S. at Oakland Hills.

Montgomerie Glad Teammates Approve of Ryder Cup Wildcard


AFP - Cambodia and the United States have agreed to start negotiations that could lead to a free trade agreement after US elections this year, Commerce Minister Cham Prasidh said.

Cambodia, US to take first steps towards FTA: commerce minister (AFP)


The former Fannie Mae accountant who raised questions about the mortgage giant #39;s accounting said Wednesday that he had taken his concerns directly to chief executive Franklin Raines and asked him to investigate.

Update 4: Ex-Fannie Mae Accountant Admits Concerns


HERAT, Afghanistan (Reuters) - At least seven supporters of  the ousted governor of Herat in western Afghanistan were killed  Sunday and 20 wounded in clashes with police and U.S. troops  after mobs burned U.N. offices, doctors said.

Seven Dead in Clashes After Afghan Governor Ousted


MCI Inc., one of the nation #39;s biggest long-distance operators, lost \$3.4 billion in the third quarter of 2004 due to a previously announced asset writedown of \$3.

Update 1: Asset Writedown Leads to \$3.4B MCI Loss


China has been accused of blocking access to Google News by the media watchdog, Reporters Without Borders.

China 'blocks Google news site'


Reuters - General Motors Corp. , coming off\two straight months of disappointing sales, told dealers on\Tuesday it will launch new U.S. sales incentives later this\week.

GM to Boost Incentives in 'Red Tag' Sale (Reuters)


The NASD yesterday lodged fraud charges against H R Block Financial Advisors Inc. for selling \$16.4 million of Enron Corp. bonds to investors without warning of risks, shortly before the energy trading company filed for bankruptcy protection.

NASD Files Charges Against H R Block


AP - Buffalo Bills receiver Josh Reed and cornerback Troy Vincent are expected to miss Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

Reed, Vincent Likely to Miss Jets Game (AP)


Sun Microsystems and several other vendors on Wednesday will release an early draft of a specification intended to ease integration of Java-based systems, but IBM and BEA Systems have dropped out of participation in the effort.

Java integration spec pushed


LONDON : British music group EMI reported a fall in interim profits as sales dropped by 11.4 percent, reflecting a release schedule skewed towards the second half and the strength of sterling.

EMI sees profits fall but upbeat on outlook


SA President Thabo Mbeki is to resume talks with a former rebel leader who pulled out of the DR Congo government.

Mbeki pushes for DR Congo peace


AP - Jennifer Canada knew she was entering a boy's club when she enrolled in Southern Methodist University's Guildhall school of video game making.

Women Make Inroads in Video Game Industry (AP)


Johnson  amp; Johnson, which makes products ranging from heart stents to Band-Aids, said third- quarter profit rose 13 percent on higher sales of drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and schizophrenia.

Johnson  amp; Johnson #39;s Profit Gets Boost From Remicade (Update2)


Cassini came within 210,600 miles (339,000 kilometers) of Titan on July 2, days after it entered orbit around Saturn. The spacecraft will fly by Titan at an altitude of 746 miles (1,200 kilometers) on Tuesday

Cassini Probe to Fly by Saturn #39;s Moon Titan Tuesday


A town that hasn't had a grocery store for at least a decade may soon have two. A Super Stop  amp; Shop is set to open today on Plymouth Street in Halifax, and about a year from now, Wal-Mart expects to open a nearby ''supercenter quot; that would include a full-scale supermarket.

Retail rivals moving to town


CHICAGO (Reuters) - The twin burdens of soaring fuel prices  and slipping airfares clobbered the airline industry again in  the third quarter, leaving three of the top four U.S. carriers  to post quarterly losses on Wednesday.

Fuel Prices, Low Fares Batter Airlines


Analysts were expecting Oracle earnings of 9 cents per share with revenue of \$2.23 billion, according to Thomson First Call. New software license revenue came in at \$563 billion, meeting

Oracle Edges Past Estimates


A 27-year-old Connecticut man was arrested today on charges he offered online to sell the source code for Microsoft's Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 programs.

Conn. man charged with selling secret Windows code


ST. PETERSBURG, Russia - Mikhail Youzhny of Russia won the St. Petersburg Open on Sunday, defeating Karol Beck of Slovakia 6-2, 6-2 for the second title of his career.

Youzhny Wins St. Petersburg Open


Grokster, one of the best-known P2P services (at least one of the best-known by the RIAA  amp; co), has taken yet another step in its path to make its P2P service to please the record labels by teaming up with a start-up called Mercora to provide an artist

Grokster launches a legal Net radio


ATHENS -- LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and a couple of their Olympic teammates made it over to watch last night's women's game between the United States and China. They saw a team shoot well, pass well, rebound well, and dominate -- everything they are not doing so far.

Play of US women pleasing to the eye


The United States says the Lebanese parliament #39;s decision Friday to extend the term of pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud made a  quot;crude mockery of democratic principles.

US Blasts Lebanese Parliament #39;s Extension of Presidential Term


NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Two passenger trains collided in  northern India Tuesday, killing at least 25 people and injuring  more than 250, police said.

Indian Train Crash Kills 25, More Than 250 Injured


Back-and-forth dance characterizes dispute over code released to open-source Mambo project.

Open-source programmer rebuts charge


US stocks are seen off a touch at the open Wednesday as the price of oil continues to plague investor sentiment.

Stocks Are Seen Off a Touch at Open


A local favorite and a former US Open champion stand between a highly anticipated showdown between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick at the Thailand Open.

Federer, Roddick reach semifinals at Thailand Open


Islamabad: As Islamabad and New Delhi resume back channel diplomacy with the visit of a senior Pakistani official to India for talks with National Security Advisor JN Dixit, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf declared his country would not give up Kashmir

Pak won #39;t give up Kashmir: Musharraf


The FCC says it's inclined to let Web surfers go wireless on airplanes. Yippee! But they might allow in-flight cell phone use, too. Oh.

Surf   Talk at 35,000 Feet


Reuters - Accoona Corp., whose investors\include China's state information agency, unveiled its new Web\and business search system on Monday and said revenue would be\drawn from advertising services supplied by Yahoo Inc.

China-Backed Search Engine Accoona Debuts (Reuters)


Everyone who follows Virginia football has a particular memory of the Cavaliers #39; epic victory over Florida State in 1995. Adrian Burnim and Anthony Poindexter teaming to stop Warrick Dunn inches short of the goal line on the game #39;s final play.

One man #39;s leg could be pivotal


Airespace, a Silicon Valley start-up that sells telecommunications gear, has won a partnership with IBM that #39;s intended to help the smaller company grab a piece of the growing market for Wi-Fi services, the two companies told Reuters Wednesday.

Airespace wins IBM deal for Wi-Fi service


AP - Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points, including the opening basket in overtime that put Dallas ahead to stay, and the Mavericks remained unbeaten with a 101-98 victory over winless Golden State on Monday night.

Mavericks Beat Warriors 101-98 in Overtime (AP)


America saw 403, 300 hi-tech jobs disappear between April 2001 and April 2004. More than half the jobs lost were lost after the recession was pronounced officially over, by the National Bureau of Economic Research, in November 2001.

US loses 400,000 IT jobs


International Business Machines Corp. #39;s sales probably rose 9 percent in the third quarter as Chief Executive Sam Palmisano won more server-computer orders, capitalizing on mistakes Hewlett-Packard Co.

IBM #39;s Palmisano Targets Hewlett-Packard Clients to Boost Sales


Air Canada has agreed to buy \$821 million of Canadair Regional Jets from Bombardier Inc. (BBDb.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) , the companies said on Monday.

Air Canada to Buy Bombardier Jets


AP - Interviews with dozens of former and current Iraqi officials by congressional investigators have produced new evidence that Saddam Hussein micro-managed business deals under the U.N. oil-for-food program to maximize political influence with important foreign governments like Russia and neighboring Arab states.

AP: Saddam Abused Oil-For-Food Program (AP)


Reuters - President Bush climbed to an\eight-point lead over Democratic challenger John Kerry in a\USAToday/CNN/Gallup poll released on Sunday, the same advantage\he held before the three presidential debates.

Bush Surges Eight Points Ahead of Kerry - Poll (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lower electrical power consumption,  not just greater data processing oomph, will help a new class  of desktop supercomputers unveiled on Monday turn conventional  industry logic on its head, its designers say.

Start-Up Offers Low-Power 'Personal Supercomputers'


Sheffield City Council apologises to residents after giving permission for a mobile phone mast by mistake.

Council apology over phone mast


Reuters - Rescue teams tried to reach 86 trapped\miners on Friday after one of China's worst mine disasters in\years killed at least 62 people, prompting calls for action by\the president, state media said.

China Mine Blast Kills 62, Hope for Survivors Fade (Reuters)


BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair will pull off a major diplomatic coup this week by flying to Washington for an Iraq war summit with US President George W. Bush.

Iraq summit with Bush a win for Blair


AP - A woman's effort to assuage her 6-year-old son's fears of his grandfather's ghost by selling it on eBay has drawn more than 34 bids with a top offer of  #36;78.

Woman Auctions Father's Ghost on eBay (AP)


IT workers in the U.S. aren't happy about the state of the job market, according to a study released this week by New York-based staffing firm Hudson.

Study: IT worker confidence drops


The mystery bird was certainly distinctive: dark brown, red bill, red legs, call like a trumpet, pretty hopeless at flying. You couldn #39;t miss it if you knew it was there.

It can #39;t fly and sounds like a trumpet, but new bird delights ornithologists


ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Sports Network) - Dion Harris dropped in  a game-high 24 points in helping to lead the Michigan  Wolverines to a 69-60 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes in  the second round of the Preseason NIT from Crisler Arena.

Michigan Beats Colorado in NIT Tourney


SEVILLE, Spain -- Spain won the Davis Cup title Sunday, taking an insurmountable lead against the United States when Carlos Moya beat Andy Roddick 6-2, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (5) for the American star #39;s second loss in this final.

Roddick loses second singles match


AP - Roger Clemens and the powerful Houston lineup made sure the Astros got off to a good start in their quest to finally win a playoff series. While Clemens continually pitched out of trouble, Brad Ausmus, Lance Berkman, Carlos Beltran and Jason Lane homered for the Astros to lead a 9-3 rout of the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of their NL division series Wednesday.

Clemens Perseveres, Astros Top Braves 9-3 (AP)


AP - Curtis Sathre said it was like a bomb going off. His 13-year-old son Michael stood stunned, ears ringing, hand gushing blood after his cell phone exploded. Safety officials have received 83 reports of cell phones exploding or catching fire in the past two years, usually because of bad batteries or chargers.

Exploding Cell Phones a Growing Problem (AP)


Walter Reyes rushed for 237 yards and two touchdowns, including the decisive score with 2:24 left, and Syracuse beat visiting Rutgers, 41-31, yesterday in the Big East opener for both teams.

Rutgers ripped by Reyes


Alitalia reaches agreement with the Italian government about a 400m euro loan needed to fund a major restructuring of the business and to ensure its survival.

Alitalia secures 400m euro loan


Real Madrid star and England Soccer team captain David Beckham has already been an inspiration of a massive international hit movie Bend it like Beckham.

David Beckham to act in a movie trilogy on Football


Copernic Spins Off Coveo Enterprise Search\\Copernic Technologies Inc. today announced the creation of a new separate company, Coveo Solutions Inc. The company will focus exclusively on providing easy-to-use, powerful and secure enterprise search software to businesses, organizations and government entities.\\The creation of Coveo is in response to overwhelming market demand ...


Jurors still have work to do after convicting several former Wall Street bankers and a former Enron Corp. finance executive Wednesday of conspiring to push through a sham deal.

Enron Barge Jury Not Finished Yet


WASHINGTON - State laws barring people from buying wine directly from out-of-state suppliers should be struck down as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court was told Tuesday, as it heard arguments in a case that could lead to sweeping changes on how

High court weighs direct wine shipment


InfoWorld - In the face of growing competition from Linux, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer delivered a four-page memo to customers on Wednesday outlining the economic and security advantages Windows has over Linux, the potential dangers of open source involving indemnification, and the intent to aggressively convince Unix shops to migrate to Windows.

Ballmer: Windows TCO the way to go (InfoWorld)


David Beckham admits he was very surprised by Jose Antonio Camacho #39;s decision to resign as manager of Real Madrid, but insists he was unaware of any problems between the coach staff and the players.

Beckham Shocked By Camacho #39;s Exit


AP - Bobby Kielty hit a go-ahead homer off Ted Lilly  #151; the pitcher he was traded for  #151; and Nick Swisher doubled and walked twice in his major league debut to lead the Oakland Athletics past the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4 on Friday night.

Athletics Hold Off Blue Jays 7-4 (AP)


Minnesota Vikings right tackle Mike Rosenthal is likely out for the season with an injury to his right foot.

Vikings Likely Lose Rosenthal for Year


Army commanders ordered a Patriot missile battery to shoot down a Navy jet during the invasion of Iraq last year after mistaking the aircraft for an incoming Iraqi missile, a military investigation concluded yesterday.

Human error cited in jet hit by Patriot


At least 13 people were killed and about 160 injured when a speeding train derailed on a bad section of track and tumbled down a ravine in Quezon province before dawn yesterday, officials said.

Quezon train mishap kills 13


Light-hitting David Ross hit a two-out, two-run homer in the 11th inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 4-2 Thursday night to clinch no worse than a tie for the NL West title.

Dodgers 4, Rockies 2, 11 innings


McDonald's takes out ads in the UK to say a film about its food is

McDonald's serves up film blitz


The abducted Nepalese was working as a waiter employed by the Saudi Arabian Contracting Company (SATCO) that supplies rations to US forces, the Post said.

World ; Another Nepalese taken hostage in Iraq


LONDON, Nov 18 (IranMania) - Iran warned Wednesday that its deal to suspend sensitive nuclear activities in order to ease fears it is seeking the nuclear bomb was subject to rapid progress in a new round of negotiations to begin next month.

Iran- Eu deal subject to progress in nuke talks


There are almost 90,000 undelivered income tax refund checks. More than 6,000 of those are in New York. The Internal Revenue Service says it needs the taxpayers correct addresses to get them their refunds.

IRS refund checks


AP - Pakistan on Monday played down comments by a top U.S. counterterrorism official that progress has been made recently in the hunt for Osama bin Laden.

Pakistan Plays Down Bin Laden Report (AP)


Liberia #39;s interim leader announced on Saturday a temporary lifting of a curfew imposed after religious riots gripped the capital Monrovia to allow residents to venture out to buy food.

Liberia curfew lifted temporarily


The main grandstands at the Salinas Sports Complex were overflowing with football fans, many wearing the red and gold of Palma High School.

A TIE TO DIE FOR


roundup Plus: Burst wants Gates deposition released...Verizon opens global phone to consumers...IBM, Honda team on voice-driven car navigation.

Briefly: Overture heads toward automation


The Venezuelan mother of major league baseball pitcher Ugueth Urbina is kidnapped near Caracas.

Baseball star's mother abducted


New York, Nov 8 - Paula Radcliffe has won the New York Marathon in a triumph of the human spirit to come back 11 weeks after crashing out of the Olympic marathon in Athens as well as the 10,000 metres finals.

Radcliffe wins New York marathon; makes up for Olympic dropout?


ROME (Reuters) - Italy finally looks set to heal a feud  with Ethiopia by returning one of its most cherished relics,  the obelisk of Axum, taken by fascist invaders almost 70 years  ago.

Italy Prepares to Return Prized Ethiopian Obelisk


AUSTRALIAN Sarah Davies has missed out on being crowned Miss World 2004 at the finals of the beauty pageant in China. Twenty-year-old Miss Peru was crowned today in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya

Aussie misses out on Miss World


BEA Systems on Monday is releasing a version of its application infrastructure suite designed to enable ISVs to deliver products for SOAs (service-oriented architectures).

BEA readies app server package for ISVs


The Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, has been hit by bomb blasts on the third day of a blockade called by Maoist rebels. Nepalese business leaders are calling for a cease-fire between the government and the rebels.

Bombings Hit Kathmandu, as Blockade Starts to Affect Prices


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq's radical cleric Moqtada  al-Sadr refused on Tuesday to meet a delegation of Iraqi  political and religious leaders seeking to end a rebellion in  the holy city of Najaf and other parts of the country.

Iraq's Sadr Snubs Peace Delegation in Najaf


AFP - Kumar Sangakkara and Avishka Gunawardene slammed impressive half-centuries to help an under-strength Sri Lanka crush South Africa by seven wickets in the fourth one-day international here.

Depleted Sri Lanka too strong for South Africa (AFP)


Jason Kidd played only 21 minutes in his season debut. That was just enough to lift the New Jersey Nets. Making his return from knee surgery, Kidd assisted on Richard Jefferson #39;s jumper from the lane with

Kidd returns for Nets, assists on game-winning basket


Reuters - The Justice Department is\investigating possible accounting fraud at Fannie Mae, bringing\greater government scrutiny to bear on the mortgage finance\company, already facing a parallel inquiry by the SEC, a source\close to the matter said on Thursday.

Justice Dept Opens Fannie Mae Probe (Reuters)


The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on August 19th that Grokster and StreamCast could not be held responsible for copyright infringement, because they exercised no control over the

Morpheus Wins Legal Victory


BERLIN (Reuters) - The United States, Germany and other G7  nations agreed on Saturday to write off up to 80 percent of  Iraq's \$120 billion foreign debt in a move that could pave the  way for a wider international accord, officials said.

U.S., G7 Allies Agree on Iraq Debt Relief


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - For customers who either love to  plan ahead or hate monthly bills, a small Massachusetts  telecommunications firm has launched a \$999 offer of unlimited  Internet-based telephone service for life.

Mass. Firm Offers Lifetime Phone Service for \$999


Displaced Sudanese women waiting for food to be distributed Nov. 9, in el-Sereif refugee camp, on the outskirts of Nyala town in Sudan #39;s western Darfur region.

Darfur warring parties sign new pacts


SYRACUSE, NY -- Lockheed Martin announced Monday that its Maritime Systems  amp; Sensors unit has received contracts worth \$625 million for radar development.

Lockheed Martin announces \$625 million in contracts


The US and UK knew of the possibility of a coup against the government of Equatorial Guinea, the Sunday Times reported, citing unidentified officials at the Pentagon and UK government.

US, UK Knew of Equatorial Guinea Plot, Sunday Times Says


Shares of Google Inc., the world #39;s most-used Internet search engine, may continue to rise as the company boosts advertising revenue, research analysts at securities firms that underwrote

Google may gain on ad sales, IPO firms #39; analysts say


Four major motion picture studios will support the HD DVD videodisk format. New Line Cinema, Paramount, Universal and Warner Bros.

Studios Support Toshiba #39;s DVD Format


Reuters - Election officials began counting votes in Maharashtra on Saturday in a poll that is crucial to the political fortunes of the ruling Congress party and the opposition Hindu nationalists.

Counting of votes begins in Maharashtra election (Reuters)


\Common respiratory and urinary tract infections play a role in triggering heart attacks and strokes, researchers say.

Infection link to heart attacks


Alternative form of high-speed Internet access makes its way to U.S. homes.

Has Your Broadband Had Its Fiber?


BLOOMFIELD HILLS, United States : Tiger Woods was inspired for a top effort at the Ryder Cup long before United States captain Hal Sutton prodded him with talk about past failures and his place in golf history.

Golf: US captain taunts win-hungry Tiger about Ryder Cup struggles


Four former Microsoft Corp. employees were charged with stealing \$32.4 million worth of software and selling it on the side.

Former Microsoft Workers Charged with Stealing Software


Stephanie Villalba, a former top Merrill Lynch banker, lost her job because she was difficult to work with, unwilling to travel and lacked the leadership skills to turn around the loss-making division she ran, a British employment tribunal in London was

Former Merrill Lynch banker seeks millions


10/12/2004 -- Jobwerx News -- The consumer electronics industry is firmly behind the Blu-ray Disc high-definition optical-disc format and so is JVC.

JVC joins the Blu-ray Disc Association


Persistent drizzle, which forced the players from the field shortly before one o #39;clock, lingered long enough to prevent play restarting, and so everyone will be back at 10.

Rain frustrates England #39;s fightback


NEW YORK, October 25 (newratings.com) - Crude oil prices increased to new record high levels at \$55.63 per barrel today, driven by concerns surrounding a potential disruption in supplies due to a shipping strike in Norway, the world #39;s third-largest oil

World oil prices hit new record peak on Norway supply halt fears


If you #39;re a woman, Cari Lynn #39;s salty memoir will hearten you, though it might not sway you to enter the futures trading field.

Tales from the pit: A woman trader #39;s story


America Online (Quote, Chart) has inked a deal with RSA Security (Quote, Chart) to add another layer of authentication to the existing username/password scheme used by AOL subscribers.

Authentication  #39;Tokens #39; Arrive For AOL Customers


Formula One #39;s governing body imposed sweeping technical changes Friday designed to slash costs and improve the qualify of racing starting next year.

Formula One legislates changes to make racing more competitive


The Mets have reached out to their fifth managerial candidate, asking for and receiving permission from the Dodgers to interview Riggleman, Los Angeles #39; bench coach since 2001.

AMAZIN #39;S LOOK TO INTERVIEW DODGER COACH


BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. forces battled insurgents around the rebel stronghold of Fallujah on Sunday, and militants ambushed and killed nine Iraqi policemen returning from training in Jordan...

U.S. Continues Major Attack on Fallujah


MOSCOW. Nov 17 (Interfax) - President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia will accomplish achievements in the nuclear sector which no other nuclear powers have.

Russia to accomplish major breakthroughs in nuclear sector - Putin


One by one, Bellevue High football assistants sprinted up the press-box corridor, shouting at the top of their lungs. Defensive coordinator James Hasty, a former NFL cornerback, was the loudest, screaming,  quot;The streak is over.

Still winners despite loss


AFP - Australians have gone to the polls in national elections that will decide if their country remains in Iraq as staunch allies of the United States or pulls out by Christmas to switch its international focus to engagement with Asia.

Fate of US Iraq war ally hangs in balance as Australians vote (AFP)


WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration has approved an implantable computer chip that can be inserted in patients to pass along their medical history to doctors.

Medical-History Chip Can Be Implanted In Body


AP - Matt Leinart replaced a Heisman Trophy winner and became one himself.

USC's Matt Leinart Wins Heisman Trophy (AP)


A specific combination of drugs produced such encouraging results in blacks with heart disease that the trial was halted early so all the participants could take advantage of the therapy.

Drug Combo Cut Heart Disease Death Rate in Blacks


By Channel NewsAsia #39;s Hong Kong Correspondent Roland Lim. HONG KONG : Hong Kong #39;s democrats have vowed to continue to push for Beijing to grant universal suffrage to the territory, despite their disappointing showing in Sunday #39;s local elections.

HK democrats vow to fight for universal suffrage


A group of companies led by Sony Corp. of America put a lock on its acquisition of film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. for about \$2.

Sony Group Locks Up MGM Acquisition


Chile's Internal Tax Service filed a criminal complaint against former ruler Augusto Pinochet after an investigation of his accounts at Riggs Bank in Washington. Riggs was not a subject of the complaint.

Pinochet Faces Tax Charges in Chile


A leading Sri Lankan opposition politician is given a prison sentence for defaming the supreme court.

Sri Lankan opposition MP jailed


Jordan #39;s King Abdullah says only extremists will gain if Iraqi elections go ahead as planned in January. In a text distributed in advance of an interview with the French daily newspaper

Jordan king: Iraq unsafe for poll


After heavy rainfall forced numerous delays last year, the United States Tennis Association will rely on new machines to dry the courts faster.

Higher Technology for Drier Courts to Prevent a Rain-Soaked Repeat


Software company plans to acquire BugScan, which makes software to automatically check for program errors.

LogicLibrary buys bug catcher


Ricky Ponting is refusing to look beyond this week #39;s crunch match against New Zealand to the possibility of an ICC Champions Trophy semi-final for Australia against hosts England.

PONTING EYES THE PRESENT


Canadian Press - CORAL HARBOUR, Nunavut (CP) - An estimated 200 litres of fuel spilled near the northern coastal community of Coral Harbour during a resupply operation Friday, Nunavut officials said.

200 litres of fuel spilt in Coral Harbour, Nunavut, during resupply operation (Canadian Press)


Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has vowed to keep midfielder David Beckham away from interested Premiership clubs. Perez will resist any efforts by Chelsea or Arsenal to make a move for him at the end of the season.

Real Madrid will resist Chelsea, Arsenal Beckham offers


With the expected arrival of dual-core processors from both Intel and AMD next year, Microsoft faced a licensing dilemma -- do right by customers by charging for only the physical processors

Microsoft to Give Customers a Break on Dual-Core Licensing


Reuters - Despite record federal deficits, the\Bush administration has benefited from historically low\interest payments, but as rates continue to rise, the era of\cheap debt service may be over.

Rates Mean End of Low Interest Costs (Reuters)


Greeters direct new arrivals at the elevators. Wireless telephone systems and Internet access are available. And every guest room is private, cheerful and has a fold-out chairbed.

New hospital design aids healing, cuts errors


Reuters - The U.S. military sealed off Falluja on\Friday and launched a night of air strikes on the rebel city\ahead of an assault seen as critical to the interim\government's attempt to pacify Iraq before January polls.

U.S. Forces Set for Imminent Assault on Iraq's Falluja (Reuters)


Consumer confidence in Massachusetts jumped to its highest level in more than two years as an improving outlook on the economy and job market sparked consumers' spirits.

State's consumer confidence rises


A graduate student at the University of Notre Dame was missing and presumed dead after he was shot by an armed gang in Haiti, a school official said.

Graduate Student Presumed Dead In Haiti


In the offseason, Wisconsin Coach Barry Alvarez gathered his seniors together for a stark reminder of their status in Madison. Should they fail to win a Big Ten championship, Alvarez reminded

A Familiar Ring in Wisconsin


Some people may be wondering just how well Kmart and Sears will compete against Wal-Mart as parts of the same company.

Trying to Get Big Enough to Battle Wal-Mart


or about the size of the planet Neptune, say astronomers from the University of Texas and two other institutions.

Two New Neptune-Sized Planets Discovered


Banking giant UBS is cautious over prospects for the rest of the year after a lull in trading hurt its third-quarter profit, despite a strong showing by its blockbuster wealth management operation.

Weak trading hits UBS profit


ASHBURN, Va., Dec. 10 (AP) - Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis and safety Sean Taylor were fined \$5,000 by the National Football League for wearing red socks in Sunday's game, a violation of the league's uniform rules.

Redskins Fined Over Red Socks


Pilots at United Airlines face a 15 percent pay cut, their second double-digit wage reduction in two years, and will not further resist the company #39;s elimination of traditional pensions under a tentative contract agreement made public Friday.

United pilot leaders accept pension deal, 15 percent pay cuts


Reuters - Some Americans overseas are being\denied access to a Pentagon-run Web site intended to make it\easier for them to vote by absentee ballot due to security\measures to thwart hackers, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

Pentagon Blocks Access to Site for Overseas Voters (Reuters)


With forecasters predicting heavy rain, the Red Sox said tonight's game would be made up Monday if it can't be played tonight. Tickets for tonight's game, marked either  quot;Home Game #1 quot; or  quot;Friday, October 15 quot; would be good for Monday's game, which likely would be scheduled to start at 5:10 p.m.

Rainy-day plan for Fenway ticket-holders


Researchers have estimated that as many as 100,000 more Iraqis - many of them women and children - died since the start of the US-led invasion of Iraq than would have been expected otherwise, based on the death rate before the war.

Household Survey Sees 100,000 Iraqi Deaths


Device features two optical drives and a 160GB hard drive for storing content.

Sharp Unveils First Blu-ray Disc Recorder


NEW YORK, November 1 (newratings.com) - World crude oil prices rose in Asia trading this morning, with the Nigerian oil unions beginning their protests in a build-up to a nationwide general strike planned for later this month.

Oil prices rise on Nigerian strike concerns


AP - Democrat John Edwards compared President Bush to former Enron Corp. chairman Kenneth Lay on Tuesday and predicted Bush

Edwards Compares Bush to Enron's Lay (AP)


Nation's leading supermarket operator posts 29 rise in third-quarter earnings, strong same-store sales.

Kroger Is King


Intel CTO Pat Gelsinger says the Internet must be upgraded with a new layer of capabilities to deal with imminent problems of capacity, security and reliability.

-Posted by dan.farber  10:16 pm (PDT)


A group of militants raided two police stations in Baghdad on Friday, killing 12 policemen and wounding several others, police said.

Militants kill 12 policemen in southern Baghdad


BAGHDAD - The 48-hour deadline set by a group of Islamic militants for Japan to agree to withdraw its troops from Iraq expired Thursday night, with the group threatening to behead a 24-year-old Japanese hostage if Tokyo ignores its demand.

Deadline passes in Japanese hostage crisis in Iraq


BEIJING - A Chinese court has executed a gang leader convicted of selling more than 200 baby girls, a newspaper reported today. Li Guoju was put to death yesterday by a court in the central city of Puyang, the Beijing Times reported.

China executes leader of baby-trafficking ring


Reuters - U.S. stock markets would have to\disclose executive pay and provide details of their regulatory\programs, under new rules proposed by the Securities and\Exchange Commission on Tuesday.

SEC Wants More Disclosure for Markets (Reuters)


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices tumbled again on Monday to an  8-week low under \$46 a barrel, as growing fuel stocks in the  United States eased fears of a winter supply crunch.

Oil Falls Below \$46 to 8-Week Low


AP - Scientists will begin investigating environmental

U.N. Agency to Study Environment in Iraq (AP)


Summary - (Oct 26, 2004) NASA #39;s Cassini spacecraft will pass only 1,200 km (745 miles) above the surface of Titan today, delivering the most detailed pictures ever taken of the mysterious, methane covered moon.

Cassini Closes in on Titan


Students at 27 US colleges are being sued by the American record industry for alleged illegal downloading.

US music targets more 'pirates'


A Belligerent Virender Sehwag and compact Rahul Dravids unbroken century partnership on Monday shaped Indias sound reply to South Africa in the second cricket Test.

Sehwag sizzles in Eden sun


Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan has been named president of the United Arab Emirates, succeeding his father who died Tuesday. The decision was taken by the Supreme Council, hours after world leaders gathered

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan Named UAE President


Joel Statham passed for for 333 yards Saturday as Maryland posted a 20-17 upset of No. 5 Florida State -- its first victory over the Seminoles.

COL FB: Maryland 20, Florida State 17


Australian golfer Peter Lonard is tied for second after the opening round of the Links Championship event at St Andrews, Scotland.

Lonard second in Scotland


The job of homeland security secretary seems exceedingly more complex than anything that Bernard B. Kerik has faced.

For Kerik, a Blunt New Yorker, a Complex Washington Task


AP - Early returns indicated strong support among Louisiana voters for a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages and civil unions, one of up to 12 such measures on the ballot around the country this year.

Returns: La. Voters Back Gay-Marriage Ban (AP)


Former Chinese President Jiang Zemin gives up his last official position as head of the military.

China's Jiang gives up top post


WASHINGTON -- Starting next week, all airline passengers must take off their jackets before passing through metal detectors and more will be subjected to pat-down searches and checks for explosives, the Transportation Security Administration said yesterday.

Airline passengers face tighter security checks


Alitalia may have to slash up to 7,000 jobs, it emerged yesterday, as executives scrambled to rescue Italy #39;s national carrier from possible bankruptcy later this month.

Alitalia axe hangs over 7,000 staff as bankruptcy looms


North Augusta, SC (Sports Network) - Grace Park, Kim Saiki and Silvia Cavalleri each posted rounds of six-under-par 66 on Thursday to share the first-round lead of the Asahi Ryokuken International Championship.

Three share lead in South Carolina


Reuters - U.S. oil prices hovered near  #36;47 a\barrel on Wednesday, awaiting data that was expected to show a\big drop in fuel stocks in the United States due to\weather-related disruptions to output and shipments.

U.S. Oil Clings Near  #36;47 (Reuters)


AP - Archaeologists said Wednesday they have comprehensively dated the contents of a Bronze Age site in Scotland, probably the first time such a site has been dated in its entirety.

Archaeologists Discover Bronze Age Site (AP)


Companies are accused of infecting PCs, and then selling spyware-blocking software.

FTC Sues Alleged Spyware Distributors


There are three superb seasons under his belt, a couple of Pro Bowl berths speak volumes about his talent, and there's the matter of two Super Bowl rings. So when Richard Seymour tells you he's figured something out about this NFL business, you'd best listen.

It was nothing to kick about


Federal agents and international allies arrest 28 suspects thought to have stolen credit card numbers and other financial information.\<br /> Photo: Shadowcrew site in federal custody

Secret Service busts suspected ID fraud ring


LONDON (Reuters) - Asset prices drifted sideways in Europe  Monday as a public holiday in the UK kept London closed and  sucked liquidity from the region's markets.

Asset Prices Drift in Thin European Trade


AFP - The number of people looking for work in Germany rose in August, as the modest economic recovery was not enough to create any new jobs in the eurozone's biggest economy, official data showed.

German joblessness rises again in August (AFP)


Isle Filipinos are mobilizing to help the northern and eastern regions of the Philippines, where more than 1,000 people are dead or missing after four deadly storms in the last two weeks.

Typhoon triggers aid from Hawaii


NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Infineon Technologies AG (IFX) said it will build a new front-end production plant in Kulim High Tech Park, Malaysia.

Infineon To Build Production Plant In Malaysia  gt;IFX


New York, NY (Sports Network) - Major League Soccer, Soccer United Marketing and Adidas agreed to a 10-year partnership that makes Adidas the official sponsor and licensed product supplier for the United States #39; top soccer league.

MLS finalizes landmark deal with Adidas


US warplanes attacked insurgent targets in the east Baghdad slum of Sadr City, killing at least one person and wounding 12, hospital officials said Thursday.

US warplanes attack insurgents in east Baghdad


Rapids coach Tim Hankinson saw it in Lewis #39; eyes last Friday when the 22-year-old defender helped Colorado defeat his former team in the first game of the Western Conference semifinals.

Defender takes Galaxy personally


ROME - Foreign Minister Franco Frattini was today named Italy #39;s next European commissioner following the withdrawal at the weekend of the initial candidate, Rocco Buttiglione.

Italy #39;s steady Frattini heading to EU Commission


Short-term interest rate futures struggled on Thursday after a government report showing US core inflation for August below market expectations failed to alter views on Federal Reserve rate policy.

UPDATE 1-US rate futures struggle despite low Aug inflation


Undersea quakes are inevitable. The questions are where and when  and the recent catastrophe may provide clues.

In Past Tsunamis, Tantalizing Clues to Future Ones


At the World Cyber Games 2004, the competition is about more than just who wins at Counter-Strike or WarCraft III. Gamers are competing to bring glory to their home countries. Daniel Terdiman reports from San Francisco.

Gamers Spar for National Honor


AP - Saddam Hussein met for the first time since his capture a year ago with a defense lawyer Thursday, two days after Iraq announced it will soon bring top figures of the fallen regime to court, the chief of the former dictator's legal team said.

Saddam, Defense Lawyer Meet for 1st Time (AP)


KABUL (Reuters) - The United States called on Taliban  guerrillas to lay down their arms Thursday, saying Afghans had  voted against violence and those who gave up their insurgency  would not be punished unless they were guilty of major crimes.

U.S. Ambassador Calls on Taliban to Lay Down Arms


TORONTO -- Joe Racanelli slung a sagging plastic bag onto a heap of others on the back of his garbage truck and leaned on two levers to close a set of steel jaws.

In Michigan, criticism grows over Toronto's export of trash


This week #39;s Bowl Championship Series saga picks up where last week #39;s left off. As you might recall, California needed Texas to beat Texas A amp;M to keep its hopes of going to its first Rose Bowl in 45 years.

California bears burden of making point that it #39;s BCS-worthy


DAVE Collins, a professor at Edinburgh University, has been charged with the task of preparing Britains elite athletes for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Preparing athletes for Beijing 2008 is academic


When it comes to rating video games,

Game Ratings: U Is for Unheeded


Russian prosecutors have again raided the offices of the country #39;s giant oil firm Yukos, seizing financial documents covering the past two years.

Prosecutors Again Raid Yukos Offices


JEDDAH (Reuters) - A Frenchman was shot dead in the Saudi  city of Jeddah early on Sunday, in a killing that mirrored  recent attacks by al Qaeda militants trying to destabilize the  world's largest oil exporter.

Frenchman Shot Dead in Saudi Arabia


ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Restless to resolve his status, Pedro Martinez has indicated he wants to decide by today whether to re-sign with the Red Sox or bolt to the Mets, a source familiar with his thinking said last night.

Sox may find out today on Martinez


The emergence of modern humans may be tied to the evolution of running, a new study suggests, a new study suggests.

Did Humans Jog to Their Destiny?


Reuters - The European Commission\is likely to authorize the first genetically modified (GMO)\seeds for commercial use across EU territory this week, in the\face of widespread consumer resistance to biotech crops.

EU May Allow First GMO Seeds for Sale Across Bloc (Reuters)


Tiki Barber sprinted for a 52-yard touchdown in the third quarter, the play that the Giants would ride to their third victory of the season.

Giants See Daylight at Right Time


Reuters - Indian troops have captured an important rebel stronghold in Manipur, close to the border with Myanmar, the army said on Saturday.

Troops capture rebel stronghold in Manipur (Reuters)


AFP - A British tourist found dead in the Australian outback near its famed Ayers Rock may have died of heat exhaustion and exposure, police said.

Heat may have killed Briton found dead in Australian outback: police (AFP)


A group that includes former Formula One champion Nigel Mansell said Thursday it had reached a deal with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone to promote the race.

Group including Mansell says it has deal to save British GP


With the race for the No. 2 slot in the B.C.S. standing intensifying between Oklahoma and Auburn, U.S.C. has solidified its status as the nation's top team.

Reasons for U.S.C.'s No. 1 Ranking Run Deep