Threat to behead Japanese soldier

The group led by wanted terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has said it has abducted a member of Japan #39;s armed forces and is threatening to behead him if the Japanese government does not withdraw its troops from Iraq within 48 hours.


Sony launches music players with MP3 support

The company has just announced the release of two flash-memory-based devices, the Walkman NW-E99 and NW-E95, in Europe. The music players can play songs in MP3 and Sony #39;s own Atrac file format.


Marsh to Scrap Fees Spitzer Faulted (Reuters)

Reuters - Marsh   McLennan Cos. , the\world's largest insurance broker, said on Tuesday it would\reform its business practices and stop accepting fees at the\center of an investigation by New York Attorney General Eliot\Spitzer into bid rigging.


Sporting News: Bonds is player of year; Pujols fourth

San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds, who hit .362, set a record with 232 walks and topped 700 career homers, was named 2004 player of the year by The Sporting News.


Indonesia at a crossroad

At midnight on Saturday, the dance floor in the Hard Rock Cafe (HRC) in Bali was heaving. Apart from a careful pat down at the door for guests, the scene was no different from two years ago, before Islamist


Japanese citizen reportedly taken hostage in Iraq

The Islamic militant group of Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi reportedly claims to have taken a Japanese citizen hostage in Iraq. In a video shown on the Internet, the group threatens to execute him if Tokyo does not withdraw its troops from Iraq in 48 hours.


Korean and Japanese Phone Makers Win -Survey

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - South Korean mobile phone makers  continued a rapid move up the global market rankings during the  third quarter, while growth in the wider mobile phone market  slowed, a survey found on Wednesday.


DMCA Limited by Sixth Circuit Appeals Court

The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way. I really dont know why a printer manufacturer should have exclusive rights on producing ink that work with their printers.


India cool on Kashmir proposals

India responded coolly yesterday to suggestions by the Pakistani president, Pervez Musharraf, on how to solve the Kashmir dispute between the two countries.


Paterno #39;s real tragedy may be not knowing when to go

Joe Paterno often has talked about the profound impact that a piece of classic literature has had on his life. While a student at Brooklyn Prep in the early 1940s, he devoured TheAeneid, written by the Roman poet Virgil.


Martinez Moves Red Sox Nearer Series Title (AP)

AP - Don't question Pedro Martinez anymore. Fame and fortune already his, Martinez finally made it to the World Series on Tuesday night. And when he got there, he shut down the St. Louis Cardinals, putting the Boston Red Sox within one victory of the World Series title that has eluded them since 1918.


Ovitz Defends His Tenure

Michael Ovitz said on Tuesday that Walt Disney Co. would have made a string of dazzling deals and shrewd strategic moves during his brief tenure as the company #39;s president


Baseball-Red Sox on Brink of World Series Victory

ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - Pedro Martinez pitched seven shutout  innings and Manny Ramirez hit a home run as the Boston Red Sox  beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 Tuesday, moving to the brink  of their first World Series title since 1918.


UPDATE: Air New Zealand Rights Issue Greeted Positively

WELLINGTON (Dow Jones)--Air New Zealand Ltd. (AIR.NZ) said Wednesday it expects to post a slight drop in profit in the current financial year, and that it hopes to raise NZ\$186 million in a rights issue next month to fund investment in new aircraft.


Red Sox on Brink of World Series Victory


Two Wizards face possible suspensions

The Washington Wizards #39; Brendan Haywood and Larry Hughes could face suspensions for their part in a fight during Monday night #39;s preseason game against the Bulls in Chicago.


Former AL Batting Champion Dies at 78 (AP)

AP - Bobby Avila, a three-time All-Star who won the American League batting title in 1954, died Tuesday of complications from diabetes and a lung ailment. He was 78.


Eisner blocked big ideas, Ovitz tells court

Former Walt Disney Co. president Michael Ovitz insisted Tuesday that he worked tirelessly to better the company but frequently ran into resistance from CEO Michael Eisner and a handful of senior executives who refused to report to him.


Belmont beats the best to take its place at the top

Any time in the last decade and a half, yesterday's result would have been an upset. With a 3-2 victory over host Winchester, the Belmont girls' soccer team took the Middlesex League title from the Sachems for the first time in 16 years, and avenged a 1-1 tie with Winchester that was the only blemish on a 15-0-1 season.


Q amp;A : Merger changes little  for now

Here are answers to some questions arising from the closing of Cingular Wireless #39; acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless. Q: With the merger, how will the combined company rank in the industry?


Midseason ouster no surprise

Unless there #39;s an extenuating circumstance - see the University of Arizona last September - it #39;s generally considered poor form to change football coaches in midseason.


In Asia, Powell defends N. Korea policy

SEOUL -- Secretary of State Colin L. Powell yesterday sought to fend off complaints from key partners in the effort to end North Korea's nuclear programs that the Bush administration has not been sufficiently creative or willing to compromise in the negotiations.


FTSE 100 lifted by bright Dow

The FTSE 100 has climbed as a surge by US shares gives a boost to European markets. Shire Pharmaceuticals SHP.L jumped after winning approval for a key drug and consumer goods giant Unilever ULVR.


Sharon, Under Pressure, Snubs Gaza Referendum Call

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli leader Ariel Sharon rejected  calls from within his divided cabinet on Wednesday for a  referendum on leaving Gaza after winning parliament's support  to uproot settlements from land claimed by Palestinians.


Radcliffe awaits gun for start of Russian roulette

For the 3,000 Britons who will run in the New York City marathon next month the most important thing will be to finish the 26.2-mile race, in order to achieve a sense of personal fulfilment.


Chip Giant UMC Reports Higher Profits (AP)

AP - United Microelectronics Corp.  #151; the world's No. 2 producer of made-to-order chips  #151; on Wednesday reported that its third-quarter net profit more than doubled on year as shipments of chips for mobile phones and other gadgets increased.


N.Korea called worst for press freedom

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has labeled North Korea and Cuba the worst countries in terms of press freedom, with Denmark being the best.


NASA expert says Bush stifles evidence on global warming

IOWA CITY, Iowa A NASA scientist has charged that the Bush administration is subverting science and misleading the public by trying to suppress or alter evidence on the dangers of global warming.


Thai PM Defiant After 78 Muslims Die in Custody (Reuters)

Reuters - Thai Prime Minister Thaksin\Shinawatra shed few tears on Wednesday over the death of 78\Muslims in military custody as distraught mourners besieged an\army base in the far south, demanding the bodies of relatives.


Spanish bank makes bumper profits

The Spanish bank which is buying Abbey made a 2.2bn profit (3.1bn euros)in the first nine months of 2004. Banco Santander Central Hispano, which is acquiring the UK lender in a 8.


Stanford ties Arizona in poll Media splits on who #39;s favorite in <b>...</b>

The two teams that shared the Pac-10 women #39;s basketball title last season -- Stanford and Arizona -- are primed to share it again, according to the annual poll released at Pac-10 media day Tuesday at HP Pavilion in San Jose.


Milosevic Defense Team Asks to Withdraw from Case

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Former Yugoslav President Slobodan  Milosevic's two court-assigned defense lawyers have asked to be  withdrawn from his case, The Hague war crimes tribunal said  Wednesday.


Singapore Telecom ties up with Malaysia's TIME dotcom (AFP)

AFP - Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) said it has entered into an agreement with Malaysia's TIME dotCom to link their corporate customers through private leased line circuits.


Koetter: Hill will play Saturday

Hakim Hill, the ASU football teams oft-controversial running back, will be back on the field when the Sun Devils travel to face California, head coach Dirk Koetter announced Tuesday.


BHP Billiton, Alcoa sell Integris Metals for 359 million pounds (AFP)

AFP - Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton and Alcoa, the world's largest aluminium producer, have agreed to sell their metal services joint venture Integris Metals for 660 million dollars (359 million pounds) including debt, a joint statement said.


Chirac says Turkey's EU bid 'not a done deal' (AFP)

AFP - French President Jacques Chirac said Wednesday that Turkey's EU membership bid was  quot;not a done deal, quot; although he believed it was in Europe's best interests, a government spokesman reported after a cabinet meeting.


Comcast Posts Smaller 3Q Profit

Cable giant Comcast Corp. on Wednesday posted a smaller third-quarter profit that missed Wall Street expectations, but said digital cable and high-speed Internet subscriptions continued to grow during the period.


Durable Goods Orders Up 0.2 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. orders for long-lasting durable\goods rose by a smaller-than-expected 0.2 percent in September,\held back by another sharp fall in commercial aircraft,\government data showed on Wednesday.


WWW KOTV.com

_ Nearly 800 British forces left their base in southern Iraq on Wednesday, heading north toward Baghdad to replace US troops who are expected to take part in an offensive against insurgent strongholds.


Nokia wins 115-million-dollar network deal from Brazil's Oi Celular (AFP)

AFP - Nokia, the world's largest mobile phone maker, said it had received a 115-million-dollar (90-million-euro) order to expand Oi Celular's second-generation GSM network in Brazil.


India and Bangladesh Neglect Their Enclaves (Reuters)

Reuters - Nazrul Islam is an Indian\living in an Indian village.


Black Watch move towards Baghdad

THE Black Watch today moved towards Baghdad in response to the US plea for help. The Ministry of Defence said today that soldiers from the Scottish regiment were leaving their base in the southern city of


Aussie quartet put India on back foot

The second day of the third Test at Nagpur belonged to Australia #39;s bowlers, with their attritional approach wearing down India #39;s batsmen.


Stanford picked to win much-improved Pac-10

Tara VanDerveer stepped to the dais at the Pacific-10 Conference women #39;s basketball media day Tuesday and was asked to make an opening comment.


Leyland has emerged as a managerial candidate

Jim Leyland just might be ready to manage a Major League Baseball team again, and he will reportedly interview for jobs with the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, according to the NY Daily News.


Mortgage approvals drop sharply

Figures showing falling mortgage approvals and rising repossessions suggest interest rate rises are being felt.


Google Acquires Satellite Mapping Firm Keyhole\\After a tip from Andy Beal, I checked out Keyhole Satellite Image mapping and local search tool and absolutely loved it. Basically, with Keyhole you get a satellite image of the world and can view streets in the major cities, political hotspots, and towns (mostly ...


Is Apple Photogenic?

With competitors avidly trying to nibble at the iPod #39;s market share, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) has released its ostensibly new and improved version.


Britain's Not-So-Civil War: Hunters Outfoxed?

If hunting is banned in Britain, the pro-hunt lobby says its supporters will continue to hunt illegally.


Are Cheaper Flat-Panel TVs On The Way? (PC World)

PC World - IFire aims to displace LCD TVs with its lower-cost display technology.


Rumsfeld turns to radio interviews in battleground states to defend Iraq situation (AFP)

AFP - US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says he has been ordered not to comment on the presidential elections, but it hasn't kept him from defending the war in Iraq in interviews with radio talk show hosts in battleground states.


ATA: Customers Won #39;t Be Affected By Bankruptcy

INDIANAPOLIS -- ATA says it will honor all tickets and maintain its full schedule, after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Tuesday.


Black Watch troops move near Baghdad

British troops have rolled north from Basra to take over a deadly area near Baghdad and free up US troops for a widely expected attack on the rebel-held city of Falluja.


Henman Sails at the Swiss Indoors

 By Mark Ledsom

 BASEL (Reuters) - Britain's world number four Tim Henmanwon his opening match at the Swiss Indoors tennis tournamentwith little difficulty on Wednesday, beating Frenchman AntonyDupuis 6-3, 6-4.


Comcast Profit Falls Short of Forecasts

Comcast Corp. (CMCSA.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , the largest US cable operator, on Wednesday posted a quarterly profit that fell short of Wall Street forecasts but reported better-than


Remains of New Species of Hobbit-Sized Human Found

Scientists in Australia have found a new species of hobbit-sized humans who lived about 18,000 years ago on an Indonesian island in a discovery that adds another piece to the complex puzzle of human evolution.


Vietnam Opens Bunker Used by Ho Chi Minh (AP)

AP - Behind thick concrete walls and iron doors, Ho Chi Minh and other top Vietnamese leaders hid in secret underground tunnels during U.S. B-52 bombing raids to plot key military strategies that led to America's defeat in the Vietnam War.


Stocks Up as Oil Slides

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks jumped on Wednesday as oil  prices, which have held investor enthusiasm for stocks in check  for months, fell sharply after a higher-than-expected crude  build last week.


Dell Offers SUSE on Servers

Dell (Quote, Chart) officials announced Wednesday an agreement with Linux distributor Novell (Quote, Chart) to distribute and support SUSE Enterprise Server 9 on its single- and dual-processor line of servers.


Storms batter Cornish coastline

\Flooding causes chaos for homeowners all along Cornwall's south coast as 80mph winds hit land.


Dell: From factory floor to finished gear

PC giant also wants to be your supplier of high-end home electronics. Also: How your desktop gets bolted together.


Black Market in British Treasure Sold on EBay (Reuters)

Reuters - Pieces of Britain's past, including a\second-century silver ring and a 500-year-old Tudor trade\weight, are among artifacts being peddled daily on the Internet\to the alarm of experts at the British Museum.


Security report: Windows vs Linux

Much ado has been made about whether or not Linux is truly more secure than Windows. The results were not unexpected. Even by Microsoft #39;s subjective and flawed standards, fully 38 of the most recent patches address flaws that Microsoft ranks as Critical.


Al-Jazeera airs new footage of pleading British hostage in Iraq (AFP)

AFP - Kidnapped Briton Margaret Hassan made a new appeal for the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq, Al-Jazeera television said, showing her in a video.


Closing Arguments In Enron Barge Trial

Houston -- Prosecutors claim six executives conspired to push through a 1999 sham sale of barges because they didn #39;t think they #39;d get caught.


Report finds handheld device market in continued decline

The worldwide market for handheld devices saw its third successive quarter of year-over-year decline in the third quarter of 2004, according to a new report released by IDC.


Sony Announces PlayStation Por

Sony Corp. announced a price more fitting of a video-game machine than a slick movie-playing gadget for its new PlayStation Portable - 19,800 yen (\$186).


EU Unveils Plans for New Banana Tariffs (AP)

AP - The European Union said Wednesday it will impose a duty of 230 euros ( #36;290) per ton of bananas starting in 2006, in an effort to prevent producers in former African and Caribbean colonies from losing business to larger growers in Latin America.


Faces From The 1929 Crash

NEW YORK - The people who will forever be associated with the Great Crash of 1929 were all white, male and wealthy, but their occupations and ethics varied considerably.


OPEC Head Urges U.S. to Use Oil Reserves

JAKARTA (Reuters) - OPEC has taken the unprecedented step  of urging the United States to tap its emergency crude reserves  to bring down world oil prices.


Military Buoys Profit at Defense Firms

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Robust demand for military equipment  and technology led four U.S. defense companies to post higher  quarterly profit on Wednesday, with jet maker Boeing Co. BA.N  reporting a 78 percent jump in earnings despite a decline in  commercial airplane revenue.


Will Tellabs Push Its Luck?

Perhaps the optical network supplier should call off its merger with AFC.


US economy continues to expand in spite of rising energy prices <b>...</b>

The US economy continued to expand in September and early October in spite of rising energy costs, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday in its Beige Book, a survey of business activity around the country.


Yahoo Debuts Mobile Search

SAN FRANCISCO -- Yahoo (Quote, Chart) expanded its search empire to the mobile arena with the launch of some additional services. The company was one of the original content providers for mobile devices running


Hubris, Caution in Boston as Red Sox Eye Victory (Reuters)

Reuters - Giddiness. Paranoia. Arrogance. Caution.\All were on display on Wednesday in Boston as the supposedly\cursed Red Sox moved within one victory of a baseball\championship that has eluded them for 86 years.


Lexmark Loss Good for Consumers

Lexmark's loss in court on Tuesday may mean that consumer electronics companies won't try to use the Digital Millenium Copyright Act as an all-purpose competition shield anymore, consumer advocates say. By Katie Dean.


Thai Villagers Search for Relatives

Hundreds of villagers besieged a Thai military camp Wednesday demanding to know whether their relatives were among at least 78 Muslim men who officials said suffocated


Palmeiro Signs One-Year Deal With Orioles (AP)

AP - Rafael Palmeiro didn't want his homecoming with the Baltimore Orioles to end after just one season, so he took a pay cut and accepted a one-year,  #36;3 million contract Wednesday.


Suse warns of hole in Linux kernel

OCTOBER 27, 2004 (TECHWORLD.COM) - Linux distributor Suse has warned of one of the most serious security holes to date in version 2.6 of the Linux kernel, which could allow attackers to shut down a system running 2.6-based software.


Wenger commits future to Arsenal

Arsenal FC have agreed a three-year contract extension with manager Arsne Wenger, retaining the Frenchman #39;s services until May 2008.


Kezman #39;s first hammer blow

MATEJA KEZMAN finally broke his scoring duck to settle this League Cup derby at Stamford Bridge today. Kezman missed a string of chances before firing in from Joe Cole #39;s through-ball in the 57th-minute to quash the Hammers #39; hopes of making the last 16.


Black Watch troops move into position

The first units of a Black Watch battlegroup are due to arrive today in their new positions south of Baghdad as Tony Blair indicated that more British troops may replace them in the American-controlled zone before the end of the year.


Georgia Tech Looks to Virginia Tech (AP)

AP - Georgia Tech wants to avoid being embarrassed by another ACC rookie.


Abdullah conveys concerns over violence to Thaksin

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has conveyed to Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra its concern over the latest incident of violence in southern Thailand.


3 police officials charged over Beslan siege

ROSTOV-ON-DON, RUSSIA - Three Russian police officers have been charged with criminal negligence in connection with the Beslan school hostage-taking that left 360 people dead, almost half of them children.


IDC sees continuing decline in PDA market

If a handheld device doesn't have voice capabilities, a growing number of users around the world aren't interested, according to IDC. For the third straight quarter, shipments of handheld devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) fell as some prominent vendors decided to pull back from the market, IDC said Wednesday.


Germany to kick off 2006 World Cup

FRANKFURT, Germany -- Hosts Germany will play in the opening match of the 2006 World Cup, the organizing committee of the governing body FIFA announced on Wednesday.


National Foods: Take No Action On Fonterra Takeover Bid

MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Australia #39;s National Foods Ltd. (NFD.AU) on Thursday told shareholders to take no action on New Zealand dairy group Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd.


New Web Domain Names Get Preliminary Nod (AP)

AP - Two new Internet domain names  #151; ".post" and ".travel"  #151; could appear online as early as next year as the Internet's key oversight board announced preliminary approval on Wednesday.


Inter draw with lecce while AC Milan crash Atlanta

Bulgarian teenager Valeri Bojinov scored twice as Lecce came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with Inter Milan in Italian first division league on Wednesday.


Yahoo Battles Google for The Cell Phone

Yahoo added a search feature for cell phones Wednesday, just a few weeks after rival Google launched one of its own. While Google SMS (Short Message Service) uses text-only messages to deliver its results, Yahoo #39;s


New-Age General Manager Labors to End Age-Old Curse

Until Theo Epstein became the general manager of the Boston Red Sox two years ago, at 28, life had offered him little cause to believe in superstition.


Russian Parliament Ratifies Kyoto Pact (AP)

AP - The Kyoto Protocol overcame its final legislative hurdle in Russia when the upper house of parliament ratified the global climate pact Wednesday and sent it on to President Vladimir Putin for his signature  #151; setting the stage for the treaty to come into force next year.


Arafat's Health Reported to Have Turned Sharply Worse

An ambulance was called to Yasir Arafat's compound amid unconfirmed reports that he had lost consciousness at least once.


Owens Explains Ravens Snub

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis took a deep breath as he prepared to answer yet another question about Terrell Owens, the wide receiver who spurned an


At Least Five Dead in Russia Mine Blast (Reuters)

Reuters - At least five miners were killed and 14\injured in a blast in a coal mine in Russia's Siberia, the\Emergencies Ministry said on Thursday.


Japanese rescuers grapple with rocks to retrieve girl from quake <b>...</b>

TOKYO - Rescuers grappled through mud and rocks for a second day Thursday in the hope of finding a three-year-old girl trapped in a crushed car since Japans killer earthquake last weekend.


Durable Goods Orders Up

Orders for durable goods rose in September for the third time in four months. Home sales also increased. Orders for goods intended to last more than three years increased 0.2 percent to \$195.


Stargazers Enjoy Total Lunar Eclipse

Astronomy buffs and amateur stargazers turned out to watch a total lunar eclipse Wednesday night - the last one Earth will get for nearly two and a half years.


Large Explosion Heard in Central Baghdad (Reuters)

Reuters - A large blast was heard in central\Baghdad on Thursday, witnesses said.


Hundreds trapped in Russia mine

Five miners are killed by an explosion which leaves up to 240 trapped in a Siberian coal mine.


Low-Cost Airline Enters Bankruptcy

Blaming excess capacity, extremely high fuel prices, which and descending fares, ATA Holdings Corp., parent of discount airline carrier ATA Airlines, said it has filed for bankruptcy.


At least five dead in Russia mine blast

quot;At 9:45 am (2:45 am British time) we received the signal for a methane blast. At the time, a 45-strong repair team was working in that.


Despite Scandals, Boeing Still Charms Wall Street

Boeing's bottom line continues to fatten, even as its image tarnishes, thanks in part to the consolidation of the defense industry, which has left the Pentagon with few choices for buying weapons, industry analysts said.


Stability Control Systems Can Save Lives (AP)

AP - Stability control systems could save up to 7,000 lives each year if they were standard equipment on all vehicles, according to a study by the insurance industry.


Washington Contractors' Sales Increase

Companies that provide federal agencies with network integration and payroll accounting technologies are benefiting from a government trying to bolster its defenses against terrorism, experts say.
-The Washington Post


AirTran #39;s plan may aid city

If the airline acquires some ATA assets, Wichita Mid-Continent could see expanded AirTran service, especially to Chicago. BY PHYLLIS JACOBS GRIEKSPOOR.


Chelsea 1-0 West Ham

Mateja Kezman finally broke his Chelsea goal duck with the winner against a spirited West Ham in the Carling Cup. The striker was making his 13th outing for Chelsea and he arrowed in a second half shot past keeper James Walker.


Healthy Henman looking forward to Moodie match

Tim Henman confirmed he was in good health, despite being diagnosed with a magnesium deficiency, after a straight-sets win over Antony Dupuis in the first round of the Davidoff Swiss Masters.


Broken thumb sidelines Payton

Results of X-rays on Gary Payton #39;s right hand revealed a non-displaced fracture in the point guard #39;s right thumb. Payton did not play last night against the


Powell backpedals on Taiwan remarks

US Secretary of State Colin Powell yesterday carefully avoided repeating a suggestion he made earlier this week of an eventual reunification of China and Taiwan.


Tokyo shares follow NY trend higher

Share prices closed higher across the board in Tokyo this morning, as investors were cheered by last night #39;s gains on Wall Street.


Tennis: Leading Brits go marching on

TIM HENMAN showed he was on top form despite being diagnosed as suffering from magnesium deficiency, with a straight-sets win over Antony Dupuis in the first round of the Davidoff Swiss Masters.


Haywood suspended for three games

NEW YORK - Brendan Haywood of the Washington Wizards was suspended for three games by the NBA yesterday for fighting during a pre-season game against the Chicago Bulls.


Big East braces for growth spurt

It #39;s hard to imagine, but the league that gave us college basketball #39;s last two national champions is about to get a lot better.


Hidden value for Wakefield

When we look back on this improbable postseason turnaround by the Red Sox, one of the turning points will be hard to find unless we recall the words of Red Sox manager Terry Francona in the aftermath of the humiliating 19-8 loss to the Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series.


Lowe's road to glory

For Derek Lowe, two roads diverged not in a yellow wood, as New England's poet laureate Robert Frost had it, but on the greenswards of Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, and Busch Stadium.


Today's schedule

College field hockey: UMass-Dartmouth at Salve Regina, 3 p.m.; UNH at BC, 7 p.m.; Anna Maria at Westfield St., 7 p.m.


Australia establish 300-run lead in third India Test (AFP)

AFP - Australia batted cautiously in their second innings to build a lead of 300 runs over India with nine wickets in hand in the third cricket Test here.


Gold Fields hit by Q3 rand strength

JOHANNESBURG (Mineweb.com) -- Gold Fields, the takeover target of smaller rival Harmony, contained its costs on its South African mines during the September quarter.


Nigerian Protection Force Leaves for Darfur

An elite contingent of 50 Nigerian soldiers left Nigeria on Thursday for Darfur, the first stage in the deployment of 3,000 extra African Union (AU) troops to monitor a shaky cease-fire in the western Sudanese region.


Russians to see full lunar eclipse Thursday morning

MOSCOW, October 28 (Itar-Tass) - People in Russia #39;s European part will have an opportunity to see a full eclipse of the Moon during several hours Thursday morning, said Dr Andrei Finkelshtein, director of the Russian Institute of Applied Astronomy.


Attack prompts Bush website block

The re-election website of President Bush is blocking overseas visitors because of "security reasons".


Royal Dutch/Shell merges holding companies with unified board

LONDON, October 28 (newratings.com) - Royal Dutch/Shell Group has announced its plans to merge its two holding companies in the Netherlands and the UK, Royal Dutch Petroleum (ROY.


Dell Comes Up With Novell Idea To Sell Servers

Novell has given its recently acquired Linux distro, SuSE, a push, by signing an agreement with Dell to offer SuSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 9 on select PowerEdge servers worldwide.


Web TV Start-Ups Show Programs Outside the Box (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Internet TV is a mirage, seeming so close yet turning out to be far away or downright unreal when you try to watch it. At least that's my take on the many past plans for zapping motion pictures over the Internet.


Game on as Sony puts 100 tag on PSP system

SONY is going head-to-head with Nintendo in the battle for the handheld games console market. The company will price its long-awaited PlayStation Portable (PSP) at about 100 for its launch in Japan, when


Nakatani expects a big day at BC

No stranger to brash statements, jockey Corey Nakatani has a firm goal for Saturday #39;s Breeders #39; Cup program at Lone Star Park.


When Wireless Networks Merge

Now that its \$41 billion takeover of AT T Wireless has been completed, Cingular will spend hundreds of millions of dollars in coming weeks on its advertising campaign.


Sainsbury Ultimatum to Leeds

Sebastian Sainsbury warned Leeds United chiefs today they face the stark choice of accepting his 25million bid or selling Elland Road.


Delta, pilots OK deal

Union officials representing 7,500 pilots at Delta Air Lines said Wednesday night they have reached a cost-cutting agreement with management, which presumably could halt, or at least


Kiwis heading for big win

DANIEL VETTORI spun New Zealand to the brink of a crushing victory over Bangladesh in the second and final Test at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong today.


3 UN staff kidnapped in Afghan capital

Unknown armed men in military uniform kidnapped three staff of the United Nations in the Afghan capital city at broad daylight Thursday, Afghan officials confirmed.


Google and Microsft Getting Close

Google and Microsft Getting Close\\Microsoft partnering with Google? Well sort of, an article released yesterday details the relationship between the two, and the use of Google Deskbar in Microsoft's Partner Pack for Windows, "a collection of Microsoft and third-party products released last week that Microsoft describes on its Web site ...


ATA Files for Bankruptcy Protection

ATA Holdings Corp. (ATAH), parent of struggling low-cost carrier ATA Airlines, on Tuesday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as falling fares and soaring fuel prices drained it of cash.


Dow Chemical reports 86 percent increase in profit

DETROIT - Dow Chemical Co. #39;s third-quarter earnings soared 86 percent to beat Wall Street forecasts, thanks largely to improved margins.


Blast Outside Thailand Bar Injures 15 (AP)

AP - A bomb exploded Thursday evening outside a bar in southern Thailand, the scene of a campaign of violence blamed on Islamic separatists, injuring at least 15 people, police said.


Final edition for a respected Asian newsweekly

HONG KONG The Far Eastern Economic Review, an often incisive newsweekly for more than half a century, will become a monthly opinion magazine in December, and virtually all of its employees will lose their jobs, Dow Jones announced on Thursday.


AMD Rolls Out Low-Cost Net Access Device in India

US chip maker Advanced Micro Devices AMD.N has unveiled a low-cost Internet access device that could cost just a few hundred dollars, aimed at first-time technology users in the developing world.


Raiders notes: Gallery appreciates the silence

Because his name is called infrequently, he is having a solid season as a rookie. By Gregg Bell -- Bee Staff Writer. It #39;s not too late to get into a Fantasy Sports League.


New Zealand bank raises key interest rate

WELLINGTON New Zealand #39;s central bank raised the benchmark interest rate by a quarter point on Thursday, to 6.5 percent, and said the sixth increase this year may be the last as economic growth slows.


Bomb kills one in southern Thailand

A bomb has exploded in southern Thailand, killing one person and injuring about 20, in what could be the first reaction to the deaths of 85 Muslim protesters earlier this week.


UPDATE 2-Viacom posts loss on charges; cable networks up

Viacom Inc. (VIAb.N: Quote, Profile, Research) (VIA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday posted a quarterly loss on charges related to the spinoff of video rental chain Blockbuster


Delta gets tentative deal with pilots

After 15 months of negotiations, Delta Air Lines Inc. has secured a tentative contract with its pilots, a move that might help the struggling carrier avoid a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.


Titan reveals its purple patches

LONDON: Unprecedented pictures of the purple atmospheric haze on Titan have been captured by the Cassini spacecraft during its closest approach yet to Saturn #39;s largest moon.


Israel would not bar Arafat return after overseas treatment

JERUSALEM, Oct 28 (AFP) - Israel will not bar ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat from returning to the West Bank if he were to leave for medical treatment, senior government spokesman Raanan Gissin told AFP Thursday.


Web domains approved for Posties, travel

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has approved two new sponsored Internet domains, .post and .travel, specifically for the post and travel industries.


A fresh look at the stars...

A supernova spotted by the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe more than four centuries ago - which changed the course of human knowledge - has just yielded a further discovery: the companion star that triggered the great event.


Remark on Homosexuality Delays Seating of European Panel

The European Union #39;s normally yawn-inducing institutions raised eyebrows on Wednesday when a spat over comments about homosexuality made by an Italian bureaucrat led to the


Earnings Improve at Japanese Electronics Firms

The Japanese electronics makers remained cautious about the months ahead, citing worries about global growth. Japanese corporate profits are almost certain to be hurt by any economic slowdown in Japan and in the United States.


Ryanair agrees to repay 4M in an escrow account for the Walloon <b>...</b>

vueling writes  quot;Ryanair confirmed it had written to the Walloon authorities and agreed to repay 4M in an escrow account until Ryanairs appeal is heard and the European Courts make a definitive decision on this matter.


Yahoo Takes Search to the Airwaves

Yahoo will offer its own version of wireless Internet searching, keeping pace with rival Google, which recently introduced a mobile search offering.


Pilot leaders OK Delta deal

The leadership of Delta Air Lines #39; pilot union early this morning approved a tentative concessionary agreement with the company, sending it to a vote of the entire membership.


Oil Price Steadies After 5 Percent Slide

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil steadied on Thursday after  Wednesday's 5 percent retreat from record highs, as traders  concluded that China's surprise interest rate rise would not do  much to dampen fuel demand growth.


Cavs Pick Up Option on Drew Gooden

CLEVELAND (Sports Network) - The Cleveland Cavaliers  Thursday picked up the team's 2005-06 contract option on  forward Drew Gooden.


Link Between Migraine, Endometriosis Found

There #39;s evidence of a possible link between endometriosis and migraine, says an Italian study in the latest issue of Human Reproduction.


UPDATE 2-Spaniards Garcia and Lara share Volvo Masters lead

Sergio Garcia showed the consistency that has lifted his game this year with a four-under-par 67 in difficult conditions to share the Volvo Masters lead with Spanish compatriot Jose Manuel Lara.


AOL Files Lawsuit Against IM  #39;Spim #39;

America Online Inc. said Thursday it had filed a federal lawsuit accusing numerous unnamed defendants of violating federal and state laws by sending bulk messages known as  quot;spim quot; to instant message accounts and Internet chat rooms.


Iran  #39;not obliged #39; to allow military site inspections

Iran says it is not obliged to allow UN atomic energy agency inspectors to visit military sites alleged to be involved in secret nuclear weapons work but that it is willing to discuss the issue.


NASA Again Postpones Launch of Autonomous DART Spacecraft

com Staff. NASA once again postponed the launch of the Demonstration of Autonomous Rendezvous Technology (DART) spacecraft Thursday due to the discovery of contamination inside the fairing of its Pegasus launch vehicle.


New Technology Powers Fuel Cells

A new fuel cell for notebook PCs, more compact and powerful than competing technologies, could be on the market in early 2006 at a price of around \$90, its Japanese inventors claim.


Boston Red Sox outperform their owner #39;s funds

Boston Red Sox owner John Henry #39;s bet on baseball has paid off big with the team #39;s first World Series championship since 1918, but his calls in financial markets have been less blessed this year.


Voting Machines Remain Unsecured--Experts

In one example, a government study of voting-machine security issues was eventually canceled because conclusions by the panel of computer scientists were so negative.


AMD Launches Low-Cost Web Device

Advanced Micro Devices is launching a low-cost Internet access device dubbed  quot;PIC, quot; or personal Internet communicator, targeted at first-time computer users in the developing world.


This could be the week for a Patriots loss

The New England Patriots might be like no other powerhouse in NFL history. They almost never dominate, they just always win -- a record 21 victories in a row including the postseason, 18 straight in the regular season.


Judge: Ex-Baylor Player Unfit for Trial (AP)

AP - A former Baylor University basketball player charged with murdering a teammate was ruled incompetent to stand trial Thursday.


Racing in an Evening Gown (Forbes.com)

Forbes.com - Not every driver was dressed formally for the start of this year's Bullrun, a road rally that begins in London, at the Marble Arch, and ends three days later in Ibiza, Spain. Yet as drivers thrummed their engines nervously on the afternoon of Sept. 23, waiting for the checkered flag, a quick inspection of the field revealed one entrant clad in an Oxford shirt and gray pinstripe blazer, another sporting a tuxedo, and a third--me--wearing a red couture Matthew Earnest gown.


AOL, E-Mail Companies Sue Spammers

The nation #39;s largest e-mail providers today filed a new round of lawsuits against Internet spammers allegedly responsible for shoveling millions of junk e-mail messages into computer users #39; in-boxes and their instant messaging screens.


Revenge of the Sith turning DS, PSP, GBA to the dark side

Ubisoft and LucasArts are teaming up to bring the adaptation of the third Star Wars prequel to all portables; will be released alongside the game in Spring 2005.


Astros exercise Biggio #39;s option, but not Kent #39;s

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Craig Biggio will be around for an 18th season with the Houston Astros. On Thursday, the team exercised its contract option on Biggio for the 2005 season.


Elarton agrees to \$850,000, one-year deal with Indians

Scott Elarton, who pitched effectively late in the season after a slow start with Cleveland, agreed Thursday to an \$850,000, one-year contract with the Indians.


UK gives blessing to open source

With most organizations that planned to move already moved to Microsoft Server 2003, OS migration has dropped to the bottom ranks after making its


Hostage-Takers Demand U.S. Allies Quit Iraq

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Militants piled more pressure on  Washington's military allies in Iraq on Thursday, seizing an  Iraqi-Polish woman and holding a Japanese man under threat of  death.


Gateway Reports Smaller Quarterly Loss

Gateway Inc. reported a narrowed net loss in the first quarter as it continues to restructure its operations and integrate its acquisition of eMachines. Still, the personal computer and electronics company posted a tiny operating profit -- its first in nearly three years.


'American' voice on new terror video

ABC News is in possession of a tape purportedly from Al Qaeda, threatening attacks on the US.


At wireless show, services take center stage

Games, graphic ring tones and other services dominate the showroom floor. Also: Yahoo battles Google for the cell phone.


Microsoft's Live Communications Server may drive interest in enterprise IM

With Microsoft's new Live Communications Server 2005 due out in December, enterprise IM users and vendors are eyeing new opportunities for more secure messaging in the workplace.


EMC unveils 'Storage Router'

EMC has unveiled long-awaited storage virtualization technology that the company said will allow users to manage its arrays -- and high-end boxes from major competitors -- through a single interface.


Gateway reports smaller net loss as restructuring continues

Gateway Inc. reported a narrowed net loss in the first quarter as it continues to restructure its operations and integrate its acquisition of eMachines.


Update 1: UAL Posts \$274M Loss, Capping Bad Quarter

Record fuel costs and low air fares contributed to a \$274 million third-quarter loss for United Airlines #39; parent company, which warned again that labor costs must be slashed again soon in order for it to emerge from bankruptcy.


Recording Industry Sues 750 Computer Users

LOS ANGELES - The recording industry on Thursday filed another round of copyright infringement lawsuits against people it said were illegally distributing songs over the Internet.


Arafat to seek treatment in France

RAMALLAH, WEST BANK - Yasser Arafat is about to leave his compound in the West Bank for the first time in two and a half years. Two helicopters from Jordan were expected to arrive in Ramallah late Thursday


UPDATE 3-Alliance Capital profit rises in third quarter

Alliance Capital Management Holdings LP (AC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , one of the biggest US money managers, on Thursday said its profit rose in the third quarter


British tourists killed in Jordan bus crash

Nine British tourists, two Jordanians and an Egyptian have been killed in a bus accident in southern Jordan, civil defence sources and diplomats say.


Thaksin in the Firing Line After Massacre

BANGKOK/JEDDAH, 29 October 2004 - A bomb ripped through two bars in southern Thailand yesterday, killing two people and wounding about 20, in what could be the first reaction to the deaths of 78 Muslims in police custody this week.


Hobbit-sized Humans Called Homo floresiensis Discovered by <b>...</b>

Long live the real Bilbo Baggins, the first Little People of the World, Homo floresiensis and Homo sapien archeologists Michael Morwood, Peter Brown and Professor Soejono!


US diplomat among 7 injured in Islamabad hotel explosion

ISLAMABAD: Seven people including foreigners were injured in a powerful explosion at the entrance to the Marriott Hotel lobby on Thursday.


UK gov #39;t report cites merits of open source

Open source software proponents received a potential boost from the UK government Thursday with a release of a report citing the well-documented advantages on the server side, but also growing maturity on the desktop front.


Japan steps up efforts for Iraq hostage release

Japan has made last-ditch efforts to secure the release of a Japanese hostage facing execution in Iraq. A Japanese government official says efforts are still being made to free Shosei Koda, 24, but there have been no reports of any progress.


Egypt names former player Shehata as caretaker coach

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has appointed a domestic coach to take over Italian Marco Tardelli who was sacked earlier this month after a surprise defeatto Libya, a spokesman said Thursday.


Stargazers Enjoy Total Lunar Eclipse (AP)

AP - The Earth's last total lunar eclipse for nearly two and a half years didn't disappoint.


Shell Warns of New Cuts in Reserves of Oil and Gas

The warning came during its earnings report and on a day when Shell said it would merge the two entities that make up the company, unifying the boards and management.


Red Sox Spread Good Feeling Across Nation (AP)

AP - It was a pinch-me morning. Did the Boston Red Sox really win the World Series or was it all a sweet dream? Opened the shades, let in the sunlight, blinked at red, gold and orange leaves shimmering against a clear blue sky. It seemed too perfect, too real.


The Red Sox Gaze Ahead After Much Looking Back

The Boston Red Sox are already thinking about next year, the year after and, above all, how to avoid another eight-and-a-half-decade drought.


New federal law ends check floating

A new federal law that went into effect yesterday will eventually eliminate the days of check floating.. However, some Sumner County bankers say it depends on where you bank and


As Drama Plays Out, Mixed Feelings for Arafat #39;s Neighbors

No crowds of well-wishers massed Thursday outside the Mukata, the mostly ruined compound where Yasser Arafat has been confined for the past two years.


Militant Rivals Show Unity Behind Arafat (AP)

AP - The militant Palestinian group Hamas said Friday it was setting aside its differences with ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and called for a united Palestinian leadership to work toward general elections.


Thai PM to Address Nation as More Bombs Hit South

PATTANI, Thailand (Reuters) - Bomb blasts rocked southern  Thailand on Friday hours before Thai Prime Minister Thaksin  Shinawatra was to address the nation as he faces his worst  crisis following the deaths of 85 Muslim protesters. A second  bomb exploded at a busy food stall in Yala province on Friday,  wounding nine bomb squad members who had arrived to investigate  an earlier blast that wounded three people, including one  policeman, hospital officials said.


Bush, Kerry Stick to Issue Of Security

Presidential candidates combed the Midwest for the last few uncommitted voters Thursday, each carrying severe warnings that his rival's victory would worsen the security of Americans.


Blame player, not game

It was like nothing youd ever exercised your thumbs to before. You could do whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted. The game seemed endless.


Weakened Arafat Heads for France, Cancer Suspected

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian leader Yasser  Arafat, weakened by what doctors think may be leukemia, flew  for treatment in France on Friday from the besieged West Bank  headquarters where he has been pinned for over 2-1/2 years.


Brazilian soccer player dies of heat attack during match

Player Paulo de Oliveira,  quot;Serginho, quot; of Brazilian First Division club Sao Caetano, Wednesdaynight died of a heart attack during the second half of a match against Sao Paulo


AOL attacks the spimmers

A volley of lawsuits was launched against alleged spammers on Thursday by the four major US Internet service providers. This includes a case brought by AOL against twenty individuals accused of spimming, or


Tennis: Agassi makes short work of Vliegen

STOCKHOLM - Andre Agassi made short work of Kristof Vliegen in his opening Stockholm Open tennis match today, beating the Belgian 6-2 6-4 in just over an hour.


At least seven police injured in second bomb in Thai south

Police say the blast occurred less than 90 minutes after a previous explosion at the same site injured seven other people. The police had been conducting forensic research at the site of a bomb blast in the


US confirms commitment to defend Taiwan

Mr Powell says that while the US recognises the one-China policy, it will offer to assist Taiwan if it is threatened. A US State Department spokesman says the issue came up during talks with China #39;s visiting military chief, General Liang Guanglie.


Pension sales help to lift Aviva

The UK's biggest insurer unveils better than expected sales figures for the first nine months of the year.


New Englanders greet the day with wings on their heels

In a Framingham coffee shop yesterday morning, an elderly man softly asked a customer if he could see her newspaper. When the woman held up the front page, emblazoned with news of the Red Sox victory, the man stared in silence, touched his eyes, and began to cry.


Sign off, then sign in

G. Michael Caggiano Jr. lies awake at night thinking about bank signs. He ponders them during breakfast, while brushing his teeth, and  quot;constantly quot; during the day, he says.


Not quite high Tech

Virginia Tech just couldn't seem to get going. There were turnovers. There were botched plays. There were missed opportunities. Then, in the last 5 1/2 minutes, Bryan Randall and the Hokies turned it all around.


AOL To Add Free Anti-Virus Service For Members

America Online on Thursday said it would give away a formerly for-fee virus scanning service when it releases a special security-focused edition of its software next month.


UPDATE 2-Chelsea sack Mutu after positive dope test

Chelsea have sacked their Romanian striker Adrian Mutu after he tested positive for cocaine last month.  quot;Chelsea has terminated the contract of Adrian Mutu for gross misconduct, quot; the Premier League club said on Friday.


Suit says secret accounts at DCX used for bribes

The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating allegations that German automaker DaimlerChrysler AG maintained at least 40 secret bank accounts to bribe foreign government officials


Music industry group sues 750 for file sharing

Los Angeles, October 29: A trade group representing the US music industry said on Thursday it has filed lawsuits against 750 people it claims used online file-sharing networks to illegally trade in copyrighted songs.


Sluman shoots course-mark 62

Consistency was the key to Jeff Sluman #39;s record-breaking round on Thursday on the difficult Copperhead Course at the Westin Innisbrook Resort.


Dems, GOP: Who's Got the Brains?

Well, both do, actually. But there are some discernible differences in brain activity which may just explain why a Democrat sees the world one way, and a Republican sees it another.


Martha Stewart Living posts bigger loss

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., still reeling from the personal legal woes of its imprisoned founder, former chairwoman and CEO, posted a wider loss in the third quarter


Canning Zook could backfire on the Gators

Florida long-snapper Casey Griffith let the secret slip while talking to a Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Sun-Sentinel reporter this week:  quot;Don #39;t tell anyone I told you this, but someone inside the system told me they heard we #39;re going to be playing against


War costs 100,000 Iraqi lives

Around 100,000 Iraqis have been killed in violence since the US-led coalition forces invaded the country in March 2003, said a report published Friday in British medicine journal The Lancet.


Loss-making Smart 'is not doomed'

The head of Smart cars denies rumours that the loss-making firm may be sold, or even closed down, by parent group DaimlerChrysler.


Avon Third-Quarter Profit Rises

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Avon Products Inc. AVP.N on Friday  posted higher quarterly earnings as business in Latin America  and Europe helped offset weakness in the United States for the  direct seller of cosmetics.


National Foods to look for protector

29/10/2004 National Foods will hunt for a  quot;white knight quot; to protect it from Fonterras \$A1.62 billion (\$NZ1.76 billion) bid, raising the risk New Zealand dairy farmers will get dragged into an expensive bidding war.


Ailing Arafat Arrives in Paris for Medical Treatment

A French military jet believed to be carrying the Palestinian leader landed today at an airfield outside Paris, witnesses said.


French Firms Sagem, Snecma Plan Merger

PARIS (Reuters) - French companies Snecma and Sagem   announced a planned 7 billion euro (\$8.9 billion) merger on  Friday, in a deal that analysts said was driven by political  rather than shareholder interests.


Economy Grows at a 3.7 Percent Rate in 3Q

The US economy grew at a 3.7 percent annual rate in the third quarter - a pace that was slightly better than in the spring but not as strong as many analysts expected.


Sudan Govt rejects call to separate religion, state

Sudanese rebel leaders #39; demand that Islam be kept out of government in the war-torn region of Darfur, has been rejected by government negotiators.


Koch, Park leads first day in Nine Bridges Classic

Carin Koch of Sweden and South Korea #39;s Grace Park both shot a 6-under-par 66 on Friday, taking the lead after the first round of the LPGA #39;s CJ Nine Bridges Classic.


Cosatu Delegation Sent Home in Minibus

A 12-member delegation of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) was deported early yesterday after being driven to Beitbridge overnight in a minibus.


Voters Checking Out Other Sides' Sites

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


Harrington tied for first at Valderrama

Padraig Harrington is tied for first at the Volvo Masters in Valderrama, at two under after 14 holes. Joining him at the top of the leaderbaod are Angel Cabrera, Brian Davis, and Alastair Forsyth.


EU Clears Flextronics Purchase of Units (AP)

AP - European Union regulators Friday cleared Singapore's Flextronics International Ltd., the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, to acquire factories from Canada's Nortel Networks Corp.


Game sparks sales frenzy

GAMES stores opened at midnight to meet demand for the latest version of the controversial Great Theft Auto. There were queues outside shops around Merseyside with people anxious


Fitful Mauresmo Through to Linz Semifinals

VIENNA (Reuters) - Top seed Amelie Mauresmo reached the  semifinals of the Linz Open when she continued her run of  success against Ai Sugiyama by beating the defending champion  6-2, 6-4 Friday.


Bank of America Fires Back at Parmalat

LONDON (Reuters) - Grant Thornton and Bank of America have  filed motions in a New York court to remove a U.S. injunction  stopping them counter-suing insolvent Italian dairy group  Parmalat, which has sued each for \$10 billion.


Optimism Drives Google Shares to New Highs (Reuters)

Reuters - Stock of Google Inc.  powered\to new highs on Friday, buoyed by the web search leader's new\products and growth prospects, which complement its recent\strong financial results, analysts said.


Agassi Overcomes Verdasco Power

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Andre Agassi marched into the  Stockholm Open semifinals Friday, beating Spanish eighth seed  Fernando Verdasco 7-6, 6-2 in his toughest match of the  tournament.


Thai inquiry over Muslim deaths

The Thai prime minister pledges to set up an independent inquiry into the deaths of 78 Muslim protesters in police custody.


Search Engine Marketing: Outsource or In House?\\The next Search Engine Strategies session I thought would be interesting to report on was Search Engine Marketing: Outsource or In House?. Chris Sherman is moderating this panel, which includes Drew Graham from Kelkoo, Bill Hunt from IBM, Joseph Morin from Autobytel (SEW Forum ...


Times to Scrap Broadsheet Edition

The Times is to scrap its broadsheet edition and go tabloid from Monday, it was confirmed today. The decision was made after a trial run of the compact edition proved a success, said editor Robert Thomson.


Xbox owner sues MS

p2pnet.net News:- Microsoft is being sued for damages, restitution and other costs and fees,  quot;on behalf of all Xbox owners across the United States, quot; says Reuters.


CSFB May Cut Costs by Merging Units, Shedding Jobs, People Say

Credit Suisse First Boston, the securities arm of Switzerland #39;s second-biggest bank, plans to cut costs by combining some units and eliminating jobs, people familiar with the matter said.


AOL Adds McAfee to Bundle (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - America Online is adding a layer of security to its popular Internet\service with the bundling of virus protection software from McAfee at no\charge to customers. AOL (NYSE: AOL) claims it is the first ISP to offer premium\antivirus coverage in the basic membership package.


Ukraine Challenger Predicts Mass Cheating in Vote (Reuters)

Reuters - Liberal challenger Viktor Yushchenko\predicted on Friday that Ukrainian authorities would resort to\mass fraud to ensure victory for the establishment candidate in\an increasingly tense weekend presidential poll.


Silva's Party Could Lose Sao Paulo Control

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's leftist Worker's Party appears set to lose control of South America's biggest city, Sao Paulo, with polls showing voters will replace the mayor with the man who lost the presidential election to Silva two years ago.


NASA Scientists Find Surface of Titan 'Very Alien' (Reuters)

Reuters - The surface of Saturn's moon Titan\may be covered by thick drifts of combustible organic "snow"\floating on lakes of liquid methane or water and ammonia ice\flows, NASA scientists said on Friday.


US Says Ukraine Can Still Salvage a Free and Fair Election

The United States says Friday Ukraine still has an opportunity to conduct a free and fair presidential election Sunday, despite a campaign marred by charges of pro-government bias.


AOL's Viral Marketing

America Online will now provide gratis antivirus protection to its subscribers.


Washington Post Comes Clean on Party (AP)

AP - The Washington Post's executive editor says his paper should have told readers up front that it had helped arrange a Republican debate-watching party it covered, paid for food and carried a photograph that was not as spontaneous as the story suggested.


Update 3: ADM #39;s Earnings Skyrocket; Stocks Soars

Shares in agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland Co. soared to a 6 1/2-year high Friday, fueled by a 77 percent increase in quarterly earnings.


S amp;P 500 Rises for 4th Day; Material, Energy Shares Lead Advance

The Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 Index rose for a fourth day as investors looked past a disappointing third- quarter economic growth report to better-than-expected readings on Chicago-area business and consumer confidence.


Secret Service Busts Internet Organized Crime Ring

Feds allege 1.7 million stolen credit card numbers were involved in global scam.


Feds Charge 28 in ID Theft Ring

Agents at the US Secret Service unmasked 28 people who thought they were safe behind anonymous identities and charged them in connection with alleged ID Theft activities.


Australia conquer their final frontier

Adam Gilchrist boldly went where no Australian captain since Bill Lawry has gone before at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur yesterday. His team #39;s 342-run win gave them an invincible 2-0


Hosted E-Mail Service Leaves Windows for Linux

Company outsources e-mail for small to medium businesses.


'Smelly' mates guide seabirds

Seabirds called prions, which mate for life, find their nests by sniffing out their partners, scientists say.


LIBERIA: Religious riots erupt in Monrovia, curfew imposed

MONROVIA, 29 October (IRIN) - Religious riots between Christians and Muslims erupted in the Liberian capital Monrovia on Thursday night and continued on Friday morning until UN peacekeeping troops restored order and the government imposed an indefinite


Cassini radar lifts the veil from Saturn #39;s Titan

WASHINGTON - The first radar images of Titan, the cloud-shrouded moon of Saturn, revealed a relatively young, active surface, NASA said Friday (Oct. 29).


Bush seeks Schwarzenegger's muscle, as missing explosives cast campaign shadow (AFP)

AFP - President George W. Bush called on the star power of actor-turned-California-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to boost his campaign appeal as Democratic challenger John Kerry shifted his attack from missing explosives in Iraq to domestic economics.


Cambodia #39;s New King Ascends the Throne

Description: In Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni who accedes to the throne with an elaborate coronation, following the abdication of his father King Norodom Sihanouk.


Ghostzapper Has Speed to Burn

GRAND PRAIRIE, Tex.<br>The most brilliant American racehorse in years has labored in relative obscurity until now. But when he runs Saturday in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Lone Star Park, Ghostzapper can demonstrate his talent to the world and, quite possibly, win the horse-of-the-year...


No. 18 Boise St. 69, Hawaii 3

Jared Zabransky and the No. 18 Boise State Broncos reduced Timmy Chang #39;s bid to break the NCAA Division IA passing record to a footnote Friday night, routing Hawaii 69-3 for their 19th straight victory.


Times to go completely compact

The Times newspaper has announced that it is to move on from its tradition of publishing in a broadsheet format and will appear in a compact size only, starting on Monday.


Sluman, Byrd split lead; many bubbles burst

Jeff Sluman and Jonathan Byrd were tied for the lead at the Chrysler Championship, both knowing the tournament really doesn #39;t start until the weekend.


GOLF: CLARKE #39;S 11-SHOT TORMENT

and then crashed out of it with a sextuple-bogey 11. The nightmare came on the infamous 536-yard 17th at Valderrama where


Danish group #39;s gift criticized

A Danish group has caused controversy in Colombia by publicly donating money to the country #39;s largest Marxist guerrilla organization.


#39;Hundreds to be charged #39; over Thai protest

PRIME Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said today hundreds of Muslims will be prosecuted over a demonstration that led to the deaths of 87 people in southern Thailand last week, in a move which could further raise tensions in the region.


Gators may be hungover before Cocktail Party

ike the bourbon and beer, emotions tend to spill over in this traditional grudge match along the St. Johns River they call  quot;The World #39;s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.


Up, down and away: NASA #39;s  #39;Weightless Wonder #39; makes final flight

HOUSTON -- The NASA turbojet notoriously known as the  quot;vomit comet quot; for its use in training astronauts for weightlessness made its final flight Friday.


Injured Toomer might be able to play tomorrow

Although Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer took limited work yesterday after missing the previous two days of practice, coach Tom Coughlin won #39;t decide on his availability


Titan Photos Pose New Questions

Photographs and radar surveys from the Cassini spacecraft #39;s Tuesday-night flyby of Saturn #39;s mysterious moon Titan are raising more questions than they #39;re answering, say NASA scientists.


Thailand to prosecute 300 Muslims detained in deadly riot

BANGKOK : Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said the government would prosecute 300 Muslims detained at a riot this week that led to the deaths of 87 protesters, while another 900 would be released.


Loeb forced out of rally

ESTONIA #39;s Markko Martin took the Rally of Catalonia lead today after newly-crowned world champion Sebastien Loeb, the overnight leader, was forced out of the race with a severe oil leak.


Report: Global warming now inevitable

The Arctic Council, an international group of northern nations, says global warming will be both a blessing and a curse. The group #39;s report, four years in the making and set for a Nov.


Harrison keeps title for fifth time

GLASGOW - Scotland #39;s Scott Harrison successfully defended his WBO featherweight title for a fifth time with a farcical first-round stoppage of Swedish-based Ethiopian Samuel Kebede on Saturday.


UN Kabul kidnappers reveal demands

A militant group is threatening to kill three UN hostages kidnapped in Afghanistan, including a British woman, unless all Taliban prisoners are released.


New RIAA File-swapping Suits Target Students

Fletcher writes  quot;The Recording Industry Association of America filed another round of lawsuits against alleged file-swappers, including students on 13 university campuses.


UPDATE 1-Tamada claims pole in Valencia

Japan #39;s Makoto Tamada grabbed his third pole position of the season before Sunday #39;s Valencia MotoGP after clocking the fastest time in the second qualifying session on Saturday.


First Black Watch troops move north to Sunni Triangle

BAGHDAD, Iraq An advance party of British soldiers has arrived at its new base near Baghdad. The small group from the Scottish Black Watch regiment set up base camp south of the capital, according to a pool report made to British media.


Forsyth Forges Clear

He may be 120 places lower in the world, but it was advantage Alastair Forsyth in his Volvo Masters duel with Sergio Garcia today before a thunderstorm suspended play.


Four pay price for India defeats

India have dropped wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel and batsman Yuvraj Singh for the final Test against Australia. Opening batsman Aakash Chopra and seamer Ajit Agarkar were also left out after India conceded the


UPDATE 1-Beck to face Youzhny in St Petersburg final

Unseeded Slovak Karol Beck reached the first final of his career at the St Petersburg Open, upsetting seventh-seeded Michael Llodra of France 6-4 2-6 6-1 on Saturday.


Iraqi president on visit to Kuwait

KUWAIT CITY - Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar arrived in Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day official visit, an AFP correspondent reported.


Get the Facts on Microsoft Benchmarks

Now that Steve Ballmer and company have given you all the facts you need to compare Windows and Linux, allow me to add just one little tidbit.


After the Lord Mayor #39;s show

It is just six days since the  #39;mulligatawny madness #39; at Old Trafford, but the shock waves are still reverberating around the Arsenal dressing room.


THE UNFOLDING UNIFORM

Pakistan is inherently unstable. Dealing with them is like playing with matches in a forest. - Larry Pressler. That statement from Larry Pressler, made during his recent visit to India, coincided with


Better Talk Now upsets rough Breeders #39; Cup Turf

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (Ticker) - After further review, Better Talk Now proved to be the best after all. Overcoming huge favorite Kitten #39;s Joy, Better Talk Now pulled off a surprising upset in Saturday #39;s \$2 million Breeders #39; Cup Turf at Lone Star Park.


FasTrak Toll Bridge Discounts End Monday

About 70,000 motorists signed up for FasTrak, the electronic toll collection system, since July 1, when tolls went up from \$2 to \$3.


UPDATE 1-Singh takes lead at Chrysler

World number one Vijay Singh shot a four-under-par 67 on Saturday and took the lead of the Chrysler Championship after three rounds.


China Closes 1,600 Internet Cafes in Crackdown

China shut 1,600 Internet cafes between February and August and imposed \$12.1 million worth of fines for allowing children to play violent or adult-only games and other violations, state media said.


New memories warm heart of this Bosox fan

Is it really true? Did it really happen? Or was that just the figment of some Boston Red Sox fanatic #39;s wild imagination? Did the Red Sox really win the World Series for the first time since 1918 by sweeping the St.


Oil bounces higher amid fears of supply disruption

Oil prices bounced higher on Friday following two days of sharp declines that came on the heels of rising inventories of crude in the US and a move by China to cool its economy.


No. 1 USC 42, Washington State 12

Reggie Bush and LenDale White each scored two touchdowns, Dwayne Jarrett caught two more from scores from Matt Leinart and No. 1 Southern California routed Washington State 42-12 Saturday.


Boeing trying to keep up Aircraftmaker seeks buyers for new <b>...</b>

Seattle -- The assembly line at Boeing Co. #39;s cavernous Everett plant near here is designed to keep moving continuously, if almost imperceptibly, as workers scramble over the silvery bodies of skeletal Boeing 777s, applying finishing touches.


Black Watch Death Family Speak of  #39;Devastation #39;

Relatives of the Black Watch soldier killed during the controversial military deployment from Basra have spoken of their devastation at his death.


Japan confirms captive in Iraq beheaded

Japan has confirmed that the headless body found in Baghdad on Saturday is of the Japanese being held captive in Iraq. An armed group in Iraq had on Tuesday threatened to behead Shosei Koda, 24, within 48-hours unless Japan pulled its troops out of Iraq.


Singletary shuffles into winner #39;s circle

It is the best story of the Breeders #39; Cup World Thoroughbred Championships at Lone Star Park. A partnership puts together an ownership group to buy and race thoroughbreds.


Cast-aside candidates grab onto Sox coattails

By Raphael Lewis and Benjamin Gedan, Globe Staff and Globe Correspondent  October 31, 2004. Republican state Senate candidate Rod Jane of Westborough woke up yesterday with a plan to grab some attention from


Ashado pulls away to win Distaff

Ashado had a little trouble finding running room in the stretch of the Breeders #39; Cup Distaff on Saturday. But once she did, she quickly kicked away from the opposition


It #39;s About Time Sox Became The Champs  And Real Rivals

Finally. the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox have a bona fide rivalry. Please don #39;t assume that this belongs on the sports pages.


Nasa to resume shuttle missions

The American space agency Nasa says the first space shuttle mission since the Columbia disaster of 2003 is to be launched next May or early June.


Putin ready to probe other oil companies

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to go after other oil companies the way he has hammered Yukos, a top Kremlin official has said.


PSP: Region Free

There have been essentially four questions sent into the PSP Mailbag -- four questions, and a heck of a lot of hate mail. Those questions are: When is PSP shipping, what will PSP cost, how long will PSP #39;s


Malaysia #39;s Anwar Returns to Hero #39;s Welcome

Malaysia #39;s former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has come home to a rock star #39;s welcome Sunday. He returned from undergoing back surgery in Germany following his release from prison last month.


Tar Heels beat Miami

For the second time this month, UNC football fans had something to celebrate. In a stunning upset, the Tar Heels beat Miami 31 to 28.


Dawgs get Gators off their back

Not with players dragging off the field, their bodies drained by yet another anticlimactic loss. Not with their fired leader standing before reporters, struggling to hold back the tears once more.


The Great Vegetarian Scam

Ive written before about my struggle to remain a vegetarian on Tuesday - when I abjure meat for religious reasons -hile travelling.


Iranian bill backs nuclear drive

has passed a bill obliging the government to continue efforts to develop a nuclear energy programme. Uranium enrichment can be used both for nuclear power and to make atomic bombs.


Kidnappers may extend deadline

Militants holding three UN workers hostage in Afghanistan have offered to consider extending a three-day deadline for their beheading.


Jordan #39;s Zarqawi Financier Jailed Six Months

Jordan #39;s state security court jailed an Islamist militant for six months on Sunday for financing al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi #39;s bombings in Iraq but found no evidence to charge him with plotting any attacks.


Martin wins second straight race

Markko Martin won his second consecutive World Rally Championship race on Sunday to clinch the Rally of Catalunya. The Estonian, driving a Ford, followed up his recent victory in


Anwar Begins Malaysia Political Comeback

Malaysia #39;s most charismatic dissident Anwar Ibrahim, released from jail two months ago, kicked off his political comeback Sunday, vowing to restart a campaign for democratic reforms and racial equality.


Novak Captures First Indoor Title

BASEL, Switzerland Oct 31, 2004 - Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic won the Swiss Indoors for his first indoor title, defeating David Nalbandian in five sets Sunday in a final in which the Argentine smashed two rackets.


China Shuts Down 1600 Internet Cafes

Between February and August of this year, China has shut down 1,600 internet cafes, and handed out 100 million yuan fines (US\$12 million) to cafe operators, for allowing children access to violent or adult-only content and games.


Key Australia-US FTA deadline passes

A key deadline to bring Australia #39;s Free Trade Agreement with the United States into force has expired. But the Australian Government is still confident the deal will come into effect next year, as Louise Willis reports.


UPDATE 1-Bolton end Newcastle run with 2-1 win

Bolton Wanderers continued their impressive start to the season as they battled to beat in-form Newcastle United 2-1 on Sunday to stay in touch with the leading pack at the top of the Premier League.


Saturday Essay

When in his mid-50s, immigrant Andrew Carnegie sold his steel holdings into a trust headed by JP Morgan in 1901, the Scottish immigrant and former cotton factory bobbin boy left a life of astounding, ground-up capitalism for retirement into philanthropy.


Kyocera Battery Recall Kyocera Battery Recall

By guest contributor Josh Pereira. Kyocera, a leading manufacturer of CDMA phones, has announced a voluntary and precautionary recall of the batteries found in their KE/KX 400 Series, 3200 Series, and Slider Series phones.


Redskins Loss - Bad News for Bush, Great for Kerry

The Washington Redskins lost their final home football game before the US presidential election on Sunday -- and that #39;s great news for Democratic Sen. John Kerry and bad news for President Bush.


Automakers work on fuel cell vehicles

General Motors (GM) and Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) on Saturday signed a joint development and commercialization agreement on hybrid and fuel cell


Allardyce is infuriated by Souness #39; criticism

BOLTON manager Sam Allardyce rounded on his Newcastle counterpart Graeme Souness last night for criticising their style of play. Allardyce saw his unsung side reclaim fourth spot in the table after a 2-1 victory at the Reebok Stadium.


Ninety million Bagle worms kill the Windows XP2 firewall

Earlier this year Microsoft released a major security update for Windows XP, which was designed to strengthen the operating systems defences against attack from viruses and hackers.


15 killed in Iraq hotel explosion

BAGHDAD: Fifteen people were killed and eight others injured in an explosion that hit a hotel last night in the northern Iraqi city of Tikrit, police and hospital officials said.


ROSSI CELEBRATES IN STYLE

Valentino Rossi hailed an  quot;unbelievable quot; season after celebrating his fourth world championship with victory in Valencia.


China Lays Into  #39;Bush Doctrine #39; Ahead of US Poll

On the eve of the US election, China laid into what it called the  quot;Bush doctrine, quot; said the Iraq war has destroyed the global anti-terror coalition and blamed arrogance for the problems dogging the United States worldwide.


Med school move delayed to 2007

The MSU College of Human Medicine won #39;t be relocated to Grand Rapids until at least 2007, and could cost only half as much as university officials originally estimated.


Singapore #39;s unemployment rate eases to 3.4 as economy expands

SINGAPORE : Singapore #39;s unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level in five years on the back of strong economic growth in the first half of the year, the government said Monday.


Business Technology: Microsoft And Its Blind Spot: Linux

Steve Ballmer #39;s letter to customers said nothing about the widespread reality of tens of thousands of Microsoft customers who are eager to deploy BOTH Windows and Linux.


Some think this metal is golden

So many disasters to avoid, so many uncertainties to resolve, no wonder so many investors have been cautious about buying stocks and bonds.


Venus and Jupiter witnessed in dawn rendezvous

WITH no planets on view, and with large areas of the southern sky devoid of bright stars, the evening sky at our star map times may not be the most exciting of the year.


Profile: Leftist Vazquez wins Uruguay presidential poll

Uruguay #39;s leftist candidate Tabare Vazquez won a historic victory in Sunday #39;s presidential elections with more than 50 percent of the ballot.


Liverpool target Morientes after Cisse break

Djibril Cisse #39;s horrific injury will spur Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez into a renewed bid to prise striker Fernando Morientes from Real Madrid when the transfer window opens in January.


China shuts 1,600 cybercafes

The Chinese government confirmed this weekend that it has closed 1,600 internet cafes and fined operators a total of 100m yuan since March, when it began its crackdown on violent or pornographic content, and other material it considers harmful to public


ANWAR RETURNS TO MALAYSIA

Former deputy leader of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, has returned home after two months overseas, and ahs pledged to fight on for reform in Malaysia.


Apple adds photos to iPods

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Apple Computer Inc. rolled out a new iPod Tuesday that allows users to view and share photos as it opened nine new iTunes music stores in Europe, spurring its rivalry with Microsoft Corp.


Update 1: Oracle Raises Offer for PeopleSoft

Software manufacturer Oracle Corp. said Monday that it raised its hostile bid for rival PeopleSoft Inc. to \$24 per share from \$21, and said the new price represents the company #39;s  quot;best and final offer.


Spanish flyer: Markko Martin steers his Ford Focus during the <b>...</b>

MARKKO MARTIN won his second event in succession as he held off a late charge from Marcus Gronholm to come out on top in the Rally of Catalunya.


Singapore govt extends third-party war risk insurance

SINGAPORE : The government is extending third-party war risk insurance cover to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and SATS Security Services, a unit of the Singapore Airlines group.


Redskins lose, Kerry hopes for win

TAMPA. Fla. First it was the Boston Red Sox World Series win that had John Kerry grinning, now another sports event has him feeling good.


Kaneohes Wilson comes up short

Kaneohe native Dean Wilson missed out yesterday on his final chance to secure his PGA Tour card. Wilson, who entered the final round of the Chrysler Championship tied for 18th and needing a top-20 finish to


Consumer spending jumped in September

WASHINGTON - Consumers, who substantially slowed down their spending in late summer, roared back to life in September, boosting their purchases by 0.6 percent.


49ers stake out some dubious turf

Their fall to the bottom of the league is complete with an uninspired loss to another very bad team. By Matthew Barrows -- Bee Staff Writer.


China closes more Internet cafs

Chinese authorities have between February and August of this year closed 1,600 Internet bars. In additional fines amounting to a total of 100 million yuan (9.


London Times goes strictly tabloid

After more than two centuries as a broadsheet newspaper, The Times of London has gone strictly tabloid. On Monday, The Times moved to a totally compact format after almost a year of dual publication.


Sysco profit climbs 8 percent on sales

Sysco Corp., the country #39;s largest food service distributor, Monday said profit for its latest quarter rose 8 percent, as it increased sales and trimmed expenses despite the hurricanes in the Southeast.


Dial M for Music

Mobile-phone makers scored a surprising hit four years ago when they introduced handsets equipped with tiny digital cameras. Today, nearly one-third of the cell phones sold worldwide do double duty as cameras


Update 1: Sysco Profit Climbs 8 Percent on Sales


Merck Shares Drop on Report of Documents About Vioxx Drug

Merck  amp; Co. shares fell as much as 7 percent to their lowest level in more than eight years after the Wall Street Journal said the drugmaker tried for years to stop safety concerns from hurting sales of its Vioxx painkiller.


Allergan to close contact-lens solution plant, lay off third of <b>...</b>

Allergan Inc., the US drug company that makes the anti-wrinkle treatment Botox as well as contract lens solution at its Irish factory, plans to lay off more than a third of its Irish workforce as it ends its lens solution operations and


Rehhagel runs into adoring Greeks in Germany

Otto Rehhagel, the German who led Greece to an upset win at Euro 2004, is amazed how many adoring Greeks there are in every corner of the world and how hard it is to pay for anything when he meets the grateful fans.


Spimming for Dollars

Today #39;s new word, for all you dictionary freaks, is  quot;spim quot;. Spam  IM (Instant Messaging) = Spim. IM Spam. And for many IM companies it is the bane of their existence requiring increasingly aggressive filtering and block list capabilities.


Allergan to axe 325 Westport jobs

The county #39;s largest employer said the jobs losses at its Westport plant occurred following the spin off of Allergan #39;s optical medical device business to Advanced Medical Optics (AMO).


A suicide bombing killed 3 people in a crowded Tel Aviv market <b>...</b>

A suicide bombing killed at least five people and seriously injured more than 30 others in a crowded Tel Aviv open-air market. Injured shoppers were treated on the ground, as vegetables were strewn on the pavement.


Van driven by Arsenal quest for glory

There #39;s little danger of Robin Van Persie getting carried away with himself. After scoring a dramatic first Premiership goal with the injury-time equaliser against Southampton


First credit rating for Serbia  19:50 November 01  Dow Jones

LONDON -- Monday -- Serbia reached a milestone on the road to economic stability Monday, as its first-ever credit rating opened the way for a return to international credit markets.


Report: Drugs Caused Ken Caminiti #39;s Death

NEW YORK - A drug overdose killed former baseball star Ken Caminiti, who tested positive for cocaine in the weeks before he died at age 41 and had admitted using steroids during his playing days, the city medical examiner ruled Monday.


Darfur peace talks inch forward despite deadlock over security

ABUJA (AFP) - African Union mediators met separately with Sudanese government envoys and the leaders of the uprising in the strife-torn region of Darfur in a bid to hammer out a deal on demilitarising the conflict.


Russia slaps Yukos with fresh, potentially fatal, tax claims

MOSCOW : Russian authorities hit the bruised Yukos oil giant with a battery of fresh tax claims which could see the firm #39;s total debt soar to an astronomical 17 billion dollars.


Pinkel reinstates Damien Nash

Missouri tailback Damien Nash was reinstated by coach Gary Pinkel, ending a one-game suspension for the teams #39; leading rusher.


Lions career sack leader Porcher retires

ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Robert Porcher finally couldn #39;t take standing on the sidelines any more. Porcher, the Detroit Lions #39; career sack leader, retired Monday, ending a frustrating season and a 13-year career.


Jacobs Engineering Names Watson Chairman

Shares of the engineering company closed earlier down 37 cents, or just under 1 percent, at \$40.36 on the New York Stock Exchange.


New housing goals finalized for Fannie, Freddie

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has finalized a rule that will require the nation #39;s two largest housing finance companies to increase their purchase of mortgages for low- and moderate-income families and underserved communities.


FOOTBALL: WE WANT WALTER

WALTER SMITH was flexing his muscles last night as he prepared to answer the SOS from the SFA. Scotland #39;s fans were finally put out of their misery when Berti Vogts resigned as manager of the national team.


Open Source Ingres Swings At Oracle, SQL Server

The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way. Not SQL-type competition.


LG Electronics-Matsushita PDP battle

TOKYO (CBS.MW) -- South Korea #39;s LG Electronics Inc. said Tuesday it would file a counter measure against Japan #39;s Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.


La. Seeks New Bridge, Elevated Highway

If you think oil is expensive now, just imagine if Hurricane Ivan had swung west and come ashore at this bustling oil and gas port at the southernmost point of Louisiana.


Paper says Merck hid data on Vioxx

WHITEHOUSE STATION, NJ - Shares of Merck  amp; Co. plunged nearly 10 percent Monday after a media report said documents show the pharmaceutical giant hid or denied evidence for years that its blockbuster arthritis drug Vioxx causes heart problems.


Relaxed pot possession bill returns

OTTAWA -- The long push to reform marijuana laws took a big step forward yesterday as the federal government re-introduced legislation decriminalizing possession for personal use.


Nokia announces Near Field Communication products

With the Nokia NFC (Near Field Communication) shell on their phone, consumers will be able to access a variety of services and exchange information with a simple touch gesture.


MANY NEWSPAPERS SEE CIRCULATION DECLINES

Some of the nation #39;s largest daily newspapers reported steep circulation declines yesterday, with overall circulation down across the industry, a new report revealed.


Steeler subs doing their jobs

When the New England Patriots rolled into town Sunday afternoon to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, the final outcome of the football game might have been secondary to some vital information needed by the black and gold as far as the rest of the season is


Oracle #39;s sweet on PeopleSoft

Oracle sweetened its hostile bid for rival business software maker PeopleSoft to \$9.2 billion, a 14 increase aimed at resolving the long-running takeover battle between the bitter foes.


Singapore Shares End Up on Wall St. Gains

Singapore shares ended higher Tuesday boosted by modest overnight gains on Wall Street and easing oil prices, traders said. The United States is a major trading partner and the local stock market traditionally


Germans Use Nokia Phones in Wireless Ticket Trial

The world #39;s top mobile phone maker Nokia said on Tuesday its phones would be used in a project to test wireless public transport fares in Hanau, near Frankfurt in Germany, beginning early next year.


Stocks to Open Up As Election Day Starts

Dow Jones futures rose 37 points recently, while Nasdaq futures climbed 6 points and Standard  amp; Poor #39;s futures edged up 3.60 points.


Arafat #39;s brother moved to Cairo for cancer therapy

Palestinian sources said on Tuesday that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat #39;s younger brother Fatehy Arafat was transferred to a hospital in Cairo to be treated for intestines cancer.


JFK Airport sees most growth among top US airports

John F. Kennedy International Airport saw the most growth in passengers over the last year among the nation #39;s 25 busiest airports.


Car Bomb Kills at Least Six in Baghdad

A car bomb exploded outside the Education Ministry in central Baghdad Tuesday, killing at least six people and wounding about eight, the Interior Ministry said.


Premier League charges Villa manager with illegal approach for <b>...</b>

The Premier League has charged Aston Villa manager David O #39;Leary with making an illegal approach for Southampton striker James Beattie.


Cheap airfares help BAA profits

Britain #39;s biggest airport operator BAA posted a 16 percent jump in first-half earnings on Tuesday, meeting expectations as cheap airfares and stronger economies drove up passenger numbers.


Sri Lanka batsman fined as Pakistan tie series

Sri Lanka #39;s Kumar Sangakkara has been fined 30 of his match fee for showing dissent during the fourth day of the second Test against Pakistan in Karachi.


Diva gallops into history

wind, water and Makybe Diva -ll came together to create an unforgettable Melbourne Cup yesterday. The Diva raced through driving rain to win for the second year in a row.


Volkswagen May Be Close to Settling Its Wage Talks

Volkswagen and its workers entered a critical week in their wage negotiations on Monday, with signs that a compromise was taking shape even as protests flared at factories across Germany.


Warriors lock up young veterans

Staring at the possibility of watching two of his young standouts stage a walkout on opening night, Chris Mullin made one of the most important decisions in recent Golden State Warriors history Monday.


Profit Plunges at International Game Tech

International Game Technology, the world #39;s biggest maker of slot machines, Tuesday said said profit for its latest quarter fell 50 percent from a year ago due to a charge for early redemption of debt and a tax adjustment.


Toyota #39;s quarterly profit drops

Toyota Motor Corporation, the world #39;s second-largest carmaker, had an unexpected drop in quarterly profit as investment earnings declined at a truckmaking unit and a stronger yen cut the value of overseas sales.


Forest Says Drug Trial Misses Goal

Forest Laboratories Inc. (FRX) on Tuesday said its experimental hypertension drug failed to meet all its goals in an effectiveness study, an outcome that will delay development and may lead to a new trial.


Bettman says  #39;season is likely slipping away #39;

National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman doesn #39;t appear optimistic that the current player lockout will end soon, according to a televised report.


Windows-Based Treo On the Way?

Earlier today, Engadget broke the story that PalmONE might be looking at possibly making a Windows-based Treo. Not dumping the PalmSource Treo #39;s that run PalmOS, merely adding to the line.


Volkswagen #39;s talks with union move forward

LONDON, November 2 (newratings.com) - The German automotive giant, Volkswagen AG (VOW.ETR), continued its negotiations with the labour union today on its planned labour cost reductions.


Liverpool #39;s Benitez hopes to sign new striker

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez would like to sign a new striker in January #39;s transfer window after an injured Djibril Cisse was sidelined for the rest of the season but warned he would not break the bank to sign someone.


PalmOne to play with Windows Mobile?

Rumors of Treo #39;s using a Microsoft operating system have been circulating for more than three years. Now an investment bank reports that PalmOne will use a


AOL to cut 700 jobs

America Online Inc. (AOL) plans to lay off 700 employees, about 5 percent of its US workforce, by the end of the year, several news organizations reported Tuesday.


Death toll climbs in Baghdad blast

A car bomb exploded outside the education ministry in central Baghdad on Tuesday, killing at least six people and wounding about eight, the interior ministry said.


Australian Bookies Gutted After Betting Splurge

AUSTRALIA - As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald:  quot;The biggest betting plunge in recent memory ensured bookmakers at Randwick were  #39;stripped out #39; of more than \$3 million by Makybe Diva #39;s Melbourne Cup romp yesterday.


Sabotage halts Iraq oil exports from north

KIRKUK, Iraq, Nov 2 (AFP) - Iraqi oil exports to Turkey were halted after a series of attacks Tuesday, including a major strike on a pipeline network connecting wells west of Kirkuk with the main export pipeline and refineries further south, oil officials


New Video of CARE Hostage Released

Iraq kidnap victim Margaret Hassan #39;s three sisters, from left to right: Catherine Fitzsimons, Deidre Fitzsimons and Geraldine Fitzsimons make a statement to the media in Dublin Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004.


Captors threaten to hand hostage to Zarqawi

An unknown militant group holding Iraqi-British hostage Margaret Hassan in Iraq has threatened to turn her over to a group led by al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi if its demands are not met, Al Jazeera television says.


Climax to show off Avalon to US publishers

#39;Project Avalon #39; becomes just plain Avalon; developer will show playable prototype of next-generation shooter to American execs.


Report: CARE Hostage Faces Transfer To Al-Qaida

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The kidnappers of aid worker Margaret Hassan threatened to turn her over to an al-Qaida affiliated group within 48 hours if the British government refuses to pull its troops from Iraq, Al-Jazeera television reported Tuesday.


Hewitt advances to Round 3 at Paris Masters

Second seed Lleyton Hewitt beat Gael Monfils 6-3, 7-6 (3) on Tuesday, turning back the French teenager #39;s bid for a second upset at the ?


UPDATE 1-Ronaldinho strikes to give Barca win over Milan

A brilliant late strike from Ronaldinho gave dominant Barcelona a 2-1 win over AC Milan in an epic Champions League contest at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.


Group E: Arsenal mystery continues

Arsenal wasted a golden opportunity to virtually guarantee themselves a place in the knockout phase of the Champions League when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Panathinaikos at Highbury on Tuesday.


Time Warner Shares Idle Ahead of Report

Shares of Media giant Time Warner Inc. were little changed Monday ahead of the company #39;s third-quarter earnings report as investors wonder exactly what chairman Dick Parsons might say about its troubled America Online unit.


Steenland: Northwest Joins Southwest In Raiding Bankrupt ATA Turf

Gnawed by Northwest. Joining an apparent feeding frenzy, Northwest Airlines (nasdaq: NWAC - news - people ) on Tuesday said it plans to expand in Indianapolis, a move that will knock rival ATA Airlines from its No.


AOL Is Said to Plan 700 Layoffs

America Online, the country #39;s leading Internet service, is preparing to lay off as many as 700 of its 13,000 employees in the United States, according to an executive knowledgeable about its plans.


Chelsea advances in Champions League

Chelsea and Inter Milan have advanced to the next round of the Champions League, while AC Milan and Barcelona look certain to join them.


Despite struggles at plate, Boone wins Gold Glove

The way Bret Boone sees it, winning a Gold Glove after a tough offensive season is a validation of the award itself.  quot;There #39;s a lot of debate about the Gold Glove, quot; the Mariners second baseman said.


Dark Echoes from Titan

Microwave brightness of Titan reveals surface properties such as temperature composition and roughness. Image Credit: NASA/JPL. Looking at radar reflections of Titan, scientists are puzzled by what they see


FleetCenter to be reunion arena

It has all the gossipy intrigue and social awkwardness of seating the still-respected ex-wife and the sexy new girlfriend at the same table for a family wedding.


Oil firms above \$50 as Bush nears win

Oil prices jumped above \$50 a barrel this morning, supported by US election tallies projecting a slim lead for President George W Bush.


Needham nips Framingh

As Carey Division rivals in the Bay State Conference, the Needham and Framingham field hockey teams met twice already this fall, with the clubs splitting a pair of 1-0 decisions.


Russell moving on, away from Lakers

Bryon Russell doesn #39;t plan to read Phil Jackson #39;s book on the Lakers #39; tumultuous 2003-04 season. Russell doesn #39;t need to; he saw it all himself, as part of the not-quite Team of the Century.


Atlantic City settlement

In an agreement that could have significant implications for locked- out San Francisco hotel workers, striking casino workers in Atlantic City today are expected to ratify a deal that offers lucrative benefits but abandons the union #39;s strategy to


Report: Lehman to get Ryder Cup job

Tom Lehman will get the chance to succeed where Hal Sutton failed when he is introduced as the 2006 United States Ryder Cup captain, according to golfdigest.


Wallace fined for Newman collision.

Former NASCAR Cup Champion Rusty Wallace has been fined \$10,000 dollars for deliberately ramming his Penske Racing teammate Ryan Newman at the conclusion of the Subway 500 at the Martinsville Speedway two weeks ago.


Update 2: Time Warner Profit Dips, Sets Aside Reserve

Time Warner Inc., the world #39;s largest media company, said Wednesday that its third quarter earnings slid 8 percent as it set aside a \$500 million reserve because of pending government investigations.


Interpublic Posts Wider 3Q Loss

Interpublic Group of Cos., the world #39;s third-largest ad conglomerate, said Wednesday that third-quarter losses widened significantly on increased charges as well as greater salary and severance costs.


UAE Founding Father Buried, Elder Son Likely Successor

ABU DHABI, November 3 (IslamOnline.net  amp; News Agencies) - Arab and Muslim leaders converged on Abu Dhabi Wednesday, November 3, and joined the people of the United Arab Emirates in burying Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahayan, president and founding father


Wal-Mart China business grows

Wal-Mart Stores, the worlds No.1 retailer, said the number of its China stores would be lifted by at least 15 new stores with the total of around 45 outlets throughout China.


Stocks Leap, Dow Up 142 Points at Open

US stocks soared at the open on Wednesday as investors bet that George W. Bush would soon be declared the winner in the tight presidential race despite disputed results in the key state of Ohio.


Nokia to launch RFID phone kit with a magic touch

Nokia has launched its first product that supports Near Field Communication (NFC), an emerging radio frequency identification (RFID) technology that could have significant implications for mobile commerce.


Cricket: India embarrassed by Australia on rain-ravaged day

BOMBAY : India #39;s bid to secure a face-saving win over Australia got off on the wrong foot after they lost two quick wickets in the 11 overs bowled on the rain-hit opening day of the fourth Test here.


NASA looking at May launch

Citing technical challenges due to hurricanes, NASA officials said that the initial space shuttle mission for Return to Flight will slip from March to May 2005.


Kidnappers in Iraq seize Lebanese-American contractor, four <b>...</b>

Gunmen abducted a Lebanese-American contractor who worked with the US Army from his Baghdad home, Iraqi officials said Wednesday, while four Jordanian truck drivers were seized by assailants in a separate kidnapping.


BOND REPORT

CHICAGO (CBS.MW) - Treasurys remained solidly lower Wednesday in the wake of election results that had President Bush ahead of Democratic challenger John Kerry.