Astronomers scan sky for birth of supernova Astronomers are closely watching three sections of the sky after detecting three short but powerful X-ray bursts that may be harbingers of supernovas that could happen in the next few days.


Baseball in DC, Angelos likely smiling Peter G. Angelos could sell the Baltimore Orioles for almost \$200 million more than he paid for the team 11 years ago under terms of a deal he is negotiating with Major League Baseball to compensate him for the Montreal Expos moving to Washington


Angels roll Athletics to move atop AL West Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - Bartolo Colon hurled seven shutout innings of three-hit ball as the Anaheim Angels drew first blood in this three-game series for the American League West title with a 10-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics at Network


Dodgers must put champagne on ice; Giants still alive for NL West Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - JT Snow homered to lead San Francisco over Los Angeles, 4-2, in the opener of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.


Nigeria Delta rebels agree truce The Nigerian government has confirmed reports that rebel groups in the country #39;s main oil producing region have agreed to a ceasefire.


Judge's Decisions Draw Notice, for Being Conspicuously Late Judge George Daniels of Federal District Court in Manhattan has 289 motions in civil cases pending - more than any federal judge in the nation.


PeopleSoft Ousts CEO in Oracle Battle In Oct 1 story headlined  quot;PeopleSoft Ousts CEO Amid Oracle Battle, quot; please read in paragraph 16 ... originally offering \$16 a share ... instead of ... originally offering \$19.50 a share ... By Michael Kahn and Martha Graybow.


CEO #39;s firing rocks world of tech Longtime Oracle target PeopleSoft <b>...</b> PeopleSoft Inc. said Friday it had fired CEO Craig Conway, raising the possibility that the company, which until now has fought fiercely for its independence, will succumb to Oracle Corp.


US Pressing China Over Currency Value The Bush administration, seeking to achieve an economic breakthrough in the closing weeks of an election campaign, says China has made a serious commitment to overhauling a currency system


Top US cyber-security official resigns WASHINGTON -- The nations top cyber-security official has resigned unexpectedly, raising new questions about the progress of efforts to protect the nations vast computer networks from terror attacks, electronic viruses and other threats, government


Vieira denies Lauren fight Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has admitted that he had a disagreement with teammate Lauren after the Champions League tie against Rosenberg on Wednesday.


Eriksson warns Owen over England place England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson says striker Michael Owen must prove in training next week that he deserves to face Wales in a World Cup qualifier -- or risk losing his place.


SI.com MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Twins don #39;t have to pack their bags for the playoffs just yet. Corey Koskie homered and drove in three runs to help Minnesota rally for a 4-3 triumph over the Cleveland Indians .


New al-Qaida tape likely authentic A new audiotape purportedly from al-Qaida #39;s second-in-command urging Muslim youths to attack the United States is probably authentic, a US intelligence official said.


Blair returns to Downing Street after heart trouble HAMISH ROBERTSON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair has returned to Downing Street after undergoing hospital treatment for a heart ailment.


Israelis mass along Gaza JEBALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza StriP -- Israeli aircraft struck more targets in the Gaza Strip yesterday as the army massed an armoured force in apparent preparation for a major military operation against militants in Jebaliya, the Palestinians #39; biggest


Mosque blast kills at least 25 Dozens were injured in the suicide attack on a building crowded with Shiite Muslims in eastern Pakistan. SIALKOT, PAKISTAN -- A suicide attacker detonated a bomb inside a crowded Shiite Muslim mosque in eastern


Pfizer wastes no time touting Celebrex A day after Whitehouse Station-based Merck abruptly withdrew from the market Vioxx, its blockbuster arthritis drug, Pfizer yesterday moved to promote Celebrex, its competing medicine.


Oil price closes above \$50 per barrel in New York Crude oil closed above 50 dollars per barrel Friday for the first time as traders worry below-normal US crude inventories could not meet the soaring demand in the upcoming months.


US Pressing China Over Currency Value WASHINGTON Oct. 2, 2004 - The Bush administration, seeking to achieve an economic breakthrough in the closing weeks of an election campaign, says China has made a serious commitment to overhauling a currency


Singing the praises of karaoke #39;s creator Time magazine once called him  quot;the genius who gave voice to the common man in the 20th century, quot; comparing him (not entirely unseriously) to Mao Zedong and Mohandas Gandhi in influence.


Mariners #39; Suzuki Breaks Sisler #39;s Single-Year Hit Mark (Update3) Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners broke Major League Baseball #39;s single-season hit record with singles in his first two at-bats in tonight #39;s 8-3 win over the Texas Rangers.


Lights out for Maroth, 4-1 Mike Maroth #39;s bid for a .500 season got lost in the lights of Comerica Park on Friday night. Maroth (11-13) was locked in a scoreless pitching duel with Tampa Bay Devil Rays right-hander Rob


Blair to return to work after successful surgery LONDON -- Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived home yesterday after undergoing a successful operation to correct an irregular heartbeat.


War On Terror Column The Israeli army killed nine Palestinians in Gaza yesterday as it poured its forces into the coastal strip, expanding a ground offensive intended to root out militants firing rockets into Israeli towns.


UN struggles with Haiti violence UN peacekeepers in Haiti have struggled for a second day to control protests by supporters of deposed President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.


Denmark Hopes to Claim North Pole (AP) AP - Denmark is joining Russia and Canada to see if it can lay a claim to the North Pole  #151; and whatever natural riches may lie beneath it.


Descent into horror of Silent Hill The Silent Hill series of games have always been ripe with weirdness and hellish alternate realities.


U.S. Pursues Samarra Offensive; 5 Dead, 20 Wounded (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. and Iraqi forces pushed on\with their offensive against insurgents in the town of Samarra\overnight, killing five people and wounding 20 in the fighting,\a doctor at a local hospital said Saturday.


Bomb Blasts in Northeast India Kill 10, Wound 35 (Reuters) Reuters - A series of bomb blasts killed\nine people and wounded 35 in northeastern India on Saturday in\the deadliest attack since a cease-fire with the main\separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


Mourning Iraqis Blame U.S. Troops (AP) AP - Families of the 35 children who died in a string of bombings in Baghdad blamed American troops for the tragedy, accusing them of attracting insurgents to a ceremony where the attacks occurred.


Two Explosions in India Kill 14 (AP) AP - Explosions ripped through a train station and a market within minutes of eachother in a northeast Indian city on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and wounding many more, a police official said.


Australian election enters final week with prize still up for grabs (AFP) AFP - The Australian election campaign enters its final week with neither side holding a decisive lead and both major parties hoping big-spending promises to swinging voters will get them over the line, according to analysts.


Intelligence Bill Has Political Tinge (AP) AP - After Congress shuffled the federal bureaucracy in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by creating the Homeland Security Department, Democrats lost control of the Senate and four seats in the House.


Bomb Blasts in Northeast India Kill 10, Wound 35  GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A series of bomb blasts killed  nine people and wounded 35 in northeastern India on Saturday in  the deadliest attack since a cease-fire with the main  separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


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


US firm allowed to sue Diana fund A US firm gets the go-ahead to sue the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund for 16m in a row over souvenirs.


Bigley brother's 'home searched' The brother of Iraq hostage Ken Bigley says UK and Dutch intelligence officers have searched his home.


UN struggles with Haiti violence UN peacekeepers try for a second day to control protests by supporters of deposed President Aristide.


Two suicides in child porn case Two men commit suicide and two others are found dead after Australia's biggest-ever operation against child porn.


PM recovers after heart treatment Tony Blair says he feels "fine" after hospital treatment for an irregular heartbeat, and plans to return to work on Monday.


No. 2 Al Qaeda Leader Urges Attacks An audiotape attributed to Ayman Zawahiri emerged Friday, stoking fears among some intelligence officials that the terrorist network is preparing a significant strike before the Nov. 2 election.


Former military official jailed for lying about Boeing deals WASHINGTON - A former high-ranking Air Force procurement official was sentenced to nine months in federal prison Friday after she admitted that she had lied to federal prosecutors and that favors from Boeing Co.


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


Giants, Astros Remain Tied for Wild Card (AP) AP - The San Francisco Giants kept pace with Houston in the wild-card race, and gave themselves an outside chance of overtaking Los Angeles in the NL West.


SpaceShipOne: Monday Launch Is On After a day spent reviewing its spectacular but wild spaceflight Wednesday, aerospace visionary Burt Rutan #39;s team is sticking to its plan to try to capture the Ansari X Prize with a second launch on Monday.


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


Angels bring A-game, but A #39;s don #39;t It is often said, mostly by broadcasters who have more time to fill than salient details, that the most important moment in a baseball game can come at any time.


Vieira plays down spat Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira has played down his spat with teammate Lauren following their team #39;s disappointing UEFA Champions League draw with Rosenborg.


Major League Baseball News There were some skeptics wondering if Giants manager Felipe Alou was making the right decision by putting veteran Kirk Rueter on the hill in literally the biggest game


Notes: Guillen case settled Suspended Angels outfielder Jose Guillen #39;s grievance hearing Friday morning turned out to not be much of a hearing at all. Both sides agreed to a relatively quick settlement


AL Wrap: Angels Thump Athletics to Near Playoffs (Reuters) Reuters - Bartolo Colon pitched seven shutout\innings and Alfredo Amezaga hit a grand slam home run as the\Anaheim Angels trounced the Oakland Athletics 10-0 in their\American League West showdown series opener Friday.


Sharapova Advances to Korea Open Final (AP) AP - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova advanced to the final of the Korea Open on Saturday, beating Anne Kremer 6-0, 6-2.


Chief of Partnership to resign Thirteen years after leading the charge to diversify Boston's corporations, Benaree Wiley, president and chief executive of The Partnership, is stepping down to devote more time to personal interests.


Recall another step in Merck slide  Merck  amp; Co.'s decision to pull its widely prescribed drug Vioxx off the shelves yesterday because of a risk of stroke and heart attacks marked a new low for a pharmaceutical company that has suffered a steady decline in both market position and prestige over the last decade.


At peace with Microsoft, Sun chief whips off the gloves over Red Hat Sun Microsystems Inc.'s combative chief executive, Scott McNealy, fresh from resolving his long-running quarrel with archrival Microsoft Corp. , has found a new target for his wrath: Linux software maker Red Hat Inc.


Biotech hopes Finneran will help on Hill Biotechnology interests have scored big wins on Beacon Hill, but in Washington it's a different story.


US Airways, pilots reach pact on cuts US Airways reached a tentative agreement with the leaders of its pilots union on \$300 million in annual concessions yesterday, a deal that would result in the pilots permanently losing 17.5 percent of their salaries in exchange for a chance to save the airline and their jobs.


Buzz Was Big, but Mount St. Helens Eruption Wasn't Mount St. Helens's small explosion, predicted for several days and posing no imminent danger to people in the region, was greeted with jaw-dropping delight by many.


NASA Delays Plans to Fly Shuttle Soon NASA has abandoned plans to resume flying the space shuttle next March because of the impact of four hurricanes on space agency centers and work schedules.


Op can boost size of micro-penis \Surgeons perfect a way to build up the size of very small penises, enabling proper urination, and a full sex life.


PeopleSoft Leads Rally in Tech Stocks PeopleSoft Inc. shares surged 15 percent as investors interpreted the ouster of the company #39;s chief executive as a sign the company might now be willing to accept Oracle Corp.


Space shuttle grounded until May or even later NASA has abandoned plans to resume flying the space shuttle next March because of the impact of four hurricanes on space agency centers and work schedules, officials said Friday.


Taking aim at iPod: How competition for the market stacks up Apple Computer #39;s lovely little music player dominates the market, and its design and simplicity make it hard to beat. But let #39;s face it - the iPod is the luxury car of hard-drive music players.


Koalas to undergo contraceptive implants: World News Canberra, Oct 2 : Up to 2,000 female koalas will be implanted with a slow-release hormone in Australia to keep their numbers down, reports Xinhua.


Anaheim a win from title Bartolo Colon cruised along, refusing to show any emotion until the final out. Then, he quickly found catcher Jose Molina and gave him a huge hug.


Sun get jump on Liberty in Game 1 Home-court advantage was not kind to the New York Liberty Friday night. And the Connecticut Sun, which has built somewhat of a reputation for putting


Bomb Blasts in Northeast India Kill 10, Wound 35 A series of bomb blasts killed nine people and wounded 35 in northeastern India on Saturday in the deadliest attack since a cease-fire with the main separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


Stocks Begin Quarter With Solid Gains Stocks kicked off the fourth quarter with a solid rally on Friday as investors bet the market would shake off continued uncertainty about the election, the


Nations demand study of quotas Governments from nearly 30 countries demanded Friday that the World Trade Organization undertake an urgent review of what might happen when textile quotas end Jan. 1. The


CPS cites worker burden in continued abuse Texas children remain in life-threatening situations and are continually abused because child protective workers are inundated with excessive caseloads, an investigative report released Friday concludes.


Cell phone camera photos make arrest a snap for police a limousine driver -sed his cell phone #39;s camera to snap photos of the robber and the robber #39;s truck, police said.


Netflix, TiVo Partner To Offer Online Films (TechWeb) TechWeb - Netflix, TiVo team up to work with Hollywood studios to develop technology for the delivery of video programming over the Internet.


Drese and Ichiro forever linked Ryan Drese became an instant trivia subject on Friday night, courtesy of Ichiro Suzuki. What pitcher gave up Ichiro #39;s record-breaking 258th hit?


Els takes lead at WGC American Express Playing some of his best golf in the worst conditions, the South African breezed through a wacky day of weather at the WGC American Express Championship by starting with four straight birdies and finishing with an 8-under 64, giving him a two-shot lead


SAVE OUR GRAND PRIX: BY ECC! MOTOR racing boss Bernie Ecclestone, the man trying to axe the British Grand Prix, is backing the Mirror #39;s campaign to save the Silverstone showpiece.


The fat lady finally sings Olympic Stadium has always had the lighting of a morgue. Stark and blindingly white, you could roll out a gurney and perform an autopsy at home plate - which is what #39;s now in order, given there #39;s been a needless death at The Big O.


No Easy Return for Trinidad Ricardo Mayorga swung so hard at Cory Spinks throughout their fight last December that once, when a wild shot missed its mark, Mayorga spun around in a cartoonish pirouette.


Non-Chase drivers tops at Talladega Joe Nemechek is 24th in the Nextel Cup standings, his championship chances long sunk. He realizes there #39;s only one way to get any recognition for his team and his sponsor, US Army: the old-fashioned way.


Brazil denies getting nuclear technology from Pakistan: World News Brasilia, Oct 2 : Brazil has denied that technology for its centrifuge plants for uranium enrichment comes from the clandestine nuclear network headed by Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan.


Black threatens to raise libel suit to \$1.1-billion Conrad Black has raised the stakes in a libel action, threatening to file a \$1.1-billion suit against the authors of a 500-page tale of his alleged  quot;corporate kleptocracy quot; at Hollinger International Inc.


US need not worry about China, India: Gates Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, told a gathering of students of the University of California at Berkeley yesterday that computers would be the ticket to a good career in the near future.


NASA postpones space shuttle flight resumption WASHINGTON, October 2 (Itar-Tass) -- The US space agency has decided to postpone shuttle missions resumption earlier planned for March or April next year.


MY RIOT HELL MILLWALL chairman Theo Paphitis told yesterday how he called for police protection to escape rioting football fans.  quot;It was like going back in time 20 or 25 years to the bad old days of English football, quot; he said.


More Rooney magic? DEADLY SCORER: Manchester United #39;s Wayne Rooney celebrating his three goals against Fenerbahce this week at Old Trafford. (AP).


Trinidad set to punch back in Difficult questions. Questions about the futures of Felix Trinidad and Ricardo Mayorga. Very likely they will be questions only one of them will be able to answer.


Israelis, Palestinians seem to be digging in Israeli aircraft struck more targets in the Gaza Strip on Friday as the army massed an armored force in apparent preparation for a major military operation


Suicides  #39;will not deter #39; porn probe FOUR men committed suicide after being investigated for possessing child pornography, the government confirmed today, as it warned more arrests would be made this week.


100 Qaeda deaths reported ISLAMABAD, Pakistan Pakistani security forces killed about 100 Qaeda terrorists during a recent military operation in tribal areas near Afghanistan, state-run television quoted Pakistan #39;s president as saying.


Rhythm not thrown off by their line dance They comprised one of the steadiest units in the NFL last season, so much so that the Patriots' offensive line made their lineup changes at the beginning and end of the season go virtually unnoticed.


Angels, Guillen reach financial accord Outfielder Jose Guillen and the Anaheim Angels have reached a financial settlement to resolve the grievance filed after the team recently suspended him without pay for the rest of the season. The sides agreed that Guillen will not rejoin the team for the remainder of the regular season and the penalty was reduced from seven days without pay to two ...


Giants win, stay alive for berth Kirk Rueter pitched seven strong innings and the San Francisco Giants defeated the Dodgers, 4-2, in Los Angeles last night, preventing the Dodgers from clinching their first West title since 1995.


Notables Detroit starter Mike Maroth (11-13) failed in his bid to finish at .500 after a 21-loss season last year.


Wakefield's ending is a happy one All Tim Wakefield needed to do last night, it turned out, was pitch adequately and emerge uninjured to secure a spot in the postseason rotation. He did both, prompting the Red Sox to announce after an 8-3 victory over the Orioles at Camden Yards that Wakefield and Bronson Arroyo would pitch Games 3 and 4 of the American ...


Colon, Angels rip A's The Angels considered themselves a playoff team all along, even while they spent the summer playing catch up. Now they're one win away.


Middle ground for Cancela Jose  quot;Pepe quot; Cancela was among the key attacking players for the Revolution last season. But Cancela has performed only briefly in the last five matches as the Revolution have struggled to a 1-3-1 record and are on the brink of elimination from MLS playoff contention.


UNH faces tough task at Villanova The University of New Hampshire football team will have its hands full when it travels to Villanova today for a pivotal Atlantic 10 matchup.


Eddy, Bentley outpace the Setters Marc Eddy threw for 351 yards and three touchdowns as Bentley routed Pace, 47-6, last night in Waltham.


Charging Els moves to the top Wild weather seems to bring out the best in Ernie Els, who was both steady and spectacular yesterday in a cool rain, warm sunshine, and blustery conditions for an 8-under-par 64 that gave him a two-shot lead in the American Express Championship at Thomastown, Ireland.


Brockton upends St. John's Prep The Boxers were supposed to be vulnerable, coming off their first loss of the season at the hands of Xaverian.


Williams takes off for Jets Julius Williams is a well-mannered student at East Boston High School by day. Once he steps into his phone booth and straps on his cleats and shoulder pads, he becomes a superhero to Jets fans and a formidable foe to opponents. Williams and the rest of the Eastie squad grinded until there was no mud left in Charlestown yesterday afternoon ...


Pitts scores twice to power Oliver Ames The Oliver Ames girls' soccer team assumed first place in the Hockomock League, edging King Philip, 5-4, yesterday in Easton.


Crocker's fake ensures a real record \\Through 3 1/2 quarters of last night's record-setting win over Concord-Carlisle, Acton-Boxboro quarterback Dave Crocker must have thought he was in the middle of a nightmare.


Transactions BASKETBALL Cleveland (NBA): Signed G Lucious Harris. Los Angeles (NBA): Named Chris Bodaken, Melvin Hunt, Larry Smith and Mike Wells assistant coaches. Memphis (NBA): Signed C Pau Gasol to a multiyear contract extension. Milwaukee (NBA): Signed G Tommy Adams. Sacramento (NBA): Signed G Courtney Alexander to a one-year contract.


Today's schedule College field hockey: Sweet Briar at Nichols, 10 a.m.; Salve Regina at Regis, 11 a.m.; UMass-Dartmouth at Bridgewater St., 11 a.m.; Assumption at AIC, 11 a.m.; Middlebury at Colby, 11 a.m.; Conn. College at Wesleyan, 11 a.m.; Amherst at Bowdoin, 11:30 a.m.; URI at Yale, noon; Penn at Dartmouth, noon; Salem St. at Fitchburg St., noon; Trinity at Williams, noon; ...


Sun rise to occasion with dominating first half Nykesha Sales scored 13 of her 15 points in the first half and the Connecticut Sun beat the Liberty, 61-51, last night at New York in Game 1 of the WNBA's Eastern Conference finals.


Baseball: Giants dump Dodgers to deny division crown LOS ANGELES: San Francisco have denied the Los Angeles Dodgers a division title, with a 4-2 Major League Baseball triumph that kept the Giants in the thick of the National League playoff race.


Shuttle #39;s Spring 2005 Launch Date Delayed HOUSTON Oct. 2, 2004 - The first shuttle flight since the Columbia tragedy has been pushed back by NASA because hurricane damage and implementation of new safety measures made a spring 2005 launch  quot;no longer achievable.


2,500-Year-Old Pomegranate Found In Greece ATHENS, Greece -- A scientific dig has uncovered four pomegranates believed to be 2,500 years old preserved inside a woven basket nestled in a bronze vessel, a Greek archaeologist said Friday.


Afghan Campaign Picks Up as Karzai Heads to Berlin  KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai's deputies  campaigned for him Saturday ahead of presidential elections  seven days away, while the candidate himself prepared to fly to  Germany to collect an international award.


Bosnians Vote for Local Councils and Mayors  SARAJEVO (Reuters) - Bosnians voted Saturday in local  elections in which the main Muslim, Serb and Croat nationalist  parties are expected to confirm their dominance nine years  after the end of the 1992-5 war.


Bomb Blasts in Northeast India Kill 20, Wound 50  GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A series of bomb blasts killed  19 people and wounded more than 50 in northeastern India  Saturday in the deadliest attack since a cease-fire with the  main separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


Cubans say US remittance policy unfair MATANZAS, Cuba -- The photo on the living room wall shows a smiling young man on a palm-fringed balcony near his new home in Miami, just 90 miles from here. His aging parents and grandmother fear they may not live to see him again -- and they blame President Bush.


Suicide bomber kills 25 at mosque in Pakistan  SIALKOT, Pakistan -- A suicide attacker carrying a bomb in a briefcase struck a Shi'ite mosque crammed with hundreds of worshipers in eastern Pakistan, killing at least 25 people and wounding more than 50 during prayers yesterday.


Intelligence Bill Has Political Tinge WASHINGTON - After Congress shuffled the federal bureaucracy in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by creating the Homeland Security Department, Democrats lost control of the Senate and four seats in the House...


Ichiro Breaks Sisler's Season Hits Record SEATTLE - The 258th hit in 2004 for Ichiro Suzuki was like so many others, a little ground ball up the middle. Only this one made history - a hit cheered 'round the world...


India assess Bangladesh security An Indian security team travels to Bangladesh to decide on the tour's future.


Boeing contract helper sentenced ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- A former Air Force official was sentenced Friday to nine months in prison after admitting she helped Boeing Co.


UPDATE 2-LUKOIL says Conoco can book 10 pct of its reserves US oil firm ConocoPhillips (COP.N: Quote, Profile, Research) will be able to add 10 percent of Russian major LUKOIL #39;s (LKOH.RTS: Quote, Profile, Research) total reserves to its books after it completes buying a 10 percent stake


Ancient fruit basket dug up near Athens ATHENS -- A scientific dig has uncovered four pomegranates believed to be 2,500 years old preserved inside a woven basket nestled inside a bronze vessel, a Greek archeologist said yesterday.


Space launch gets Transport Canada go-ahead SASKATOON -- Transport Canada approved yesterday an application for a suborbital space launch by a Canadian team competing in an international race to put civilians into space.


Ichiro as exciting as they come This record is for all the little guys, for all the players who have to leg out every hit instead of taking a relaxing trot around the bases, for all the batters whose muscles aren #39;t


Charging Els moves to the top Wild weather seems to bring out the best in Ernie Els, who was both steady and spectacular yesterday in a cool rain, warm sunshine, and blustery conditions for an 8-under


Angels skunk A #39;s, are 1 win from West title OAKLAND - The weekend showdown and pitching matchups were perfect for a season-ending billing, but the unheralded stars Friday night became even more amazing for pennant-drive stories.


Sadly for Yanks, no rest for weary Instead of resembling the Yankees #39; best pitcher of the second half, Orlando Hernandez on Friday looked more like someone desperately fighting a weak shoulder.


Indians finishing like they started MINNEAPOLIS -- It was  #39; #39;Scott Elarton Continued Employment Night #39; #39; at the Metrodome yesterday, as the elongated right-hander made a final bid for a spot on the Indians #39; roster for 2005.


Turkey, Iraq on agenda for informal Chirac-Schroeder summit French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder were to meet Friday in the eastern French city of Strasbourg for informal talks focused on Turkey #39;s bid to join the EU and Iraq.


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


Natwar rubishes NDA #39;s Pak claims LONDON: External Affairs minister K Natwar Singh has dismissed reports that India and Pakistan have finally done a deal on troop withdrawal from the world #39;s highest battlefield, the frigid Siachen glacier, even as he offered unlikely praise for Pakistan


Other drivers feeling left out TALLADEGA, Ala. - Friday #39;s qualifying session at Talladega Superspeedway was a big day for the other guys -hose Nextel Cup drivers who aren #39;t among the elite 10 in the Chase to the Championship.


Four Commit Suicide in Australia Child Porn Case (Reuters) Reuters - Four Australian men have committed\suicide after being caught up in an investigation into child\Internet pornography that has resulted in more than 200\arrested and charged for 2,000 offences, police said on\Saturday.


Blair Back Home After Successful Operation (AP) AP - Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived home Friday after a successful operation to correct an irregular heartbeat, and doctors expected him to make a "rapid and complete recovery" with a very low risk of recurrence.


Report: Militants Demand Cleric's Release (AP) AP - A militant group claiming to have kidnapped two Indonesian women demanded Jakarta free a Muslim cleric accused of heading an al-Qaida-linked group, the Arab news station Al-Jazeera reported Saturday. But the cleric said he wanted no such thing.


Oil closes above \$50 for first time NEW YORK - Oil prices closed above \$50 a barrel for the first time in New York trading Friday, as traders fretted about Nigerian oil production amid a threatened rebel uprising.


Schwarz out of the race nother stage victory for race leader Petter Solberg, his fifth since the start of the rally. The Subaru driver is not pulling away at a fast pace from Gronholm and Loeb but the gap is nonetheless increasing steadily.


U. runs away with it Playing with an intensity born of embarrassment last season, the No. 14 Utes turned New Mexico into a threadbare red carpet at University Stadium on Friday night, running over the Lobos


78-year-old on trial in Pitcairn A 78-year-old man has became the latest to face sex abuse allegations on the remote British Pacific colony of Pitcairn Island, founded more than 200 years ago by mutineers.


Microsoft defence enters day two A European judge will hear arguments on Friday on whether Microsoft should be forced to remove its music and video player from its Windows system.


17 people killed in explosions in India In India, at least 17 people have been killed and up to 55 wounded in four explosions in the country #39;s troubled northeast. Police say three blasts occurred in Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland state, killing 16 people.


Nigeria reaches cease-fire with rebels The Nigerian government has signed a cease-fire with three rebel groups that had been targeting foreign oil companies and their workers in the Niger Delta region, government officials said Friday.


Captors of Indonesians want cleric freed A group claiming to have captured two Indonesian women in Iraq has said it will release them if Jakarta frees Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir being held for alleged terrorist links.


Chirac Wants French Referendum on Turkey #39;s EU Bid (Update1) French President Jacques Chirac wants to change his country #39;s constitution to allow for a referendum on Turkey #39;s bid to join the European Union.


Hotels lock employees out As the chants of striking union workers filtered up to the hospitality room of the Hyatt Regency today, general managers of hotels represented by the San Francisco Multi-Employer Group announced that they had locked out UNITE HERE Local 2 employees from


Dollar slides to a new euro low The dollar creeps to a new low against the euro in early European trade, after hitting a 12-year low against sterling.


Tribe forced to watch a Koskie Show rerun Minneapolis- The rest of baseball is hitting .330 against Terry Mulholland this season. The Indians do not know how that is possible.


Honors for Nude Lit, Fish Farts Recipients of this year's Ig Nobel Prizes, which honor the best in oddball research, run the gamut from a nudist library to a psychology experiment featuring a man in a gorilla suit to a recent finding that herrings communicate by farting. By Mark Baard.


SpaceShipOne: Monday Launch Is On Satisfied that his spaceplane is sound despite a series of unexpected rolls during Wednesday's flight, Burt Rutan will send SpaceShipOne aloft as scheduled to try to capture the \$10 million X Prize. By Dan Brekke.


Canada Still Has Eyes on X Prize Toronto's da Vinci Project says it has the go-ahead from the Canadian government for a manned space launch. Question is, can the crew catch up to Burt Ratan's SpaceShipOne, which is halfway to winning the \$10 million jackpot? By Dan Brekke.


Cybersecurity Chief Takes a Hike The director of Homeland Security's National Cyber Security Division quits, giving one day's notice. His resignation comes during a push by the tech industry and several lawmakers to make cybersecurity a higher priority.


U.S., Iraqis Battle Resistance in Samarra (AP) AP - Sporadic gunfire echoed through this Sunni Muslim stronghold Saturday as U.S. and Iraqi forces battled pockets of resistance a day after the start of what appeared to be the first major push to regain control of a string of cities before elections in January.


Two killed in attempt to bomb campaign office of Afghan president (AFP) AFP - Two men were killed when a bomb exploded as they were planting it outside a regional electoral campaign office of Afghanistan's US-backed President Hamid Karzai, an official said.


Four Suicides Linked to Child Porn Probe (AP) AP - The government will press on with a child pornography crackdown despite the suicides of four people being investigated in the operation, an official said Saturday.


U.S.-Led Forces Tighten Hold on Iraq Rebel Town  SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. and Iraqi forces tightened  their grip on Samarra Saturday, pressing on with one of the  largest offensives since the fall of Saddam Hussein to try to  regain control of the rebel stronghold.


Israel Kills 7 Militants in Massive Gaza Offensive  GAZA (Reuters) - The Israeli army killed seven militants in  and around the northern Gaza Strip Saturday, raising the  Palestinian death toll to 45 in one of the biggest and  bloodiest offensives in four years of conflict.


Israel Presses on With Gaza Offensive JEBALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip - More troops poured into the Gaza Strip on Saturday as Israel expanded its offensive to counter Palestinian rocket fire, one of the largest incursions in four years of fighting. Seven Palestinians were killed in new clashes, including four who cut through Gaza's border fence...


U.S., Iraqis Battle Resistance in Samarra SAMARRA, Iraq - Sporadic gunfire echoed through this Sunni Muslim stronghold Saturday as U.S. and Iraqi forces battled pockets of resistance a day after the start of what appeared to be the first major push to regain control of a string of cities before elections in January...


SAKS FIFTH AVENUE CLOSING Saks Fifth Avenue, Carmel Plaza #39;s retail anchor for nearly two decades, will close in January, the company announced Friday. Shoppers who fancy the high-end store that boasts such brands


#39;Fable #39; weaves fun fantasy adventure When Peter Molyneux designs a game, players take notice. Referred to by many in the video game industry as a man with a Midas touch, this soft-spoken British game maker


AL notebook: Angels, Guillen reach resolution on grievance Outfielder Jose Guillen and the Anaheim Angels reached a financial settlement yesterday to resolve the grievance filed after the team recently suspended him without pay for the rest of the season.


Memphis Signs Gasol to Multi-Year Deal (AP) AP - Pau Gasol has been in the NBA for three seasons. That's been long enough for the 7-foot Spaniard to realize he wants to keep working with Jerry West and Hubie Brown.


Hostage brother hits out over police raid THE brother of Iraq hostage Ken Bigley hit out at police today after officers investigating the kidnapping raided his home. Paul Bigley said the raid had made him feel like a criminal and had wasted time in the race to save his brothers life.


Ichiro's New Hit Record Stokes Japanese Pride (Reuters) Reuters - Japanese school children and grown up\fans cheered Ichiro Suzuki when he set a new major league\baseball record for hits in a single season, a milestone that\drew personal congratulations from Japan's prime minister.


Canas Advances to Shanghai Open Final (AP) AP - Guillermo Canas booked his third finals appearance of the season with a 6-1, 6-2 victory Saturday over Jiri Novak at the Shanghai Open.


Ichiro's New Hit Record Stokes Japanese Pride  TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese school children and grown up  fans cheered Ichiro Suzuki when he set a new major league  baseball record for hits in a single season, a milestone that  drew personal congratulations from Japan's prime minister.


Gates opens up Microsoft #39;s Bill Gates barnstormed the Bay Area on Friday, making three public appearances to discuss the future of technology and his own philanthropic efforts.


Greek archaeologists find 2,500-year-old pomegranates preserved in <b>...</b> A scientific dig has uncovered four pomegranates believed to be 2,500 years old preserved inside a woven basket nestled in a bronze vessel, a Greek archaeologist said Friday.


FilePlanet Daily Download Valve #39;s Gabe has sent some fresh info to fan site HL Fallout in which he reveals the various Half-Life 2 retail and Steam packages that will be available to the public once Half-life 2 actually goes on sale.


WHY DO ARSENAL PLAYERS PICK ON LAUREN? PATRICK VIEIRA insists his bust-up with Lauren will not damage Arsenal #39;s Premiership title challenge and maintains there is no dressing-room split at Highbury.


A #39;s are down Angels take opener, lead in the West One member of the Big Three is done for the regular season, with Mark Mulder #39;s nightmarish second half ending in a whimper, his night over after a ragged second inning.


Nemechek wins Bud Pole at Talladega TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Joe Nemechek took his first Bud Pole of the year and his third at Talladega Superspeedway Friday, turning a top speed of 190.


EDITORIAL: IAEA cannot request access to Dr AQ Khan Pakistans decision to refuse the International Atomic Energy Agency to have direct access to Dr AQ Khan is correct on both legal and political counts.


Headless bodies of policemen found AUTHORITIES found the decapitated bodies of three policemen as sporadic gunfire killed at least one civilian in Haitis capital on the second day of violent protests staged by followers of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.


Blair's Exit Strategy Sparks Succession Fever  LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair was  back at work Saturday after successful heart surgery but his  vow to hold on to power for five more years has sparked fevered  speculation about who might succeed him and when.


America #39;s richest man talks tech at UC Berkeley The United States must  quot;rededicate quot; itself to the strength of its universities if the nation is to maintain its place as a world leader in technology and innovation, Microsoft Corp.


Afghan Campaign Picks Up as Karzai Heads to Berlin  KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai's main  opponent in a landmark election took center stage on Saturday,  while the incumbent, almost invisible during the campaign amid  security concerns, prepared to go to Germany to receive an  award.


Half-Life 2 date is 26th November EUROGAMER is reporting that Vivendi has informed its retail partners this week of the release dates for the long-awaited Half-Life 2, putting to bed speculation that the court case currently ongoing between Vivendi and Valve would delay the games release


At peace with Microsoft, Sun chief whips off the gloves over Red <b>...</b> Sun Microsystems Inc. #39;s combative chief executive, Scott McNealy, fresh from resolving his long-running quarrel with archrival Microsoft Corp.


Congratulations Ichiro! Ichiro #39;s 3-for-5 night at the plate versus Texas on Friday gave those in attendance at Safeco Field a night they will never forget, as the Mariners #39; right fielder set a new single-season hits record with 259.


Weather Doesn #39;t Impede Els Playing some of his best golf in the worst conditions, Els breezed through a wacky day of weather at the American Express Championship in Thomastown, Ireland by starting with four straight birdies and finishing with an 8-under-par 64, giving him a two


TRIPLE SUCCESS FOR SOLBERG Petter Solberg strengthened his grip on the Italian Rally this morning with three consecutive stage wins. The world champion held a half-minute overnight advantage from Marcus Gronholm but fastest times on


EU Report 'Extremely Critical' of Turkey-Verheugen  BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Commission will be  "extremely critical" of Turkey's reform efforts in a report  next week, but that will not stop EU leaders agreeing to open  membership talks with Ankara, EU officials said Saturday.


Update 1: Enron Corp. #39;s CFO Resigns; Succesor Named The man who became Enron Corp. #39;s chief financial officer only a month after the energy giant declared bankruptcy has resigned.


Federer stretched to the limit in win over Paradorn World number one Roger Federer was stretched to the limit by fourth-seeded Thai Paradorn Srichaphan before edging a 7-5 2-6 6-3 victory in the Thailand Open semi-finals on Saturday.


Sharapova Storms Into Semifinals Even the chilly weather couldnt cool down Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova as she reached the semifinals of the Hansol Korea Open yesterday in Seoul in convincing fashion.


Blair op sparks row in his party British Prime Minister Tony Blair was recovering Saturday after successfully undergoing treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat -- but speculation about who will succeed him raged in his party.


Blasts kill 20 in northeast India A series of bomb blasts have killed 20 people and wounded more than 50 in northeastern India. This is the deadliest attack since a ceasefire with the main separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


AL Wrap: Angels Thump Athletics to Near Playoffs  OAKLAND, Calif. (Reuters) - Bartolo Colon pitched seven  shutout innings and Alfredo Amezaga hit a grand slam home run  as the Anaheim Angels trounced the Oakland Athletics 10-0 in  their American League West showdown series opener Friday.


NL Wrap: Rueter Sharp as Giants Stay in Race  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Kirk Rueter allowed just three hits  over seven innings and J.T. Snow homered as the San Francisco  Giants scored a crucial 4-2 win over Los Angeles in National  League play at Dodger Stadium Friday.


Houston Astros Hold on to NL Wild Card Lead  HOUSTON (Reuters) - The streaking Houston Astros used seven  pitchers and a Jeff Bagwell home run to beat the Colorado  Rockies 4-2 Friday to hold on to their lead in the National  League wild card race.


What If Supercomputers Ruled The Ever since computer giant IBM announced earlier this week that they had developed the world #39;s fastest computer, the whole nation seems to be abuzz about supercomputers.


Dominant Solberg extends Rally of Italy lead World champion Petter Solberg extended his Rally of Italy lead to almost a minute after winning the first three stages on Saturday.


South Korea Tightens Security Following New Al-Qaida Threat South Korea has tightened security at home and overseas after a new threat by the al-Qaida terrorist network against countries supporting the US-led coalition in Iraq.


Chirac criticises interference in Iraq hostages release <b>...</b> PARIS - French President Jacques Chirac has lashed out at a private initiative to secure the release of two French hostages in Iraq as interference and said he hoped it would not thwart the delicate process, aides said Saturday.


Iraqi Kidnappers Demand Release of Militant Indonesian Cleric Kidnappers holding two Indonesian women hostages in Iraq are demanding the release of a militant cleric accused of leading a terrorist group in Southeast Asia.


Italians Divided After Return of  #39;Simonas #39; For three weeks, Italians across the country marched, held vigils and lit candles, and politicians united to promote freedom for a pair of humanitarian aid workers held captive in Iraq.


Blair's Exit Strategy Sparks Succession Fever (Reuters) Reuters - British Prime Minister Tony Blair was\back at work Saturday after successful heart surgery but his\vow to hold on to power for five more years has sparked fevered\speculation about who might succeed him and when.


McGrath and Langer shine in drawn India tour opener (AFP) AFP - Glenn McGrath scalped four wickets and Justin Langer hit a century here to lead Australia's preparations for next week's Test series against India.


U.S.-Led Forces Tighten Hold on Rebel Iraqi City  SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. and Iraqi forces tightened  their grip on Samarra Saturday, pushing ahead with one of the  largest offensives since the fall of Saddam Hussein to try to  regain control of the rebel stronghold.


Rioting in Pakistani Town as Blast Victims Buried  SIALKOT, Pakistan (Reuters) - Angry Shi'ite Muslims set  vehicles and the mayor's office on fire in Pakistan's eastern  city of Sialkot Saturday after a funeral procession to bury  victims of a suicide bomb attack that killed 30 people.


Israel Expands Offensive in Gaza Strip JEBALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip - More troops poured into the Gaza Strip on Saturday as Israel expanded its offensive to counter Palestinian rocket fire, one of the largest incursions in four years of fighting. Seven Palestinians were killed in new clashes, including four who cut through Gaza's border fence...


The Angels maul Mark Mulder, and the punchless A #39;s fall one game <b>...</b> Bee Staff Writer. Or else, their run of four consecutive playoff appearances would end with a whimper and plenty of regrets. The A #39;s face that reality because Mark Mulder #39;s mysterious downfall


Wal-Mart Says Sept. Sales Up 2.3 Percent (Reuters) Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc.  on\Saturday said sales at stores open at least a year rose 2.3\percent, according to its preliminary tally, helped by sales of\bedding, electronics, food and pet supplies.


Enron Finance Chief Quits The man who became Enron Corporations chief financial officer only a month after the energy giant declared bankruptcy has resigned.


Hatch #39;s bill for tuition breaks for undocumented immigrants <b>...</b> Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has inserted his  quot;DREAM Act quot; into the budget authorization for the Justice Department, bypassing opposition from Republican leaders who have refused


Reaction furious to EPA report WASHINGTON -- An Environmental Protection Agency report charging that the agency undermined its own lawsuits against air polluters by changing key regulations was praised Friday by environmentalists and condemned by industry groups and the EPA itself.


Bigley #39;s kidnappers may trade hostage for cash The terrorists holding Ken Bigley hostage in Iraq could be prepared to barter their captive for a ransom, it emerged last night. The Islamic militant leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has decided that Mr Bigley


Wal-Mart Says Sept. Sales Up 2.3 Percent  CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N on  Saturday said sales at stores open at least a year rose 2.3  percent, according to its preliminary tally, helped by sales of  bedding, electronics, food and pet supplies.


What did Fannie Mae #39;s leader know? Corporate spin can be a powerful thing. Just ask Fannie Mae #39;s investors. They spent the last year hearing the mortgage giant #39;s chief executive Franklin D. Raines continually


SpaceShipOne to launch again Monday com October 1, 2004, 11:39 AM PT. With the economy slowly turning up, upgrading hardware has been on businesses radar in the past 12 months as their number two priority.


Eriksson Spoilt for Choice Sven-Goran Eriksson is relishing the selection dilemma posed by the long-awaited return of Rio Ferdinand to the England squad ahead of next weekends World Cup qualifier against Wales.


Internet Video Shows Militant Beheading Iraqi  DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iraqi Islamist group beheaded an Iraqi  contractor it said was working for U.S. forces, a video on an  Islamist Web site showed Saturday.


Bomb Blasts Kill 20 in India's Nagaland  GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A series of bomb blasts killed  at least 20 people in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland  Saturday in the deadliest attack since a cease-fire with the  main Naga separatist group began seven years ago.


Hamas pledges new rocket attacks Hamas militants say there will be no let-up in efforts to fire missiles at Israel, despite a major Israeli military operation.


U.S., Iraqis Battle Resistance in Samarra SAMARRA, Iraq - Sporadic gunfire echoed through this Sunni Muslim stronghold Saturday as U.S. and Iraqi forces battled pockets of resistance a day after launching what appeared to be the first major push to regain control of a string of cities before elections in January...


Utah Woman's Body Found in Landfill SALT LAKE CITY - The body of a young Utah woman allegedly killed by her husband has turned up in a landfill that police had been searching since her disappearance in late July. The state medical examiner's office used dental records to identify Lori Hacking's remains about six hours after they were discovered Friday...


Iraqis Blame U.S. for Massacre of Children BAGHDAD, Iraq - Families of the 35 children who died in a string of bombings in Baghdad blamed American troops for the tragedy, accusing them of attracting insurgents to a ceremony where the attacks occurred.    By Friday, tents had sprung up in the el-Amel neighborhood in Baghdad to accommodate mourners who gathered to share their grief from the Thursday attack...


MLB: Suzuki Breaks Most Base Hits Record The Seattle Mariners #39; Ichiro Suzuki has broken one of baseball #39;s oldest hitting records - most base hits in a season, set 84 years ago by Hall of Famer George Sisler.


Eriksson fears for Owen Michael Owen, whose summer move to Real Madrid is rapidly turning into a nightmare, has been warned by national coach Sven Goran Eriksson his England place could be under threat.


Gibernau wins Qatar MotoGP after Rossi controversy Spaniard Sete Gibernau won a controversial inaugural Qatar MotoGP on Saturday which began with multiple world champions Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi being relegated to the back of the grid.


Kyoto protocol comes in from the cold The Russian government has approved the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, which sets formal targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and sent it to the country #39;s parliament for ratification.


Strong African Union force needed in Darfur UN officials in Sudan said Friday that they hope an expanded AU force will be deployed in Darfur by the end of the month, after Sudan #39;s foreign minister agreed to allow in 3,500 forces.


Musharraf elevates ISI Chief, Karachi Commander to top posts Islamabad, Oct. 2. (PTI): Consolidating his hold on the military, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today appointed Chief of the country #39;s powerful spy agency, ISI, Gen Ahsanul Haq, as Chairman of the Joint


Voting Begins In Bosnian Local Elections 2 October 2004 -- Bosnians began voting today in the country #39;s first locally organized local elections since the 1992-95 war. Around 2.3 million voters are eligible to elect local councils and mayors in 142 municipalities.


Federer to Meet Roddick in Thai Final  BANGKOK (Reuters) - World No. 1 Roger Federer will meet  second seed Andy Roddick in the final of the Thailand Open  after both claimed three-set victories Saturday.


Wal-Mart's Sept. Sales Up 2.3 Percent  CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N on  Saturday said sales at stores open at least a year rose 2.3  percent for September, near the low end of expectations,  according to its preliminary tally.


Enron #39;s CFO steps down HOUSTON The man who became Enron #39;s chief financial officer a month after the energy giant declared bankruptcy has resigned. An Enron spokeswoman says Raymond Bowen will pursue other professional opportunities.


MOTOGP NEWS Gibernau wins dramatic Qatar GP, Rossi falls. Sete Gibernau has led a Telefonica Honda one-two in a dramatic first ever Qatar Grand Prix, which also saw Ruben Xaus take his first ever MotoGP podium and world championship leader Valentino Rossi crash out after a determined charge from the back of the


Musharraf elevates ISI chief to top post Consolidating his hold on the military, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday appointed chief of the country #39;s powerful spy agency ISI General Ahsanul Haq as chairman of the joint chiefs of military staff after promoting him to the rank of four


Taliban Threaten to Attack Karzai Inauguration  KABUL (Reuters) - The Taliban threatened Monday to launch  attacks during the swearing in of Afghan President Hamid Karzai  while the U.S. military said every precaution was being taken  to protect a ceremony to be attended by top U.S. officials.


Quick-thinking driver helps cops save the day Nashville - Thanks to a quick-thinking robbery victim and his camera-equipped cellphone, police had a photo of the suspect and tracked him down in 10 minutes, police said.


CA to name CEO in 30 to 45 days OCTOBER 01, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Computer Associates International Inc. expects to fill its CEO vacancy within the next 30 to 45 days, the company said today.


MacCentral Week in Review First of all, I #39;d like to thank the dozens of newsletter subscribers who took the time to respond to last week #39;s editorial,  quot;The Real World, quot; in which I talked about my son #39;s school #39;s decision to switch from Macs to PCs.


Federer moves to Thailand Open final Top ranked Roger Federer shrugged off a strong challenge by local hero Paradorn Srichaphan to take a 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 win Saturday and set up a Thailand Open final showdown with Andy Roddick.


City spurn chances in draw London - Manchester City wasted numerous chances to score on Saturday as Southampton held them to a 0-0 draw in the Premier League.


Owen #39;s Real benchtime has Eriksson worried London - Michael Owen, whose summer move to Real Madrid is rapidly turning into a nightmare, has been warned by national coach Sven Goran Eriksson that his England place could be under threat.


Motor Cycling: Gibernau wins in Qatar as Rossi crashes out LOSAIL, Qatar : Spain #39;s Sete Gibernau won a dramatic Qatar Grand Prix to throw the world title race wide open after defending world champion Valentino Rossi crashed out.


Sharapova advances to Korea Open final Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova flattened Anne Kremer of Luxembourg 6-0, 6-2 on Saturday and cruised into the Korea Open final.


Bombings kill 28 in north-east Bomb blasts killed at least 28 people and wounded 87 in north-eastern India yesterday in the deadliest attack since a ceasefire with the main separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


Syria, Lebanon yet to fulfill UN demands: Report United Nations, Oct 2 (PTI) Syria has failed to pull out troops from Lebanon despite a demand by UN Security Council while Lebanon has not met the requirement that it disarm all militias, including Hizbollah guerrillas, according to a new United Nations


Wildlife conference starts as battle lines drawn A major wildlife conference started yesterday in Bangkok bringing together 166 nations to scrutinise trade in some of the world #39;s rarest species amid promises of greater action to fight smuggling.


U.S.-Led Forces Widen Control in Rebel Iraqi City  SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. and Iraqi forces tightened  their grip on the rebel stronghold of Samarra on Saturday with  one of the largest offensives since the fall of Saddam Hussein.


DeLay's Push Helps Deliver NASA Funds (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Without a separate vote or even a debate, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) has managed to deliver to a delighted NASA enough money to forge ahead on a plan that would reshape U.S. space policy for decades to come.


N.Korea Says South Has Nuclear Arms, Rejects Talks  SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea Saturday dashed the South's  hope of quickly resuming bilateral talks between the two old  Cold War enemies, declaring there is no hope for progress  unless South Korea's nuclear experiments are fully  investigated.


Virgin Making Mark Among Mobile Services  NEW YORK (Reuters) - When Virgin Group VA.UL Chairman  Richard Branson put his brand on a U.S. mobile telephone  service two years ago, there appeared to be scant space for  newcomers to the crowded market.


Rhinemaidens Turn Bungee Jumpers In the Lyric Opera of Chicago's reprise of Wagner's "Ring" Cycle, gymnasts dangle, flutter and lip-sync.


Hits Record Is Ichiro's 'Best Moment' SEATTLE - The 258th hit in 2004 for Ichiro Suzuki was like so many others, a little ground ball up the middle. Only this one made history - a hit cheered 'round the world...


IBM Wins Big Contract from Lloyds (Reuters) Reuters - IBM has signed a seven-year,  #36;969.2\million contract with British bank Lloyds TSB to supply it with\Internet telephony and data services, IBM said on Monday.


Cost Conundrum Holds Up Diesel Hybrid Cars A car that can go 80 miles on a gallon of renewable fuel such as soy and canola would seem like an ideal solution to oil prices bumping around historic highs of \$50 a barrel.


Perry Says Sweeping Reforms In Store For CPS Gov. Rick Perry told the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute Friday that it is the responsibility of a conservative and compassionate government to protect the most vulnerable in society.


Google Challenge: Keeping Wealthy Workers As Google Inc. (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) nears the end of its first quarter as a public company, industry watchers say one of its emerging challenges is


NASA Delays Shuttle Flight Set for Spring HOUSTON, Oct. 1 -- NASA decided Friday to delay the spring 2005 launch of the first shuttle flight since Columbia disintegrated, citing hurricane damage and more work needed to implement safety recommendations.


Clarke sets early pace with third-round 65 Britain #39;s Darren Clarke reeled off eight birdies in a seven-under-par 65 to surge up the leaderboard in the WGC-American Express Championship third round on Saturday.


Canas tops Novak in Shanghai semis Shanghai, China (Sports Network) - Third-seeded Argentine Guillermo Canas recorded an easy straight-set win over second-seeded Czech Jiri Novak in Saturday #39;s semifinals at the \$380,000 Heineken Open Shanghai.


US-Led Forces Widen Control in Rebel Iraqi City US and Iraqi forces tightened their grip on the rebel stronghold of Samarra on Saturday with one of the largest offensives since the fall of Saddam Hussein.


New pension law makes life tougher for old-timers A smashing blow is being dealt to thousands of future pensioners by a law that has just been brought into force by the Federal Government.


Oil, Profit Reports to Weigh on Stocks (Reuters) Reuters - A new reporting period for company\earnings kicks into gear next week, giving investors a bit of\hard data to chew on, and markets could be volatile if the\price of crude oil stays north of  #36;50 a barrel.


Google Challenge: Keeping Wealthy Workers (Reuters) Reuters - As Google Inc.   nears\the end of its first quarter as a public company, industry\watchers say one of its emerging challenges is how to keep\soon-to-be wealthy workers from cashing out and moving on.


IMF policymakers open annual meeting under heavy security WASHINGTON, Oct 2 (AFP) - IMF policymakers, gathering under heavy police guard, went behind closed doors here Saturday to assess near-term global economic prospects threatened by rising oil prices.


NASA Forced To Delay Shuttle Launch The launch of the first Space Shuttle since the Columbia disaster has been delayed because of the impact of hurricane damage and the implementation of new safety measures.


Manchester United v Middlesbrough Gareth Southgate fears another Boro backs-to-the-wall display on Sunday -whether Wayne Rooney lines up against them or not. After a battling performance against Czech champions Banik Ostrava on Thursday to


Cleveland Indians Team Report - October 2 (Sports Network) - The Cleveland Indians will continue with the second test of a regular season-ending three-game set against the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome.


Briton Sheds More Light on Guantanamo Hell A British detainee said he has been abused in Guantanamo, adding he witnessed the deaths of two other detainees at the hands of US military personnel, according to a letter sent to his lawyers.


Druse leader criticizes Lahoud #39;s extended term A Lebanese opposition leader on Saturday renewed his criticism of pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud #39;s extended term, a day after a close supporter was wounded in a car bombing regarded as a warning not to upset Lebanon #39;s Damascus-backed establishment.


Study Reveals 'Demographic Catastrophe' in Darfur (Reuters) Reuters - Researchers called the situation in\Darfur a "demographic catastrophe" on Friday after the first\scientific study done in the region found high death rates both\before and after the displacement of some 1.5 million people.


Three in London court appearance on terrorism charges (AFP) AFP - Three men charged under Britain's anti-terrorism laws on suspicion of seeking to obtain radioactive material to make a nuclear device made a brief first appearance Saturday before a London court.


Iran Revises Constitution to Allow Privatisations  By Amir Paivar  TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran Saturday overturned a key plank of the  constitution to allow large-scale privatizations in a bid to  overhaul the lumbering economy, over which many hard-line  parliamentarians have been trying to maintain state dominance.


New NASA Spacecraft Moves One Step Closer to Fall Launch NASA -- NASA is planning to launch the Demonstration of Autonomous Rendezvous Technology (DART) flight demonstrator no earlier than Oct. 26, 2004, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif...


Evidence Shaky for Sun's Major Role in Past Climate Changes National Center for Atmospheric Research -- Computer models of Earth's climate have consistently linked long-term, high-magnitude variations in solar output to past climate changes.     Now a closer look at earlier studies of the Sun casts doubt on evidence of such cycles of brightness, their intensity and their possible influence on Earth's climate...


Space Shuttle's Spring 2005 Launch Date Delayed By PAM EASTON    HOUSTON (AP) -- The first shuttle flight since the Columbia tragedy has been pushed back by NASA because hurricane damage and implementation of new safety measures made a spring 2005 launch "no longer achievable."    March or April had been the tentative date selected by NASA's spaceflight council, which announced the delay Friday.    The council, in Houston to discuss the Oct...


Pinhole Camera to Image New Worlds A University of Colorado study has embarked on demonstrating that new planets can be found with the help of an orbiting starshade. The method has been compared to building a giant pinhole camera in space.


Bombings, Gun Attacks in India Kill 44 GAUHATI, India - A spate of bombings and gun attacks in crowded public places killed 44 people Saturday in markets and a railroad station across two states in India's northeast, police said.    In all, nine attacks took place through the day in Nagaland and Assam states, both of which have faced campaigns by separatist rebels, police officials in the two states told The Associated Press...


NASA Official Sees Role in Space for Private Companies The head of the US space agency, NASA, says private enterprise will play an important role in space in the future. While visiting California, NASA administrator Sean O #39;Keefe watched the launch of the privately


Seattle Mariners Team Report - October 2 (Sports Network) - Ichiro Suzuki will try to add to his new single-season hits record, as he takes the field for the Seattle Mariners in the middle test of a season-ending three-game series against the visiting Texas Rangers.


Roddick vs. Federer in Thailand Open final Roger Federer and Andy Roddick pulled out three-set victories Saturday to set up a No. 1 vs. No. 2 final at the Thailand Open. Top-ranked Federer got past Thai star Paradorn Srichaphan 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 in the


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


Hundreds in Pakistan protest at funeral A funeral for 30 victims of a mosque bombing in Sialkot, Pakistan, became violent Saturday, with protesters setting fire to several government buildings.


Twenty dead from India bomb blasts At least 20 people were killed in three bomb blasts Saturday in northeastern India, CNN reported. Besides the 20 dead, about 65 people were injured in the explosions, one of


Labor trails in marginals LABOR has failed to make inroads in Coalition marginal seats, casting doubt on its chances of winning Saturday #39;s election. An exclusive Newspoll shows the Coalition hanging on to its lead in the seats Mark Latham must win.


Some 200,000 rally against Dutch austerity measures (AFP) AFP - Some 200,000 people rallied in Amsterdam against the govenrment's controversial austerity and reform measures in the city's biggest demonstration in two decades.


Stocks Rise; Nasdaq, S amp;P at 3-Month Highs Stocks rose sharply on Friday in heavy trading as software company PeopleSoft Inc. and chip-related stocks boosted the Nasdaq and Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 indexes to their highest closes in about three months.


OSIA Dismisses Gartner Linux Piracy Claim The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way. There should be an MS tax, no there shouldn #39;t... (Score:2, Insightful). OK, colour me not


Three remanded on terror charges Three men have appeared in court charged with terrorism offences after a newspaper tip-off alleging the suspects tried to buy explosives for a  quot;dirty bomb quot;.


Will historic flight launch space tourism? MOJAVE, Calif.--As the sun cracked the ragged horizon of the Mojave Desert on Wednesday, the White Knight aircraft taxied onto the runway looking like a gigantic model glider with an oversize torpedo latched to its belly.


Baseball: Economics and the Playoffs Description: NPR #39;s Robert Siegel talks with our regular sports commentator Stefan Fatsis of The Wall Street Journal about Major League baseball.


Suzuki sets record but would rather have playoff spot Anaheim #39;s <b>...</b> (CP) - Ichiro Suzuki has the single-season hits record, but he #39;d much rather have the playoff spot Bartolo Colon and the Anaheim Angels are one game closer to securing.


Kirk Rueter picthes 7 strong innings, and the Giants trim their <b>...</b> Bee Staff Writer. LOS ANGELES - One down, two or three to go - that #39;s the Giants #39; mantra after they successfully took their first step of a weekend mission at Dodger Stadium.


Bayern, Bremen Lift Euro Hopes Ahead of Clash Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen both recorded European Champions League wins in mid-week to add spice to an already mouthwatering Bundesliga match this Saturday.


49 killed in serial blasts in Assam, Nagaland A series of bomb blasts and militant attacks in Nagaland and Assam have killed at least 49 people today. In Assam, there have been several explosions and attacks all through the day, killing 26 people.


IBM Reclaims Supercomputing Crown from NEC IBM has reclaimed the title of world #39;s fastest supercomputer, overtaking a Japanese computer that shocked the US government when it set a computing speed record in 2002.


CO KNOWS IT WON #39;T BE EASY AZ Alkmaar coach Co Adriaanse knows his team have their work cut out to stay among the Eredivisie pace-setters ahead of Sunday #39;s visit of champions Ajax.


OS Competition Is Good for IT (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - The competition between open-source and proprietary software promises to be the most significant force in IT over the next decade.


NEC Blade Server Bundles Linux (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - NEC Solutions America is shipping a version of its blade server bundled with a fault-tolerant version of Linux.


Bush Hits Kerry on U.S. Needing 'Global Test' (Reuters) Reuters - President Bush said on Saturday\Democrat John Kerry's debate remark that U.S. preemptive\military action should be subject to a "global test" would give\other nations a veto over American national security decisions.


Body dug up in Kenya rape probe The body of a teenage Kenyan girl, whose parents say she was raped by British soldiers, is exhumed.


Football: Arsenal thrash Charlton Thierry Henry scores twice as Arsenal thrash Charlton and go five points clear in the Premiership.


Officials Far Apart on Iraq Debt Relief WASHINGTON - The world's major economic powers were far apart Saturday on agreeing how to provide debt relief for Iraq and the poorest nations, as finance officials began broader discussions about the global economy.    Treasury Secretary John Snow and Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan led the U.S...


Smoking Spurs Snoring By Serena Gordon, HealthDay Reporter    Even passive smoke can make you a nocturnal noisemaker, study finds    HealthDayNews -- Your chances of getting a peaceful night's sleep are better if you don't smoke, or spend time around anyone who does.    That's because smoking -- both active and passive -- makes it more likely you'll snore the night away, according to a study in the October issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine...


Vioxx Users Can Find Safe Alternatives By E.J. Mundell, HealthDay Reporter    Other drugs on the market offer arthritis relief, experts say    HealthDayNews -- A day after one of the largest drug recalls in history, America's 2 million Vioxx users are left wondering what's next in terms of relieving their arthritis pain...


Right Whales May Be Making a Comeback By MARY PEMBERTON     ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- North Pacific right whales may not be going extinct after all. Scientists have found twice as many right whales in the Bering Sea as previously spotted, giving them hope the rare whales are making a comeback...


Mount St. Helens -- A Volcanic 'Ring of Fire' The earthquakes that started a week ago at Mount St. Helens -- precursors to Friday's eruption -- are a reminder that the 8,364-foot sleeping giant is but a part of a volcanic "ring of fire" so vast that it encircles the Pacific Ocean.


Denmark Hopes to Claim the North Pole By JAN M. OLSEN     COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- Denmark is joining Russia and Canada to see if it can lay a claim to the North Pole - and whatever natural riches may lie beneath it...


CA Partners Rattled Again By Upheaval Partners of Computer Associates International had their concerns rekindled last week after CA announced layoffs and product changes with little detail.


No. 3 seed will face Burgsmuller for title SHANGHAI, China -- Guillermo Canas defeated Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-2 Saturday at the Shanghai Open and will play for his third title this season.


Schweinsteiger hits Bayern winner Substitute midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger pushed Bayern Munich up to third place in the Bundesliga when he scored the decider in a 2-1 victory away to champions Werder Bremen.


***** WNBA Playoff Game Capsules - Friday, October 1st ***** Final Score: Connecticut 61, New York 51 New York, NY (Sports Network) - Nykesha Sales scored 15 points to lead Connecticut to a 61-51 win over New York in Game 1 of their best-of-three Eastern Conference Finals series at Madison Square Garden.


Texas Tech Red Raiders NORMAN, Oklahoma (Ticker) -- Adrian Peterson hopes to carry over his stellar start to Big 12 Conference action when second-ranked Oklahoma hosts Texas Tech on Saturday.


Steelers LB Bell Remains Out With Injury (AP) AP - Steelers linebacker Kendrell Bell will miss a fourth consecutive game Sunday because of a sore groin.


Bomb Blasts Kill At Least 26 in Northeastern India Two bomb blasts minutes apart have killed at least 26 people and wounded at least 86 others in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, home to a long-running separatist conflict.


U.S. Offers Internet Downloads of \$50 Bill By TED BRIDIS    WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. government will offer over the Internet low-quality images of its new \$50 bill for artists, students and others who discover that their computers, scanners or printers won't allow them to view or copy pictures of the new currency...


Customized Photo-Stamp Experiment Canceled The U.S. Postal Service has canceled a brief experiment that allowed ordinary people to make postage stamps using images of their dogs, babies and even, it turned out, outlaws such as the Unabomber.


Orange launches delayed 3G service (FT.com) FT.com - Orange on Monday launched its long-delayed 3G mobile phone services in the UK, and predicted it would sell between 1.5 and 2m branded handsets by the end of 2006.


San Francisco Giants Team Report - October 2 (Sports Network) - The San Francisco Giants not only have wild card apsirations, but they can possibly win the NL West. San Francisco will play the middle contest of a three-game series versus the Los Angeles Dodgers today in southern California.


Yankees manager Torre suspended for one game, fined New York Yankees manager Joe Torre was suspended for one game and fined by major league baseball Saturday because one of his pitchers threw at a batter after umpire warnings during a game against the Boston Red Sox.


Many Iraqi Children Miss School Over Violence Worry Millions of Iraqi children were due to start the new school year Saturday, but many stayed at home, their parents too scared to let them venture out amid Iraq #39;s spiraling violence.


China Has No Immediate Plan to Join G7  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China, which for the first time  joined a meeting of top officials from the Group of Seven  countries this week, has no immediate plans to enter the rich  nations' club, its finance minister said on Saturday.


Uncertainty Translates Into Losses Mutual funds dipped last quarter, but didn't dive. The losses were felt almost across the board, spanning many sectors and virtually every type of diversified fund.


Motor Cycling: Angry Rossi hits out at demotion LOSAIL, Qatar : World champion Valentino Rossi angrily hit out at race organisers here after he was demoted to the back of the grid for the Qatar Grand Prix.


Merck Pulls Arthritis Drug Off Market Merck  amp; Co Inc. on Thursday pulled its arthritis drug Vioxx off the market after a study showed it doubled the risk of heart attack and stroke, a move that sent its


Molson #39;s O #39;Neill Promises to Address Options Concerns (Update3) Molson Inc. Chief Executive Officer Daniel O #39;Neill said he #39;ll provide investors with a positive #39; #39; response to their concerns over the company #39;s plan to let stock- option holders vote on its planned merger with Adolph Coors Co.


Vioxx woes put FDA process under scrutiny Americans should feel reasonably safe taking government-approved prescription drugs - with a few caveats - even after a popular arthritis medication was pulled from the market, medical experts say.


Nickelback singer eager to play to the game world Game designers are often called the rock stars of the digital world, but that #39;s a load of hooey. Rock stars are pop gods and they transcend all bounds of genre to find success in the mainstream.


Men #39;s Tennis: Federer Reaches Thailand Open Finals The world-number-one in men #39;s tennis, Roger Federer of Switzerland, has advanced to the final of the Thailand Open after eliminating local star Paradorn Srichaphan.


Why Conway was shown the door (SiliconValley.com) SiliconValley.com - When Craig Conway took charge at PeopleSoft in 1999, the maverick ex-Oracle salesman was given free rein to turn around the software maker's country-club atmosphere and whip it into shape for fierce competition. And, in large part, he succeeded.


Incoming CEO: Father figure Duffield back at the helm (SiliconValley.com) SiliconValley.com - If there's a spirit that defines the many quirks and complexities of Pleasanton software company PeopleSoft, it emanates from its founder and once-again chief executive officer, David A. Duffield.


'Don't Let Down Guard,' IMF Chief Warns  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With no major economic crises  brewing, the head of the International Monetary Fund on  Saturday urged world financial leaders to seize the period of  calm as a time to tackle weak spots in their economies.


Officials Far Apart on Iraq Debt Relief The world's major economic powers were far apart Saturday on agreeing how to provide debt relief for Iraq and the poorest nations, as finance officials began broader discussions about the global economy.


Crunch time on poverty The annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington later this week should be anything but routine.


.Mac bumps up storage capacity, improves mail SEPTEMBER 29, 2004 (MACCENTRAL) - Apple Computer Inc. has improved the services offered to subscribers of .Mac. Previously, the amount of storage for a basic .


Spring change slows Cup cars a bit In yet another step to keep its Nextel Cup teams from getting too creative, NASCAR handed out rear springs Friday to be used in qualifying for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.


Report: Cleric swap for hostages Arabic-language news channel Al-Jazeera has reported hostage-takers in Iraq are demanding Indonesia #39;s government release Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba #39;asyir in exchange for two female hostages.


Militant Group May Ask for Ransom for British Hostage The brother of British hostage Ken Bigley said today he was looking into reports that a new Iraqi militant group had intervened to help negotiate the engineers release.


PalmOne's Treo 650: Hybrid Phones Keep Getting Smarter (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - When I showed PalmOne's new Treo 650 to a co-worker who had just bought the Treo 600, my now-jealous colleague paid this new model one of the highest compliments imaginable: a two-word obscenity we can't print.


Angry Shaq on Kobe:  #39;He #39;s a joke ... a clown #39; O #39;Neal lashed out at his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate again during a photo shoot in Florida.  quot;The guy #39;s a joke, quot; O #39;Neal was quoted as saying in the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel on Friday.


French president, FM slate freelance efforts to free hostages (AFP) AFP - French President Jacques Chirac has lashed out at a private initiative to secure the release of two French hostages in Iraq as  quot;interference quot; and said he hoped it would not thwart the delicate process, aides said.


Liberals face one-year election anniversary dogged by "promise breakers" label (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - A year ago Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty solemnly pledged to Ontarians in prime-time TV election ads that he would make Ontario a better place - without raising taxes.


New Web site allows salespeople to help solve the puzzle of whom to reach (SiliconValley.com) SiliconValley.com - It sounds like a 1999 dot-com spin on eBay: A new San Mateo start-up called Jigsaw says it is launching a platform where users can buy, sell and trade business cards.


Activist Holds Anti-Nader Hunger Strike (AP) AP - A peace activist who once fasted for 63 days to protest movie violence and war toys is launching another hunger strike to persuade Ralph Nader to abandon his presidential bid.


U.S.-Led Forces Widen Control in Rebel Iraqi City  SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S.-led forces backed by  warplanes tightened their grip on the rebel stronghold of  Samarra Saturday, saying they had killed 125 rebels in one of  the largest offensives since the fall of Saddam Hussein.


Romania Presidential Challenger Stolojan Quits Race  BUCHAREST, Romania (Reuters) - Romania's main opposition  presidential challenger Theodor Stolojan withdrew from the race  citing health reasons Saturday, dealing a severe blow to his  alliance ahead of next month's elections.


25 Terror Suspects Nabbed in Afghanistan KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan intelligence agents backed by international peacekeepers arrested 25 people allegedly linked to the Taliban and al-Qaida in an early morning raid in eastern Kabul Saturday, a spokesman for the peacekeepers said.    Lt...


Activist Holds Anti-Nader Hunger Strike SANTA MONICA, Calif. - A peace activist who once fasted for 63 days to protest movie violence and war toys is launching another hunger strike to persuade Ralph Nader to abandon his presidential bid...


Vioxx Woes Put FDA Process Under Scrutiny WASHINGTON - Americans should feel reasonably safe taking government-approved prescription drugs - with a few caveats - even after a popular arthritis medication was pulled from the market, medical experts say.    Vioxx was the first prescription drug since 2001 to be taken off the market for safety reasons...


Jamal Lewis Deal Could Include Jail Time ATLANTA - Lawyers for Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis are negotiating a plea deal in his drug conspiracy case that would allow him to serve jail time in the offseason, a source close to the case told The Associated Press on Saturday.    Under a deal being discussed with federal prosecutors, Lewis would serve four to six months - possibly split between jail and a halfway house - after the season, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity...


Georgia Looks for Payback Against LSU (AP) AP - The Georgia Bulldogs hardly were used to this sort of treatment. They limped off the field at the Georgia Dome, unable to rely on any what-ifs or might-have-beens. For the first time in coach Mark Richt's tenure, the Bulldogs knew what it felt like to be dominated by a better team.


Randy Moss Fined  #36;5K for Shoving Match (AP) AP - Randy Moss was fined  #36;5,000 by the NFL for his role in a scuffle during last Sunday's game between the Vikings and Chicago Bears.


Attackers Strike U.S. Consulate in Jiddah (AP) AP - Islamic militants threw explosives at the gate of the heavily guarded U.S. consulate in Jiddah, then forced their way into the building, prompting a gunbattle in a bold assault that left seven people dead and several injured before the three-hour long crisis was brought under control.


Japan celebrates Suzuki breaking record Baseball fans across Japan Saturday honored Ichiro Suzuki, the Seattle Mariners #39; Japanese player who broke major league baseball #39;s record for a season #39;s hits.


12 Palestinians killed in Gaza military operation As many as 12 Palestinians died in four separate incidents on Saturday in Gaza, another day of escalating violence between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants.


Bomb blasts, firing kill 44 in Nagaland, Guwahati GUWAHATI: At least 44 persons were killed and 100 others wounded in firing and series of bomb blasts in Indian eastern states Nagaland, Assam, and Guwahati here on Saturday.


Els Fires a 68 to Stay Two Clear at Mount Juliet  THOMASTOWN, Ireland (Reuters) - Ernie Els stayed on track  for a maiden World Golf Championship title with a  four-under-par 68 in the WGC-American Express Championship  third round on Saturday.


Inducing Infringement of Copyrights Act The purpose of the INDUCE ACT blog will be to consolidate available information concerning the Induce Act as well as to provide new and original content about it.


Microsoft Expands Lower-Cost Windows XP Program To India Microsoft is expanding its experimental Windows XP Starter Edition program to India, the company disclosed on Wednesday. It #39;s the second such announcement from Microsoft this week.


Two Hamas militants killed in Gaza airstrike Two members of Izzedin al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), were killed on Saturday evening in an Israeli airstrike on their car that drove


New US air strike targets insurgent training base in Iraq US forces conducted on Saturday a new air strike at a suspect training base used by insurgents in Fallujah in central Iraq, the US military said in a statement.


Iraq Militants Claim to Behead Contractor (AP) AP - A militant group in Iraq claimed in an Internet statement posted Saturday that it abducted and beheaded an Iraqi construction contractor who worked on a U.S. military base. A video released with the statement showed a man being decapitated.


Israel Kills 9 Militants in Massive Gaza Offensive  GAZA (Reuters) - The Israeli army killed nine militants in  and around the Gaza Strip Saturday, raising the Palestinian  death toll to 47 in one of the biggest and bloodiest offensives  in four years of conflict.


Charges over Montenegro killing Montenegro prosecutors charge a former karate champion over the death of a newspaper editor.


Camera Phone Used To Catch A Thief Nashville police were able to catch a robber within minutes after a robbery victim used a camera cell phone to snap a mug shot of the criminal as well as the getaway vehicle.


Els maintains lead at American Express Championship Kilkenny, Ireland (Sports Network) - Ernie Els shot a four-under 68 on Saturday to maintain his two-shot lead through three rounds of the World Golf Championships - American Express Championship.


Notebook: Accuser says she kept telling Bryant  quot;no quot; Kobe Bryant #39;s accuser was adamant in an interview with detectives that the Los Angeles Lakers #39; guard used force during their sexual encounter


44 killed, 118 wounded in wave of attacks in India #39;s troubled <b>...</b> GUWAHATI, India : Forty-four people were killed and 118 wounded in a spate of attacks in India #39;s remote northeast, police said, in one of the deadliest eruptions of violence in the revolt-racked region in years.


Bombings, Gun Attacks in India Kill 44 GAUHATI, India - In a shattering series of attacks, suspected separatists hit nine targets - a railroad station and eight markets - with bombs and gunfire across two states in northeastern India on Saturday, killing more than 40 people.    The violence was some of the deadliest to hit this ethnic patchwork region, where more than three dozen insurgent groups have been active - including one of Asia's longest running separatist conflicts, dating to shortly before India gained independence from Britain in 1947...


Jamal Lewis Deal Would Include Jail Time ATLANTA - Lawyers for Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis are negotiating a plea deal in his drug conspiracy case that would allow him to serve jail time in the offseason, a source close to the case told The Associated Press on Saturday.    Under a deal being discussed with federal prosecutors, the pro football player would serve four to six months - possibly split between jail and a halfway house - when the season concludes, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity...


President Of Delta #39;s Song Retires John Selvaggio, the president of Delta Air Lines #39; low-cost carrier, Song, has retired, effective immediately, for personal reasons, a Delta spokeswoman said on Friday.


Braves' Thomson, Chipper Jones Hurt (AP) AP - Atlanta Braves starter John Thomson and cleanup hitter Chipper Jones left Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs with injuries, just days before the NL East champions begin the playoffs.


Forget Kashmir for now, let #39;s do business The icy wastelands of Siachen thawed a little last week. President Musharraf assured India that his forces would not seize Siachen if Indian troops vacated it.


'Don't Let Down Guard,' IMF Chief Warns (Reuters) Reuters - With no major economic crises\brewing, the head of the International Monetary Fund on\Saturday urged world financial leaders to seize the period of\calm as a time to tackle weak spots in their economies.


Conway or the highway What a shame that Larry Ellison and Craig Conway never got the chance to reunite for that highly anticipated exit interview. It would have been a blockbuster on pay-per-view.


RIAA Files 762 More File-Trading Lawsuits LOS ANGELES -- The music industry is continuing its campaign against people who illegally download music through file-sharing sites.


Third Of Americans Think Viruses Won #39;t Strike Them About one in three Americans think it #39;s more likely they #39;ll be audited by the IRS or win the lottery than fall victim to a virus or worm, the non-profit National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) said Friday as it released the results of a September survey.


Premier League match reports Champions Arsenal bounced back from a disappointing Champions League performance with a scintillating display at Highbury to extend their lead at the top to five points.


Massu, Volandri, Berdych reach quarter-finals of Palermo tennis <b>...</b> Defending champion Nicolas Massu of Chile reached the quarter-finals at the Campionati Internazionali di Sicilia when Potito Starace quit with a stomach illness while trailing 4-1 Thursday.


Clijsters suffers wrist injury again Kim Clijsters #39;s comeback trail came to an agonising halt on Saturday when the former world number one had to retire with a left wrist injury in the semi-finals of the Belgian Open.


Ravens tailback likely to serve 2-6 months While the deal will not be announced until some time next week, Baltimore Ravens tailback Jamal Lewis has reached a tentative plea agreement that will allow him to avoid both


Blasts, gun attacks claim 41 in Assam DIMAPUR / GUWAHATI: In a sudden outburst of violence in Northeast, 41 people were killed and about 140 injured in a series of blasts and firing by militants in Nagaland and neighbouring Assam on Sunday.


Shiite Mosque Bombed in Pakistan The last bloody exercise in the  quot;mosque-centered quot; Sunni-Shiite conflict in Pakistan occurred yesterday during Friday prayer.


Wash. Locals Keep Eye on Mount St. Helens (AP) AP - Glenn Johnson remembers running outside with canisters to catch some of the volcanic ash that began falling on Pullman after Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980. He wanted a souvenir.


Rampant Arsenal Stretches Lead, Everton Loses Champions Arsenal opened a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a 4-0 thrashing of Charlton Athletic at Highbury Saturday.


Volandri, Berdych reach Palermo final Filippo Volandri moved within a victory of giving Italy its first champion in 20 years at the Campionati Internazionali di Sicilia, beating unseeded Juan Monaco of Argentina 6-1, 6-4 in the semifinals Saturday.


Off 5th in 100 Oaks to close in January Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises plans to close its Off 5th store in the 100 Oaks Mall in Nashville. The closure is one of three Off 5th locations the company is shuttering, along with eight of its Saks Fifth Avenue stores.


Can Do Private Space Companies Set Tone for Future Spaceflight On Monday, 47 years to the day after the Russians launched the worlds first satellite Sputnik, Mojave Aerospace, a private space company, will attempt to win the Ansari X Prize with their second launch in less than a week and demonstrate to the world


Injury forces Clijsters to retire in Belgium Hasselt, Belgium (Sports Network) - Kim Clijsters retired in her semifinal match Saturday in the Gaz de France Stars tennis tournament with a wrist injury.


Eriksson open armed for Rio #39;s return Rio Ferdinand has been hailed as a potential England captain with Sven-Goran Eriksson tipping the Manchester United defender to follow in the footsteps of Bobby Moore.


No. 2 Oklahoma 28, Texas Tech 13 Jason White threw three touchdown passes to break Oklahoma #39;s career mark and Adrian Peterson added 146 rushing yards and a touchdown run Saturday, leading the No.


Hamas Gunmen Vow More Attacks on Israel JEBALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip Oct. 2, 2004 - Israeli troops and aircraft hit hard at Palestinian militants Saturday, killing at least 10 on the third bloody day of a massive Israeli incursion into the


Bombs in northeast India kill 35 GUWAHATI, India -- Two bomb blasts in northeastern India Saturday killed 35 people and wounded scores of others. One large explosion ripped through a train station in Dimapur, where most of the casualties occurred, police said.


US Forces Say Target Guerrillas Training in Iraq US forces launched a  quot;precision strike quot; Saturday on a building in the rebel-held Iraqi city of Falluja where 15 to 20 guerrillas were training for attacks, the American military said.


Bigley #39;s brother says police raided home The brother of a British hostage in Iraq says intelligence officers raided his Dutch home, copied data from his computer and forced him to make a five-page statement about his activities.


Pitcairn OAP on rape charge A 78-YEAR-OLD man has been accused of twice raping a woman more than 30 years ago, amid an alleged culture of sex attacks on the tiny island of Pitcairn.


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


Leaders Launch Drive to Curb Polio in Africa  KANO, Nigeria (Reuters) - Political leaders and health  workers launched a drive Saturday to immunise more than 80  million children against polio in 23 African nations and fight  back against a resurgence of the crippling disease.


Hamas Gunmen Vow More Attacks on Israel JEBALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip - Israeli troops and aircraft hit hard at Palestinian militants Saturday, killing at least 10 on the third bloody day of a massive Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip's largest refugee camp, as masked Hamas gunmen vowed more rocket attacks on Israeli towns.    About 2,000 soldiers have taken control of a 5-mile-deep chunk of northern Gaza to counter militants firing homemade rockets into Israel...


Nigerian President Launches Massive Polio Immunization Campaign Nigeria #39;s president has kicked off a massive effort to immunize 80 million children against polio in 23 African nations. President Olusegun Obsanajo led officials from across the region Saturday in giving


Sipphone sues Vonage and Fry #39;s over new hardware You might know him best as the founder of MP3.com or the guy behind Lindows (or Linspire or whatever they #39;re calling it now), but Michael Robertson has another company up his sleeve called SIPphone.


Low-cost versions of Windows XP unveiled Microsoft is removing features and cutting prices in India for a special version of its Windows XP operating system to tap the large market potential


Expos move presents a capital opportunity Now that the Montreal Expos have a new home -- Washington -- they need a new owner. Owned by the other 29 major-league franchises for the past three years, the Expos will be sold in the coming months.


White, Peterson Propel Oklahoma Over Texas Tech NORMAN, Okla. (Sports Network) - Jason White threw for three touchdowns and Adrian Peterson ran for 146 yards with a score, leading second-ranked Oklahoma to a 28-13 victory over Texas Tech at Memorial Stadium.


#39;Iraqis to mediate Bigley #39;s release #39; London - An Iraqi militant group is expected to negotiate for the release of British hostage Kenneth Bigley, who was seized by Islamic fundamentalists in Baghdad two weeks ago, a Kuwaiti newspaper reported on Saturday.


Man, 78, on Pitcairn rape charges A 78-year-old man has been accused of twice raping a woman more than 30 years ago, amid an alleged culture of sex attacks on the tiny island of Pitcairn.


When the G7 Talks, Is Anyone Listening? (Reuters) Reuters - The tiny but elite club of Group of\Seven finance chiefs seems to have hit the limits of its\influence on the two top economic issues of the day -- oil\prices and the emerging powerhouse that is China.


Snow: Oil clouds global growth Treasury Secretary tells IMF that economic outlook is bright but  #39;cannot rest on our laurels. #39;. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Treasury Secretary John Snow said Saturday the outlook for global economic growth is good


SIPphone #39;s Suit Against Vonage Is Short on Merit Opinion: SIPphone #39;s one good point is that Vonage-only router/terminal adapters must say Vonage on the boxand Vonage seems to be hurrying to do that consistently.


Beasley goal helps PSV extend league lead United States international DaMarcus Beasley scored the breakaway goal Saturday as PSV Eindhoven brushed aside FC Groningen 3-0 to stretch its lead in the Dutch premiership.


N. Korea Rules Out One-on-One Talks with S. Korea North Korea says there will be no more bilateral talks with South Korea unless the South #39;s secret nuclear experiments are thoroughly investigated.


Turkish PM says Ankara #39;s EU drive to dominate Germany talks ANKARA, Oct 2 (AFP) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that his country #39;s drive to join the European Union will dominate his talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder during a brief visit to Berlin.


Ex-Air Force Buyer Gets 9-Months Prison The US Air Force #39;s former No. 2 weapons buyer was sentenced to nine months in prison on Friday after telling the court she had given Boeing Co.