Optus broadband hits 250,000 subscribers Optus says it has achieved more than 250,000 broadband subscribers, as it continues to benefit from an industry-wide surge in popularity for the internet service.


Intel Sets Cruise Control on Pentium 4 Paul Otellini, the chip maker #39;s president and chief operating officer served notice at the company #39;s recent developer conference that the megahertz era was coming to a close, and the decision last week to remove the 4-GHz Pentium 4 processor from its road


Dogged Astros Refocus Eyes on Texas The pitching coach who has been in professional baseball for 40 years thought the ball was too low. The relief pitcher who has been on major league mounds for more than a decade feared it would bounce on the plate.


Patriots, Brady keep winning streak alive QB overcomes his own turnovers and New England wins its 20th game in a row. FOXBORO, Mass. -- Tom Brady lost a fumble and his helmet -- but not the streak.


UPDATE: Australia #39;s AXA Rebuffs A\$3.4B Buyout By Parent MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Australian insurer AXA Asia Pacific Holdings Ltd. (AXA.AU) rebuffed Monday a buyout proposal from major shareholder AXA SA (AXA) after it wouldn #39;t agree to the A\$3.


Update 2: Tokyo Stocks End Lower; Dollar Down Tokyo stocks edged lower Monday for a seventh straight session because of concerns about rising oil prices. The dollar was down against the Japanese yen.


Coles says new ALH bid unacceptable Coles Myer has branded the new Woolworths bid offered for Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality Group as unacceptable. Coles Myer, which has teamed up with Macquarie Bank through joint venture vehicle CMM Hotel


#39;Spyware #39; endangers industry, Dell fears The explosive growth of  #39;spyware #39; has become a  #39; #39;very alarming trend #39; #39; that could scare away computer users and undermine the industry, said Michael George, general manager of Dell Inc.


Berkman #39;s magnificent postseason play overshadowed by Beltran From a much quieter corner of the clubhouse, Houston Astros right fielder Lance Berkman briefly glanced over at the crowd of television cameras and tape recorders encircling teammate Carlos Beltran.


Karzai well ahead in Afghan tally KABUL, Afghanistan -- Preliminary results from Afghanistan #39;s landmark elections show President Hamid Karzai well ahead of his rivals and on course to become the country #39;s first popularly elected leader.


Russia, Uzbekistan can make serious decisions on economy <b>...</b> Dushanbe. (Interfax) - Russia and Uzbekistan may make serious decisions in the area of economy before the end of this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin said while meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov.


NKorea head of parliament leaves for China for visit PYONGYANG, October 18 (Itar-Tass) - Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Peoples Assembly (parliament) of the Peoples Democratic Republic of Korea Kim Yong Nam has begun his visit to China to discuss issues of economic cooperation and Pyongyang


Putin opens new military base in Tajikistan Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Tajik counterpart raised a Russian flag Sunday at a newly established permanent base for Moscow #39;s forces in this former Soviet republic, staking Russia #39;s claim for continued influence in


Intel Sets Cruise Control on Pentium 4 Chipmaker to focus on technology and features instead of megahertz.


Spam Slayer: Tracking Spam to Its Source Legitimate mortgage lenders inadvertently support--and get tangled in--spam traps.


Els captures record 6th world title There was a great 35th birthday present for Ernie Els on Sunday. The South African won the World Match Play title for a record sixth time, beating Lee Westwood to earn a million pounds, the biggest prize in golf.


Vikings unstoppable, even with Moss loss Every time the New Orleans Saints got in the end zone, the Minnesota Vikings were able to respond. A bomb to Randy Moss here. A nifty catch just in front of the end zone by Marcus Robinson there.


Belarus Referendum Backs Third Term for Leader Lukashenko <b>...</b> Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, accused in the west of being a tyrant, won overwhelming approval in a referendum to run for a third term in office.


SBS journo released by captors in Iraq Australian journalist John Martinkus has been released unharmed after being detained by an unknown group in Iraq, SBS television says.


Ortiz Homer Keeps Red Sox Hopes Alive  BOSTON (Reuters) - David Ortiz smacked a two-run homer in  the bottom of the 12th inning to give the Red Sox a 6-4 victory  over the New York Yankees on Monday, enabling Boston to avoid a  sweep in the American League Championship Series.


The dream stays alive Carlton Fisk in 1975. David Ortiz in 2004. Twelfth inning both times. Hold on to those tickets for this afternoon's fifth game of the 2004 American League Championship Series. The left-for-dead Red Sox are still breathing.


Having the final say FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots have won 20 games in a row, and yesterday they tied the NFL record for most consecutive regular-season wins (17). Those are feats that take all the emotion the players can muster week after week.


The dream stays alive Carlton Fisk in 1975. David Ortiz in 2004. Twelfth inning both times. Hold on to those tickets for this afternoon's fifth game of the American League Championship Series. The left-for-dead Red Sox are still breathing.


Beltran, Astros have the power HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros not only tied the National League Championship Series with a 6-5 triumph yesterday over the St. Louis Cardinals. They sent a message entering tonight's Game 5 that they have more than enough to cope with the NL's most potent offense.


Former Royal basking in spotlight HOUSTON -- Millions of people around the world are watching baseball's playoffs, some so invested and otherwise enthralled that they'll watch every pitch. As of yesterday morning, four teams were still in the hunt for the World Series, making for four high-end lineups with eyes fixed on bleached-white horsehide and coarse red seams.


Manager was cornered Curt Schilling doesn't need a matching set of healthy ankles to be right about one thing: In this town, with this team, it always does come back to the manager. He's either a candidate for bronzing or for the hanging tree.


Positioned for a 1-2 punch? All the Red Sox wanted last night was one more chance to send out their two aces, Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling . Even as they faced elimination against the Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, the Sox finalized plans to go with Martinez in a potential Game 5 today at Fenway Park and appeared poised ...


Torre's Yankees have been at home in ALCS Historically, if you're a Yankee and you get to this time of year, good things happen. Especially when your manager is Joe Torre.


A perpetual state for these visitors Up here in the rogue state of Massachusetts, life goes on. Politicians from the American outback run against its diversity, its liberalism, painting the state as an outsider. And assorted Vandals, Huns, and Visigoths from New York batter at its civilized gates, presumably forever.


Torre: No chance of any early Moose sightings Unlike their red-stockinged rivals, the Yankees weren't going to use their next scheduled starter -- Mike Mussina -- to relieve if things went bad early last night.


He's a fast learner FOXBOROUGH -- For a long time yesterday the men and women huddled four rows deep around Bethel Johnson's locker knew what Terreal Bierria felt like 45 minutes earlier. Bethel Johnson was behind them.


They were playing for pride FOXBOROUGH -- For the Patriots, the game had been won. But for the Patriots' defense, there was still something at stake in yesterday's contest with the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium.


Pennington's leadership not half bad for New York EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Chad Pennington could feel the pressure of trying to make franchise history weighing down his teammates.


The top banana, Belichick, slips up FOXBOROUGH -- After Bill Belichick won his 20th consecutive game, he told the world how lousy he coached in yesterday's 30-20 win over the Seahawks, which ran his record this season to 5-0.


Buffalo finally shows promise Takeo Spikes made good on his vow the Buffalo Bills would finally provide some good news for their fans this weekend.


Rivers installs just play basketball' system WALTHAM -- When asked to describe the Boston offense under new coach Doc Rivers, the players often reply that they have to  quot;just play basketball. quot;


After loss to Pitt, Eagles have no margin for error PITTSBURGH -- After his Boston College football team suffered a 20-17 overtime loss to Big East foe Pittsburgh Saturday at Heinz Field, Eagles coach Tom O'Brien conveyed a simple message to his squad.


Els gets a grand birthday present On his 35th birthday, Ernie Els received a familiar present -- a World Match Play title. And he just might have his 96-year-old grandfather to thank.


Defense hard to dent It's impossible to lose a game if you don't allow any points. That's the primary reason Falmouth has a seat on the undefeated Bus after a 25-0 win over Nauset Friday, a victory that ran the Clippers' record to 5-0.


Much smoke to BPI's fileshare suits, but where's the fire? Analysis Slurry with infringe on top


Too Immature for the Death Penalty? Brain researchers have a new argument against executing teenagers: they are not yet wired for adult decision making.


Do Good! Win a Prize! While Nobel Prizes are given for past performance, other types of inducement prizes are intended to spur innovation. Do they do the job?


Asian Stocks Slip as Oil Moves Above  #36;55 (Reuters) Reuters - Asian share markets fell on Monday\after oil hit a record above  #36;55 a barrel, with investors\cautious ahead of earnings reports from bellwether firms IBM\and Texas Instruments later in the day.


Blocked extra point helps No. 4 Bears grab narrow win On an unlikely night, the most unlikely play may have preserved California #39;s BCS berth and its Rose Bowl hopes. A late defensive extra point turned the tide for the No.


Rand seen extending Friday #39;s gains The rand was looking to strengthen further on Monday, extending Friday #39;s gains against the greenback, which tumbled following the release of poor US economic data.


Souness to review Bellamy  #39;abuse #39; Graeme Souness, the Newcastle manager, has said he will view video footage of Craig Bellamy apparently verbally abusing him before taking any action against the Wales striker.


Season a bed of Rossi #39; for Valentino Valentino Rossi (L), in a Yamaha, sneaks past Sete Gibernau to take the lead for good at the Australian Grand Prix on Phillip Island, Oct 17.


Purdue plays too soft on critical Wisconsin drive Purdue coach Joe Tiller said his defensive coaches looked at videotape of Saturday #39;s 20-17 loss to Wisconsin and realized one of their worst fears.


Israeli violence continues in Gaza, 4 Palestinians killed Israeli occupation forces killed four Palestinian fighters in Gaza Strip early Monday, saying that two of them were trying to cross the fenced border from the territory in a rare case of its kind, military sources said.


Hoon Faces MPs over Iraq Troop Deployment By Andrew Woodcock and James Lyons, Political Correspondents, PA News. Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is expected to tell MPs today that no decision has yet been made on whether to deploy British troops in the American-controlled sector of Iraq.


Russia joins Central Asian Cooperation Organization RBC, 18.10.2004, Moscow 12:01:27.Russia has officially joined the Central Asian Cooperation Organization. A corresponding document was signed at a summit of the organization held in Dushanbe.


LTO bids to regain its pace Storage Expo WORM and a spec for LTO-4 due this year


Woolworths Increases Australian Leisure Takeover Bid (Update5) Woolworths Ltd., Australia #39;s biggest grocer, increased its offer for Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality Group to A\$1.2 billion (\$877 million) to stop rival bidder Coles Myer Ltd.


Indonesia to issue 3 trillion rupiah state bonds The Indonesian government plans toissue 3 trillion rupiah (around 333.33 million US dollars) worth of bonds on Oct. 26, an official said Monday.


Peering through the smog: Can cars be clean? As a bicycle kingdom gearing-up to become an automobile society, China, the world #39;s third largest car manufacturing base, is facing a serious problem of automobile-related pollution and soaring levels of petrol consumption.


Ferguson takes swipe at Arsenal Manchester United #39;s Sir Alex Ferguson has told Arsenal they got away with  quot;murder quot; for their part in the infamous match at Old Trafford last season.


Rays of hope in Sunshine State Neither Miami (Fla.) nor Florida State, nor the Orange Bowl for that matter, wanted the matchup that ensued last New Year #39;s night.


Packers top Lions By abc12, Associated Press. Brett Favre threw two touchdown passes and led the Packers to a 38-10 win over the Detroit Lions. Green Bay is2-4 and lost four straight before today.


US Releases Al-Fallujah Negotiator After Attacks 18 October 2004 -- The US Army has released an Al-Fallujah leader involved in negotiations to avert an Iraqi assault inside the insurgent stronghold west of Iraq #39;s capital Baghdad.


Aussie newsman held 24-hour hostage in Iraq An Australian journalist was taken hostage in Baghdad for 24 hours last weekend and was released unharmed, according to Foreign Minister Alexander Downer Monday.


Indonesian Cleric Bashir's Trial Starts Oct 28 (Reuters) Reuters - The trial of Indonesian\cleric Abu Bakar Bashir over charges related to the Bali and\Marriott bombings will begin on Oct. 28, a court official said\on Monday.


Britain Mulls U.S. Request for More Help in Iraq (Reuters) Reuters - Britain was considering a U.S. request\on Monday to move troops into more potentially dangerous areas\of Iraq, a politically charged move which has reignited anger\over Prime Minister Tony Blair's support for the war.


U.S. Frees Falluja Negotiator After Daylong Battle  BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. forces freed Falluja's chief  negotiator on Monday after air strikes and a nine-hour battle  blasted the rebel-held Sunni Muslim city west of Baghdad.


Indonesian Cleric Bashir's Trial Starts Oct 28  JAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuters) - The trial of Indonesian  cleric Abu Bakar Bashir over charges related to the Bali and  Marriott bombings will begin on Oct. 28, a court official said  on Monday.


Spartans bounce back to edge George Mason Tom Izzo was relieved his Michigan State team escaped with a 66-60 victory over George Mason on Sunday in the consolation game of the BB amp;T Classic.


Game firm Eidos delays launch Tomb Raider creator Eidos delays the launch of a new game in the run up to the all-important Christmas trading season.


France finds big Eta arms dumps French police discover two big arms caches thought to belong to the Basque separatists Eta.


Telstra broadband growth ahead of schedule Australian uptake of broadband Internet has exceeded expectations, with Telstra announcing its one millionth broadband customer a year ahead of schedule.


UPDATE: Australia #39;s Santos Strikes Oil Off East Java PERTH (Dow Jones)--Santos Ltd. (STOSY) said Monday that its Jeruk 2 well struck oil off the East Java coast, raising hopes of a 170 million barrel discovery for the Australian energy group.


Riches, fancy repasts on deck for Beltran Jessica Beltran served two ham and cheese sandwiches and four pieces of bacon before her husband tied a major league record Sunday with his eighth home run of the postseason.


Sports in brief Though his Brazilian buddy won the race, Tony Kanaan completed a more impressive feat in his Indy Racing League championship season.


Ed Hardin #39;s column:  #39;Al #39;s boy #39; comes of age and makes Dad proud GREENSBORO -- Who knows what was going though Al Geiberger #39;s head Sunday evening. He was a thousand miles away watching on television as his son, Brent, won the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro.


Uncharted territory Jets players were already thinking ahead to their showdown in New England next weekend before theyd toweled off from their showers after dodging a major disaster Sunday.


Golf Roundup Els wins match-play title; Sorenstam overtakes Park  World Match Play: Ernie Els beat Lee Westwood 2 and 1 in the final yesterday on his 35th birthday in Virginia Water, England, to capture golf #39;s biggest payday - \$1.


Steadfast Patriots cling to NFL winning record Foxboro, Mass. - Every week the New England Patriots seem to offer their fatalistic following some reason to despair -  quot;We don #39;t have any wide receivers!


NK #39;s No. 2 in China to Discuss Nuke BEIJING (Yonhap) - A high-level North Korean official was to arrive in Beijing on Monday for talks with Chinese leaders on the standoff over Pyongyang #39;s nuclear ambitions and bilateral issues.


UPDATE:Air NZ Likely To Raise Fuel Surcharge -CEO Norris SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Air New Zealand Ltd. (AIR.NZ) is likely to increase its passenger fuel surcharge as oil prices and fuel costs continue to climb, managing director and chief executive Ralph Norris said at a lecture in Singapore Monday.


Elan Shares Rise on Report Biogen May Bid More Than \$10 Billion Shares of Elan Corp., Ireland #39;s biggest drugmaker, rose as much as 7.7 percent after a newspaper reported that the company #39;s US partner Biogen Idec Inc.


European September Inflation Revised Down to 2.1 From 2.2 Inflation in the dozen nations sharing the euro slowed more than initially estimated in September as companies reduced prices to lure customers to the stores, offsetting record energy costs.


Oracle warns of exploits for latest DB flaws Oracle is warning customers to apply software patches it released in August because of the availability of malicious code that can exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in its software.


Corel buys Paint Shop Pro maker Jasc Corel Corporation has bought Jasc Software, the publishers of the highly rated Paintshop Pro graphics software. The buy out strengthens Corel #39;s already strong presence in the PC graphics market - particularly


A wild night for Cards reliever HOUSTON - The ball sailed inches over the head of Jeff Bagwell for ball four. The Astros first baseman said something to Cardinals pitcher Julian Tavarez , who yelled something back.


Andretti #39;s drivers finish season 1-2 As Indy car seasons go, it was not a great one for legendary car owner Roger Penske. So the Penske people whooped it up big time on Sunday when two-time Indianapolis 500


Souness To Bellamy: I Make The Decisions Newcastle United striker Craig Bellamy was clearly unimpressed about being substituted by Shola Ameobi after 66 minutes of Sunday #39;s 1-1 draw with Charlton at The Valley.


Sergio rewarded for support of Mallorca Classic Sergio Garcia #39;s decision to turn down an invitation to the HSBC World Match Play for which he was qualified was vindicated when he took the Mallorca Classic by four shots.


Roethlisberger moves to 4-0 Rookie Ben Roethlisberger completed 11 consecutive passes on the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers #39; last two scoring drives Sunday, leading them to a 24-20 comeback victory against the Dallas Cowboys.


Redskins #39; Portis finds lots of holes in Bears #39; defense The Bears shored up their defensive problems on the weak side, but the Washington Redskins ran on them just about every other way imaginable.


Fire rips through Venezuelan skyscraper Hundreds of firefighters backed by helicopters have battled a raging blaze that destroyed at least 12 floors of Venezuela #39;s tallest skyscraper.


Air NZ tipped to raise fuel surcharge Air New Zealand will most likely announce an increase in its jet fuel surcharges within days because of the relentless climb in oil prices, the carrier #39;s chief executive, Ralph Norris, has said.


Elan jumps on Biogen bid report Shares in pharmaceutical company Elan soared in early trading this morning after a newspaper report that US company Biogen was considering a bid for the company.


Surging oil prices  #39;a threat to EU recovery #39; BERLIN: Surging oil costs heighten the risks to the euro zone recovery, European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said yesterday in an interview that pushed prospects for a credit tightening further into the background.


Steve Jobs is thinner, but his drive hasn #39;t faltered  quot;I #39;m back, quot; declared Apple Computer #39;s Steve Jobs last Thursday morning in his first public appearance before reporters since cancer surgery in late July.


Zarqawis Al-Qaeda Allegiance Intelligence Work: Expert The alleged allegiance of Al-Tawheed wal Jihad group in Iraq to Al-Qaeda network of Osama Bin Laden pledged in an unverified statement


iPod Lifts Apple Apple sold 860,000 iPods in its third fiscal quarter ended June 30, more than twice the 336,000 it sold in the same period in 2003.


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


MP3 losing steam? After years as the unrivaled king of the digital-media world, the venerable MP3 music format is losing ground to rival technologies from Microsoft and Apple Computer.


Apple computer unveils mini-stores CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct 15, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Capitalizing on the success of its iPod music players and laptops California-based Apple Computer is set to open six stainless steel and white mini-stores.


Make us believers Here is what we know about the Jets: They have done everything that they have had to do so far. Every opponent put in front of them has been defeated.


Let the games begin We are down to seven unbeaten teams with Bowl Championship Series title game aspirations. Idealistically, all but Boise State have a chance at getting to the Orange Bowl.


Vikes QB beats NO with arm, quickest of feet Put it down as an old <b>...</b> As you watched Culpepper, the quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, move about the Superdome on Sunday night, you realized you were witnessing a bazooka of a arm.


He had all right moves Curt Schilling doesn't need a matching set of healthy ankles to be right about one thing: In this town, with this team, it always does come back to the manager. He's either a candidate for bronzing or for the hanging tree.


Martinez, Schilling set for 1-2 punch All the Red Sox wanted last night was one more chance to send out their two aces, Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling . Even as they faced elimination against the Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, the Sox finalized plans to go with Martinez in Game 5 today at Fenway Park and announced Schilling as their ...


Lowe surprises as outing is a highlight He was the starter no one wanted anymore. How bad was it for Derek Lowe in terms of inspiring confidence among his peers before last night's start in Game 4? After Saturday night's embarrassing 19-8 pounding by the Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, a loss in which the Red Sox' staff was pounded into submission, ...


Pen certainly helped pin this victory down The night before, they looked like glorified batting practice pitchers. Last night, the members of the Boston bullpen needed to be almost letter-perfect and, for the most part, they were.


One wonderful seven-year pitch Seven years of Pedro. Went by quickly, huh? Seven years, the best of which may very well have been the best pitching ever done in a Boston uniform. Seven years of feistiness. Seven years of blazing fastballs. Seven years of spellbinding changeups. Seven years of pitching inside, sometimes waaaaay inside. Seven years of double-digit strikeouts. Seven years of sheer virtuosity. ...


NY ponders one that got away They were three outs from the World Series with Mr. Automatic on the mound, three outs from a champagne shampoo. And suddenly, with one swing of David Ortiz's bat, the Yankees were getting ready to play the Red Sox again this afternoon.


No Moose sightings in extras Unlike their red-stockinged rivals, the Yankees weren't going to use their next scheduled starter -- Mike Mussina -- to relieve if things went bad early last night.


North Korea's No. 2 Leader Visits China  BEIJING (Reuters) - North Korea's second-most senior leader  toured a shiny new science park in Beijing Monday, a first stop  on visit aimed at finding ways to help the North's moribund  economy as much as jump-starting stalled nuclear talks.


UPDATE 1-Amazing Adriano fires Inter to victory Brazilian Adriano scored two wonderful goals as Inter Milan beat Udinese 3-1 in Serie A on Sunday while a superb Andrea Pirlo strike gave AC Milan a 1-0 win at Cagliari.


CORRECTING and REPLACING SYNORAN, Oracle and HP Demonstrate World <b>...</b> COLUMBUS, Ohio --(Business Wire)-- Oct. 15, 2004 -- please replace the release dated October 14, 2004 with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions.


New England scores when it counts FOXBORO -- The New England Patriots usually count on veterans to make plays down the stretch in games like this. On Sunday, they turned to an enigmatic -- but incredibly fast -- wide receiver instead.


Karzai ahead after first million votes counted in Afghan election <b>...</b> The chief rival of interim President Hamid Karzai said he has evidence of organized fraud in Afghanistan #39;s election and accused the UN-Afghan electoral commission on Monday of ignoring his complaints.


North Korea #39;s No. 2 Leader Visits China North Korea #39;s second-most senior leader toured a shiny new science park in Beijing Monday, a first stop on visit aimed at finding ways to help the North #39;s moribund economy as much as jump-starting stalled nuclear talks.


Top Worldwide Abu Musab al-Zarqawi #39;s Tawhid wal- Jihad group has declared its allegiance to the al-Qaeda terrorist network, according to a statement posted on an Islamist Web site.


Car bomb kills six in Baghdad in latest attack on Iraq #39;s police <b>...</b> A car bomb exploded near a police patrol in Baghdad #39;s fashionable Jadiriyah district, killing at six people, including three police officers, and wounding 26 others.


One million Afghan votes counted Afghanistan #39;s interim leader Hamid Karzai has a 45-point lead after the first million votes were counted in the country #39;s presidential poll.


Australian hostage freed in Iraq An Australian journalist was held hostage in Iraq for nearly 24 hours but has now been released unharmed. John Martinkus was seized outside his Baghdad hotel on Saturday, according to his employer, SBS television.


Irish Lawmakers to Review Rights for Gays (AP) AP - Ireland, a mostly Roman Catholic country where divorce was legalized just seven years ago, is contemplating another leap away from its conservative past  #151; and toward greater rights for homosexual couples.


Britain Rejects Troop Redeployment Claim (AP) AP - Prime Minister Tony Blair's government on Monday rejected claims from opposition lawmakers that a redeployment of British troops in Iraq would be a political show of support for the Bush administration before U.S. presidential elections.


Darfur mini-summit aims to ward off UN sanctions with African solution (AFP) AFP - The leaders of Sudan and four neighbouring states, in a bid to avert UN sanctions on Khartoum, pledged to work to resolve the Darfur crisis at the African level, but rebel groups remained sceptical.


Putin Offers Hand to Bush in U.S. Election (Reuters) Reuters - Russian President Vladimir\Putin, siding with President Bush two weeks before the U.S.\election, said Monday that armed attacks in Iraq were staged by\"international terrorism" out to block his re-election.


Harmony Gold Bids for Gold Fields  JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's Harmony Gold has  made an unsolicited 52.9 billion rand (\$8.2 billion) bid to  take over bigger domestic rival Gold Fields to create the  world's biggest gold producer, it said on Monday.


Brown 'could break golden rule' Chancellor Gordon Brown is in danger of breaking his economic "golden rule" because forecasts for tax revenues are too optimistic, a report says.


Fla. Voters to Begin Casting Early Ballots WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Election Day is still two weeks away, but voters across the state have the option Monday of beginning to cast their ballots early in this pivotal battleground state...


Microsoft Halo 2 leaks on the Internet Microsoft Corp., world #39;s largest software maker, faced an unexpected situation when it was brought to the company #39;s knowledge that various newsgroups and websites were hosting a leaked version of its upcoming Xbox game - Halo 2.


Can Cell Phone Use Lead to Brain Tumors? Oct. 15, 2004 - Despite a new study #39;s findings, there #39;s still no clear-cut evidence linking cell phone use to brain tumors.


Ogilvie fades down stretch On top of the leaderboard at the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro, he began having visions of his first PGA Tour victory. But Ogilvie struggled with his putting the rest of the


Putin: Terrorist Aiming to Derail Bush Bid DUSHANBE, Tajikistan Oct. 18, 2004 - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that terrorists are aiming to derail President Bush #39;s chances at re-election through their attacks in Iraq.


China to revive stalled N. Korea talks North Korea #39;s No. 2 leader, Kim Yong-nam, arrived in Beijing Monday as China renewed efforts to revive six-party talks on Pyongyang #39;s nuclear program.


Malaysian, Singapore Leaders to Attend Yudhoyono #39;s Swearing-In Malaysian Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Singapore #39;s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will attend the inauguration of Indonesia #39;s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono this Wednesday, an Indonesian official said.


Europe Inflation Dip Not Expected to Last The euro zone #39;s inflation rate fell in September to an annual rate of 2.1 percent but remained above the European Central Bank #39;s target for the sixth straight month, the European Union statistics agency said Monday.


Singapore #39;s Non-Oil Exports Rise 17 Pct. Singapore #39;s key non-oil domestic exports rose by a surprisingly strong 16.9 percent in September from a year earlier, allaying fears of a slowdown that may hurt economic growth.


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


Mobile Phones Increase Tumor Risk, Study Says Ten or more years of mobile phone use increases the risk of developing acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor on the auditory nerve, according to a study released on Wednesday by Sweden #39;s Karolinska Institute.


Future #39;s bright for geckos and sharks BANGKOK - The future looked brighter for leaf-tailed geckos and great white sharks after a UN meeting on trade in wild plants and animals.


OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS The 49ers rehearse the end-around run to Arnaz Battle so often that they never doubted the play would work.  #39; #39;We practice and practice and practice and practice that play, #39; #39; coach Dennis Erickson said.


PeopleSoft trial ends with whimper (TheDeal.com) TheDeal.com - A fourth independent director for the software company took the stand Friday.


Montavista claims real time support for Linux mobile 'Linux set to assume the role of a universal platform'


Intel to maintain 775-pin P4 prices to 2005 - report Despite proximity of faster, cheaper AMD rivals


European stocks fall amid new record price spike for oil (AFP) AFP - European stock markets reversed initial gains to fall in early trading, as New York crude oil futures rose to new record high points above 55 dollars a barrel, dealers said.


Central Bank Remains Silent as the Euro Rises Will the European Central Bank intervene in the world #39;s currency markets to put a lid on the euro? It has become a tantalizing prospect for many Europeans, who are nervous


Darfur meeting aims to ward off UN sanctions with African solution (AFP) AFP - The leaders of Sudan and four neighbouring states, in a bid to avert UN sanctions on Khartoum, pledged to work to resolve the Darfur crisis at the African level, but rebel groups remained sceptical.


Drug smugglers exploit Iraq chaos Jordan says the lack of security in Iraq is causing a big increase in drug trafficking in the Middle East region.


Tax cuts coming for modest-income families, business, says finance <b>...</b> OTTAWA (CP) - It may be a bit early to take this promise to the bank, but Finance Minister Ralph Goodale says he wants to bring in more personal and business tax cuts.


BUZZ: Google your hard drive Google brought the simplicity of its popular Internet search engine to the computer desktop last week, releasing software that allows people to use its home page to search their hard drives for documents, e-mail messages and other hard-to-find files.


Sorenstam rallies to beat Park Nothing like chipping in for an eagle at a crucial time to get Annika Sorenstam fired up. Sorenstam chased front-runner Grace Park for almost the entire tournament and finally passed her on the 71st hole, pulling away to a three-shot victory Sunday.


Russians dominate home tournament Anastasia Myskina and Nikolay Davydenko won singles championships Sunday at the Kremlin Cup, then teamed with compatriots to capture the women #39;s and men #39;s doubles finals as Russia swept all four titles.


Fallujah Peace Negotiator Released Iraqi officials say the US military has released a key negotiator involved in efforts to avert full scale military assault on Fallujah -- an insurgent stronghold west of Baghdad.


Harmony Gold Bids for Gold Fields (Reuters) Reuters - South Africa's Harmony Gold has\made an unsolicited 52.9 billion rand ( #36;8.2 billion) bid to\take over bigger domestic rival Gold Fields to create the\world's biggest gold producer, it said on Monday.


Dollar Near Lows After Sharp Slide  LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar languished near its lowest  level against the euro in over seven months as recent  lackluster data and soaring oil prices raised doubts over the  United States' growth outlook.


I Love Bees Game a Surprise Hit An alternate-reality game conceived as a marketing ploy is gaining a huge and obsessive following. Fans of I Love Bees stalk pay phones, organize mass salutes and even use the presidential debate to connect with each other. By Daniel Terdiman.


CherryOS Not BS, Author Says The author of the controversial CherryOS, an emulator that allows Windows to run Mac OS X, insists the software is not a scam, and any similarity to PearPC is coincidental. We'll soon see: He promises a free demo later this week. By Leander Kahney.


Retailers Post Weak Sales In November From discounters to department stores, the nation #39;s retailers reported bleak November sales yesterday, raising doubts about holiday sales prospects.


An Artist's Junkyard of Dreams To first-time viewers, the 50-foot-high Forevertron might look like nothing more than 320 tons of towering scrap metal. But its creator says it's also an antigravity machine designed to propel him to the heavens. Michelle Delio reports from Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin.


Deaf Benefit Greatly from SMS Most Australians send text messages over mobile phones. Deaf residents find the technology provides a crucial link to the hearing world and Analysts believe messaging could soon have a similar impact in the United States. By Patrick Gray.


Jeb Bush Keeps Felon List Ignoring advice from state election officials to junk Florida's felon no-vote list because it's inaccurate, Gov. Bush puts the list in play, according to a newspaper report. The same database wrongly disenfranchised 2,500 voters in 2000, most of them Democrats.


Word From on High: Jam Cell Calls Four churches in Mexico have unobtrusively installed Israeli-made cell-phone jammers to thwart those who don't seem to understand they should turn the thing off in during services or weddings. They're not the only ones in the world to do it.


Girl Gamers Tackle Male Field Les Seules, an all-girl Swedish video-game team, takes on the boys in a male-dominated competition at a New York technology and entertainment convention. The group placed fourth in the female division at the Electronic Sports World Cup in Paris.


Dell Teams Up to Fight Spyware The non-profit Internet Education Foundation, along with computer maker Dell, launch a campaign to help consumers fend off spyware. Their first step is to publish tips and tutorials to help internet users stay safe.


Crude oil price surges past \$55 Crude oil prices surged past an unprecedented \$55 per barrel Monday as uncertainty swirls over production, high demand and tight global supplies.


The beat goes on in New England Foxboro, Mass. -- As exciting as they are on the field, the Patriots are deathly boring off it.  quot;We don #39;t have a bunch of clowns, quot; safety Rodney Harrison said.


UK: Troop move  #39;not political #39; LONDON, England -- Prime Minister Tony Blair #39;s government has dismissed opposition claims that a redeployment of British troops in Iraq would be a  quot;political gesture quot; to the White House ahead of next month #39;s US presidential election.


African mini summit on Darfur opens in Libya An African mini summit on the Darfur issue, which brought together leaders from Libya, Sudan, Egypt, Nigeria and Chad, opens in Tripoli, capital of Libya, Oct. 17, 2004.


#39;Mbeki should clear name over Haiti #39; President Thabo Mbeki should publicly clear his name amidst claims that he had allowed deposed Haitian leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide to incite violence from South Africa, says the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP).


Survey: Gas prices drop as oil production increases Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg says the drop comes thanks to an increase in crude oil supplies combined with the recovery of US offshore oil production after Hurricane Ivan.


Digital Agenda: Homeland Security--Throwing money at technology (page 2) Strategic conflicts, rampant confusion and election-year politics are slowing the war on terror. A News.com special report.


Digital Agenda: Homeland Security The homeland security boom is funneling billions of dollars to antiterror tech makers, problems with accountability and coordination. A News.com special series.


Digital Agenda: Homeland security--Throwing money at technology Strategic conflicts, rampant confusion and election-year politics are slowing the war on terror. A News.com special report.


Poll: Antiterror tech plans are flawed U.S. government isn't doing enough with technology to improve homeland security, a CNET News.com-Harris Interactive poll finds.


Digital Agenda: Homeland security roundtable Is the U.S. investing in the proper technologies to fight terrorism? Leading figures such as Jim Barksdale give their insights.


Bears drive at \$55? Stocks set to start the new week lower as oil futures set yet another record. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The continued upward push of oil prices is likely to send stock prices lower when US markets begin trading Monday.


India-Asean trade needs diversification, says report: Business India: New Delhi, Oct 17 : Ahead of a India-Asean business summit here Tuesday, a report said that diversification of the export basket and more joint ventures could boost trade between India and the southeast Asian regional grouping.


Apple 21st-Century strategy emerging but the UK has emerged as the company #39;s strongest European market, reports the Sunday Times. The Sunday Times Business section yesterday published


Flawed drawings caused spacecraft crash Investigators may have discovered what caused the Genesis spacecraft to crash into the Utah desert this September. Some crucial switches were installed backwards, because of an error in the instructions.


Souness reserves judgment on Bellamy rant WALES striker Craig Bellamy could be in hot water with Newcastle boss Graeme Souness after appearing to direct verbal insults towards his manager when substituted during yesterday #39;s Premiership draw with Charlton.


Want A BCS Buster? Look At Utah TAMPA - When the first Bowl Championship Series standings are released today, expect the first step in a season-long Ute Movement.


Vikings-Saints Game Stats A look at the team and individual statistics from Sunday night #39;s game between the Vikings and Saints. NFL FINAL 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH TOTAL --- -- MINNESOTA 7 14 10 7 38 NEW ORLEANS 0 14 7 10 31 FINAL


Iran Wants Right to Enrich Uranium Iran won #39;t permit its diplomats to negotiate with European nations over its nuclear program if the goal of talks is to deprive Iran of the right to enrich uranium, Iran #39;s top nuclear negotiator said Monday.


Games maker Eidos delays launch Tomb Raider creator Eidos delays the launch of a new game in the run up to the all-important Christmas trading season.


Palestinian: U.S. Election Stalling Peace (AP) AP - Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said Monday that the U.S. presidential election was stalling the Middle East peace process and urged other countries to increase their efforts.


\$55 Oil Weighs on Shares as Dollar Sags  LONDON (Reuters) - European stock markets fell and the  dollar toyed with multi-month lows on Monday as U.S. crude  topped \$55 a barrel and investors prepared for a busy week of  company results.


Iran Ready to Negotiate Enrichment Halt Length  TEHRAN, Iran (Reuters) - Iran said on Monday it was willing  to negotiate with European nations the length of its uranium  enrichment suspension but will never renounce its right to  carry out the process, which can be used to make atom bombs.


Crude Oil Prices Surge Past \$55 Per Barrel SINGAPORE - Crude oil prices surged past an unprecedented \$55 per barrel Monday as uncertainty swirls over production, high demand and tight global supplies ahead of the Northern Hemisphere winter.    Crude for November delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange hit \$55.33 per barrel around noon in Asia, up 40 cents from its Friday settlement price...


South Africa #39;s Harmony Gold to bid for GFI to create world leader JOHANNESBURG : South Africa #39;s Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. said it would bid for control of Gold Fields Ltd, valuing it at 8.1 billion dollars (6.


Crude oil prices surge past \$55 a barrel Crude oil prices surged past an unprecedented \$55 a barrel before sliding back in overnight trading Monday, amid ongoing uncertainty over production, high demand and tight global supplies.


GM, Euro labor debate 12,000 layoffs Outraged workers in Germany refuse to resume production as automaker seeks to save \$623.8Ma year. FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) - General Motors management started negotiations with union leaders Monday over


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


Kmart Names Lewis As President, CEO Discount retailer Kmart Holding Corp. said Monday that it named Aylwin Lewis as president and chief executive and a director, effective immediately.


Ford to Offer Sirius on More Vehicles Ford Motor Co. is expanding the availability of Sirius Satellite Radio as a dealer-installed option, and plans to offer Sirius as a factory-installed option on up to 20 Ford and Lincoln Mercury lines over the next two years, the automaker said Monday.


Performance Food Warns on 3Q, 4Q Profits Performance Food Group Co. said Monday that earnings for the third and fourth quarters will fall below its previous estimates, in part due to the effects of the hurricanes that hit the Southeast.


Mullen: Does Biogen Want More From Elan Than Drug Partner? Could a jointly marketed drug lead to a joint company? Ireland #39;s Sunday Tribune said yesterday that US pharmaceuticals company Biogen Idec (nasdaq: BIIB - news - people ) was looking to make an all-stock bid


Star Gas Suspends Payout to Unit Holders Star Gas Partners LP said Monday that a  quot;substantial decline quot; in earnings at its heating oil division would force it to cease distributions on its common partnership units and could result in the company seeking bankruptcy protection.


Kraft Foods shedding units? Reports say No. 1 food company may divest Oscar Mayer, Post cereal lines and candy units. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Kraft Foods may put its well-known Oscar Mayer, Post cereal and Altoids brands up for sale as the No.


Micron plans to build Chinese plant in 2005, says report SHANGHAI, China - Micron Technology Inc., the leading US based memory maker, is planning to build a test and assembly facility in China, according to an Associated Press report Monday (Oct. 18), which cited a company executive in Shanghai as its source.


Q amp;A: Microsoft #39;s Will Poole talks about digital home entertainment LOS ANGELES - With Microsoft pulling out the stops to make computers part of home entertainment, Will Poole was a natural choice to lead the business producing PC versions of Windows.


EDS/Vodafone switch on managed mobility service Vodafone and EDS have deployed a global managed service for ABN AMRO Bank of the Netherlands, based on RIM #39;s BlackBerry mobile email clients.


Microsoft Trims Next Windows Server Release Microsoft Corp. wants to deliver its Windows Server 2003 update, known as  quot;R2, quot; in 2005. To make sure it will be able do so, the company is prioritizing its feature list and moving some R2 features into later releases.


China joins drive for green cars ANTING (China) - Booming demand is not only turning China into the world #39;s fastest growing car market, but it is also pushing the country to develop vehicles that run on alternative fuels.


Most Powerful Optical Telescope Finally Dedicated It took 20 years from conception to today, but the world #39;s most powerful telescope was finally dedicated. Though it won #39;t be fully operational until next year, Friday #39;s dedication a historic milestone.


PeopleSoft product exec follows CEO out the door Just a week after PeopleSoft ousted former chief executive Craig Conway, it has announced that another top executive - Ram Gupta, who had been executive vice president of products and technology -as left.


Beltran tee shot ties NLCS HOUSTONAfter falling behind 0-2 in the NL Championship Series, the best-case scenario for the Houston Astros played itself out this weekend.


Sorenstam story at Samsung World Championship It was a story all too familiar to the other players on the LPGA for the last 11 years. Annika Sorenstam grinds around the golf course, waits for other golfers to make mistakes, then pounces on another tournament title.


Geiberger Holds On For First Victory Since 1999 GREENSBORO, NC -- Golfer Brent Geiberger today cruised to a two-shot victory in the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro, five years after his only victory on the PGA Tour.


Wenger stays silent ARSENE Wenger is refusing to be drawn into a war of words with Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of Sundays Old Trafford showdown between Arsenal and Manchester United.


Mark Kreidler: An ocean away, an experience to savor Bee Sports Columnist. BEIJING - The world probably gets smaller only a little bit at a time. When Peja Stojakovic watched Yao Ming moving gracefully through a sea of people here late Sunday


Moenchengladbach #39;s Oliver Neuville Banned for Scoring With Hand Borussia Moenchengladbach #39;s Oliver Neuville, a former Germany forward who has the most goals in the country #39;s top soccer division this season, was suspended for two games after he used his hand to score.


York University to house Argos, soccer group CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Toronto Argonauts may or may not host the East Division semifinal this year, but they will play home games at York University in 2006.


49ers Insider Jets running back Curtis Martin, who amassed 111 rushing yards on 25 carries. Martin also found the end zone twice, scoring on plays of 1 and 9 yards.


Raiders-Broncos Box Score Raiders -- FG Janikowski 35, 8:00. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards in 1:35. Key Plays: Anderson 23-yard interception return to Denver 20. Raiders 3, Broncos 0. Broncos -- Putzier 12 pass from Plummer (Elam kick), 14:02.


Biologists Hunt for Snakehead in Chicago (AP) AP - Biologists plan to use large nets and traps this week in Chicago's Burnham Harbor to search for the northern snakehead  #151; a type of fish known for its voracious appetite and ability to wreak havoc on freshwater ecosystems.


Unlikely Visionary Behind Race to Space (AP) AP - SpaceShipOne visionary Peter Diamandis wasn't thinking about history as he stood in the Mojave desert and watched a small, shuttlecock-shaped craft glide back to Earth having nudged the edge of space. He just thought it looked beautiful.


Panel Recommends Sharp Cuts in Fish Stocks (AP) AP - Catches of cod and other fish stocks must be drastically reduced or even stopped in the North Sea to help populations recover from years of overfishing, an independent expert panel said Monday.


Negotiator: Fallujah Talks Still Suspended The top Fallujah negotiator in peace talks with the government dashed hopes of resuming talks soon despite his release Monday by US and Iraqi authorities, saying negotiations remain suspended.


Britain seen moving Iraq troops further into harm #39;s way LONDON (AFP) - Britain was due to announce Monday that it had received a US request to redeploy some of its troops in Iraq into restive, US-held areas, a move critics warned could be seen as a pre-election ploy to assist President George W. Bush.


Thousands March in London to Protest Iraq War Thousands of anti-war activists marched through central London, Sunday, October 17, 2004, to protest the US-led occupation of Iraq.


Apple under scrutiny as music competition rises Apple Computer may have sold more than twice as many of its iPod digital music players in its most recent quarter than its signature Mac computers, but competitors


Chelsea Football Club star named in drugs scandal Chelsea Football Club striker Adrian Mutu has been named as the player who has reportedly failed a drugs test. The Mail on Sunday claimed a top Premiership star had failed a random drugs test, and widespread


The great rain robbery When Adam Gilchrist must have woken up in his well-furnished room at the Taj Coromandel this morning, looking through the windows and at the slate-black sky and the incessant rain, he would have possibly wondered where he was.


Is the heyday of the MP3 coming to a close? After years as the unrivalled king of the digital-media world, the venerable MP3 music format is losing ground to rival technologies from Microsoft and Apple.


Mutu #39;s failed drug test confirmed by player #39;s union Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu failed a drug test, the English players #39; union confirmed Monday. The Romanian could face a ban of up two years from domestic and international soccer.


US toymakers pessimistic on outlook NEW YORK, Oct 18 (Reuters) <b>...</b> The two top US toymakers, citing uncertainty in the economy and the retail sector, posted disappointing third-quarter results on Monday, and lowered expectations for the crucial Thanksgiving-to-Christmas season.


SEC investigates part of Thomson Financial #39;s intelligence service STAMFORD, Conn. (CP) - The US Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating the operations of a Thomson Financial division that collects information on stock ownership, the company revealed Monday.


Australia, Indonesia consider defense pact Australia is considering a security pact with Indonesia if incoming president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono agrees, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Monday.


Doghouse into penthouse FOXBORO, Mass. - There are plays in a football game. And then there are plays in a football game. Bethel Johnson made one of the latter in the New England Patriots #39; 30-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium.


3M Posts Higher Profit, Misses Estimates (Reuters) Reuters - 3M Co.  on Monday said\third-quarter earnings rose 17 percent due in part to the weak\dollar, but the diversified manufacturer's results came in\below Wall Street's estimates for the first time in at least\seven quarters.


Pfizer to Sponsor Large New Celebrex Trial (Reuters) Reuters - Pfizer Inc. said on Monday it plans to\sponsor a major clinical study to further assess the\cardiovascular safety of its arthritis drug Celebrex following\the withdrawal of Merck   Co.'s Vioxx, a drug in the same\class.


Toymakers Disappoint, Warn on Holidays (Reuters) Reuters - The two top U.S. toymakers posted\disappointing third-quarter results on Monday, citing\uncertainty in the economy and cautious retailers, and tempered\expectations for the crucial holiday season.


Lidge puts Astros games in fridge For a guy who spent most of his first four professional seasons on the disabled list, Houston Astros reliever Brad Lidge has developed into quite the ironman these past two days.


Kmart Plucks New CEO from Yum (Reuters) Reuters - Kmart Holding Corp.  on Monday\said it appointed Aylwin Lewis president and chief executive\officer, effective immediately.


3M Posts Higher Profit, Misses Estimates  CHICAGO (Reuters) - 3M Co. MMM.N on Monday said  third-quarter earnings rose 17 percent due in part to the weak  dollar, but the diversified manufacturer's results came in  below Wall Street's estimates for the first time in at least  seven quarters.


Stocks Open Lower as Oil Prices, 3M Weigh  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened lower on Monday as  oil prices held near \$55 a barrel and Dow component 3M Co.  MMM.N posted results slightly below Wall Street estimates.


Delphi Narrows Quarterly Net Loss  CHICAGO (Reuters) - Auto parts supplier Delphi Corp.  DPH.N on Monday posted a smaller quarterly loss as lower  restructuring charges offset the effects of North American  motor vehicle production cuts and rising materials costs.


Kmart Plucks New CEO from Yum  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Kmart Holding Corp. KMRT.O on Monday  said it appointed Aylwin Lewis president and chief executive  officer, effective immediately.


Ford to Expand Offering of Sirius Radio  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. F.N said on Monday it  would offer Sirius satellite radio in more vehicles, as Sirius  fights to catch up with industry leader XM Satellite Radio  Holdings Inc. XMSR.O


US Airways Expands Flight Schedule  NEW YORK (Reuters) - US Airways Group Inc.    UAIRQ.OB on  Monday said it will increase capacity and add 230 daily flights  to its operation by increasing utilization of its planes.


For Merck, a Painful Withdrawal Even as Merck was deciding to withdraw the drug, there were medical experts arguing that it should not.


Toymakers Disappoint, Warn on Holidays The two top U.S. toymakers, citing\uncertainty in the economy and the retail sector, posted\disappointing third-quarter results on Monday, and lowered\expectations for the crucial Thanksgiving-to-Christmas season.


Bush Signs  #36;33 Billion Security Budget (AP) AP - President Bush signed a bill Monday giving the Department of Homeland Security about  #36;33 billion for the budget year that began Oct. 1.


Fla. Democrats Hope for More Cuban American Votes (Reuters) Reuters - Democrats are pouncing on what they say\is a slip in support for President Bush among Florida's Cuban\Americans, who backed him overwhelmingly in 2000 and have been\staunchly behind Republicans in presidential elections.


Jazeera: Iraq Militants Kill Two Macedonia Hostages  DUBAI (Reuters) - A militant group in Iraq said it had  killed two Macedonian hostages whom it accused of spying for  the United States, Arabic television Al Jazeera said Monday.


Iraq to Widen Arms Amnesty, Bring Falluja to Heel  BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's interim government will declare  a nationwide arms amnesty next week, but insists the city of  Falluja must turn in foreign militants or face assault,  National Security Adviser Kassim Daoud said Monday.


Harmony Offers to Buy Gold Fields for \$8.2 Billion (Update5) Harmony Gold Mining Co., the biggest miner of South African gold, made a hostile offer to buy Gold Fields Ltd. for 52.9 billion rand (\$8.


Kmart Appoints Lewis New CEO, President DETROIT - The retailing company Kmart Holding Corp. has appointed Aylwin Lewis, formerly an executive at the restaurant operator Yum Brands Inc.


Ford to Expand Offering of Sirius Radio Ford Motor Co. (FN: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Monday it would offer Sirius satellite radio in more vehicles, as Sirius fights to catch up with industry leader XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.


ING Pays Scottish Re to Take Over Business AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Dutch insurer ING NV said Monday it will pay Scottish Re Group Ltd. \$562 million to take over ING #39;s individual life reinsurance business in the United States.


Thomson Financial Receives a Subpoena From SEC (Update1) Thomson Financial, a unit of financial information provider Thomson Corp., said it received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission for documents related to its capital markets business.


Japan's homeless face ageism The number of Japanese homeless is on the rise, and cultural attitudes about age are exacerbating the situation.


Amphibians face mass extinction threat About one third of amphibians are under threat of extinction in a new sign of the world #39;s deteriorating environment, according to researchers who carried out a global census.


MUTU BACK IN LONDON The Mail on Sunday reported that the Chelsea striker had tested positive for a banned substance after a test conducted by UK Sport.


Pirlo Shoots Down Cagliari Andrea Pirlo netted the only goal of the evening as AC Milan topped Cagliari for their third straight win. Meanwhile, house mates Inter Milan rode an Adriano double past Udinese 3-1.


Rossi expects backlash from Honda Newly-crowned world champion Valentino Rossi is already looking forward to a bigger challenge next season. Rossi, who clinched his fourth straight world MotoGP title on Sunday, expects former team Honda to provide an even sterner challenge than this year.


Loeb relieved to clinch title in Corsica World rally champion Sebastien Loeb says he is relieved to have secured the title in Corsica on Sunday, sparing him a nervous wait for his first crown.


Neuville suspended for scoring with hand The German football association (DFB) suspended Germany international Oliver Neuville for two matches on Monday for deliberately handling the ball into the net during the weekend #39;s Bundesliga action.


Iran to discuss suspension of uranium enrichment Iran is ready to discuss a further suspension of uranium enrichment but will never give in on its work of nuclear fuel cycle, Iran #39;s state TV quoted the country #39;s to pnuclear official as saying on Monday.


Australia Rejects Request for Soldiers to Protect UN in Iraq Australia rejected a request to provide soldiers to protect United Nations workers in Iraq, a spokesman for Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.


Iraq set to extend arms amnesty Iraq is considering an overall weapons amnesty as a deadline for Baghdad fighters to cash in arms is extended.


Five killed in Afghan poll blast Five people die after an explosion hits a car used by election staff in south-eastern Afghanistan, the UN says.


Sudan's Darfur 'safer than Iraq' Sudan's government tells the BBC it is handling the crisis in Darfur better than the US is dealing with Iraq.


Crude Oil Prices Surge Past \$55 Per Barrel The \$55.33 per barrel comes amid ongoing uncertainty over production, high demand and tight global supplies just ahead of winter.


Patriots Destroy Browns Offense, defense and special teams all score as the Super Bowl-champion Patriots move to 11-1 and crush the crumbling Browns, 42-15, on Sunday.


South Africa's Harmony Gold Bids for Gold Fields The unsolicited \$8.2 billion bid to take over bigger domestic rival Gold Fields would create the world's biggest gold producer.


An Apple a day ... p2pnet.net News:-  quot;The iTunes music store is the key driver to establish the iPod as the Walkman of the 21st century. quot;. The words belong to Pascal Cagni, Apples European boss, and they #39;re quoted in a Sunday


Forwarding freedom The free use of the ballot box is the ultimate expression of democracy. We #39;ve had the right so long in this country that, sadly, many of us choose to use the right in a pedestrian, occasional fashion.


British ambassador pleads for information on Bigley #39;s body BAGHDAD, Iraq Britain #39;s ambassador to Iraq is pleading for information on Ken Bigley #39;s beheaded body. The British engineer was kidnapped last month and later murdered.


BERARDINO: Even idiots get some things right BOSTON -- They proudly call themselves  quot;idiots, quot; and the thing with idiots, you see, is they don #39;t often think rationally.


Music Publishers Sign Deal on Web Radio Music publishers and U.S. commercial\radio station owners said on Monday they had agreed to a new\\$1.7 billion deal to cover licensing rights for music played\over radio airwaves or via radio station Web sites.


PEC to Aid Migrant Student Program The Education Department's Office of Migrant Education awarded a contract to PEC Solutions Inc. of Fairfax to help create a system for states to share information about children of migrant workers.


Advertising Customers Get the Right Message Reston-based Upper Quadrant offers a subscription-based, Web-hosted application that enables companies to compile and share marketing information in a central database.


Merger Delivers Princely Profit for DigitalNet Insiders Usually when stockholders get a proxy statement in the mail, it means management of the company they have invested in wants their vote on something -- approval of a merger, perhaps, or electing board members at the next shareholders meeting.


Liberal Praise Drawn From Unlikely Source Marketer says left-leaning groups are miles ahead in using the Internet for political advocacy.


Microsoft targets midmarket with Navision update Microsoft Corp. is building on its 2002 buy of Danish business application developer Navision A/S with the release Monday of its first major product built on the Navision software suite.


Advertisements Insinuated Into Video Games Roar down city streets in the upcoming "Need for Speed Underground 2" racing game and you'll see a Best Buy store amid the skyscrapers along with bright billboards hawking Cingular Wireless, Old Spice, and Burger King.


Kerry Tours Fla. Asking for Early Votes PALM BEACH, Fla. - Florida voters get to cast their ballots for president beginning Monday, and Democrat John Kerry planned to spend all day asking for their votes...


Red Sox Beat Yankees 6-4 in 12 Innings BOSTON - Down to their last three outs of the season, the Boston Red Sox rallied - against Mariano Rivera, the New York Yankees and decades of disappointment. Bill Mueller singled home the tying run off Rivera in the ninth inning and David Ortiz homered against Paul Quantrill in the 12th, leading Boston to a 6-4 victory Sunday over the Yankees that avoided a four-game sweep in the AL championship series...


McCain Wants Changes Sen. John McCain reiterates the committment of Congress to force Major League Baseball to address their steroid abuse policies.


Afghan Candidate Claims Fraud in Elections KABUL, Afghanistan - The chief rival of interim President Hamid Karzai said he has evidence of organized fraud in Afghanistan's election and accused the U.N.-Afghan electoral commission on Monday of ignoring his complaints.    In the second deadly incident surrounding the election, five people - including at least one election worker - were killed by an explosion as they drove near the Pakistan border, the joint U.N.-Afghan electoral commission said...


Sharon Says Nothing Will Stop Gaza Plan JERUSALEM - Facing unrelenting criticism from Jewish settlers, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Monday that nothing would deter him from pushing forward with his plan to pull out of the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank.    Also Monday, scattered fighting in the Gaza Strip killed at least five Palestinian militants, including two Palestinians who infiltrated Israel from Gaza early Monday and were shot in a lengthy gunbattle...


Johnny Depp Says He's No Heartthrob LONDON - Johnny Depp reckons he's no great movie pinup - he just has a "weird job."   Arriving for the premiere of his latest movie, "Finding Neverland," at London's Leicester Square, Depp played down his movie star image as fans lining the red carpet screamed his name.   "I wouldn't say I'm a heart throb," he said, as his wife, French singer and actress Vanessa Paradis, looked on...


Deadly ladybird widespread in UK An invasive  ladybird which kills off other insects is widespread in the UK,  an expert says.


AXA retracts offer for Asian affiliate SYDNEY Shares of AXA Asia Pacific Holdings slumped Monday after the European insurer AXA withdrew a 3.4 billion Australian dollar, or \$2.


Salt in Their Wounds Fleeing Iraqis arrive in Jordan only to find that their old oppressors are thriving in Amman


Emoticons Invade Mars The Mars Global Surveyor released the latest glyph image that appears to evoke the kinds of communication in rock formations that has become famous among Mars' watchers on the internet. But there is a serious side to interpreting remote sensing data, and shadow is not always one's ally...


Cassini Finds a Charged Up Saturn Saturn has an unusual magnetic environment, which acts as a planetary electrical transformer. The instrument measuring the charged Saturn on Cassini has already found a plasma between what previously was just thought to be a ring gap...


Mission to Mars: Risky Business The Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, will claim a place in history as tremendous successes. But to get the rovers ready for launch, mission team members had to push themselves to their limits. MER Principal Investigator Steve Squyres explains how they handled the challenge.


World Muslims end peace prayers in Bangladesh DHAKA: Nearly two million Muslims from around the world ended their three-day annual prayer for global peace and harmony outside the Bangladesh capital Dhaka on Sunday.


Nine soldiers among 14 killed in Kashmir SRINAGAR: Fourteen people, including nine soldiers, were killed in held Kashmir on Sunday, the Indian army said. An army spokesman said that the convoy had driven over a landmine detonated by separatist militants


FDA Considers Morning-After Pill for Teens By MARTHA IRVINE    CHICAGO (AP) -- Some see easy access to emergency contraception as a way to drastically reduce teen pregnancy, already on the decline since the early 1990s. Others worry that its long-term effects on young women are unknown or argue that the drug, also known as the "morning after pill," encourages teens to have sex...


Pilates Promoter Praises Her Exercise She's often seen in a ubiquitous infomercial peddling Pilates videos, but Mari Winsor's lean and sinewy body may be the best walking advertisement of the exercise phenomenon.


Sidebar: HP's grid storage initiative leads the way Hewlett-Packard was the first company to offer a grid storage device, but others are moving to catch up.


First look: Surfing on your MSN TV PC World reviewer says latest incarnation of the WebTV device is acceptable as a dial-up Internet device for some, but its broadband networking features will leave savvy users unimpressed.


JBoss takes on business process management JBoss Inc. has added business process management (BPM) to its growing roster of open source software.


EDS forms alliance to challenge IBM's Global Services business EDS on Monday announced the formation of the EDS Agility Alliance with industry heavyweights Cisco, Dell, EMC, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and Xerox. The partnership will be the foundation for EDS' efforts to regain momentum in the services business, where it has lost ground to challengers such as IBM's Global Services unit.


Cisco, Microsoft bridge security gap Cisco Systems Inc. and Microsoft Corp. on Monday will announce a collaborative effort designed to bridge a divide between their emerging network access-control architectures.


UPDATE 2-Ibrahimovic winner keeps Juve four points clear Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic grabbed a 75th minute winner as Serie A leaders Juventus came from behind to beat Lazio 2-1 at the Delle Alpi stadium on Sunday.


Content networks deliver on-demand apps Once limited to Web content and images, content delivery network providers are shifting focus to tackle the on-demand delivery of distributed applications. To that end, Akamai Technologies this week plans to introduce four J2EE-based Web applications that enterprises can deploy quickly without purchasing any hardware or fixed assets. Meanwhile, Speedera Networks next week will launch its FlexComputing service for distributed application hosting and delivery.
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SBC Case Study: Crate   Barrel
What sold them on improving their network? A system that could cut management costs from the get-go. Find out more.


Actional, Westbridge merge for Web services Web services management vendor Actional and Westbridge Technology, which sold security infrastructure for Web services, are merging to focus on what company officials call SOA (service-oriented architecture) enablement.


Macromedia upgrading Flex presentation server Macromedia on Monday will introduce an upgrade to its Flex presentation server and framework for building rich Internet applications, with improvements in data display, visualization, styling, and performance.


Google tests personal search service Google Inc.'s two founders said on Monday that their company is working on a personal search service, but they remained coy on plans for an instant messaging client or Web browser.


Micron planning its first factory in China Micron Technology Inc. is currently in the process of planning its first factory in China and hopes to begin construction in the middle of next year, the company said Monday.


BCS shockers: Texas in Fiesta, Pitt to Rose As expected, Auburn is the odd team out of the BCS national championship game, and Texas has bumped Cal out of the Rose Bowl. In addition to the Longhorns #39; last-minute jump, there was another shocker: Texas


Advertisements Inserted Into Video Games Roar down city streets in the upcoming "Need for Speed Underground 2" racing game and you'll see a Best Buy store amid the skyscrapers along with bright billboards hawking Cingular Wireless, Old Spice, and Burger King.


Modem to Connect With Speedy Cellular Technology By BRUCE MEYERSON    NEW YORK (AP) -- A top networking gear producer plans to offer a speedy new cellular technology that's an alternative to DSL and cable Internet access with the added advantage of being available on the road.    NetGear Inc...


Sony May Open Retail Stores By ELLIOT SPAGAT    COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) -- Few people took notice when Sony Electronics Inc...


Chinese Showcase Eco-Friendly Cars The Habo No. 1 looks like any one of the legions of Volkswagen sedans in China. But a peek under the hood reveals an array of chrome canisters instead of the usual engine - the Habo is fueled not by gas but hydrogen peroxide.


Blair, Musharraf to hold talks over terrorism Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, who flew into London on Sunday, is due to discuss with British Prime Minister Tony Blair over terrorism, trade and the situation in Afghanistan and Kashmir on Monday.


Hungary citizenship fails due to low turnout BUDAPEST (AFP) - Voters in Hungary failed to turn out in sufficient numbers to pass a referendum to extend citizenship to millions of ethnic Hungarians living in the region, a motion that split the country and drew fire from neighboring governments.


Tech Giants Declare, 'United We Stand' (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Tough times often make for strange bedfellows, and the explosion of viruses, computer worms and spyware programs on the Internet is producing unique alliances among top technology firms.


Old TV shows never die... (USATODAY.com) USATODAY.com - Consumers are snatching up old and new TV favorites on DVD as quickly as studios can release them. TV shows on DVD are one of the fastest-growing trends in the home video business.


NFL Preview - Tennessee (4-7) At Indianapolis (8-3) Peyton Manning will look to draw closer to NFL history on Sunday, when the quarterback leads his Indianapolis Colts into battle to face the visiting Tennessee Titans.


Katie Couric qualifies as 'Blue Ribbon' working mom (USATODAY.com) USATODAY.com - On Katie Couric's busy schedule, the phone interview about her new children's book was set for 4:30 p.m., about 12 hours after she had left for work as co-host of NBC's Today. When she called at 5, she was apologetic and explained she had forgotten that one of her daughters had a volleyball game. So while rushing to the game on the Upper East Side, Couric called by cell phone. She laughed and said, "I'm trying to multitask."


EDS forms alliance to challenge IBM's Global Services business (InfoWorld) InfoWorld - EDS on Monday announced the formation of the EDS Agility Alliance with industry heavyweights Cisco, Dell, EMC, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and Xerox. The partnership will be the foundation for EDS' efforts to regain momentum in the services business, where it has lost ground to challengers such as IBM's Global Services unit.


Disease Killing Beech Trees in Smokies (AP) AP - Scientists say a nonnative insect is to blame for a disease that's killing beech trees in the higher elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.


Britain Considers U.S. Request for More Iraq Help (Reuters) Reuters - Britain is considering a U.S. request to\move troops into more potentially dangerous areas of Iraq, a\politically charged move which has re-ignited anger over Prime\Minister Tony Blair's support for the war.


New Afghan Army a Match for Taliban, U.S. Says (Reuters) Reuters - The new Afghan army is winning the\support of the population and is capable of tackling a\lingering insurgency by remnants of the ousted Taliban regime,\the U.S. general in charge of its training said Monday.


2 Macedonian Hostages Said Killed in Iraq (AP) AP - A militant group in Iraq has executed two Macedonian men accused of spying for the United States, an Arab television station reported Monday.


Canada may provide some of its surplus flu vaccine to U.S. (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Canada may provide some of its surplus flu vaccine to United  States.


High Court Orders Review of Texas Seats (AP) AP - The Supreme Court on Monday ordered a lower court to reconsider a Texas congressional map that could give Republicans six more seats in Congress in upcoming elections and help the GOP protect its majority.


Court Won't Hear Ex-Governor's Appeal (AP) AP - The Supreme Court refused Monday to consider whether former Arkansas Gov. Jim Guy Tucker was wrongly barred from raising new arguments in challenging his 1998 conviction for tax conspiracy.


New Afghan Army a Match for Taliban, U.S. Says  KABUL (Reuters) - The new Afghan army is winning the  support of the population and is capable of tackling a  lingering insurgency by remnants of the ousted Taliban regime,  the U.S. general in charge of its training said Monday.


Iraqi group 'killed Macedonians' The militant 'Islamic Army in Iraq' says it has killed two Macedonian hostages it calls 'US spies'.


Ford to Expand Offering of Sirius Radio
\

 NEW YORK (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. <F.N> said on Monday it\would offer Sirius satellite radio in more vehicles, as Sirius\fights to catch up with industry leader XM Satellite Radio\Holdings Inc. <XMSR.O>


French AXA invasion plan repelled AXA Asia Pacific Holdings yesterday delivered a \$3.4 billion  quot;non quot; to its French parent #39;s bid to take over the remaining 48 per cent share, sending the share price into a nosedive and provoking


Toymakers Disappoint, Warn on Holidays The two top US toymakers posted disappointing third-quarter results on Monday, citing uncertainty in the economy and cautious retailers, and tempered expectations for the crucial holiday season.


Kmart Appoints Lewis New CEO, President The retailing company Kmart Holding Corp. has appointed Aylwin Lewis, formerly an executive at the restaurant operator Yum Brands Inc.


Delphi 3Q net loss narrowed Delphi Corp., the US largest auto parts supplier, said on Monday it has narrowed its third-quarter loss to \$114 million. The company also said it is going to find some extra ways to cut spending, as for instance, working with unions etc.


ALH extension buys time for all The battle for control of Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality Group erupted into an unseemly free-for-all yesterday as Woolworths set a tight four-hour deadline for fund managers to deal themselves


Odyssey Replaces Chief Amid Justice Department Probe (Update1) Odyssey HealthCare Inc., which operates 72 hospices in the US, replaced Chief Executive Officer David Gasmire amid a US Justice Department investigation of the company #39;s billing practices.


Healthscope sets sights on ailing Gribbles The board of The Gribbles Group is expected to decide within days whether to recommend that shareholders accept a takeover offer that values the diagnostics company at up to \$270 million


UPDATE 1-Gilchrist rues rain ruining Madras  #39;classic #39; Australian captain Adam Gilchrist said he was disappointed rain forced the second test against India to be abandoned as a draw on the final day.


Pats do away with Seattle Indeed, the New England Patriots are never boring. Despite jumping out to a 17-0 first half lead over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, they still had to pull out their usual resolve


Second India-Australia Test ends in draw after rain washes out <b>...</b> The second cricket Test between India and Australia ended in a draw Monday after heavy rain washed out play on the fifth of five scheduled days, erasing any chance of an outcome in a delicately poised match.


Khartoum suggests federal system for Darfur Nairobi - The Sudanese government has said the best way to end the conflict in its western Darfur region may be to let the people there manage their own affairs.


US Request For British Redeployment Poses Dilemma For London The United States has made a controversial request to Britain to re-deploy some of its troops in Iraq. The request would involve moving hundreds of British troops from their relatively calm zone in southern


Megawati offers a rude goodbye She rode into office three years ago on a wave of public adoration and high expectations, but as the sun sets on her troubled administration, Indonesian President Megawati


Record-Tying Beltran Blasts Astros Into Tie  HOUSTON (Reuters) - Carlos Beltran's record-tying eighth  post-season home run capped the Houston Astros' 6-5 comeback  win over the St. Louis Cardinals to even the National League  Championship Series at two games apiece Sunday.


Pride, Prizes Aplenty to Play for as Year Nears Climax  LONDON (Reuters) - Although the grand slam silverware has  been doled out for the 2004 season there is still much pride  and prize money to play for as the tennis year creeps toward  its climax.


Rolls-Royce Boss Steps Down After 5 Months (AP) AP - Germany's BMW AG said Monday the head of its ultra-luxury Rolls-Royce car brand, Karl-Heinz Kalbfell, has resigned to take up "new responsibilities" outside the company, which has been struggling to meet its sales targets for the superluxury brand.


Nitties signals best yet to come NEWCASTLE #39;S golfing colt James Nitties held his nerve in the biggest poker game of his life yesterday to earn enough for a new car with his bold capture of second place at the Australian PGA Championship.


Stocks Fall on Unwelcome 3M Results, Oil  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Monday as oil  prices held near \$55 a barrel and Dow component 3M Co. MMM.N  posted results slightly below Wall Street estimates.


Carter worried about US election (AFP) AFP - Former US president Jimmy Carter expressed fears that there could be vote cheating in battleground states in the US election on November 2.


Tupperware Posts Profit, Narrows '04 View  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tupperware Corp. TUP.N on Monday  posted a third-quarter profit versus break-even a year earlier,  helped by improved results outside North America.


Kmart Appoints Lewis New CEO, President The retailing company Kmart Holding Corp. has appointed Aylwin Lewis, formerly an executive at the restaurant operator Yum Brands Inc., as its new chief executive and president.


Update 3: Mattel #39;s 3Q Profits Fall on Lower Sales Mattel Inc., the world #39;s biggest toymaker, said Monday its third-quarter profit fell 5.2 percent due to lower worldwide sales of its flagship Barbie doll line and its Hot Wheels and Matchbox toy car brands.


Kmart names new president and CEO Lewis will also join the Kmart Board of Directors. He joins Kmart from YUM! Brands, Inc., where he was president, chief multi-branding and operating officer.


Thomson receives SEC subpoena NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Thomson Corp. #39;s Thomson Financial unit said it received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission requesting documents related to its Capital Markets Intelligence business.


Delphi Narrows Quarterly Net Loss Auto parts supplier Delphi Corp. (DPH.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday posted a smaller quarterly loss as lower restructuring charges offset the effects of North American


Blue chips bruised 3M #39;s earnings miss and profit warning combines with higher crude prices to equal weak Dow. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Blue chips fell at the open Monday as investors took in another surge in oil prices and weaker-than-expected earnings from 3M.


Check Point jumps on higher revenue NEW YORK (CBS.MW) - Shares of Check Point Software Technologies climbed more than 12 percent early Monday after topping analysts #39; expectations for the third quarter with a 22 percent revenue rise.


MLB: Schilling cleared for Game 6 A test of his sore right ankle finds him ready to go, if Red Sox can win Game 5 today. BOSTON - Boston ace Curt Schilling was cleared to pitch a possible Game 6 of the AL Championship Series against the Yankees


Who else but Els?! Wentworth, England, Oct 18 -- Ernie Els won the HSBC World Match Play title, the richest jackpot in golf, for a record sixth time, on his 35th birthday yesterday.


Sorenstam rallies for World victory PALM DESERT, Calif. While Annika Sorenstam rallied for a victory at the LPGA Samsung World Golf Tournament yesterday at Bighorn Golf Club, Michelle Wie entered the record book.


Bengals hit rock bottom There are no easy wins in the NFL, as every week is a new challenge. However, there are some games that are more winnable than others.


Google and Instant Messenger Google and Instant Messenger\\Google already dominates the search engine market, where once Yahoo! ruled users browser. With GMail and Google Desktop Search, they are entering prime time Microsoft domain. Speculation prevails that it will not be long before Google enters the instant messaging market. We have discussed before that Google ...


USC and Oklahoma earn Orange Bowl bids; Auburn squeezed out Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Southern California and Oklahoma will meet for the national championship in the Orange Bowl on January 4 after the schools finished 1-2 in the final BCS standings released Sunday afternoon.


2 Macedonian Hostages Said Killed in Iraq Iraqis arrive at a destroyed car after a roadside bomb exploded on the highway leading to the airport of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Oct 18, 2004.


Choppers fight high-rise blaze MILITARY helicopters doused one of Venezuela #39;s tallest buildings with water yesterday, bringing under control a blaze that many feared would cause the tower to collapse.


Clash of the Titans - When Search Engines Collide Clash of the Titans - When Search Engines Collide\\Billions of pages going to trillions. Most of the information available online is replicated again and again, then twisted, corrupted and re-entered. When one search question retrieves one million answers, the system fails -- results have little or no value.\


A trio of television technologies AUSTRALIANS went into a television-buying frenzy the run-up to the Athens Olympics, suggesting that as a nation we could easily have scored a gold medal for TV purchasing.


SBC Offers Wi-Fi Service to DSL Users for \$1.99/mo  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - SBC Communications Inc. SBC.N said  on Monday it would offer access to its network of 3,900 public  Wi-Fi Internet access points to its high-speed Internet  subscribers for \$1.99 per month.


Job Cuts in Tech Sector Soar, Report Finds  NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. technology sector suffered  another round of widespread layoffs during the third quarter,  with computer firms slashing jobs most aggressively, a report  said on Monday.


MyDoom seeks to destroy antivirus firms In worm's latest version, authors ridicule rival worm Netsky and promise to attack Symantec, McAfee and others.


Gold Fields bid for Iamgold in doubt TORONTO - Iamgold Corp. shares dipped more than 13 per cent in early trading on Monday after Harmony Gold Mining Co. launched a takeover bid for Gold Fields Inc.


Odyssey Shares Plunge on 3Q Warning Odyssey Healthcare Inc., a hospice care provider, said Monday its chief executive resigned as the company warned third-quarter earnings will be below Wall Street #39;s expectations and revealed it is being investigated by the Department of Justice.


UPDATE 2-Check Point Software Q3 profit up, sees more growth Check Point Software Technologies Inc. (CHKP.O: Quote, Profile, Research) reported a rise in third-quarter net profit that beat Wall Street estimates on strong


Modem to Connect With Speedy Cellular Tech (AP) AP - A top networking gear producer plans to offer a speedy new cellular technology that's an alternative to DSL and cable Internet access with the added advantage of being available on the road.


Media Center PCs may have found their time Maybe the third time will be the charm for Microsoft #39;s Windows XP Media Center Edition. Previous versions, released in 2002 and 2003, appealed to the early adopters among us.


IBM Introduces Powerful Servers IBM has introduced three new POWER5 processor-based servers that the company says outpace Sun and HP in performance records and establish a new standard for server virtualization capabilities.


Siemens Awarded Mobile Network Extension For Maxis in Malaysia Third 3G/UMTS order in Asia: Siemens awarded mobile network extension for Maxis in Malaysia Malaysias leading mobile operator, Maxis Communications Bhd.


Advertisements Insinuated Into Video Games (AP) AP - Roar down city streets in the upcoming "Need for Speed Underground 2" racing game and you'll see a Best Buy store amid the skyscrapers along with bright billboards hawking Cingular Wireless, Old Spice, and Burger King.


Long night worth the wait for Sox, fans The heart of Red Sox Nation is beating again. It #39;s beating thanks to David Ortiz #39;s two-run, walk-off homer in the 12th inning with no outs, giving the Red Sox a 6-4, come-from-behind win.


Loeb steers his way to world rally title France #39;s Sebastien Loeb stands on his Citroen and raises an arm in triumph after clinching the world rally championship title.


Vieira Misses Euro Clash Patrick Vieira will miss Arsenals Champions league match against Panathinaikos on Wednesday and is a major doubt for the clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.


Allardyce to be with Bolton for five more years Bolton, England (Sports Network) - Bolton rewarded coach Sam Allardyce with a new five-year-deal Monday. Allardyce, who has already been with Bolton for five years, turns 50 years old this week.


Cisco, Microsoft to Secure Networks (AP) AP - Their biggest clients hit hard by viruses, worms and other attacks, Microsoft Corp. and Cisco Systems Inc. said Monday that they plan to work together to help their corporate customers fight back.


New Crew Sets Off for Space Station A rocket carrying two Russian cosmonauts and an American astronaut to the international space station streaked into orbit on Thursday, the latest flight of a Russian space vehicle to fill in for grounded US shuttles.


Microsoft May Create Russian Hotmail (AP) AP - Microsoft Corp. is considering creating Russian versions of its Hotmail e-mail program and Microsoft Network online service, company CEO Steve Ballmer said in an interview published Monday.


SA  #39;contempt #39; for Aristide claim South Africa has rejected accusations that it let ex-leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide incite violence in Haiti from his place of exile in South Africa.


SBC Offers Wi-Fi Service to DSL Users for  #36;1.99/mo (Reuters) Reuters - SBC Communications Inc.  said\on Monday it would offer access to its network of 3,900 public\Wi-Fi Internet access points to its high-speed Internet\subscribers for  #36;1.99 per month.


In Praise of Job Killers (Forbes.com) Forbes.com - Dick Cheney would love our 200 growth companies (see p. 180)--they're small and they are (most of them, anyway) adding to their payrolls. The other day Cheney was singing the praises of small businesses by noting that they create seven of ten jobs in this country. This was by way of justifying tax breaks for the sort of people who own small businesses.


3M Profit Rises But Misses Estimates  CHICAGO (Reuters) - 3M Co. MMM.N on Monday said  third-quarter earnings rose 17 percent due in part to the weak  dollar, but the diversified manufacturer's results came in  below Wall Street's estimates for the first time in at least  seven quarters.


Blue Chips Fall as 3M Results Disappoint  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue-chip stocks fell on Monday  as Dow component 3M Co. MMM.N posted results slightly below  Wall Street estimates and oil prices held near \$55 a barrel.


Kerry Warns of Social Security Changes (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct, 17 -- John F. Kerry accused President Bush of having a secret, second-term plan to privatize Social Security starting in  January, telling a church audience Sunday that the idea is "a disaster for America's middle class."


Jazeera: Iraq Militants Kill Two Macedonia Hostages  DUBAI (Reuters) - A militant group in Iraq said it had  killed two Macedonian hostages it accused of spying for the  United States, Arabic television Al Jazeera reported Monday.


Pfizer Announces Major Trial for Celebrex Pfizer said today that it would sponsor a major clinical trial of Celebrex, its prescription arthritis pain medication, to further assess the cardiovascular safety of the drug.


Football: Mutu crisis talks  Adrian Mutu will meet his Chelsea bosses on Monday after allegations that he failed a drug test.


Beer gadget boost to water plants Technology used to check for diluted beer in kegs could soon be used to monitor water quality.


The Making of a Jazz Statesman Wynton Marsalis, the trumpet-playing star and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, has become an entity above and around the daily jazz world.


Kerry Tours Fla. Asking for Early Votes WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Democrat John Kerry said today President Bush was guilty of "arrogant boasting" about Iraq amid reports that the top U.S...


Stocks Fall As Oil Climbs Past \$55 Mark NEW YORK - Nervous investors sent stocks mostly lower Monday as a barrel of crude topped \$55 per barrel, yet another record. Only the Nasdaq composite index posted a meager gain...


Early Voters Turn Out in Florida WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - With memories of 2000 and its bitter fight over ballots still fresh, citizens began casting votes Monday in this pivotal battleground state...


Anglicans Criticize U.S. Church on Gays LONDON - An Anglican church commission sharply criticized the U.S. Episcopal Church on Monday for consecrating a gay bishop and called on the Americans to apologize or risk losing some of their influence with sister churches worldwide...


Iraq's Shadow Ruler When Ayatullah Sistani speaks, millions obey. Can the conscience of\the nation make it safe for democracy?


Taking the Battle to the Enemy U.S. and Iraqi forces launch high-risk probes of the insurgency in Fallujah and Ramadi. A TIME exclusive


After Gitmo, Back to Terror Detainees who've been released, only to join up again with anti-U.S. forces


World #39;s biggest gold firm - South African gold producer: Business India: South African gold producer Harmony has bid to take over larger rival Gold Fields, a merger that would create the world #39;s biggest gold producer.


Tough Times In Toyland As Mattel Posts Lower Profits EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Toy maker Mattel said Monday that third-quarter earnings fell slightly on lower worldwide sales of its Barbie, Matchbox and Hot Wheels brands.


Walkout goes on as GM job-cut talks begin RUESSELSHEIM - Top Opel management and labour officials began talks Monday on the plans by General Motors to axe 10,000 jobs at the carmaker, while workers at one of the company #39;s main plants in Bochum continued a walkout.


BMW #39;s Rolls-Royce unit head resigns; CFO named interim head LONDON, October 18 (newratings.com) - German automotive giant, BMW (BMW.ETR), has announced the resignation of its Rolls-Royce luxury cars unit head, Karl-Heinz Kalbfell, who had assumed his position just five months ago.


Not so fast, panel orders Bruandwo IN ordering a one-week extension of its takeover bid for Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality last night, the Takeovers Panel clearly considers that Bruandwo, with its adviser UBS, has been too clever in seeking to defeat its rival joint bidder, CMM Hotel  amp;


Countering the Harmony offer for Gold Fields JOHANNESBURG (Mineweb.com) --While the dust is still settling lets take a look at some of the arguments Gold Fields might start putting up to persuade its shareholders of the poverty of the Harmony bid.


Kmart Appoints New CEO Aylwin Lewis, (pictured, left) formerly of Yum Brands Inc., will take over for Julian Day. Day was appointed in January 2003, when the company was in bankruptcy.


SEC investigates Thomson Financial unit (Stamford-AP, Oct. 18, 2004 10:40 AM) _ Stamford-based Thomson Financial says on of its units is being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.


IBM  #39;stirs up the field #39; with P5 servers In a move which industry watchers predict will  quot;stir up quot; the high-end computing market, IBM today introduced three servers based on its latest Power5 processor architecture: the eServer i5 595, p5 595 and p5 590.


Micron plans China plant MICRON Technology, the worlds number two maker of computer memory chips, is planning to build its first plant in China by 2005.


Mutu Jets in for Crisis Talks with Chelsea By Adrian Curtis, PA Sport and Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA International. Adrian Mutu is heading for talks about his Chelsea future with manager Jose Mourinho today following allegations that he has tested positive for a banned substance.


Arsenal Beats Aston Villa 3-1 in Premiership to Extend Lead Robert Pires scored twice as Arsenal beat Aston Villa 3-1 in English soccer #39;s Premiership to extend its advantage in the standings to five points.


Brazilian Grand Prix Fact File - the 700th F1 GP As its name suggests, Interlagos was located between two lakes when the circuit was built in the 1940s. Today, however, the setting is no longer as picturesque, with the sprawling city now extending almost up to the circuit #39;s crash barriers.


Hoon confirms US request for troops America has requested the assistance of UK troops in Iraq, which would involve British soldiers operating outside the UK-controlled southern sector of Iraq, the defence secretary confirmed today.


United States Marines begin raids on Fallujah US Marines launched air and ground attacks yesterday on the rebel bastion Fallujah after city representatives suspended peace talks with the government over Prime Minister Iyad Allawi #39;s demand to hand over terror mastermind Abu Musab Zarqawi.


Sudan #39;s Darfur  #39;safer than Iraq #39; Sudan #39;s government has said it had handled the Darfur crisis better than the United States had dealt with Iraq. Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismael told the BBC that US leaders were trying to use Darfur


Aussie alive after capture in Iraq AUSTRALIAN journalist John Martinkus is lucky to be alive after spending 24 hours in the hands of Iraqi militants at the weekend. Martinkus was in Baghdad working for the SBS Dateline TV current affairs program


Arab TV reports militants execute two Macedonian hostages in Iraq BAGHDAD, Iraq According to Arab TV, Iraqi militants say they #39;ve killed two Macedonian hostages. Al-Jazeera broadcast a videotape showing the two men holding identification.


Neighbourhood watch PRIME Minister John Howard flies to Indonesia today for the inauguration of Indonesia #39;s newly-elected President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.


Delphi report quarterly loss Delphi Corp. today reported third quarter revenues of \$6.65 billion, and a net loss of \$114 million or a loss of \$0.20 per share. Excluding the impact of previously announced restructuring charges, Delphi


Ferguson Offers Rooney Helping Hand Sir Alex Ferguson is confident he can keep Wayne Rooneys feet firmly on the ground despite his sensational Champions League debut.


Putin backs Bush in US poll Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned terrorist attacks in Iraq and around the world will increase if George W Bush is not re-elected in next month #39;s presidential poll.


Sony takes on iPod with new hard disk Walkman Sony Corp has unveiled its first MP3-compatible, hard disk Walkman music player in an attempt to recover ground lost to Apple Computers iPod.


Yum Brands Names New Operating Chief Fast-food restaurant operator Yum Brands Inc. on Monday named David Deno chief operating officer, replacing Aylwin Lewis, who resigned to become president and chief executive of Kmart Holding Corp.


Is Marsh #39;s board responsible for its troubles? The company is wrestling with its third scandal in just over a year, raising questions about whether board members were doing an adequate job.


US Airways Boosts Flight Schedule US Airways Group Inc. said Monday that it will restructure its flight schedule beginning Feb. 6, 2005, adding 230 more daily flights without acquiring additional aircraft.


UPDATE 2-Odyssey warns of weak quarter, CEO resigns Odyssey Healthcare Inc. (ODSY.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday warned of an earnings shortfall, announced the resignation of its chief executive and said it was the subject