Police Arrest 28 in Online ID Theft Scams (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Law enforcement authorities have arrested 28 individuals accused of operating public Web sites designed to help people steal, sell and forge credit cards and identification documents.


Saudi Ambassador Says More Troops Needed in Iraq  LONDON (Reuters) - Iraq has become a magnet for foreign  terrorists since the U.S.-led invasion last year and there are  not enough troops to cope, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Britain  said on Thursday.


Sluman Hits Course-Record 62 at Chrysler (AP) AP - Golf finally felt easy to Jeff Sluman, and it wasn't hard to see why. From a fairway bunker on the 18th hole, he had to play a 20-yard hook to avoid the trees and reach the elevated green. His 7-iron stopped 16 inches from the cup for his ninth birdie, a course-record 62 and a two-shot lead in the Chrysler Championship on Thursday.


Sluman Fires on All Cylinders at Chrysler  PALM HARBOR, Florida (Reuters) - Jeff Sluman shot a  course-record nine-under-par 62 on Thursday to lead after the  first round of the \$5 million Chrysler Championship.


UPDATE:China Ups Rates, 1st In 9 Yrs; Mkts Look For More BEIJING (Dow Jones)--China raised interest rates Thursday for the first time in more than nine years, escalating its battle to tame feverish economic growth but immediately


Gateway Narrows Loss Gateway (GTW:NYSE - news - research) narrowed its loss and beat Wall Street #39;s bottom-line expectations for the quarter ending in September.


Update 3: Jury Begins Deliberating Enron Barge Case Jurors began deliberating Thursday in the first criminal trial to emerge from Enron Corp. #39;s 2001 collapse. The jury of six men and six women deliberated less than an hour late Thursday after hearing lengthy


E-Commerce Times Yahoo has launched a mobile version of its Web, image and local search offerings in a move that creates a new, wireless battlefield in the search engine wars.


Wireless Nintendo Nintendo is hoping to retain its dominance of the portable game market with the launch of wireless Nintendo DS, a hand-held double-screen console.


AOL Files First Spim Lawsuit Iphtashu Fitz writes  quot;CNet News is reporting that 4 major internet providers - AOL, Earthlink, Microsoft, and Yahoo, have filed another bunch of lawsuits against spammers.


AMD introduces low-cost Internet device Chip company Advanced Micro Devices Inc. on Thursday rolled out a low-cost Internet device aimed at underserved markets around the world.


Recording industry sues another 750 computer users The Recording Industry Association of America filed the copyright infringement suits against 750 computer users across the country -- including 25 university students.


Microsoft faces lawsuit for selling  quot;defective quot; game systems A man in Los Angeles filed a class action suit against US software giant Microsoft Wednesday, claiming that the company manufactured and sold thousands of defective Xbox video game systems.


Agassi brushes Bjorkman aside in Stockholm Andre Agassi brushed past Jonas Bjorkman 6-3 6-4 at the Stockholm Open on Thursday to set up a quarter-final meeting with Spanish sixth seed Fernando Verdasco.


FA probe into new violence London #39;s football fans were back in the spotlight again today after a second successive night of crowd trouble in the capital.


Frank Thomas, Carl Everett to return in Chicago, Sandy Alomar won #39; <b>...</b> Frank Thomas #39; decision to return to the Chicago White Sox wasn #39;t nearly so dramatic this year. Thomas exercised his \$8 million US option Thursday.


Jayhawks No. 1 in preseason coaches poll McLEAN, Va. - With three of its top four scorers returning for their senior seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks figure to be in the mix for the NCAA championship.


Astros want Biggio back, Kent to take pay cut The Houston Astros are picking up Craig Biggio #39;s \$3 million option for 2005 but not the \$9 million for Jeff Kent. Oct. 28 HOUSTON - Craig Biggio will be back with the Houston Astros next season.


Arafat, confused and weak, is heading to Paris for treatment An ailing Yasser Arafat -oo weak to stand, unable to hold down food and spending most of Thursday sleeping  -eed to leave his battered West Bank compound for


Coonan aims to seal Telstra deal Communications Minister Helen Coonan says the Government is taking nothing for granted over the sale of Telstra. Senator Coonan plans to speak with the Coalition #39;s newest senator-elect, Barnaby Joyce, to discuss his concerns about services in the bush.


Best Buy Enters Online Photo Processing Fray (Reuters) Reuters - Best Buy Co. Inc. , aiming to\capitalize on the growing popularity of digital imaging, on\Thursday launched a photofinishing service that would allow\customers to order prints online for the first time.


Apple Shares Close at 4-Year High (Reuters) Reuters - Shares of Apple Computer Inc.\ on Thursday closed at a four-year high as the iconic\computer maker this week rolled out an iPod that displays\photos and opened nine new iTunes online music stores in\Europe.


Apple Shares Close at 4-Year High  SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Shares of Apple Computer Inc.  AAPL.O on Thursday closed at a four-year high as the iconic  computer maker this week rolled out an iPod that displays  photos and opened nine new iTunes online music stores in  Europe.


Secret Service busts online ID fraud ring Federal agents and international allies arrest 28 suspects thought to have traded in credit card numbers and financial information.


Ariz. Insurance Director Reviews Alleged Broker and Insurer Bid <b>...</b> The Director of the Arizona Department of Insurance, Christina Urias, is joining insurance regulators in other states to review allegations of bid-rigging and price-fixing between insurance brokers and insurance companies.


ATA board agrees to employee retention bonuses The board of ATA Holdings Corp.(ATAH.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , parent of low-cost air carrier ATA Airlines, has approved payments to key executives and employees who stay with the company after its bankruptcy filing


Gateway Posts Operating Profit Personal computer maker Gateway Inc. (GTW.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday posted its first operating profit in nearly three years as its retail strategy


Nintendo and Sony execs trade barbs over PSP/DS battle The ink #39;s not yet dry on the PSP price tags, but the fallout from yesterday #39;s surprising announcements has already begun. Bloomberg Japan reported today on Nintendo #39;s reaction to Sony #39;s price point for the


Morality maze for video game that takes no prisoners With more than 30m sales under its belt, Grand Theft Auto is one of the most popular video game franchises. But today it is hoping that its new release, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, can break all records


PDA sales continue slide SHIPMENTS of personal digital assistants declined for the third consecutive quarter as large vendors continued ceding the depressed market to smaller electronics makers, researcher IDC reported.


Millions in Americas watch lunar eclipse Millions of people in the Americas have stayed up to observe a total lunar eclipse that bathed the moon in a coppery red glow and gave scientists a chance to study the Earth #39;s atmosphere.


Xbox Owner Sues Over Defective Disk Drives A video game fan upset over a failed disk drive in his Xbox video game console has sued Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O on behalf of all Xbox owners across the United States.. The suit, filed


PG amp;E talks to residents about powerline project Construction of a 230,000-volt transmission line will begin in January and residents should expect all the usual construction issues that accompany any large project, Pacific Gas  amp; Electric Co.


Garcia and Lara beat the elements on home turf With the wind picking up as the first round of the Volvo Masters progressed throughout the day, the afternoon starters had the worst of the draw.


Nine British tourists die in Jordan bus crash Nine British tourists on a religious holiday in Jordan were killed yesterday when their bus crashed near the ancient city of Petra.


Ogden Signs 7-Year Contract With Ravens (AP) AP - All-Pro left tackle Jonathan Ogden signed a new seven-year contract Thursday with the Baltimore Ravens.


Wolves Waive Goldwire, Powell (AP) AP - The Minnesota Timberwolves released guard Anthony Goldwire and forward Kasib Powell on Thursday, trimming their roster to 14 players.


Adrian Beltre Files for Free Agency (AP) AP - Dodgers slugger Adrian Beltre filed for free agency Thursday  #151; the same day he underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove two large bone spurs from his left ankle.


BEA buzzing about Beehive (InfoWorld) InfoWorld - BURLINGAME, CALIF.-- BEA Systems is expanding the open source Beehive initiative but still has no plans to participate in the Eclipse open source tools organization, despite the embrace of Beehive by Eclipse.


O'Reilly Case Settled Out of Court Fox News Channel commentator Bill O'Reilly and a co-worker who had accused him of sexual harassment have agreed to settle and dropped all allegations against each other, lawyers for Fox said.


Bush, Kerry Trade Charges on Leadership (AP) AP - Bitingly personal, President Bush called Sen. John Kerry too weak and wavering for wartime leadership Thursday while the Democrat held Bush responsible for missing explosives in Iraq. "The commander in chief is not getting his job done," Kerry said.


Photo: Cybercrime arrests The Web site of identity-fraud suspects operating as the "Shadow Crew" has been replaced by information about alleged members' arrests.


BEA buzzing about Beehive BURLINGAME, CALIF.-- BEA Systems is expanding the open source Beehive initiative but still has no plans to participate in the Eclipse open source tools organization, despite the embrace of Beehive by Eclipse.


Wiki startup JotSpot draws crowd for product beta A Silicon Valley startup aiming to catapult wikis into the mainstream and transform the editable Web sites into an application development platform has attracted a flood of interest for its product beta.


Afghan Leader Faces Huge Task After Inauguration (Reuters) Reuters - Hamid Karzai will be sworn in as his\country's first elected president Tuesday, facing a huge amount\of more work to rebuild a land still traumatized by more than a\quarter century of war.


Predicting a President: Where the Papers' Online Electoral Maps Agree and Disagree (Editor and Publisher) Editor and Publisher - NEW YORK In a new twist on E P's exclusive tracking of major newspaper Web sites' electoral-college maps, today's article will chart how they differ or agree on which states are still tossups and which lean toward one candidate or the other.


Klein derided as mean-spirited for comments about handicapped (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - CALGARY (CP) - Premier Ralph Klein was blasted Thursday as mean-spirited and disrespectful for saying two women who heckled him over payments to the disabled didn't look handicapped.


Avery Johnson retires as player to focus on coaching (AFP) AFP - - Avery Johnson, signed as a player-coach less than a month ago by the Dallas Mavericks, retired from the players ranks to focus on his duties as an assistant coach to Don Nelson.


Price to Return As Seattle Pitching Coach (AP) AP - In his first moves as manager of the Seattle Mariners, Mike Hargrove decided to retain pitching coach Bryan Price and hired Ron Hassey as the team's bench coach.


Shell ends dual-entity structure LONDON Royal Dutch/Shell Group said Thursday that it was merging the two publicly traded entities that make up the company and unifying their boards, ending a nearly 100-year-old corporate structure.


DreamWorks Animation takes off Shares in DreamWorks Animation surged as much 41 percent on their first day of trading Thursday as investors bet that the producer of computer-animated movies could use cash from its initial stock sale to challenge Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney.


Black offers to take Hollinger private Former press baron Conrad Black has made a proposal to buy out the minority shareholders of his Canadian holding company Hollinger Inc.


DaimlerChrysler Facing SEC Investigation DaimlerChrysler AG said Thursday it had been notified that it was under investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission over alleged violations of a federal anti-bribery statute after a fired employee complained to labor officials.


AOL files  #39;spim #39; lawsuit AMERICA Online has filed a lawsuit accusing numerous unnamed defendants of violating US federal and state laws by sending bulk messages known as  quot;spim quot; to instant message accounts and internet chat rooms.


TechBrief: This way to the Web Advanced Micro Devices on Thursday unveiled a low-cost Internet access device aimed at first-time users in India, Mexico and the Caribbean.


Wireless pioneer reflects on roots, looks to WiMax SAN FRANCISCO--Cell phone pioneer Craig McCaw on Wednesday discussed Cingular Wireless #39; acquisition of AT amp;T #39;s wireless division, harking back to the 1994 sale of his company to Ma Bell.


Redskins' Arrington, Hall Out for Sunday (Reuters) Reuters - Washington Redskins\linebacker LaVar Arrington and kicker John Hall will not play\Sunday versus the Green Bay Packers.


Armstrong hits out at Italian investigation Italian police investigating allegations that the six-times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong intimidated a key witness in the trial of his trainer on drugs charges have passed a dossier of rider interviews to a prosecutor in Lucca, who will decide


Garca winds up best in tough going Given what Sergio Garca has achieved in his career already it is difficult to believe he is only 24 years old. He had a 67 yesterday, four under, to share the Volvo Masters lead with his fellow Spaniard


Soccer: Player dies in Brazilian league game Serginho, a 30-year-old defender with So Caetano, collapsed and died of what appeared to be a heart attack during a Brazilian league match on Wednesday night.


Sluman overshadows Singh Jeff Sluman shattered the course record to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Chrysler Championship. The American recorded nine birdies in a nine-under-par 62 at the Westin Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course.


Pacers pick up option on Fred Jones INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) - Guard Fred Jones, who won the Slam Dunk Contest last season, had his fourth-year contract option picked up Thursday by the Indiana Pacers.


D Wayne does it his way again It was typical of D Wayne Lukas that he chose to reveal an unexpected change of plan for Azeri, in American eyes the  quot;marquee quot; horse of the Breeders #39; Cup meeting, at the moment of maximum effect.


Cambodia prepares to welcome new king PHNOM PENH - Cambodians were celebrating Friday as a 51-year-old former ballet dancer prepared to become the country #39;s new king.


Cambodia set to crown new king Cambodians prepare for the coronation of King Sihamoni, amid an array of official festivities.


Cubans queue to ditch US dollars Long queues have formed in Cuba as people rush to hand over US dollars, soon to be banned.


Soaring fuel costs undermine industry #39;s cost-cutting programs The Air Transport Association says, due to cutbacks, industry labor expenses are about the same today as they were a decade ago -- at about 34 percent of total costs.


Biggest US insurance broker faces penalty  #39;far higher #39; than \$500M <b>...</b> The price for settling state charges of collusion and bid-rigging by America #39;s largest insurance broker could be  quot;far higher quot; than \$500 million, New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said Thursday.


Oil Extends Two-Day Fall as China #39;s Rate Rise May Cut Demand Crude oil futures fell in New York, extending the biggest two-day decline in 19 months, amid concern China #39;s first interest-rate increase in nine years may slow growth in fuel demand in the world #39;s second-largest oil consumer.


Hollinger International offers Black olive branch LONDON (AFP) - Hollinger International has extended an olive branch to its former ousted boss Conrad Black by offering him proceeds from its sale of two leading British newspapers, according to a report.


UPDATE 1-Alliance Capital to sell cash management business Alliance Capital Management Holding LP (AC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) has agreed to sell its cash management business to Federated Investors Inc.


Redskins' Taylor Arrested on DWI Charge (AP) AP - The tumultuous rookie season of Washington Redskins rookie Sean Taylor hit a new low in the early hours Thursday when he was arrested on a drunken driving charge.


Mourning Plays 10 Months After Transplant (AP) AP - Alonzo Mourning played for the New Jersey Nets on Thursday night for first time since a kidney transplant in December.


Deadline for execution of Japanese hostage passes with no news (AFP) AFP - The deadline set by Islamic militants to behead a Japanese hostage in Iraq unless Tokyo pulled its army out of the country expired with no fresh news of the young man's fate.


Cassini Probes Secrets of Saturn #39;s Biggest Moon Description: NPR #39;s Alex Chadwick speaks with NPR #39;s Ira Flatow, host of Talk of the Nation Science Friday, about new images and data from the Cassini space probe that could unlock some of the mysteries surrounding Titan, Saturn #39;s largest moon.


Yahoo Mobile Brings Search to Cell Phones Yahoo Mobile can obtain localized search results, make calls from the results page, and obtain images. Shortcuts offer quick access to information, such as weather, stock quotes, sport scores and flight information.


OutKast Now Have A Digital Platinum Record To Hang On Their Wall The Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA) has been suing people left, right and centre for illegal downloading, but now theyve taken a more positive action toward supporting legit downloading services.


Study: Internet Feeds Political Debates Oct. 27, 2004 - Political junkies of all stripes have gotten much of their news and political commentary during this year #39;s campaign from online sources, and a new survey finds the Internet is contributing to a wider awareness of political views.


Sandisk Increases Phone Memory Capacities Sandisk this week announced the addition of new, higher capacity memory cards for mobile phones. The miniSD and RS-MMC card formats will now be offered in capacities as large as 512MB starting in November.


Smaller, more powerful PC fuel cell is on the way OCTOBER 28, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - A new fuel cell for notebook PCs, more compact and powerful than competing technologies, could be on the market in early 2006 at a price of around \$90, its Japanese inventors said this week.


2005 Tour may not play to Armstrong #39;s strengths It also means he #39;ll have to be in top form right away. This year #39;s race,. lure of the world #39;s biggest cycling race is tough to resist.


Sao Caetano #39;s Serginho Dies After Heart Attack in Soccer Match Serginho, a 30-year-old defender, died after suffering a heart attack while playing for Sao Caetano in a Brazilian first-division soccer game against Sao Paulo yesterday, his team said.


Champ Car Rumors F1 News MODERATOR: Welcome everyone to today #39;s press conference. We have a lineup with thrilling racing that #39;s delivered six different winners in 13 races along with an incredibly talented crop of rookies this year that will indeed be the future of our series.


Sports: Cubs decline options on Alou, Gruzielanek CHICAGO The Chicago Cubs may have a new left fielder at Wrigley Field next year. They #39;ve declined their eleven-and-a-half (m) million-dollar mutual option on the contract of outfielder Moises Alou (MOY #39;-ses ah-LOO #39;).


Pacers exercise option on reserve guard Jones INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers exercised their option for reserve guard Fred Jones on Thursday, extending his contract through the 2005-06 season.


Lukas, Paulson gamble with Azeri However else he leans in the upcoming election, we already can be sure of one thing about D. Wayne Lukas. He must be. He has taken his classic lady, Azeri, one of the


Westerners kidnapped in Afghanistan The first Westerners were kidnapped in Afghanistan yesterday when three UN election officials were bundled into a car by gunmen who ran their vehicle off the road in the capital Kabul.


Insurgents kill 11 kidnapped soldiers Eleven Iraqi soldiers taken hostage by insurgents have been murdered. A video released by their captors showed one man being beheaded and 10 others being shot.


Kerry Uses Bush's Own Words to Call Him Unfit (Reuters) Reuters - Democratic challenger John Kerry\turned President Bush's own words against him on Thursday and\said it was the Republican incumbent who had jumped to\conclusions in Iraq, disqualifying him from being commander in\chief.


No, no, national ID Many pundits have posited that the United States needs better identity cards and, in some cases, have argued for national identity cards.


McNair Exercises, Stretches With Trainers (AP) AP - Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair exercised and stretched with trainers Thursday, but was not able to practice with the Titans because of a bruised sternum.


Insurgents Slaughter 11 Iraqi Soldiers (AP) AP - Insurgents slaughtered 11 Iraqi soldiers, beheading one, then shooting the others execution-style, and declared on an Islamic militant Web site Thursday that Iraqi fighters will avenge "the blood" of women and children killed in U.S. strikes on the guerrilla stronghold of Fallujah.


Judge OKs Arizona Initiative on Ballot (AP) AP - A judge Thursday dismissed a lawsuit that sought to effectively drop from the ballot an Arizona initiative that would restrict government services provided to illegal immigrants.


News.com Extra: Net users trawl for differing views Plus: San Francisco mayor vows to bring Wi-Fi to the city, free computers to housing projects.


Average techie starting salaries to remain stable IT professionals can expect a moderate increase in starting salary, a staffing firm says.


Secret Service busts online ID fraud ring In an investigation that led from online forums to a passport-forging facility in Bulgaria, law enforcement officials arrested in the last 48 hours suspects from eight states and six foreign countries on charges of identity theft, computer fraud, credit


Internet Users Want a Voice In its latest study of Americans #39; online habits, the Pew Internet  amp; American Life Project found that a substantial chunk of internet users want to voice their opinions online.


Sign-Up for Dragonshard Beta Starts Today Atari has opened the initial sign-up phase of the closed beta for its Dungeons  amp; Dragons real-time-strategy title, Dragonshard.


Sluman leads Chrysler Championship after record 62 Palm Harbor, FL (Sports Network) - Jeff Sluman fired a course-record, nine- under-par 62 on Thursday to take the first-round lead at the Chrysler Championship.


Avery Johnson announces retirement Avery Johnson announced his retirement Thursday, officially ending his 16-year playing career and becoming a full-time assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks.


Kerry sees an omen and reflected glory in Red Sox triumph America toasted its most romantic baseball team yesterday when the Boston Red Sox won the sport #39;s top prize, bringing a cry of delight from Senator John Kerry, the Democratic presidential


Chinese lead pairs; Bulgarians lead ice dance Former world champions Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo of China won won the short program at Skate Canada with 66.48 points Thursday night.


CARE shuts down Iraq operations The relief agency CARE International has shut down all operations in Iraq and urged insurgents to release its director in Bagdhad, Margaret Hassan, who was kidnapped more than a week ago.


Howard wins control over Senate to tighten grip on power Australia #39;s prime minister, John Howard, won the strongest mandate of any leader in nearly 25 years yesterday when he took control of the upper house of parliament.


Zimbabwean MP jailed for a year after shoving minister Zimbabwe #39;s most persecuted white MP began a year of hard labour last night after parliament voted to jail him for shoving the Justice Minister during a debate over land seizures.


Significant thaw in Israeli-Egyptian relations Recent warming considered by defense establishment as event of significant strategic importance. PM associate: It sounds too good to be true.


Thomas, Everett to Return to Chisox (AP) AP - Frank Thomas is returning to the Chicago White Sox, but Magglio Ordonez appears to be headed elsewhere.


Unemployment Claims Jump by 20,000 (AP) AP - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose last week by 20,000, the largest jump in a month, the Labor Department reported Thursday.


Politics, Gas Fuel Battle Over New Mexico Forest (Reuters) Reuters - A Texas energy company may get\rights to drill in a pristine swathe of a New Mexico national\forest after a White House task force intervened on its behalf,\a move that has become a hot issue in the battleground state\before next week's presidential election.


Congo's Rainforest Faces Danger as Loggers Return (Reuters) Reuters - Parked neatly side by side in a\quiet clearing in the heart of Africa's largest rainforest, the\two bright yellow bulldozers look absurdly out of place.


Afghan Kidnappings Prompt Big Security Review (Reuters) Reuters - The abduction of three foreign election\workers in Afghanistan could force aid groups to reduce their\international staff in a country that just finished counting\votes in its first direct presidential election.


W.Va. to Sponsor Public Computing Grid (AP) AP - Researchers and businesses in West Virginia will be able to access the first state-sponsored public Internet computing grid when the Global Grid Exchange is launched next month.


Dollar in Sight of Six-Month Lows Vs Yen  TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar edged toward six month lows  against the yen on Friday, reversing a short-lived rally on  news that China had raised interest rates, as attention  returned to worries about the strength of the U.S. economy.


Afghan Kidnappings Prompt Big Security Review  KABUL (Reuters) - The abduction of three foreign election  workers in Afghanistan could force aid groups to reduce their  international staff in a country that just finished counting  votes in its first direct presidential election.


Beltran, Beltre Among Those Electing Free Agency (Reuters) Reuters - Houston Astros centerfielder\Carlos Beltran and Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Adrian\Beltre headline a list of 65 players who have declared free\agency Thursday, the first day individuals can officially file.


India ; Rebels set off landmine in Kashmir, 11 dead The victims included the jeep #39;s driver and another civilian accompanying the soldiers who were headed for an operation against militants, said to be hiding in nearby mountains.


Won't Someone PLEASE Think of the Bytes!? \\I was wondering today how many terabytes could have been saved over the years if\URLs would automatically base64 their integer values.\\232 is 2147483647\\Which is 10 bytes.  \\Of course if you base64 encode those values this leaves you with:\\f____w\\Which is only 6 bytes.  Thats a 40 savings!\\


Shell shock as oil giant merges to become one company The oil giant Shell yesterday unveiled plans to merge its British and Dutch halves into a single company under the control of a unified board in what marks the most sweeping


Fonterra bids US\$1 billion to buy out National Foods Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd, the world #39;s largest dairy exporter, offered A\$1.34 billion (US\$1 billion) for the shares it does not own in National Foods Ltd, to expand milk sales in Australia and Asia.


Thomas to return, Ordonez might not Frank Thomas is returning to the Chicago White Sox, but Magglio Ordonez appears to be headed elsewhere. While Thomas exercised his \$8 million option Thursday, Ordonez filed for free agency, and general manager


Capello delighted as Juventus win Fabio Capello finished on top as his Juventus defeated former club AS Roma 2-0 last night in a scrappy game. Alessandro Del Piero scored his third goal in his last two matches and Uruguayan Marcelo Zalayeta added an insurance goal.


Short-circuit causes blast in Pakistan An explosion caused by a short-circuit in the lobby of the Marriott hotel in the Pakistani capital Thursday injured at least six people, including two foreigners, authorities said.


Web-Based Tool Helps Voters Find Polls (AP) AP - With most states reporting massive new voter registrations and many political observers worrying about potential voter confusion and allegations of fraud on Nov.2, one organization has created a web-based tool to answer questions and provide information.


Mbeki goes into Ivory Coast peace talks BOUAKE, Ivory Coast - President Thabo Mbeki on Sunday arrived in the central Ivory Coast rebel stronghold of Bouake, where he received a rousing welcome as a potential peacemaker in the divided country.


Rangers' Francisco Faces Lesser Charge  OAKLAND, California (Sports Network) - Texas Rangers relief  pitcher Frank Francisco will face misdemeanor assault charges  for his part in a September 13 melee between players and fans  during his club's game against the Oakland Athletics.


Approval for New Stadium in Washington Hits a Snag The plan to finance a new stadium for the relocated Montreal Expos has exposed a schism within the District of Columbia's City Council and among its citizens.


Scientists Develop Clean Diesel System (AP) AP - Scientists at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory say they have developed the first system to convert dirty diesel fuel into a quiet, self-contained and efficient energy source.


Pollution May Be Reducing Calif. Rainfall (AP) AP - Urban air pollution may be reducing rainfall in the Central Valley and along the heavily populated southern California coast, while trimming mountain snowfall that supplies much of the state's drinking and irrigation water and hydroelectric power, a Stanford University professor's study released Thursday shows.


Cassini Radar Sees Titan's 'Cat' (AP) AP - The international Cassini spacecraft is providing evidence that Saturn's planet-size moon Titan is geologically alive and has active atmospheric processes that could be moving material, possibly even liquids, on its surface, scientists said Thursday.


Japan's Unemployment Rate Drops in Sept. (AP) AP - Japan's unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent in September, the government said Friday in the latest sign of a recovery in the job market of the world's second largest economy.


Films push Sony profits up Sony recorded a 61.6 jump in its net profit in the third quarter of this year thanks to the success of its entertainment and movie sectors, the firm said yesterday.


Shrek creator makes dream debut Spurred on by a large, green ogre, buoyed by a school of wise-cracking fish and with a podgy superhero helping its cause, DreamWorks Animation yesterday saw its share price rise by 41 on its first day of trading.


Banks Begin Paperless Check Clearing Oct. 28 - New banking rules usually go unnoticed by consumers, but a change going into effect today is going to cost consumers plenty.


Fears growing for big drops in house prices Further evidence that the housing market has run out of steam emerged yesterday as the Nationwide reported the first fall in prices for three years.


Cycling: Tougher Tour for Armstrong The route of the 2005 Tour de France was announced yesterday, and the changes look set to test the dominance of the reigning champion, Lance Armstrong.


Vancouver Indy race a question mark VANCOUVER - The future of of the Vancouver Molson Indy Race is up in the air again, following the release of the Champ Car World Series schedule for 2005.


Racing: Lone Star turf magical for Ouija Board Under the cover of darkness, the entire British challenge for Breeders #39; Cup XXI emerged on to the track here at Lone Star Park yesterday.


Baffling bulletins from the muqata All morning they emerged from Yasser Arafat #39;s prison with assurances that the ageing revolutionary was not done for yet. Hanan Ashrawi, the former peace negotiator, revealed that  quot;the president quot; had managed to keep down a breakfast of cornflakes and milk.


Three UN workers seized by militants in Kabul Nato troops are hunting for three UN workers, one of them British-Irish, kidnapped in Afghanistan #39;s first Iraqi-style abduction yesterday.


Isaac Herzog This week, Israel took the biggest step towards solving the Middle East conflict for 30 years when the Knesset backed disengagement from the Gaza Strip.


Powell Says US Can #39;t Hunt Iran Nukes in Caves Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Friday that Washington had no way to force Iran to allow UN inspectors unrestricted access to suspected nuclear sites despite US doubts Tehran would come clean on its own.


China Raises Rates to Cool Its Economy But the step could risk social unrest if heavily indebted state companies respond by laying off more workers.


Injured Favre Misses Another Practice (AP) AP - The Packers' top three offensive performers missed practice again Thursday as quarterback Brett Favre, running back Ahman Green and lineman Marco Rivera were on the sideline.


Webify Helps Insurance Carriers Stretch Legacy Apps (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - The company's software, built on IBM's on-demand architecture, lets carriers extend the life of legacy applications while pushing out new functionality.


Superfluous Wiki Implementations \\Why are there no fewer than 500 different Wiki implementations?\\MoinMoin, Jot, JSPWiki, InterWiki, MediaWiki, SocialText, Twiki, Team Notepad,\PhpWiki, WikiDoc, Project Forum, xWiki, AspWiki, SnipSnap, AsWiki, eGroupware\Wiki, Hiki, MiniWiki, MyWiki, ParseWiki, PHP Groupware Wiki, Trac, Usemod Wiki,\Wiliki, Zope zWiki... I'm sure I could go on...\\Aren't most of these Open Source?  Can't some of these projects merge?  For god\sake *stop it*!  The world doesn't need another wiki applications.\


WMC shares surge on takeover bid A \$7.4 billion takeover bid for the Australian mining company WMC Resources has seen its share price surge by 36 per cent. The Swiss-based mining house Xstrata wants to add WMC Resources to its Australian mining portfolio.


Black seeks to buy out Hollinger Inc. minority investors, take <b>...</b> TORONTO (CP) - The Conrad Black saga took a fresh twist Thursday as the embattled press baron announced plans to buy out other shareholders of Hollinger Inc.


How computer games grew up THEY USED TO be for kids. Space Invaders, Pong, Doom, some of them were shoot-em-up fun, others were just, well, fun. But computer games have changed.


Craig McCaw describes a global wireless world SAN FRANCISCO - For someone who rarely appears before large gatherings, Craig McCaw has spent a lot of time in the spotlight this week at a wireless industry trade show.


Armstrong leaves Tour de France guessing PARIS: Lance Armstrong has left the question marks hovering over his participation on next years Tour de France where the American could stretch his record to seven consecutive victories.


What #39;s bothering Sourav, injury or something else? The news from Nagpur is not good. And we are not talking just about the on field performance of the Indian cricketers. Reports say there is more than what it meets the eye to the thigh (or is groin?


Avery Johnson retires from NBA CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Point guard Avery Johnson retired Thursday as an active player to accept a coaching position with the Dallas Mavericks.


Henman struggles through to last eight Tim Henman was made to work hard to reach the quarter-finals of the Swiss Indoors tournament yesterday before eventually overcoming South African Wesley Moodie in the second round.


Sainsbury consortium plans 25m bid for Leeds The turbulent story of Leeds United took another bizarre turn yesterday as Sebastian Sainsbury, a 41-year-old member of the supermarket dynasty, emerged as the frontman for an American-based


Gateway loss narrows on PC demand Buoyed by strong consumer demand for personal computers and stringent cost cuts, computer maker Gateway reported a third-quarter loss on Thursday that was much narrower than a year ago.


Route to make it a stiff test for Armstrong The route for next year #39;s Tour de France may provide the stiffest test yet for the six-times winner, Lance Armstrong. Or perhaps not.


Approval for New Stadium in Washington Hits a Snag Maybe the idea of financing a new stadium here for the relocated Montreal Expos seemed easy last month when the city received the news that Major League Baseball would send the team to the nation #39;s capital.


Getting teens beyond textin' Teenagers are fiends for sending text messages from their phones. Virgin Mobile wants them to feast on other services as well.


SAIC takes on Ssangyong Motors Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), one of China #39;s biggest vehicle producers, clinched a much-heralded final deal with creditors of Ssangyong Motors yesterday to take over the No 4 South Korean automaking firm.


Household Survey Sees 100,000 Iraqi Deaths (AP) AP - A survey of deaths in Iraqi households estimates that as many as 100,000 more people may have died throughout the country in the 18 months since the U.S.-led invasion than would be expected based on the death rate before the war.


Feds Indict 19 of Online ID Theft Charges (AP) AP - Federal authorities on Thursday indicted 19 people in the United States and abroad on charges related to a Web site investigators claimed was one of the largest online centers for trafficking in stolen identity information and credit cards.


Kidnappers demand foreign troops quit Iraq Militants piled more pressure on Washington #39;s military allies in Iraq on Thursday, seizing a Polish woman and holding a Japanese man under threat of death.


FEC OKs Unlimited Donations for Recounts (AP) AP - Presidential and congressional candidates can raise unlimited donations to finance recounts as President Bush and Al Gore did for their high-stakes Florida dispute in 2000.


EU leaders to sign constitution Heads of state gather in Rome to sign the EU constitution, as a row over the new Commission continues.


Molecule offers Alzheimer's hope Scientists say they have engineered a molecule which could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.


Asian Stocks Ease After China Rate Rise  SINGAPORE (Reuters) - China's surprise interest rate rise  weighed down Asian stocks on Friday as investors sold shares of  miners, shippers and other firms whose fortunes have been  closely linked to the country's rapid growth.


Holdsclaw Speaks Out The Mystics' Chamique Holdsclaw said Thursday she is suffering from depression.  The affliction caused her to leave the team in midseason.


Racing's Standard The Breeders' Cup makes it tougher for trainers, horses and veterinarians to cheat and dope their horses than any other competition.


Miami (FL) Hurricanes MIAMI (Ticker) -- In its first season in the Atlantic Coast Conference, No. 11 Virginia Tech is headed to the BCS. Bryan Randall threw two touchdown passes and the Virginia Tech defense came up big all day as the Hokies knocked off No.


Competing for Causes The Leukemia  #38; Lymphoma Society's Team in Training surveyed its runners and found that one of the primary reasons people join a marathon training group is to meet other people.


Cavs Get Needed Rest The off week could not have come at a better time for 13th-ranked Virginia with quarterback Marques Hagans hobbled by an injured hip.


China Raises Rates to Cool Its Economy China #39;s central bank raised official borrowing costs for the first time in nine years Thursday night, a step aimed at slowing breakneck economic growth and inflation


28 Identity Theft Suspects Arrested in Transatlantic Sting (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Law enforcement authorities on both sides of the Atlantic have arrested 28 people on suspicion of operating Web sites that were allegedly designed to steal, sell and forge credit cards and identification documents.


JAPANESE HOSTAGE DEADLINE PASSES The deadline set by Islamic militants for the beheading of a Japanese hostage unless their demands were met has passed with no news of the man #39;s fate.


Japanese races to free hostage; hopes fading Japan raced against the clock yesterday to free a young Japanese hostage in Iraq but had little reason for hope less than a day before the deadline set by al-Qaida-linked militants for his killing.


Pre-Election Tensions Mount in Florida (AP) AP - Pre-election tensions mounted Thursday in Florida amid claims of voter intimidation, promises that absentee ballots will reach the Broward County citizens who are missing them, and concerns that Republicans will question the authenticity of thousands of votes on Election Day.


Sometimes, Vaccines Can Be Good for Business Some have explained the flu vaccine shortage by saying that the vaccines business holds little allure, but vaccines, it turns out, can make for good business.


Two German Automakers Report Mixed Earnings Germany, with its high costs and reluctant consumers, has become a drag on the country's two largest carmakers, DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen.


Sharp Increase in Early Voting Alters Campaign The surge in early voting is affecting where candidates are sent and money is spent in the final days of the campaign.


Video Shows G.I.'s at Weapon Cache A videotape shows a huge supply of explosives still at Al Qaqaa munitions complex nine days after the fall of Baghdad.


With Nothing Left to Win, Fans of Red Sox Suddenly Feel a Loss Having waited 86 years for World Series glory, Bostonians found themselves swirling with elation, but also scratching their heads.


Droughns Is a Perfect Fit in Shanahan's System With Broncos Reuben Droughns is on pace to become the fifth different running back to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season under Coach Mike Shanahan.


Family Begs for Life of Japanese Hostage in Iraq (Reuters) Reuters - The family of a Japanese man being held\hostage in Iraq begged for his life on Friday after the expiry\of a deadline set by his captors, who have threatened to behead\him unless Japan withdrew its troops.


Second Bomb Injures 9 in Thai South - Witnesses  BANGKOK (Reuters) - A second bomb exploded near a food  stall in southern Thailand on Friday, wounding at least nine  members of a bomb squad investigating an earlier blast that  wounded four people.


Billion-Dollar Ball in Delta Pilots #39; Hands Delta Air Lines #39; pilots, by far the best paid in the airline industry, face a painful choice over the next few weeks: accept a tentative deal that calls for a one-third cut in pay, or


Writing on the  #39;wall #39; n Last edition of the Far Eastern Economic Review is shown on the streets of Hong Kong. The weekly news magazine is to fold in its current form with the loss of 80 jobs, the magazine #39;s publisher Dow Jones said yesterday.


Microsoft, Others File More Anti-Spam Lawsuits Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O and other Internet access providers filed three new lawsuits on Thursday to stop the spread of unsolicited e-mail messages touting everything from home refinancing to miracle health cures.


Central Texas gets look at lunar eclipse Go outside on Wednesday evening and take a look at the moon. It will look mighty strange. The Earth #39;s dark shadow will march across the face of the moon and by 9:30 pm the moon will take on an eerie red color.


FA investigates violence at Bridge The Football Association began an investigation yesterday into the crowd trouble which marred Chelsea #39;s League Cup match against West Ham on Wednesday evening, the second such outbreak at a London match within 24 hours.


Crisis clouds historic EU constitution EU leaders will gather in Rome today to sign an historic new constitution, but the planned celebration of European unity has been transformed into a crisis meeting over the bloc #39;s stalled executive.


Girl trapped in buried car confirmed dead; quake toll 35 NIIGATA (Kyodo) Rescue operations to save three people trapped in a buried car in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture, ended without a second miracle Thursday after a 3-year-old girl was confirmed dead.


UN Votes Again for the Lifting of US Economic Blockade Against <b>...</b> Havana, Oct 28 (AIN) For the 13th consecutive time, the United Nations General Assembly voted Thursday for the lifting of the US economic, financial and commercial blockade against Cuba.


Nervous Cubans swap Yankee dollars for pesos Cubans jammed banks and exchange kiosks to swap their dollars for local pesos on Thursday, as the communist government, retaliating for tightened sanctions, moved


#39;04 Series has given us some sloppy baseball To this point -- Boston up 3-0 on St. Louis at Tuesday #39;s press time -- the 2004 World Series has been a major league letdown. I had a feeling that the American League Championship Series was our true World Series.


Thai PM to address nation on protesters #39; deaths The explosion followed a blast late on Thursday that killed two people and wounded about 20 in a border town in Narathiwat province.


China  Brakes With Interest Rate Hike China's central bank raised interest rates Thursday for the first time in nearly a decade, signaling a deep unease with the breakneck pace of development and an intent to curb fears of runaway inflation.


Bill O'Reilly, Producer  Settle Harassment Suit Bill O'Reilly settled a sexual harassment lawsuit by his former producer last night, ending what he called a "brutal ordeal."


Ovitz Defends His Role in ABC Hiring, 'Kundun' GEORGETOWN, Del., Oct. 28 -- Plaintiffs in a shareholder lawsuit over former Walt Disney Co. president Michael Ovitz's \$140 million severance package attempted Thursday to portray Ovitz as a dishonest bumbler who botched the hiring of a major television executive and pushed the release of a movie that angered the Chinese government, damaging Disney's business prospects in the country.


US Airways, UAL Post Third-Quarter Losses US Airways Group Inc. and UAL Corp.'s United Airlines, both operating under bankruptcy court protection, reported losses in the third quarter yesterday, blaming record high fuel prices and an inability to raise fares amid stiff competition.


Oil Firms Report Big Profit Increases ExxonMobil Corp. and Royal Dutch/Shell Group yesterday reported large increases in third-quarter profits, part of an industry-wide windfall caused by high oil prices and strong demand.


New Checking Law Takes Effect Check out your checking account -- and make sure you have enough money in it before you write any checks from now on.


SEC title all Tigers get ATLANTA - Auburn probably will have to be content with a SEC championship because the Tigers aren #39;t likely to get a shot at the title they want.


Rumsfeld joins Iraq explosive row The US Defence Secretary enters the row over large amounts of explosives allegedly looted in Iraq.


Aristide 'wants Haiti elections' The former President of Haiti, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, calls for free and fair elections in his country.


Techie starting salaries to remain stable IT professionals can expect a moderate increase in starting salary, a staffing firm says.


Second Bomb Injures 9 in Thai South - Witnesses (Reuters) Reuters - A second bomb exploded near a food\stall in southern Thailand on Friday, wounding at least nine\members of a bomb squad investigating an earlier blast that\wounded four people.


Jimenez Wins Hong Kong Open HONG KONG - Miguel Angel Jimenez won the Hong Kong Open for his fifth European tour title of the year, closing with a 4-under 66 on Sunday for a one-stroke victory over Ryder Cup teammate Padraig Harrington and South Africa #39;s James Kingston.


Asian Stocks Ease After China Rate Rise (Reuters) Reuters - China's surprise interest rate rise\weighed down Asian stocks on Friday as investors sold shares of\miners, shippers and other firms whose fortunes have been\closely linked to the country's rapid growth.


Cubs Broadcaster Steve Stone Steps Down (AP) AP - Longtime Chicago Cubs analyst Steve Stone announced Thursday he was leaving WGN-TV, less than one month after coming under fire for on-air comments he made criticizing the team.


Japan Gov. Meets After Body Reported Found (AP) AP - The Japanese government convened an emergency session Friday following a media report that a body believed to be Asian was discovered in Iraq.


Ky. Democrat Responds to Personal Attacks (AP) AP - The Senate race in Kentucky stayed at fever pitch on Thursday as Democratic challenger Daniel Mongiardo stressed his opposition to gay marriage while accusing Republican incumbent Jim Bunning of fueling personal attacks that seemed to suggest Mongiardo is gay.


Japan Checking Report Asian Body Found in Iraq  TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan was checking a media report on  Friday that an Asian body had been found in Iraq after the  expiry of a deadline set for the beheading of a Japanese youth  whose captors had demanded that Tokyo withdraw its troops.


Pitcairn Men Sentenced to Jail for Underage Sex  SYDNEY (Reuters) - Four Pitcairn Island men were sentenced  by a British court to prison terms ranging from two to six  years for raping underage girls on the remote South Pacific  island, a British official said on Friday.


Delta Pilot Pay Cuts May Not Be Enough Delta Air Lines Inc. Chief Executive Gerald Grinstein yesterday said that even if the carrier #39;s pilots approve a \$1 billion cost-cutting agreement, the airline may still have to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.


US Airways, UAL Post Third-Quarter Losses US Airways Group Inc. and UAL Corp. #39;s United Airlines, both operating under bankruptcy court protection, reported losses in the third quarter yesterday, blaming record high fuel prices


CNN Will Close Financial News Channel CNN announced yesterday that it would shut down its CNNfn cable channel next month, abandoning its nine-year-old effort to create a financial news competitor to CNBC.


ISPs File Suits Against Spammers Four of the nation #39;s largest online providers yesterday announced a new round of lawsuits aimed at e-mail spammers, including the first major case involving spam sent via an instant messaging service.


Two killed in bar blast in South Thailand Two people died and more than 20 others were injured when a bomb exploded at a Sungai Kolok bar Thursday night in Southern Thailand, The Nation reports.


Yoran: Feds, companies should continue infrastructure discussions In the event of a computer failure such as the one that caused massive power outages in the Northeast and upper Midwest last year, can the federal government intervene?


Internet Giants File 7 Suits Aimed at Stopping Spam The suits include the first filed by America Online against spammers who use instant messaging, a practice the online industry calls spimming.


ISPs File Suits Against Spammers Four of the nation's largest online providers Thursday announced a new round of lawsuits aimed at e-mail spammers, including the first major case involving spam sent via an instant messaging service.
-The Washington Post


Transatlantic Sting Nabs  Identity Theft Suspects Law enforcement authorities on both sides of the Atlantic have arrested 28 people on suspicion of operating Web sites that were allegedly designed to steal, sell and forge credit cards and identification documents.\-The Washington Post


SRA Founder to Step Down as CEO Ernst Volgenau, founder of SRA International Inc., said Thursday he will step down as chief executive of the company in January but will continue to serve as chairman of the board.\-The Washington Post


Approved Stem Cells' Potential Questioned  All of the human embryonic stem cells available to federally funded scientists under President Bush's three-year-old research policy share a previously unrecognized trait that fosters rejection by the immune systems, diminishing their potential as medical treatments, new research indicates.


China #39;s central bank raises interest rate The People #39;s Bank of China, China #39;s central bank, announced yesterday that it would raise both lending and deposit interest rates 0.27 percentage point as of today.


Sony #39;s Profit Surges on Strength of  #39;Spider-Man 2 #39; The Sony Corporation reported a 61 percent increase in net profit for the most recent quarter, as  quot;Spider-Man 2 quot; pulled in big profits for the company #39;s movie division and helped


Fairytale start for DreamWorks shares DreamWorks Animation, the company behind the blockbuster Shrek movies, has enjoyed a fairytale beginning on Wall Street with its share price leaping nearly 40 per cent.


AP: CNNfn Will Shut Down After 9 Years NEW YORK Oct 28, 2004 - CNN will shut down its struggling CNNfn financial news network in mid-December, giving up its attempt to compete with CNBC after nine years.


AMD Announces Strategy To Hook Up World To Internet Semiconductor supplier AMD announced Thursday (Oct. 28) it has launched an initiative to give 50 percent of the world #39;s population Internet connectivity and computing capabilities


Digital ID expo enjoys soaring market OCTOBER 28, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - DENVER -- The Digital ID World conference, first launched three years ago to hype emerging identity management technologies, has outgrown this mile-high city while riding the ballistic growth in its target market.


Microsoft Sued Over Broken Xbox DVD Drive A video game fan upset over a failed disc drive in his Xbox video game console has sued Microsoft Corp. on behalf of all Xbox owners across the United States.


Best airs his views on Arsenal rivalry Manchester United legend George Best has revealed his disdain for the perpetrators of the food fight which took place at Old Trafford last weekend after the highly-charged game with Arsenal.


Lone Star ready for Breeders #39; Cup In the spirit of Texas Hold  #39;Em, The Breeders #39; Cup is raising the stakes. Horse racing #39;s richest day is gambling on an untested racetrack tomorrow for the second time


Calvillo surpasses 6,000-yard plateau to lead Als past Argos 58-20 Anthony Calvillo threw three touchdown passes and surpassed the 6,000-yard plateau as the Montreal Alouettes humiliated the Toronto Argonauts 58-20 on Thursday night.


Ribeiro: Newspaper report was wrong MONTREAL (CP) - Mike Ribeiro says he does not support a salary cap for NHL players. The Montreal Canadiens centre told the all-sports television station RDS on Thursday that a report this week that said he


A Look at Lawsuits, Voting Problems (AP) AP - Many states are facing legal challenges over possible voting problems Nov. 2. A look at some of the developments Thursday:


More  #39;Spaces #39; reaction Since most people using the MSN Spaces service are are just getting their weblogs up and running, it #39;s not easy to tell what a full-fledged blog on the site will look like.


ISPs File Suits Against Spammers (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Four of the nation's largest online providers yesterday announced a new round of lawsuits aimed at e-mail spammers, including the first major case involving spam sent via an instant messaging service.


No. 22 Va. Tech Rallies Past Ga. Tech (AP) AP - Bryan Randall threw for 304 yards and two long touchdowns in the fourth quarter as No. 22 Virginia Tech, stifled much of the night, rallied for a 34-20 victory over Georgia Tech on Thursday.


China move hits Australian mining stocks China #39;s surprise decision to raise interest rates to cool its economy pulled the rug out from under Australia #39;s high-flying resource sector on Friday, dragging the local sharemarket down from record highs.


AMD Aims Low-cost Personal Internet Communicator at Developing <b>...</b> AMD launched an initiative to enable 50 of the world #39;s population with Internet connectivity and computing capabilities by 2015.


Digital ID: How are you managing? Cyber threats, chiefly viruses like NetSky and Sasser, make security an ongoing concern as it holds steady over software infrastructure as the third top priority.


Fresh Violence Erupts in Southern Thailand (AP) AP - Fresh violence erupted Thursday with the bombing of a bar in Thailand's mostly Muslim south, while villagers held a mass burial for some of the 78 protesters who suffocated while in army custody this week.


Putting a Lid on Babe's Brew After their emphatic sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series on Wednesday, the Boston Red Sox no longer need to apologize for their history.


China's Bank, in Transition, Raises Rates But the step could risk social unrest if heavily indebted state companies respond by laying off more workers.


Some Drug Makers Find That Vaccines Are Good Business Some have explained the flu vaccine shortage by saying that the vaccines business holds little allure, but vaccines, it turns out, can make for good business.


Google buys digital mapping company Google Inc. has bought digital map maker Keyhole, extending the search engine with a toolbox that can catalog almost anything in the world.


Internet Giants File 7 Suits Aimed at Stopping Spam Four leading Internet service providers announced yesterday that they had filed a new round of lawsuits against senders of junk e-mail, or spam.


Nuggets 93, Rockets 88 DerMarr Johnson scored all eight of his points in the final two minutes, helping the Denver Nuggets rally for a 93-88 victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night in the final preseason game for both teams.


Football: Edu gives fracas details Arsenal midfielder Edu lifts the lid on events following the game against Man Utd.


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


This Date in Baseball for Oct. 29 (AP) AP - 1931  #151; Lefty Grove, winner of 31 games for the Philadelphia A's, was named the American League MVP.


Search Engine Forums Spotlight Links to this week's topics from search engine forums across the web: Live From SES Sweden - AdSense verses Affiliate Programs - Google Is Now Indexing Pop-ups - Redirects, Frames And Cloaking - Do You Avoid Content Targeted Listings? - Image Ads On Google Adwords - The Right way to Count Links?


Hundreds Attend D.C. Meeting on Expos (AP) AP - Residents packed the District of Columbia Council chambers Thursday to praise or pan the mayor's  #36;440 million proposal to refurbish RFK Stadium and build a new ballpark for the Montreal Expos.


The iPod's New Trick: Photo Show A new, top-of-the-line iPod takes the concept of a high-capacity music player in a new direction. Instead of just playing songs, the iPod Photo also shows off your digital pictures.


Weaned on Video Games Video gamers are getting younger and younger. And parents and the video game industry agree that the implications are likely to be huge.


Xbox owner sues over dud drive Game fan upset over failed disc drive sues Microsoft on behalf of all U.S. Xbox owners.


Shell pleases city with UK-Dutch merger OIL giant Shell swept aside nearly 100 years of history yesterday when it unveiled plans to merge its UK and Dutch parent companies.


DreamWorks Spinoff Sees Shares Rise 38 1st Day Shares of DreamWorks Animation Inc. soared nearly 38 percent on the first day of trading Thursday as investors anticipated Shrek-sized profits from the computer animation film studio.


Jury Gets Enron, Merrill Lynch Case Jurors began deliberations in the trial of six former Enron Corp. and Merrill Lynch  amp; Co. executives accused of fraud and conspiracy in the energy trader #39;s 1999 sale of three power-generating barges.


Hobbit-sized #39; skeleton astounds scientists Anthropologists are not often giddy with excitement, but the unearthing of the skeleton of a meter-tall female who hunted pygmy elephants and giant rats 18,000 years ago has them whooping with delight the finding of another piece of the puzzle of the


Sports and Politics On Tuesday, millions of Americans will decide whether George W. Bush or John F. Kerry will be president of the United States for the next four years.


Castilla would like to return Third baseman Vinny Castilla said he fits fine with the Colorado youth movement, even though he #39;ll turn 38 next season and the Rockies are coming off the second-worst


Muslim Insurgency Threat Facing Thailand Two bombs exploded today near a tea shop and wounded 20 people in southern Thailand, police said, as violence continued unabated in the Muslim-majority region where residents are seething over the deaths of 78 detainees while in military custody.


Phillies Interview Pendleton for Manager (AP) AP - When Terry Pendleton got a call from Braves general manager John Schuerholz a day after Atlanta's season ended, he wondered if he was getting fired.


Calif. Democrats File FCC Complaint (AP) AP - A gift of free air time to GOP candidates from a Fresno-area broadcaster drew challenges on several fronts Thursday, as Democrats tried to stop the ads from running in key areas before Tuesday's election.


Military Wives Share Pain -- and Often Politics Soldiers who left behind families in the U.S. are divided between Bush and Kerry, but there is little doubt where most stand. Polls show that two-thirds of them favor Bush.


Ailing Arafat Goes to Paris for Treatment (AP) AP - An ailing Yasser Arafat  #151; too weak to stand, unable to hold down food and spending most of Thursday sleeping  #151; agreed to leave his battered West Bank compound for the first time in more than two years and fly to Paris for urgent medical treatment.


A Delta Deal Buys Some Time The troubled airline has scored a money-saving pact with its pilots. But to avert a bankruptcy, more savings are needed. After more than a year of bargaining and some very high-pressure negotiating sessions


Sony: A Bight Picture? It was once the crown jewel of the Sony empire. But for years now the Japanese company #39;s consumer-electronics division -- responsible for everything from TVs to Walkmans to DVD players -- has been a disaster.


Remains of hobbit-like species found Sydney: The newly discovered remains of a previously unknown species of miniature human in the Indonesian island of Flores, 600 kilometres east of Bali, by Australian and Indonesian scientists, are being hailed as the most significant scientific find of


World Series Notebhook: Lowe now a big hero in Boston Derek Lowe stood in the boisterous Boston Red Sox clubhouse early yesterday morning, a bottle of champagne in one hand, a cigar in the other.


Cubs TV Analyst Stone Resigns One Month After Making Critical <b>...</b> Longtime Chicago Cubs analyst Steve Stone announced yesterday he was leaving WGN-TV, less than one month after coming under fire for on-air comments he made criticizing the team.


HORSE RACING Optimism Finally Finds a Home in Funny Cide #39;s Camp Barclay Tagg is infamous in horse racing for his gloomy, grumpy, pessimistic personality, so his enthusiasm, even giddiness, the other day came as a surprise.


Charles Visits Jordan Coach Crash Survivors The Prince of Wales said his heart goes out to the relatives of nine British tourists killed in a bus crash in Jordan. Charles, who was an official


Sluman Eases to Lead A course-record 62 vaults Jeff Sluman into a two-shot lead after the first round at the Chrysler Championship.


Yao Misses Game Rockets center Yao Ming was held out of the team's final preseason game with Denver on Thursday due to a hyper-extended left elbow.


Mourning Returns Alonzo Mourning had 12 points and five rebounds in his first game since undergoing a kidney transplant in December.


Cambodia's coronation under way Cambodia's new King Sihamoni is anointed by his father as his coronation day gets under way.


Oil Extends  #36;5 Rout, Uneasy Over China (Reuters) Reuters - Oil prices deepened this week's 8\percent rout on Friday, edging nearer  #36;50 a barrel as China's\surprise interest rate rise stirred concerns over demand growth\from the world's second largest energy user.


Oil Extends \$5 Rout, Uneasy Over China  SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices deepened this week's 8  percent rout on Friday, edging nearer \$50 a barrel as China's  surprise interest rate rise stirred concerns over demand growth  from the world's second largest energy user.


Not too hard to be happy for Red Sox fans Fortunately I have a syndicated sports talk radio show to exorcise my demons as a Yankee fan after the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series.


Start  #39;em or Sit  #39;em: Ravens-Eagles Eagles can be thrown on, but this is Kyle Boller and the Ravens we are talking about. He #39;d be a great start, but losing Jonathan Ogden is a pretty big blow.


Steelers set to give Patriots a challenge Next! A week removed from dispatching a previously undefeated team with haughty intentions, the rocking and rolling and seemingly unbeatable New England Patriots meet a second consecutive


Rebels execute 11 Iraqi soldiers BAGHDAD, Iraq - Insurgents slaughtered 11 Iraqi soldiers and declared yesterday that Iraqi fighters will avenge women and children killed in US strikes on the guerrilla stronghold of Fallujah.


Bombing kills 2 in Thailand; villagers bury 22 who died in custody Fresh violence erupted yesterday with the bombing of a bar in Thailand #39;s mostly Muslim south, as villagers held a mass burial for some of the 78 protesters who suffocated in army custody this week.


Armitage warns Ukraine to stage free election US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage warned Ukraine today that a flawed presidential election could have dire consequences for the country #39;s relationship with the West.


China Seeks to Soothe Markets Over Rates (Reuters) Reuters - China's central bank sought on Friday\to soothe concerns over its first interest rate hike in nearly\a decade, saying it will not have a big impact on the economy\or the pegged yuan currency.


Differences Emerge The owners disagree with NFL Players Association Executive Director Gene \Upshaw about the league's future economic system says Commissioner Paul \Tagliabue.


Walkouts at three VW German sites Staff at three VW factories start a series of warning strikes, as the carmaker continues talks over cost-cutting plans.


Uncertainty still reigns at Delta ATLANTA - Delta Air Lines Inc. has a tentative deal on pilot concessions and much-needed breathing room, but uncertainty about the carrier #39;s debt restructuring remains.


CNNfn to shut after nine years CNN plans to shut down its CNNfn network in mid-December, cutting 60 jobs in the process. Some of the financial news network #39;s programming will shift to CNN, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported Thursday.


ExxonMobil #39;s Q3 profit up sharply DALLAS (CBS.MW) - Exxon Mobil on Thursday said third-quarter net income jumped 56 percent, boosted by high oil and gas prices, better refining and marketing results and record chemical earnings.


Views of Titan hint at frozen volcanoes and methane lakes NASA #39;s Cassini spacecraft has spotted what may be icy volcanic flows and a large lake of oily liquid on Saturn #39;s mysterious moon Titan, scientists said Thursday.


Survey: People often give out sensitive details LOS ANGELES (CBS.MW) -- Consumers are doing a better job of guarding against identity thieves, yet most still give out too many personal details, making themselves vulnerable to becoming one of the millions of victims each year, according to a survey


Nets: Mourning looks strong in comback The few who came to watch embraced the significance of the evening, so even as Alonzo Mourning sat down for the final time with 7:50 left in the fourth quarter, they showed their gratitude


Center likely out four weeks MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota senior center Janel McCarville broke her left hand at practice Thursday and is expected to miss four weeks.


Study: 100,000 Iraqis died post-war LONDON, England -- Public health experts have estimated that around 100,000 Iraqi civilians have died since the United States invaded Iraq in March last year.


Blessings for Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni as coronation nears (AFP) AFP - Cambodia's new monarch King Norodom Sihamoni received blessings from top Buddhist monks and his parents ahead of his formal coronation ceremony, as Phnom Penh slipped into celebratory mode.


Dollar Near Low V Yen, China Impact Wanes  TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar hovered above a six-month low  against the yen on Friday as the market considered the meaning  of a rate rise in China and worried about the strength of the  U.S. economy.


ATA bankruptcy could ground traveling IU students Senior Kris Olsen, like many other students, has already made plans to travel home to New York for Thanksgiving break. But he wonders if his flight will even get off the ground because he #39;s flying with ATA.


Chrysler revs past GM, Ford Unlike its rivals, the automaker makes a profit selling cars and gains US market share. By Brett Clanton / The Detroit News. Chrysler #39;s ongoing recovery got another boost Thursday as the automaker reported


Bid-rigging scandal envelops top insurance broker in US New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer filed a civil suit on October 14 against the worlds largest insurance broker, Marsh  amp; McLennan, charging the US firm with bid-rigging and other practices


CNNFN FINALLY PULLS PLUG, ENDING DIFFICULT 9-YR. RUN Time Warner #39;s CNNfn waved the white flag yesterday, saying it was shutting down after nine years of unsuccessfully competing with CNBC for the top business cable station.


Three Afghans Sentenced to Death for Killing Chinese  KABUL (Reuters) - An Afghan court has sentenced to death  three Afghans convicted of killing 11 Chinese road engineers in  the northeastern province of Kunduz last June, a Supreme Court  Judge said on Friday.


New Images of Titan Show Early Earth-Like Conditions Scientists say new images from the US-European Cassini spacecraft support the view that Saturn #39;s giant moon, Titan, has conditions similar to that of early Earth before life appeared.


Nintendo  amp; Sony Execs Bitch  quot;That #39;s not a game machine, quot; said Yasuhiro Minagawa, head of PR for Nintendo Co., Ltd.  quot;They showed it at the Tokyo Game Show without any fundamental game software, and you can tell that it #39;s not yet complete.


Big ISPs File Second Round of CAN-SPAM Suits Top Internet service providers began a second coordinated legal blitz against spammers yesterday, filing seven lawsuits under the CAN-SPAM Act.


Red Sox sweep Cardinals to win World Series The Boston Red Sox ended their 86-year championship drought with a 3-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Four of the World Series.


Sick Arafat Leaves for Treatment in Paris RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat left the West Bank early Friday in a Jordanian military helicopter on his way to receive treatment in Paris for an ailment that has left him haggard and weak.


Australia set India 543 to win third test (Reuters) Reuters - Australia declared their second innings on 329 for five, setting India 543 to win, on the fourth morning of the third test on Friday.


Japanese Central Bank Holds Policy Steady (AP) AP - Japan's central bank kept its loose monetary policy unchanged Friday amid signs that keeping ample cash flowing in the financial system is necessary to keep the nation's economic recovery going.


Market cheers cleaner structure, but reserves loom an oil giant with a corporate governance structure as complicated as its name -s trying to simplify. That was the good news Thursday, but the embattled


Free security SW to members: AOL The anti virus software will be available when subscribers download a new version of AOL #39;s client software, AOL 9.0 Security Edition, in November.


Agassi advances Andre Agassi advanced to the quarter-finals of the Stockholm Open with a comfortable 6-3 6-4 victory over 1997 champion Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden.


Ramsey Owns Three Breeders' Contenders (AP) AP - Ken Ramsey likes to say he's been successful in practically everything he's taken on. That would sound like bragging coming from just about any other horse owner.


Retrial of Cleric Begins in Indonesia  JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 28 -- The Indonesian government on Thursday opened the retrial of a cleric charged with leading an al Qaeda-linked group and inciting its members to carry out terrorist attacks against U.S. interests.


DreamWorks Animation hits Street running Impeccably timed to take full advantage of the success of  quot;Shark Tale, quot; the initial public offering of DreamWorks Animation SKG went off swimmingly Thursday, floating 38 higher in its first day of trading.


UAL posts \$274 million loss for quarter UAL Corp. posted a third-quarter net loss of \$274 million, joining the long list of air carriers felled by high fuel prices and depressed fares in what is usually the sector #39;s strongest period.


LOCAL EARNINGS Group 1 Automotive posts \$9.6 million loss  Group 1 Automotive reported a net loss of \$9.6 million for the third quarter, which ended Sept. 30. The results include a charge of \$29.


UK gives open source the go-ahead This week, UK government agencies got the go-ahead to use Linux and other open source products in a report published by the UK Office of Government Commerce (OGC).


Short Series was long on highlights Best Player: It was hard to argue with Boston #39;s Manny Ramirez, who was recognized as the MVP. A case could be made for at least four or five other Red Sox, but Ramirez made a significant contribution with his bat in every game.


Mourning #39;s first game after transplant NBA star Alonzo Mourning came back to the court Thursday night in a Nets 2-point-win over the 76ers. BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- NBA star Alonzo Mourning came back to the court Thursday night in a Nets 2-point-win over the 76ers.


3 kidnapped in Afghanistan KABUL, Afghanistan -- Armed men in military uniforms stopped a UN vehicle in Kabul on Thursday, beating the driver and abducting three foreigners who were in Afghanistan to help oversee landmark presidential elections.


Mystery death of British tourist at Ayers Rock deepens after autopsy (AFP) AFP - The mystery death of a middle-aged British tourist near Australia's world renowned Ayers Rock this week deepened following an autopsy that failed to establish the cause, police said.


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


Frictions over dollar to test global policy-making SINGAPORE: Chinas reluctance to unshackle the yuan when the dollar is plumbing record lows against the euro risks sparking political tensions that could complicate the already fraught task of ironing out global economic imbalances.


WMC rejects \$5.5bn Xstrata bid MELBOURNE - Australian nickel and copper miner WMC Resources rejected aA\$7,4bn takeover bid from Xstrata, but left the door open for a higher offer, which sent its shares soaring.


Millions in the Americas watch lunar eclipse Millions of people in the Americas stayed up on Wednesday to observe a total lunar eclipse that bathed the moon in a coppery red glow and gave scientists a chance to study the Earths atmosphere.


Red Sox victory one for the ages Keith Foulke squeezed the ball tight. After all those years and all that heartache, the Boston Red Sox had the World Series firmly in hand.


Public debate begins in DC The citizens of Washington came to the DC city council on Thursday to express a variety of opinions about the proposed new stadium deal that would bring the Expos to the city.


Twin bomb blasts wound 18 in tense Thai south Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. YALA, Thailand -- Two bomb blasts rocked southern Thailand Friday, injuring at least 18 people as fury mounted


CNN axes financial channel, to retool Headline News Breaking news: CNN said Thursday it has subjected CNNfn to its own form of numbers-crunching and will shut down the financial news network around the time of its ninth anniversary in mid-December.


New act changes check-cashing procedures It is not exactly illegal now, but  quot;floating quot; a check could get students into trouble much sooner since Oct. 27. The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act revolutionized the way American banks process paper


Ninth-grader named country #39;s top young scientist Shannon McClintock, a ninth-grader at Scripps Ranch High, did well performing science experiments put before her in a national competition this week in Maryland.


Seeing is believing with Red Sox Boston pitcher Pedro Martinez holds up the championship trophy after the Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 in Game 4 to win the World Series on Wednesday in St.


2005 Tour route could level the field The 2005 Tour de France might give other riders their best chance to test Lance Armstrong, if he goes for a seventh consecutive title.


Hundreds Attend DC Meeting on Expos Residents packed the District of Columbia Council chambers Thursday to praise or pan the mayor #39;s \$440 million proposal to refurbish RFK Stadium and build a new ballpark for the Montreal Expos.


Sluman #39;s sensational start A course-record opening 62 has powered American Jeff Sluman to the lead in the Chrysler Championship in Florida, while Aussie Steve Leaney is five shots back.


Randall ignites Hokies to fourth-quarter rally Bryan Randall threw for 304 yards in the game and for two long touchdowns in the fourth quarter as No. 22 Virginia Tech, stifled much of the night, rallied for a 34-20 victory Thursday against Georgia Tech.


How suite it is at Dallas #39; Lone Star Park The locals #39; love of luxury sport viewing has prompted Breeders #39; Cup Ltd., the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie to offer temporary suites for the first time in the event #39;s 20-year history.


Japanese government convenes emergency session after body <b>...</b> TOKYO The Japanese government has convened an emergency session. This, after a report that a body believed to be Asian was discovered in Iraq.


Militants kidnap three foreigners in Kabul Islamic militants claim they are holding three foreign election workers kidnapped Thursday from a UN vehicle in the Afghan capital of Kabul.


Aon chairman fighting for company amid insurance investigation CHICAGO - Aon Corp. chairman and CEO Patrick Ryan is fighting to show his company is free from wrongdoing as New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer expands his investigation into questionable insurance industry practices.


Kashmir policeman killed, four injured in rebel aattacks (AFP) AFP - A policeman was killed and four people injured, one a civilian, in two separate ambushes by Islamic militants in Indian Kashmir, police said.


Arafat Flies to France for Treatment  AMMAN (Reuters) - A French jet left Amman on Friday taking  ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for treatment in Paris,  witnesses said.


Radar Images Suggest a Saturn Moon's Landscape Contains Basins of Ice The Cassini spacecraft's first radar images of Saturn's largest moon, Titan, have revealed a diverse frozen landscape of bright streaks and dark regions.


Fall in price of oil reflects rising supply Crude-oil futures sank for a fourth straight day yesterday, settling beneath \$43 a barrel for the first time in nearly three months and capping a 14 percent decline for the week.


DNA as a Sex-Crime Solver: Good Tool, Not Whole Solution A race to pursue DNA-based indictments has made apparent that no matter how sophisticated the science of DNA, a genetic profile is less than half the battle.


New Species Revealed: Tiny Cousins of Humans Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of a species of dwarf people, dubbed Homo floresiensis.


Iverson's Career at a Crossroads (AP) AP - At his worst, Allen Iverson has been seen as selfish and sullen; contentious and contradictory, a magnet for trouble away from the court.


UK Gives Open Source The OK (TechWeb) TechWeb - A UK government report encourages public agencies to consider using Linux and other open-source alternatives to commercial software.


Japan Scrambles After Report Asian Body Found in Iraq  TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan scrambled on Friday to check a  report that an Asian body had been found in Iraq after a  deadline expired for the beheading of a Japanese man whose  captors had demanded that Tokyo withdraw its troops.


Arafat flying to Paris for treatment RAMALLAH, West Bank -- A medical team was flying Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to France early today for emergency treatment in the clearest sign yet that he is suffering from a severe but still unconfirmed illness that Palestinian officials said yesterday could be life-threatening.


African troops to monitor shaky cease-fire in Sudan  EL-FASHER, Sudan -- A contingent of 50 Nigerian soldiers arrived in Darfur yesterday aboard a US military plane, the first of 3,000 additional African Union troops deployed to monitor an unsteady cease-fire in Sudan's western region.


More Iraq civilian deaths seen in study  WASHINGTON -- The first nationwide survey of Iraqi deaths since the US-led invasion concludes that about 100,000 people have died as a result of the war, including many women and children killed in coalition airstrikes.


The world today UNITED NATIONS North Korea terms US exercise as threat North Korea yesterday warned that a US-led naval exercise held off its shores threatened global stability and could also undermine six-party talks aimed at ending a crisis over its nuclear ambitions. The exercise, staged to help stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction,  quot;constitutes a breach of the Charter of ...


Muslims mourn -- and seethe -- over deaths of 78 in Thailand  TALOH MANOH, Thailand -- Villagers yesterday buried some of the 78 Muslims who died in military custody after a protest in troubled southern Thailand, while authorities insisted at a briefing for diplomats that the detainees were not intentionally mistreated.


Girl among 3 Palestinians killed GAZA CITY -- Three Palestinians, including an 8-year-old girl, were killed in separate clashes with the Israeli army yesterday, and an Israeli soldier was killed when Palestinians shelled a Gaza Strip settlement.


As trial opens, cleric accused in Bali bombings declares innocence JAKARTA, Indonesia -- A Muslim cleric accused of heading the terror group blamed for the Bali bombings proclaimed his innocence and said the charges were the work of President Bush and  quot;his slave quot; -- Australian Prime Minister John Howard -- at the opening of his trial yesterday.


Stern says labor worries premature as NBA season approaches (AFP) AFP - As the start of the National Basketball Association season approaches, commissioner David Stern offered soothing words for those worried that the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement next year could signal a work stoppage.


The party rolls on As many as 3.6 million people are expected to flood the city tomorrow morning to celebrate the Red Sox' World Series victory with a confetti-filled parade that could break Boston crowd records.


Epstein was an old pro Multimillion-dollar baseball dealmaker by day, garage-band guitarist by night, Theo Epstein found refuge one brutally cold night last January a few blocks from his childhood home in the warm cocoon of a couple thousand Red Sox fans stoking the embers of their unrequited dream: a new world championship banner fluttering over Fenway Park.


The feeling is unbelievable ST. LOUIS -- I called the Red Sox switchboard early yesterday afternoon. It took a while to plow through the recorded message, but when an operator finally came on, she said,  quot;Thank you for calling the . . . um . . . world champion Boston Red Sox. quot;


Silencing St. Louis was as easy as 1-2-3 ST. LOUIS -- There is no mystery, longtime scout Keith Champion said, about how Red Sox pitching was able to shut down the high-powered offense of the St. Louis Cardinals, a team Champion saw almost two dozen times this season.


Likely many of this rank could soon be filing The championship euphoria has hardly abated. However it's never too early to start thinking about free agency. Not so much who's coming, but which Red Sox may not be around to bask in the Fenway love when the 2004 World Series flag is raised in April.


Fast start to free agency for Beltran Carlos Beltran got off to a fast start in the free agent market, too. After hitting eight home runs for the Houston Astros to tie the postseason record, the speedy center fielder was among 65 players who filed for free agency yesterday on the first possible day.


A site where prayers were answered Despite all that's been said about a curse, a lot of Red Sox fans weren't thinking of Babe Ruth or Bucky Dent the moment Boston won the World Series Wednesday night.


Celebration bringing fans from all over From the foot of the White Mountains to the tidal flats of Ipswich, in coffee shops and college campuses, gas stations and law firms, everywhere that Pedro, Manny, and Curt are revered, they heard the call beckoning them to the shrine of Beantown baseball.


Yankee fans forced to face harsh reality NEW YORK - They clung to hope that the Red Sox would choke at the last minute and once again fail to win the World Series, but when it didn't happen, some Yankees fans yesterday begrudgingly gave the Sox their due.


Bank to add up to 900 jobs in R.I. Bank of America Corp. said yesterday it will add up to 900 jobs in Rhode Island with the opening of a call center in East Providence.


NFL games on TV NY GIANTS (4-2) vs. MINNESOTA (5-1) When, where: Sunday, 1 p.m., at Minneapolis. TV: Ch. 25. Last season: Giants won, 29-17. Comments: Giants QB Kurt Warner has an .831 completion percentage over his career against Minnesota. The Vikings have rolled up more than 300 yards of total offense in an NFL-record 35 straight games. Giants DE Michael Strahan is the ...


After failed attempts, One Beacon gets sold One Beacon Street, one of Boston's earliest prominent office towers, was sold yesterday for about \$340 million, the third time in two years a sale had been in the works for the 34-story building.


AT amp;T settles land-rights suit linking Internet age with 1850s Hundreds of Massachusetts homeowners and businesses could soon start getting \$100 and \$200 checks from AT amp;T Corp. -- but it's not an enticement to switch long-distance service.


China hikes rates to cool growth China's central bank yesterday raised interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade, signaling deepening unease with the breakneck pace of development and an intent to reign in a construction boom now sowing fears of runaway inflation.


But seriously, folks One thing about the up-and-down world of the NFL: You can't shy away from teams coming off bad performances, because that would leave you with no one to pick.


Oil price drops to under \$51 per barrel Crude oil futures prices dropped below \$51 a barrel yesterday as supply concerns ahead of the Northern Hemisphere winter eased after an unexpectedly high rise in US inventories.


Spitzer says Marsh could face penalty 'far higher' than \$500m The price for settling state charges of collusion and bid-rigging by the nation's largest insurance broker could be ''far higher quot; than \$500 million, New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said yesterday.


Sour taste left by turnovers With the regular season less than a week away, coach Doc Rivers and the players agree a lot of work remains, so the Celtics may practice twice today.


DreamWorks soars on 1st day Shrek-sized hopes lift shares up 38 Shares of DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. jumped 38 percent on the first day of trading yesterday as investors anticipated Shrek-sized profits from the computer animation film studio.


Gators are looking to past -- for future The search for a new coach at the University of Florida should and will be a short one. Former Gators coach Steve Spurrier soon will be back in Gainesville. Spurrier's season of self-imposed inactivity -- after resigning from the Washington Redskins following last season -- is almost over, and word has it he was starting to look around for new ...


Malden Mills buyback plan hits setback Aaron M. Feuerstein's ambitions to buy back control of Malden Mills Industries Inc. suffered a blow recently when a major real estate partner said it was no longer interested in continuing a financing agreement.


Cowbells will be at the ready As the days grow shorter and winter approaches, the weather hardly seems fit for cycling. But for many riders, it's the perfect time for the cyclocross, when they abandon the road bikes they've ridden all summer and go off road.


Rising health costs lead many consumers to cut retirement savings, survey finds A rising number of Americans say healthcare is the most critical issue facing America today, and many are having trouble covering the costs, according to a survey released yesterday.


Raytheon sees quarterly profit Raytheon Co. reported yesterday it swung to a profit in the third quarter and that revenue surged 13 percent, benefiting from rising military spending and more orders for its business jets.


CNN to shut down its CNNfn network CNN will shut down its struggling CNNfn financial news network in mid-December, giving up its attempt after nine years to compete in a market dominated by CNBC.


Ovitz defends his tenure at Disney Michael Ovitz staunchly defended his efforts as president of the Walt Disney Co. yesterday in between biting exchanges with the attorney representing shareholders in a \$140 million lawsuit.


Local teams gear up for tournaments Some local women's soccer and field hockey teams are ready to make some noise in the NCAA tournaments.


Carriers attempt to stay afloat  #39;Reaching a preliminary pilot agreement is the single most important hurdle they have to clear, but certainly not the only one.


Airlines #39; pain is SRQ #39;s gain MANATEE - Two of its airlines are in bankruptcy and a third has avoided - at least temporarily - a similar fate, but Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport could end up benefiting from the tumult, its top executive said Thursday.


United, Frontier report losses United Airlines #39; parent company posted a \$274 million third-quarter loss and reiterated its need to slash labor costs. The company said that in the fourth quarter it may not be able to comply with a covenant


Stock-crash calamity unlikely today Seventy-five years after the 1929 collapse, experts say market tumbles will still occur but a mature US economy is more equipped to handle them.


Wal-Mart study shows clear bias A last-ditch \$3 million ad campaign for Proposition 72 features Wal-Mart as a health-insurance miser. The ads even led Wal-Mart to contribute to the  quot;no quot; campaign  quot;to defend (its) honor.


Viacom profits up due to cable, TV Viacom Inc., the media conglomerate, said Thursday that profits grew 11.6 percent in the third quarter because of a jump in advertising at its cable and television networks.


Voting machine has trial by fire President Bush and Sen. John Kerry aren #39;t the only ones whose futures are riding on Tuesday #39;s election. Also at stake: the reputation of Diebold, the largest maker of electronic voting machines.


Tony Hawk gave up violin for skateboarding Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk reportedly gave up a budding career as a violinist to pursue his freewheeling boarding passion. Hawk, a professional skateboarder who has become a household name thanks to successful


India rocked early in run chase India are already in massive trouble, losing two wickets straight after lunch as they chase an unlikely 543 for victory against Australia in the third Test in Nagpur.


Randall rallies No. 22 Va. Tech Virginia Tech just couldn #39;t seem to get going. There were turnovers. There were botched plays. There were missed opportunities.


Ravens #39; Ogden signs long-term deal All-Pro left tackle Jonathan Ogden signed a new seven-year contract Thursday with the Baltimore Ravens. The deal should allow the seven-time Pro Bowler to finish his career with the Ravens.


Gators are looking to past -- for future The search for a new coach at the University of Florida should and will be a short one. Former Gators coach Steve Spurrier soon will be back in Gainesville.


What game? TV can #39;t get off sideline It is late in the game, the Patriots clinging to a 2-point lead, and Heinz Field is rocking. The diehard Steeler fans are roaring as their heroes march upfield for what could be a winning field goal.


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


Troubled Mitsubishi Motors denies reported tie-up with PSA Peugeot (AFP) AFP - Scandal-hit Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi Motors denied reports that it was negotiating a business link with PSA Peugeot Citroen Group of France.


EU Leaders to Sign Constitution Today Italian carabinieri patrol Rome #39;s Capitoline Hill square, designed by Michelangelo , Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004, the night before the signing of the first ever EU Constitution.


Uncertainties remain in Mideast The Israeli Knesset #39;s approval of a plan to dismantle Jewish settlements in Gaza and part of the West bank raises hopes for Middle East peace progress, but, as always in the region, there are myriad uncertainties.


11 guardsmen killed, Iraqi insurgents say Iraq #39;s hostage crisis continued unabated yesterday, with one group of insurgents claiming that it had killed 11 Iraqi national guardsmen, another saying it had abducted


Purdue's Defense Is Pretty Good, Too (AP) AP - There was a reason all the preseason hubbub about Purdue was on its offense, and it wasn't just because of Kyle Orton's spectacular arm.


Michael Cherkasky: Now in Public Hotseat, Has Quieter Repute in <b>...</b> may have been surprised to learn that he had stepped in as head of the beleaguered insurance company, Marsh  amp; McLennan, on Monday, October 25, and has been in the national media spotlight ever since.


Spaniards Garcia, Lara lead in Spain Sergio Garcia shot 4-under-par 67 in the wind Thursday to share the first-round lead at the Volvo Masters with fellow Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara, who was stung by a bee early in his round.


Sluman sizzling despite bad back PALM HARBOR - A course record on the Westin Innisbrook Resort #39;s Copperhead Course was the furthest thing from Jeff Sluman #39;s mind Thursday.


Hurricanes Damaged Florida Polling Places (AP) AP - The hurricanes that struck Florida this year left polling places in shambles and displaced thousands of voters, but election officials say they are taking steps to allow everyone the opportunity to cast a ballot Nov. 2.


End to N.Korea Crisis Unlikely Under Kim--General  SEOUL (Reuters) - A permanent solution to the North Korean  nuclear crisis is unlikely until Pyongyang's communist system  gives way to democracy, a prominent former South Korean general  said on Friday.


Europe vote 'early 2006' - Straw Jack Straw says the UK is likely to hold a vote on the EU constitution early in 2006, as Tony Blair prepares to sign up to it.


What can \$2-million do for your office? Michael Ovitz, who had a brief but extremely lucrative career as president of Walt Disney Co. in the mid 1990s, might emerge as the latest embodiment of corporate spending run amok.


State moves against former Metropolitan Mortgage brokers State securities regulators have moved to suspend or revoke the licenses of nine former brokers for Metropolitan Mortgage  amp; Securities, the bankrupt financial conglomerate that has left thousands of people across the Northwest holding hundreds of millions


State Health Care Proposition Would Benefit Many Workers It is often said that national trends originate in California. By voting yes on Proposition 72 next Tuesday, California voters have a chance to start a positive national trend toward solving our health care crisis.


#39;Hobbit #39; find raises debate on humanity SYDNEY - The discovery of a skeleton of a female barely one metre tall who hunted pygmy elephants and giant rats 18000 years ago could force a reassessment of the origins of humanity, scientists in Australia said yesterday.


Thursday #39;s foggy commute caused little trouble, police say Fog cut visibility during the Thursday morning rush hour, but the National Weather Service didn #39;t expect a repeat performance today.


THE DARKNESS JUST when you thought the dark days were over for good, they came back with a vengeance. Perhaps it might not have needed Nostradamus to predict the outbreaks of violence at both Millwall and Chelsea this week.


Sluman shoots ahead in Florida Jeff Sluman fired a nine-under 62 yesterday to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the \$5 million Chrysler Championship in Florida.


Red Sox celebrations net 39 arrests Thirty-nine people were arrested, including the son of Boston University #39;s former president, and 63 were injured as tens of thousands of Red Sox fans gathered near Fenway Park to celebrate the team #39;s historic World Series victory.


RI pushes Thailand to apply justice to restore order in south <b>...</b> JAKARTA (AFP): Indonesia, the world #39;s most populous Muslim nation, urged Thailand Friday to bring to justice officers responsible for the deaths of more than 80 Muslims in the country #39;s violence-plagued south.


Cambodia set to crown new king PHNOM PENH, Cambodia -- Cambodia is preparing to crown its first new king in decades later Friday, amid an array of official celebrations.


Deutsche Bank third quarter at top end of expectations (AFP) AFP - Deutsche Bank said that its bottom-line earnings rose strongly in the third quarter, thanks to a partial improvement in underlying business and lower costs and risk provisions.


Cheney to Make Visit to Hawaii on Sunday (AP) AP - Making a major detour on the campaign trail, Vice President Dick Cheney on Sunday night will rally voters in Hawaii where just two Republicans have ever won the state in a presidential race.


Manhunt underway for UN hostages, as fears rise of Iraq-style kindappings (AFP) AFP - A massive manhunt was underway for three UN foreign election workers whose daylight abduction in Kabul has sparked fears of the start of Iraq-style kidnappings in Afghanistan.