SEC lauches formal probe of Krispy Kreme RALEIGH, NC - Krispy Kreme said Friday that US stock market regulators have launched a formal investigation into the company, bumping up the status of what was originally an informal probe.


UPDATE 1-US rate futures jump on ideas of Fed pause in  #39;05 Short-term interest rate futures jumped on Friday after US jobs growth for September was reported below expectations, suggesting the Federal Reserve could slow down its program of rate increases.


AMERICAN MOSAIC And a report about why the next place for travelers could be out of this world. How would you like to take a rocket ship into space?


8cm Blu-Ray Discs Planned Sony and other technology companies working to launch the next generation of DVD format, Blu-ray Disc, are planning to develop a smaller (8cm) version of the disc, Sony have said.


Honeywell suing 34 electronic companies for alleged patent <b>...</b> Honeywell, with Valley-based aerospace operations, has filed a patent lawsuit against 34 electronics companies claiming infringement of its technology that increases the brightness of images and reduces certain interference effects on a liquid crystal


New F1 team targets 2006 entry A group calling itself the Midland Group has joined forces with chassis maker Dallara to become the first new team to enter the sport since Toyota began competing in 2002.


Aussies on top but India show fight Australia is in a commanding position at stumps on day three of the first cricket Test against India in Bangalore, despite a late fightback from the home side.


Belgian trio hit with bans The Belgian cycling federation for doping has banned Johan Museeuw, Chris Peers and Jo Planckaert for four years. None of the three failed a test but all have been implicated in the trafficking ring run by vet Jose Landuyt.


British hostage killed in Iraq: TV The British hostage held in Iraq by a militant group led by al-Qaida ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed Friday, pan-Arab Abu Dhabi TV reported.


Kenya #39;s Wangari Maathai wins 2004 Nobel Peace Prize: World News: Oslo, Oct 8 : Kenya #39;s environmentalist Wangari Maathai has won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize  quot;for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace, quot; the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Friday.


Indonesian embassy blast TEN people were injured yesterday when a bomb exploded outside the Indonesian embassy in Paris. Most of the victims, who included four embassy staff, were hit by flying glass.


UN: Africa Condemned to Major Polio Epidemic A major polio epidemic in West and Central Africa is inevitable in coming months, but the disease could be eradicated worldwide next year by mass immunizations, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.


EU, US launch battle at WTO over Boeing, Airbus ISN SECURITY WATCH (08/10/04) - The fierce competition between aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing is heating up, as the US and EU take their complaints to the World Trade Organization (WTO), protesting against what they call unfair subsidies for the two


AMD posts profit over loss in Q3 Reported profit of \$44 million for third quarter over a loss of \$31 million a year ago and predicts 10 increase in sales for the 4th quarter.


Techs, banks weigh on Nikkei TOKYO, Japan -- Tokyo stocks slipped for a second straight day Friday as tech issues such as Fujitsu, NEC and Kyocera lost ground.


Thomson to Sell Media Unit to Investcorp for \$350 Mln (Update1) Thomson Corp., owner of the Westlaw legal-research and First Call financial data services, will sell its media unit, which includes the Bond Buyer and American Banker magazines, for \$350 million to buyout firm Investcorp SA.


Citigroup Sues Italy Over Parmalat Bankruptcy Case (Update3) Citigroup Inc., the biggest creditor of Parmalat Finanziaria SpA, sued Italy for its handling of the foodmaker #39;s bankruptcy, saying the restructuring violated its rights as a lender owed almost 540 million euros (\$665 million).


General Electric earnings up 11 General Electric is posting quarterly earnings in line with Wall Street expectations. The diversified manufacturer and financial services company says revenue rose 15 percent on higher


AT amp;T to cut 7,400 more jobs, take US\$11.4B writedown AT amp;T Corp., the former monopoly that once dominated the US phone market, said Thursday it will cut another 20 per cent of its workforce and suffer an asset writedown of US\$11.


Dell to recall 990,000 laptop adapters Has recalled the power adapters due to a risk of overheating, which could lead to a fire or electrical shock. WASHINGTON: Dell Inc.


Space Travel for the Rich Even before Burt Rutans SpaceShipOne soared on her second flight in six days to win the Ansari X Prize, the flamboyant British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, owner of Virgin Atlantic Airline, decided that he had seen an opportunity to make even more


House approves anti-spyware bill The US House of Representatives yesterday unanimously passed a bill that would make using spyware to snoop of the online activities of consumers a criminal offence.


After .jpeg it #39;s .doc Security advisory service Secunia said that it has discovered a highly critical vulnerability in Microsoft Word 2000 and 2002 that can be exploited to cause a denial of service attack and compromise a user #39;s system.


Apple colour-screen  #39;PhotoPod #39; said to be in production The iPod looks set to make a further step into PDA territory if claims that Apple is preparing a 60GB model equipped with a 2in colour display and iPhoto synchronisation prove correct.


Adventurers prepay for journey into space Thrill seekers are paying 100,000 to ride rockets that haven #39;t even been built yet, and new airline Virgin Galactic promises to be up and soaring in the next three years.


Siemens adopts Flarion #39;s Flash-OFDM technology MANHASSET, NY Siemens Communications said Friday (Oct. 8) it will develop wireless broadband products using Flash-OFDM technology from Flarion Technologies.


Farina aware draw would be disastrous Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer poses in front of a set of makeshift goal posts in the Solomon Islands. Photo: Tim Clayton. Australian coach Frank Farina last night admitted anything


Man U condemns fan protest against Glazer Manchester United condemned the fans who disrupted a reserve team game to protest a potential takeover of the club by American businessman Malcolm Glazer.


Mauresmo, Slew of Russians Into Quarters at Filderstadt World No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo, looking to defend her shaky perch atop the WTA Rankings, moved into the quarterfinals Thursday at Filderstadt with a tough 7-5, 6-4 win over Swiss Patty  quot;Handshake quot; Schnyder.


They #39;re the 0-2 Guys Dodgers are on the verge of being swept again, and this time it #39;s the bottom of the Cardinal order that does much of the damage.


Cricket: Follow-on shy Aussies lead India by 355 runs BANGALORE, India : Hosts India braced themselves for a harrowing chase on a wearing wicket in the first Test after Australia declined to enforce the follow-on here.


Taliban attacks US military base in Kabul Taliban fighters fired rockets in parts of Afghanistan on Friday, the eve of the first direct presidential election in the country.


US: Termination of EU Aircraft Pact Legal  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States was justified in  terminating an aircraft pact with the European Union because  the EU gave Airbus production subsidies that violated the pact,  a U.S. trade official said on Friday.


SEC Makes Krispy Kreme Probe Formal  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. securities regulators have  ratcheted up their probe of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.'s  KKD.N franchise buybacks, the company said on Friday,  triggering a sharp drop in its stock.


Alpharma Starts Generic of Pfizer Drug  CHICAGO (Reuters) - A generic version of Pfizer Inc.'s  PFE.N \$3 billion epilepsy treatment Neurontin is set to hit  the U.S. market after Alpharma Inc. ALO.N said on Friday it  will sell the cheaper version.


Poll: Voters Like Schwarzenegger As Gov. (AP) AP - California voters love their governor but do not want to see Arnold Schwarzenegger as president and do not like the idea of amending the U.S. Constitution to let him run.


Loss of Georgia Seat for Democrats Could Cost Senate (Reuters) Reuters - Democrats' hopes of retaining a Senate\seat in Georgia are fading fast and such a loss could deal a\fatal blow to the party's chances of regaining control of the\Senate.


At Least 26 Die as Egypt Resort Bombs Hit Israelis  TABA, Egypt (Reuters) - Bombs killed at least 26 people in  Egyptian Red Sea resorts packed with Israeli tourists, sending  thousands fleeing home across the border. Israel said it  suspected al Qaeda was behind the attacks.


BA's fuel surcharge to increase British Airways is to raise its fuel surcharge as a result of the continuing increase in the price of oil.


U.S. Base Attacked, Truck Bomb Found Before Afghan Vote  KABUL (Reuters) - Taliban insurgents fired rockets in parts  of Afghanistan and a huge truck bomb was intercepted on the eve  of the first presidential election in the rugged, war-torn  land, underlining the risk of sabotage by Islamic radicals.


Strong Quake Reported in Philippines - U.S. Agency  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.6  hit Manila in the Philippines overnight, the U.S. Geological  Survey's earthquake center in Golden, Colorado reported on  Friday.


Shares on the march as oil price cloud lifts A peace deal between rebel gangs in Nigeria helped drag the price of a barrel of oil back below \$50 in New York yesterday, giving a boost to the equity markets and pushing


Intel Seen Limiting AMD #39;s Upside Credit Suisse First Boston maintained a  quot;neutral quot; rating on Advanced Micro Devices (nyse: AMD - news - people ), saying third-quarter earnings fell below expectations but that fourth-quarter outlook appears surprisingly healthy.


US jobs growth weaker than expected US businesses added 96,000 jobs to payrolls in September, the government has reported, a weaker-than-expected total that is expected to sharpen a presidential debate later in the day over the economy #39;s direction.


GE earnings up 11 percent in third quarter STAMFORD, Conn. -- General Electric Co. #39;s third-quarter earnings rose 11 percent and revenue jumped 15 percent as orders rose sharply, the company said Friday.


AT amp;T boosts 2004 job cuts to 20 percent AT amp;T Corp. will cut more than 20 percent of its workforce this year, ratcheting up its planned layoffs from a previously estimated target of 8 percent, the long-distance telecommunications carrier announced Thursday.


Millions of Dell power adapters recalled About 4.4 million AC adapters sold worldwide with Dell notebooks between September 1998 and February 2002 were recalled Friday. Dell sold the adapters with its Latitude, Inspiron and Precision series of computers, as well as separately.


Ansari X Prize In 1927 the Spirit of St. Louis carried Charles Lindburgh from New York to Paris to a \$25,000 prize, and more importantly, into the history books which continue to inspire.


Google SMS launched Google has developed Google SMS, a beta version of a service that is to enable users of mobile phones and other handheld devices to use its online search engine.


Schwarzer tips tough test in qualifiers Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says fans should not expect Australia to rout the Solomon Islands in Saturday #39;s first leg of the Confederations Cup qualifiers.


Jackson finds emotional rescue on court LAUREN JACKSON will start her quest for a first WNBA title in the United States this morning (AEST) with a heavy heart after saying farewell to her  quot;precious nan quot; 10 days ago from Seattle.


Nobel prize winner has ties to Geneva A Kenyan environmental activist whose children graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway today.


Election will resonate beyond Australia The world is watching closely the outcome of an election campaign that has mostly dealt with bread-and-butter domestic issues, writes Tony Parkinson.


Myanmar Casts Shadow Over Asia-Europe Summit Leaders of an Asia-Europe grouping urged new member Myanmar on Friday to improve its rights record and pursue democratic reforms but a final statement is unlikely to call


The Israeli Invasion of North Gaza On Sept. 29th Members of the militant wing of Hamas fired a Qassam rocket across the Gaza border into the Israeli town of Sederot killing two small children.


Musharraf moves to keep army post A bill to let General  Musharraf stay as both Pakistani president and army chief  goes before parliament.


Dracula's descendant sets Reg straight Letter Transylvania: the spine-tingling truth


Martha Stewart Reports to Prison in W.Va. ALDERSON, W.Va. - Martha Stewart reported to prison before sunrise Friday to begin serving a five-month sentence for lying about a stock sale, slipping all but unnoticed past waiting supporters and reporters...


Oscar Wilde Collection Goes Up for Auction NEW YORK - An auction of important manuscripts, letters and other items belonging to poet and playwright Oscar Wilde goes up for auction this month, the 150th anniversary of the ever-controversial Irish-born writer's birthday.    The 104-item collection, exhibited Thursday at Sotheby's Manhattan location, includes some of the most desirable items from the witty Wilde's holdings...


Google Books It to the Finish Line (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Google is already viewed by many as the king of search engines, but the newly public company is continuing to launch new services to keep its crown safe from competitors.


Dell Recalls Laptop Power Cords (PC World) PC World - Certain adapters may pose a risk of fire or electrical shock.


BenQ Readies IPod Rival (PC World) PC World - Hard-drive based digital audio player will be available by the end of the year.


Millions of Dell power adapters recalled The Taiwan-made AC adapters sold with Dell notebooks can overheat, posing risk of fire and electrical shock.


Strong Quake Reported in Philippines - U.S. Agency (Reuters) Reuters - A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.6\hit Manila in the Philippines overnight, the U.S. Geological\Survey's earthquake center in Golden, Colorado reported on\Friday.


Pakistan parliament backs Musharraf in uniform (Reuters) Reuters - Pakistan's pro-military government on Friday tabled a bill in parliament to allow President Pervez Musharraf to stay on as army chief despite his pledge to give up the job by the end of the year.


DataPlay Discs Stage a Comeback Optical storage format had been highly anticipated in 2001, but never made it to market.


Huge Afghan poll attack 'foiled' Afghan forces in the southern city of Kandahar say they have foiled a truck bomb that could  have killed hundreds.


Paisley holds talks key Four decades after he barged onto Northern Ireland #39;s rancorous political stage vowing never to compromise, Protestant cleric Ian Paisley holds the key to striking a new deal to seal peace in the province.


FSA files criminal complaint against UFJ The Financial Services Agency filed a criminal complaint Thursday against UFJ Bank and three former bank executives for interfering in an inspection last autumn.


Investcorp to buy Thomson Media for \$350M NEW YORK -- Investcorp SA, a private investment firm, has inked a \$350 million all-cash deal to buy 54 business publications put on the block by The Thomson Corp.


UPDATE 1-Cenbank credibility helps policy-Fed #39;s Bernanke A plausible public commitment to pursue low inflation coupled with central bank autonomy make monetary policy more effective, Federal Reserve Governor Ben Bernanke said on Friday.


Dell Recalls Laptop Power Cords Dell is recalling some of the one million electrical adapters manufactured in China by Delta Electronics of Taipei and sold for use with Dell notebook computers, following seven reports of the adapters overheating.


One Mars rover plots crater  quot;escape, quot; while twin keeps climbing <b>...</b> LOS ANGELES NASA #39;s Mars rovers continue to perform, working three times longer than their designed lives and prompting controllers to give them additional chores.


House Passes Second Anti-Spyware Bill The US House of Representatives unanimously passed a second bill to combat spyware. The Internet Spyware Prevention Act, or I-SPY, would impose a five-year prison term on those found guilty of using spyware to commit a crime.


Canadian Midland Group plans new F1 team Midland Group, a privately-owned international trading and investment organisation, has announced its involvement in Formula One racing, but is not buying the Jaguar team.


Murphy sizzles again as Skaife fizzles GREG MURPHY yesterday emphatically laid his claim for a fourth Bathurst crown, while four-time winner Mark Skaife experienced one of his worst days at the circuit.


Bigley: UK can #39;t confirm London - Reports of the death of Kenneth Bigley, a British national who was taken hostage in Iraq last month,  quot;are not confirmed quot;, a senior British government minister stressed on Friday.


Canadian PM faces crisis over sub fire CANADIAN Prime Minister Paul Martin yesterday headed off a no-confidence vote that could have brought down his Government, but immediately sailed into a new row over a stricken submarine.


Phelps Makes Winning Return at World Championships  INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - Michael Phelps made a winning  return to the pool at the world short course championships  Thursday, capturing the 200 meters freestyle title and the  first of a possible six gold medals.


News: Word open to exploit An unpatched security vulnerability in popular older versions of Microsoft Word poses a severe threat to users, security reporting firm Secunia warned yesterday.\


Israel, Egypt swap prisoners Sunday #39;s exchange is just one striking example of the post-Arafat thawing of relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors. BY SALAH NASRAWI.


US posts tepid jobs growth in September, potential blow to Bush (AFP) AFP - The United States posted disappointingly weak jobs growth in September, adding firepower to a pre-election Democratic assault on President George W. Bush's record.


GE Profit Rises Despite Hurricane Losses  BOSTON (Reuters) - General Electric Co. GE.N on Friday  said its third-quarter earnings inched up 1 percent as strength  across many of its financial and industrial businesses  outweighed hurricane-related insurance losses.


Treasuries Surge, Hope for Fed Rate Pause  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Treasury debt prices jumped on Friday  after a soft U.S. jobs report revived speculation the Federal  Reserve may not raise interest rates as far and fast as the  market had feared.


Martha Stewart Reports to Jail to Begin Sentence  ALDERSON, W.Va. (Reuters) - Trendsetter Martha Stewart  arrived at a minimum-security prison known as "Camp Cupcake"  under cover of early morning darkness on Friday to serve a  five-month sentence for lying about a stock sale.


Major Quake Shakes Philippine Capital An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6 shook Manila on Friday night, sending high rises swaying, knocking out power to some areas and sending frightened residents into the streets. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.


Bank of America plans to cut 4,500 jobs Bank of America Corp., which operates 25 branches in San Antonio, plans to cut about 2.5 percent, or 4,500 jobs, from its work force.


Stocks Decline on Weak Jobs Growth News Weaker-than-expected jobs growth in September has stocks searching for direction. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 15 points in today #39;s early going.


Univision, Miller toast \$100M ad deal Miller Brewing Co. and Univision Communications Inc. have signed a \$100 million cross-platform advertising and marketing deal. The contract between the US #39;s second-largest brewer and the nation #39;s leading Spanish


Water coursed through Martian hills The twin rovers on Mars - now reviving having survived the freezing depths of Martian winter - have found new signs that water was once plentiful on Mars.


Gaza children lose in games against real bullets Karam Abu Najib (center, 14) and friends brandishing some of the exploded bottles used in their deadly game with the Israeli military.


North Fork to Sell GreenPoint Credit Commercial bank North Fork Bancorp Inc. said Friday that it agreed to sell manufactured housing finance unit GreenPoint Credit LLC to Green Tree Servicing LLC.


MSN Delays New IM Client Beta MSN has delayed by a week the start of its beta for its MSN Messenger 7 instant-messaging client until some time next week. MSN officials had said the company planned to commence the MSN Messenger 7 beta this


Howell and Donald bask in Ryder Cup afterglow Europe #39;s Ryder Cup players continued to bask in the glow of their victory over the United States as David Howell and Luke Donald climbed to the top


Kidd causing more friction in Nets camp EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey - The first week of training camp is not over and the New Jersey Nets best player, Jason Kidd, has sounded off twice.


UK Seeking to Corroborate Reports of Bigley #39;s Death (Update2) UK government officials said they were seeking to corroborate reports by Abu Dhabi television that British hostage Kenneth Bigley has been killed.


ANALYSIS-Red Sea bombs fit al Qaeda #39;s aims and methods The bombings on Egypt #39;s Red Sea coast appear to bear the hallmarks of al Qaeda or a related group and to fit the agenda of Osama bin Laden #39;s network, security sources and analysts said.


Rockets rain, truck bomb found ahead of Afghan vote (AFP) AFP - Rockets rained on Afghan cities and military posts and a huge truck bomb was seized as the war-weary nation prepared for Saturday's historic presidential elections under the threat of further militant attacks.


Thomson to Sell Media Group for \$350 Mln  OTTAWA (Reuters) - Thomson Corp. TOC.TO said on Friday it  will sell its media division to investment group Investcorp in  a \$350 million cash deal that will tighten its focus on  electronic publishing.


Giants rookie #39;s kick return for TD lost in storm LANDOVER, Md. Derrick Ward chose a bad day to score his first career touchdown in the NFL. A rookie who was signed by the Giants off the Jets #39; practice squad earlier this year, Ward returned


Is ATI's Success Doomed? The graphics chipmaker is optimistic about the future, but competitors aren't standing still.


Alpharma Launches Generic Pfizer Drug Drugmaker Alpharma Inc. on Friday said it launched its generic version of Pfizer Inc. #39;s Neurontin for the treatment of epilepsy.


British Airways Hikes Ticket Prices on Oil British Airways announced Friday that it was increasing its fuel surcharge on both short-haul and long-haul flight tickets because of rising oil prices.


Thomson to Sell Media Unit to Investcorp for \$350 Mln (Update3) Thomson Corp., owner of the Westlaw legal-research and First Call financial data services, is selling 54 business publications including the Bond Buyer and American Banker for \$350 million to buyout firm Investcorp SA.


Kodak, Sun Settle Java Patent Dispute Kodak and Sun Microsystems have reached a settlement in their patent dispute over Java technology, with Sun agreeing to fork over \$92 million to settle the suit.


Dell recalls nearly a million defective adapters The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall of 990,000 AC adapters distributed by Round Rock-based Dell Inc.


The Browser Wars Are Back? jpkunst writes  quot;ZDNet UK reports and PCWorld.com report that, according to Netscape founder Marc Andreessen, whose comments came during a discussion with Yahoo Chief Operating Officer Dan Rosensweig at the Web 2.0 Conference in San Francisco on Wednesday


CEOs  #39;too trusting #39; of outsourcer #39;s security com October 8, 2004, 8:28 AM PT. Most IT Managers won #39;t question the importance of security, but this priority has been sliding between the third and fourth most important focus for companies.


Hurricanes hinder spam in September, kinda sorta September #39;s hurricanes Jeanne, Frances, and Ivan pummeld the Florida coast, but they also took a toll on spam during the month, at least according to vendor FrontBridge.


League setup aids Big Ten in BCS With No. 14 Minnesota trying to become the seventh Big Ten member to earn a Bowl Championship Series berth, it #39;s a good time to point out that - in an age of conference expansion - staying small has its advantages.


Chicago Sun-Times Leaves Waterfront Home (AP) AP - It may have brought some luster to the riverfront when it was built a half century ago, but today the Chicago Sun-Times building looks like it belongs there about as much as a barge at a yacht club.


Major 6.4-Magnitude Quake Shakes Manila (AP) AP - An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 shook Manila on Friday night, swaying high rises, knocking out power over a wide area and sending frightened residents into the streets. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.


US bank profits may rise despite languid quarter Most large US banks appear poised to post higher third-quarter profits, but may struggle to post big gains as sluggish commercial lending and weak stock trading


House approves corporate tax cuts The US House has approved a \$136 billion corporate tax cut package, but the measure faces hurdles to passage in the Senate. The overall bill is aimed at repealing a corporate


WRAPUP 2-US September job growth weaker than expected US payrolls grew by just 96,000 workers in September, the government said on Friday in a surprisingly weak report that will sharpen criticism of President


Alcan Sells Trade Division to Managers Alcan Inc., one of the world #39;s largest aluminum producers, said Friday it agreed to sell assets of its ores and concentrates trading division to Ocean Partners Holdings Ltd.


AMD Shares Slip in Wake of Q3 Report Flash memory remained profitable for AMD, but declined sharply from the previous quarter due to inventory adjustments at cell phone manufacturers.


Dell recalls laptop power supplies OCTOBER 08, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Dell Inc. is recalling about 990,000 electrical adapters manufactured in China by Taipei, Taiwan-based Delta Electronics Inc.


Siemens backs new wireless technology German telecommunications gear maker Siemens is backing a new kind of broadband wireless technology that will compete with Wi-Fi and 3G cellular services.


Ban for rare Asian dolphin trade The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) has banned sales of a rare Asian dolphin. Environmentalists say the move is necessary to save the Irrawaddy dolphin, whose numbers are thought to be as low as 1,000 in the wild.


IBM #39;s Dream Deferred When IBM started talking about its next generation version of WebSphere Appli-cation Server (code named Vela) late last year, company officials were all hopped up about how the upcoming product was to be the first componentized version of the server.


Missing Link to Life Found? Mount St. Helens #39; recent eruption may be replaying a scene straight from the geochemical drama that led to life on Earth. Besides ash and lava, most volcanoes


Wayne of Terror Will Threaten Wales - Lampard Frank Lampard is backing Englands three-pronged attack to put the frighteners on Wales in Saturdays World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford.


Klinsmann uses Iran match to test young players Germany #39;s new coach Juergen Klinsmann will seek to extend his unbeaten run to three in a friendly against Iran on Saturday but a smouldering dispute between his goalkeepers has put a damper on his spirits.


Americans closing in on spot in next round A winning streak of two games will propel the United States into the regional finals of World Cup qualifying by Wednesday night. The Americans play at El Salvador on Saturday night in Group A of the North


Kenya #39;s Maathai Wins Nobel Peace Prize on Environment (Update3) Wangari Maathai of Kenya became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her work to promote democracy, protect the environment and improve social conditions.


Good times make Howard favourite This morning, as Australians prepare to vote in their federal election, John Winston Howard looks increasingly likely to win a fourth term as Prime Minister, eclipsing Labor #39;s Bob Hawke to become


HP, Microsoft Take Tech on the Road (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - At TechXNY Expo, the duo showcased an RV outfitted with servers, software, VOIP and more. They plan to roll out more trucks and visit 250 cities as part of a new initiative to bring technology to SMBs in remote parts of the country.


Oracle May Lower Its PeopleSoft Bid (AP) AP - Oracle Corp. chief executive Lawrence Ellison said discussions within the company at this point are leaning toward lowering the  #36;21-a-share bid Oracle is offering for rival PeopleSoft Inc.


Feds Poison Prairie Dogs to Save Ferrets (AP) AP - The federal government will begin poisoning prairie dogs in southwestern South Dakota next week after reaching a deal with conservationists designed to protect the endangered black-footed ferret.


New X Prize Sets Sights on Science, Technology and Social Solutions (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - The X Prize Foundation and the World Technology Network announced today the formation of a joint venture to launch a series of technology incentive prizes to help spur innovation and breakthroughs in a range of scientific arenas.


Solar Eclipse to Start Thursday, End Wednesday! (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - A partial solar eclipse will take place next week, oddly ending the day before \  it begins.


Ban for rare Asian dolphin trade The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) bans all commercial sales of the rare Asian Irrawaddy dolphin.


Draft of cow 'life code' released Scientists release a first draft of the bovine genome - a run through of the genetic code that describes a cow.


Citigroup, Parmalat Brawl Over Billions  MILAN (Reuters) - Citigroup launched a legal challenge  against Parmalat's restructuring plan on Friday, hitting back  after the insolvent food group rejected its claims for credit  repayment and sued the bank for damages.


J J Warns of Blood Cancer Risk in Arthritis Drug  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Johnson   Johnson is warning doctors  that patients taking its rheumatoid arthritis drug Remicade may  have a higher risk of lymphoma, a blood cancer, the company  said on Friday.


Strong Quake Jolts Manila, No Major Damage Reported  MANILA (Reuters) - A strong earthquake jolted Manila and  other parts of the northern Philippines on Friday night,  prompting many to rush into the streets, but officials said  there were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.


Bomb Hits Jakarta's Paris Embassy, Motive Unclear  PARIS (Reuters) - A small parcel bomb exploded outside the  Indonesian embassy in Paris before dawn on Friday, slightly  injuring 10 people and shattering windows, but officials said  they had no clues to the motive.


Left 'no threat' to Indian business  Indian Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram seeks to allay foreign investor fears over the influence of communist parties on his government.


Olympics: Show jump gold at risk A banned substance is found in the horse of Ireland's Olympic show jumping champion Cian O'Connor.


U.S. Added 96,000 Jobs in September, Fewer Than Expected The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.4 percent. The figures are expected to sharpen a presidential debate on domestic policy set for tonight.


Oracle May Lower Its PeopleSoft Bid Lawrence Ellison, Oracle's chief executive, said the company could lower the \$21-a-share bid Oracle is offering for rival PeopleSoft.


Oil Holds Near \$53 High Oil prices held near record highs today even though oil unions in OPEC member Nigeria said a two-day wildcat strike would pass without any impact on exports.


EADS offers to split US tanker deal with Boeing PARIS The parent company of European aircraft maker Airbus has proposed splitting a contested US Air Force contract for refueling tankers with its rival, Chicago-based Boeing.


Stewart Begins Five-Month Prison Sentence ALDERSON, W.Va. - Martha Stewart reported to prison before sunrise Friday to begin serving a five-month sentence for lying about a stock sale, slipping all-but-unnoticed past waiting supporters and reporters...


Brother Confirms British Hostage Is Dead BAGHDAD, Iraq - British hostage Kenneth Bigley, who pleaded tearfully last month for Prime Minister Tony Blair to meet his kidnappers' demands, was beheaded by his captors, his brother said Friday.   "We can confirm that the family has now received absolute proof that Ken Bigley was executed by his captors," Phil Bigley said in a statement he read on national television in Britain...


Economy, Iraq War Frame Bush-Kerry Debate ST. LOUIS - A lackluster unemployment report and fresh questions about President Bush's rationale for invading Iraq frame the second face-to-face encounter Friday night between Bush and Sen...


Stocks Slide on Lackluster Job Report NEW YORK - Investors pushed stocks lower Friday as a surprisingly lackluster job creation report deepened Wall Street's pessimism over the health of the economy, while a solid earnings report from General Electric Co. minimized losses for blue chips...


Video Said to Show British Hostage Killed BAGHDAD, Iraq - British hostage Kenneth Bigley, who pleaded tearfully last month for Prime Minister Tony Blair to meet his kidnappers' demands, was beheaded by his captors, a witness who saw the videotaped killing said Friday.    The witness, who asked not to be identified by name, said the tape - sent to Abu Dhabi TV - showed six hooded, armed men standing behind the kneeling Bigley, whom the witness recognized from two previous tapes released by the kidnappers in which he pleaded for his life...


Can Mike Lawrie make Siebel better? No sweat, says the new CEO, who's imported from IBM. He also knows this will be the challenge of a lifetime.


Ellison: PeopleSoft talked merger in 2000 Oracle CEO says rival company raised the idea, but talks foundered over who'd lead the conjoined company. \<br /> Oracle e-mails urged scare tactics


Dell Adapters a Flaming Hit The computer company recalls nearly a 1 million power adapters that could start fires. Also: Microsoft continues pursuit towards the computer television   hellip;. Nextel   rsquo;s phone is a mapquest in your hand   hellip;. and more.


Expert: Online extortion growing more common "Every online gambling site is paying extortion," says Alan Paller of the SANS Institute.


Siemens backs new wireless technology The company teams up with Flarion, which makes a new kind of wireless technology that competes with Wi-Fi and 3G cellular.


Rovers Still Turning Up Water Evidence Summary - (Oct 8, 2004) Now operating three times longer than originally expected, NASA #39;s Mars Exploration Rovers are still turning up fresh evidence that liquid water once flowed on Mars.


Google Goes Mobile with SMS Google has launched a search service for mobile devices, based on the SMS (short messaging service) protocol. Users can perform searches for phone numbers, dictionary definitions and product


X Prize sponsors plan other prizes Sponsors of the \$10 million (euro8.13 million) Ansari X Prize, which helped propel a privately built manned rocket into space this week, announced Thursday a plan to offer other prizes to spur innovation in other fields.


Excitement Mounts Over Germany-Iran Soccer Friendly Arriving to a euphoric welcome by thousands of cheering locals in Tehran, Germany #39;s national soccer team takes on Iran Saturday in a friendly that promises much star-packed action.


Blackburn keeper considers retirement from international soccer Brad Friedel could have played his last game for the United States. A veteran of three World Cups, the 33-year-old keeper is not on the current roster and was quoted as saying on


Talks include trade, security, and diseases control Thirtynine leaders from Asia and Europe yesterday began informal talks on issues on trade, security threats and terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction


Pitcairn father  #39;fell in love #39; with 13-year-old One of the principal defendants in the Pitcairn Island sex abuse trials pleaded guilty to three charges yesterday but claimed to have been  quot;in love quot; with a 13-year-old girl with whom he had a long affair.


ASP.Net glitch discovered Microsoft Corp. is investigating a reported vulnerability in its ASP.Net that could allow an attacker to bypass security features on a Web server and view sensitive content, the company said Thursday.


Microsoft opens IP in licensing push Microsoft Corp. is expanding its efforts to move from a "trade secrets" company to one that banks on sharing its intellectual property (IP) and benefits from being seen as a more cooperative and open-industry player.


HP to roll out managed SMB services next year Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) will begin selling managed IT and communications services next year to small and medium-size businesses in three continents, offering Internet access, servers, voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and help desk calls at fixed monthly rates, an HP official said.


Find the Web's Worst Security Flaws The SANS Institute identifies the top 20 Internet vulnerabilities of the year.


Nearly 60 percent office computers have been infected by Internet bug (AFP) AFP - Nearly 60 percent of computer networks in Chinese offices, including those in the national defence department and the government, have been hit by Internet viruses or attacks, reported state media.


Oracle Talked of Lowering PeopleSoft Bid (Reuters) Reuters - Oracle Corp.  Chief\Executive Larry Ellison said on Friday his company has talked\about revising its current  #36;21-per-share offer to buy rival\PeopleSoft Inc. , although it has focused more on\lowering the bid instead of raising it.


National Geographic Updates World Atlas (AP) AP - From lines scratched in ancient dirt to Medieval charts with drawings of monsters in unknown parts of the ocean to modern computer printouts, maps have served a vital role throughout human history. Now, one of the nation's most venerable mapmakers, the National Geographic Society, is updating its massive Atlas of the World.


Dell warns on fire-risk laptops Computer giant Dell is recalling 4.4 million laptop power adapters in response to worries that they could dangerously overheat.


Taba bombing authors came from Sinai: Israeli army official (AFP) AFP - The authors of the deadly suicide bombings in Taba, Egypt  quot;came from Sinai quot; an Israeli army general said at the Taba border passage between Israel and Egypt.


Mayoral Race Write-In Effort Worries Utah (AP) AP - Election officials are worried that a massive write-in campaign mounted by Republicans in the scandal-ridden Salt Lake County mayoral race could hold up final results in other races around the state.


Dell Recalls Power Adaptors Dell Inc. is recalling about 990,000 AC adapters used with notebook personal computers because they can overheat and cause a fire and electrical shock hazard, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday.


'Frog's glue' could mend knees A sticky substance from the skin of frogs could be used to repair human knee joints, scientists believe.


B amp;G Foods Falls Flat in Public Debut B amp;G Foods Holdings Corp. fell flat in its trading debut Thursday, and shares were nearly unchanged from their reduced opening price in Friday afternoon activity as investors mulled mixed results from two other


Ex-NASA Worker Pleads Innocent of Fake Inspections A fired NASA safety inspector accused of falsifying space shuttle inspection reports pleaded not guilty to 166 criminal charges on Friday and a trial was tentatively set for Dec. 1.


Find the Web #39;s Worst Security Flaws IT security and research organization The SANS Institute is releasing its annual Top 20 list of Internet security vulnerabilities this week, with the intention of offering organizations at least a starting point for addressing critical issues.


Google launches SMS-based information service Google has launched a beta test of a new service that allows mobile users to access its database from their handsets using short message service.


Computer Associates Launches Usage-Based Pricing As the program name suggests, Computer Associates #39; new Measured Workload Pricing bases licensing costs on how much the system is sued rather than on total potential hardware capability.


SI.com #39;s BJ Schecter breaks down a key Big 12 showdown The Sooners are difficult to defend because they are so balanced, averaging 242.2 yards rushing and 227.2 yards passing per game. Sixth-year senior quarterback Jason White is like the forgotten Heisman winner


Canadian MPs urge legal action over Barrow subs CANADIAN prime minister Paul Martin and top navy chiefs are backing Barrow shipyard after pressure mounted for Britain to be sued over the submarine tragedy.


Egypt Blasts Claimed by 3 Different Groups JERUSALEM Oct. 8, 2004 - Three previously unknown groups, including one reportedly linked to al-Qaida, published separate claims of responsibility for the deadly car bombings at two Egyptian resorts crowded with Israeli tourists.


#39;A wonderful father, husband, brother and son #39; We can confirm that the family has received absolute proof that Ken Bigley was executed by his captors. How we all, as individuals, handle crisis situations will differ from person to person, family member to family member.


Tennis: U.S. Open Semifinalist Johansson Stunned  LYON, France (Reuters) - U.S. Open semi-finalist Joachim  Johansson suffered a surprise defeat by fellow Swede Robin  Soderling at the Lyon Grand Prix Friday.


Swastika on new Philip Roth novel raises storm in Germany (AFP) AFP - International publisher Random House has found itself forced to release a separate cover for US star author Philip Roth's new novel,  quot;The Plot Against America, quot; for the German market due to its use of a Nazi swastika, the company said.


54 dead, million flee homes as rains lash northeast India, Bangladesh (AFP) AFP - At least 54 people have died and more than a million have fled their homes as torrential rains lashed parts of India and Bangladesh, officials said.


EU, U.S. Trade Blows Over Plane Agreement  BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union and the United  States exchanged blows again on Friday over a transatlantic  aircraft pact, sharpening a trade row and calling into question  funding for the world's top aircraft makers.


Stocks Drop as Drug, Chip Sectors Weigh  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell on Friday, pressured by  declines in the drug and semiconductor sectors and  by  slower-than-expected U.S. jobs growth in September.


Judge dismisses Hollinger case A US judge has dismissed the racketeering case against media tycoon Lord Black brought by Hollinger International.


Google on the March As it moves ahead with a variety of initiatives, investors may want to be cautious about the search specialist.


GE earnings increase, per-share price falls General Electric today reported third-quarter earnings of \$4.051 billion, an increase of 1 percent from the same quarter last year.


MS, Intel Shepherd New Web Services Spec A host of companies led by Microsoft (Quote, Chart) and Intel has revised and released a specification for making sure computer systems have a common way to communicate.


Thousands of Dell adapters recalled for risk of fire, shock from <b>...</b> Dell Inc. is recalling about 990,000 AC adapters used with notebook personal computers because they can overheat and cause a fire and electrical shock hazard, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday.


Ex-Nasa inspector accused of lying about Shuttle checks A former Nasa inspector has been accused of lying about inspecting crucial parts on the space shuttle Discovery before and after the Columbia disaster that killed seven astronauts and grounded the entire orbiter fleet.


Aussies learn lesson ADAM GILCHRIST has learned from history and has India cornered as Australia took wobbly steps towards a watershed Test win yesterday.


Sell-out crowd will watch No. 1 USC take on No. 7 Cal History looks to repeat itself in the biggest game to date of the Pacific-10 Conference this weekend. Two of the nation #39;s elite programs will square off when co-defending national champion USC (4-0 overall, 1-0 Pac-10) hosts No.


Ohio State's Sullinger Disciplined (AP) AP - Junior guard J.J. Sullinger has been disciplined for being charged with drunken driving but there are no plans to suspend him, Ohio State coach Thad Matta said Friday.


Oracle Talked of Lowering PeopleSoft Bid Oracle Corp. (ORCL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) Chief Executive Larry Ellison said on Friday his company has talked about revising its current \$21-per-share offer to buy rival PeopleSoft Inc.


EU, US Trade Blows Over Plane Agreement The European Union and the United States exchanged blows again on Friday over a transatlantic aircraft pact, sharpening a trade row and calling into question funding for the world #39;s top aircraft makers.


Politicians fight over jobs report WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) - Just hours away from the second presidential debate Friday night, politicians from both political parties said the September employment report supported their views on the US economy.


UPDATE 1-Fed #39;s No 2 says US doesn #39;t need inflation target The adoption of a specific numerical target for inflation would likely do little to improve monetary policy in the United States and could hurt, Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Roger Ferguson said on Friday.


GE Net Rises General Electric (GE ) posted 38 cents vs. 36 cents third-quarter earnings per share (adjusted) on a 15 rise in total revenue. GE narrowed its 2004 earnings per share guidance to \$1.


DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPS LATEST BETTING ODDS NEWS David Howell further justified his selection by readaBet on the second day of the Dunhill Links Championship and now holds a one-stroke lead after posting a 65 at St.


Treasuries Up as Weak Jobs Ease Rates  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury debt rallied on Friday  as a weak employment report revived talk the Federal Reserve  might slow the pace of interest rate increases.


Martha Stewart Reports to Prison, Ducking Cameras Martha Stewart beat the news media trailing her every move at their own game today by announcing herself that she had checked into prison in West Virginia.


Lackluster Jobs Report Pushes Stocks Down NEW YORK - Investors pushed stocks lower Friday as a surprisingly lackluster job creation report deepened Wall Street's pessimism over the health of the economy. Blue chips had modest losses despite solid earnings report from General Electric Co...


Brother Confirms British Hostage Is Dead BAGHDAD, Iraq - British hostage Kenneth Bigley, who pleaded tearfully last month for Prime Minister Tony Blair to meet his kidnappers' demands, was beheaded by his captors, his brother said Friday.   "We can confirm that the family has now received absolute proof that Ken Bigley was executed by his captors," Philip Bigley said in a statement he read on national television in Britain...


Investors consider economic news The Dow Jones industrial average is down 34 points at ten-thousand-91. Gainers on the New York Stock Exchange hold a four-to-three lead over losers.


Krispy Kreme #39;s Sticky Situation NEW YORK - Krispy Kreme Doughnuts announced that the US Securities  amp; Exchange Commission notified it yesterday that it is investigating it, without specifying any further details.


Dell Recalls 4.4 Million Notebook AC Adapters Dell on Friday voluntarily recalled 4.4 million AC adapters for its notebooks after receiving seven reports of the adapters overheating, posing a risk of fire or electrical shock for users.


Rover Finds New Evidence Of Water On Mars LOS ANGELES -- One of NASA #39;s Mars rovers has found a rock that could provide new evidence that water once existed on the red planet.


First Suit Filed Against Internet  #39;Spyware #39; The US government has sued a New Hampshire man in its first attempt to crack down on Internet  quot;spyware quot; that seizes control of a user #39;s computer without permission.


Siemens Signs On With Flarion Flarion Technologies #39; FLASH-OFDM technology has received a vote of confidence from Siemens, thanks to a new licensing deal forged between the two companies that calls for Siemens to begin offering


Rumor site pictures Photo iPod for holidays Mac sites were abuzz Friday on reports that Apple is readying a color-screen iPod in time for the holidays. According to Mac news and rumor site Think Secret, the 60GB device would be similar to the current


House passes anti-spyware bill On a unanimous vote the US House of Representatives Thursday approved a bill making many  quot;spyware quot; activities illegal. Spyware can be surreptitiously loaded into a computer via the Internet and extract information


First Suit Filed Against Internet 'Spyware' (Reuters) Reuters - The U.S. government has sued a New\Hampshire man in its first attempt to crack down on Internet\"spyware" that seizes control of a user's computer without\permission.


Ellison inclined to cut PeopleSoft bid LOS ANGELES (CBS.MW) - Oracle #39;s chief executive Larry Ellison on Friday said the company may be inclined to lower its \$7.7 billion hostile offer for PeopleSoft, according to published reports.


Sun, Kodak Move Forward After \$92 Million Settlement  quot;Sun is in this big battle with Microsoft for enterprise commitments, quot; Jonathan Eunice, an analyst with the research firm Illuminata, told the E-Commerce Times.


Judge dismisses \$1.25 billion US lawsuit against Conrad Black CHICAGO - A US federal court judge has thrown out Hollinger International #39;s \$1.25 billion US lawsuit against Conrad Black and other former executives of the company.


Thomson sells publications group for \$350M Thomson Corp. completed its evolution into an electronic purveyor of financial, legal and scientific information today as it sold Thomson Media - the last of its traditional advertising-based publishing businesses -or \$350 million US.


UPDATE 3-Alpharma launches generic of Pfizer #39;s Neurontin Alpharma Inc. (ALO.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Friday began selling a cheaper generic version of Pfizer Inc. #39;s (PFE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) \$3 billion a


Cracked rock points to more martian water A cracked rock called Escher is helping NASA scientists reconstruct the history of water on Mars. They say that the crater currently being explored by the Opportunity rover may have been shaped by a second


IBM, Unisys work to rejuvenate mainframes IBM has taken several new steps to keep its mainframe server line a vital part of computing, including adding features and an expanding sales and training in China, while Unisys has upgraded its rival products.


Dell Drops 15 GB Dell DJ To US\$149, 20 GB for US\$195 Dell has taken an aggressive pricing strategy in its competition with Apple in the music player space. Jupiter Research analyst Joe Wilcox reported in his


Nintendo DS to function as a game server Nintendo today held a touch-and-feel event for its forthcoming DS handheld in Tokyo. One of the interesting tidbits revealed by president Satoru Iwata is that not only will it be possible for multiple users


Feds seize Indymedia servers The FBI yesterday seized a pair of UK servers used by Indymedia, the independent newsgathering collective, after serving a subpoena in the US on Indymedia #39;s hosting firm, Rackspace.


Sports: F-One qualifying postponed SUZUKA, Japan - Qualifying for this weekend #39;s Japanese Grand Prix on the Formula One racing tour is rescheduled because of a typhoon forecast.


Soderling beats compatriot Johansson to advance to semis Robin Soderling of Sweden beat fourth-seeded countryman Joachim Johansson 6-3, 6-4 in a quarterfinal match Friday at the Lyon Open.


Feds go after  #39;Spam King #39; Federal attorneys are trying to shut down an allegedly illicit Internet business operated out of a dance club in Rochester that is deluging computers with unwanted pop-up ads by hijacking their browsers.


Google SMS Google SMS is a new service that enables you to search for certain kinds of information with Google from a mobile phone or handheld device (such as an iPAQ 6315), and returns your search results as text messages.


Nintendo ahead of the game NINTENDO is gearing up to defend its almost complete share of the hand-held games market with 12 new games to be launched along with its latest, dual-screen handheld console, the DS, on December 2. Nintendo


Indymedia servers in the US and UK confiscated by the FBI US authorities issued a court order on October 7 to Rackspace to physically remove Global Indymedia servers in the US and UK. The agency requesting the seizure was the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


Security questions over Sinai attacks Egypt #39;s south-east Sinai peninsula is a sea-and-desert playground drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The most numerous foreigners are Israelis, and they flock to the Sinai in larger numbers than to any other destination.


Crippled Canadian sub set for safe harbour Montreal - The British-built Canadian submarine HMCS Chicoutimi, crippled since a fire at sea that killed one of its crew, is under tow and is expected in Faslane, Scotland, early next week, Canadian naval commander Tyrone Pile said on Friday.


Palestinian Girl Killed in Gaza Violence Israeli soldiers shot and killed a 10-year-old Palestinian girl and a teenage boy in two separate incidents today during Israels massive offensive into the northern Gaza Strip, witnesses and hospital officials said.


Afghan Security on Alert Ahead of Election KABUL, Afghanistan Oct. 8, 2004 - In advance of Afghanistan #39;s first-ever direct presidential election, Muslim clerics urged Friday worshippers to embrace democracy, election workers scurried to ready voting


Howard #39;s End? John Howard, Australias three-term prime minister, tomorrow faces what promises to be one of the closest elections in his nations history.


Ex-NASA Worker Charged for Faking Exams (AP) AP - A former NASA safety inspector accused of falsifying examinations of crucial parts on the space shuttle Discovery pleaded not guilty Friday in federal court, and his attorney called him "meticulous in his work."


First Suit Filed Against Internet 'Spyware'  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government has sued a New  Hampshire man in its first attempt to crack down on Internet  "spyware" that seizes control of a user's computer without  permission.


Crippled Canadian sub under tow, bound for Scotland (AFP) AFP - The British-built Canadian submarine HMCS Chicoutimi, crippled since a fire at sea that killed one of its crew, was under tow, headed for Scotland where it was likely to arrive early next week.


Canada to Woo Asia Beef Markets, Explain New Rules (Reuters) Reuters - Canadian policymakers and industry begin a\week-long Asian blitz on Saturday to woo new buyers for its beef\after mad cow disease crippled its domestic industry, Agriculture\Minister Andy Mitchell said on Friday.


Australian PM, Challenger in Dead Heat (AP) AP - Prime Minister John Howard and his Labor Party challenger were in a virtual dead heat on the eve of parliamentary elections, with Australians focusing on the economy and social programs more than Howard's decision to send troops to Iraq.


Racketeering Suit Dismissed Against Conrad Black A federal judge on Friday dismissed a lawsuit by newspaper publisher Hollinger International Inc. seeking \$1.25 billion from ex-CEO Conrad Black and other former company executives, but left the door open for key charges to be refiled.


UN Council Adopts New Anti-Terror Resolution  UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council voted  unanimously on Friday for a Russian-initiated resolution that  seeks to expand the prosecution and extradition of terrorist  groups and suspects, such as Chechen separatists.


Ex-NASA Worker Charged for Faking Exams By MIKE BRANOM     ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A former NASA safety inspector accused of falsifying examinations of crucial parts on the space shuttle Discovery pleaded not guilty Friday in federal court, and his attorney called him "meticulous in his work."    A trial for Billy T...


GE's Diversity Yields Strength The company reports double-digit growth in eight out of 11 business units.


What Can Trump Do for You? Pennies make the difference as the teams sell products on a shopping channel.


AMD: The Little Engine That Might One of these days AMD's going to take a bite out of Intel and not let go.


Armchair Astronomers Revel in Comet's Path NASA -- Catching this week's comet is as easy as flipping the switch on your computer.     As of today, a comet is visible within the live images sent back from a spacecraft stationed one million miles away...


Next Step to the Quantum Computer University of Bonn -- Physicists from the University of Bonn have succeeded in taking a decisive step forward towards processing quantum information with neutral atoms: in the latest issue of the 'Physical Review Letters' vol. 93 (2004) they describe how they managed to set up a quantum register experimentally...


Security Forces on Alert Ahead of Afghan Election More than 100,000 Afghan and foreign security forces were on high alert Friday, the day before the country's first direct presidential election after more than two decades of war.


Web services for your TiVo? Microsoft, Intel and others pitch the technology as a way to manage everything from big corporate servers to consumer electronics.\<br /> Recent TiVo news: Janet Jackson still holds replay title


Samsung driving forward With its shipments jumping last year, the company is no longer playing the role of bottom-feeder in the disk drive industry.


IBM, Unisys work to rejuvenate mainframes Big Blue adds features, beefs up training efforts in China; rival Unisys debuts new line and pricing plan.


Glitches hit Dell gear, Microsoft software Dell says that millions of notebook power adapters could put users at risk. Also: Office flaw could allow attacks.


FTC takes aim at alleged spyware distributor In a lawsuit, the commission alleges that two companies engaged in unfair acts and practices with their marketing and software.


Rumor site pictures Photo iPod for holidays A Mac news site says iPods with digital cameras built in may be under Christmas trees this year.


Pfizer stock sinks on Neurontin Judge is expected to decline motion to block a generic version of Pfizer #39;s \$3B epilepsy drug. CHICAGO (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc. shares tumbled Thursday as investors worried a federal judge will refuse the company #39;s


Dell Recalls Notebook Power Adapters Dell has received seven reports of overheating involving power adapters it distributed. No injuries have been reported. The recalled adapters have the words  quot;DELL quot; and  quot;P/N 9364U, quot; P/N 7832D quot; or  quot;P/N 4983D quot; printed on the back of the unit.


IBM, Unisys work to rejuvenate mainframes com October 8, 2004, 10:52 AM PT. With the economy slowly turning up, upgrading hardware has been on businesses radar in the past 12 months as their number two priority.


Ex-NASA worker in shuttle probe has pleaded not guilty to 166 criminal charges and a trial was tentatively set for December 1. not speak at his arraignment in federal court on Friday, nor as he left the Orlando courthouse.


Google on the March Word leaked out on Wednesday that the Internet search specialist will introduce Google Print, a service that enables users to search excerpts from books.


Mauresmo, Davenport reach semis Amelie Mauresmo and Lindsay Davenport won in straight sets Friday to reach the Porsche Grand Prix semifinals in another step in their battle for the No.


Johansson falls in Lyon Robin Soderling got the better of fellow Swede Joachim Johansson in the Lyon Grand Prix quarter-finals. Soderling triumphed 6-3 6-4 against Johansson, the fourth seed and US Open semi-finalist.


Jefferson pledges to stay hungry Richard Jefferson promises to still be the first one in and the last one out every practice. This from a guy who has played more basketball than any NBA player over


Israeli Tourists Targeted in Deadly Egypt Bombings Description: NPR #39;s Noah Adams talks to NPR #39;s Julie McCarthy, reporting from Eilat, Israel on the Israeli-Egyptian border, about bombings at two Egyptian resorts Thursday evening.


Zimbabwe ruling party elects first woman VP Joyce Mujuru, attends the ruling ZANU-PF party annual convention in Harare, Dec. 2. Mujuru, a longtime member of President Robert Mugabe #39;s cabinet and a veteran of the 1970s guerrilla war against white minority


Hollywood Asks Top U.S. Court to Weigh File Trading (Reuters) Reuters - Movie studios and record labels on\Friday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that\Internet "peer to peer" networks cannot be held liable when\their users copy music and movies without permission.


Microsoft Word Hole Could Allow DoS Attacks (NewsFactor) NewsFactor - Computer security firm Secunia has reported what it terms a "highly critical" vulnerability in the popular Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Word desktop computer application. The firm has confirmed the existence of the hole in versions of Word as recent as Word 2000.


Google Goes Mobile with SMS (NewsFactor) NewsFactor - Google is experimenting with a new search service for mobile devices based on text messaging, also known as "short messaging service" (SMS), as the company reaches out to the wireless world.


Novell Delivers Latest SuSE Linux (NewsFactor) NewsFactor - Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) is poised to launch the latest version of its SuSE Linux operating system, providing new features designed to appeal to both Linux neophytes and current users of the open-source desktop software.


IBM Revamps WebSphere (NewsFactor) NewsFactor - IBM (NYSE: IBM) has launched a new version of its WebSphere application server software, adding autonomic troubleshooting capabilities and other new features designed to improve performance in the middleware platform.


Kodak, Sun Settle Java Patent Dispute (NewsFactor) NewsFactor - Sun Microsystems (Nasdaq: SUNW) has agreed to pay Eastman Kodak (NYSE: EK) US #36;92 million to settle\a lawsuit filed by Kodak concerning patent infringement in connection\with Java technologies.


U.S.: Iraqi Forces Gaining Effectiveness (AP) AP - When Iraq's 202nd National Guard Battalion faced insurgents six months ago, it simply, in the words of one American general, "evaporated." Now, the same outfit, tested in recent combat, is being touted as a vital building block of the force the United States says will increasingly replace its own troops on the front lines.


Why Do Fall Leaves Change Color? Fall foliage delights leaf-peeping tourists, but how does the change in color benefit trees? As scientists explain, there is a reason for the season.


U.S. Presidential Debate Trivia: Gaffes, Zingers, More Voters tend to forget most of what is said during U.S. presidential debates, but a few memorable moments endure.


Report: SEC to Sanction 3 Stock Exchanges (AP) AP - Federal regulators are planning to sanction three U.S. stock exchanges for allowing trading firms to cheat investors by allegedly failing to fully enforce their rules, according to a newspaper report Friday.


Taking the Express Train to Venus To celebrate the hardware completion of the next orbiter to Venus, the European team of scientists hope toasting to a toasty planet will broaden astrobiology's view of our neighbor. Because on the surface, Venus is hot enough to melt lead...


Sun Drops the Gloves Sun Microsystems (Nasdaq: SUNW) shareholders have one less headache to medicate thanks to management #39;s wise decision to settle its patent infringement litigation with crusty old Eastman Kodak (NYSE: EK).


Alpharma Sells Generic of Pfizer Drug Alpharma Inc. (ALO.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Friday began selling a cheaper generic version of Pfizer Inc. #39;s (PFE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) epilepsy drug Neurontin


BA, Virgin to up fuel surcharge British Airways and Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Atlantic Airways say they will raise fuel surcharges following similar moves by major European carriers this week as oil prices surged.


Gardocki Feels Steelers-Browns Rivalry (AP) AP - Chris Gardocki found himself flat on his back, the wind knocked out of him and Steelers linebacker Joey Porter hovering above him. His temper rising every second he was on the turf, the Browns' punter got up and flashed an angry gesture toward coach Bill Cowher and the Steelers' bench.


Dell Recalls 990,000 AC Adapters This could be due to Dell #39;s persistance of continually trying to make their products cheaper. Dell has recalled almost 1 million AC adapters that could start a fire.


House Toughens Spyware Penalties For the second time in three days, the US House of Representatives has passed an anti-spyware bill, this time adding criminal penalties to tough civil provisions of legislation passed on Tuesday.


Search And Ye Shall Find. . .IBM? John, TechWeb.com. The search wars rage on. It seems as if every large e-business company thinks that search is the key to building its business to the next level.


Georgia Rules Border Rivalry With Tenn. (AP) AP - This used to be one of those games that Georgia dreaded. Not anymore. The No. 3 Bulldogs lost nine straight to Tennessee before reversing course in 2000. Now, it's Georgia that rules this Southeastern Conference clash, having beaten the 17th-ranked Volunteers four years in a row.


Mauresmo, Davenport in Porsche Semis (AP) AP - Amelie Mauresmo and Lindsay Davenport won in straight sets Friday to reach the Porsche Grand Prix semifinals in another step in their battle for the No. 1 ranking.


Howell Leads by One at Dunhill Links (AP) AP - England's David Howell capped his round with an eagle Friday to take a one-stroke lead over compatriot and Ryder Cup teammate Luke Donald after two rounds of the Dunhill Links Championship. Howell and Donald each shot 7-under 65 on the Old Course. Howell's second successive 65 was capped by an eagle-2 on a 105-yard sand wedge into the 18th hole. Donald was a stroke behind at 13-under 131.


Phelps Ruled Out of 400 Medley with Sore Back  INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - Michael Phelps pulled out of the  400 meter individual medley at the short course world swimming  championships with a sore back Friday.


Davenport, Myskina Win in Filderstadt  FILDERSTADT, Germany (Reuters) - The top four seeds reached  the semi-finals of the Filderstadt Grand Prix Friday, with only  French Open champion Anastasia Myskina being taken to three  sets.


Irish Gold Medal-Winning Horse Fails Dope Test  DUBLIN (Reuters) - Waterford Crystal, the horse Cian  O'Connor rode to win Ireland's only gold medal at the Athens  Olympics, failed a dope test after the individual show jumping  competition.


Canada condemns Sinai resort bombings (AFP) AFP - Canada condemned the deadly bombings of Egyptian resorts frequented by Israeli tourists, saying the attack was aimed at hurting cooperation between Egypt and Israel.


FDA Rejects AstraZeneca's Exanta  NEW YORK (Reuters) - AstraZeneca Plc AZN.L AZN.N on  Friday said U.S. regulators did not approve its anti-clotting  drug Exanta.


Dollar Sinks on Weak Jobs Data  NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar fell against the yen on  Friday in its steepest one-day drop in over a year, pushed down  by unexpectedly weak jobs data and speculation that China may  soon allow the yuan to appreciate against the dollar.


Alpharma Sells Generic of Pfizer Drug  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Alpharma Inc. ALO.N on Friday began  selling a cheaper generic version of Pfizer Inc.'s PFE.N  epilepsy drug Neurontin without waiting for a court ruling on  Pfizer's request to block the copycat medicine.


J J Says Arthritis Drug May Hike Blood Cancer Risk  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Johnson   Johnson is warning doctors  that patients taking its rheumatoid arthritis drug Remicade may  have a higher risk of lymphoma, a blood cancer, the company  said on Friday.


VW's Audi Recalls 28,000 A6 Cars  DETROIT (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG VOWG.DE is recalling  28,363 of its Audi A6 luxury cars after finding that in cold  weather states, the throttle could stick due to ice build-up,  the German automaker said on Friday.


Not Looking Up at Sierra Wireless The PC card company is way off its peak, but the stock appears to be a risk rather than a value.


Dell AC Adapters Recalled on Fire Risk Dell has announced a recall of AC adapters used with laptop computers because they pose a risk of fire and electric shock. In all, Dell #39;s recall covers 2.9 million adapters in the US and 4.4 million


Europe Spanks File Swappers The hunt for teenage geeks who illegally download music has moved across the pond, blokes. Only this time, the culprits are a wee bit older.


Ex-NASA worker pleads not guilty A former NASA inspector pleaded not guilty this morning to falsifying safety checks on highly critical parts of shuttle Discovery.


AOL prepares its own browser America Online is planning to release its own standalone Web browser based on Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer technology, according to sources familiar with the company #39;s plans.


Bosox try to finish Angels Bronson Arroyo heads to the mound for his first career postseason start, as the Boston Red Sox try to complete a three-game sweep of the Angels and head back to the American League Championship Series for a second straight year.


Dodgers say Bradley won #39;t be disciplined Los Angeles outfielder Milton Bradley won #39;t be discplined by the Dodgers for a clubhouse confrontation with a reporter he called an  quot;Uncle Tom.


British hostage in Iraq dead: Report Ken Bigley, a British hostage kidnapped in Baghdad 22 days ago, has been killed, Sky News television reported on Friday, quoting sources in Prime Minister Tony Blair #39;s office.


Harrington Completes Heavyweight Match Play Field  LONDON (Reuters) - Ireland's Padraig Harrington completes  an impressive 16-man field for next week's World Match Play  Championship, organizers said Friday. The world number eight  joins three other members of Europe's victorious Ryder Cup  team, Lee Westwood, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Levet, and  captain Bernhard Langer in the 41st Match Play at Wentworth,  England.


Krispy Kreme SEC probe widens NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. said Friday it has been informed by the Securities and Exchange Commission that the agency #39;s investigation of the company has now become a formal probe.


SpaceShipOne Burns Rubber, Laughing GasMore Fun Facts  The spacecraft #39;s test pilots do not wear spacesuits. The craft #39;s space-worthy cockpit is housed within a larger, similarly protective shell.


US could get equestrian gold due to rival #39;s positive test Six weeks after the Athens Olympics, the United States stands to pick up another gold medal -- thanks to an equestrian doping scandal.


Test in twilight, Indians in the shadows Bangalore, October 8: The third days play contained a clear message: India will have to revive those two Kolkata days of three years ago if they wish to stay afloat in the first Test.


Anti-war meeting hears Paul Bigley message About 200 anti-war protesters held a sombre meeting tonight calling for the withdrawal of coalition troops from Iraq. The meeting, which was initially due to feature a live telephone link with Paul Bigley, brother


WHO Launches Polio Immunization In 23 African Countries The World Health Organization, UNICEF and other partners are launching a large-scale polio immunization campaign in 23 African countries.


US Wants UN Council to Meet at Sudan Peace Talks (Reuters) Reuters - Washington wants the U.N.\Security Council to meet next month at the site of peace talks\in Kenya between rebels in southern Sudan and Khartoum's\government, U.S. Ambassador John Danforth said on Friday.


Chinese Firm to Make Advanced Chips (AP) AP - Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., a leading Chinese computer chip maker, plans to begin supplying chips using more advanced technology to major clients such as Texas Instruments Inc. beginning next year, the companies said Friday.


Oil Ends Above \$53 on Supply Worries  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices hit another record on  Friday, trading as high as \$53.40 a barrel, on supply worries  ahead of a planned oil worker strike in Nigeria and delays in  post-Hurricane Ivan U.S. output recovery efforts.


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


AdWatch: Bush Touts Job Creation in TV Ad (AP) AP - Details of a new television ad from President Bush that begins airing this week:


Paper birds of peace fly to appease Thailand #39;s Muslims MORE than 50 military aircraft dropped 120 million origami birds over southern Thailand yesterday in a gesture of peace towards three largely Muslim provinces where 540 people have died in violent clashes this year.


Militants in Iraq Kill British Hostage  BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Al Qaeda-linked militants in Iraq  beheaded a British hostage despite last-ditch secret appeals  from the government in London, Britain said on Friday.


Kenyan Environmentalist Wins Peace Prize IHURURU, Kenya - When Wangari Maathai got word she had won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, she was campaigning to protect Kenya's forests and distributing food to villagers suffering from drought - the same work she's been doing for decades.    Maathai was in the countryside - just one hill away from her childhood home - when told she had won the \$1.3 million prize, joining a club that includes Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan and the Dalai Lama...


Bullpen moves could sway Twins-Yanks One thing to remember about the playoffs is that it isn #39;t always the best team that wins, but the team that plays the best in October.


UK Hostage Bigley #39;s Killing Confirmed by His Family (Update1) The family of Kenneth Bigley who was taken hostage in Iraq on Sept. 16 confirmed that the engineer has been killed by his captors.


96,000 jobs added to payrolls last month Employers added 96,000 jobs to payrolls in September, the government announced Friday, a surprisingly weak total in the last report before the Nov. 2 election.


Pfizer: May Make Own Generic of Neurontin Drugmaker Pfizer Inc (PFE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Friday said it may consider launching its own generic version of epilepsy drug Neurontin after a patent hearing ended on Thursday with no ruling.


Investcorp to buy Thomson Media for \$350M Investcorp SA, a private investment firm, has inked a \$350 million all-cash deal to buy 54 business publications put on the block by The Thomson Corp.


Rumor site pictures Photo iPod for holidays com October 8, 2004, 10:45 AM PT. Mac sites were abuzz Friday on reports that Apple is readying a color-screen iPod in time for the holidays.


SANS Unveils 2004 #39;s Top 20 Internet Vulnerabilities The security research group The SANS Institute on Friday released its annual Top 20 list of the most critical Internet-related vulnerabilities to give organizations a way to prioritize their defensive efforts.


Bush condemns Taba explosions President George W. Bush on Friday condemned the attacks in Egypt that killed at least 28 people and offered help to the Egyptian government as it seeks those responsible.


Militants kill Bigley Al Qaeda-linked militants in Iraq have beheaded a British hostage despite last-ditch secret appeals from the government. A Reuters journalist in Baghdad on Friday saw a video


Kenyan Environmentalist Wins Peace Prize IHURURU, Kenya Oct. 8, 2004 - When Wangari Maathai got word she had won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, she was campaigning to protect Kenya #39;s forests and distributing food to villagers suffering from


Ellison: Oracle considered lowering PeopleSoft bid OCTOBER 08, 2004 (REUTERS) - Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison said today that his company has talked about revising its current \$21-per-share offer to buy rival PeopleSoft Inc.


Chad, US-Malaysian Oil Group Disagree Chad will appoint auditors to investigate oil production by a US-Malaysia consortium after President Idriss Deby #39;s office accused the companies of cheating Africa #39;s newest oil producer out of much-needed foreign currency, an official said Friday.


Action Performance CFO resigns Action Performance Cos. Inc. Friday announced the resignation of Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer R. David Martin effective immediately.


IBM Adds To Its Blade Servers IBM on Friday expanded its blade-server portfolio with six new systems, new options for attached-disk drives, and improved power management.


Google Launches Mobile Messaging Service Putting some truth the rampant rumors that Google was getting into the instant messaging business, the company has announced the beta test release of Google SMS, the mobile phone equivalent of IM.


Nintendo #39;s handheld strategy proceeds on a dual track Nintendo of America is holding a two-day media briefing this week in downtown Seattle in advance of the Nov. 21 launch of the Nintendo DS, a handheld video game device with two screens.


Canada faces must-win game in Honduras in World Cup soccer <b>...</b> (CP) - The numbers do not look good for Canada as it faces a must-win World Cup soccer qualifier in hostile Honduras on Saturday. Canada (0-2-1) has just one point halfway through the semifinal round of qualifying


Navy launches two formal inquiries FASLANE, Scotland -- The Canadian navy has begun assembling two formal boards of inquiry in Scotland that will look into the deadly fire aboard the HMCS Chicoutimi that killed one submariner, left two others in hospital and crippled the vessel #39;s operating


Aristide says he part of solution to Haiti #39;s woes Ousted Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide said on Friday he could be part of the solution to strife in the Caribbean nation, convulsed by violence since he was forced into exile in February.


Nigerian workers strike Government and labour union negotiators have failed to reach an agreement on state-controlled fuel prices, setting the stage for a nationwide workers #39; strike in Africa #39;s largest oil producer.


Blogs Abuzz with Gossip in Caustic U.S. Campaign (Reuters) Reuters - The U.S. presidential campaign between\George W. Bush and John Kerry has prompted a frenzy of gossip\and conspiracy theories among Internet bloggers, hybrid online\sites that blend news, gossip and opinion.


Sinai resort bombings kill 30, Al-Qaeda-linked group claims responsibility (AFP) AFP - At least 30 people were killed and 120 wounded when car bombs exploded at resorts packed with Israeli holidaymakers on the Red Sea coast of Egypt's Sinai desert in attacks claimed by a group saying it belongs to Al-Qaeda.


Armed Men Attack Afghan Polling Station (AP) AP - Armed men wounded one police officer at a refugee camp polling site in Pakistan, just hours before the Afghan refugees were to vote in their country's presidential election, police said Saturday.


U.S. Job Growth Weaker Than Expected  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. employers hired just 96,000  workers in September, the government said on Friday in a weak  jobs snapshot, the final one ahead of presidential elections  that also fueled speculation about a pause in interest-rate  rises.


GE Third-Quarter Profit Rises 1 Percent  BOSTON (Reuters) - General Electric Co.'s GE.N  third-quarter earnings inched up 1 percent as strength across  many of its financial and industrial businesses outweighed  hurricane-related insurance losses, the company said on Friday.


Alpharma Launches Generic of Neurontin  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Alpharma Inc. ALO.N on Friday began  selling a cheaper generic version of Pfizer Inc.'s PFE.N \$3  billion a year epilepsy drug Neurontin without waiting for a  court ruling on Pfizer's request to block the copycat medicine.


Court Throws Out Hollinger Int'l Lawsuit  NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. court on Friday dealt a blow to  Hollinger International Inc.'s HLR.N efforts to recover \$1.25  billion from ex-chairman Conrad Black and others, dismissing  its racketeering lawsuit against them.


House Approves U.S. Spy Agency Overhall (Reuters) Reuters - The U.S. House of Representatives\approved on Friday a Republican overhaul of U.S. spy agencies,\setting the stage for a battle with the Senate over immigration\controls and the powers to be given to a new national\intelligence director.


'Global titans': Expansion in China comes first Dow Jones Indexes finds large firms see Internet technology second only to growth in China when it comes to helping their business.\


U.K. Flu Vaccine Unlikely to Be Cleared WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration is unlikely to clear influenza vaccine made by Chiron Corp. as safe for Americans to use this flu season, Dr...


FTC files suit against Internet spyware firm The U.S. Federal Trade Commission yesterday asked a federal court to shut down a New Hampshire operation, alleging that it disables users' computers to bully them into buying antispyware products.


Ellison: Oracle considered lowering PeopleSoft bid Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, testifying in a Delaware court as part of Oracle's efforts to get PeopleSoft to pull back anti-takeover measures, denied that his company is trying to kill off its smaller software rival.


Q A: Oracle's Jacqueline Woods on licensing, multicore servers Jacqueline Woods, vice president of Oracle's global licensing and pricing strategy, said software licensing fees are the same as they've always been -- even with the recent introduction of multicore processor servers.


Brief: Novell sees delay in shipping Open Enterprise Server Novell said today that its new Open Enterprise Server product will ship in February 2005, about two months later than the company had announced in March.


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


Hollinger International Suit Against Black Dismissed (Update5) A federal judge dismissed Hollinger International Inc. #39;s \$1.25 billion racketeering suit accusing former Chief Executive Conrad Black and businesses he controls of looting more than \$380 million from the company.


ASP.Net glitch discovered Microsoft published an advisory for Web site administrators on the ASP.Net vulnerability and provided instructions for mitigating the effects of the hole, which is in a component called the canonicalization routine.


Unisys cuts 1,400 jobs The Blue Bell, Pa.-based company said it will close some of its facilities and reduce its employee head count.


Dell warns on fire-risk laptops Computer giant Dell is to recall 4.4 million laptop power adapters because of a fear they could overheat, creating a risk of fire or electric shock.


Nintendo Aims To Dominate Portable Gaming Nintendo DS will hit the US market in late November with a price tag of \$150, and will have 14 game titles by the end of the year.


HP, Microsoft Take Tech on the Road NEW YORKHewlett-Packard Co. and Microsoft Corp. are taking to the road with a new initiative to bring technology to small and midsize businesses in remote parts of the country.


Oracle again extends PeopleSoft offer Oracle's \$7.7 billion takeover offer for PeopleSoft has been extended several times already and was set to expire today.


Motive for attack unclear A small parcel bomb exploded outside the Indonesian embassy in Paris before dawn on Friday, slightly injuring 10 people and shattering windows, but officials said they had no clues to the motive.


Weakening Sadr is easier than it seems On Thursday, in what could be a breakthrough for the interim Iraqi government and the coalition forces, a representative of Moqtada al-Sadr, the 30-something Shiite seminary student, announced


SANS unveils top 20 security vulnerabilities The SANS Institute today released its annual Top-20 list of Internet security vulnerabilities. The list is compiled from recommendations by leading security researchers and companies around the world.


BEA envisions role of 'application configurator' BEA Systems with its upcoming Diamond application deployment platform envisions an IT person taking on the new role of application configurator in SOAs (service-oriented architectures).


ICANN to set up shop in Africa The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is planning to open an office in Africa to provide support for the establishment of the African Regional Internet Registry and Internet service providers (ISPs) across the continent, according to ICANN officials.


Sun, Eastman Kodak settle high-stakes dispute over Java Sun Microsystems Inc. will pay Eastman Kodak Co. \$92 million to license patents originally filed by Wang Laboratories, a former minicomputer maker in Lowell.


HP Seeks Edge From Channel In Latest SMB Push Hewlett-Packard #39;s new small- and midsize- business initiatives will rely almost completely on the channel for solutions and services, with partners acting as a differentiator against rivals like Dell and IBM, HP executives said at last week #39;s TechXNY show


NFL suspends Baltimore running back Jamal Lewis for two games The NFL has suspended Baltimore running back Jamal Lewis for two games for using a cellphone to try to set up a drug deal. Lewis pleaded guilty Thursday and will be sentenced to four months


Captors Execute British Hostage FALLUJAH, Iraq, Oct 8 (MASNET  amp; News Agencies) - Militants executed British hostage Kenneth Bigley, it was announced, bringing a tragic end to a three-week ordeal, while US planes bombed a suspected hideout of another militant blamed for beheading several


Some Dell AC Adaptors Recalled for Risk (AP) AP - Dell Inc. is recalling about 2.9 million AC adapters nationwide_ 4.4 million worldwide_ used with notebook personal computers because they can overheat and cause a fire and electrical shock hazard, the company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday.


Court Asked to Settle File-Sharing Dispute (AP) AP - The Supreme Court was asked Friday to hold two Internet file-sharing services responsible for their customers' online swapping of copyrighted songs and movies.


Protein 'Kiss of Death' Team Win Chemistry Nobel (Reuters) Reuters - Two Israelis and an American won the\2004 Nobel Prize for Chemistry on Wednesday for helping to\understand how the human body gives the "kiss of death" to\rogue proteins to defend itself from diseases like cancer.


Ivory crackdown agreed in Africa African countries have announced a continent-wide plan to slash ivory trading in their domestic markets.


Two U.S. Embassy Workers Hurt in Bombing (AP) AP - The bombing at the Taba Hilton hotel in Egypt caused slight injuries to two American employees of the U.S. embassy in Israel and their families, the State Department said Friday.


OAS head quits amid graft scandal The chief of the Organisation of American States, accused of corruption in Costa Rica, quits two weeks into the job.


Death plot Briton jailed in US A British mercenary who conspired to buy a fighter jet as part of a plot to kill a Colombian drugs baron is jailed.


Briefly: Blizzard wins online game suit roundup Plus: CA adds utility-like mainframe pricing, expects...Salesforce.com reports subscriber surge...RealNetworks signs up Red Flag Linux.


NFL Suspends Lewis Two Games for Drug Case (AP) AP - Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis was suspended for two games by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The decision, issued late Friday afternoon by NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, came one day after Lewis pleaded guilty in Atlanta to using a cell phone to try to set up a drug transaction more than four years ago.


Markets end lower In NEW YORK, the major stock indexes ended one per cent lower on Thursday after crude oil rose to a record \$53 a barrel and drug makers like Pfizer Inc and Merck  amp; Co sank on worry that the government may intensify scrutiny of that sector.


US employment rises 96,000 in September, weaker than expected Employers #39; payrolls grew by just 96,000 in September in a weaker-than-expected government report Friday that provided a final snapshot before Election Day of a lackluster jobs market.


Audi Canada recalling 2,432 vehicles over possible throttle <b>...</b> AJAX, Ont. (CP) - Audi Canada is voluntarily recalling 2,432 of its A6 models in Canada from model years 1998 and 1999 over possible freezing of the throttle at low temperatures.


Red Sox Take 2-1 Game 3 Lead Over Angels (AP) AP - The Boston Red Sox took a 2-1 lead over the Anaheim Angels in the third inning of their AL playoff game Friday.


Access to Tom Ridge or bust When Amit Yoran last week became the third cybersecurity chief to leave his post in less than two years, most folks barely noticed.


Jamal Lewis Suspended for Two Games (Reuters) Reuters - Baltimore Ravens running back\Jamal Lewis was suspended for two games without pay and fined\an additional two weeks' salary by the league on Friday for\violating the NFL substance abuse policy.


Jamal Lewis suspended for two games New York, NY (Sports Network) - Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis was suspended for two games without pay and fined an additional two weeks #39; salary by the league on Friday for violating the NFL substance abuse policy.


Seattle #39;s Suzuki declines to accept top Japan government honour Hitting hero Ichiro Suzuki declined to accept a prestigious award from the Japanese government for a second time. Tokyo wanted to salute Suzuki #39;s achievement for producing the most hits in a season


Yao excited about Chinese homecoming (AFP) AFP - Chinese star center Yao Ming is excited about making a homecoming with his National Basketball Association(NBA) teammates next week when he and the Houston Rockets play two exhibitions against Sacramento.


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


A Rush to the Polls in Afghanistan The mere fact of tomorrow #39;s presidential elections in Afghanistan is cause for (subdued) celebration. Afghans are headed to the polls in the country #39;s first-ever  quot;democratic quot; election, and early indications


Strike: First Phase to Last 4 Days The first phase of the nationwide sit-at-home protest against the current increase in the prices of petroleum products will last four days -- Monday to Thursday.


Lewis' Suspension Issued Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis is suspended for two games by the NFL but will be available to face the Redskins Sunday.


Yankees Look Dashing It's still early, but it's not too hard to anticipate a showdown coming between the Yankees and Red Sox in the next round.


Some Dell AC Adaptors Recalled for Safety Problems WASHINGTON (AP) -- Dell Inc. (DELL) is recalling about 2.9 million AC adapters nationwide- 4.4 million worldwide- used with notebook personal computers because they can overheat and cause a fire and electrical shock hazard, the company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday...


Defense Bill Would Nullify \$23B Boeing Deal Boeing would lose last year's deal to lease and sell aircraft refueling tankers to the Air Force, while a plan to close some bases would go forward under a nearly \$450 billion defense bill moving toward approval in the House.


U.S.: No-Fly List Created With No Rules The U.S. government has no "hard and fast" rules for deciding who gets put on the secret no-fly list of terror suspects barred from boarding airliners, the Transportation Security Administration said in court papers Friday.


Chad being 'cheated of oil dues' Chad says a US-Malaysian consortium is  failing to pay market rates in royalties for oil it extracts.


Israeli Troops Kill 4 Palestinians in Gaza Raid  GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli troops killed four Palestinians,  including a militant and a 10-year-old girl, in northern Gaza  on Friday, bringing to 83 the Palestinian death toll from a  massive nine-day-old offensive.


Kerney Big Reason for Falcons' 4-0 Start (AP) AP - Patrick Kerney had rather modest expectations when he went off to college.


NHL All-Star Shoots for Place on Greek Bobsled Team  NEW YORK (Reuters) - All-star defenseman Chris Chelios, a  two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Detroit Red Wings, will  train with the U.S. bobsled federation next week in a bid to  compete for Greece at 2006 Turin Olympics.


Spadea Returns from the Brink  LYON, France (Reuters) - Seventh seed Vincent Spadea came  back from the brink to defeat Jurgen Melzer 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 at  the Lyon Grand Prix Friday.


Canadian dollar cracks 80 cents US for the first time in a decade TORONTO (CP) - A roaring jobs market in Canada and disappointing jobs data from the United States helped the Canadian dollar crack 80 cents US in trading Friday for the first time in more than a decade.


AOL prepares its own browser com October 8, 2004, 11:32 AM PT. This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web Services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.


X Prize group plans new series of contests com October 8, 2004, 2:31 PM PT. ZDNet #39;s survey of IT professionals in October kept upgrading hardware at number two on the businesses radar throughout the year.


Menard takes first Busch pole for Kansas race Paul Menard won his first NASCAR Busch Series pole, edging Kasey Kahne by two-thirds of a second Friday at Kansas Speedway. Menard took the pole for the Mr.


Terrorists execute British hostage in Iraq A British national who was kidnapped along with two Americans was beheaded, his family said Friday, ending hopes that the family #39;s relentless fight for his release would work.


Nigerian labor union to stage strike as negotiations collapse Negotiations between the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and the government over rising fuel prices collapsed on Friday, forcing the labor to begin its planned strikenext week with the first phase lasting four days.


NATO moves forward with Iraq training mission; appoints US <b>...</b> NATO diplomats approved on Friday a detailed outline of their plan to send around 300 military instructors to Iraq following talks with


Alpharma, Pfizer Launch Generic Neurontin (Reuters) Reuters - Alpharma Inc.  on Friday began\selling a cheaper generic version of Pfizer Inc.'s   #36;3\billion a year epilepsy drug Neurontin without waiting for a\court ruling on Pfizer's request to block the copycat medicine.


September Job Growth Weaker Than Expected  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. employers hired just 96,000  workers in September, the government said on Friday in a weak  jobs snapshot, the final one ahead of presidential elections  that also fueled speculation about a pause in interest-rate  rises.


Bush, Kerry campaigns move quickly to spin jobs report (AFP) AFP - The latest data on the US jobs market sparked a fierce spin effort from the campaigns of President George W. Bush and challenger John Kerry to highlight their views on the state of the economy.


Experts Urge Action as U.S. Lines Up for Flu Shots  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Concerned health officials began  investigating what went wrong at a British vaccine plant where  half the U.S. flu shots were made, while Americans jostled for  now-scarce immunizations on Friday.


J J: Arthritis Drug May Hike Cancer Risk  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Johnson   Johnson is warning doctors  that patients taking its rheumatoid arthritis drug Remicade may  have a higher risk of lymphoma, a blood cancer, the company  said on Friday.


Lackluster Jobs Report Pushes Stocks Down NEW YORK - Deepening pessimism over the economy sent stocks lower Friday as investors registered their disappointment over the government's latest jobs report and oil moved past \$53 per barrel. The major indexes ended the week lower...


French soldier threatens to blow up army explosives depot (Chalons-en-Champagne, France-AP) Dec. 5, 2004 - A French soldier angry about being forced to retire is threatening to blow up an army depot containing 60 tons of explosives.


Snow says not campaigning, pays Ohio 7th visit US Treasury Secretary John Snow paid his seventh visit of the year on Friday to the electoral battleground state of Ohio but said his trip had nothing to do with the the fast-approaching election.


Space racers set sights on orbital frontier It might sound like a space-age case of sour grapes, but Rod and Randa Milliron say they #39;re glad they don #39;t have to think about the \$10 million Ansari X Prize anymore.


Custom Channel Gets Media Center OS Microsoft #39;s Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates will share the stage on Tuesday with nearly 15 system builders in a program to officially launch Microsoft #39;s latest version of its Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 operating system.


Earnhardt Jr. needs strong run at Kansas A: This one is - and that was true even before NASCAR officials told the series #39; most popular potty-mouth to go chomp on 25 points #39; worth of figurative Irish Spring.


Press Review: A Willful Lie? Papers across Europe commented on the Iraq Survey Group #39;s confirmation that Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction and discussed Elfriede Jelinek winning the Nobel Prize for Literature.


UN Security Council Adopts Anti-Terrorism Measure The UN Security Council has adopted a Russian-sponsored resolution seeking to strengthen the international effort against terrorists.


Voters Head to the Polls in Australia Election  SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australians voted on Saturday in an  election which offered the choice between a conservative  government that unreservedly backs the United States and its  Iraq war and a Labor opposition seeking stronger ties in Asia.


UN backs anti-terror measures The UN Security Council backs a Russian proposal to speed up the extradition of terrorist suspects.


Topics A, B and C in Run-up to Debate: Jobs, Jobs and Jobs John Kerry will assail President Bush tonight as the first president since Herbert Hoover to preside over a four-year term with fewer Americans working than when he began.


Red Hat Boosts Enterprise-Class Linux Services When Tim Howes and a group of colleagues created the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol almost 15 years ago, he had no idea this quiet little front end to the more robust X.500 directory