Duke Enrollment Package: New iPod Instead of the usual Blue Devils T-shirt and ball cap, Duke University freshmen receive a free iPod engraved with the school's crest. The school hopes the devices will be used for recording lectures and capturing scientific data.


Florida Judge: Recount Votes A state rule barring Florida counties with touch-screen voting from conducting manual recounts is at odds with state law, according to an administrative law judge ruling in a lawsuit against the state.


Phone Home and Find the Way Route finders, once limited to executive autos, have become part of advanced handsets and are now being designed into mobile phones. New smartphones can load computer-like applications, adding mapping to their bag of tricks.


Next Windows Version: 2006 Target Microsoft announces Longhorn, its next version of Windows, will meet its 2006 release date. But to deliver on time for corporate client contracts, a key component -- the underlying file system for the software -- will be missing.


LNR Property Shares May Rise on Cerberus Purchase Agreement Shares in LNR Property Corp., the real estate development company spun off from Lennar Corp., may rise after the company agreed to be bought by a group led by Cerberus Capital Management LP for \$3.


ONGC acquires West Australian co, signs MOU with Karnataka Bangalore: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) acquired a Canadian off-shore oilfield in West Australia yesterday, its Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Subir Raha, announced today.


Marathon result disputed The Brazilian Olympic Committee will lodge an appeal against the result of Sunday #39;s Athens marathon, after it was disrupted by a spectator.


UPDATE 1-Newcastle sack Robson as manager Newcastle United have sacked their manager Bobby Robson, the English Premier League club said on Monday.  quot;After a disappointing start to the Premier League season, the directors


Cheek at top level Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Tom Cheek became the seventh member of the club #39;s Level of Excellence in a ceremony held before yesterday #39;s game against the New York Yankees at the SkyDome.


OPEC to Do All It Can to Stabilize Prices The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries is doing its best to restore order and stability to the market with reasonable prices that are acceptable to producers and consumers alike, the group #39;s president said Monday.


Angst Over Anglers In a study published Friday, a team of marine biologists finds that sport fishing accounts for nearly one-fourth of the total catch for the commercially valuable species the federal government most worries about conserving.


China launches satellite FLEDGLING space power China today launched a satellite from a remote desert region for a short-term scientific mission, state media reported.


Plan to let soldiers vote by e-mail is questioned JEFFERSON CITY - An election security expert has raised questions about Missouri Secretary of State Matt Blunt #39;s plan to let soldiers at remote duty stations or in combat areas cast their ballots with the help of e-mail.


Bobby Robson  #39;relieved of duties #39; at Newcastle Newcastle manager Bobby Robson has been  quot;relieved of his duties quot; at the lagging soccer club, Newcastle announced Monday.


No gold but Khan shows his mettle IT HAD always threatened to be a fight too far for Amir Khan, and so it proved. Up against the vastly experienced Cuban Mario Kindelan, the 17-year-old from Bolton fought gamely, but in the end lost out by


France: Headscarf law will be applied French government refuses to yield to Iraqi kidnappers of two French reporters on law banning headscarves. By Hugh Schofield - PARIS.


US Warns Its Citizens in Afghanistan KABUL, Afghanistan Aug. 30, 2004 - The US government warned its citizens to keep a low profile Monday after a car bomb hit a private American security firm, killing up to 11 people in the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital in two years.


UN deadline on Darfur approaches A United Nations deadline is set to expire on Monday for the Sudanese authorities to improve security in the troubled Darfur region.


Pollsters refuse to write off Australian PM despite lag in polls SYDNEY : Opinion polls give Australia #39;s opposition Labor Party a big lead over Prime Minister John Howard #39;s conservative government as campaigning begins for October 9 elections, but analysts say the real race is still too close to call.


Inter-Korean Economic Talks Cancelled The 10 th round of the inter-Korean economic talks planned to start today for a four-day run in Seoul has been cancelled as Pyongyang refused to contact Seoul to coordinate meeting schedule the day prior, a government official said Monday.


Sony Shows Off New Low-End Digicam (PC World) PC World -  #36;300 Cyber-shot squeezes high-end performance into its small package.


Japan's Supreme Court clears way for MTFG and UFJ merger (AFP) AFP - Japan's Supreme Court cleared the way for UFJ Holdings and Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group to merge by rejecting a bid to halt the deal by Sumitomo Trust and Banking, a court spokeswoman said.


NI deal to be decided The DUP leader will continue talks today with the British Government after Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams gave his backing for an Advent agreement to revive power sharing and remove the gun forever from Northern Ireland politics.


CIA, Pentagon Officials Fight Merge Plan WASHINGTON - Opening a rare window into a secret world, the CIA and the Pentagon are publicly fighting a proposal to centralize under Defense Department control the U.S. covert paramilitary operations used increasingly in recent years in Afghanistan and elsewhere...


Athens Games: Best of Greek Past, Present ATHENS, Greece - Little things meant a lot in Athens: a tear from Mia Hamm's eye, or a smile across Jennie Finch's mouth, was as good as gold. A pair of abandoned wrestling shoes, size 13, signaled goodbye for Rulon Gardner...


Kremlin Choice Wins in Chechnya Election GROZNY, Russia - The Russian government's candidate to lead warring Chechnya easily won a presidential election held in the wake of last week's terrorist destruction of two airliners, election officials said Monday. The opposition charged voting was tainted by fraud...


UPDATE 1-Oil steadies above \$43 on Iraq exports woes US oil prices rose slightly on Monday as Iraq #39;s oil exports continued at more than 30 percent below normal after sabotage attacks on pipelines.


Marathon intruder Horan held in Athens The Irishman who was arrested after obstructing Brazilian athlete Vanderlei de Lima in the men #39;s Olympic marathon will be brought to the general district attorney #39;s office in Athens today.


Managers #39; Chief Slams  #39;Ridiculous #39; Sacking Former Newcastle defender Frank Clark blasted the ridiculous scenario which led to the Magpies dismissal of boss Sir Bobby Robson today.


Rooney war nears endgame Manchester United and Newcastle have until 1200 BST on Tuesday to secure a deal with Everton over Wayne Rooney. Everton, who play at Old Trafford in a lunchtime game on Monday, are sitting on a reputed 25m offer from the former Premiership champions.


Final flag falls at speedway By the time Dan Wheldon took the checkered flag Sunday at the Firestone Indy 225, thousands in the crowd had already begun marching toward the exits.


PM warns of ALP economic disaster Prime Minister John Howard has warned of economic disaster under a Latham Labor government - while admitting interest rates were high during his term as federal treasurer.


Bangladesh opposition unites to oust Zia government Opposition parties in Bangladesh have reportedly reached a consensus on ousting the government of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, which it termed as being  quot;fanatic, terrorist and autocratic.


MRPL to invest Rs 1,300 crore The Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) proposed to invest Rs 1,300 crore over a period of time in improving plant and upgrading products, Oil and Natural Gas Corp Ltd (ONGC) Chairman Subir Raha said today.


Italian steals victory In an Olympic marathon marred by a bizarre intrusion, Italy #39;s Stefano Baldini surged ahead with more than three kilometres to win the gold yesterday.


Schumi admits Spa #39;s very  #39;special #39; Michael Schumacher admits there couldn #39;t have been a better place for him to wrap-up his seventh World title than at Spa, a circuit that have instrumental throughout his F1 career.


Tigers glad to leave Boston after one-sided sweep More than gladly, the Tigers left the excitement of Fenway Park and headed for the quiet of Kansas City. The nation may not be pining for yet another Tigers-Royals series, but the Tigers sure are.


WHELDON WINS INDY RACE Englishman Dan Wheldon claimed an historic Indy Racing League victory in the Indy 225 at Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Wheldon, from Emberton, got his title challenge back on track with his win in the 100th IRL race, his third victory of a superb season.


Security Chief: Iran Will Help Bring Iraqi Stability 30 August 2004 -- Iran #39;s security chief, Hasan Rowhani, has assured visiting Iraqi officials that his country is committed to cooperating on establishing security in Iraq.


African Union Urges Sudan, Rebels Overcome Impasse (Reuters) Reuters - The African Union urged\Sudan's government and Darfur rebels to remain engaged in peace\talks Monday, after negotiations foundered over what the U.N.\has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.


Tech workers stay put as economy perks up (USATODAY.com) USATODAY.com - Tech workers are holding on to their jobs tighter than they have in more than 20 years.


Ex-Veritas CTO loads up on shares (SiliconValley.com) SiliconValley.com - Recently departed Veritas Software Chief Technology Officer Fred van den Bosch has added to his holdings in the Mountain View company's stock, at least for now.


Olympics Chief Says Zeus Smiled on Athens  ATHENS (Reuters) - Zeus and the other gods of ancient  Greece smiled on the Athens Olympic Games, whose spectacular  success surprised the world, the head of the organizing  committee said Monday.


African Union Urges Sudan, Rebels Overcome Impasse  ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Reuters) - The African Union urged  Sudan's government and Darfur rebels to remain engaged in peace  talks Monday, after negotiations foundered over what the U.N.  has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.


Cerberus to Buy LNR Property for Cash Riley Property Holdings LLC, a new company majority owned by affiliates of New York-based investment firm Cerberus Capital Management LP, agreed to purchase LNR Property Corp.


Japan #39;s Supreme Court clears way for MTFG and UFJ merger TOKYO : Japan #39;s Supreme Court cleared the way for UFJ Holdings and Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group to merge by rejecting a bid to halt the deal by Sumitomo Trust and Banking, a court spokeswoman said.


China needs to invest \$120 bn in power generation China needs to invest \$120 billion in the next five years to generate enough electricity to meet its huge demand for power and reduce crippling power shortages, state media said on Monday.


Italian Consumer Prices Rose in August as Oil Prices Surged Italian consumer prices rose the most in two months in August as record crude oil prices lifted transportation costs, data from Italy #39;s 13 biggest cities showed.


Audio Company Crafts New Computerized Suspension System The Framingham, Mass., company best known for audio systems and speakers, has developed a revolutionary computer-controlled suspension system that replaces the traditional shocks and springs with electronic actuators.


Danger comes in unpredictable forms ATHENS, Greece -- I could see Vanderlei de Lima of Brazil running almost straight toward me. The 5-5, 119-pound marathon competitor had started with the rest of the men in the hill town of Marathon, the place where it all began 2,494 years ago.


Schumacher Rewrites the History Books Again It was not quite business as usual for Michael Schumacher on Sunday. He was on the podium at the end of the Belgian Grand Prix but in second place.


FACTBOX-Bobby Robson factbox Following is a factbox on Bobby Robson who was sacked as Newcastle United manager on Monday. 1948: Signed as an apprentice with Middlesbrough, at the same time working at the local coal mine.


Juninho in flying start Former Boro fans #39; hero Juninho paid tribute to the Parkhead atmosphere after playing a starring role in the 1-0 Old Firm derby win over Rangers on his debut.


Halilhodzic struggling to restore PSG fortunes Vahid Halilhodzic has established a reputation as a soccer guru over the years but his coaching skills have failed to end Paris St Germain #39;s win drought this season.


Iraq oil pipeline attacks cease exports Oil exports from southern Iraq have grounded to a complete halt because of a spate of attacks on pipelines. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior Iraqi official from South Oil Company said oil flows


Wall Street Plays Party Host The Republican National Convention, which opens Monday at Madison Square Garden in midtown Manhattan, is being bankrolled and feted to an extraordinary degree by the financial services behemoths that are concentrated at the island's southern tip.


Yukos faces tax payment deadline Beleaguered Russian oil giant Yukos on Monday faces a court-imposed deadline to pay a multi-billion dollar tax bill.


Peace ' key'  to lower oil prices Oil prices will only fall if global conflicts are resolved, the boss of oil producers' organisation Opec says.


Peace  #39; key #39; to lower oil prices Oil prices will only fall if global conflicts are resolved, the boss of oil prducers #39; organisation Opec has warned. Opec president Purnomo Yusgiantoro said its members were increasing production to meet high


Crude oil price may continue downward slide Crude oil #39;s five-day plunge last week after failing to reach US\$50 a barrel convinced more traders and analysts that the price will continue to fall, according to a Bloomberg News survey.


Fires at homes in Waterford Township, Detroit leave 5 dead A house fire Sunday morning in this Detroit suburb left three family members dead about the same time that a blaze in Detroit killed two young children, police and fire officials said.


Stocks Set to Open Lower on Quiet Earnings US stock futures were moving into negative territory early Monday at the start of a quiet earnings and a noisy political week. Dow Jones futures were down 28 points recently, while Nasdaq futures declined 8 points and S amp;P futures were down 3.4 points.


MSN Music: It #39;s really about Windows Microsoft is expected to enter the online song store market this week, which should put the software giant head-to-head with Apple Computer in the music business at last.


Internet cartoon can use Guthrie song That #39;s the agreement reached between the publishers of Woody Guthrie #39;s classic This Land Is Your Land and JibJab Media, creators of an animated Internet short that uses the tune in a comic send-up of President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry #39;s


NBC finishes Summer Games like a champ After a disastrous performance in Sydney, NBC proved its Olympic mettle with multi-network, vastly expanded coverage that both did better and was better.


Americans in Kabul Warned after Bombing The US embassy in Kabul is advising Americans in the Afghan capital to restrict their movements after a deadly car bomb late Sunday killed about a dozen people outside the offices of a US security company.


Fact Imitates Dogs of War Fiction Frederick Forsyth wrote it up as The Dogs of War, and set it in Equatorial Guinea here: A rag-tag band of mercenaries, recruited by a British elite, tries to seize control of a mineral-rich, African backwater.


Palestinian girl wounded by Israeli missile as mother of prisoner <b>...</b> An Israeli gunship helicopter on Monday fired a missile toward a car carrying four Palestinian activists, but missed and hit a nearby home instead.


Ex-treasurer of Japan party faction arrested A former treasurer of the Japanese ruling party #39;s largest faction was arrested yesterday, media reports said, in a widening political donations scandal that forced ex-Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto to quit as the faction #39;s head last month.


Negroponte Wants More Funds for Iraqi Security --WSJ  NEW YORK (Reuters) - The new U.S. ambassador to Iraq wants  to shift \$3.37 billion in aid earmarked for water, sewage and  electricity projects in the country to efforts to improve  Iraq's security and oil output and create more jobs, the Wall  Street Journal reported on Monday.


OutKast triumph at MTV Awards Hip-hop duo OutKast and rapper Jay-Z are among the main winners at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards.


Video's Virtual  Wonderland (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Again this year, we offer the video-game shopper a cheat sheet identifying some of the top titles of the holiday season. Keep in mind that weird tastes abound and some are reflected on this list, which is culled from hundreds of games released in time for the holidays.


Shell, Sinopec in China Retail Venture (Reuters) Reuters - Royal Dutch/Shell Group (RD.AS)\(SHEL.L) said it would jointly operate 180 gas stations in\China by the end of 2004, the second foreign oil major after BP\to enter the country's huge but tightly controlled retail\market.


We Owe Much to DES (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - DES did yeoman security service for thousands of applications, says Counterpane Internet Security CEO Bruce Schneier.


Berlusconi knocked out by left in tackle by Blair (AFP) AFP - Prime Minister Tony Blair kicked his Italian host Silvio Berlusconi so hard on the left knee during a game of soccer earlier this month that the Italian premier had to have the injury scanned at a hospital near his vacation villa in Sardinia.


Israel Plan to Use Settlement As Hospital (AP) AP - Israel has proposed leaving a Gaza settlement intact to be used as a hospital after an Israeli pullout, and wants to sell an industrial zone on the edge of the coastal strip to international bodies, Israeli officials said.


IBM Provides Developers with Free Cloudscape Resources (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - IBM announces a set of free tools and support for developers using its Java relational database, also now known as Derby.


TISCALI ANNOUNCES SELLS OFF SWEDISH SUBSIDIARY FOR 13 MLN (AGI) - Rome, Aug. 30 - Tiscali has reached an agreement to sell off its Swedish subsidiary, Tiscali AB to Spray Network AB, a company controlled by Lycos Europe.


Stocks Seen Sliding as Oil Moves Higher  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks are set to open lower on  Monday with oil prices pushing higher and Wall Street on edge  as the Republican National Convention gets underway in New York  amid heightened security concerns.


European Shares Drift Down in Thin Trade  LONDON (Reuters) - European stocks were slightly lower by  mid-day in holiday-hit trading on Monday, with crude oil rises  weighing on shares, though Sanofi-Aventis gained on the result  of trials of an anti-obesity drug.


'Great Escape' from Athens Runs Smoothly  ATHENS (Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of Olympic  athletes and visitors began what Greek media termed the "Great  Escape" from Athens Monday, an exodus that has so far run as  smoothly as the Games themselves.


Flexitronics acquires India #39;s Future Software CHENNAI - Singapore-based electronics contract maker Flexitronics has acquired telecom software solutions firm Future Software Ltd for an undisclosed amount.


WestLB to sell travel firm stake German bank WestLB is to sell its stake in  Europe's largest travel group TUI, owners of the Thomson and Lunn Poly brands.


Stocks Set to Open Lower on Quiet Earnings NEW YORK - U.S stock futures were moving into negative territory early Monday at the start of a quiet earnings and a noisy political week.    Dow Jones futures were down 28 points recently, while Nasdaq futures declined 8 points and S P futures were down 3.4 points...


Schwab said to sell capital markets business to UBS LONDON (CBS.MW) - US stock futures were tracking lower on Monday, indicating expectations for a weaker start despite a couple of anticipated deals.


Income Tax to Be Cut by 1 point to Boost Economy The ruling Uri Party on Monday proposed an income tax cut by one percentage point and additional government spending of 5.5 trillion won next year in a policy bid to stimulate the economy.


Orion hopes super PCs are stars If you need a supercomputer on your desktop, Orion Multisystems has a machine for you. Aiming at scientists and engineers who need to do serious data crunching, the Santa Clara start-up will


Silver finale for USA In the last event of the 2004 Olympic Games, the United States track team produced one last surprise. Meb Keflezighi, a native of Eritrea who moved to the United States as


Allardyce makes most of meagre resources Sam Allardyce is continuing to prove you do not have to spend millions to feast at the top table. The Bolton manager #39;s ethic is simple.


Air Force Awards Tablet PC Project If you've ever had a portable computer shut down because the battery went dead, you should know the Air Force shares your problem. And it's trying to solve it, too.


Hong Kong Economy Grows 12 Percent in 2nd Quarter Hong Kong is celebrating better than expected economic figures while China has started its first financial bailout of a private company.


JackBe's Technology Cuts to the Quick Several years ago, two Mexican brothers took out credit card loans to start JackBe Corp., providing software that helps companies perform business over the Web more efficiently and securely.


In Dorms, a Method to The Matches Computer-based matching system helps students to find the most compatible roommates.


Don't regulate RFID--yet Industry deserves a chance to act responsibly, CNET News.com's Declan McCullagh says, before ill-informed legislators step in.


Intel: Half-billion on a chip Intel Corp. is on track to introduce the world #39;s most advanced chip production technology in its products next year, the largest semiconductor maker said.


Update 3: Japan Court Approves UFJ-Mitsubishi Talks Japan #39;s Supreme Court on Monday said merger talks could proceed between troubled UFJ Holdings Inc. and Mitsubishi Tokyo Group Inc.


Orion belts out desktop cluster workstations A CALIFORNIAN company announced two different versions of cluster workstations which, it claims, will give supercomputer abilities for professionals who need to number crunch in a non-trivial way.


French Officials to Visit Baghdad To Seek Release of Journalists French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier says government officials will go to Baghdad to work for the release of two French journalists abducted in the Iraqi capital.


Typhoon Chaba pounds southern Japan, leaving two dead TOKYO : Powerful typhoon Chaba, packing winds of up to 90 miles (144 kilometres) per hour, pounded Japan #39;s main southern island of Kyushu, killing at least two people and injuring more than 30.


Oil Prices Edge Up on Iraq Exports Woes (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. oil prices rose on Monday as Iraq's\oil exports continued at more than 30 percent below normal\after sabotage attacks on pipelines.


European Shares Drift Down in Thin Trade (Reuters) Reuters - European stocks were slightly lower by\mid-day in holiday-hit trading on Monday, with crude oil rises\weighing on shares, though Sanofi-Aventis gained on the result\of trials of an anti-obesity drug.


First Industrial Realty Raises Forecast (Reuters) Reuters - First Industrial Realty Trust (FR.N)\on Monday raised its profit forecast for the third quarter and\full year, citing higher gains from the sale of properties\owned by its joint venture.


Al-Qaeda claims attack on US consulate in Jeddah: website (AFP) AFP - The Saudi branch of Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda terror group used an Islamist web site to claim an unprecedented attack on the US consulate in the Saudi port of Jeddah, stating that some assailants had managed to flee after the operation.


UBS Reportedly to Buy Schwab Units  NEW YORK (Reuters) - UBS AG is expected to buy Charles  Schwab Corp.'s institutional research and trading unit for \$265  million, the Wall Street Journal said Monday, citing unnamed  people familiar with the matter.


Internet Turns 35, Still Work in Progress Thirty-five years after computer scientists at UCLA linked two bulky computers using a 15-foot gray cable, testing a new way for exchanging data over networks, what would ultimately become the Internet remains a work in progress.


Yahoo Pares Google Stake, Sells \$191M Yahoo Inc. said Friday it sold \$191 million in Google Inc. stock in that company's initial public offering, cashing out some of the 2.7 million shares Google gave Yahoo this month to settle two disputes.


E-Mail Voting Prompts Security Concerns Missouri will allow members of the military stationed overseas to return absentee ballots via e-mail, raising concerns from Internet security experts about fraud and ballot secrecy.


Court Tosses VeriSign Suit Vs. Overseers A federal judge dismissed an antitrust complaint against a key Internet oversight group brought by a company that controls directories for guiding Internet users worldwide.


Israeli, Palestinian Killed in Gaza Clash (AP) AP - Islamic militants set off explosives in a booby-trapped chicken coop Tuesday as Israeli troops approached, killing one soldier and wounding four, the army and militants said.


Oil  amp; Natural Gas Buys 55 Stake in Australian Block (Update1) Oil  amp; Natural Gas Corp., India #39;s biggest oil producer, bought 55 percent of an oil exploration area off the coast of Western Australia from Calgary-based Antrim Energy Inc.


Wall Street set for soft start Wall Street is set to open lower on Monday, as a dearth of corporate news and wariness ahead of economic data later in the week keep investors out of the market.


Shell, Sinopec in China Retail Venture Royal Dutch/Shell Group (RD.AS: Quote, Profile, Research) (SHEL.L: Quote, Profile, Research) said it would jointly operate 180 gas stations in China by the end of 2004, the


Pakistan Economy Should Grow 6 Percent Pakistan #39;s economy is set to grow more than 6 percent this fiscal year, despite the threat of inflation, a weakening currency and pressure on its balance of payments, a World Bank official said Monday.


UBS bank to snap up Schwab research unit Paris - Swiss bank UBS is expected to purchase Charles Schwab Corporation #39;s capital markets business and its SoundView Technology stock-research operation for \$265 million (R1.


Novartis: FDA Wants More Certican Details Swiss drug maker Novartis Pharma AG said Monday that the Food and Drug Administration has again requested more information on the company #39;s Certican treatment, when used in combination with Neoral, to prevent heart and kidney transplant rejection episodes


Royal Society fights all-out cloning ban BRITAINS leading academic institution is backing an international campaign to stop the United States securing an international ban on all forms of human cloning.


Sprint, SBC announce Wi-Fi sharing agreement KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Customers of Sprint Corp. and SBC Communications Inc. will be able to use both companies #39; wireless Internet connections with less hassle under a reciprocal deal announced Friday.


Boxing: Khan will keep feet on ground TEENAGE boxing sensation Amir Khan punched is way to an Olympic silver medal yesterday - then worried about his homework and passing his driving test.


It will take four months to get it right says Benitez Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said it will take up to four months before they have a strong team following their 1-0 Premiership defeat at Bolton where their Spanish debutants were on show.


France refuses Iraqi kidnappers #39; ultimatum The French government today refused to bow to the demands of militants who have kidnapped two French journalists in Iraq, insisting that a law banning Muslim headscarves in school would go ahead.


Nigerian troops leave for Darfur Nigerian troops left for Sudan #39;s Darfur province on Monday as part of an African Union force mandated for the conflict-torn region, military officials said.


Iraq says southern oil exports stable BASRA, Iraq : Crude oil exports from southern Iraq were stable at around 1.5 million barrels a day despite several recent attacks on pipelines, a South Oil Company official said.


Technical tune to Agni test before talks New Delhi, Aug. 29: The test-firing of Agni II has little to do with sending diplomatic messages and everything to do with technical requirements, Indian military sources said.


Vietnam Marks Independence with Pardons for Prisoners (Reuters) Reuters - Vietnam has released nearly 9,000\prisoners, including 10 inmates whose cases it says had drawn\international attention, as part of traditional pardons granted\ahead of independence celebrations on September 2.


Stocks Set to Open Lower as Oil Rises  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks are set to open lower on  Monday with oil prices climbing higher and Wall Street on edge  as the Republican National Convention gets underway in New York  City amid heightened security concerns.


Dollar Mixed Ahead of U.S. Data Deluge  LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar rose against the yen but  eased from three-week highs against the euro on Monday as  investors waited for key economic data this week to shed light  on the health of the U.S. recovery.


France Races Against Clock in Iraq Hostage Crisis  CAIRO (Reuters) - France scrambled to secure the freedom of  two French journalists kidnapped by Iraqi militants who gave  Paris until Monday evening to drop its controversial ban on  Muslim headscarves in schools.


Bills Edge Into Playoff Contention (AP) AP - Coach Mike Mularkey refuses to do the playoff math because it's way too complicated to consider where his Buffalo Bills might fit into the equation.


Bolton 1 - 0 Liverpool .: 1000 #39;s of Liverpool fans have joined the best unofficial Liverpool FC website on the planet - why dont you? Liverpool suffered their first League loss of the season as Kevin Davies led Bolton to third place in the table with a first-half winner.


France Races Against Clock in Iraq Hostage Crisis France scrambled to secure the freedom of two French journalists kidnapped by Iraqi militants who gave Paris until Monday evening to drop its controversial ban on Muslim headscarves in schools.


Deadly weekend fires kill 5 (08/30/04)-- A house fire in Oakland County #39;s Waterford Township has claimed the lives of a township police officer and his wife and child.


Atlas Copco to Sell Electric Tool Business STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Swedish engineering company Atlas Copco Group is selling its electric tool business which includes Milwaukee Electric Tool in the United States to Hong Kong-based Techtronic Industries Co.


Brussels probes Vivendi tax scheme The European Commission on Friday said it was scrutinising a French tax scheme under which Vivendi Universal unlocked 3.8 billion (\$4.


New Orion workstation puts cluster in a box A new company thinks it has the answer to the complaints of scientists and engineers looking for high-performance computing (HPC) on the desktop.


Big buzz over coming iMac With Apple Computer #39;s next iMac expected to be unveiled this week, Mac fan Web sites are buzzing with speculation over the design.


Piquionne Brace Keeps PSG Winless St. Etienne striker Frederic Piquionne fired his second goal of the evening near the death to earn the esteemed risers a 2-2 draw at Paris St.


Davies exploits Liverpool #39;s lack of adventure The new Liverpool are already looking remarkably similar to the previous Liverpool - right down to the scowl on Steven Gerrard #39;s face.


Clock ticks down for French hostages, Iraq government in security <b>...</b> BAGHDAD : The clock was ticking down for two French hostages whose Islamist abductors have served Paris with an ultimatum to lift a ban on Muslim headscarves in schools, while Iraq #39;s government continued efforts to end the chaos prevailing in the country.


Five Killed as Typhoon Tears Across Southern Japan Typhoon Chaba tore across southwestern Japan Monday, killing at least five people and knocking out electricity for thousands as it swirled its way north, dumping heavy rain and whipping up huge seas.


Retail sales in Japan show modest rise in July TOKYO Japanese retail sales rose in July after three months of declines, the government said Monday, as higher-than-usual temperatures spurred demand for summer clothing and drinks and as consumers bought televisions to watch the Olympics.


German referendum on EU constitution unlikely but not impossible Germany could hold a referendum to approve the European Union #39;s new constitution if changes can be made to its own basic law in time for such a vote, a government spokesman said Monday.


US signs \$468 mn development deal with Indonesia The US government on Monday signed agreements to provide Indonesia with 468 million dollars to develop its creaking health, education and environment sectors.


Frustrated chimp takes up smoking Sexual frustration has driven a mild-mannered chimpanzee to take up smoking and spitting, according to China #39;s Xinhua news agency.


Oil prices edge higher US oil prices edged higher Monday as Iraq #39;s oil exports continued at more than 30 percent below normal after sabotage attacks on pipelines.


Corporate pension troubles show signs of worsening NEW YORK - The corporate pension crisis seems to be going from bad to worse. First, companies struggled to come up with the money to cover their benefit obligations, and now they want to ditch their plans altogether.


Atlas Copco to sell electric tool business STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- Swedish engineering company Atlas Copco Group is selling its electric tool business which includes Milwaukee Electric Tool in the United States to Hong Kong-based Techtronic Industries Co.


World ban on human cloning, UK stands up to US pressure Great Britains best scientists are standing up to American government pressure to get a worldwide ban on all types of human cloning by backing an international campaign against American efforts.


Schumacher  #39;will race on #39; Michael Schumacher has no plans to retire after winning his seventh world title, says Ferrari boss Jean Todt. The 35-year-old German clinched his fifth-straight championship after finishing second behind McLaren #39;s Kimi Raikkonen in the Belgian Grand Prix.


Arab League chief urges release of French hostages Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa on Monday urged the release of the two French journalists kidnapped by Islamic militants in Iraq.


US Airways, pilots union reopen talks No. 7 carrier must reach agreements with unions before Sept. 30, when it risks violating loan terms. NEW YORK (Reuters) - US Airways #39; pilots union leaders said Monday they proposed new contract terms to management


Sinopec 2nd-Quarter Profit Rises 92 on Fuel Demand (Update3) China Petroleum  amp; Chemical Corp., Asia #39;s biggest oil refiner, had a 92 percent increase in second- quarter profit on rising demand for fuel from China #39;s motorists and power generators.


Longhorn #39;s loss may be some users #39; gain Microsoft Corp. #39;s retreat from its Longhorn ambitions and its decision to add several Longhorn technologies to Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 may rob the next Windows release


A renaissance for the workstation? Santa Clara, Calif.-based Orion Multisystems has come up with a new type of workstation that can hold several processors clustered together for greater power.


Cuba Sends Seven to the Gold-Medal Round Cuba put seven of its eight boxers into this weekend #39;s Olympic boxing finals and has an opportunity to equal the seven boxing golds it won in the


Ochoa will ride hot streak to Rail The problem was, the tournament was being shown on tape delay in Guadalajara, Mexico, and her mother couldnt understand why she was so giddy.


Iraq seeks to mend relations with Iran Iraq is stepping up efforts to improve relations with neighbouring Iran, which has been highly critical of the military action against Shiite militias in Iraq.


Consumer Spending Rebounds Sharply (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. consumer spending rebounded\sharply July, government data showed on Monday, erasing the\disappointment of June and bolstering hopes that the U.S.\economy has recovered from its recent soft spot.


Stocks Set to Open Lower as Oil Rises (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. stocks are set to open lower on\Monday with oil prices climbing higher and Wall Street on edge\as the Republican National Convention gets underway in New York\City amid heightened security concerns.


France will not repeal head scarf law despite demands from kidnappers in Iraq (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - PARIS (AP) - France will not revoke a law banning Muslim head scarves in public schools despite demands by a militant Islamic group holding two French journalists hostage in Iraq, a government spokesman said Monday.


Before-the-Bell: Accredo Health Drops  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Accredo Health Inc. ACDO.O  sank in trade before the opening bell after the provider of  pharmacy and treatment services for patients with chronic  illnesses slashed its fiscal 2005 profit forecast.


Tyson Cuts Fiscal 2004 Earnings Forecast  CHICAGO (Reuters) - Tyson Foods Inc. TSN.N on Monday cut  its fiscal 2004 earnings forecast because of  weaker-than-expected demand for chicken and beef and  unexpectedly steep raw material costs.


China's Hero leads US box office The Chinese martial arts epic Hero, starring Jet Li, takes top spot at the box office in the US and Canada.


France Appeals for Hostages' Release CAIRO, Egypt - France's foreign minister appealed Monday for the release of two French journalists abducted in Baghdad, saying the French respect all religions. He did not rule out traveling to Baghdad...


The Pathway Less Traveled Astronauts have long known that space travel is a good way to diet. The excitement of launch. Thrilling vistas seen from Earth orbit. Floating weightless. Maybe a touch of motion sickness. Who can eat at a time like that?


Chocolate Shown to Help Blood Vessels By EMMA ROSS    MUNICH, Germany (AP) -- There's more good news for chocolate lovers. Scientists have found that eating dark chocolate appears to improve the function of important cells lining the wall of blood vessels for at least three hours...


Causes of Heart Disease Seen Same Worldwide The causes of heart disease are surprisingly the same in every region and race, and stress seems to play a more important role in heart attacks than previously recognized, a major new study has found.


Scientists May Use Drugs to Stop Addiction By MALCOLM RITTER    NEW YORK (AP) -- Can Prozac help you kick cocaine? Can Ritalin? How about a blood pressure pill or medicine for muscle spasms? If you're an alcoholic, could you get help staying sober by taking an anti-nausea drug used by cancer patients?    Scientists are exploring those questions right now. In fact, in the field of addiction medicine, one of the hottest sources of new drugs is .....


New Orion workstation puts cluster in a box A new company thinks it has the answer to the complaints of scientists and engineers looking for high-performance computing (HPC) on the desktop. The Orion Cluster Workstation packs the power of a PC cluster into a desktop-size package using low-power chips and an innovative motherboard design.


Power cuts key for Intel at 65 nanometers Intel Corp.'s 65-nanometer process technology will not be very different from its 90-nanometer process technology, which should help make for a smoother transition between the two manufacturing techniques in 2005, according to a briefing from an Intel manufacturing executive last week.


Overcoming the piracy stigma in China SHANGHAI -- Walk into the access-controlled room full of software developers at Bleum Inc.'s headquarters here and you can't miss the slogan written in large blue and black letters that stretches across the far wall: "Protect our customer."


Ghana Votes for New President, Parliament (Reuters) Reuters - Voters in Ghana queued on Tuesday to\choose a new leader for their West African country in what was\expected to be a race between incumbent John Kufuor and\long-standing rival John Atta Mills.


Longhorn's loss may be some users' gain Microsoft Corp.'s retreat from its Longhorn ambitions and its decision to add several Longhorn technologies to Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 may rob the next Windows release of its glamor, but users and developers gain more than they lose, some observers said Friday.


California cities, counties sue Microsoft Six California counties and cities on Friday filed a class action lawsuit against Microsoft Corp. accusing the software giant of violating California law with anti-competitive business practices.
ADVERTISEMENT

Introducing IBM eServer p5 systems.
Powered by IBMs most advanced 64-bit microprocessor (POWER5(tm)), p5 systems can run UNIX and Linux simultaneously. Learn more about eServer p5 systems.


Startup Company Launching Web-To-TV Video Service By MAY WONG    SAN MATEO, Calif. (AP) -- The promise of Internet-based video has long been hamstrung by copyright and piracy worries, slow dial-up connections, technical challenges and consumer disdain for watching blotchy videos on their home computers...


Intel Announces Milestone for Shrinking Chips By MATTHEW FORDAHL    SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Contradicting fears that the semiconductor industry's pace of development is slowing, Intel Corp...


Tyson Cuts Fiscal 2004 Earnings Forecast Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday cut its fiscal 2004 earnings forecast because of weaker-than-expected demand for chicken and beef and unexpectedly steep raw material costs.


Shelley #39;s lost political capital AN AIR OF DESPERATION was as evident as the sweat on his brow when Secretary of State Kevin Shelley met with The Chronicle last week, as the career officeholder explained away his actions as if he were a political novice.


Dress like Anna Nicole Smith Called  #39;Anna Nicole, #39; the new clothing line said to be inspired by her inimitable  #39;Tex-sex #39; style. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - TV star and Trimspa diet spokeswoman Anna Nicole Smith #39;s latest effort at self-promotion


Siberian cubs get radio collars Tiny endangered tiger cubs from Siberia have been kitted out with radio collars so that scientists can track them. They are the youngest tigers to wear the special elastic collars, says the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).


Defrocked Irish priest gets one-year suspended sentence : A misdemeanor court convicted a defrocked Irish priest for tackling the marathon leader during the Olympic race and on Monday gave him a one-year suspended sentence.


Typhoon hits southwestern Japan, kills 5 Powerful Typhoon Chaba hit southwestern Japan on Monday, leaving five people dead, 54 injured, and four freighter crew members missing since Sunday, and paralyzing transportation systems in the region.


Peace talks face troubles in Sadr on weapons handover Peace talks between the Iraqi government and the office of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadron his army #39;s weapons were facing troubles, the Dubai-based al-Arabiya TV channel reported Monday.


Croc  #39;drawn to women #39; A NORTHERN Territory ranger has raised the possibility that the menstrual cycle of a female German backpacker may have attracted the 4.6m crocodile that killed her in Kakadu National Park two years ago.


ONGC #39;s 10th acquisition abroad ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp, has acquired a majority stake in an oil block in Australia.


After Delays, Intel Points to Chip-Making Advance (Reuters) Reuters - Intel Corp. (INTC.O) is on track\to introduce the world's most advanced chip production\technology in its products next year, the largest semiconductor\maker said on Sunday.


After Delays, Intel Points to Chip-Making Advance  SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Intel Corp. INTC.O is on track  to introduce the world's most advanced chip production  technology in its products next year, the largest semiconductor  maker said on Sunday.


Accredo Health Shares Fall After Cutting 2005 Earnings Forecast Shares of Accredo Health Inc., which sells drugs to patients with hard-to-treat diseases such as hemophilia and multiple sclerosis, dropped 28 percent after the company said profit in 2005 will fall.


Cerberus to buy LNR Property for \$3.8 bn NEW YORK, August 30 (New Ratings) - LNR Property Corporation (LNR.NYS) has reportedly agreed to be acquired by Riley Property Holdings LLC for about \$3.


Keeping Score: Bush #39;s promises Four years ago, candidate George Bush issued a steady stream of promises to win votes. The promises were big and small, widely embraced and bitterly opposed.


Sprint, SBC in Wi-Fi roaming pact KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Customers of Sprint Corp. and SBC Communications Inc. will be able to use both companies #39; wireless Internet connections with less hassle under a reciprocal deal announced Friday.


New head #39;s goals will be tall order for MIT On her first day as president-elect of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Susan Hockfield declared with sweeping ambition Thursday that she wants


Death toll rises in Afghan terror attack The death toll from yesterday #39;s car-bomb attack in Afghanistan has climbed to eleven -- including three Americans. Taliban rebels are claiming responsibility for the blast outside


Philippine Flood Toll Hits 29, Survivors Hunt Rats Philippine rescue teams evacuated thousands of people from the worst flooding in the central Luzon region since the 1970s as hungry victims hunted rats and birds for food.


Motive gives single view of distributed apps An emerging trend in application management software is the capability to view distributed applications, deployed on many tiers, as a single entity. Putting the new approach to work, management software vendor Motive will launch three products to help manage distributed applications: Motive Profile, Motive Triage, and Motive Resolution.


Tightening the grip on message security Prompted by government regulations, endless spam, and increasingly potent e-mail viruses, many enterprises are looking to tighten the cinch around messaging security.


IBM to help Cloudscape developers IBM on Monday will unveil free developer resources for Cloudscape, a small-footprint, Java-based database that the company recently contributed to the Apache Software Foundation as an open source project.


Cisco warns of IOS flaw Cisco Systems Inc. warned of another security vulnerability to its products last week, one that could allow an attacker to disable remote administration access to a Cisco device running IOS.


Intel announces milestone in shrinking chips SAN JOSE, Calif. Semiconductor company Intel says it has made a breakthrough development in shrinking the size of chips. The Santa Clara-based company announced today it has created a fully functional 70 megabit


Consumer Spending Rebounds Sharply US consumer spending rebounded sharply July, government data showed on Monday, erasing the disappointment of June and bolstering hopes that the US economy has recovered from its recent soft spot.


After Delays, Intel Points to Chip-Making Advance Intel Corp. (INTC.O: Quote, Profile, Research) is on track to introduce the world #39;s most advanced chip production technology in its products next year, the largest semiconductor maker said on Sunday.


Windows XP users should download Service Pack 2 With the latest update to Microsoft Corp. #39;s Windows XP operating system, personal computers join parents, bosses, teachers and spouses as a source of nagging in your life.


Cisco gear subject to DoS attack Cisco Systems last week warned that a denial of service (DoS) vulnerability exists for its products. The threat affects all Cisco products running the vendor #39;s Internetwork Operating System (IOS).


WHAT TO WEAR It #39;s hard for Serena Williams not to consider herself the US Open #39;s defending champion. That honor is held by Justine Henin-Hardenne, who captured the Open crown last September when the Williams sisters withdrew with injuries.


Inquest begins into croc attack A coronial inquest begins today into a fatal crocodile attack on a German tourist in Kakadu National Park more than 18 months ago.


Cerberus to Buy LNR for  #36;1.9 Billion (Reuters) Reuters - Private investor Cerberus Capital\Management LP has agreed to buy real estate investment and\management company LNR Property Corp. (LNR.N) for  #36;1.92 billion\in cash.


Interstate Bakeries Hires Turnaround Firm (Reuters) Reuters - Interstate Bakeries Corp. (IBC.N),\maker of Wonder bread and Hostess Twinkies, on Monday said it\hired a turnaround firm and delayed filing its annual report\with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.


Spending Rebounds, Good News for Growth  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. consumer spending rebounded  sharply July, government data showed on Monday, erasing the  disappointment of June and bolstering hopes that the U.S.  economy has recovered from its recent soft spot.


Cerberus to Buy LNR for \$1.9 Billion  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Private investor Cerberus Capital  Management LP has agreed to buy real estate investment and  management company LNR Property Corp. LNR.N for \$1.92 billion  in cash.


Interstate Bakeries Hires Turnaround Firm  NEW YORK (Reuters) -  Interstate Bakeries Corp. IBC.N,  maker of Wonder bread and Hostess Twinkies, on Monday said it  hired a turnaround firm and delayed filing its annual report  with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.


Accredo Cuts Forecast, Stock Plummets  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Accredo Health Inc. ACDO.O, which  provides pharmacy and treatment services for patients with  chronic illnesses, on Monday slashed its profit forecast due to  lower reimbursements from government insurers, sending its  shares down 23 percent in pre-market trade.


Sadr Aide Tells Iraq Militia to Cease Fire -- TV  BEIRUT, Lebanon (Reuters) - A top aide to Iraq's rebel  Shi'ite leader Moqtada al-Sadr called on the Mehdi Army militia  Monday to cease fire across Iraq and said Sadr was preparing to  announce plans for a major political program.


Attacks Reportedly Halt Iraq Oil Exports Oil exports from southern Iraq have been brought to a complete halt, a senior oil official said Monday, following a spate of pipeline attacks launched by insurgents trying to undermine the nation's interim government.


Consumer Spending Up 0.8 Percent in July WASHINGTON - After taking a rest in June, the nation's consumers were full of energy last month, boosting their spending by a strong 0.8 percent, a hopeful sign the economy may be emerging from a summer funk.    The over-the-month increase in consumer spending, reported by the Commerce Department on Monday, marked a turnaround from the 0.2 percent decline registered in June, when high energy prices and a sluggish job market made for more cautious buyers...


Supreme court approves UFJ-Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial merger talks NEW YORK, August 30 (New Ratings) - Japan #39;s Supreme Court has reportedly approved the merger negotiations between UFJ Holdings Inc (ticker: UFJ) and Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group (MTFG).


Microsoft takes on iTunes Microsoft #39;s MSN division is expected to finally enter the music business this week with a public beta of its new online music service.


Masked intruder may have killed power to SkyDome Power to the SkyDome and surrounding areas went off for about an hour yesterday afternoon, and officials say the reason could have been a raccoon in the wrong place at the wrong time.


Intel Announces Chip Shrinking Milestone Contradicting fears that the semiconductor industry's pace of development is slowing, Intel Corp. announced it has achieved a milestone in shrinking the size of transistors that will power its next-generation chips.


After delays, 3-D memory chips get closer to market Matrix Semiconductor Inc. is shipping samples of a new, cheaper memory chip that has been delayed by technological problems for nearly two years, the company said Friday.


Talks Resume Between US Airways, Pilots ARLINGTON, Va. Aug. 30, 2004 - Talks between US Airways Group Inc. and the union representing pilots have resumed, the Air Line Pilots Association said Monday.


Intel updates Centrino wireless chips, software Intel Corp. unveiled an update to its wireless networking technology Thursday, adding simpler software, improved security and support for a more robust, less interference-prone radio standard.


Manchester United held by Toffees MANCHESTER, Aug 30 (SW) - Manchester United failed to reassure their fans after extending their poor campaign start, as Alex Ferguson and his men were held to a goalless draw by Everton at old Trafford.


NHLers charged with threatening bouncer Two NHL players were arrested and charged overnight with uttering death threats and were due to appear in court in Toronto this morning, police say.


Dozens dead in Sadr City clashes At least 17 Iraqis have been killed and 96 wounded in fierce clashes between US soldiers and fighters loyal to Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, an Iraqi health ministry official said on Monday.


China war games may be off China has withdrawn 3,000 soldiers from a military exercise on an island facing Taiwan, prompting speculation that Beijing may have cancelled its annual war games, the Taiwan defence ministry says.


Googlicious - More Google Expansion Googlicious - Post IPO Google Expansion\\The skeptics scoffed, the Securities Exchange Commission had a fit, and the company had to halve the number of shares of the initial public offering to set a price that valued the company at roughly 120 times earnings, extravagant even by dot.com era standards.\\By the ...


Libya Seems Honest About Nuke Program -- UN Report (Reuters) Reuters - The U.N. nuclear watchdog said\in a confidential report circulated Monday that Libya appears\to have been telling the truth in its declarations on the\covert atomic weapons program that it agreed in December to\abandon.


U.S. Stocks Open Lower as Oil Looms  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened lower on Monday as  oil prices climbed higher, while a thinly staffed Wall Street  awaited Friday's jobs figures and remained wary with the  Republican National Convention getting underway in New York  City amid heightened security concerns.


September 11 families divided over Republican Convention (AFP) AFP - Some welcome it, some wish it would go away. Either way, relatives of victims of the September 11 attacks are closely following the Republican National Convention that opens here to formally nominate George W. Bush for president.


Japan bank mega-merger on track Japan's highest court removes a key obstacle to a proposed merger between UFJ bank and rival Mitsubishi Financial.


Talks Resume Between Airline, Pilots The Air Line Pilots Association says the pilots #39; negotiating committee met with management Sunday, a week after talks broke down.


Ciber Buys Majority Stake in Novasoft Information technology services provider Ciber Inc. said Monday that it will buy a 67 percent stake in German software consultant Novasoft AG from the company #39;s founders in a move to enter the German market.


Japan bank mega-merger on track Japan #39;s Supreme Court has ruled that UFJ bank can pull out of a deal to sell its trust business to rival Sumitomo. The ruling removes a key obstacle to a planned merger between UFJ and Mitsubishi Financial, which would create the world #39;s biggest bank.


Novartis Transplant Drug Certican Delayed by FDA (Update1) Novartis AG, Switzerland #39;s largest drugmaker, said the US Food and Drug Administration has delayed approval of its Certican transplant treatment and is seeking more information on safe and effective dosing.


Call for vast Chinese power spend China needs to invest \$120bn (67bn) over the next five years to increase electricity supplies to meet demand, a leading Chinese official has said.


PC maker bets on personal power SAN FRANCISCO Today the idea of building a custom-designed workstation computer in Silicon Valley seems quaint. In both engineering and scientific markets, inexpensive off-the-shelf systems, coupled with the


The Genesis Payload: Just How Dangerous are its Contents? When NASAs Genesis solar-wind sample return capsule skyrockets from space next week and drops into the Utah Test and Training Range, that landmark in civilian space draws upon a once classified satellite snooping program.


That #39;s one big fat Greek goodbye ATHENSGreece said goodbye to the XXVIII Olympiad last night, staging an uproarious farewell pageant under the glow of a full moon, replete with security blimps and a swarm of police helicopters swirling overhead.


Houllier installed as favourite to succeed Robson Gerard Houllier was on Monday installed as the early favourite to succeed Sir Bobby Robson as Newcastle manager. The former Liverpool boss is being tipped to take over with Magpies skipper Alan Shearer, who


At these Games, the big sports powers see less gold For Americans, it #39;s just as well that the Olympics came to a conclusion Sunday. Over the weekend, the ends of America #39;s almost


France Rejects Iraqi Kidnappers #39; Demand on Scarf Ban (Update2) France said it will maintain its law banning Muslim scarves and other signs of religious belief in state schools, rejecting a demand by the Iraqi kidnappers of two French reporters for its revocation.


Howard prepares for bruising election DESCRIBING himself as the  quot;underdog quot; who is facing the biggest fight of his political career, Australias prime minister, John Howard, yesterday announced his decision to go to the polls against a man 22 years his younger.


NTT faces Softbank challenge TOKYO Softbank said on Monday that it would offer a cut-rate phone service in Japan, a move that could undermine Nippon Telegraph Telephone #39;s position as the dominant player in the country #39;s fixed-line market.


GOP Convention Protests Mostly Peaceful (AP) AP - Tens of thousands of protesters made a sweaty but jubilant five-hour march through the streets of Manhattan on the eve of the Republican National Convention for a demonstration that wound up being largely peaceful despite fears of violent skirmishes with police.


Accredo Cuts '05 Forecast, Stock Plummets  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Accredo Health Inc. ACDO.O, which  provides pharmacy and treatment services for patients with  chronic illnesses, on Monday slashed its profit forecast due to  lower reimbursements from government insurers, sending its  shares down almost 25 percent.


Sharon to Present Gaza Timetable to Mutinous Party  JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  intends to present a timetable for withdrawal from Gaza to  lawmakers from his Likud party Tuesday despite a mutiny in the  right-wing bloc over the plan.


Irishman Gets Suspended Jail Term for Pushing Runner  ATHENS (Reuters) - A Greek court Monday gave a former Irish  priest a suspended 12-month jail sentence and a 3,000 euro fine  for pushing a leading Olympic marathon runner off the road, a  court source said.


U.S. Envoy Slams Serb PM on War Crimes Handovers (Reuters) Reuters - A top U.S. envoy accused Serbian\Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica of not doing enough to arrest\leading war crimes suspects on Monday, saying Belgrade had\shown "zero cooperation" with The Hague war crimes tribunal.


Reprieve for jailed Indian leader India's Karnataka state government agrees to drop all charges against jailed Hindu nationalist Uma Bharti.


Microsoft's Homeland Security Efforts Tom Richey, head of homeland security efforts at Microsoft, will be online to discuss homeland security trends and Microsoft's current work in the homeland security arena. Filter columnist Cynthia L. Webb will moderate.


US July Spending Increases 0.8; Incomes Up 0.1 (Update2) US consumer spending rose 0.8 percent in July after a smaller decline in June than previously reported, a sign the economy is accelerating.


Marathon gatecrasher given suspended sentence A Greek court has given a former Irish priest a suspended 12-month jail sentence and a 3,000 euro (2,000 pound) fine for pushing a leading Olympic marathon runner off the road, a court source says.


Langer fills out a strong team for the Ryder Cup Well, it #39;s not quite great, but it might be good enough to do the job. With the conclusion of the BMW International Open on Sunday came also the final reckoning in the constitution of the Europe Ryder Cup team.


Newcastle sack manager Robson Newcastle United Football Club has sacked Sir Bobby Robson, the oldest manager in the English Premier League.  quot;After a disappointing start to the Premier League season, the directors of Newcastle United have


First potential jurors to face questioning in Bryant case EAGLE, Colo. Lawyers in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case will start questioning about one hundred potential jurors today. District Judge Terry Ruckriegle (RUCK #39;-ree-gull) has closed the session to the public


Coup plot nations seeks to quiz Thatcher South Africa is considering a request by Equatorial Guinea to question Mark Thatcher about his alleged involvement in a foiled coup plot in the oil-rich west African nation.


Nonviolent protest offers little hope for Palestinians JERUSALEM The arrival in the Middle East of Arun Gandhi, preaching his grandfather Mahatma Gandhi #39;s message of love, brotherhood and nonviolence to conflict-weary Israelis and Palestinians, has raised tentative hopes that the bloody conflict may be


Situation in Darfur region still troublesome: UN official A senior United Nations official said here Monday that the situation in the western Sudanese regionof Darfur is still troublesome.


Gartner: India's BPO market likely to lose market share BANGALORE, INDIA --India is likely to lose market share in offshore business process outsourcing (BPO), from its current 80 percent to about 55 percent by 2007, according to research firm Gartner Inc.


Consumer Spending Up 0.8 Percent in July (AP) AP - After taking a rest in June, the nation's consumers were full of energy last month, boosting their spending by a strong 0.8 percent, a hopeful sign the economy may be emerging from a summer funk.


Stocks Dip on Energy Prices, Income Report (AP) AP - Stocks fell in light trading Monday on rising energy prices and a disappointing consumer income report.


Microsoft Makes More Open-Source Overtures (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - Microsoft is reaching out further to the open-source community with offers of joint development and testing, but some wonder about the company's sincerity.


Pakistani Man Arrested for Acid Attack (AP) AP - Police arrested a man for allegedly throwing acid in a Pakistani courtroom on Monday, injuring his brother-in-law and four other people with burns, an official said.


Longhorn Comes Up Short (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - At long last, Microsoft has put a date on when it will release the next generation of its Windows operating system.  But the 2006 delivery of "Longhorn" will ship without the highly touted Windows File System feature, raising all sorts of questions about the future of the world's biggest software company.


Wonder Bread Baker Stock Drops 25 Percent  NEW YORK (Reuters) -  Interstate Bakeries Corp. IBC.N,  maker of Wonder bread and Hostess Twinkies, on Monday said it  hired a turnaround firm, delayed filing its annual report and  outlined possible credit concerns, sending its shares tumbling  more than 25 percent.


Republicans Tap Gimmicks to Raise Cash (AP) AP - The Republican National Convention is officially President Bush's party, but fellow GOP candidates are not shy about using the days before the guest of honor's arrival to raise money for their own campaigns.


Republicans Open Convention, Plan 9/11 Tribute (Reuters) Reuters - Republicans opened their national\convention on Monday to nominate President Bush for a second\term with plans for four days of tributes to his wartime\leadership and his response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.


California Cities, Counties Sue Microsoft Class action suit accuses the software giant of violating state's business code.


Al-Sadr Calls for End of Fighting in Iraq BAGHDAD, Iraq - Rebel Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called on Monday for his followers across Iraq to end fighting against U.S. and Iraqi forces, an al-Sadr aide said...


Republicans Sharpen Attacks on Kerry NEW YORK - Republicans sharpened their attacks on John Kerry ahead of the opening of their national convention Monday, with Sen. John McCain suggesting it was fair game to criticize the Democratic candidate's anti-war protests three decades ago...


Google Hack for Using GMail for File System Storage GmailFS provides a mountable Linux filesystem which uses your Gmail account as its storage medium. GmailFS is a Python application and uses the FUSE userland filesystem infrastructure to help provide the filesystem, and libgmail to communicate with Gmail.\\GmailFS supports most file operations such as read, write, open, close, stat, symlink, ...


Gwalia in \$700m hedge fire John Leevers says a review of Sons of Gwalia #39;s gold business found that  quot;resources . . . would be uneconomic at today #39;s gold prices quot;.


Verizon Granted Injunction Against Spammer Verizon Wireless today announced it was granted a permanent legal injunction against a Rhode Island spammer who sent unsolicited messages to wireless phones.


Local California Governments Sue Microsoft Four California county and city governments, including those of Los Angeles and San Francisco , sued Microsoft late last week for abusing its monopoly market power and overcharging them for Windows and various Microsoft Office products.


New Sony Walkman Can #39;t Break IPod #39;s Stride NEW YORK - If there #39;s one thing that makes Sony #39;s Network Walkman seem superior to Apple Computer #39;s iPod, at least at first glance, it #39;s the issue of size versus storage capacity.


Brands fight for Games dollars While Chinese athletics were striving for gold at the Athens Olympics, Chinese companies and international firms are competing for the business chances offered by the Games.


PSG boss feels the pressure Paris St-Germain coach Vahid Halilhodzic admits he is worried by his side #39;s poor start to the season. The point the French Ligue 1 giants gained in Sunday #39;s 2-2 draw with newly-promoted St Etienne was only


Two NHL players charged with uttering death threats at Toronto <b>...</b> TORONTO (CP) - Two National Hockey League players were arrested overnight and charged with uttering death threats after an incident involving a nightclub doorman in downtown Toronto, police said Monday.


Sox win sixth straight The Red Sox extend their winning streak to six games with a 6-to-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers Sunday. Tim Wakefield was masterful over eight innings, allowing just three hits and one run to improve his record to 11-and-7.


300 Palestinian captives resume hunger strike after two day <b>...</b> Some 300 Palestinian captives in the Israeli jail of Ashkelon on Monday resumed their open-ended hunger strike after suspending it for two days.


Longhorn Comes Up Short Microsoft finally gives us a date for the release of its Longhorn operating system, but the failure to deliver on a highly touted feature raises questions about the company's future. -washingtonpost.com


Ericsson ends Bluetooth hardware development Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, the company that invented and heavily promoted Bluetooth wireless technology, has decided to discontinue its design and development of new Bluetooth systems for the semiconductor industry.


OPEC says speculation to blame for high oil prices OPEC has stressed its view that high oil prices were a result of speculation and pledged to provide enough crude to calm global markets, while an energy research group warned prices could remain high for some time.


Fan Pier #39;s LNR Property to be acquired for \$3.8B Part of Boston #39;s new Fan Pier development team, Miami-based LNR Property Corp. may see shares rise after the company agreed to be acquired by a group led by Cerberus Capital Management LP for \$3.


At Deadline Briefs Microsoft Corp. announced Friday a change in plans for the next major release of Windows, which is code-named Longhorn. The new Windows storage subsystem, code-named WinFS, won #39;t be part of the Longhorn client, as previously planned.


Intel Builds Test Chip With New Process to Make Faster Circuits Intel Corp., the world #39;s biggest semiconductor maker, said it built a test chip with a new process that creates faster circuits by packing 10 million transistors into an area the size of the tip of a ball-point pen.


Pittsburgh airport may allow nonticketed shoppers A plan that would have allowed people without tickets to shop in stores at Pittsburgh International Airport has been postponed for at least two months, airport officials said.


Maria a smash hit in tennis #39; fishbowl It #39;s one thing to win Wimbledon, the biggest trophy in tennis. Quite another to live with it. By Anja Niedringhaus, AP. That is the tricky road of risk


French minister appeals for release of hostages The French Foreign Minister has called for the release of two French journalists being held hostage by Islamist kidnappers in Iraq.


Iraq #39;s top Shiite cleric tells followers to end fighting BAGHDAD, Iraq - Rebel Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called today for his followers across Iraq to end fighting against US and Iraqi forces, an al-Sadr aide said.


Syria, the region and Lebanons presidential election The presidential election process in Lebanon has finally been put on track after much speculation regarding an amendment to the Constitution in order to give President Emile Lahoud another term.


Microsoft Trims the Fat on Longhorn Microsoft Trims the Fat on Longhorn \\On Friday Microsoft announced that it would not be shipping WinFS with its next-generation operating system Longhorn. This announcement can be viewed as either good or bad news. Good in the sense that Longhorn, for the first time has an official release date and ...


Saboteurs Hit Iraq Internal Oil Pipeline (Reuters) Reuters - Saboteurs blew up an internal oil\pipeline on the edge of Baghdad Monday, the latest in a series\of attacks on the country's internal and export pipeline\network, witnesses said.


Amsterdam Start-Up to Offer WiFi Internet Citywide (Reuters) Reuters - Amsterdam's Web surfers could soon be\liberated from their home computers and Internet cafes, with\plans by a start-up firm to make their city the first European\capital where laptops can hook up anywhere to the Web.


IBM Asks High Swiss Court to Reject Holocaust Suit (Reuters) Reuters - Computer giant IBM has asked\Switzerland's high court to block a Gypsy rights group's\attempts to sue it for allegedly helping Nazi slaughter in\World War II, lawyers said on Monday.


Consumer Spending Rebounds in July  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. consumer spending rebounded  sharply in July, government data showed on Monday, erasing the  disappointment of June and bolstering hopes that the U.S.  economy has recovered from its recent soft spot.


Caribbean Casts Wary Eye on Hurricane Frances (Reuters) Reuters - The small islands of the northern\Caribbean were on alert on Monday for a close encounter with\powerful Hurricane Frances, while the remnants of Tropical\Storm Gaston limped through North Carolina.


Stocks Slightly Lower on Light Volume  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were slightly lower on  Monday as investors wary of security concerns were reluctant to  put new money into the market as the Republican Convention  opens in New York City and many took vacation ahead of the  Labor Day holiday.


Fuel Leak Scrubs Lockheed Atlas Florida Launch (Reuters) Reuters - About 11,000 gallons of\rocket fuel spilled during fueling of a Lockheed Martin Atlas 2\rocket on Saturday, forcing a one-day delay in the launch of\the rocket carrying a classified U.S. spy satellite, company\officials said.


Saboteurs Hit Iraq Internal Oil Pipeline  BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Saboteurs blew up an internal oil  pipeline on the edge of Baghdad Monday, the latest in a series  of attacks on the country's internal and export pipeline  network, witnesses said.


Sharon to Present Gaza Timetable to Mutinous Party  JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  intends to present a timetable for withdrawal from Gaza to  lawmakers from his Likud Party Tuesday despite a mutiny in the  right-wing bloc over the plan.


Indian droughts 'may hit economy' The Indian central bank warns that drought and the high global price of oil may force it to lower its GDP forecasts.


From Zero to Hero Disney has a Hero on its hands, but it may have showed up too late to save the day.


IBM Asks High Swiss Court to Reject Holocaust Suit  GENEVA (Reuters) - Computer giant IBM has asked  Switzerland's high court to block a Gypsy rights group's  attempts to sue it for allegedly helping Nazi slaughter in  World War II, lawyers said on Monday.


Verizon wins injunction against text spammer The individual allegedly barraged Verizon customers with spam that advertised home loans and adult Web sites\


Sony Sends Its Robots to School Humanoid devices will be used to encourage interest in science and technology.


China gives bullet-train contract to Japan BEIJING - A consortium of Japanese firms led by Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. won a \$12 billion contract to provide high-speed trains to China, Xinhua news agency said on Monday.


Intel builds ultrasmall chip in test Intel, the world #39;s biggest semiconductor maker, said on Monday that it had succeeded in building a test chip that packs 10 million transistors into an area the size of the tip of a ball-point pen.


California Cities, Counties Sue Microsoft Six California counties and cities have filed a class action lawsuit against Microsoft accusing the software giant of violating California law with anti-competitive business practices.


Get Ready To Patch Installing patches to fix application and system flaws is still a major chore for businesses. With Microsoft #39;s XP SP2, they face their biggest challenge.


Verizon wins injunction against text spammer A federal judge has granted Verizon Wireless a permanent injunction in its suit against a man accused of sending unsolicited text messages to its customers.


Olympic joy in Greek, Chinese press Newspapers in Greece reflect a mixture of exhilaration that the Athens Olympics proved successful, and relief that they passed off without any major setback.


PSG continues to struggle against St. Etienne Paris, France (Sports Network) - Paris Saint Germain suffered an embarrassing home draw to St. Etienne Sunday, 2-2. PSG is winless in four games so far this season, and has only earned draws against two promoted squads.


Rural Colorado Braces for Bryant Trial Media Glare Description: Jury selection in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault trial is underway in Eagle, Colo. The celebrity trial has stirred up a legal and media frenzy that #39;s descended upon the rural county seat located high in the Rocky Mountains.


Nigeria Troops Leave For Darfur Nigeria sent over 100 troops to Sudan #39;s troubled Darfur region on Monday, its contribution to a joint force with Rwanda protecting African Union cease-fire observers.


Accredo Cuts '05 Forecast, Stock Plummets (Reuters) Reuters - Accredo Health Inc. (ACDO.O), which\provides pharmacy and treatment services for patients with\chronic illnesses, on Monday slashed its profit forecast due to\lower reimbursements from government insurers, sending its\shares down almost 25 percent.


Links Between Two Chechen Women Grows (AP) AP - They lived in the same apartment in Chechnya, worked in the same market and may have died within moments of each other on separate airliners that crashed in Russia last week.


NYC Not Likely to Be Bush's Town Nov. 2 (AP) AP - There is no "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Republicans' Madison Square Garden convention. Those are security guys with submachine guns. And while New York may be a "Wonderful Town" for President Bush  amp; Co. this convention week, it will be anything but on Nov. 2.


Japan Court Clears Way for Mega-Bank Deal  TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Supreme Court ruled on Monday  that troubled bank UFJ Holdings Inc. can pull out of a deal to  sell its trust business to a smaller rival, clearing the way  for a full takeover of UFJ by larger Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial  Group (MTFG).


Taliban Warns of More Attacks as Kabul Toll Rises  KABUL (Reuters) - The Taliban warned on Monday of further  deadly attacks in the run-up to Afghanistan's first  presidential election after a car bomb in the heart of the  capital killed up to a dozen people.


Doubts voiced over Chechen poll Opponents question the Chechnya election win of Alu Alkhanov, who vows to continue the war on rebels.


Gwalia on brink of collapse ONE of Australia #39;s biggest gold miners, Sons of Gwalia, has called in administrators after negotiations with its creditors collapsed.


Waterford House Fire Kills Officer, Family WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- A Waterford Township house fire claimed the lives of a veteran police officer and his family over the weekend.


SP2 May Spell Trouble for Agentless Patching Microsoft Corp. #39;s Windows XP Service Pack 2 has thrown patch management vendors into a tizzy. IT managers should be interested because, in an ironic twist, SP2 will likely make it harder to keep desktops and laptops up-to-date with the latest patches.


A glimpse of the business week ahead Heads up: From the summer doldrums to the September doldrums. Don #39;t get your hopes up that the stock market will spike up until oil prices come back down and the presidential election is decided, the Stock Trader #39;s Almanac advises.


Siemens issue warning over 65 series handsets Siemens has posted a warning over its latest range of mobile phones suggesting that a flaw in them may hurt user while using them.


Fuel Leak Scrubs Lockheed Atlas Florida Launch About 11,000 gallons of rocket fuel spilled during fueling of a Lockheed Martin Atlas 2 rocket on Saturday, forcing a one-day delay in the launch of the rocket carrying a classified


Jury selection underway in Kobe Bryant Case NBA basketball star Kobe Bryant returns to court in Eagle County Monday for the first full days of questioning of the potential jurors in the case.


Strike to protest fatal grenade attack at political rally cripples <b>...</b> A general strike called to protest a recent grenade attack that killed 20 people at an opposition political rally brought Bangladesh to a near standstill Monday.


Update 1: Interstate Bakeries Misses Filing Deadline Shares of wholesale baker Interstate Bakeries Corp. plummeted about 31 percent in Monday morning trading, after the company reported that it again missed the deadline for filing its 2004 annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


New broom is swept away THERE has been no sudden and dramatic change in the gold price or the Australian dollar price against the US dollar to account for a deterioration in Sons of Gwalia #39;s gold reserves serious enough to tip the company into administration.


Wishing Won #39;t Make Market Better, Bulls What #39;s the case for higher stock prices? Let #39;s examine it, on this slightly down morning, if only to remove some of the incessant gloom I feel surrounds this stock market.


RP economy grew 6.3 in first half The Philippine economy grew at a stronger-than-expected 6.2 percent in the second quarter, nearly keeping up with the pace of the surprise 6.4-percent first-quarter expansion and bringing


Gabriel Resources to raise \$24.75 million in private placement TORONTO (CP) - Gabriel Resources Ltd. has signed a deal with Newmont Mining to raise \$24.75 million in a private placement of units to help fund development of its Romanian gold project.


Pipeline secured by Alinta syndicate ALINTA is set to emerge as part-owner and operator of the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline - Australia #39;s biggest gas transmission system -n a deal that pays out the \$1.


Microsoft targets 2006 for Windows Longhorn On Friday Microsoft announced the target date for the much anticipated Windows Longhorn client operating system--broad availability for the updated operating system is targeted for 2006.


Intel crams 500M transistors on a chip A small, fully functional, 70-megabit static random access memory computer chip crammed with more than 500,000,000 transistors has been developed by researchers at Intel Corp.


First Encrypted Desktop-to-Desktop Messaging Service As a completely managed service, FrontBridge is able to implement an encrypted email solution rapidly, without the typical implementation challenges or up front capital investment required from an organization.


Microsoft to launch Windows Media Player and MSN Music Store on <b>...</b> Neowin was told that Microsoft is planning to release both Windows Media Player 10 and their MSN Music Store service on Thursday. The company #39;s latest version of Media Player will feature a new design, online


Cell Phone Maker Warns of Ear Damage After last year #39;s reports of exploding batteries in Nokia phones and amid growing concern about electromagnetic radiation from wireless devices in general, Siemens warned recently of a software defect in a range of mobile phones that could cause hearing


EMC Takes On NetApp EMC is taking direct aim at Network Appliance this week with a new line of midrange NAS appliances. And NetApp is firing back, charging that EMC #39;s Centera content-addressable storage arrays are not secure


Liquid oxygen spill stalls Atlas rocket launch A spill of about 10,000 gallons of liquid oxygen prompted the delay of Saturday night #39;s attempt to launch the last Atlas 2AS rocket.


Absentee Ballots by Email? tordia writes  quot;Bruce Schneier has come out against a plan proposed by the Missouri Secretary of State, Matt Blunt. Blunt #39;s proposal would allow  quot;soldiers at remote duty stations or in combat areas cast their


US sweep rounds up scores of online frauds US authorities have arrested at least 103 suspects and filed 117 criminal complaints since June 1 in a crackdown on various forms of online fraud, according to Attorney-General John Ashcroft.


Vodafone, Nokia in Java drive NOKIA and Vodafone have agreed to collaborate on simplifying mobile phone software using the Java computer language, paving the way for cheaper mobile phones in the long run.


Wales boost for Earnshaw Mark Hughes says Robert Earnshaw #39;s move to Premiership club West Brom has improved the striker #39;s chances of being in Wales #39; starting line-up.


Ajax sign Argentine Olympic winger Rosales Ajax Amsterdam have signed Argentina forward Mauro Rosales for four years from Newell #39;s Old Boys, the Dutch champions said on Monday.


Sadr orders followers to cease fire across Iraq Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Monday ordered his followers to end clashes with US andIraqi forces across Iraq, one of his aides said.


Planes  #39;blown up by terrorists #39;  quot;Both planes were destroyed as the result of terrorist acts, quot; spokesman Lt Gen Andrei Fetisov told the Itar-Tass news agency.


Defense lawyer in Hamburg Sept. 11 trial seriously hurt The lead attorney defending an accused helper of the Sept 11 suicide pilots at his Hamburg retrial was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, said his office, throwing into question how the trial will proceed.


Oil Slips Below \$43 a Barrel  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. oil prices fell below \$43 on  Monday on continued profit-taking as producer-group OPEC eyed  increases in the coming months in its tight spare capacity,  countering worries over stumbling Iraqi oil exports.


Ford Halts Plant Output for Lack of Parts  DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. F.N said on Monday it  has stopped production at its assembly plant in Georgia for at  least a day because of lack of parts.


Tyson Cuts Earnings Forecast, Shares Fall  CHICAGO (Reuters) - Tyson Foods Inc. TSN.N on Monday cut  its earnings forecast after making a wrong bet on the direction  of grain prices and demand for chicken and beef proved weaker  than expected, sending its shares down 8 percent.


Tyson Cuts Earnings Forecast, Shares Fall Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday cut its earnings forecast after making a wrong bet on the direction of grain prices and demand for chicken


US Airways, pilots union resume talks Talks between US Airways Group Inc. and the Air Line Pilots Association have resumed, the union says. The pilots #39; negotiating committee met with management Sunday in Virginia, a week after talks broke down.


Japan Court Clears Way for Mega-Bank Deal Japan #39;s Supreme Court ruled on Monday that troubled bank UFJ Holdings Inc. can pull out of a deal to sell its trust business to a smaller rival, clearing the way for a full


United Rentals Is Target of U.S. Inquiry  CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. securities regulators are  investigating United Rentals Inc. URI.N and have subpoenaed  some accounting records, the company said on Monday, sending  its shares down as much as 19 percent.


WTO Rejects U.S. Appeal on Canadian Wheat  GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Trade Organization's (WTO) top  trade court on Monday rejected a U.S. appeal against a ruling  exonerating the export policies of the Canadian Wheat Board,  diplomats and trade sources said.


Microsoft to release Longhorn in  #39;06 REDMOND, Wash., Aug 28, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- The Microsoft Corp. has decided to advance the timetable on its much-anticipated overhaul of Windows, the Financial Times reported Saturday.


FrontBridge buys MessageRite E-mail security company FrontBridge Technologies Inc. has bought MessageRite Inc. of Irvine, California, a maker of technology for archiving e-mail and instant messages, FrontBridge said Monday.


Operation Web Snare nets 150 cyber criminals This week, US Attorney General, John Ashcroft, recounted the successful efforts of  quot;Operation Web Snare quot; which was undertaken starting June 1 st , in curtailing the efforts of more than 150 cyber criminals.


Thanks And Good Riddance To Sir Bobby Who do you think is more disappointed by the departure of Sir Bobby of Robson? Do you think it will be the News of the World or Barclaycard?


Ryder Cup drama on the horizon So here #39;s a switch. In most of the recent Ryder Cup years - six of the last nine competitions -he United States appeared to have the stronger team, yet Europe won.


Electorate #39;s mood hard to gauge KERRY O #39;BRIEN: Reading the electorate #39;s mood has been no easy matter since the Latham ascendancy. And voters rarely seem to show their true intent these days until an election campaign is in full swing.


Rivalry voiced as Libyan singer outpolls Palestinian SALFIT, West Bank: Arab rivalry reached a crescendo yesterday when Palestinians #39; great musical hope bowed out to his Libyan competition in an internationally televised talent quest.


Owen off bench for Real debut England striker Michael Owen did not have long to wait to get his first taste of Spanish league action, coming on midway through the first half for Real Madrid colleague Raul at Real Mallorca on Sunday.


Kobe Bryant in court (EAGLE, Colo.) - NBA star Kobe Bryant has arrived at his sexual assault trial for the first time. Bryant is in Eagle, Colorado, as attorneys in the case prepare to question individual potential jurors behind closed doors.


PM: Oil attacks hurt Iraq  #39;badly #39; An attack on Iraq #39;s main southern pipeline has seriously hampered critical oil exports in the struggling country, Iraqi officials say.


Libyan takes Mid-East pop crown Libyan singer Ayman al-Aathar has won a Middle East pop contest, edging out Palestinian Ammar Hassan. The Super Star competition was started by the Lebanese TV station Future Television and is filmed in Beirut.


Iraqi Cleric Calls Cease-fire After Bloody Uprising  BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Rebel Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr  has ordered his militia to end attacks on U.S. and Iraqi  government forces and will soon unveil plans to pursue his  goals through politics rather than conflict, aides said Monday.


Planes 'blown up by terrorists' \The two almost-simultaneous plane crashes last week were caused by explosions, Russian investigators confirm.


Bryant Arrives at Trial Kobe Bryant arrived at his sexual assault trial Monday as attorneys in the case who spent the weekend poring over questionnaires prepared to question potential jurors.


Jay-Z, OutKast Big Winners at MTV Awards MIAMI - The MTV Video Music Awards show on Sunday featured typical frenetic energy and sexy style, and a few musical surprises, but it was mostly a kinder, gentler version of past shows. There was no Madonna-Britney Spears kiss, no partially clad Howard Stern coming down from the rafters, and certainly no wardrobe malfunctions...


Gaza Settlement Evacuation Plan Sped Up JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told senior Cabinet ministers Monday he wants to evacuate all Gaza settlements at one time instead of in three stages, officials said, reflecting a major shift in position.    At a meeting of the Security Cabinet, Sharon and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz presented their plan to evacuate all 21 Gaza settlements together, the officials said on condition of anonymity...


Al-Sadr Calls on Militia to Stop Fighting BAGHDAD, Iraq - Rebel Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called for his followers across Iraq to end fighting against U.S. and Iraqi forces and is considering joining the political process, an al-Sadr aide said Monday...


Stocks Dip on Consumer Income Report News NEW YORK - Stocks drifted lower in extremely light trading Monday as a disappointing consumer income report prompted investors to collect profits after two weeks of gains.    While investors were cheered by the Commerce Department's report of a strong rise in consumer spending for July, growth in incomes was nearly flat...


GOP Sharpens Attacks As Convention Opens NEW YORK - Sen. John McCain said Monday it was fair game to criticize Democrat John Kerry's anti-war protests three decades ago, firing an opening salvo as Republicans sought to use their national convention to portray President Bush as a strong wartime leader...


The Black Widows' Revenge After the terror bombing of two airliners in Russia, the Kremlin tries to face up to a new Chechen tactic


Rumors of a Death Stories that Kim Jong Il's favorite companion has passed away leads to speculation on North Korea's line of succession


YUKOS Can Pay Half Its \$3.4 Bln Tax Bill Russian oil company YUKOS said on Monday it would be able to cover only half of its \$3.4 billion back tax bill by its deadline at the end of August but it would continue making payments in September.


European shares slip in light early trades European shares slipped back in light trading with the London Stock Exchange closed for a bank holiday and New York investors expected to take it easy while the Republican convention is in town.


WBA complete Earnshaw signing WEST BROMWICH, Aug 30 (SW) - English Premiership club West Brom have finalised the purchase of Wales striker Robert Earnshaw. The 3m fee paid to Cardiff City is a club record for the midlands club, a price


Australia #39;s Howard Uses Specter of Higher Rates to Sway Voters Australian Prime Minister John Howard used the specter of higher interest rates under a Labor government to try to convince voters to give his Liberal-National coalition a fourth term


Libya praised for IAEA cooperation The UN nuclear watchdog said in a report that Libya has been telling the truth in its declarations on the covert atomic weapons programme which it agreed in December to abandon.


Briefly: IBM posts documentation for Cloudscape roundup Plus: Phone defect could affect hearing...OSDL hires lawyer, opens China office...Ex-Palm CEO Yankowski to head Majesco.


IBM posts documentation for Cloudscape The resources IBM will provide include articles to help Java developers use the Cloudscape database in custom application development.


Investors throw money at storage start-up Copan Systems' haul is the one of the largest second rounds of funding a storage company has had in the past two years.


HP showcases financing Company lets businesses and governments obtain products at "low lease rates" or defer payments until January at no extra cost.


Will Longhorn's Loss Be Your Gain? Microsoft's decision to pare back features of the upcoming OS is not bad news, some say.


Ford Halts Plant Output for Lack of Parts (Reuters) Reuters - Ford Motor Co. (F.N) said on Monday it\has stopped production at its assembly plant in Georgia for at\least a day because of lack of parts.


Dollar Dips Vs European Currencies (Reuters) Reuters - The dollar softened against the euro\but firmed against the yen on Monday, trading within tight\ranges as dealers refrained from making aggressive bets ahead\of the August U.S. payrolls report later this week.


Cell Phone Maker Warns of Ear Damage (PC World) PC World - Mobile phone tune may play too loudly, Siemens says.


U.N. Can't Define Libya Weapons Program (AP) AP - The U.N. nuclear watchdog agency failed Monday to make a judgment on the origin of some technology for Libya's weapons program, a finding that diplomats said kept alive concerns of North Korean involvement.


China Calls Barring of Lawmaker a Mistake (AP) AP - China said on Monday a misunderstanding caused it to bar a top Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmaker from entering the mainland over the weekend.


Iraqi Cleric Calls Cease-Fire After Bloody Uprising  BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) - Rebel Shi'ite cleric Moqtada  al-Sadr has ordered his militia to end attacks on U.S. and  Iraqi government forces and will soon unveil plans to pursue  his goals through politics rather than conflict, aides said  Monday.


Progress Made in Baseball Steroid Talks (AP) AP - Baseball players and owners have made progress toward toughening rules on steroid testing, a move that would pre-empt congressional intervention.


UBS to Buy Schwab Research, Trading Unit UBS AG (UBSN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research) is expected to buy Charles Schwab Corp. #39;s (SCH.N: Quote, Profile, Research) institutional research and trading unit for about \$265 million, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.


Circuit City to host Verizon Wireless stores Circuit City Stores Inc. and Verizon Wireless signed an agreement to install Verizon Wireless stores in more than 570 Circuit City Superstores around the country, they said Monday.


FDA Issues  #39;Approvable Letter #39; for Certican BASEL, Switzerland, August 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis Pharma AG has received an  quot;approvable quot; letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Certican (everolimus) in combination with Neoral (ciclosporin for microemulsion) for the prevention of


Business shrugs off robust GDP data The economys 6.2-percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the second quarter may have exceeded expectations, but the stock market nonetheless shrugged off the positive news.


European Shares Drift Down in Thin Trade European stocks were slightly lower by mid-day in holiday-hit trading on Monday, with crude oil rises weighing on shares, though Sanofi-Aventis gained on the result of trials of an anti-obesity drug.


UN urged to outlaw cloning of babies A demand that the United Nations introduce a ban on cloning babies at its General Session in October will be made by the Royal Society today.


Ft Bolton 1 Liverpool 0 Cisse was becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of service but Bolton were continuing to dominate in midfield. Manager Sam Allardyce rang the changes by bringing on Les Ferdinand and Kevin Nolan for Davies and Giannakopolous.


Al-Sadr Calls on Militia to Stop Fighting BAGHDAD, Iraq Aug. 30, 2004 - Rebel Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called for his followers across Iraq to end fighting against US and Iraqi forces and is planning to join the political process in the coming days, an al-Sadr aide said Monday.


Saboteurs Halt Oil Exports In Southern Iraq 30 August 2004 -- Oil exports from southern Iraq have completely ceased following a series of pipeline attacks by saboteurs. Two senior officials from the South Oil Company, speaking on condition of anonymity


Locke plans one last China trade mission, eyes Vietnam market Gov. Gary Locke is putting on his salesman #39;s hat one last time, heading to China next month and hoping to crack the growing Vietnam market.


French court issues arrest warrant for Italian ex-revolutionary PARIS : The Paris appeals court issued a warrant for the arrest of Cesare Battisti, an Italian ex-revolutionary fighting extradition from France to face jail for murder who missed a recent check-in with police.


Personal Tech: HDTV Fast Forward columnist Rob Pegoraro will be online to talk about The Washington Post's special report on digital television.


Cerberus Venture Takes Over LNR in Nearly \$4B Deal NEW YORK CITY-Newly formed Riley Property Holdings LLC, which is comprised of affiliates of locally based Cerberus Capital Management LP and its real estate affiliate Blackacre Institutional Capital Management LLC, will acquire LNR Property Corp.


Yukos faces tax payment deadline Beleaguered Russian oil giant Yukos on Monday faces a court-imposed deadline to pay a multi-billion dollar tax bill. Yukos has been ordered to pay \$3.


ICANN beats VeriSign #39;s antitrust claim ICANN, the body responsible for the internets domain naming system, has convinced a court to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed against it by domain registry VeriSign over its interference with the launch of VeriSign #39;s Site Finder service.


Juniper boosts end-point security Juniper Networks is beefing up security on its VPN gear to make sure that machines connecting to a network are safe. On Monday, the company announced updates to its NetScreen Secure Access SSL VPN product.


Olympiad Ends Amid Shows of Spirit and Relief Description: International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge calls the 2004 Games, held at their historic birthplace,  quot;dream games.


Davenport Among Favorites That #39;s right, Davenport, the former No. 1 player, the three-time Grand Slam tournament champion, the 1996 Olympic gold medalist, who hasn #39;t been in a major final in four years.


OShea speculation gathers pace Speculation is growing that John OShea could be on his way out of Manchester United if the Old Trafford club complete a multi-million-pound move for Wayne Rooney before Tuesdays midnight transfer deadline.


Park, Han Make It a 2-3 Finish in LPGA While six Koreans finished in the top-10 at the Wachovia LPGA Classic on Sunday, the title eluded them once again as Mexicos Lorena Ochoa sped past a struggling Grace Park to claim the crown in Kutztown, Pa.