Vizquel, Wickman File for Free Agency (AP) AP - Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel and closer Bob Wickman filed for free agency on Friday after the team declined to pick up  #36;5 million options on the two veterans earlier this month.


UK Agency Report Greenlights Linux A day after Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer sent out a missive pushing Redmond #39;s message that  quot;free software isn #39;t free, quot; the UK #39;s Office of Government Commerce (OGC) said open source software is a viable desktop alternative for most government users.


Sun Micro, the Phantom Gamer The co-creator of Microsoft #39;s Xbox is ramping up to launch a new online subscription gaming platform with the help of Sun Microsystems (Quote, Chart), the companies said.


Chelsea lay down the law on drugs as Mutu is shown door CHELSEA enforced a zero tolerance policy against drugs yesterday when they dismissed Adrian Mutu, the Romania striker, for gross misconduct after his positive test for cocaine.


Byrd ties Sluman for Chrysler lead Jonathan Byrd shot his second successive five-under-par 66 on Friday and joined Jeff Sluman on top of the leader board after two rounds at the Chrysler Championship.


#39;97 Triple Crown contender will be stud overseas MIDWAY, Ky. -- Silver Charm, who barely missed winning the Triple Crown in 1997, was sold to the Japan Racing Association and will stand at stud in that country next year.


India #39;s home rule broken at last to give Australia grand slam THE moment that all Australian cricket fans had been anticipating for 35 years came at 4.20pm local time. It had been delayed by a frustrating last-wicket stand of 52 in seven overs, but when Zaheer Khan swung


US mum on Arafats return MANCHESTER: The White House on Friday declined to say whether Israel should guarantee that ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat can return to the Palestinian territories after receiving medical treatment in Paris.


Oklahoma Black Leaders Upset Over Candidate Remark (Reuters) Reuters - A Republican Senate\candidate from Oklahoma who has run into trouble over verbal\gaffes was drawing fire again on Friday for saying black men\have a "genetic predisposition" for a lower life expectancy\than whites.


Caught in a regulatory cross fire Here's a bit of advice for those of you planning IT budgets. For the next five to 10 years, set aside 10 percent to comply with new government regulations, both from the United States and from other governments in your major markets.


Voting along party lines Election time is an apt occasion for reflecting on what politicians refer to as your core values, and I hope to make that phrase meaningful for perhaps the first time. Four years turns out to be a pretty good cycle for such examinations, even beyond the political realm.


When good vendors go bad The most pervasive problem in running IT is not a specific technology issue at all. Its dealing with bad vendors. Even if you have been able to reduce your IT operation down to a pure open source environment on the software side, hardware still must be purchased through commercial channels. In the post-boom IT age, the power has supposedly shifted from vendor to buyer, but IT managers continue to be manipulated by vendors who dont always act in the customers best interest. To keep vendors in line, IT managers need to stay on the ball  and punish bad behavior when it occurs by finding new suppliers.


US stocks: Dow gains, but caution rules before US election US blue-chip stocks ended higher on Friday, helped by gains in energy companies, although investors showed caution before next week #39;s presidential election.


Competition Bureau and Air Canada end dispute over predatory <b>...</b> MONTREAL (CP) - The Competition Bureau and Air Canada have ended their litigation over allegations that the airline engaged in anti-competitive practices against low-cost carriers WestJet and CanJet.


Midgley out of position but not out of touch for Bears The switch to point guard has had a rather strange effect on Cal junior Richard Midgley. Typically, a move from shooting guard to the point results in fewer points, more assists, and, if things are going smoothly, fewer turnovers.


Island of the Little People The impact on physical anthropology of the diminutive hominid Homo floresiensis cannot be understated. The discovery in a rock shelter on the Indonesian island of Flores , announced in the


Sources: Sony Eyes File-Sharing Venture LOS ANGELES Oct 29, 2004 - Sony BMG Music Entertainment and online peer-to-peer software distributor Grokster are working on a new venture that is expected to offer paid and free song downloads over the Internet, sources say.


Aspyr, Wideload offer Rebel Without a Pulse details In late August Aspyr Media Inc. and Wideload Games first announced plans to collaborate on a new game release. On Thursday Aspyr and Wideload Games offered the first details about the game, including platform information and a release schedule.


Internet Turns 35 Today shadowspar writes  quot;The CBC is reporting that the Internet turned 35 today. The story talks about the less-than-prophetic beginnings of the net:  #39;In order to log in to the two-computer network, which was then


Top 10 are taking shape It was after her heroics in Athens that I posed the question  quot;Is Kelly Holmes this nation #39;s greatest female athlete? quot; Did her middle-distance Olympic double nudge her ahead of Mary Rand (ne


Disqualification scare for Garcia Hard to tell whether the happenings of the European Tour are stranger on the course or off it. There has been Seve Ballesteros getting into mischief with a tour official at a


Sluman slides to a 70, tied for Chrysler lead After a course record on Thursday, the six-time tour winner manages just two birdies. Jonathan Byrd #39;s second-straight round of 66 is good for a share of the lead.


Nuggets Pick Up Nene #39;s Option Denver Nuggets #39; Nene Hilario, right, of Brazil, and Houston Rockets #39; Juwan Howard (5) chase a lose ball during the third quarter of their preseason game Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004, in Houston.


Jahnke takes a medal to Skate Canada Less than a week after winning his first international figure skating medal, Ryan Jahnke of Grosse Pointe Farms will compete at Skate Canada beginning tonight in Halifax, Nova Scotia.


Jackson in book: Kobe never wanted to be a sidekick In the prologue to his just published book, The Last Season, A Team in Search of Its Soul, former Los Angles Lakers coach Phil Jackson tells, very succinctly, why he wrote the tell-all diary of last season #39;s Lakers demise.


Tigers sign LHP Walker DETROIT (Ticker) - The Detroit Tigers on Friday agreed to terms on a one-year contract with lefthander Jamie Walker. Financial terms of the deal, which also includes a club option for 2006, were not disclosed.


Arafat undergoes tests for leukaemia after flight to military <b>...</b> Yasser Arafat was undergoing tests for possible leukaemia at a military hospital outside Paris last night after being airlifted from his Ramallah headquarters to an anxious farewell from Palestinian well-wishers.


VIEW: Muslims, America and Israel Syed Mansoor Hussain It is extremely important for Muslims, not only those in the US but also elsewhere, to decide whether they are against Israel because it is an oppressive occupying power that is denying Palestinians their genuine rights, or because it is a Jewish state.


Bin Laden Videotape Fires Up Bush, Kerry (AP) AP - John Kerry criticized President Bush on Friday for failing to capture Osama bin Laden as a new videotape of the terrorist leader surfaced just before the election. Bush accused the Democrat of "shameful" second-guessing in the face of threats by America's deadly foe.


Soccer, Dec 5 Premier League: Arsenal 3 Birmingham City 0, Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 1, Blackburn Rovers 0 Tottenham Hot spur 1, Chelsea 4 Newcastle United 0, Everton 3 Bolton Wanderers 2, Manchester United 3 Southampton 0, Nor wich City 0 Fulham 1, Portsmouth 3 West


Worst-jobs list makes kissing up to the boss sound fun If you #39;re sick of smooching the boss #39;s derriere, start puckering and consider yourself lucky. At least you #39;re not forced to get up close and personal with the infested hind ends of people you don #39;t know.


Agassi reaches Stockholm semis Andre Agassi won his quarterfinal match at the Stockholm Open Friday, but US Open semifinalist Joachim Johansson was forced to retire.


Blazers #39; Woods in trouble again The NBA on Friday suspended the Portland Trail Blazers #39; forward for five games for violating the league #39;s drug program. Woods will serve the penalty beginning with the first game he is eligible for in the regular season.


Tigers re-sign lefty Walker The Tigers just took several steps toward their anticipated bullpen makeover. How far it goes will be determined in the coming days.


Ailing Arafat Faces Days of Medical Tests (Reuters) Reuters - Yasser Arafat will undergo a\battery of medical tests on Saturday as French doctors try to\discover whether the ailing Palestinian leader is suffering\from leukemia or some other blood disorder.


Ailing Arafat Faces Days of Medical Tests  CLAMART, France (Reuters) - Yasser Arafat will undergo a  battery of medical tests on Saturday as French doctors try to  discover whether the ailing Palestinian leader is suffering  from leukemia or some other blood disorder.


Talks amid food fight NATIONAL Foods, which is fighting off a \$1.6 billion takeover bid by New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra, said yesterday it had been in talks with food ingredients group Burns, Philp and Co during the past six months.


DreamWorks Draws a Crowd Slaying dragons and sharks has been kid #39;s play for the company behind the popular Shrek and Shark Tale movies. Now DreamWorks Animation (NYSE: DWA) is slaying the market as well.


#39;Weightless Wonder #39; Makes Final Flight The NASA (news - web sites) turbojet notoriously known as the  quot;vomit comet quot; for its use in training astronauts for weightlessness made its final flight Friday.


Sources: Sony BMG, Grokster in talks on new file-sharing venture LOS ANGELES - Sony BMG Music Entertainment and online peer-to-peer software distributor Grokster are working on a new venture that is expected to offer paid and free song downloads over the Internet, sources say.


Proxima Technology Teams with Sun Microsystems on N1 Grid DENVER - (BUSINESS WIRE) -ct. 27, 2004  -xima Technology today announced Centauri Business Service Manager(TM) software as an integral element of Sun Microsystems (Nasdaq: SUNW) much-heralded


Variant of Bagle Worm Spreading Over Internet IT security experts have warned today that a newly intercepted variant of the infamous mass-mailing Bagle worm, dubbed Bagle.bb, has begun to spread quickly across the Internet.


Man U seek justice Manchester United have expressed their disappointment at Arsene Wenger #39;s denials of the post-match tunnel fracas involving his players, and are launching an investigation.


Nuggets hang on to Nene DENVER The Denver Nuggets have picked up their three million dollar option for next NBA season for forward Nene (nuh-NAY #39;) but not for Nikoloz Tskitishvili (NIH-koh-lohs skee-tish-VEE #39;-lee).


Capello fearful of player burnout ROME: Juventus may be sitting comfortably on a five-point cushion at the top of Serie A, but coach Fabio Capello is concerned his teams hectic fixture list could eventually unseat them.


Bin Laden: U.S. Can Avoid Another Attack (AP) AP - Osama bin Laden, publicly injecting himself into the campaign four days ahead of presidential elections, said in a videotape aired Friday that the United States can avoid another Sept. 11 attack if it stops threatening the security of Muslims.


US warns rebels to curb attacks in Darfur The United States is increasingly worried about attacks by rebel groups in Darfur even as Sudan seems to be reining in militias on the other side of the conflict, a senior US official said on Friday.


Second Merck drug faces inquiry WALL STREET analysts last night said a second experimental pain killer under development by Merck, the American drugs maker, could be delayed until 2007, after regulators asked for more information on the medicines safety.


Boston Expects Millions at Red Sox Parade (AP) AP - Because so many members of Red Sox Nation are expected in Boston to celebrate the team's World Series triumph, the victory parade Saturday won't be making any stops and won't culminate with a staged rally, either.


#39;Weightless Wonder #39; Makes Final Flight HOUSTON Oct 29, 2004 - The NASA turbojet notoriously known as the  quot;vomit comet quot; for its use in training astronauts for weightlessness made its final flight Friday.


Jazz Sign Kirilenko to Contract Extension (AP) AP - Andrei Kirilenko signed a 6-year,  #36;86 million contract extension with the Utah Jazz, a deal that took three months of negotiations.


Garciaparra Files for Free Agency (AP) AP - Nomar Garciaparra filed for free agency Friday, starting the bidding process for the All-Star shortstop.


Knee injury keeps Knicks #39; Houston out New York Knicks guard Allan Houston is unlikely to start the team #39;s season opener because of a nagging knee injury. Knicks coach Lenny Wilkens told the New York Post on Sunday he was doubtful Houston would


Bush Rejects Bin Laden Tape, Hits Kerry (Reuters) Reuters - President Bush vowed on Friday\the United States will not be intimidated by a pre-election\warning from Osama Bin Laden and called Democrat John Kerry\"shameful" for accusing him of bungling the search for the al\Qaeda leader.


Daschle in Tough, Costly Election Fight (AP) AP - In the nation's most dramatic  #151; and most expensive  #151; Senate race, Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota is scrambling to maintain his political life as Republicans argue the Democrat is out of touch with people in a state that solidly supports President Bush.


Keeping a close eye on the election The coming presidential election is sure to be about as close as they come, and technology is at the heart of much of the surrounding discussion.


Sun submits mystery license to open source group A Sun Microsystems engineer chartered with directing the engineering effort to open source Solaris has published a new software licence that could be used for the open source release of Sun #39;s Unix operating system.


Google plugs hole exposing Gmail mail-boxes SAN FRANCISCO - Google Inc. has fixed a security flaw in its Gmail Web-based e-mail service that allowed attackers to hijack users' e-mail accounts.


Thai PM Explains Detainees' Deaths on TV (AP) AP - Facing new violence and harsh criticism, the prime minister said Friday he would set up an independent commission to investigate the deaths of 85 Muslim youths in southern Thailand, including 78 who suffocated or were crushed to death in military custody.


Kerry: Americans' Safety at Stake in Election (Reuters) Reuters - Democratic challenger John Kerry said on\Friday the safety of Americans was at stake in next week's\election and refused to let a new Osama bin Laden videotape\overshadow his race with President Bush.


Update 1: Summary: Wall Street #39;s Major Indexes Stocks were mixed Friday as the government #39;s gross domestic product report renewed concerns that high energy prices and a lack of jobs might hold back economic growth, and investors showed reluctance to make big commitments ahead of next week #39;s


Tomlinson Expects to Start Against Raiders (AP) AP - Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson practiced Friday and is expected to start against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.


Report: University can #39;t financially sustain IA status MOSCOW, Idaho -- Former University of Idaho athletic director Bill Belknap fears a divide is being creating over athletics at the state #39;s land grant college.


Tragedy still fresh, Gordon faces tough situation in Atlanta In one sense, it would not be unprecedented for Gordon and the No. 24 team to rebound from the aftermath of Sunday #39;s Hendrick Motorsports plane crash to finish well at Atlanta; Kevin Harvick won there in 2001


Bin Laden Casts Shadow Over Stock Market (Reuters) Reuters - A video appearance by al Qaeda leader\Osama bin Laden, in which he said the United States may face\renewed attacks, cast a shadow over the outlook for the U.S.\stock market, analysts said on Friday.


Body Resembling Japanese Hostage Found in Iraq (Reuters) Reuters - A body resembling a Japanese hostage has\been found in Iraq and is being shipped to Qatar for\identification, Japanese officials said on Saturday, after\Tokyo refused a demand by his captors to pull out its troops.


PlayStation 3 chip goes easy on developers SAN FRANCISCO--The  quot;Cell quot; processor that will power the next version of the PlayStation game console will also be adaptable for advanced scientific research, but you won #39;t have to be a rocket scientist to program it.


Body Resembling Japanese Hostage Found in Iraq  TOKYO (Reuters) - A body resembling a Japanese hostage has  been found in Iraq and is being shipped to Qatar for  identification, Japanese officials said on Saturday, after  Tokyo refused a demand by his captors to pull out its troops.


Move to Stop Voyeurs Mis-Using Camera Phones Mobile phone makers need to protect people from peeping toms and blackmailers who use built-in cameras to take secret pictures, campaigners said today.


VMware aims for four-processor abilities Software that lets computers split into virtual machines will create more powerful subdivisions.


Yankees Seek to Keep Pitcher Jon Lieber (AP) AP - After watching their starting pitchers struggle for much of the season, the New York Yankees would like to bring Jon Lieber back for 2005.


Sacking Mutu was right insists Chelsea boss Mourinho Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has launched a strong defence of the sacking of Romanian striker Adrian Muti for testing positive for cocaine.


Kirilenko Signs Six-Year Extension with Jazz  SALT LAKE CITY (Sports Network) - Utah Jazz forward Andrei  Kirilenko signed a six-year, \$86 million contract extension  with the team Friday. The deal, which culminated three months  of negotiations, will kick in next season.


Cassini Evidence Shows Saturn Moon Alive (AP) AP - The Cassini spacecraft is sending back evidence that Saturn's planet-size moon Titan is geologically alive, possibly with liquids moving on its surface, scientists said Thursday.


ATA Bankruptcy October 29, 2004 -Des Moines - Their planes may be small, but ATA Connection plays a vital role in keeping air fares low for flights to Chicago and the East Coast.


China seeks to soothe markets on rate rise BEIJING: China sought yesterday to soothe concerns over a surprise interest rate rise, its first in nearly a decade and one which is expected to start a series of increases to cool growth in the world #39;s seventh-biggest economy.


Eurotunnel to cut workforce LONDON: Subsea rail operator Eurotunnel unveiled yesterday a  quot;Project Dare quot; plan to cut jobs and services as it tries to dig its way out of a mountain of debt in the face of falling revenues and market share.


Apple Unveils New Crop of iPods Apple Computer has unveiled two new versions of its hugely successful iPod: the iPod Photo and the U2 iPod. Apple also has expanded


Renteria files for free agency Cardinals shortstop Edgar Renteria filed for free agency Friday along with catcher Mike Matheny and outfielder Ray Lankford, two days after the Boston Red Sox swept St.


New Cambodia king is crowned PHNOM PENH: In a ceremony full of pageantry and hope, KING NORODOM SIHAMONI ascended the Cambodian throne yesterday, ushering in a new royal era for a country still trying to draw a line under its bloody, genocidal past.


Mystery over hostage #39;s fate BAGHDAD: A body found in Iraq cannot be confirmed as that of a young Japanese man taken hostage and the corpse has been sent to Qatar for identification, Japan #39;s Senior Vice Foreign Minister Shuzen Tanigawa said yesterday.


Times newspaper to go tabloid The Times is to scrap its broadsheet edition after more than 200 years of publication and go tabloid from Monday.


Marsh CEO sees Spitzer settlement The new boss of scandal-hit US insurance broker Marsh   McLennan says he expects to settle charges brought by New York's attorney-general.


Larkin, Vizquel and Garciaparra File for Free Agency  NEW YORK (Sports Network) - Two of the greatest shortstops  ever, Barry Larkin and Omar Vizquel, were among the 58 players  to file for free agency on Friday.


Arafat in French Hospital, Facing a Round of Tests Yasir Arafat arrived in France as the guest of the French government and was taken to a military hospital for treatment of a mysterious ailment.


Sudanese Government, Rebels Fail to Agree on Security  ABUJA (Reuters) - Sudanese government delegates and Darfur  rebels failed to reach agreement early on Saturday on a draft  security protocol aimed at breaking a deadlock at peace  negotiations in Nigeria.


Garciaparra Among New-Minted Free Agents (AP) AP - Nomar Garciaparra filed for free agency Friday, two days after the All-Star shortstop's former team, the Boston Red Sox, won the World Series.


Bristol-Myers Profit Lower, So Are Shares (Reuters) Reuters - Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.  on\Friday said quarterly profit fell 16 percent on special charges\and lower U.S. sales amid competition from rival brands and\cheaper generics.


Larkin, Vizquel and Garciaparra File for Free Agency (Reuters) Reuters - Two of the greatest shortstops\ever, Barry Larkin and Omar Vizquel, were among the 58 players\to file for free agency on Friday.


Marsh CEO sees Spitzer settlement The new boss of US insurance broker Marsh  amp; McLennan said he is confident of settling the charges brought by New York Attorney-General Eliot Spitzer.


New Worm Variant Spreads, Clogging E-Mail (AP) AP - At least one new variant of a worm spread rapidly from Asia and Europe to U.S. computers Friday morning, filling up people's e-mail accounts, but otherwise causing little apparent damage.


Yankees decline options on Quantrill, Lee By RONALD BLUM AP Sports Writer. either pick up his option or not, it #39;s up to them. Jon wants to remain a. on first baseman Travis Lee and their 2006 option on reliever Paul Quantrill.


Hendrick Team Knows It #39;s More Than Just a Race The sky was appropriately gloomy here this morning as Nascar race teams came together for the first time since the crash of the Hendrick Motorsports plane that killed 10 people last Sunday.


Botswana gears up for the polls Supporters cheer Botswana's President Festus Mogae in the last day of campaigning before Saturday's parliamentary polls.


Survival of Fittest and Leanest Becomes Strategy for the Airlines After half a decade of turmoil, a picture of air travel in the U.S. is starting to emerge, and it is far different from the caring image the airlines like to present.


Growth Rate of Economy Edged Higher Over Summer The economy picked up a little more speed during the summer quarter, but some analysts and executives expressed worries over the economy's vulnerabilities.


Wenger welcomes United probe on Old Trafford food fight Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger welcomed the news that Manchester United had launched an investigation into the tunnel fracas after Sunday #39;s bad-tempered contest.


Ex-OAS Chief Ordered Held in Costa Rica (AP) AP - A Costa Rican appeals court judge ordered the former head of the Organization of American States jailed Friday while prosecutors prepare corruption charges against him for allegedly accepting kickbacks when he was the nation's president.


Growth Rate of Economy Edged Higher Over Summer The economy picked up a little more speed during the summer quarter from July through September, expanding at a 3.7 percent annual rate, the government reported yesterday.


In Atlanta, Relief That the Hometown Airline Remains Aloft Nita Bertsche, who lives a few miles north of Atlanta and has been flying on Delta Air Lines for 20 years, was relieved this week to hear that the airline had, for now at least, managed to avoid bankruptcy.


Cingular Acquires AT amp;T Wireless, the Real Work Begins Now On 26 October 2004, Cingular Wireless acquired AT amp;T Wireless services after receiving final clearance from the US Federal Communications Commission.


Caution! New worm on the prowl NEW YORK: At least one new variant of a worm spread rapidly from Asia and Europe to US computers on Friday morning, filling up people #39;s e-mail accounts, but otherwise causing little apparent damage.


E-Vote Vendors Hand Over Software In an effort to increase the integrity of next week #39;s presidential election, five voting machine makers agreed for the first time to submit their software programs to the National Software Reference Library for safekeeping, federal officials said on


Pacers #39; O #39;Neal might head to injured list The Indianapolis Star reported Friday that All-Star forward Jermaine O #39;Neal likely will be placed on the injured list due to a strained ligament in his left foot.


Arafat arrives in Paris for medical treatment Arafat bid farewell to his people in Palestine. 75-year-old Palestinian leader Arafat left Amman #39;s military airport aboard a French plane at around 8:00 am (0600 GMT) Friday on his way to Paris for medical treatment.


Golf: Garcia storms into lead Spain's Sergio Garcia comes home in 31 to take a one-shot lead at the Volvo Masters.


Tricks Fool Caller ID It wasn't long after caller ID became popular that some people signed up for telephone services to block their number from being displayed. Now comes another trick: Companies are marketing systems to help callers fool telephone identification services into thinking they are someone else entirely. -The Washington Post


Southwest plans Chicago expansion Southwest Airlines plans to step up operations at Chicago Midway Airport due to the bankruptcy of low-cost rival ATA Airlines and may also bid on some of the troubled carrier #39;s assets, said the Southwest Chief Executive Gary


Small Gains, Led by Energy Shares, Ahead of the Election Blue-chip stocks ended higher yesterday, helped by gains in energy companies, although investors showed caution before next week #39;s presidential election.


Email worm clogs accounts AP - At least one new variant of a worm spread rapidly from Asia and Europe to US computers, filling up people #39;s email accounts, but otherwise causing little apparent damage.


NASA #39;s  #39;Weightless Wonder #39; makes final flight HOUSTON The NASA four-engine turbojet notoriously known as the  quot;vomit comet quot; for its use in training astronauts for weightlessness made its final flight today.


NASA will attempt to launch a shuttle in mid-May KENNEDY SPACE CENTER Still plagued by problems after the Columbia shuttle disaster, NASA has announced a new target date for getting its spacecraft off the ground.


Sony-BMG, Grokster deal p2pnet.net News:- News of Mashboxx, a major deal involving Grokster, former Grokster and Blubster ceo Wayne Rosso, Sony-BMG and Shawn Fanning #39;s Snocap, is now doing the rounds.


Vince returns to SC court Monday Carter scored 20 points to lead six players in double figures as the Toronto Raptors posted a 100-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the preseason finale for both teams.


Australia close India file at last Steve Waugh described India as the final frontier and it was crossed yesterday by a locum captain and an ageing team as Australia won a series here for the first time in 35 years.


What a difference a day makes: Chargers game televised locally Fans of the Chargers and Raiders can relax: Sunday #39;s game between the two teams at Qualcomm Stadium will be televised locally.


Indonesian Court Opens Bashirs Trial JAKARTA, 29 October 2004 - Indonesian Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Bashir went on trial yesterday accused of leading an Al-Qaeda-linked network and of planning or inciting others to carry out attacks in the worlds most populous Muslim nation.


This Kansan Made Good, Maybe Too Good, Some Say Federal prosecutors are seeking to seize the assets of David Wittig, former chief executive of Kansas' largest electric utility, Westar Energy.


Prospects Brighten for Maker of Nasal Flu Vaccine Although government officials asked MedImmune to help with the flu vaccine shortage, the maker of a nasal anti-flu spray will lose money on every dose it sells.


In Video Message, Bin Laden Issues Warning to U.S. Osama bin Laden said that the best way for the U.S. to avoid a repeat of 9/11 was to stop threatening Muslims' security.


Taylor Sent Home Joe Gibbs told Sean Taylor to take the weekend off and report back on Monday following Taylor's drunken-driving arrest Thursday.


Just Another Game Coach Peter Nowak said the team is approaching their match against the New York/New Jersey MetroStars like any other game.


Taylor to Be Tested Ravens running back Chester Taylor, filling in for Jamal Lewis, will face a stern test in the undefeated Philadelphia defense.


Sorry Homecomings Navy has lost its last five homecoming games, including a 21-17 loss to Division I-AA Delaware last season.


Bison Changing QBs After Marcos Moreno threw four more interceptions in last week's 14-13 overtime loss at N.C. A T, Bison Coach Ray Petty will start Antoine Hartfield against Norfolk State on Saturday.


A Change of Course The first thing veteran Marine Corps Marathon runners will notice about this year's course is an about-face.


Aiming High Terry Shea, Carl Rundell, and Bob Busquaert have  joined the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project with hopes it will help them finish the Marine Corps Marathon with times at or below 2 hours 20 minutes.


Bush is Weak, Inept, and Unfit to Lead \\Of course Russell  is correct...\\"Personally, when I saw this video I was completely amazed. Osama is still\around? It's hard to believe, but not only is he alive and well, but still\threatening the U.S. Incredible! Regardless of my political feelings, I had\the sense that Osama was in some cave somewhere barely alive, or permanently\crippled or something. He seemed fine to me on television."\\"So here's the October surprise which will be spun incredibly by both\parties. But honestly, this is incontestable proof that George Bush is a\shamefully inept leader and a person who cannot protect America. Bin Laden\should not be on TV threatening us, he should be dead. The reason he's not?\Because  ...\\


More Voter Supression Rules \\I love these NeoCon vote supression rules.  They're *sooooo* cute!\\I have some more:\\ - If you've ever traveled outside of the US you can't vote.\\ - If you have a graduate degree you can't vote.\\ - If you make less than 6 figures you can't vote\\ - If you can spell Nuclear and pronounce it correctly then you can't vote.\\ - If you haven't accept Jesus as savior then you can't vote.\\ - If you've never ordered anything from Bass Pro Shops then you can't vote.\\This is fun... if you can think of anymore please add a comment!\\


Baseball Expected to Query Franco on Crime Figures Major League Baseball is expected to interview Mets pitcher John Franco in light of news reports that Franco had given crime family members tickets to a Mets game.


Economic Growth Chugs On The economy grew at a solid annual rate of 3.7 percent in July, August and September, driven by swelling demand for automobiles and other big-ticket items


WR Grace Targeted in Mining Probe WR Grace  amp; Co. said yesterday that the company and several current and former senior-level employees are targets of a federal grand jury investigation in Montana stemming from its past mining activities there.


Eurotunnel to cut services Eurotunnel is to cut the regularity of its shuttle services through the Channel tunnel, in a move which could involve mothballing several of its unique trains, as it struggles to compete with cut-price ferry operators.


New Human Species Discovered Description: Researchers report this week that they have found the remains of a group of small hominids that may be a new species of human -- one that may have existed on an island near Indonesia as late as 14,000 years ago.


Saturn #39;s Moon Titan May Hold Methane Lake Cassini has photographed icy volcanic flows and a large lake of what could be methane on Saturn #39;s mysterious moon Titan. The observations suggest Titan is geologically active and, and its environment


UN forces patrol Monrovia, Liberia UN forces have been deployed to restore calm in Liberia #39;s capital of Monrovia where sectarian violence sparked widespread looting and destruction.


Telstra to stay in Aussie hands TELSTRA will remain firmly in Australian hands even after the Government sells its shares in the company, Treasurer Mr Peter Costello said yesterday.


BASEBALL ROUNDUP Red Sox Decide Dropping Mueller Is Not an Option By The Associated Press. Two days after winning the World Series and a day before a parade in Boston to toast the achievement, the Boston Red Sox exercised their option yesterday on


O #39;Neal The Indianapolis Star reported Friday that the Pacers likely will place All-Star forward Jermaine O #39;Neal on the injured list due to a strained ligament in his left foot.


* Prospects of tighter monetary policy played down Japan #39;s central bank yesterday predicted the economy would shift into inflation for the first time since 1997 during the next fiscal year, though it strongly signalled that this would not trigger a tightening of monetary policy.


Bush Agrees to Consider Textile Limits On Friday, just days before the presidential election, the Bush administration agreed to consider a petition from a coalition of embattled textile manufacturers that would limit some imports from China.


Lehman Settles Suit Over Enron Lehman Brothers has agreed to pay \$222.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit contending that it and other brokerage firms and banks helped Enron mislead investors.


More Krazy Kutaragi October 29, 2004 - You know you #39;re powerful when you get three articles devoted to you on IGN in one day! Ken Kutaragi, head of Sony Computer Entertainment, you #39;re all right!


Ghostzapper Has Speed to Burn The most brilliant American racehorse in years has labored in relative obscurity until now. But when he runs Saturday in the Breeders #39; Cup Classic at Lone Star Park, Ghostzapper can demonstrate


Giants Look to Repeat Success Against Vikings At the time, seven games into the 2003 season, a victory over previously undefeated Minnesota seemed momentous, as if the Giants #39; seesaw season had finally lurched in the right direction.


The Man With The Golden Arm How is it possible that Brett Favre has never played in Washington, not at RFK, not at FedEx Field, not in the preseason, not the regular season, not the playoffs?


Whipper can crack it in Mile There is a sense in which 99 of the runners at the Breeders #39; Cup tonight are visitors. The course has never staged this meeting before - in fact, it is less than a decade since they dug Lone Star Park #39;s foundations


Intense Campaign Down To the Wire in Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko, the leading opposition candidate for the presidency of Ukraine, planned to hold a rally on Tuesday in a central square in this small city.


Colombian church, congress support humanitarian exchange with FARC The Catholic Church and the Colombian Congress termed as positive the proposal of President Alvaro Uribe to negotiate the liberation of individuals kept as hostages by the FARC


Drug-dispensing Contact Lens Developed Drug-loaded contact lenses have been developed that could treat eye conditions such as glaucoma far more effectively than drops. Usually sufferers of glaucoma and many other eye conditions are prescribed eye drops.


DUI Case Leaves Hole in Redskins #39; Secondary A day after skipping practice following his arrest on a drunken-driving charge, the Washington Redskins #39; rookie safety Sean Taylor was granted an excused absence yesterday, and the team told him to stay away until Monday.


Ex-dancer crowned new Cambodia king Norodom Sihamoni was crowned yesterday as Cambodia #39;s first new king in 50 years, in ornate ceremonies that formally ended the reign of one of Asia #39;s longest-serving and best-known rulers.


More powers for Russia #39;s President Russia #39;s Parliament has overwhelmingly approved President Vladimir Putin #39;s plan to reinforce control over Russia by replacing popular elections of regional leaders with a central selection process.


Test Flights for Shuttle Could Begin Next Spring NASA officials said on Friday that the space shuttle Discovery could take off for the International Space Station in May or June in the first of two test flights aimed at resuming normal shuttle operations.


Democratic faithful see omens pointing to Kerry win A lunar eclipse. A World Series victory after 86 years for the Boston Red Sox. For the Democratic faithful, it was an unmistakable omen: Senator John Kerry, locked for weeks in a dead heat with US President George W. Bush, now had the stars on his side.


Longtime St. Peter #39;s basketball coach Kennedy dies at 97 Don Kennedy, who led St. Peter #39;s basketball team from a small-time program to major college status during his 22 years as head coach, has died.


Carter leads Raptors past Cavaliers CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Vince Carter scored 20 points as the Toronto Raptors completed their NBA pre-season with a 100-92 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Air Canada Centre on Friday.


Arafat in French hospital Palestinian President Yasser Arafat was admitted yesterday to a French military hospital near Paris for urgent treatment for what is said to be a potentially fatal blood disorder.


New study puts civilian deaths in Iraq at 100,000 An estimated 100,000 civilians have died in Iraq as a direct or indirect consequence of last year #39;s US-led invasion, according to a new study by a research team at the Bloom-berg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.


Novak topples Henman to advance to semi-finals Jiri Novak made Tim Henman #39;s life as miserable yesterday as he did at this summer #39;s Olympics, toppling the second-seeded Briton 7-6 (5), 7-5 in the quarterfinals of the euro989,750 (US\$1.


Thousands flock for glimpse of new Cambodian king as coronation <b>...</b> PHNOM PENH : Thousands of Cambodians flocked to the royal palace to catch a glimpse of new King Norodom Sihamoni as his formal coronation period ended with the extinguishing of a candle.


Annan asks traditional leaders to UN efforts to restore calm in <b>...</b> 29 October 2004 - Reacting to an upsurge of violence and disturbances in Liberia #39;s capital, Monrovia, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on the local leaders there to lend their support to United Nations efforts to restore calm.


US economy grew at 3.7 percent in summer The economy grew at an annual rate of 3.7 percent in the summer as a big rebound in auto sales offset weakness from an expanding trade deficit, soaring


By: DEBRA COTTERILL, Family and Consumers Sciences Agent Mason <b>...</b> Many people who have never bounced a check in their life could soon bounce their first check if they write checks to pay bills a couple of days before their paycheck is deposited into their checking account.


Post Co. Profit Jumps to \$82.5 Million Profit at The Washington Post Co. was \$82.5 million in the fiscal third quarter (\$8.57 per share) compared with \$19.9 million (\$2.


Big Arctic Perils Seen in Warming A comprehensive four-year study of warming in the Arctic shows that heat-trapping gases from tailpipes and smokestacks around the world are contributing to profound environmental changes


Hacking pleads not guilty in killing of wife in July SALT LAKE CITY - Mark Hacking pleaded not guilty yesterday to murder in the death of his wife, Lori, whose remains were found in a landfill weeks after her disappearance.


Schilling cant step onto campaign trail The injured Red Sox hurler backed off from taking the stage to appear with President Bush at two Granite State campaign events yesterday.


Australians win first series on Indian soil in 35 years Australia #39;s 35-year wait for a test series triumph on Indian soil ended yesterday when its fast bowlers ripped through the India #39;s defenses to clinch a massive 342-run victory in the third test.


A monkey off their back Nagpur: It is fitting that Australia won their battle against the Indian demon in Nagpur, here at the Vidarbha Cricket Association ground.


Thailand Commission to Investigate Muslim Deaths Facing new violence and harsh criticism, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has promised to set up an independent commission to investigate the deaths in southern Thailand of 85 accused Muslim rioters, including 78 who died in military detention.


Update 6: Oil Prices Ease Further Amid China Moves Oil prices bounced higher Friday following two days of sharp declines that came on the heels of rising inventories of crude in the United States and a move by China to cool its economy.


New rules: No more floating checks Legal or not, many of us have  quot;floated quot; payment with a check at some point in our lives. If this is the way you have paid your bills, today is the day to quit cold-turkey.


Black to quit posts soon at Hollinger TORONTO (Agence France-Presse) - Media baron Conrad Black, facing battles with shareholders in the United States and Canada, will quit as chairman and chief executive officer of the Canadian holding company Hollinger Inc.


Lehman agrees to pay \$222.5m to settle Enron suit SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Lehman Brothers agreed to pay \$222.5 million to settle an Enron securities class action suit, the University of California said Friday.


Bad news (and good) on Arctic warming NEW YORK The first thorough assessment of a decades-long Arctic warming trend shows the region is undergoing profound changes, including sharp retreats of glaciers and sea ice, thawing of permafrost, and shifts in ocean and atmospheric conditions that are


Zero-gravity jet simulates space for regular folks Space is the one frontier that #39;s out of reach to the average person, but the feeling of space travel is now a little less elusive.


Adjustment Buoys Byrd PALM HARBOR - Jonathan Byrd was taken aside by his coach and his caddie at the 84 Lumber Classic in September, and told he needed to work on his demeanor.


Novak topples Henman JIRI Novak made Tim Henman #39;s life as miserable overnight as he did at the Athens Olympics by toppling him 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 in the quarterfinals of the 989,750 euro (\$1.


Hendrick team working through pain For those involved in NASCAR, racing is more than a sport. It is a way of life. It is a way of conducting one #39;s self throughout life, and eventually getting through the toughest part of life: dealing with death.


Controversy mars EU constitution signing Twenty-five leaders representing all of the members of the newly expanded European Union on Friday signed the bloc #39;s first-ever constitution, a document that aims to create a more federal-type government in Europe.


Liberia tightens curfew after capital riots as arms deadline looms MONROVIA (AFP) - The Liberian capital Monrovia was under curfew after citywide riots killed at least five people two days before the end of a UN disarmament effort, provoking fears of a return to conflict in the west African state.


Oil price dip propels stocks to mixed finish Wall Street ended an otherwise strong week with a mixed finish yesterday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 22.93, or 0.23 percent, to 10,027.


GDP rise slight in quarter The economy grew at an annual rate of 3.7 percent this summer as a big rebound in auto sales offset weakness from an exploding trade deficit, soaring oil


Crude Oil Falls a Third Day in London as China May Slow Demand Crude oil fell in London, leading to its biggest three-day drop in a month, on rising US stockpiles and concern China is taking steps to slow demand in the world #39;s second-largest oil consuming nation.


Feds delay decision on Merck painkiller Merck can #39;t expect any immediate relief from the medicine that was supposed to replace Vioxx, the pain medication it took off the market.


US to Consider Limiting Pants Imports From China The Bush administration, sending another signal that it intends to limit imports of clothing from China next year, announced yesterday that it will consider a request by the US textile industry


Cassini #39;s Titan Photos Stump Scientists Description: We take a trip out to Saturn #39;s moon Titan. The Cassini space probe paid a close call to the moon this week, and sent back some pictures of the mist-covered planet that have scientists puzzled.


DAILY DIGEST Washington - Four of the nations largest Internet providers Thursday announced a new round of lawsuits designed to thwart email spammers, including the first major case involving spam sent via an instant messaging service.


U2 online deal hastens last spin for the CD THE new album by the rock veterans U2 is called How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. An alternative could have been How To Kill The Compact Disc And Make Two Billion Dollars.


Henman crashes out to Novak Tim Henman was defeated in the quarter-finals of the Swiss Indoors in Basle last night by the Czech, Jiri Novak. The British No 1 must now pick up ranking points at the Paris Masters to ensure qualification


Notebook: Hendrick drivers to speak about plane crash HAMPTON - Even as teams prepared for Sunday #39;s Nextel Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the NASCAR community continued to focus on last week #39;s plane crash.


Redskins #39; Taylor won #39;t play Sunday WASHINGTON (Ticker) - Following a poor decision off the field, rookie safety Sean Taylor will be on the sidelines when the Washington Redskins take the field Sunday.


Toomer, O #39;Hara still questionable for Giants New York Giants receiver Amani Toomer returned to practice Friday and participated in some individual drills, but his status for Sunday #39;s game against the Minnesota Vikings is still undecided.


Labor targets Chinese textiles The Bush administration yesterday accepted a petition for new quotas on Chinese-made pants, one in a series of decisions that may lead to extensive protection for US textile and apparel


Plans encourage full schedule; shuttle launch goal still mid-May NASA is studying the possibility of reducing the number of missions it will fly before retiring its three-orbiter space shuttle fleet, agency officials said Friday.


After 216 years,  #39;Times #39; to stop printing as broadsheet The Times is to ditch its broadsheet edition and publish in a compact-only format starting on Monday. Almost a year ago, The Times followed in the footsteps of The Independent


Traders downplay China move; supply concerns linger SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Crude futures closed higher Friday to tally a gain of 5 percent for the month, lifted by growing doubt that China #39;s interest rate hike will dampen energy demand and the ever-existing possibility that supply disruptions could


Miami paying a visit to the Tar Heels In his 24 seasons studying college quarterbacks - including a pair as a secondary coach at Ohio State -arry Coker has developed a relatively simple outlook on The Scrambler.


Taylor Told To Take the Weekend Off Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor did not practice yesterday and Coach Joe Gibbs said he was told to take the weekend off and report back to Redskins Park on Monday in the aftermath of


Spurrier should pass on returning to Florida Wanted: one football coach. Prior head-coaching experience required (fool us once, shame on us). Must be able to win big yesterday.


Afghan Militants Threaten to Kill Hostages A militant group claiming to have kidnapped three foreign election workers in Afghanistan said Friday that it would execute the hostages if the authorities pursued their search for the kidnappers.


US growth bounces up before vote The US economy picked up speed in the third quarter to expand at a 3.7 percent annual rate, the government reported Friday in the last significant look at the economy before Election Day on Tuesday.


Shuttle missions could be reduced NASA confirmed Friday that space shuttle missions will resume as early as May, but agency officials said they will study how to cut future missions that would hasten the spacecraft #39;s retirement.


Lexmark Loss Good for Consumers Until earlier this week, some electronics companies were wielding the Digital Millenium Copyright Act -- a law that tries to curtail piracy of music and movies -- as a shield to protect their businesses from competition.


Foundation built for Sox to succeed Years ago, the uniform numbers on the right-field roof at Fenway Park were displayed in the order in which they were retired. From left to right, the numbers read 9-4-1-8.


It #39;s Texas #39; turn for a fall classic From a Texas perspective, it will be the most significant day of horse racing in the state #39;s history. A crowd of over 50,000 people will pack Lone Star Park today for the Breeders


Prediction: Miami-Florida 38, North Carolina 15 GAME NOTES: The fourth-ranked Miami Hurricanes head to the Tar Heel State for the second straight week, as they invade Chapel Hill on Saturday, where they will meet up with the North Carolina Tar Heels in ACC action from Kenan Stadium.


Bonds gives reporters silent treatment ST. LOUIS Giants slugger Barry Bonds was at last night #39;s World Series game but refused to answer questions about the scandal surrounding him involving performance-enhancing drugs.


Mourning plays for first time since kidney transplant Playing in an NBA game for the first time since a kidney transplant was like riding a bike for Alonzo Mourning. Once he was on the court, the veteran center looked like he had never left.


Body resembling Japanese captive found A body resembling a Japanese captive has been found in Iraq and is being shipped to Qatar for identification, Japanese officials have said.


Jury ready to view Enron evidence A jury in the first Enron criminal trial appears to be ready to sift through the evidence as they asked the judge Friday afternoon for an index to the dozens of exhibits.


Nene leads Nuggets past banged-up Pacers It didn #39;t take long for Austin Croshere to figure out that the Indiana Pacers lost another one of their stars to injury.  quot;I saw the look on the X-ray guy #39;s face when he walked out, quot; Croshere said.


Franco #39;s Relationship With Alleged Mobsters to Be Examined The baseball commissioner #39;s office will wait until after a government investigation to examine whether there has been a relationship between New York Mets reliever John Franco and alleged mobsters.


Costa Rican ex-president Ridriguez jailed Costa Rica #39;s former president Miguel Angel Rodriguez was jailed on Friday for six months pendinginvestigation of corruption charges against him.


In Arafat #39;s absence THROUGH THE different stages of his life as chief of Fatah, chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and president of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat #39;s one consistent principle has been to keep the reins of power wrapped tightly around


NTT DoCoMo Says Profit Declined 6 in First Half NTT DoCoMo reported today that its profit fell 6 percent for the most recent six-month period from a year earlier as price-cutting rivals lured customers away from the company, Japan #39;s top provider of mobile phone service.


Internet expands political exposure, study finds In its third presidential election, the Internet has finally reached political adolescence. Candidates use it to raise millions and rally their followers.


Racers return to the track to let the healing process begin Brian Vickers struggled to contain his grief Friday for the 10 people killed in the Hendrick Motorsports plane crash last weekend.


All-out US attack on Sunni Triangle is imminent Marines just outside the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah were making final preparations Friday for a large-scale offensive that US commanders


Surge in car sales spurs economy The final snapshot of the economy before Election Day showed yesterday that growth picked up to a 3.7 percent pace this summer, fired by a consumer spending splurge on cars and sport utility vehicles.


DISNEY BOARD BACKED OVITZ Directors at Walt Disney nominated Michael Ovitz to serve on its board for three years at a 1996 meeting just weeks before forcing him out of his job as president, Ovitz told a Delaware court yesterday.


The bubbles start bursting at Innisbrook Jeff Sluman was eight shots worse and walked off the final green with a share of the lead. Paul Azinger was seven shots better and left Innisbrook in a state of shock.


Pleasantly Perfect tries to repeat as Breeders #39; Cup Classic winner There #39;s more at stake for Pleasantly Perfect in the \$4 million Breeders #39; Cup Classic than trying to repeat last year #39;s victory.


Newman Claims Eighth Pole HAMPTON, Ga. - Ryan Newman blew to his third pole position in as many races Friday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway, but not without a challenge from red-hot Joe Nemechek.


Historic vote on Gaza a boost for democracy Ideally, Israel would be withdrawing from the Gaza Strip as part of a negotiated settlement with the Palestinians. Ideally, there would be no suspicion that the withdrawal is part


Ukraine vote a threat to West Ukraine #39;s extremely important national elections tomorrow are causing deep concern among Canada #39;s ethnic Ukrainian communities and, far too late, in Europe and the United States.


Gateway Computes Operating Profit It has never bothered me that I have been the only person I know who loves my eMachines computers. The computers are inexpensive and they are more than adequate for my word processing


Court overturns Lexmark DMCA case injunction In a blow to printer company Lexmark International, a federal appeals court overturned on Tuesday an order that barred a North Carolina company from making computer chips for ink cartridge replacements.


On parade route, cash registers brace for workout Saturdays at Jack #39;s Drum Shop on Boylston Street are usually the slowest. But with the Red Sox victory parade passing by this morning, the shop will


Threatment of Arafat continues in Paris Doctors in France treating the Palestinian leader, Yassar Arafat, have told him that it will be several days before they know exactly what is wrong with him.


Body Resembling Japanese Hostage Found in Iraq A body resembling a Japanese hostage has been found in Iraq and will be flown to Kuwait or Qatar for identification, officials said on Saturday, after Tokyo refused a demand by his captors to pull out its troops.


Kuchma urges candidates to cool down, pledges national stability He called on candidates and election staffs to cool down. The one who carries out the election struggle with dignity and finds the shortest way to the minds and hearts of voters will become the president of Ukraine, Kuchma said.


Titan #39;s surface like an icy eggshell, images show The surface of Titan, Saturn #39;s largest moon, looks like a cracked eggshell, a windblown landscape dotted with propane lakes, according to images that NASA released Thursday.


TAMARA AUDI: Sox fan oddly troubled by Series  quot;C #39;mon Cardinals! Don #39;t let  #39;em walk over you like this! quot; It was 10:15 pm Wednesday, 3-0 Red Sox. What #39;s wrong with that?


Japan struggles to identify body found in Iraq as civilian hostage <b>...</b> By Natalie Obiko Pearson, Associated Press, 10/30/2004 01:52. TOKYO (AP) A body resembling a Japanese hostage held by Islamic militants has been found in Iraq, the government announced Saturday, and officials


US GROWTH IS CRIMPED BY OIL October 30, 2004 -- The US economy grew at a slower-than-expected 3.7 percent annual rate in the third quarter as rising oil prices contributed to a record trade deficit and companies added less to inventories.


Century Casinos #39; profits rise  Colorado Springs-based Century Casinos Inc. said third- quarter profits rose 35 percent to \$1.23 million, or 9 cents a share, from \$914,000, or 7 cents a share, in the year-ago period.


432 years lapse before Supernova perpetrator is identified On 11th November 1572 the renowned Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe witnessed a titanic supernova explosion, although at the time he was unaware of the phenomena he was seeing.


Pacers #39; Miller breaks bone in hand INDIANAPOLIS  Guard Reggie Miller broke a bone in his left hand in the Pacers #39; a 98-79 loss Friday to the Denver, the exhibition finale for both teams.


Raps coach wants team to believe TORONTO -- The Toronto Raptors have to believe. That was coach Sam Mitchell #39;s message after the Raptors held on to win their final NBA preseason game 100-92 over the Cleveland Cavaliers last night.


Economy grows at a 3.7 rate in third quarter The national economy grew at a solid rate in the last three months, boosted by a rebound in consumer spending and another strong quarter of business investment, the Commerce Department reported yesterday.


Update 1: Venezuela, Colombia Mull Gas Pipeline The world #39;s oil producers don #39;t have much capacity to increase output, which should keep prices high throughout 2005, Venezuela #39;s oil minister said Thursday.


Landing Site for Huygens On January 14, 2005, the Huygens probe will try to descend to the surface of Saturn #39;s largest moon, Titan--a biochemically rich moon dominated by hydrocarbons like methane and ethane.


RIAA Files 750 Infringement Suits The Recording Industry Association of America yesterday (Oct. 28) brought a new round of copyright-infringement lawsuits against 750 file sharers, including 25 users on 13 university campuses.


Plane #39;s exit chokes  #39;em The NASA turbojet notoriously known as the  quot;Vomit Comet quot; for its use in training astronauts for weightlessness made its final flight Friday.


Byrd rides birdies to share of lead In the PGA Tour #39;s last full-field tournament of the year, Jeff Sluman and Jonathan Byrd are tied for first after two rounds. Byrd birdied five holes on the back nine


FOOTBALL: I ASKED MUTU: ARE YOU TAKING COCAINE? HE JUST LAUGHED IN <b>...</b> JOSE MOURINHO revealed last night that he accused Adrian Mutu of being a coke-head the very first time he met the Romanian striker.


NOW IT #39;S SUED VAN NISTELROOY SIR ALEX FERGUSON has accused Arsene Wenger of having a  quot;mental problem quot; with Ruud van Nistelrooy after the Arsenal boss branded the United striker a cheat.


Notebook: Breeders #39; Cup gives title hope to several The landscape has changed since Smarty Jones #39; meteoric rise from obscurity to stardom last spring, when the colt from Pennsylvania appeared to be


Arafat #39;s condition checked It will be at least Monday before French doctors know what #39;s ailing Yasser Arafat, a hospital spokesman said yesterday, hours after the Palestinian leader arrived in Paris for


Iraq body  #39;not Japanese hostage #39; A body found in Iraq first thought to be that of 24-year-old Japanese hostage Shosei Koda is now likely to be someone else, according to Japanese officials.


Soldier killed in Iraq convoy crash The bulk of an 850-strong group of British troops are gathering near their new base in a US-controlled area of Iraq. Soldiers from the Black Watch regiment will join up with the first wave of their colleagues


Decatur resident becomes key figure in space shuttle travel Decatur resident Chris Singer was recently appointed co-deputy director of the Engineering Directorate at NASA #39;s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.


Notebook: Nomar decides to become free agent Nomar Garciaparra filed for free agency yesterday, two days after the All-Star shortstop #39;s former team, the Boston Red Sox, won the World Series.


Report shows economy advancing In the last major economic report before Tuesday #39;s presidential election, the government reported Friday that the economy looked solid in the third quarter - just not as strong as most analysts had expected.


Don #39;t get snared by Check 21 The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act - commonly known as Check 21 - went into effect on Thursday. It #39;s important for you to know about this important change in the nation #39;s banking practices.


It #39;s violent - and teens will want it ONE of the most violent computer games ever made is also set to be the most popular ever, grossing more than the blockbuster movie Titanic, early sales predictions have suggested.


Boston readies for parade Because so many members of Red Sox Nation are expected in Boston to celebrate the team #39;s World Series triumph, the victory parade today won #39;t be making any stops and won #39;t culminate with a staged rally, either.


Fergie blasts  #39;mental #39; Wenger Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has accused Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger of having a mental problem when it comes to Ruud van Nistelrooy.


Red Sox take camaraderie to new level It used to be said that there was so little camaraderie on the Boston Red Sox that they needed 25 cabs for 25 players after their games.


Japan Says Body Found Not Iraq Hostage Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda, center, is surrounded by reporters as he speaks on a body found in Iraq at the prime minister #39;s official residence in Tokyo Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004.


No agreement reached on Sudan security The Sudanese government and rebels in Darfur have failed to agree on a security protocol that would restart talks to end the conflict in the region.


Afghan drug statistics to show big rise: Straw Reuters London Oct 29: UN figures on Afghanistan will show a big rise in drug cultivation and production in the past year, the British Foreign Secretary, Mr Jack Straw has said, as he chided international donors for not meeting their pledges.


Black quits his media empire Disgraced newspaper baron Conrad Black is calling it quits. Black is set to step down from the chairman #39;s post of his newspaper empire Hollinger Inc.


Check is in the mail? But different on arrival As of Thursday, when you write a check you #39;d better have the funds in the bank to cover it. The reason? New rules on check-processing will result in checks clearing more quickly than in the past.


More data requested on Vioxx successor Merck  amp; Co., which withdrew the Vioxx painkiller last month because of a heart risk, said yesterday that US regulators have asked for more safety data before they will approve the medicine #39;s successor, Arcoxia.


Crude oil prices  #39;will keep falling #39; THE president of Opec, the oil producers #39; cartel, called an end to the season of high crude oil prices by stating that stocks had returned to normal levels.


Calif. AG Launches Probe Into Ins. Cos., Broker Practices Attorney General Bill Lockyer announced he has launched a formal investigation into possible antitrust violations and fraud by insurance companies and brokers, and said the probe #39;s initial focus will be on bid-rigging and other anti-competitive conduct in


Ex-Hearts boss Levein unveiled at Leicester Levein informed Hearts players at training yesterday that he and Peter Houston would be joining Leicester. The former Scottish international replaces Micky Adams at The Walkers Stadium following his departure earlier this month.


In race for top horse, still shot to get Smarty GRAND PRAIRIE, Tex. - In midsummer, most people thought the Horse of the Year had already been cinched by Smarty Jones and his thrilling Triple Crown try.


Grace Park, Koch share lead in Korea Jeju Island, South Korea (Sports Network) - Grace Park and Carin Koch posted matching rounds of six-under-par 66 on Friday to share the lead after the first round of the CJ Nine Bridges Classic.


Nittany Lions face Buckeyes team with its own share of troubles Joe Paterno points to the four freshman he has played this season as proof of his willingness to do so. Jim Tressel, meanwhile, has had less choice.


EU authorities, facing a crisis in leadership, sign 1st charter ROME -- European Union leaders on Friday signed the EU #39;s first constitution, an ambitious charter that aims to raise the union #39;s profile on the world stage.


Delta: hard choice wont protect from bankruptcy? Delta Air Lines may still face bankruptcy despite of tentative agreement with its pilots dated late Wednesday. Late Wednesday, Delta reached an agreement with its pilots to cut costs in order for the carrier to survive.


Millions expected to cheer their Sox BOSTON Red Sox Nation converges on Boston today to celebrate their team #39;s first World Series win in 86 years. The  quot;rolling rally quot; begins near Fenway Park at ten am, continuing through parts of the city and into the Charles River.


Nets make sure Storey has a happy ending Not too many 27-year-old rookies come down the pike in the NBA. But Nets coach Lawrence Frank wasn #39;t concerned that Awvee Storey #39;s only previous NBA experience was a summer camp with the Dallas Mavericks.


Thailand to free 900 protesters The Thai authorities say they are to release 900 people detained six days ago during a protest in the south of the country in which 85 Muslims died.


Netanyahu Presses for Referendum After Knesset Approves Gaza <b>...</b> Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon won an  quot;historic quot; vote in the Knesset Tuesday evening for his disengagement plan, but the uprooting of Jewish communities in Gaza is still far from a done deal after Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu immediately led a


Government, rebels might swap prisoners Reviving hopes for an exchange of jailed rebels for kidnapping victims, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said his government is prepared to meet with the country #39;s main guerrilla group about a swap, but said he wants some kidnap


Patten: Buttiglione should step down Rocco Buttiglione should be replaced as Italy #39;s candidate for the European Commission to defuse a crisis in the EU executive, outgoing commissioner Chris Patten said on Saturday.


NASA to fly again in May 2005 THE US space agency has given a green light for the resumption of space shuttle flights in May 2005, more than two years after seven astronauts died in the mid-air disintegration of space shuttle Columbia.


The Arafat void Even as a gravely ill Yasser Arafat receives medical aid in France, the Palestinian leader #39;s refusal to name a successor will mean further disruption to the Middle East when he does die.


Hendrick team tries to grieve at track Drivers try to focus on racing with the tragedy that killed 10 still weighing on their minds. By BRANT JAMES, Times Staff Writer. HAMPTON, Ga.


Guarded hopes in Israel Israelis were up at dawn Friday, just to see live television coverage of Yasser Arafat leaving his compound in Ramallah and flying out of the Middle East.


Botswana elections to hand victory to party in power since <b>...</b> GABORONE : Voters went to the polls in diamond-rich Botswana in elections that are expected to hand victory to the party in power since independence in 1966 in one of Africa #39;s most stable countries.


Lucier #39;s in for O #39;Hara Giants center Shaun O #39;Hara remained hospitalized Friday afternoon with an infection in his left leg, making his chances of playing Sunday against the Vikings remote.


Feds reportedly look at mob ties to Franco The baseball commissioner #39;s office will wait until after a government investigation to examine whether there has been a relationship between New York Mets reliever John Franco and alleged mobsters.


Thailand: Muslim detainees to be freed Thai authorities will start on Saturday releasing most of the 1200 Muslim men detained last week after a protest which left 85 dead and outraged Muslims worldwide, the country #39;s prime minister has said.


USA unhappy with presidential campaign in Ukraine The US administration believes that the pre-election campaign in Ukraine has several serious flaws, as an official spokesman for the US State Department Richard Boucher put it.


Economy improved, but not as much as expected The economy expanded at an annual rate of 3.7 percent in the summer as a big rebound in auto sales offset weakness from an exploding trade deficit, soaring oil prices and


Proposition 72 would be bad for education Proposition 72 is a \$7 billion employer-mandated health-care tax to create a massive government run health-care system aimed at helping the uninsured.


NASA Sets New Space Shuttle Launch Date The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) Report has provided NASA with a roadmap to resume our journey into space. The recommendations reflect the Boards strong support for return to flight at the earliest date consistent with the


Boston Decides To Keep Mueller For 2005 The Boston Red Sox exercised their option Friday on third baseman Bill Mueller, a former batting champion who had the season-saving single against the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.


Eagles #39; offense is too talented Because, while the Eagles are certain to stumble at some point during the regular season, it seems inconceivable that they will falter against a team with as many offensive problems as Baltimore has right now.


Cambodia set to crown new king King Norodom Sihamoni, a former dancer, was chosen to succeed his father Norodom Sihanouk after he announced his abdication earlier this month.


UN chief condemns violence in Monrovia United Nations - United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Friday condemned riots in Liberia #39;s capital that left at least five people dead, and urged Liberian and West African leaders to support UN efforts to restore calm.


Afghan Group Says Foreign Hostages Safe A militant group that has claimed responsibility for kidnapping three foreigners in Afghanistan said on Saturday the hostages were safe for now but would be killed unless all Taliban prisoners were released.


Princess Alice dies at 102 The aunt of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Alice, died on Friday at the age of 102, Buckingham Palace say. She had been the longest living member of the Royal Family.


US growth steady in quarter The nation #39;s economy grew at a moderately strong pace in the three months ending Sept. 30, driven by solid gains in consumer spending, the Commerce Department reported Friday.


Black to quit Hollinger Inc. positions TORONTO - Lord Black of Crossharbour will step down as chairman and chief executive of Hollinger Inc.  quot;in a matter of days, quot; his lawyer said yesterday after a hearing in Ontario court into the matter.


Airline #39;s seats still a rush job The sit-wherever-you-want-to, provided-you- can-find-it philosophy that has long been associated with Southwest Airlines #39; culture of folksy informality isn #39;t going away anytime soon, despite a flurry of media reports earlier this week that implied it might


Sofia Breaks Through Cyber Gang Firewall The Bulgarian counterfeit master of Bill Gates-card has played a crucial role in the international cyber gang busted in seven countries earlier this week.


Now, contact lenses that deliver drugs: Health India: London, Oct. 30 : Nano-engineers at Singapore #39;s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have developed contact lenses that release controlled doses of drugs to treat eye diseases such as glaucoma.


AROUND THE HORN: Marlins OK Lowell #39;s deal through 2007 Lowell, who could have opted out of his contract because the team hasn #39;t secured new stadium financing, agreed Friday to a revised deal in which the team guarantees the remaining \$25.


Racing family unites in sorrow Grieving Hendrick Motorsports employees returned to the racetrack Friday determined to honor those killed in a plane crash last weekend by continuing the team #39;s legacy of winning races and championships.


Palace defends Abaya appointment to BCDA Malacaang defended Saturday the appointment of newly-retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Narciso Abaya as president of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), saying critics should give the former military chief a


Nasa shuttle launch hope NASA has said it is aiming for a mid-May launch of the first shuttle flight since the Columbia tragedy in February 2003. The launch date was the latest of several set by the space agency, and just as subject to change.


At Their Fingertips The small jet taxied up to the door of the private air terminal, with only two passengers and its crew on board. Brian Vickers and Ricky Hendrick were returning from a vacation at some exotic location after clinching the 2003 Busch Series championship.


Sources: Doctors suspect Arafat has leukemia Palestinian sources tell the Associated Press that doctors who specialize in the blood disease are examining Arafat. The 75-year-old Palestinian leader has been sick for the past two weeks.


Wrong body inspected in Japanese hostage crisis A body inspected Saturday to determined whether it is that of the Japanese hostage was not the one found early, a senior Japanese official said.


Thousands Lining Sox Parade Route BOSTON -- Red Sox Nation is converging on Boston Saturday to celebrate their team #39;s first World Series win in 86 years. The  quot;rolling rally quot; begins near Fenway Park at 10 am It will continue down Boylston Street


Arafat off to Paris, Middle East Discuss  #39;New Period #39; Palestine #39;s legendary leader, Yasser Arafat, was taken to France for treatment yesterday. Arafat, who was reported to have leukemia, arrived yesterday at Percy Military Hospital near Paris via Jordan on a plane belonging to France.


Afghan Group Says Foreign Hostages Safe; Offers Proof A militant group that has claimed responsibility for kidnapping three foreigners in Afghanistan said on Saturday the hostages were safe for now but would be killed unless all Taliban prisoners were released.


Oil Up on Supply Woes, Election Jitters Oil prices bounced back on Friday, ending this week #39;s 8 percent slide on renewed winter supply fears and jitters ahead of next week #39;s US presidential election.


Southwest Airlines thinks assigned seating might fly  quot;I know that sounds like heresy coming from my lips, quot; said Southwest President Colleen Barrett, at the Dallas carrier #39;s annual media day yesterday.


Times newspaper to be printed in tabloid size only The Times newspaper announced Saturday it will be printed in the tabloid form only from Monday after more than 200 years as a broadsheet.


Secret Service Busts Internet Organized Crime Ring In what it called an  quot;Information Age undercover investigation, quot; the US Secret Service announced the arrest of 28 people from eight states and six countries allegedly involved in a global organized cybercrime ring.


Google Desktop Search for Mac under development? Google started a new sensation with its launch of Desktop Search tool for windows platform. It has its share of bugs and limitations at this moment, but analysts around the world have praised it and have high hopes for the future.


Azeri #39;s got no chance in Breeders #39; Cup: Zero, zilch, nada BOBBY Frankel is wrong when he says Azeri maybe should be Horse of the Year if she finishes in the money in today #39;s Breeders #39; Cup Classic at Lone Star Park.


Red Sox Victory Prompts  #39;Fever #39;ish Script Rewrite LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - The curse is over, and now Hollywood is reaping the rewards of the Boston Red Sox #39;s World Series victory.


Google plans desktop search tool for Apple PCs Los Angeles, October 30: Google Inc plans to release a version of its desktop search tool for computers running on the Mac operating system from Apple Computer Inc, Google chief executive Eric Schmidt said on Friday.


#39;Horse of the Year #39; could be on the line Throw together eight premier races featuring many of the top thoroughbred race horses in the world, and it would seem that no single theme could dominate an event such as today #39;s 21st Breeders #39; Cup.


Southwest Mulls Ending Unique Seating Southwest Airlines, the discount carrier that has long stuck to its policy of seating passengers on a first-come, first-served basis, is seriously considering assigning seats, officials said.


UC settles one Enron suit Bee Staff Writer. The University of California, negotiating on behalf of Enron Corp. investors, reached a \$222.5 million settlement Friday with the Lehman Brothers brokerage firm over its part in the multibillion-dollar Enron debacle.


MG Rover tanks up with Shanghai cash Loss-making MG Rover has already received millions of pounds from Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, the Chinese carmaker with which it is negotiating a strategic alliance.


Loeb won #39;t take it easy despite lead WORLD champion Sebastien Loeb will not be taking it easy on the Rally Catalunya after taking the lead on the first day of the event.


Gibernau on home turf The Honda pilot snatched provisional pole in first qualifying Friday. Today, he hopes to confirm, adding a little spice to the end of a season that saw him lose the 2004 title to Yamaha rider Rossi by a frustrating 35 points.


Schilling cancels scheduled appearance wih Bush _ Newly minted World Series hero Curt Schilling canceled a scheduled campaign appearance with President Bush on Friday, saying his doctors advised him not to travel because of his injured ankle.


Yasser Arafat #39;s unrelenting journey The world watches the unfolding drama as the man who has become the symbol for Palestinian nationalism seems to hover between life and death.


Sony sets price for PSP Sony has confirmed that its PSP handheld console, due to go on sale in Japan on December 12, will cost only 19,800 yen (100), a lot cheaper than most analysts predicted.


OPEN SOURCE Software Battle Pits Microsoft Against the Open <b>...</b> I have no problem with Microsoft operating in a market environment. Given a choice, I am sure many of us would gladly pay for Windows and Office rather than use Linux and Open Office.


Palestinian leaders meet without Arafat Leaders of the Palestine Liberation Organisation have met for the first time in decades without Yasser Arafat. The executive committee meeting was held in Mr Arafat #39;s battered headquarters in the West Bank


CLARKE RESUMES REPAIR JOB There was a lot of damage to be repaired, but Darren Clarke did as good a job as he could reasonably have been expected to when he resumed the Volvo Masters at Valderrama today.


Arafat May Be Suffering From Leukemia Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat greets wellwishers prior to his departure from the West Bank town of Ramallah in this picture released by the Palestinian Authority Friday Oct. 29, 2004.


Death of the broadsheet? The Times took many by surprise with its announcement that it was abandoning its broadsheet format after 216 years. Few thought it would risk alienating so many of its loyal readers, such


Agassi battles through to final Top seed Andre Agassi won a hard-fought battle against Germany #39;s Tommy Haas in the semi-finals of the Stockholm Open on Saturday.


Analyzing the Breeders #39; Cup Racing #39;s greatest card of the year has arrived with today #39;s 21st Breeders #39; Cup -ight championship races where the smallest field has eight horses and where classic winners might go off at double-digit odds.


India ; Martyn #39;s 114 gives Australia control on Day 1 India News, Nagpur,Damien Martyn Tuesday cracked his career #39;s ninth Test century to put Australia in a strong position against India on the first day of the third Test at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) ground here.


Thailand frees Muslims detained in protest NARATHIWAT, Thailand - Hundreds of Muslim men were freed in southern Thailand on Saturday after being detained last week in the wake of protests that left 85 dead and outraged Muslims worldwide.


EU constitution nearer to reality DEAR readers, the formal signing of EUs first constitution is a major step forward in the dream to put in place a unified Europe, but the main task before the leaders now is how


Security tightened in Madhya Pradesh #39;s Chambal belt Security has been tightened and alert sounded in entire Chambal belt of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday following massacre of 13 villagers by the dreaded Gadaria dacoit gang, while authorities were discussing new strategies to check the gang #39;s activities.


Wal-Mart Says October US Sales Rise 2.8, Within Its Forecast Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world #39;s largest retailer, estimated that October sales at US stores open at least a year rose 2.8 percent, at the lower end of its forecast range, as shoppers bought more bedding and boys #39; and girls #39; wear.


Saturn moon Titan remains  quot;very alien quot; to researchers LOS ANGELES Saturn #39;s moon Titan has some familiar-looking features, but scientists say most of it looks  quot;very alien. quot;.


Times of London goes tabloid after 216 years The venerable Times of London published its final edition as a broadsheet newspaper on Saturday. On Monday, it relaunches as a tabloid.


SPORTS BRIEFS Top-seeded Andre Agassi beat Spain #39;s Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (4), 6-2 yesterday to reach the Stockholm Open semifinals for the first time.


Wenger has  #39;mental problem #39;: Ferguson Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has blasted rival Arsene Wenger, accusing him of having a  quot;mental problem quot; with striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.


Jayasuriya hits back for Sri Lanka KARACHI, Pakistan -- Sri Lanka staged a spirited fightback to finish the third day of the second test against Pakistan in Karachi trailing by 136 runs with nine second-innings wickets standing.


No love for Owens Here #39;s an intriguing Halloween idea for yappy Philadelphia Eagles enigma Terrell Owens. How about dressing up as a humble introverted wide receiver who lets his outstanding skills do all his talking for him


25 nations sign first constitution for EU In a splendorous ceremony atop a hill that was once the center of the Roman empire, 25 European heads of government signed the European Union #39;s first constitution Friday, but for


ElBaradei dismisses revenge claim UN nuclear watchdog head Mohamed ElBaradei has dismissed claims he timed news of missing explosives in Iraq to affect the outcome of the US election.


14 die as villagers battle bandits in India BHOPAL (India): At least 14 people were killed on Friday in a fierce gunbattle between bandits and villagers in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, officials here said.


Wal-Mart Preliminary Same-Store Sales Up Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Saturday said US sales at stores open at least a year rose 2.8 percent in October with help from sales of bedding and children #39;s clothing, according to its preliminary tally,.


AirTran clears jobs hurdle AirTran Airways has agreed to retain 3,200 Chicago-based employees when it acquires bankrupt ATA Airlines #39; local assets, Mayor Daley said Friday, paving the way for City Hall to approve the transfer of ATA #39;s 14 gates at Midway Airport.


Cassini Sending Back Data on Saturn Moon A radar image of the surface of Saturn #39;s moon Titan, taken Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004, by the spacecraft Cassini, is seen in this photo courtesy of NASA.


UPDATE 2-Jayasuriya leads Sri Lanka fightback in Karachi Sanath Jayasuriya struck a cavalier 96 not out to lead Sri Lanka #39;s fightback against Pakistan after a century by Inzamam-ul-Haq on the third day of the second test on Saturday.


Afghan Kidnap Group #39;s Claims True, Say Diplomats A militant Islamic group claiming responsibility for kidnapping three foreigners working for the United Nations in Afghanistan has provided proof it has the hostages, diplomatic and security sources said on Saturday.


Explosion rocks central Baghdad, hits al-Arabiya network offices A car bomb exploded outside the offices of the Al-Arabiya television station in central Baghdad on Saturday, injuring 16 people, police said.


Abductors threaten to kill UN trio unless troops leave Afghanistan KABUL - A breakaway Taleban group claiming to hold three UN workers threatened Saturday to execute them unless foreign troops withdrew from Afghanistan and condemned its invasion by US-led forces.


How to Make The Right Call On Cell Plans Wireless phone service is one of the great bargains of the modern age. When The Post began its annual comparison of cellular calling plans in 1998, \$40 bought a lousy 100 minutes of talk time a month.


Beck outs Llodra to secure final St Petersburg - Slovakia #39;s Karol Beck has grabbed a pass into the final of the one-million-dollar Saint Petersburg Open ATP tournament by beating French seventh seed Michael Llodra on Saturday.


MOTOGP NEWS Tamada takes final pole of 2004. Double race winner Makoto Tamada has taken the final pole position of the 2004 MotoGP season after leading a Camel Honda one-two in today #39;s tightly contested second qualifying session for the Valencia Grand Prix.


Newman nabs Atlanta pole Ryan Newman will start Sunday #39;s NASCAR race from a familiar spot -he pole. By Ric Feld, AP. Newman captured his third straight pole and eighth of


Vladimir Putin comes out for dual citizenship between Russia and <b>...</b> Russian President Vladimir Putin asked State Duma and Federation Council Speakers Boris Gryzlov and Sergei Mironov to begin consultations with Ukrainian parliamentarians on the introduction of dual citizenship between Russia and Ukraine.


Explosion Hits al-Arabiya TV Station October 30, 2004 - Police in Iraq say 16 people have been injured after a car bomb exploded outside the offices of the Al-Arabiya television station in central Baghdad.


World ; IAEA Head Seen Unswayed by US Hostility to New Term World News, VIENNA - The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency is unlikely to drop plans for a new term despite US anger after pre-election revelations of missing Iraq explosives, a diplomat close to the agency said Saturday.


Bangladeshi hostage in Iraq identified, government appeals for <b>...</b> The Bangladesh government confirmed Saturday the identity of one of its nationals taken hostage by militants in Iraq, officials said.


Sudan translator  #39;seized in Iraq #39; Arab television has shown a video tape of a Sudanese interpreter in Iraq who said he had been kidnapped and called on his US employer to leave Iraq.


Science ; Nasa to resume shuttle missions Three of the four hurricanes to come ashore in the state swept over or near the Kennedy Space Center on Florida #39;s eastern coast.


Clashes in Ramadi as militant group executes 11 Iraqi guards At least two Iraqis were killed in clashes today between US troops and insurgents in the restive city of Ramadi, as a militant group claimed it had executed 11 members of the Iraqi National Guard.


Agassi reaches final in Stockholm Stockholm, Sweden (Sports Network) - Top-seeded Andre Agassi earned a grueling victory against fourth-seeded Tommy Haas in Saturday #39;s semifinals at the Stockholm Open.


The old stagers take centre stage What Inzamam-ul-Haq #39;s captaincy means to Pakistan is still the subject of much debate, but there #39;s no doubt about the importance of his batting.


Straw:  #39;No constitution vote until 2006 #39; Tony Blair has signed the new EU constitution as Foreign Secretary Jack Straw indicated any referendum on the treaty will not be held until 2006.


Eight US Marines Killed, Nine Wounded in Iraq Eight US marines were killed and nine wounded in action west of Baghdad Saturday, the US military said. It gave no details on the circumstances of the deaths, which it said occurred in


1st lawsuit filed against instant-message spam WASHINGTON, Washington, United States of America -- The first known lawsuit against instant-message spam, sometimes called spim, was announced by America Online as part of a campaign to stem unwanted computer messages.


VMware aims for four-processor abilities VMware, the EMC subsidiary whose software lets a computer run multiple operating systems simultaneously in separate  quot;virtual machines, quot; has grown a step more ambitious.


Home series defeats for India Australia, by winning the third Test at Nagpur on Friday, also won the four-match series 2-0 with one match to go. Australia had last won a Test series in India way back in December 1969 when Bill Lawry #39;s team beat Nawab Pataudi #39;s Indian team 3-1.


Kuwaiti Paper: Laden Lives in a Safe Place in NE of Kabul It is claimed that Al-Qaeda terrorist network leader Osama Bin Laden lives in a northeastern part of the Afghani capital Kabul in a safe place under the protection of a tribe.


Hoping to be home by Christmas Camp Dogwood is the less than exotic name for the Black Watch battlegroup #39;s new home, south west of Baghdad. It is a sprawling old Iraqi factory complex, with a 26 mile perimeter.


Tamada Makes his Mark Makoto Tamada took his third pole position of the season with a blistering lap late in final qualifying at Valencia today. The Camel Honda rider, who


Johnson strike earns Palace 1-0 win at Birmingham Crystal Palace continued their hot streak on Saturday when a breakaway goal by striker Andrew Johnson against his former club gave them a 1-0 victory at Birmingham City.


Grace acknowledges workers at center of federal probe WR Grace  amp; Co. and several of its senior-level employees are the targets of a federal grand jury investigation relating to possible violations of environmental laws in Montana, the company announced Friday.


Sony ready to join music file-sharing The world #39;s largest music company is discussing ways to distribute its songs through Grokster and other Internet file-swapping services, a deal that would embrace a technology long under legal assault by the recording industry.


Explosion rocks central Baghdad A car bomb attack Saturday at the al-Arabiya network offices in Baghdad killed seven people and injured 19, police said. Police Lt.


Wal-Mart #39;s October Sales Rise 2.8, Within Forecast (Update1) Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world #39;s largest retailer, estimated that October sales at US stores open at least a year rose 2.8 percent, near the lower end of its forecast range, as shoppers


Breeders Cup day in Texas GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (Ticker) - Richard Mandella is confident that Pleasantly Perfect again will be cashing in on horse racing #39;s richest day.


Pak hold lead despite Jayasuriya #39;s fight back Karachi: Pakistan plundered Sri Lanka #39;s bowling line-up on Saturday to secure a commanding 270-run lead after the first innings of their second Test, before Sanath Jayasuriya led a blistering counter-attack.


Mallett gives Waugh Indian curry FORMER Test off-spinner Ashley Mallett has claimed Australia #39;s historic series win in India was due to the fact Steve Waugh was no longer captain of the team.


Black Watch regroups after first soldier dies THE bulk of an 850-strong group of British troops was today gathering near their new base in a United States- controlled area of Iraq.


US Airways posts wider 3rd-qtr loss US Airways Group Inc. (UAIRQ.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday reported a wider third-quarter net loss as storms and high fuel prices penalized results.


Who #39;s going to win (World Series, election)? I am expecting the Red Sox to beat the Cardinals. The Red Sox are an unbelievable team determined to achieve their goal of winning the World Series.


Physicians in France checking Arafat for leukemia, Palestinian <b>...</b> Leukemia specialists examined ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at a French military hospital to determine whether he suffers from the blood cancer, Palestinian officials said Saturday.


Eight US marines are killed in Iraq US military officials say eight American marines were killed and nine others injured Saturday in al-Anbar, west of Baghdad. Also Saturday, seven people died and 16 others were


Japanese quake boy recalls ordeal A TWO-year-old boy who was miraculously rescued from a crushed car after a major earthquake in Japan has recounted his ordeal and is asking about his mother - who died in the debris.


UC wins \$222.5M in Enron lawsuit \$222.5 million -- in an ongoing securities class action lawsuit against Enron Corp. The settlement, announced Friday and


Google Plans Desktop Search Tool for Apple PCs Google Inc. GOOG.O plans to release a version of its desktop search tool for computers running on the Mac operating system from Apple Computer Inc.


Andy Johnson Scores Again, Crystal Palace Beats Birmingham 1-0 Andy Johnson scored his eighth Premiership goal of the season, tying him for the league lead, as Crystal Palace beat Birmingham 1-0 away for its third straight victory.


Thailand Releases 1,100 Muslim Detainees More than 1,100 Muslims detained after a riot were freed Saturday, as the government tried to ease anger in Thailand #39;s restive south over the deaths of dozens of accused rioters - including 78 who perished in military custody.


Ukraine braces for presidential vote Tension was high in Ukraine Saturday as the nation prepared to vote for a new president in an election that pits West against East.


Botswana goes to polls People in Botswana, where more than a third of the population is HIV positive, go to the polls today in elections that were expected to be dominated by the ruling party - like every other vote since the southern African country gained independence


Gadget of the week: Catch and hold radio programs For those who would like more control over when and how they listen to radio shows, whether classical music in the afternoon or a soccer game at midnight, there is a new option from Griffin Technology: the RadioShark.


Beck, Youzhny gain St. Petersburg final Russia #39;s Mikhail Youzhny and Slovakia #39;s Karol Beck won three-set semifinals Saturday and will play for the St. Petersburg Open title.


Agassi reaches first Stockholm final STOCKHOLM - Andre Agassi did just enough to beat Germany #39;s Tommy Haas 7-6, 7-6 and reach his first Stockholm Open final on Saturday.


Northwest Airlines Recalls 600 Attendants The Professional Flight Attendants Association said in a message to union members Friday that the flight attendants would  quot;fill vacancies quot; in the Detroit and Twin Cities bases.


Buttiglione withdraws from Barroso Commission The Italian nominee had been heavily criticised for his alleged comments on gays, single parents and the role of men and women, and these led Commission president-designate Jose Manuel Barroso


Psst, Sony #39;s handheld game goes on sale in Japan on Dec 12 IF YOU are heading for Japan in December, here #39;s something that you may want to include in your shopping list. Sony #39;s PlayStation Portable, which will mark the Japanese electronics and entertainment giant #39;s


Apple: Upgrade or else! p2pnet.net News Opinion:- Music fans with a particular interest in the pomp-rock experimentation of U2, one of those bands who formed the background to my early adulthood without ever persuading me that I wanted to purchase any of their albums, are


Eight Marines die, while car bomb strikes TV centre Eight US Marines have been killed in fighting west of Baghdad, while a car bomb outside a television centre in the Iraqi capital has left at least seven dead.


Update 2: Volkswagen, Workers Renew Wage Talks Wage negotiations between Volkswagen AG and Germany #39;s biggest industrial union broke up without agreement Thursday, but the two sides agreed to hold more talks next week even as the union presses ahead with plans for a flurry of short work stoppages.


Nalbandian Completes Basel Final Hat Trick Argentine fourth seed David Nalbandian reached the final of the Swiss Indoors for the third consecutive year Saturday with a 6-3, 6-4 win over struggling Chilean Nicolas Massu.


Bomb Explodes at Al Arabiya TV Office in Baghdad A bomb exploded outside the office of Dubai-based Al Arabiya television in western Baghdad Saturday, wounding half a dozen employees.


Russia approves electoral reform Russia #39;s lower house of parliament gave tentative backing Friday to a key electoral reform proposed by President Vladimir Putin following a series of recent terror attacks that have killed hundreds and stunned Russians.


Van Persie Saves Arsenal; Man Utd Loses 2-0 An injury-time goal by Dutch substitute Robin van Persie saved Arsenal from a second successive defeat on Saturday, earning the champions a 2-2 home draw with Southampton.


Taiwan to continue beef imports WASHINGTON - Taiwan has agreed in principle to resume imports of US beef and beef products, US officials announced Tuesday. In 2003, Taiwan #39;s purchases of beef and products amounted to some \$325 million.


NASA To Send Space Shuttle Discovery and Seven Astronauts on STS <b>...</b> NASA, the American space agency responsible for putting a man on the moon but who also lost seven astronauts in its 2003 Columbia Shuttle voyage and seven astronauts in its 1986 Challenger take-off, says the first space shuttle mission since the disaster


VMware Introduces 4-Way Virtual SMP VMware, Inc., the global leader in virtual infrastructure software for industry-standard systems, announced 4-Way VMware Virtual SMP (symmetric multiprocessing).


RP backs hunt for Filipino #39;s abductors despite threat Editor #39;s Note: Published on page A2 of the Oct. 31, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. DESPITE the threat by a splinter Taliban group to kill a Filipino diplomat and two other hostages unless security


Chelsea gets closer to Arsenal atop the table London, England (Sports Network) - Chelsea #39;s 4-1 win over West Bromwich on Saturday afternoon allowed the Blues to move even on points with Arsenal atop the Premiership table.


Crude oil prices rise on concerns over labor unrest in Nigeria Crude oil futures gained Friday as traders worried that labor unrest in Nigeria might cause fresh supply disruptions. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude oil for December


Family  #39;Devastated #39; by Death of Black Watch Soldier Relatives of the Black Watch soldier killed during the controversial military deployment from Basra spoke tonight of their devastation at his death.


Ashado in Winning Breeders #39; Cup Start Ashado, ridden by John Velazquez, won the \$2 million Distaff Race at Lone Star Park Saturday, the first event on the \$14 million eight-race Breeders #39; Cup card.


Eight US Marines dead as Baghdad car blast kills at least seven Eight US Marines were killed and nine others injured Saturday west of Baghdad, the US military stated. Meanwhile, a car bomb went off outside the offices of the Al-Arabiya television station in central Baghdad


Ashado wins Distaff in opening Breeders #39; Cup race Ashado grabbed the lead in the stretch and got the Breeders #39; Cup off to a rousing start for trainer Todd Pletcher by winning the \$2 million Distaff at Lone Star Park on Saturday.


Wolfsburg stays on top in Germany with 4-3 win; Bayern, Stuttgart <b>...</b> Bulgarian striker Martin Petrov scored all four goals and Wolfsburg rallied from a two-goal deficit to stay atop the Bundesliga with a 4-3 victory over newcomer Mainz, while Stuttgart and Bayern both lost Saturday.