Agassi Brushes Bjorkman Aside in Stockholm

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Andre Agassi brushed past Jonas  Bjorkman 6-3, 6-4 at the Stockholm Open Thursday to set up a  quarterfinal meeting with Spanish sixth seed Fernando Verdasco.


Apple shares barrel past \$50 on iPod juice

A small bite of Apple has become a mouthful--the iPod has helped the stock double since January.


Burress: Pats Still Roughing Up Receivers (AP)

AP - Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress suggests there are two sets of pass coverage rules in the NFL these days  #151; one for the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, another for the rest of the league.


Not Hungry for Applebee's

Although earnings met expectations, the restaurant's comps and Q4 outlook are lacking.


Business Investment Too Narrow

At the risk of repeating ourselves, it is worth bearing in mind that this recovery has been different from other recoveries. While much of the attention paid to the economy has focused on the sluggish jobs


SAIC signs deal to buy shares of S.Korean auto maker

Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC), the biggest saloon car producer in China, signed here contract with creditors of South Korean Ssangyong Motor Co.


Viacom swings to loss due to Blockbuster spinoff

NEW YORK, Oct 28 (AFP) - Media-entertainment group Viacom said Thursday it posted a net loss of 487.6 million dollars in the third quarter as a result of its spinoff of its struggling Blockbuster video unit.


Common fertility condition linked to migraines

A common condition affecting fertility in women may be linked to migraine, new research reveals. The work could also help scientists understand the origins of migraine.


No help for Lexmark from DMCA

The US Federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday that Lexmark cannot prevent Static Control Components from manufacturing printer toner cartridges that operate with


Security Standards Pushed To Encourage M-Commerce

quot;This collaboration directly enhances hand-held architectures to provide the trusted capabilities vital for widespread adoption of mobile commerce and enterprise usage, quot; Sean Maloney, an Intel vice president, said.


Agassi rolls back the years

Stockholm - Evergreen Andre Agassi continued his career-long stranglehold over fellow veteran Jonas Bjorkman on Thursday when he beat the Swede 6-3 6-4 to move into the quarter-finals of the Stockholm Open.


Koubek topples third-seeded Gaudio

Austria #39;s Stefan Koubek toppled French Open champion Gaston Gaudio of Argentina 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Swiss Indoors.


Judge sends ex-Baylor athlete to mental hospital

A judge on Thursday ruled that a former Baylor basketball player charged with gunning down his teammate is incompetent to stand trial.


Hrbaty, Andreev upset at St. Petersburg Open

Ivo Karlovic pounded 11 aces Tuesday and knocked off second-seeded Dominik Hrbaty 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-4 in the first round of the St. Petersburg Open.


Blast rocks Islamabad Marriott

A powerful explosion rocked the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, Thursday, the BBC reported. The number of casualties was not yet known, but a BBC correspondent


After the Bell: Shares McAfee on the Rise

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of software maker McAfee Inc  MFE.N. were on the rise in extended trading on Thursday after  it reported third-quarter financial news, and raised its  revenue projection for the fourth quarter.


Hawaii QB Chang Goes for Passing Record (AP)

AP - Ask Hawaii's Timmy Chang about the 94 touchdowns he has thrown, and he talks about his great receivers and blockers. Ask about his 14,791 yards passing, and he credits his coaches for believing in him.


Chinese Muslims Held at Gitmo to Be Freed (AP)

AP - Defense officials have authorized the release of a majority of the 22 Chinese Muslims being held at the Guantanamo Bay naval base, the State Department said Thursday.


Gateway's Quarterly Loss Narrows

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Personal computer maker Gateway  Inc. GTW.N on Thursday posted a net loss that narrowed from a  year earlier and bettered its own forecast, helped by higher PC  sales and lower costs.


The Dollar Weakens Broadly

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar weakened broadly on  Thursday, reversing a short-lived rally on news that China had  raised interest rates as the market decided Beijing's move did  not radically change dollar-bearish market fundamentals.


Film unit helps Sony post profit

TOKYO Sony on Thursday reported a 61 percent jump in net profit for the most recent quarter as  quot;Spider-Man 2 quot; pulled in money for the company #39;s movie division, helping to conceal slides in its consumer electronics and video game businesses.


UPDATE 4-Viacom posts profit; sets \$8 billion buyback

Viacom Inc. (VIAb.N: Quote, Profile, Research) (VIA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said its quarterly profit from continuing operations rose 12 percent


Seattle Suspends Pepper Gun Used in Boston Death

The Seattle Police Department said on Thursday that it would suspend use of pepper-ball guns to control crowds after a college student was killed by one in Boston last week when police broke up a crowd of rowdy baseball fans.


DoubleClick Says Quarterly Profit More Than Doubles (Reuters)

Reuters - Internet marketing company DoubleClick\Inc.  on Thursday said quarterly profit more than\doubled with one-time gains, but its shares fell after hours on\a fourth-quarter view that fell short of Wall Street\expectations.


Business leaders see election affecting offshoring

In Meta Group study, nearly half of managers surveyed predict offshore outsourcing will decline if Kerry elected.


Burned again, Kyocera recalls more phone batteries

A renegade supplier may have flooded U.S. market with up to a million bogus batteries.


Yahoo Goes Mobile with Search and Images\\Yahoo yesterday unveiled their latest weapon in the search engine wars with Google and Microsoft - their mobile phone Yahoo. Nevermind desktop search or free email accounts, Yahoo is now bringing their search, local listings, and even images to mobile phones and portable devices. ...


Eagles Rusher Levens Gets Starting Nod (AP)

AP - Dorsey Levens was ready to call it a career. He barely played last year with the Giants and there was little demand for a 34-year-old backup.


Titans CB Rolle Gets Antacid Gag (AP)

AP - Tennessee cornerback Samari Rolle doesn't think the joke was very funny. Someone, he suspects a coach he won't identify, placed a bottle of Pepto-Bismol in his locker along with a photo of Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson featuring the words: "There ain't a corner in the league that can hold me."


Delta, pilots agree to full \$1B reductions

Delta #39;s pilots union said today that it has tentatively agreed to the full \$1 billion in wage and benefit reductions the airline said it needs to help it avoid bankruptcy.


NY Fed-Slower cenbank buying would hit dlr, rates

US interest rates would rise and the dollar would fall if Asian central banks slowed their recent heavy purchases of US assets, the New York Federal Reserve warned in a report on Thursday.


Update 8: Crude Oil Prices Fall Below \$51 a Barrel

Crude oil futures prices dropped below \$51 a barrel on Thursday as supply concerns ahead of the Northern Hemisphere winter eased after an unexpectedly high rise in US inventories.


US Airways, UAL #39;s United Post Big Losses

UAL (UALAQ.OB:OTC BB - news - research) and US Airways (UAIRQ.OB:OTC BB - news - research) weighed in with hefty third-quarter losses Thursday as industry overcapacity and stratospheric fuel prices continued to generate red ink while the carriers operated


Google taps BellSouth for help selling ads

This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web Services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.


quot;Serious shortcomings quot; seen in security at Russian nuclear plants

Security at three Russian nuclear power plants has  quot;serious shortcomings quot; despite steps to improve security levels, Russia #39;s deputy prosecutor general, Vladimir Kolesnikov, said Thursday.


Agassi wins in straight sets again

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Andre Agassi had little trouble reaching the Stockholm Open quarterfinals, beating Jonas Bjorkman 6-3, 6-4 Thursday.


Olson: Hoping to preserve the joy of Sox

Since early adolescence, I #39;ve had a dream. OK, two dreams. But I should probably stick to talking about the one that doesn #39;t involve Elle MacPherson.


Boston Plans Parade for Red Sox on Sat.

Boston Red Sox fans cheer as their 2004 World Series Champion team returns to Fenway Park in Boston, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004. The team returned home early Thursday after sweeping the St.


Show us your money, say Leeds

THE Leeds United board today demanded proof of funding after considering a  amp;pound25 million (\$61.58m) takeover deal headed by Sebastian Sainsbury.


Iraq group says holding Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi drivers: Al-Jazeera (AFP)

AFP - The Islamic Army in Iraq has announced it abducted a driver from Sri Lanka and another from Bangladesh who work for a Kuwaiti company, Al-Jazeera television said, showing footage of the pair.


The Dollar Weakens Broadly

The dollar weakened broadly on Thursday, reversing a short-lived rally on news that China had raised interest rates as the market decided Beijing #39;s move did not radically change dollar-bearish market fundamentals.


DreamWorks #39; share price soars in debut trading

NEW YORK, October 28 (newratings.com) - DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc (ticker: DWA), the creator of famous animation films including Shrek and Shark Tale, witnessed a robust rally in its share price this morning, during its debut trading at the Wall


DoubleClick Says Quarterly Profit More Than Doubles

Internet marketing company DoubleClick Inc. (DCLK.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said quarterly profit more than doubled with one-time gains, but its shares fell after hours


Local Search; Still A Long Way To Go

You know, it has not ceased to amuse me watching the various search engines fall over themselves and each other, in their march towards offering  #39;local search.


Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith For Handhelds

Developed by Ubisoft #39;s Montreal studio, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith on PSP, DS, and GBA will fully leverage the strengths of each handheld platform.


Injured Ganguly not yet certain for Mumbai Test

NAGPUR, OCTOBER 28: After all the spin and counter-spin, its official: Sourav Ganguly is injured, its not serious but his participation in the Mumbai Test is still uncertain.


UN paying attention to Arafat #39;s health: spokesman

The United Nations is closely following the situation in the West Bank city of Ramallah, where Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is reportedly ill, a UN spokesman said Thursday.


HP announces new low-end server

ProLiant ML150 G2 offers a Xeon chip or two for small and medium-sized businesses.


Recording Industry Files More Downloading Suits

The recording industry on Thursday filed another round of copyright infringement lawsuits against people it said were illegally distributing songs over the Internet.


Anti-terro measures at Russian nuclear facilities insufficient <b>...</b>

A Russian prosecutor pointed out Thursday that some of Russia #39;s nuclear power plants and petrochemical enterprises do not have sufficient safeguards against terrorist attacks, the Interfax news agency reported.


Edmonton in, Vancouver out of Champ Car

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Champ Car World Series is coming to Edmonton. But not Vancouver. Local organizer Greg Macdonald confirmed Wednesday that Edmonton was named the fourth Canadian stop on the CCWS circuit


EU #39;s Barroso Promises Commission Changes

Incoming European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso says he will make changes in his proposed commission, one day after withdrawing his slate in the face of a likely European Parliament veto.


US Begins Airlifting African Union Troops into Darfur

The State Department says it hopes the US military airlift of more African Union peacekeepers into Sudan #39;s Darfur region will help end continuing violence there.


Rossley Fine With His Reduced Role (AP)

AP - Packers offensive coordinator Tom Rossley says he's fine with his reduced role after being been stripped of his play-calling duties for health reasons.


Titan Rich in Carbons That Gave Life to Earth --NASA (Reuters)

Reuters - Saturn's mysterious moon Titan\appears to have an environment rich in the carbon-based\molecules that spawned life on Earth and winds that etched\streaks into its icy surface, NASA scientists said on Thursday.


Gateway Posts Operating Profit

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Personal computer maker Gateway  Inc. GTW.N on Thursday posted its first operating profit in  nearly three years as its retail strategy gained traction and  costs fell, sending shares up 11 percent.


FBI Investigates Halliburton's No-Bid Contracts

The FBI has begun investigating whether the Pentagon improperly awarded no-bid contracts to Halliburton Co., seeking an interview with a top Army contracting officer and collecting documents from several government offices.


UN Condemns US Cuba Embargo

The US economic embargo of Cuba jumped to the top of the Castro governments agenda on Thursday. For the 13th year in a row, the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution condemning the US embargo.


One Shell boosts Eurostocks

The oil company #39;s plans to move to a unified corporate structure extend rally into third day. LONDON (Reuters) - European shares rose for a third straight session Thursday, led by Royal Dutch/Shell on news


Far Eastern Economic Review calls it a day

AFTER 58 years, the Far Eastern Economic Review will stop operating as a weekly news magazine. Instead, the regional magazine will be relaunched as a monthly magazine of issues and ideas - largely written


Sony Springs From  #39;Spider-Man #39; Web

Sony Corp. on Thursday reported a big boost in profits in the second quarter, due to the success of box office hit  quot;Spider-Man 2. quot;.


Update 2-Federated Investors report lower earnings

Asset manager Federated Investors (FII.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday reported lower quarterly profits as the firm #39;s assets declined in difficult market conditions.


Scientists search for more human species

SYDNEY - Following the spectacular discovery of a new species of human on the remote island of Flores in Indonesia, scientists said yesterday they expect to discover more species of hominoids on neighbouring islands.


Ballmer settles on scary penguin costume for Halloween

Given that we #39;re in the final days before a big election, Steve Ballmer could have picked a quieter time to do his campaigning.


Voters checking out other sides #39; sites

Are right-leaning voters spending all their online time on Rushlimbaugh.com? Are left-leaning voters locked into the like-minded Talkingpointsmemo.


IDC: Handheld sales continue downward journey

The global market for handheld devices continued to dwindle. The industry has recorded a year-over-year fall for the third successive quarter, according to data released by IDC this week.


Deep Sea Sediment Might Have Sparked Evolution

German scientists, sifting through dust on the ocean #39;s floor, have discovered stardust that may have helped initiate human evolution.


Dragonshard Beta Details

October 28, 2004 - Atari and Liquid Entertainment today announced the opening of the Dragonshard closed beta sign-up period. Here #39;s your chance to help test the Dungeons  amp; Dragons-based real-time strategy title based in the new D amp;D universe, Eberron.


Juve restore five-point lead

JUVENTUS maintained their unbeaten run and restored their five-point Serie A lead with this hard-fought win today. Alessandro Del Piero opened the scoring with a low drive just after the half-hour and Marcelo


Sports: Indians reach terms with Elarton

CLEVELAND Pitcher Scott Elarton has agreed to a one-year, 850-thousand-dollar contract with the Cleveland Indians. He #39;d been eligible for free agency.


Koubek beats Gaudio; Henman struggles through

Stefan Koubek beat French Open champion Gaston Gaudio 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Swiss Indoors. Second-seeded Tim Henman struggled to get through to the quarterfinals for the


Blast in Marriott Hotel #39;s lobby leaves one killed, over 10 injured

ISLAMABAD: A blast that occurred in the Marriott hotel killed one and left at over ten people injured including four foreigners at 9:35 pm at the entrance to the hotel on Thursday, sources said.


Jordan pledges help to release Japanese hostage in Iraq

Jordan #39;s King Abdullah II on Thursday pledged efforts to help release the Japanese hostage in Iraq as soon as possible, Jordanian TV reported.


IRAN WOULD NOT ACCEPT LONG-TERM SUSPENSION OF NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES

TEHRAN, 28 Oct. (IPS) Ayatollah Ali Khameneh #39;i, the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran announced Thursday that Iran would not accept long-term suspension of enriching uranium.


Gateway Loss Narrows on Higher PC Sales

Quarterly losses narrowed to \$59 million, or 16 cents per share, from \$139 million, or 43 cents per share, a year ago. Excluding about \$63 million in restructuring, transformation and integration costs, the


UAL posts narrower loss despite higher fuel costs

NEW YORK - Bankrupt UAL parent of United Airlines, on Thursday reported a narrower third-quarter net loss even though fuel costs rose more than 56 per cent for the world #39;s second largest airline.


Exxon Mobil Profit Soars

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp. XOM.N, the world's  largest publicly traded oil company, on Thursday said quarterly  profit surged 56 percent, driven by soaring oil prices and  strong results from refining operations.


Cubs Cut Loose Alou, Grudzielanek

CHICAGO (Sports Network) - The Chicago Cubs Thursday  declined to pick up the 2005 options on outfielder Moises Alou  and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, making the two veterans  free agents.


Chinese Central Bank Increases Rates for First Time in 9 Years

The move is expected to dampen prospects for a long list of companies that have focused on taking advantage of the Chinese market.


South Dakota Sen. Race Deemed Most Costly (AP)

AP - The South Dakota race that will determine whether Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle stays on Capitol Hill is the costliest congressional election so far this year.


Microsoft, Others File More Anti-Spam Lawsuits

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O and other  Internet access providers filed three new lawsuits on Thursday  to stop the spread of unsolicited e-mail messages touting  everything from home refinancing to miracle health cures.


Shiver Me Timbers! Brazil Full of PC Pirates --Study

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazil should end the year at  the top of the list of countries with the highest rate of  pirated personal computers in its market, outranking China for  the first time, according to a study released on Thursday.


Xbox Owner Sues Over Defective Disk Drives

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A video game fan upset over a  failed disc drive in his Xbox video game console has sued  Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O on behalf of all Xbox owners across  the United States..


SBC slashes DSL prices in phone bundle

SBC Communications said it will cut DSL prices to just \$19.95 a month for people who sign up for its full unlimited local and long-distance phone plans. Broadband Blog


Palestinians consider life after Arafat

A decline in Yasser Arafat's health puts focus on future leadership.


Behind Fallujah strategy

The US hopes a hard strike on the city will send a message to Iraqi militants, nationwide.


India and Pakistan balk at bold Kashmir peace plan

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf this week urged steps to end the bitter dispute.


At wireless conference, silly services rule

reporter's notebook Concerned about coverage? It's a good thing you didn't go to CTIA; people there were busy playing "Swordfish."


SBC offers \$19.95 DSL with a catch

SBC Communications unveiled a \$19.95 price for its DSL service, but only if customers buy a wire line phone service for \$48.95.


Gateway trims loss in third quarter

PC maker sees potential profit at the end of the tunnel, boosted by new sales strategy.


Sox Fans Buy Souvenirs, Wonder About 2005 (AP)

AP - The line at the souvenir store curved around the corner, about the length of a Mark Bellhorn homer into Pesky's Pole. Thousands of fans yearned to wear the words "Boston Red Sox" and "World Series Champions" on the same shirt. One of them wasn't sure what he wanted on the back.


Oracle sets applications suite release for Nov. 8

Oracle plans to finally ship its E-Business Suite 11i.10 on Nov. 8, company executives said today.


Panthers Release Safety Cooper (AP)

AP - The Carolina Panthers waived special teams standout Jarrod Cooper on Thursday after police issued an arrest warrant alleging he gave false information to an officer.


Cavaliers Pick Up Gooden 2005-06 Option (AP)

AP - The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up Drew Gooden's contract option for 2005-06, hoping the forward will take the spot vacated by departed free agent Carlos Boozer.


Secret Service busts online organized crime ring

In what it called an "Information Age undercover investigation," the U.S. Secret Service has arrested 28 people from eight U.S. states and six countries allegedly involved in a global cybercrime ring.


Q A: IAITAM President Barbara Rembiesa on asset management issues

The International Association of Information Technology Asset Managers is planning to work with software publishers next year to help simplify the language in software contracts, says President Barbara Rembiesa.


U.K. report cites merits of open-source

Open-source software advocates got a potential boost from a report by the U.K.'s Office of Government Commerce, which cited advantages on the server side and a growing maturity on the desktop front.


Brief: I2 reports Q3 profit

Although revenue slipped during the past quarter, rising software license sales and higher earnings have i2 Technologies Inc. officials hopeful about the future.


Dell touts in-home services

Dell offers to install its PCs, televisions and networks, and provide extra phone support for stopping viruses and spyware.


Toledo schools may resurrect stalled PeopleSoft apps

The public school system in Toledo, Ohio, is eyeing the resurrection of a \$4.3 million PeopleSoft accounting and HR software installation abandoned five years ago.


IDC sees continuing decline in PDA market

For the third straight quarter, shipments of handheld devices fell as some prominent vendors decided to pull back from the market, according to research firm IDC.


Smaller, more powerful PC fuel cell is on the way

A fuel cell for notebook PCs that is smaller and more powerful than competing technologies could be on the market in early 2006 at a price of around \$90, its Japanese inventors said this week.


Kyocera recalls counterfeit cell phone batteries

SAN FRANCISCO - Kyocera Wireless Corp. on Thursday launched a voluntary recall of potentially counterfeit batteries for its KE/KX 400 Series, 3200 Series and Slider Series cell phones, cautioning users that the batteries were not approved by the company for use in its phones.


Oracle sets Nov. 8 date for applications suite release

REDWOOD SHORES, CALIFORNIA - Oracle Corp. plans to finally ship the next version of its E-Business Suite of enterprise applications on Monday Nov. 8, company executives said Thursday.


Google, BellSouth Ink Local Advertising Deal (Reuters)

Reuters - In a bid to further expand its\reach, Google Inc. said on Thursday it authorized BellSouth\Corp.'s  online Yellow Pages unit RealPages.com to sell\Google's Web search ads to small and mid-sized businesses in\the southeastern United States.


Shiver Me Timbers! Brazil Full of PC Pirates --Study (Reuters)

Reuters - Brazil should end the year at\the top of the list of countries with the highest rate of\pirated personal computers in its market, outranking China for\the first time, according to a study released on Thursday.


U.N. Urges U.S. to End Embargo Vs. Cuba (AP)

AP - For the 13th straight year, the U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly urged the United States to end its more than four decade trade embargo against Cuba, rejecting Washington's argument that Fidel Castro is "a tyrant" who denies basic human rights to Cubans.


China Pledges Stable Policies

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese leaders closed a key economic  meeting on Sunday with pledges to maintain stable fiscal and  monetary policies in 2005 and keep a tight lid on fixed-asset  investment, state radio said.


Gateway trims loss in third quarter

update Gateway on Thursday posted a narrower third-quarter loss, helped by cost cuts and an increase in PC unit shipments, that could allow it to climb ever closer to turning a profit.


UPDATE 2-Alliance Capital profit rises in third quarter

Alliance Capital Management Holdings LP (AC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , one of the biggest US money managers, on Thursday said its profit rose in the third quarter


Ottawa provides \$1.5B in loan guarantees for Bombardier

OTTAWA - The federal government has approved loan guarantees to a maximum of \$1.5 billion to allow Air Canada to buy up to 45 regional jets from Bombardier Aerospace.


Microsoft, Others File More Anti-Spam Lawsuits

Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and other Internet access providers filed three new lawsuits on Thursday to stop the spread of unsolicited e-mail messages touting everything


Tennis: Good to be back, says relieved Mauresmo

LINZ, Austria : Recently deposed world number one Amelie Mauresmo shrugged off any doubts over her fitness by beating Poland #39;s Marta Domachowska 6-4, 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the WTA tournament here.


Donnie Nelson moves to front office

Avery Johnson is retiring as a player to focus on his new role as Don Nelson #39;s lead assistant, league sources told ESPN.com #39;s Marc Stein.


India and Pakistan balk at bold Kashmir peace plan

Within hours of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf #39;s dramatic proposal this Monday to demilitarize the disputed region of Kashmir, both India and Pakistan demurred.


Police Arrest 28 in Online ID Theft Scams (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Federal authorities have arrested 28 individuals accused of operating public Web sites designed to help people steal, sell and forge credit cards and identification documents.


Justice Thomas Hopes for Smooth Election (AP)

AP - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said Thursday he would prefer not to face another election-related lawsuit, but defended the high court's decision to get involved in the contentious dispute over the 2000 presidential vote in Florida.


Police Arrest 28 in Online ID Theft Scams

Federal authorities have arrested 28 individuals in the United States and several other countries who are accused of operating public Web sites designed to help people steal, sell and forge credit cards and identification documents. -washingtonpost.com


Castro turns screws on his own people

HAVANA - In the heart of Old Havana, at a corner of Plaza de Armas, probably the city #39;s most beautiful ancient square, a plaque on a building on a street bearing the unlikely name O #39;Reilly declares an unexpected affinity.


Far Eastern Economic Review converts to monthly

HONG KONG - The Far Eastern Economic Review, a leading newsweekly in the region, will be published as a monthly after its Nov 4 issue following after six years of losses, its publisher Dow Jones said Thursday.


Check 21 Places Demands on Banks #39; Customer Relations, Too

On 28 October 2004, the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21) takes effect in the United States. This legislation creates a new legal instrument called the substitute check - defined as  quot;a paper


Federated Investors Buys Cash Business

Asset management company Federated Investors Inc. on Thursday said it will buy Alliance Capital Management Holding LP #39;s cash management business.


Ballmer weighs in on Windows vs. Linux

The controversy rages on. Which offers a better  quot;value proposition quot; -- Windows or Linux? Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has issued an executive email outlining case studies and analyses making the case for Windows over Open Source Linux or proprietary Unix.


Armstrong short on summits in quest for new peaks

IN THE brasseries of the Etoile quarter of Paris yesterday lunchtime, the talk was of how many more years the locals would have to endure Lance Armstrongs domination of their cherished Tour de France.


Brazilian soccer mourns Serginho #39;s death

Brazilian soccer was in mourning on Thursday after the death of Sao Caetano defender Serginho, who collapsed during the previous night #39;s match against Sao Paulo after suffering an apparent heart attack.


O #39;Malley in touch with Spanish leaders

Australian golfer Peter O #39;Malley is two shots off the pace after the first round of the European Tour event in Valderrama, Spain.


Kezman vows to hit the goal trail

Mateja Kezman believes he can go on a goalscoring spree after finally opening his account for Chelsea. The former PSV Eindhoven striker scored the matchwinner in the 57th minute to give Chelsea victory over


Cubs cut loose Alou, Grudzielanek

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Cubs Thursday declined to pick up the 2005 options on outfielder Moises Alou and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, making the two veterans free agents.


Del Piero, Zalayeta score in home win

MILAN -- Leaders Juventus moved five points clear at the top of Serie A as goals by Alessandro Del Piero and Marcelo Zalayeta gave the club a 2-0 win over AS Roma on Thursday.


Comeback win delights Mauresmo

The recently deposed world No.1 beating Poland #39;s Marta Domachowska 6-4 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the Generali Ladies Linz WTA tournament.


Astros exercise Biggio #39;s option, decline Kent #39;s

Craig Biggio will be back with the Houston Astros next season. If Jeff Kent returns, it will be at a reduced rate. Biggio #39;s \$3 million option was exercised Thursday by the Astros


Leeds stay cool about Sainsbury takeover bid

FIRST there was development interest from Asda, now a Sainsbury wants to buy Leeds United. Sebastian Sainsbury, great-grandson of the founder of the supermarket chain, yesterday emerged


Deadline passes in Japanese hostage crisis in Iraq

BAGHDAD - The 48-hour deadline set by a group of Islamic militants for Japan to agree to withdraw its troops from Iraq expired Thursday night, with the group threatening to behead a 24-year-old Japanese hostage if Tokyo ignores its demand.


More Than 160 Taken Hostage in Iraq (AP)

AP - Insurgents in Iraq have kidnapped more than 160 foreigners. Those held are:


Lukoil Plans Investment With Venezuela

Russian oil giant Lukoil Holdings is planning a \$1 billion joint investment with Venezuela's state-run oil company, a top Lukoil official said Thursday.


washingtonpost.com - Law enforcement authorities have arrested 28 individuals accused of operating public Web sites designed to help people steal, sell and forge credit cards and identification documents.


Saudi Ambassador Says More Troops Needed in Iraq

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


Sluman Hits Course-Record 62 at Chrysler (AP)

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


Sluman Fires on All Cylinders at Chrysler

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


UPDATE:China Ups Rates, 1st In 9 Yrs; Mkts Look For More

BEIJING (Dow Jones)--China raised interest rates Thursday for the first time in more than nine years, escalating its battle to tame feverish economic growth but immediately


Gateway Narrows Loss

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


Update 3: Jury Begins Deliberating Enron Barge Case

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


E-Commerce Times

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


Wireless Nintendo

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


AOL Files First Spim Lawsuit

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


AMD introduces low-cost Internet device

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


Recording industry sues another 750 computer users

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


Microsoft faces lawsuit for selling  quot;defective quot; game systems

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


Agassi brushes Bjorkman aside in Stockholm

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


FA probe into new violence

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


Frank Thomas, Carl Everett to return in Chicago, Sandy Alomar won #39; <b>...</b>

Frank Thomas #39; decision to return to the Chicago White Sox wasn #39;t nearly so dramatic this year. Thomas exercised his \$8 million US option Thursday.


Jayhawks No. 1 in preseason coaches poll

McLEAN, Va. - With three of its top four scorers returning for their senior seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks figure to be in the mix for the NCAA championship.


Astros want Biggio back, Kent to take pay cut

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


Arafat, confused and weak, is heading to Paris for treatment

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


Coonan aims to seal Telstra deal

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


Best Buy Enters Online Photo Processing Fray (Reuters)

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


Apple Shares Close at 4-Year High (Reuters)

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


Apple Shares Close at 4-Year High

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


Secret Service busts online ID fraud ring

Federal agents and international allies arrest 28 suspects thought to have traded in credit card numbers and financial information.


Ariz. Insurance Director Reviews Alleged Broker and Insurer Bid <b>...</b>

The Director of the Arizona Department of Insurance, Christina Urias, is joining insurance regulators in other states to review allegations of bid-rigging and price-fixing between insurance brokers and insurance companies.


ATA board agrees to employee retention bonuses

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


Gateway Posts Operating Profit

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


Nintendo and Sony execs trade barbs over PSP/DS battle

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


Morality maze for video game that takes no prisoners

With more than 30m sales under its belt, Grand Theft Auto is one of the most popular video game franchises. But today it is hoping that its new release, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, can break all records


PDA sales continue slide

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


Millions in Americas watch lunar eclipse

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


Xbox Owner Sues Over Defective Disk Drives

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


PG amp;E talks to residents about powerline project

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


Garcia and Lara beat the elements on home turf

With the wind picking up as the first round of the Volvo Masters progressed throughout the day, the afternoon starters had the worst of the draw.


Nine British tourists die in Jordan bus crash

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


Ogden Signs 7-Year Contract With Ravens (AP)

AP - All-Pro left tackle Jonathan Ogden signed a new seven-year contract Thursday with the Baltimore Ravens.


Wolves Waive Goldwire, Powell (AP)

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


Adrian Beltre Files for Free Agency (AP)

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


BEA buzzing about Beehive (InfoWorld)

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


O'Reilly Case Settled Out of Court

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


Bush, Kerry Trade Charges on Leadership (AP)

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


Photo: Cybercrime arrests

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


BEA buzzing about Beehive

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


Wiki startup JotSpot draws crowd for product beta

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


Afghan Leader Faces Huge Task After Inauguration (Reuters)

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


Predicting a President: Where the Papers' Online Electoral Maps Agree and Disagree (Editor and Publisher)

Editor and Publisher - NEW YORK In a new twist on E P's exclusive tracking of major newspaper Web sites' electoral-college maps, today's article will chart how they differ or agree on which states are still tossups and which lean toward one candidate or the other.


Klein derided as mean-spirited for comments about handicapped (Canadian Press)

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


Avery Johnson retires as player to focus on coaching (AFP)

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


Price to Return As Seattle Pitching Coach (AP)

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


Shell ends dual-entity structure

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


DreamWorks Animation takes off

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


Black offers to take Hollinger private

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


DaimlerChrysler Facing SEC Investigation

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


AOL files  #39;spim #39; lawsuit

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


TechBrief: This way to the Web

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


Wireless pioneer reflects on roots, looks to WiMax

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


Redskins' Arrington, Hall Out for Sunday (Reuters)

Reuters - Washington Redskins\linebacker LaVar Arrington and kicker John Hall will not play\Sunday versus the Green Bay Packers.


Armstrong hits out at Italian investigation

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


Garca winds up best in tough going

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


Soccer: Player dies in Brazilian league game

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


Sluman overshadows Singh

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


Pacers pick up option on Fred Jones

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


D Wayne does it his way again

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


Cambodia prepares to welcome new king

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


Cambodia set to crown new king

Cambodians prepare for the coronation of King Sihamoni, amid an array of official festivities.


Cubans queue to ditch US dollars

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


Soaring fuel costs undermine industry #39;s cost-cutting programs

The Air Transport Association says, due to cutbacks, industry labor expenses are about the same today as they were a decade ago -- at about 34 percent of total costs.


Biggest US insurance broker faces penalty  #39;far higher #39; than \$500M <b>...</b>

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


Oil Extends Two-Day Fall as China #39;s Rate Rise May Cut Demand

Crude oil futures fell in New York, extending the biggest two-day decline in 19 months, amid concern China #39;s first interest-rate increase in nine years may slow growth in fuel demand in the world #39;s second-largest oil consumer.


Hollinger International offers Black olive branch

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


UPDATE 1-Alliance Capital to sell cash management business

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


Redskins' Taylor Arrested on DWI Charge (AP)

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


Mourning Plays 10 Months After Transplant (AP)

AP - Alonzo Mourning played for the New Jersey Nets on Thursday night for first time since a kidney transplant in December.


Deadline for execution of Japanese hostage passes with no news (AFP)

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


Cassini Probes Secrets of Saturn #39;s Biggest Moon

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


Yahoo Mobile Brings Search to Cell Phones

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


OutKast Now Have A Digital Platinum Record To Hang On Their Wall

The Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA) has been suing people left, right and centre for illegal downloading, but now theyve taken a more positive action toward supporting legit downloading services.


Study: Internet Feeds Political Debates

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


Sandisk Increases Phone Memory Capacities

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


Smaller, more powerful PC fuel cell is on the way

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


2005 Tour may not play to Armstrong #39;s strengths

It also means he #39;ll have to be in top form right away. This year #39;s race,. lure of the world #39;s biggest cycling race is tough to resist.


Sao Caetano #39;s Serginho Dies After Heart Attack in Soccer Match

Serginho, a 30-year-old defender, died after suffering a heart attack while playing for Sao Caetano in a Brazilian first-division soccer game against Sao Paulo yesterday, his team said.


Champ Car Rumors F1 News

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


Sports: Cubs decline options on Alou, Gruzielanek

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


Pacers exercise option on reserve guard Jones

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


Lukas, Paulson gamble with Azeri

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


Westerners kidnapped in Afghanistan

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


Insurgents kill 11 kidnapped soldiers

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


Kerry Uses Bush's Own Words to Call Him Unfit (Reuters)

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


No, no, national ID

Many pundits have posited that the United States needs better identity cards and, in some cases, have argued for national identity cards.


McNair Exercises, Stretches With Trainers (AP)

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


Insurgents Slaughter 11 Iraqi Soldiers (AP)

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


Judge OKs Arizona Initiative on Ballot (AP)

AP - A judge Thursday dismissed a lawsuit that sought to effectively drop from the ballot an Arizona initiative that would restrict government services provided to illegal immigrants.


News.com Extra: Net users trawl for differing views

Plus: San Francisco mayor vows to bring Wi-Fi to the city, free computers to housing projects.


Average techie starting salaries to remain stable

IT professionals can expect a moderate increase in starting salary, a staffing firm says.


Secret Service busts online ID fraud ring

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


Internet Users Want a Voice

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


Sign-Up for Dragonshard Beta Starts Today

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


Sluman leads Chrysler Championship after record 62

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


Avery Johnson announces retirement

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


Kerry sees an omen and reflected glory in Red Sox triumph

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


Chinese lead pairs; Bulgarians lead ice dance

Former world champions Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo of China won won the short program at Skate Canada with 66.48 points Thursday night.


CARE shuts down Iraq operations

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


Howard wins control over Senate to tighten grip on power

Australia #39;s prime minister, John Howard, won the strongest mandate of any leader in nearly 25 years yesterday when he took control of the upper house of parliament.


Zimbabwean MP jailed for a year after shoving minister

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


Significant thaw in Israeli-Egyptian relations

Recent warming considered by defense establishment as event of significant strategic importance. PM associate: It sounds too good to be true.


Thomas, Everett to Return to Chisox (AP)

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


Unemployment Claims Jump by 20,000 (AP)

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


Politics, Gas Fuel Battle Over New Mexico Forest (Reuters)

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


Congo's Rainforest Faces Danger as Loggers Return (Reuters)

Reuters - Parked neatly side by side in a\quiet clearing in the heart of Africa's largest rainforest, the\two bright yellow bulldozers look absurdly out of place.


Afghan Kidnappings Prompt Big Security Review (Reuters)

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


W.Va. to Sponsor Public Computing Grid (AP)

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


Dollar in Sight of Six-Month Lows Vs Yen

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


Afghan Kidnappings Prompt Big Security Review

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


Beltran, Beltre Among Those Electing Free Agency (Reuters)

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


India ; Rebels set off landmine in Kashmir, 11 dead

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


Won't Someone PLEASE Think of the Bytes!?

\\I was wondering today how many terabytes could have been saved over the years if\URLs would automatically base64 their integer values.\\232 is 2147483647\\Which is 10 bytes.  \\Of course if you base64 encode those values this leaves you with:\\f____w\\Which is only 6 bytes.  Thats a 40 savings!\\


Shell shock as oil giant merges to become one company

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


Fonterra bids US\$1 billion to buy out National Foods

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


Thomas to return, Ordonez might not

Frank Thomas is returning to the Chicago White Sox, but Magglio Ordonez appears to be headed elsewhere. While Thomas exercised his \$8 million option Thursday, Ordonez filed for free agency, and general manager


Capello delighted as Juventus win

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


Short-circuit causes blast in Pakistan

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


Web-Based Tool Helps Voters Find Polls (AP)

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


Mbeki goes into Ivory Coast peace talks

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


Rangers' Francisco Faces Lesser Charge

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


Approval for New Stadium in Washington Hits a Snag

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


Scientists Develop Clean Diesel System (AP)

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


Pollution May Be Reducing Calif. Rainfall (AP)

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


Cassini Radar Sees Titan's 'Cat' (AP)

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


Japan's Unemployment Rate Drops in Sept. (AP)

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


Films push Sony profits up

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


Shrek creator makes dream debut

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


Banks Begin Paperless Check Clearing

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


Fears growing for big drops in house prices

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


Cycling: Tougher Tour for Armstrong

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


Vancouver Indy race a question mark

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


Racing: Lone Star turf magical for Ouija Board

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


Baffling bulletins from the muqata

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


Three UN workers seized by militants in Kabul

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


Isaac Herzog

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


Powell Says US Can #39;t Hunt Iran Nukes in Caves

Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Friday that Washington had no way to force Iran to allow UN inspectors unrestricted access to suspected nuclear sites despite US doubts Tehran would come clean on its own.


China Raises Rates to Cool Its Economy

But the step could risk social unrest if heavily indebted state companies respond by laying off more workers.


Injured Favre Misses Another Practice (AP)

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


Webify Helps Insurance Carriers Stretch Legacy Apps (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - The company's software, built on IBM's on-demand architecture, lets carriers extend the life of legacy applications while pushing out new functionality.


Superfluous Wiki Implementations

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


WMC shares surge on takeover bid

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


Black seeks to buy out Hollinger Inc. minority investors, take <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - The Conrad Black saga took a fresh twist Thursday as the embattled press baron announced plans to buy out other shareholders of Hollinger Inc.


How computer games grew up

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


Craig McCaw describes a global wireless world

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


Armstrong leaves Tour de France guessing

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


What #39;s bothering Sourav, injury or something else?

The news from Nagpur is not good. And we are not talking just about the on field performance of the Indian cricketers. Reports say there is more than what it meets the eye to the thigh (or is groin?


Avery Johnson retires from NBA

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


Henman struggles through to last eight

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


Sainsbury consortium plans 25m bid for Leeds

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


Gateway loss narrows on PC demand

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


Route to make it a stiff test for Armstrong

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


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


Getting teens beyond textin'

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


SAIC takes on Ssangyong Motors

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


Household Survey Sees 100,000 Iraqi Deaths (AP)

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


Feds Indict 19 of Online ID Theft Charges (AP)

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


Kidnappers demand foreign troops quit Iraq

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


FEC OKs Unlimited Donations for Recounts (AP)

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


EU leaders to sign constitution

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


Molecule offers Alzheimer's hope

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


Asian Stocks Ease After China Rate Rise

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


Holdsclaw Speaks Out

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


Racing's Standard

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


Miami (FL) Hurricanes

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


Competing for Causes

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


Cavs Get Needed Rest

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


China Raises Rates to Cool Its Economy

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


28 Identity Theft Suspects Arrested in Transatlantic Sting (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Law enforcement authorities on both sides of the Atlantic have arrested 28 people on suspicion of operating Web sites that were allegedly designed to steal, sell and forge credit cards and identification documents.


JAPANESE HOSTAGE DEADLINE PASSES

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


Japanese races to free hostage; hopes fading

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


Pre-Election Tensions Mount in Florida (AP)

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


Sometimes, Vaccines Can Be Good for Business

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


Two German Automakers Report Mixed Earnings

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


Sharp Increase in Early Voting Alters Campaign

The surge in early voting is affecting where candidates are sent and money is spent in the final days of the campaign.


Video Shows G.I.'s at Weapon Cache

A videotape shows a huge supply of explosives still at Al Qaqaa munitions complex nine days after the fall of Baghdad.


With Nothing Left to Win, Fans of Red Sox Suddenly Feel a Loss

Having waited 86 years for World Series glory, Bostonians found themselves swirling with elation, but also scratching their heads.


Droughns Is a Perfect Fit in Shanahan's System With Broncos

Reuben Droughns is on pace to become the fifth different running back to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season under Coach Mike Shanahan.


Family Begs for Life of Japanese Hostage in Iraq (Reuters)

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


Second Bomb Injures 9 in Thai South - Witnesses

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


Billion-Dollar Ball in Delta Pilots #39; Hands

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


Writing on the  #39;wall #39;

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


Microsoft, Others File More Anti-Spam Lawsuits

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


Central Texas gets look at lunar eclipse

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


FA investigates violence at Bridge

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


Crisis clouds historic EU constitution

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


Girl trapped in buried car confirmed dead; quake toll 35

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


UN Votes Again for the Lifting of US Economic Blockade Against <b>...</b>

Havana, Oct 28 (AIN) For the 13th consecutive time, the United Nations General Assembly voted Thursday for the lifting of the US economic, financial and commercial blockade against Cuba.


Nervous Cubans swap Yankee dollars for pesos

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


#39;04 Series has given us some sloppy baseball

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


Thai PM to address nation on protesters #39; deaths

The explosion followed a blast late on Thursday that killed two people and wounded about 20 in a border town in Narathiwat province.


China  Brakes With Interest Rate Hike

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


Bill O'Reilly, Producer  Settle Harassment Suit

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


Ovitz Defends His Role in ABC Hiring, 'Kundun'

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


US Airways, UAL Post Third-Quarter Losses

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


Oil Firms Report Big Profit Increases

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


New Checking Law Takes Effect

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


SEC title all Tigers get

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


Rumsfeld joins Iraq explosive row

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


Aristide 'wants Haiti elections'

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


Techie starting salaries to remain stable

IT professionals can expect a moderate increase in starting salary, a staffing firm says.


Second Bomb Injures 9 in Thai South - Witnesses (Reuters)

Reuters - A second bomb exploded near a food\stall in southern Thailand on Friday, wounding at least nine\members of a bomb squad investigating an earlier blast that\wounded four people.


Jimenez Wins Hong Kong Open

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


Asian Stocks Ease After China Rate Rise (Reuters)

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


Cubs Broadcaster Steve Stone Steps Down (AP)

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


Japan Gov. Meets After Body Reported Found (AP)

AP - The Japanese government convened an emergency session Friday following a media report that a body believed to be Asian was discovered in Iraq.


Ky. Democrat Responds to Personal Attacks (AP)

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


Japan Checking Report Asian Body Found in Iraq

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


Pitcairn Men Sentenced to Jail for Underage Sex

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


Delta Pilot Pay Cuts May Not Be Enough

Delta Air Lines Inc. Chief Executive Gerald Grinstein yesterday said that even if the carrier #39;s pilots approve a \$1 billion cost-cutting agreement, the airline may still have to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.


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


CNN Will Close Financial News Channel

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


ISPs File Suits Against Spammers

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


Two killed in bar blast in South Thailand

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


Yoran: Feds, companies should continue infrastructure discussions

In the event of a computer failure such as the one that caused massive power outages in the Northeast and upper Midwest last year, can the federal government intervene?


Internet Giants File 7 Suits Aimed at Stopping Spam

The suits include the first filed by America Online against spammers who use instant messaging, a practice the online industry calls spimming.


ISPs File Suits Against Spammers

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


Transatlantic Sting Nabs  Identity Theft Suspects

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


SRA Founder to Step Down as CEO

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


Approved Stem Cells' Potential Questioned

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


China #39;s central bank raises interest rate

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


Sony #39;s Profit Surges on Strength of  #39;Spider-Man 2 #39;

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


Fairytale start for DreamWorks shares

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


AP: CNNfn Will Shut Down After 9 Years

NEW YORK Oct 28, 2004 - CNN will shut down its struggling CNNfn financial news network in mid-December, giving up its attempt to compete with CNBC after nine years.


AMD Announces Strategy To Hook Up World To Internet

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


Digital ID expo enjoys soaring market

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


Microsoft Sued Over Broken Xbox DVD Drive

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


Best airs his views on Arsenal rivalry

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


Lone Star ready for Breeders #39; Cup

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


Calvillo surpasses 6,000-yard plateau to lead Als past Argos 58-20

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


Ribeiro: Newspaper report was wrong

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


A Look at Lawsuits, Voting Problems (AP)

AP - Many states are facing legal challenges over possible voting problems Nov. 2. A look at some of the developments Thursday:


More  #39;Spaces #39; reaction

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


ISPs File Suits Against Spammers (washingtonpost.com)

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


No. 22 Va. Tech Rallies Past Ga. Tech (AP)

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


China move hits Australian mining stocks

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


AMD Aims Low-cost Personal Internet Communicator at Developing <b>...</b>

AMD launched an initiative to enable 50 of the world #39;s population with Internet connectivity and computing capabilities by 2015.


Digital ID: How are you managing?

Cyber threats, chiefly viruses like NetSky and Sasser, make security an ongoing concern as it holds steady over software infrastructure as the third top priority.


Fresh Violence Erupts in Southern Thailand (AP)

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


Putting a Lid on Babe's Brew

After their emphatic sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series on Wednesday, the Boston Red Sox no longer need to apologize for their history.


China's Bank, in Transition, Raises Rates

But the step could risk social unrest if heavily indebted state companies respond by laying off more workers.


Some Drug Makers Find That Vaccines Are Good Business

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


Google buys digital mapping company

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


Four leading Internet service providers announced yesterday that they had filed a new round of lawsuits against senders of junk e-mail, or spam.


Nuggets 93, Rockets 88

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


Football: Edu gives fracas details

Arsenal midfielder Edu lifts the lid on events following the game against Man Utd.


Thai PM to Address Nation as More Bombs Hit South (Reuters)

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


This Date in Baseball for Oct. 29 (AP)

AP - 1931  #151; Lefty Grove, winner of 31 games for the Philadelphia A's, was named the American League MVP.


Search Engine Forums Spotlight

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


Hundreds Attend D.C. Meeting on Expos (AP)

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


The iPod's New Trick: Photo Show

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


Weaned on Video Games

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


Xbox owner sues over dud drive

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


Shell pleases city with UK-Dutch merger

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


DreamWorks Spinoff Sees Shares Rise 38 1st Day

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


Jury Gets Enron, Merrill Lynch Case

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


Hobbit-sized #39; skeleton astounds scientists

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


Sports and Politics

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


Castilla would like to return

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


Muslim Insurgency Threat Facing Thailand

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


Phillies Interview Pendleton for Manager (AP)

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


Calif. Democrats File FCC Complaint (AP)

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


Military Wives Share Pain -- and Often Politics

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


Ailing Arafat Goes to Paris for Treatment (AP)

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


A Delta Deal Buys Some Time

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


Sony: A Bight Picture?

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


Remains of hobbit-like species found

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


World Series Notebhook: Lowe now a big hero in Boston

Derek Lowe stood in the boisterous Boston Red Sox clubhouse early yesterday morning, a bottle of champagne in one hand, a cigar in the other.


Cubs TV Analyst Stone Resigns One Month After Making Critical <b>...</b>

Longtime Chicago Cubs analyst Steve Stone announced yesterday he was leaving WGN-TV, less than one month after coming under fire for on-air comments he made criticizing the team.


HORSE RACING Optimism Finally Finds a Home in Funny Cide #39;s Camp

Barclay Tagg is infamous in horse racing for his gloomy, grumpy, pessimistic personality, so his enthusiasm, even giddiness, the other day came as a surprise.


Charles Visits Jordan Coach Crash Survivors

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


Sluman Eases to Lead

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


Yao Misses Game

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


Mourning Returns

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


Cambodia's coronation under way

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


Oil Extends  #36;5 Rout, Uneasy Over China (Reuters)

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


Oil Extends \$5 Rout, Uneasy Over China

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


Not too hard to be happy for Red Sox fans

Fortunately I have a syndicated sports talk radio show to exorcise my demons as a Yankee fan after the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series.


Start  #39;em or Sit  #39;em: Ravens-Eagles

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


Steelers set to give Patriots a challenge

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


Rebels execute 11 Iraqi soldiers

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


Bombing kills 2 in Thailand; villagers bury 22 who died in custody

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


Armitage warns Ukraine to stage free election

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


China Seeks to Soothe Markets Over Rates (Reuters)

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


Differences Emerge

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


Walkouts at three VW German sites

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


Uncertainty still reigns at Delta

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


CNNfn to shut after nine years

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


ExxonMobil #39;s Q3 profit up sharply

DALLAS (CBS.MW) - Exxon Mobil on Thursday said third-quarter net income jumped 56 percent, boosted by high oil and gas prices, better refining and marketing results and record chemical earnings.


Views of Titan hint at frozen volcanoes and methane lakes

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


Survey: People often give out sensitive details

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