A's Add Rene Lachemann As Bench Coach (AP)

AP - The Oakland Athletics hired Rene Lachemann on Tuesday as their bench coach for next season, replacing Chris Speier.


Israeli Parliament Backs Sharon Gaza Pullout Plan (Reuters)

Reuters - Israel's parliament ratified Prime\Minister Ariel Sharon's Gaza withdrawal plan on Tuesday, a\pivotal step toward the first evacuation of settlers from\occupied territory Palestinians want for a state.


Cards Look for First Win in World Series (AP)

AP - The St. Louis Cardinals are 6-0 at Busch Stadium this postseason and are looking for some hometown cheering to help carry them to their first victory against the red-hot Boston Red Sox in Game 3 of the World Series on Tuesday.


AirTran to acquire ATA #39;s Chicago gates

AirTran Airways plans to assume the Chicago Midway Airport gate leases and acquire other related assets including takeoff and landing slots at New York #39;s LaGuardia and Washington #39;s Ronald Reagan National airports from ATA Airlines for approximately \$87.


Israeli Army Makes Arrest in Child's Death (AP)

AP - The Israeli army on Tuesday arrested an officer accused of repeatedly shooting a 13-year-old Palestinian girl at point-blank range to make sure she was dead as his soldiers pleaded with him to stop.


IBM, Borland and Microsoft boost developers #39; ability to <b>...</b>

Microsoft, IBM and Borland are upgrading their software and offering users new workflow features, support for multiple languages and tools to manage the lifecycle of in-house applications.


SNW  #39;04: 4 Gbps FC products step it up a notch

Brocade Communications Systems Inc. unveiled its 4 gigabits per second (Gbps) Fibre Channel (FC) switch family at Storage Networking World on Monday, a stop-gap


F1 teams plan rival series in 2008

LONDON: GPWC Holdings, which groups the major Formula One carmakers, have appointed consultants to prepare the ground for the introduction of a rival Grand Prix series in 2008.


India urged to consider Musharrafs proposal

KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri on Tuesday called on New Delhi to seriously consider President Pervez Musharrafs new proposal aimed at resolving the Kashmir issue.


Martin, premiers reach  #36;28-billion equalization deal; Williams storms out (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Paul Martin and the premiers have agreed to a vast reform of the federal equalization program worth  #36;28 billion in new cash for most provinces over 10 years.


Tokyo Stocks Open Higher, Exporters Lead

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average opened 0.69 percent  higher on Wednesday as gains on Wall Street eased uncertainty  ahead of the Nov. 2 U.S. presidential election, prompting  buying of Toyota Motor Corp. and other exporters.


Cheney Rejects Kerry Criticism on Iraq (AP)

AP - Accusing John Kerry of playing an "armchair general," Vice President Dick Cheney on Tuesday rejected the Democrat's criticism of the loss of hundreds of tons of explosives in Iraq, saying toppling Saddam Hussein took thousands of times that amount of potentially dangerous material out of the former dictator's hands.


Rebel Leader Says Haiti Must Meet Demands (AP)

AP - A rebel leader said Tuesday that Haiti's U.S.-backed interim government must meet demands to rebuild the storm-devastated city of Gonaives or face a revolt like that which drove out President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.


Trying to Keep Nelsen

MLS and D.C. United are preparing to offer all-star Ryan Nelsen a contract that would make him one of the league's highest-paid defenders.


O'Brien Shifts 76ers

New 76ers Coach Jim O'Brien benches Glenn Robinson and Samuel Delembert to complete an overhaul of the starting five that also sees Allen Iverson at point guard.


Tapp Tops Hokie 'D'

Defensive end Darryl Tapp ranks among the ACC's sack leaders and as a result, has yet to relinquish the Hokie defense's most prized possession: the pail.


Softbank to acquire C amp;W IDC

Softbank Corp. said Tuesday it will acquire Cable  amp; Wireless IDC Inc., a Japanese unit of British telecommunications firm Cable  amp; Wireless PLC, for 12.


VeriSign, AOL team up to make chats safer of kids

VeriSign and America Online on Tuesday announced plans to showcase software for  quot;safe chat rooms quot; this December. The safe chat room will use authentication technology to verify a child #39;s age.


Court May Clear the Way for Cheaper Ink

Lexmark suffers a setback in its fight to keep third-party ink cartridges off store shelves. A federal appeals court this week struck a blow against Lexmark International #39;s attempt to protect its share of


Apple launches new U2 iPod

Apple Computer Inc., maker of the 50 percent market shareholder iPod music player, has announced a special edition U2 iPod for music fans.


Fleming Becomes New Zealand #39;s Record Test Run-Scorer (Update2)

Stephen Fleming hit an unbeaten 137 against Bangladesh on day one of the second Test to become New Zealand #39;s highest run-scorer in Test cricket.


Doba: roll the dice against the No. 1 Trojans

This is the week Washington State coach Bill Doba becomes a gambler. When top-ranked Southern California (7-0, 4-0 Pac-10) visits Martin Stadium on Saturday, it will be the first time a No.


Iraq blames US for deadly raid

BAGHDAD: Iraq #39;s US-backed government said yesterday that  quot;major neglect quot; by its American-led military allies led to a massacre of 49 army recruits at the weekend.


More face charges

WELLINGTON: Further sexual abuse charges involving Britains remote Pacific colony of Pitcairn Island are expected to be laid against people in Australia and New Zealand, the lead prosecutor said yesterday.


Ex-Disney President Ovitz Says Eisner Was Obstacle (Update4)

Former Walt Disney Co. President Michael Ovitz defended his tenure in the job, testifying that efforts to improve and expand the No.


Microsoft changes Sender ID, AOL back on board

Microsoft resurrected its anti-spam Sender ID proposal this week by making changes to appease some critics, and immediately won over one of its biggest detractors: American Online (AOL).


Microsoft Live Communications Server 2005 Coming Dec. 1

Live Communications Server 2005, Microsoft #39;s second-generation real-time communications server, is released to manufacturing and will be generally available on Dec. 1, the company said Tuesday.


Download Crackdown Downunder

Written by Anna Masci The war on music downloads continues with an Australian ex-cop being sued by 25 International and six Australian Record Companies for a legal suit amounting to \$500 million.


Azeri #39;s mission: the Classic

In 2002, owner Michael Paulson was desirous of running Azeri in the Breeders #39; Cup Classic, but trainer Laura de Seroux talked him out of it.


Israeli parliament backs Gaza pullout plan

Israel #39;s parliament ratified Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s Gaza withdrawal plan on Tuesday, a pivotal step toward the first evacuation of settlers from occupied territory Palestinians want for a state.


Swept under the carpet

The Taba attack is no longer hot news, and the tourism minister says business won #39;t be affected. Egypt #39;s minister of tourism, Ahmed El-Maghrabi, is brimming with incautious optimism.


Space Station Stint Deemed a Success (AP)

AP - The newly returned crew of the international space station said Tuesday they had accomplished all the necessary tasks in their six months on the orbiting station, even with a risky, unplanned space walk to replace a bad circuit breaker.


Iraq Militants Issue Hostage Death Threat to Japan (Reuters)

Reuters - Al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's\militant group threatened to behead a Japanese hostage it said\worked with Japan's forces in Iraq if Tokyo did not withdraw\its troops from the country within 48 hours.


Pacers' Foster to Miss Four to Six Weeks (AP)

AP - Indiana Pacers center Jeff Foster will have hip surgery Wednesday and is expected to miss four to six weeks, further depleting the team's front court.


Arizona Makes New Offer to Richie Sexson (AP)

AP - The Arizona Diamondbacks made a new contract offer to slugger Richie Sexson on Tuesday, and planned interviews with two of the three finalists to become the team's manager.


SGI supercomputer: Two records in one day

The public record has been eclipsed by a faster result yet to be announced, CNET News.com has learned.


Experts Join Forces to Stop Aquatic Pests (AP)

AP - The mitten crab may not strike terror into the hearts of the average American along the West Coast  #151; yet.


Cingular Completes Acquisition of AT T Wireless

Cingular becomes the nation's largest wireless carrier.


C amp;W Says Sayonara to Japan

UK-based Cable  amp; Wireless, which has been selling off pieces of itself or just discontinuing business in certain world markets it finds unprofitable, is trading its Japanese presence to that country #39;s Softbank Corp.


Apple Introduces Photo-Display iPod

Steve Jobs, chief executive of Apple, today unveiled a new iPod music player model that that is able to display digital photographs on a screen.


NASA Mountain View claims world #39;s fastest computer

Silicon Graphics, Inc., of Mountain View, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on Tuesday claimed NASA #39;s new Intel Itanium 2 processor-based  quot;Columbia quot; supercomputer is the most powerful computer in the world.


Giants wave bye to winning streak

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin stressed how important preparation is during a bye week. Well, it would seem that after this Sunday #39;s 28-13 home


Trouble back on England's terraces (AFP)

AFP - Ugly scenes of crowd violence returned to mar English football as Liverpool fans became incensed during their side's 3-0 win at Millwall's The Den.


US seeks probe into deaths of Thai protesters

The United States is seeking a full investigation into the death of 78 Thai Muslims in military custody after violent protests in the south of the country.


Arafat in pain but expected to recover-Shaath

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is in pain because of an intestine problem but his doctors expect him to be feeling much better in a few days, the Palestinian Authority #39;s foreign minister said today.


Millar Left Out of Boston's Lineup (AP)

AP - Kevin Millar was the odd man out of Boston's starting lineup in Game 3 of the World Series against the Cardinals on Tuesday night.


Liberals add  #36;33 million to child care, boost family subsidy by  #36;200 (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - VICTORIA (CP) - The first increases in B.C. child-care subsidies in a decade were announced Tuesday.


Tokyo Stocks Open Higher, Exporters Lead (Reuters)

Reuters - The Nikkei average opened 0.69 percent\higher on Wednesday as gains on Wall Street eased uncertainty\ahead of the Nov. 2 U.S. presidential election, prompting\buying of Toyota Motor Corp. and other exporters.


Al-Qaqaa Spokesman Says No Weapons Search (AP)

AP - The first U.S. military unit to reach the Al-Qaqaa military installation after the fall of Baghdad did not have orders to search for the nearly 400 tons of explosives that are missing from the site, the unit spokesman said Tuesday.


Tenth-largest US airline ATA files for bankruptcy protection <b>...</b>

ATA Airlines Inc., the 10th-largest airline in the United States, filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday - the latest US carrier brought low by rising fuel costs and fare wars.


U2 can have an iPod

Apple Computer has broadened its line of popular iPods by introducing an edition of the product dedicated to the Irish rock band U2 and a separate iPod combining music and photos.


Cassini Heads Toward Giant Moon on Saturn

This image taken by cameras on the US-European spacecraft Cassini on Sunday Oct. 24, 2004, reveals Saturn #39;s moon Titan #39;s bright  quot;continent-sized quot; terrain known as Xanadu.


Microsoft revises anti-spam standard

Microsoft says it has revised its proposal to weed out spam email to win over sceptical internet engineers who have been reluctant to adopt technology owned by the dominant software company.


SGI supercomputer: two records in one day

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif.--Even as Silicon Graphics trumpeted on Tuesday a new speed record with its Columbia supercomputer built for NASA, CNET News.


Tighten Security Now

Network attacks are increasing  quot; and at an alarming pace, according to IBM #39;s Global Security Intelligence Services. A report released this week found there were 997 Internet attacks in September


For the Giants, Signs of Peace Are Gone

The truce between New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin and his players has ended. The Giants #39; four-game winning streak was halted by Sunday #39;s loss to the Detroit Lions at Giants


Japan Shares Rise

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 0.89 percent  in early Wednesday trade as exporters such as Toyota Motor  Corp. rose, while the market showed little reaction to news of  a Japanese held hostage in Iraq.


Marsh to Scrap Fees Spitzer Faulted

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marsh   McLennan Cos. MMC.N, the  world's largest insurance broker, said on Tuesday it would  reform its business practices and stop accepting fees at the  center of an investigation by New York Attorney General Eliot  Spitzer into bid rigging.


Players fit to drop, warns Rusedski

The news that Tim Henman is on the road to recovery from his magnesium deficiency will have come as good news to his followers in Switzerland - and after Roger Federer #39;s last-minute withdrawal


Service Scheduled at Hendrick Complex

NTSB and Rescue personnel work at the crash site of the Hendrick Motorsport plane on bull Mountain in Patrick Springs, Va., Monday, Oct. 24, 2004.


Martyn hits century to deny India

On the eve of this third Test, Sachin Tendulkar and his close friend Ajit Agarkar made an offering of coconuts at the temple of Ganesh, the elephant-headed god revered among Hindus


Sharon survives revolt to win battle of Gaza

By Inigo Gilmore in Jerusalem and Anton La Guardia, Diplomatic Editor. As protesters outside the Knesset branded him a traitor and extremists scrawled graffiti calling for his assassination, the Israeli prime


78 Thai Muslims Suffocate to Death in Police Trucks

PATTANI, Thailand, 27 October 2004 - At least 78 Muslims were suffocated or crushed to death after being arrested and packed into trucks by security forces following a riot in Muslim-dominated southern Thailand, officials said yesterday.


E-Voting Cos. Reveal Software to Feds (AP)

AP - The nation's largest voting machine companies are submitting millions of lines of code to the National Software Reference Library to address sharp criticism from computer scientists about the secret software used in elections.


NEC to Market DVD Burners (PC World)

PC World - Company's ND-3500A drive is not just for OEMs anymore.


Cingular Completes Acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless (PC World)

PC World - Cingular becomes the nation's largest wireless carrier.


EU backs Oracle #39;s bid for PeopleSoft

STRASBOURG/SAN FRANCISCO - The European Commission on Tuesday approved Oracle Corp. #39;sproposed US\$7.7 billion (\$11 billion) hostile takeover of rival business software company PeopleSoft Inc.


AirTran: Airline to open hub at Chicago #39;s Midway Airport

AirTran Airways is moving to dramatically expand flights in Chicago by buying \$87.5 million worth of gate leases and landing rights from ATA Airlines.


Cassini Spacecraft Flies By Saturn Moon

Oct. 26, 2004 - The US-European spacecraft Cassini-Huygens on Tuesday made a historic flyby of Titan, Saturn #39;s largest moon, passing so low as to almost touch the fringes of its atmosphere.


quot;Grand Theft Auto quot; Hits Stores

quot;Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas quot; was released in GameStop stores in the Lansing area Monday night. Many other video game retailers will have the Playstation-2 game Tuesday.


Red Sox Lead Cards 1-0 After One Inning

Boston Red Sox Lead St. Louis Cardinals 1-0 After One Inning of Play in Game 3 of World Series. Rodney Williams of High Ridge, Mo.


Scottish stay of execution for Vogts

The German has been a lame duck since the 1-1 draw in Moldova 13 days ago, which meant that qualification for the World Cup finals in two years #39; time was unlikely.


Afghan vote: Karzai  #39;clear winner #39;

KABUL, Afghanistan -- With the counting effectively  quot;over and done, quot; incumbent Hamid Karzai is the clear winner in Afghanistan #39;s presidential election, a senior official has said.


Koizumi Surveys Japan #39;s Earthquake Damage

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi surveyed the earthquake damage in northern Japan on Tuesday, meeting people camped out in a high-school gymnasium after the nation #39;s


Mariners' Martinez Gets Clemente Award (AP)

AP - Retiring Seattle Mariners designated hitter Edgar Martinez won the Roberto Clemente Award for excellence on the field and in the community.


Dollar Inches Up Versus Euro

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar edged higher against the euro  on Wednesday as a downbeat outlook for European growth spurred  traders to buy back the currency after heavy falls.


Cats suffer stress, experts say

Cats can suffer from stress-related illness like humans, a new study by animal experts suggests.


Strong Quake Jolts Northern Japan, Felt in Tokyo (Reuters)

Reuters - A powerful earthquake with a preliminary\magnitude of 6.0 jolted northern Japan on Wednesday, national\broadcaster NHK said. The quake was also felt in Tokyo.


6.0-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan Again (AP)

AP - A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit a quake-ravaged area of northern Japan on Wednesday, officials said. No injuries or damage were immediately reported.


News.com Extra: Can billions of political spam emails sway the election?

Plus: Experts fear Check 21 could lead to massive bank fraud.


Three guerrillas killed in Kashmir gun battle:

India News: Srinagar, Dec 5 : Three separatist guerrillas were killed after a night-long gun battle with Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, police said Sunday.


Apple rolls out photo-display iPod

US computer company Apple Computer Inc. on Tuesday unveiled its latest version of the popular digital music player iPod, which enables users to store and share photos.


Megson Sacked By West Brom

West Bromwich Albion manager Gary Megson has been sacked after telling the club he would quit at the end of his contract in June.  quot;The club accepts this as a letter of resignation, quot; said a statement by Albion


Villa boss slates players after Burnley embarrassment

Burnley have dumped Aston Villa out of the Carling Cup with a 3-1 win at Turf Moor. A strong Villa line-up went behind after just nine minutes when Graham Branch headed in Robbie Blake #39;s cross.


Lukas Pulls Azeri Surprise

D Wayne Lukas, the most successful trainer of all time at the Breeders Cup, caused a sensation today when he revealed 2002 Distaff winner and Horse of the Year Azeri will tackle Saturdays Breeders Cup Classic.


NASCARS Finest Call

Its sad to think that NASCAR has gotten so good at this. Weve watched their response to tragedy too many times not to recognize the seriousness of a situation.


D-Backs increase offer to Sexson

The Diamondbacks increased their contract offer to impending free agent Richie Sexson on Tuesday, informing the first baseman #39;s agent they are willing to give the slugger a three-year deal despite some reservations about his health for next season.


Paterno Is Seeking Answers for an Age-Old Problem

As if to prove that his age is irrelevant, Penn State Coach Joe Paterno forgot for a moment yesterday exactly how old he is.  quot;I don #39;t feel 78 - or 77, quot; said Paterno, who will not turn 78 until Dec. 21.


Broncos Griffin reportedly out for season

The Denver Broncos have lost tailback-turned-kickoff returner Quentin Griffin for the season, ESPN reported Tuesday, citing no sources.


Francona Fails to Manage Martnez

Seldom has a man so deftly handled 24 players, as Terry Francona has managed the Boston Red Sox within striking distance of a World Series championship, while grossly mismanaging a 25th, as he has Pedro Martnez.


Azeri Will Join a Strong Field in Classic

With his white cowboy hat, carefully creased jeans and rugged Jack Palance looks, D. Wayne Lukas seemed every bit the gunslinger as he strode into this north Texas town on Tuesday.


Sporting News names Bonds player of the year

San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds was selected The Sporting News #39; 2004 baseball player of the year after a season in which he hit .


EU, Iran to Meet Again on Nuclear Offer (Reuters)

Reuters - French, British and German officials are\due to meet Iranian negotiators on Wednesday to discuss a\European proposal that Tehran scrap its uranium enrichment\program in exchange for nuclear technology.


Korean and Japanese Phone Makers Win -Survey (Reuters)

Reuters - South Korean mobile phone makers\continued a rapid move up the global market rankings during the\third quarter, while growth in the wider mobile phone market\slowed, a survey found on Wednesday.


Giant Pandas in China Reserve Get Wi-Fi (AP)

AP - Giant pandas may well prefer bamboo to laptops, but wireless technology is helping researchers in China in their efforts to protect the engandered animals living in the remote Wolong Nature Reserve.


EU, Iran to Meet Again on Nuclear Offer

VIENNA (Reuters) - French, British and German officials are  due to meet Iranian negotiators on Wednesday to discuss a  European proposal that Tehran scrap its uranium enrichment  program in exchange for nuclear technology.


Strong new earthquake hits Japan

A strong earthquake tremor has shaken northern Japan days after several quakes killed at least 31 people.


Cancer services 'need shake-up'

The way cancer services are provided is a shambles and must be drastically reformed, a report by MPs says.


Murdoch gets emotional as he moves out

Rupert Murdoch is normally courteous to his shareholders, but they were reminded of their irrelevance at yesterday #39;s News Corp annual meeting: proxy votes had ensured 92 support for the move to the US state of Delaware.


Worries over rising carbon dioxide emissions

Carbon dioxide emissions will be almost 40 higher by the end of the decade than they were in 1990 despite growing use of renewable energy, the International Energy Agency said yesterday.


Ovitz  #39;fell out with Eisner from start #39;

Michael Ovitz, the former Hollywood powerbroker, yesterday said the first cracks appeared in his stormy relationship with Walt Disney chief and former boss Michael Eisner even before his appointment as president of the company was announced in 1995.


Surging Oil Prices Lift BP #39;s Quarterly Profit 43

After months of soaring crude oil prices, BP, the world #39;s second-biggest publicly traded oil company, reported a 43 percent rise in third-quarter profit on Tuesday and forecast


Advertising  #39;set for tougher year #39;

WPP, the world #39;s second largest advertising company, warned of an uncertain 2005 yesterday as it disclosed that its third-quarter revenues were better than analysts had expected.


American refit helps boost BAT profits by 20

British American Tobacco, the firm behind the Lucky Strike and Dunhill brands, sold 6 more cigarettes in the first nine months of the year and saw profits rise 20 to 1.


Rival series in motion

Moves are afoot to break Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone #39;s hold on the sport #39;s commercial rights with four major manufacturers appointing a marketing company to determine the feasibility of a rival series.


Martinez wins Clemente Award

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners won the Roberto Clemente Award for community service on Tuesday. Martinez, 41, is the first Puerto Rican so honoured.


Iraq #39;s Prime Minister Faults US Military in Massacre

Prime Minister Ayad Allawi blamed the American-led military forces on Tuesday for the weekend massacre of 49 freshly trained Iraqi soldiers, saying the military had shown  quot;major negligence.


Australia acknowledges Iraq move increased risk of terrorist attack (AFP)

AFP - Australia's government has admitted for the first time that its decision to participate in the Iraq conflict may have increased the terrorist threat to Australian interests.


Iraqi Rebels Threaten Japanese Hostage (AP)

AP - Video posted Tuesday on a militant Islamic Web site showed what it claimed was a Japanese captive kidnapped by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's group and threatened to behead him within 48 hours unless Japan pulls its troops from Iraq. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi rejected the demand.


New Quake Rattles Northern Japan, Felt in Tokyo

NAGAOKA, Japan (Reuters) - A strong earthquake with a  preliminary magnitude of 6.0 jolted northern Japan on  Wednesday, in the same region where a major quake killed at  least 31 people and injured more than 3,400 five days ago.


Seattle DH Martinez Wins 2004 Roberto Clemente Award (Reuters)

Reuters - For the second year in a row,\a member of the Seattle Mariners has captured the Roberto\Clemente Award, as Major League Baseball awarded Mariners\designated hitter Edgar Martinez the 2004 honor on Tuesday.


Seattle DH Martinez Wins 2004 Roberto Clemente Award

ST. LOUIS (Sports Network) - For the second year in a row,  a member of the Seattle Mariners has captured the Roberto  Clemente Award, as Major League Baseball awarded Mariners  designated hitter Edgar Martinez the 2004 honor on Tuesday.


Newest iPod From Apple Holds Photos and Music

Apple Computer introduced on Tuesday its next generation iPod music player, which has the ability to display digital images as well as play songs.


Cassini Snaps Photos of Saturn #39;s Moon

This image taken by cameras on the US-European spacecraft Cassini on Sunday Oct. 24, 2004, reveals Saturn #39;s moon Titan #39;s bright  quot;continent-sized quot; terrain known as Xanadu.


Shaded moon will be last eclipse of 2004

A total eclipse of the Moon will occur overnight Wednesday, an event that can turn Earths satellite to a colourful shade ranging from deep red to dark brown and sometimes an existential grey.


Intel Unwires Chinas Panda Playground In Wolong

Sydney, Australia, 25 October, 2004 - Intel Corporation today announced it has deployed a campus-wide broadband and wireless communications network within Chinas Wolong Nature Reserve to aid researchers in the study, care and preservation of the


Radcliffe to take bite at Big Apple

Paula Radcliffe yesterday announced that she would make a surprise, high-profile return to racing in the New York City Marathon on Sunday week.


Giants still have faith in Dayne

After being peppered on the subject for several moments, the coach of the Giants just shook his head incredulously.  quot;To be honest with you I #39;ve never heard so many questions


Zarqawi Aide Killed During US Air Strike

WASHINGTON, Oct 26, 2004 -- Coalition forces launched precision strikes on a safe house in Fallujah early this morning, killing an associate of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi #39;s terrorist organization, military officials in Baghdad reported today.


Dollar Inches Up, Yen Hurt by Quake

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar moved higher on Wednesday as  the euro was hurt by a downbeat outlook for European growth and  the Japanese yen edged lower after another earthquake in  northern Japan.


Terps Hit Speed Bump

Maryland will be without leading wide receiver Derrick Fenner when it takes on No. 5 Florida State on Saturday at Byrd Stadium.


Azeri to Run in Classic

Azeri will try to beat the boys again, this time in the \$4 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Lone Star Park on Saturday.


China Rejects Powell Call for Dialogue with Taiwan

BEIJING (Reuters) - China on Wednesday rejected Secretary  of State Colin Powell's call to resume dialogue with Taiwan,  saying Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's overtures were  meaningless and no grounds existed for talks.


EC trims eurozone growth figures for 2005

RECORD oil prices are likely to depress growth in the 12-nation eurozone next year, the European Commission warned yesterday as crude stayed close to the all-time highs it hit on Monday.


Business Briefs

A Washington-based research company will move part of its operations to a new facility being planned in Rosslyn, creating 2,500 new jobs, Gov.


Artificial Spinal Disk Gains Approval From the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration yesterday permitted a unit of Johnson  amp; Johnson to market an artificial spinal disk in the United States as a new form of treatment for people with severe lower back pain.


Eurozone growth forecast up in 2004, down in 2005

The European Commission raised its estimate for euro zone growth this year to 2.1 percent from the 1.7 percent forecasts last spring due to surging external demand.


NASA Orbiter Has Closest Encounter with Titan

NASA #39;s Cassini orbiter began transmitting data and images from Saturn #39;s moon Titan on Tuesday, providing the closest look at the mysterious moon that humans have ever seen.


Giant pandas in China reserve get Wi-Fi

Giant pandas may well prefer bamboo to laptops, but wireless technology is helping researchers in China in their efforts to protect the engandered animals living in the remote Wolong Nature Reserve.


State appeals pilot activated beacon

LYNDON, Vt. The state Agency of Transportation is appealing a Lyndon Planning Board decision that requires pilots to activate a rotating beacon at the state airport.


Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Radio

October 26, 2004 - Whether you #39;re a hardcore gamer or not, you #39;ve gotta give it up to the cats at Rockstar for their attention to sonic detail in their Grand Theft Auto games.


Deanna Favre expected to make full recovery

The wife of Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has been diagnosed with breast cancer, according to The Biloxi (Miss.) Sun Herald.


Edgar Martinez earns Clemente Award

In his first month of retirement, Edgar Martinez today will be where he was unable to go in 17 years as a player - the World Series.


Brutal attack on Iraqis shows greater sophistication

The level of sophistication it took to slaughter 48 newly trained Iraqi soldiers signals a new level of coordination among insurgents in Iraq.


Putin arrives in Kiev on working visit

On Tuesday evening, Putin will answer questions from Ukrainian citizens, in a live broadcast by three local television companies. In the course of the three-day visit, the Russian leader will hold a number of meetings with the Ukrainian leadership.


South Africans Seized at Talks With Unionists in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe immigration officers seized 13 members of a South African trade union delegation on Tuesday as they met with their Zimbabwean counterparts in Harare, then


Hearing Will Be Long

Supporters and detractors of a plan to bring baseball to the District are lining up to make their case before the D.C. Council.


Analysts agree with Jobs on iPod strategy (MacCentral)

MacCentral - Joined on stage by legendary rockers Bono and The Edge from U2, Apple Computer Inc. CEO Steve Jobs on Tuesday expanded Apple's hugely popular iPod line-up with two new models. During the event, held in San Jose, Calif., Jobs said that Apple didn't feel video was the right way to take the iPod, opting instead to add a color screen and allow users to sync photos with their device. Analysts agree with Jobs' strategy and feel the pricing the devices is right.


* Chief blames higher steel and services prices

BP could be forced to raise capital spending by \$1.5bn (820,000) next year because of sharply rising steel prices and increased competition for drilling rig services as oil companies lift investment to record levels.


Court rules against Lexmark

A federal appeals court yesterday lifted a ban that prevented a North Carolina company from selling chips that allowed Lexmark International competitors to refill toner cartridges for some of the Lexington manufacturer #39;s printers.


NASA claims supercomputing crown

SAN JOSE, CALIF. - The US space agency unveiled a new computer Tuesday that it says is the fastest in the world. Project Columbia, named after the space shuttle that was destroyed early last year, is a cluster of 20 computers linked to work as one.


FOOTBALL: PEA SOUPER

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger last night insisted he didn #39;t have tunnel vision at Old Trafford but Ruud van Nistelrooy came clean over his part in Sunday #39;s Manchester meltdown.


Season of Hardships

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has played his last two games with the knowledge that his wife, Deanna, had been diagnosed with breast cancer this month and will undergo chemotherapy treatments over the next five months.


Needing a Win, Politics Makes Strange Fellas

The Washington Redskins weren #39;t splintered by a four-game losing streak in which the offense sputtered while the defense flourished.


New Quake Rattles Northern Japan, Felt in Tokyo

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.0 jolted northern Japan on Wednesday, in the same region where a major quake killed at least 31 people and injured more than 3,400 five days ago.


78 die of suffocation after Thai riot

Thai soldiers apprehend hundreds of men after demonstrators clashed with police outside the Tak Bai police station in Thailand #39;s Narathiwat Province, nearly 1150 km (715 miles) south of Bangkok in this picture taken October 25, 2004.


Putin #39;s Kiev visit  #39;timed to influence Ukraine poll #39;

Vladimir Putin began a state visit to Kiev yesterday with a television interview in which he held out the possibility of favourable treatment to Ukrainians, a move thought likely to be helpful to the pro-Moscow candidate in next Sunday #39;s presidential


Marsh  amp; McLennan drops fees

NEW YORK - A day after sacking its chief executive, Marsh  amp; McLennan (MMC) announced Tuesday it will stop accepting fees at the heart of a lawsuit by New York #39;s attorney general accusing the world #39;s largest insurance broker of rigging prices.


Europe blesses Oracle-PeopleSoft union

European antitrust regulators ruled Tuesday that Oracle can proceed with its hostile takeover bid for PeopleSoft, clearing the last regulatory hurdle in the protracted and sometimes tumultuous battle.


Update 6: Dutch Steelmaker Buying ISG in \$4.5B Deal

Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal announced plans Monday to take over US steelmaker International Steel Group as part of a three-way merger to create a global metals mammoth.


No shadow of doubt: lunar eclipse is well worth a look

ONE of natures greatest spectacles will be visible in the small hours of tomorrow morning - weather permitting - as the Moon passes into the Earths shadow, causing a total lunar eclipse.


Russian Cosmonaut Shargin Wants to Send Politicians to Space

The top cosmonaut of Russias space defense troops lieutenant colonel Yuri Shargin has proposed sending politicians to space to discipline them.


Terry gives Papi first shot

The Red Sox have made an astounding eight errors in the first two games of the World Series, so naturally, they plan to downgrade their defense for Game 3 tonight.


Carmakers to launch new series

Formular One tycoon Bernie Ecclestone is facing strong challenge as leading carmakers are seeking to start their own World Grand Prix racing series by 2008.


Radcliffe to run New York marathon

Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe will compete in the ING New York City Marathon next month. Radcliffe says she is looking forward to taking part in the race, especially after her disappointment in Athens.


Mets to interview Backman

The Mets may reach back into one of their most successful eras in their manager search. Wally Backman, the sparkplug second baseman on the 1986 championship team


Good guy Martinez wins Clemente Award

Retiring Seattle Mariners designated hitter Edgar Martinez won the Roberto Clemente Award for excellence on the field and in the community.


Consumer Confidence Slips on Job Worries (AP)

AP - Worries about job prospects sent consumer confidence to a seven-month low in October and its third consecutive monthly decline. The steeper-than-expected drop raised questions about whether consumers will be in the mood to spend during the critical holiday shopping season.


Israeli parliament OKs  #39; #39;disengagement #39; #39; plan

The Israeli parliament (Knesset) on Tuesday night upheld Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s  quot;disengagement quot; plan by a massive majority of 67-45.


Israel allows Arafat to leave his compound for medical treatment

Israel gave Yasser Arafat permission Monday to briefly leave his compound to receive medical treatment in the West Bank city of Ramallah, heightening concerns the Palestinian leader is seriously ill.


Kashmir solution still far off despite Musharraf's gambit: analysts (AFP)

AFP - President Pervez Musharraf declared he could see light at the end of the tunnel after proposing bold reforms to break Pakistan's deadlock with India over Kashmir, but analysts caution the journey is still painfully long.


FCC OKs Cingular, AT T Wireless Merger (AP)

AP - Now that the purchase of AT amp;T Wireless is complete, Cingular Wireless' new status as the nation's biggest cell phone provider may prove fleeting if the merged company doesn't move quickly.


NASA: Bush Stifles Global Warming Evidence (AP)

AP - The Bush administration is trying to stifle scientific evidence of the dangers of global warming in an effort to keep the public uninformed, a NASA scientist said Tuesday night.


NAGAOKA, Japan (Reuters) - A strong earthquake with a  magnitude of 6.1 jolted northern Japan on Wednesday in the same  region where the country's deadliest quake in a decade killed  at least 31 people and injured more than 3,400 five days ago.


Tokyo Shares Flat After Quake, Dollar Up

Asian stocks bounced in early trade on Wednesday after the strongest rally in the Dow Jones index since June, but gains were trimmed after an earthquake jolted northern Japan and chip-related stocks slumped.


Apple Introduces iPod Photo

Today Apple introduced the new iPod Photo. The new devices can hold 40GB or 60GB of data and are advertised as being capable of holding up to 25,000 digital photos and up to 10,000 or 15,000 songs.


Cassini beaming images of Titan

PASADENA, Calif. The spacecraft Cassini has begun beaming close-ups of Saturn #39;s giant moon Titan to Earth. The first image was a low-resolution scene of part of Titan #39;s disk covered in hydrocarbon haze.


Moon Shadows

Skywatchers are about to be treated to a total lunar eclipse, just in time for Halloween. For more than an hour Wednesday night, the Earth #39;s shadow will completely cover the moon -- making it glow orange like a pumpkin.


Russia #39;s Putin Lauds Ukraine PM in TV Appearance

Russian President Vladimir Putin made an unprecedented television appearance in neighboring Ukraine days before presidential elections, endorsing the record of the prime minister, one of two top candidates.


Source: Westbrook Out With Rib Injury (AP)

AP - Eagles running back Brian Westbrook has a broken rib and could miss up to two games, an NFL source said Tuesday night.


Martinez, Boston Cruise

Pedro Martinez keeps the Cardinals down over seven innings as the Red Sox win, 4-1, in Game 4 to take a 3-0 lead in the World Series.


Cassini takes a close-up look at Saturn #39;s giant moon Titan

The international Cassini spacecraft began beaming close-up images of Saturn #39;s moon Titan to Earth late Tuesday. Cassini reached the point of closest approach of about 279,000


#39;San Andreas #39; poised for big sales, big debate

Video gaming #39;s most felonious franchise is back, and it #39;s threatening to hijack the holidays. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the latest in a line that has sold 32 million games and


Peru Striker Pizarro Gives Bayern Victory Over Leader Wolfsburg

Peru striker Claudio Pizarro scored twice in the first half as Bayern Munich beat Bundesliga leader Wolfsburg 2-0 yesterday to move within a point.


Vogts Still Hanging on to National Job

Berti Vogts made his reputation as a tenacious player and now the Tartan Army are finding him a difficult manager to shake off. It is now two weeks since the 2,000 fans who travelled


Knicks turn up defence to down Nets

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Stephon Marbury scored 14 points and Tim Thomas added 12 as the New York Knicks overcame a strong start by the New Jersey Nets to grind out an 86-79 preseason victory.


Jimmy Spencer, son arrested

Nextel Cup Series driver Jimmy Spencer and his son were arrested Sunday night at he driver #39;s home in Cornelius, NC, according to a report in the Charlotte Observer.


170 Sign Up to Speak At Baseball Hearing

Like two teams before a big game, supporters and detractors of a plan to bring baseball to the District are preparing their lineups for tomorrow #39;s showdown before the DC Council.


Video games

A cheaper alternative to playing games on a computer is to get a gaming console. These hook up directly to your television set. The Sony PlayStation 2, Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo Gamecube are the main players in the console market.


India and France to discuss range of issues during FM's visit (AFP)

AFP - India and France will discuss a range of bilateral and global issues during this week's visit by French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier, a foreign ministry spokesman said Tuesday.


Delphi, XM Unveil Handheld Satellite Radio Receiver (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - XM Satellite Radio and radio manufacturer Delphi yesterday introduced the Delphi XM MyFi, a portable, handheld satellite radio receiver the companies hope will lure more consumers to a medium currently limited to car and home units.


Cellular Union Wins Final Approval (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Now Cingular Wireless LLC gets to reap the rewards -- and face the challenges -- of its new status as the nation's biggest cellular provider.


Delphi, XM Unveil Handheld Satellite Radio Receiver

XM Satellite Radio and radio manufacturer Delphi yesterday introduced the Delphi XM MyFi, a portable, handheld satellite radio receiver the companies hope will lure more consumers to a medium currently limited to car and home units.


Apple introduces colour screen iPod

Apple Computer Inc. has introduced a new larger-capacity iPod with a colour display as well as a first-of-its-kind digital compendium of the rock band U2 #39;s songs.


Cameras Ready, Spacecraft Gets Up Close to Saturn Moon

The Cassini spacecraft cruised on Tuesday to within 745 miles of Titan, Saturn #39;s planet-size moon, for the first close encounter with it.


NASA: Bush Stifles Global Warming Evidence

President Bush arrives off of Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House after a day of campaigning, Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004, in Washington.


Amnesty Condemns U.S. for War on Terror Torture (Reuters)

Reuters - The United States has manifestly failed\to uphold obligations to reject torture and cruel, inhuman or\degrading behavior in the "war on terror" launched after Sept.\11, 2001, Amnesty International said on Wednesday.


Russia Ships Join NATO Anti-Terror Patrol (AP)

AP - Two Russian navy ships will join NATO's anti-terrorist patrols in the Mediterranean later this week, but that doesn't make the defensive alliance an ally, Russia's defense minister said on Tuesday.


U.S. Keeps 11 Guantanamo Detainees Jailed (AP)

AP - A U.S. military review panel at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, ordered 11 detainees to remain held as "enemy combatants," an official said Tuesday.


Search Online, Buy Offline: How to Tell?

Many people do extensive product research online but end up buying from brick and mortar retailers.  How can you track the effectiveness of search marketing campaigns that result in offline purchases?


SAP taps HP for software-as-service push

With help of longtime partner, German software maker dips toe in market it had downplayed.


Marsh to Make Payments More Transparent

One day after Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. ousted its chief executive, the nation #39;s largest insurance broker said it will tell its clients exactly how much they are paying


ATA Is Latest Airline to File For Protection

ATA Holdings Corp., parent of ATA Airlines, the nation #39;s 10th-largest carrier, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization yesterday, becoming the third US airline operating under court protection.


McFarlane rewarded for record ANZ profit

ANZ reported a record rise in post tax operating profit today, announcing a 20 per cent jump to \$2.8 billion for the year ending September 2004.


Lockheed Martin Profit Jumps 41 in Quarter

Lockheed Martin Corp. yesterday reported a 41 percent increase in profit during its third quarter as fighter jet and information technology demand continued to drive growth.


SEC May Lift Information Restrictions

The Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday proposed changes to decades-old rules that would allow companies planning new stock offerings to share far more information with investors about the state of their businesses.


Robotic Craft #39;s Launch Delayed At Least 2 Days

NASA postponed for at least two days the launch of its robotic satellite-chasing spacecraft because the target satellite temporarily lost reception of a key navigational signal, the agency said yesterday.


Michigan-Ohio State Is a Commercial Deal

The tired old refrain of the sporting times has become: Is nothing sacred? Well, apparently not the Ohio State-Michigan football game.


Iraqi Rebels Threaten Japanese Hostage

A video posted Tuesday on a militant Islamic Web site in the name of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi #39;s group showed what it claimed was a Japanese captive and threatened to behead him within


Oil Holds Above  #36;55, Braced for Winter (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil prices held firm above  #36;55 a\barrel on Wednesday as traders braced for the start of the\northern winter with thin heating oil supplies.


World oil trade to double in next 25 years

LONDON - World trade in oil will double over the next 25 years, intensifying pressure on supply chokepoints which threaten security of international flows, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said yesterday.


ATA Airlines enters receivership

ATA Airlines parent ATA Holdings Corp. filed for protection from creditors under Chapter 11 of federal bankruptcy law late Tuesday, and two other airlines immediately showed interest in ATA assets.


Gators will respond strongly

Since the Heisman Trophy will be handed out and a new national champion (or two) crowned before you know it, please send in your questions promptly using the form below to avoid a delay-of-game penalty!


Going Back for the Future, Mets to Interview Backman

As the Mets round out their search for a new manager, the club is giving a last-minute nod to its past. Wally Backman, an infielder for the Mets from 1980-88 who played second base on the 1986


Sharon gets big win he wanted in vote on unilateral withdrawal

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon won a historic victory yesterday when parliament voted to approve his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank - the first time that legislators have authorized the removal of Jewish settlements from


Thai Premier Creates Panel to Probe 84 Deaths in Southern State

Thailand #39;s Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he will set up an inquiry into the deaths of 84 people who suffocated after being taken to an army camp in the majority-Muslim southern province of Narathiwat.


Mubarak and Arafat discuss Israeli pullout plan

Cairo: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak held telephone talks with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat about Israel #39;s plan to pull troops and the 8,000 Jewish settlers out of the Gaza Strip next year, the Egyptian news agency Mena said.


Attacks Sharpen as Clock Ticks Down

The Democratic presidential nominee accused the president on Tuesday of hiding embarrassments in Iraq, and Bush chastised Kerry for grasping at passing headlines instead of building a coherent proposal.


Campaign Trail Takes Clinton to South Florida

It was, in short, a rock-star-scale reception as former president Bill Clinton made high-profile campaign appearances Monday evening and Tuesday in South Florida aimed at inspiring Democrats to elect Sen. John F. Kerry president next week.


Video Claims Threat to Japanese Hostage's Life

Video posted Tuesday on a militant Islamic Web site showed what it claimed was a Japanese captive kidnapped by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's group and threatened to behead him within 48 hours unless Japan pulls its troops from Iraq.


11 Iraqi Guardsmen Taken Hostage

An Iraqi insurgent group said on a Web site it had taken 11 Iraqi National Guard soldiers hostage.


Colombian Military Kills Militia Leader

A former U.S.-trained Colombian army officer who later joined an outlawed paramilitary group was killed in a clash with army troops Tuesday, the army said.


Suns Drop SuperSonics 103-93 in Preseason (AP)

AP - Quentin Richardson has expressed his interest in being a starter, but was an effective sixth man Tuesday night, scoring 15 points in the Phoenix Suns' 103-93 preseason victory over short-handed Seattle.


Consumer confidence at seven-month low in US

Washington - US consumers #39; confidence skidded for a third consecutive month in October as they fretted over jobs, a Conference Board survey showed yesterday.


Foster #39;s sells ALH shares into bid

Global brewer and winemaker Foster #39;s Group has sold its remaining 10 per cent stake in former subsidiary Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality into the Woolworths takeover offer.


Gaffes Haunt Cardinals in Game 3 of Series (AP)

AP - Tony La Russa grimaced, then pulled the bill of his cap down low.


iTunes launched in nine European countries

Today nine eurozone countries (counrties using euro as their currency) have joined the Apple #39;s iTunes bandwagon when iTunes music store opened its doors in Finland, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.


Attacks Fly in N.J. County Sheriff Race (AP)

AP - If campaign ads are any indication, Joel Trella is Sheriff Moonbeam, entranced with how the planets are aligned while inmates slip out of his county jail.


Cuba move triggers war of words

Cuba and the US trade bitter words after Cuba announced it was banning the use of dollars on the island.


Cellular Union Wins Final Approval

The company's \$41 billion merger with AT T Wireless poses it with the challenge of stitching together networks, billing systems and customer-care operations without inconveniencing customers.-The Washington Post


Handheld Satellite Radio Receiver is Unveiled

XM Satellite Radio and radio manufacturer Delphi Tuesday introduced the Delphi XM MyFi, the latest entry in the battle over digital music, pitting XM against Sirius Satellite Radio and on-line music sources like Napster.\     -The Washington Post


E.U. Regulators Clear Oracle's Takeover Bid

The decision by the European Commission, which initially opposed the \$7.7 billion deal, comes a few weeks after the U.S. Department of Justice dropped its challenge to the combination of the business software makers.


Three on Trial in Loudoun in Felony Spam Case

Prosecutors say the trial is the nation's first felony prosecution of spammers and could lead to future litigation in the fight against spam, which experts say accounts for more than 70 percent of e-mails.


Outer Suburbs Booming

Many of the region's outer suburbs are adding jobs faster than most other large counties in the nation, Labor Department data says.


Marsh to Make Payments More Transparent

One day after ousting its chief executive, the nation's largest insurance broker said it will tell clients exactly how much they are paying for services and renounce back-door payments from carriers.


Ovitz Defends His Tenure

GEORGETOWN, Del., Oct. 26 -- Michael Ovitz said on Tuesday that Walt Disney Co. would have made a string of dazzling deals and shrewd strategic moves during his brief tenure as the company's president in the mid-1990s, if only chief executive Michael D. Eisner had not shot down his ideas.


Lockheed Martin Profit Jumps 41 in Quarter

Lockheed Martin Corp. yesterday reported a 41 percent increase in profit during its third quarter as fighter jet and information technology demand continued to drive growth.


US condemned over prison abuses

An Amnesty International report criticises the US over its treatment of prisoners during the war on terror.


New CEO of Marsh rejects scandal label

Apparently anyone who thought there was a major scandal at insurance brokerage Marsh  amp; McLennan is mistaken. That, at least, was the claim yesterday of new chief executive Michael Cherkasky.


Q amp;A on Cingular-AT amp;T merger

A: Combining the two companies #39; networks should result in clearer calls, fewer dropped calls during peak hours and broader availability of coverage.


SEC: Tougher on Hedge Funds, Looser on Quiet Periods

Washington (Oct. 27, 2004) - In two separate votes at a meeting today, one split and one unanimous, the Securities and Exchange Commission decided to require the registration of most hedge funds, and to propose


FDA approves Raynham firm #39;s artificial disc

Patients with degenerative disc disease in their spines may have an alternative to getting their vertebrae fused, which alleviates pain but limits motion.


XM introduces portable satellite radio device

XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (XMSR.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday introduced a handheld portable version of its satellite radio, hoping to extend demand for its service


NASA: Bush stifles global warming evidence

The Bush administration is trying to stifle scientific evidence of the dangers of global warming in an effort to keep the public uninformed, a NASA scientist said Tuesday night.


Yahoo and Adobe to boost search tool

Yahoo and Adobe Systems have entered an alliance aimed at boosting Yahoo #39;s internet search tool while possibly turning more net content into PDF (Portable Document Format) documents, to the advantage of Adobe #39;s PDF Reader product.


Major League Notebook: Boston mourns death

Hundreds of mourners paid their final respects yesterday to a college student killed when police fired pepper-spray pellets into a raucous crowd after the Boston Red Sox won the American League pennant.


Tapp Has a Firm Grip On Hokies #39; Lunch Pail

When defensive end Darryl Tapp gets his hands on something, it #39;s almost impossible to get him to let it go. That includes quarterbacks, running backs and an important piece of Virginia Tech tradition.


Relatives claim bodies of 78 people who died in riots in Thailand

Grieving relatives flocked Wednesday to an army camp to claim bodies of at least 78 Muslim detainees who suffocated or were crushed to death after soldiers packed 1,300 people into trucks following a riot in southern Thailand.


U2 Moves in Digital Ways

Steve Jobs, Bono and the Edge Tuesday ushered in what Apple #39;s CEO and the two members of U2 called a new era of digital music.


Promising Ruling In Lexmark DMCA Case

EvanKai writes  quot;Jason Schultz writes,  quot;This just in --- Static Control Corp. has won its appeal against Lexmark over the right to produce after-market replacement cartridges for Lexmark printers.


Putin to hold talks with Kuchma, attend Ukraine liberation events

Astana - Kiev, October 27 KAZINFORM - Russian President Vladimir Putin, on a working visit in Ukraine, on Wednesday will hold talks with the Ukrainian head of state Leonid Kuchma.


After M amp;M reforms, Spitzer rules out most serious charge

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Insurance stocks rallied Tuesday as the threat of criminal charges being brought against companies in Eliot Spitzer #39;s probe of the industry abated.


Cingular keeps some AT amp;T execs

Cingular Wireless, which yesterday finalized its purchase of AT amp;T Wireless, said the company will be governed from four regional centers -- one of them in Redmond -- by a combination of its executives and those from AT amp;T Wireless.


Home lending group reportedly bought for \$300 million

TOKYO (CBS.MW) - General Electric Co. said Wednesday it will buy Australian Financial Investments Group, a holding company for home loan lenders, to boost its mortgage business in that country.


Independent Probe Sought in Abu Ghraib Case (AP)

AP - Amnesty International on Wednesday renewed its call for the United States to set up an independent investigation of the abuse of prisoners in Afghanistan, at Guantanamo Bay and at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.


HENMAN BOOSTED BY FEDERER KO

Tim Henman will begin his bid to win the Davidoff Swiss Indoors for the third time when he takes on Antony Dupuis of France in Basle today.


Sponsorship of football rivalry weakens meaning of tradition

The Big Game has a new name and a fat contract to go with it. And corporate America has tarnished another great college football tradition.


Arrington #39;s status still uncertain

LaVar Arrington #39;s right knee wasn #39;t aggravated enough to affect his status for Sunday #39;s game, but apparently it will be enough to keep him out of practice.


Suffocation cited in most deaths

At least 84 Muslim protesters died, mostly from suffocation so severe their eyes bled, after being arrested and locked in army trucks following clashes with security forces in the south, officials said yesterday.


South African delegates arrested

Zimbabwean police arrested a delegation from the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) yesterday, prompting threats of a blockade at the main border crossing and raising tensions between the two countries #39; leaders.


Australians Said a Bigger Terror Target (AP)

AP - Foreign Minister Alexander Downer conceded Wednesday that the Iraq conflict may have increased the threat of Australians becoming a terror target, supporting a claim by the country's top spy.


O #39;Neal might return tonight

Center Shaquille O #39;Neal missed his third exhibition game Tuesday because of a strained left hamstring, but could play in tonight #39;s exhibition finale at Orlando.


Israel #39;s approval of Gaza withdrawal draws mixed reaction

The United States onTuesday welcomed the approval by the Israeli parliament of a plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank, while tens of


Another powerful quake jolts Niigata

TOKYO - A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 shook quake-devastated Niigata Prefecture around 10:40 am Wednesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.


Consumer confidence still strong

Consumer confidence among Arizonans remained stronger in October than in the rest of the nation, but the outlook six months from now is much less promising, according to a statewide survey that was released today.


Delta labors to avoid bankruptcy, makes some progress

With money pouring out of its jet engine exhausts, Delta Air Lines secured one union agreement, and worked toward another, which might yet allow the third largest airline delay or avoid bankruptcy.


Profit up, ex-CEO out at Scottsdale waste giant

Allied Waste Industries Inc. on Tuesday reported a mixed profit picture amid sluggish revenues. On the same day, its former chairman and chief executive officer severed ties to the company.


Cassini Probes Saturn #39;s Moon

The Cassini spacecraft has begun to beam close-up images of Saturn #39;s giant moon Titan to Earth. Cassini reached the point of closest approach, about 2,000 kilometres, Tuesday morning and transmitted to NASA #39;s deep-space network antenna in Madrid, Spain.


Total Lunar Eclipse: October 27/28

Full Story - Several key factors must be correct for a total lunar eclipse. First, we need a full moon. In October, the full moon occurs on the 27/28th.


Rebel F1 series  #39;doomed #39;

A REBEL Formula One series planned by the  quot;big four quot; car manufacturers is doomed before it starts, according to Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker.


Azeri gets opportunity at history

Like much of the country, trainer D. Wayne Lukas appears to have gotten caught up in watching the World Series of Poker on ESPN. On Tuesday, he pulled an ace out of his sleeve.


Heat shows shortcomings

CHARLOTTE  The kids certainly were having fun, but for the Heat this hardly was child #39;s play. In front of a energetic, student-only crowd of about 13,000 middle-schoolers, the Heat received


White House hails Israel #39;s Gaza plan

The White House praised the Israeli parliament #39;s approval of removing settlements from Gaza and part of the West Bank as a step forward in peacemaking with the Palestinians.


What #39;s Next for PeopleSoft?

The last antitrust obstacle to Oracle #39;s takeover bid has been cleared. Now, one way or another, investors want this soap opera to end.


Apple unveils iPod Photo, rocks with U2

Apple rolled out on Tuesday a new iPod that allows users to view and share photos, a dramatic expansion that takes the most popular digital music player squarely into the multimedia realm, while spurring its rivalry with Microsoft and others.


Cassini beams images of Saturn #39;s moon

This movie taken by the Cassini spacecraft shows the surface and atmosphere of Saturn #39;s moon Titan over a range of infrared wavelengths, from .


VIBE : Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas The wait is finally <b>...</b>

One of the most anticipated games of the year Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, is now available for the PlayStation 2. Those of us who have played Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand


Blow as Federer quits home event

World number one Roger Federer pulled out of the Swiss Indoors tournament on Tuesday with a thigh muscle tear, organizers said. The Swiss is expected to be out for at least


Gators riled up after word of Zook #39;s firing

Florida coach Ron Zook was not fired on Monday without a fight. Several Gator players said the team was confrontational when UF athletic director Jeremy Foley told the team before


Thai PM offers regrets for deaths

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has expressed regret at the deaths in army custody of almost 80 Muslims as distraught relatives sought the bodies


Musharraf for identifying regions, demilitarization before <b>...</b>

RAWALPINDI : President General Pervez Musharraf has called for identifying the regions, demilitarize them and change their status before a possible resolution of Kashmir issue.


Family rescued from Japan quake

A Japanese mother and children survive for four days under a landslide triggered by Saturday's large earthquake.


N Koreans arrested in Beijing

Chinese police are reported to have arrested 60 North Korean refugees in raids on safe houses in Beijing.


Kerry, Edwards Rarely Campaign Together (AP)

AP - Sen. John Kerry and running mate John Edwards rarely campaign together, but they talk daily, swapping ideas on everything from policy to strategy to staffing. Kerry insists on it, aides say, even if it puts his campaign behind schedule.


Fla. Will Reject Incomplete Voter Forms (AP)

AP - Florida election officials will not be required to process incomplete voter registration forms for the presidential election, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.


Apple announces online music store ITunes coming to Canada in <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Canadian music lovers who #39;ve been itching to get into the ITunes online music store will have the chance next month.


Boston #39;s dominant play has curse on life support

They are suffering inexplicable breakdowns, and unaccountable disasters. This used to be the Boston Red Sox in October. Now it is the teams they are playing.


Centurion Fleming sets two records

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh -- Captain Stephen Fleming set two national records as New Zealand took control on the first day of the second test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.


Two records in one day for SGI supercomputer

The public record has been eclipsed by a faster result yet to be announced, CNET News.com has learned.


Crunch vote for new EU Commission

The threat of a constitutional crisis hangs over the EU as MEPs vote on whether to veto the new Commission.


Apple unveils photo-display iPod

Apple introduces an iPod capable of storing and displaying photos in an effort to stay ahead in the market for digital music players.


Marsh  amp; McLennan will pay customers back

Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. #39;s new chief executive said Tuesday the embattled firm will pay back any customers who were harmed by bid-rigging and other illegal activities uncovered by New York Attorney


Oracle gets Europe #39;s approval to buy PeopleSoft

The European Commission on Tuesday cleared Oracle #39;s (ORCL) hostile \$7.7 billion bid for rival business-software maker PeopleSoft (PSFT), lowering the last antitrust hurdle to the contested deal.


Watch out:  #39;Grand Theft Auto #39; back on streets

Get some earplugs:  quot;Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas quot; hit stores Tuesday, and the sound from cash registers ringing up copies of the video game could be deafening.


Yahoo, Adobe join hands

Adobe Systems, the digital imaging, design and document technology platform provider and Internet service provider Yahoo will announce this week the launch of a co-branded Yahoo Toolbar.


Vikings #39; McCombs openly lobbying for move -- or maybe he #39;ll cash <b>...</b>

His team has a 5-1 record, his franchise quarterback is having an MVP-type season and his fan base is energized by the prospect of a Super Bowl run.


China says confirmed death toll in mine explosion jumps to 129 (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - BEIJING (AP) - The death toll from China's worst coal mine accident in four years rose to 129 on Wednesday, the government said, as rescuers searched for 19 more missing miners.


At Least 78 Die After Riot in Thailand

A Thai-Muslim woman bursts into tears after learning from the list that her family member is listed dead outside a military camp in Pattani province, southern Thailand Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004.


Bush Sued in Chile Over Prisoner Abuse

Demonstrators protest against the upcoming visit to Chile by US President George Bush in front of the central courts building where a coalition of leftist groups sued Bush and other US government officials for the abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq


Spinal Defect Forces Brezina From Football (AP)

AP - Brad Brezina feels just fine, which might be the worst part of all.


Bush campaign website takes a dive (AFP)

AFP - President George W. Bush's official re-election website was down and inaccessible for hours, in what campaign officials said could be the work of hackers.


T-Wolves Face Distractions As Season Nears (AP)

AP - The Minnesota Timberwolves are among the favorites in the Western Conference, largely because all the key players are back from last season's team that nearly made the NBA Finals.


McGrath strike puts Australia on top (Reuters)

Reuters - Glenn McGrath celebrated his 100th test by dismissing Virender Sehwag as India were reduced to 35 for two in reply to Australia's first innings 398 on the second day of the third test on Wednesday.


Lungs 'best in late afternoon'

\Lung function fluctuates on a 24-hour cycle, reaching a peak for most people in late afternoon, researchers find.


Cingular, AT amp;T Wireless merger approved by FCC

Cingular Wireless LLC #39;s \$41 billion buyout of rival AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc., approved Tuesday by the Federal Communications Commission, is expected to give customers


Apple unveils photo-display iPod

Apple has unveiled an iPod with a photo display function aimed at maintaining the company #39;s lead in the market for digital music players.


Clouds may block lunar eclipse

A total lunar eclipse expected to create views of a blood-red moon will be visible tonight throughout most of North America, weather permitting.


Gators deny contact with Spurrier

The Florida Gators are set to renew their annual rivalry with Georgia on Saturday, but the talk around Gainesville continues to revolve around one man.


Knicks: Wilkens spells out goals, starting with  #39;D #39;

or professional sports, for that matter -- the Knicks talk about wanting to have a good defense. The question is: Can they?


Mets: Backman, Leyland on Minaya #39;s list

While Willie Randolph remains the leading candidate to become the next Mets manager, GM Omar Minaya hasn #39;t made a final decision.


Sharon #39;s political survival entwined with pullout vote

JERUSALEM - Shattering decades of public policy, the Israeli Parliament has, for the first time in the nation #39;s history, approved a plan to uproot Jewish settlements from lands claimed by the Palestinians for a future state.


Thai PM: Mistakes made over riots

PATTANI, Thailand -- Thailand #39;s prime minister has said security forces made mistakes handling a group of Muslim rioters and has expressed regret that nearly 80 people died of suffocation while in custody.


New quake hits Japan

A powerful earthquake in Japan has struck the exact same region where at least 31 people were killed and more than 3400 injured five days ago.


UN envoy headed to Darfur

A UN envoy to Sudan will visit Darfur tomorrow to check on the government #39;s claim that some 70,000 people displaced by conflict there have voluntarily returned to their homes, a spokesman said.


Thatcher back in court today to challenge subpoena

Mark Thatcher, the British businessman, is back in the Cape High Court today to challenge a subpoena demanding answers about his alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the government of Equatorial Guinea.


Presidential campaign gathers steam in final stretch to November 2 (AFP)

AFP - President George W. Bush and challenger John Kerry traded blows over Iraq and taxes as they scrambled for votes in the final week of their presidential race.


M A Industry Weighs Fees Against Size

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Investment banks are in the midst of  the annual fight for bragging rights as the biggest dealmakers  of the year, but this time the rankings -- a key factor in  winning new business -- are under intense scrutiny.


India test-fires nuclear-capable ballistic missile (AFP)

AFP - India has successfully tested a naval version of its Prithvi-III nuclear-capable medium range ballistic missile, defence sources said.


The Tax Man May Bite

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks may come under pressure this  week as investors sell shares at year's end to prepare for tax  season. But crude oil prices, earnings outlooks and moves in  the dollar will also be closely watched.


Oil Holds at \$55, Braced for Winter

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices held firm around \$55 a  barrel on Wednesday as traders braced for the start of the  northern winter with thin heating oil supplies.


Before big Disney trial, a modest meal

The powerful Hollywood talent agent who walked away from The Walt Disney Co. with \$140 million in severance benefits had a meal at Friendly #39;s Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach


Shire gets US approval for key drug

Shire Pharmaceuticals has won US regulatory approval for its long-delayed Fosrenol treatment for severe kidney disease. Fosrenol is Shire #39;s SHP.


Londoners have great seat for lunar eclipse

Weather permitting, Southwestern Ontario residents will be treated to an enchanting celestial show tonight. Along with most of the rest of North America, the London region will be front-row centre for the


Apple Rolls Out IPod Photo, Rocks with U2 (Reuters)

Reuters - Apple Computer Inc. rolled out\on Tuesday a new iPod that allows users to view and share\photos as it opened nine new iTunes music stores in Europe, \spurring its rivalry with Microsoft Corp. and others.


India lose early wickets

Indian batting stuttered once again as they lost the two opening batsmen cheaply and handed Australia a slight advantage on the second day of the third cricket Test here today.


Israelis vote to pull out of Gaza

Israeli politicians have voted for a plan for Jewish settlers to leave a piece of land called the Gaza Strip. Israel has occupied the Strip, which is home to millions of Palestinians, since a war in 1967, and


Optimism on Kashmir?

By the Editor. WITH a zest for the birth of a durable peace and serenity, President Musharraf has reiterated his call for identification, demilitarization and change in the status of the seven regions of Kashmir


UN agency: Insurgents in Iraq may have missing explosives

The UN nuclear agency has warned that insurgents in Iraq may have obtained nearly 400 tonnes of missing explosives that can be used in the kind of car bomb attacks that have targeted US-led coalition forces for months.


China shuns talks with Taiwan after Powell call for dialogue

Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. BEIJING -- China Wednesday again rejected a call by US Secretary of State Colin Powell to engage Taiwan in dialogue


Apple Rolls Out IPod Photo, Rocks with U2

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. rolled out  on Tuesday a new iPod that allows users to view and share  photos as it opened nine new iTunes music stores in Europe,   spurring its rivalry with Microsoft Corp. and others.


AFP - India has successfully tested a naval version of its Prithvi-III nuclear-capable medium range ballistic missile, defence sources say.


Martinez Strikes for Red Sox in Game Three

ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - Pedro Martinez made his World Series  debut a memorable one Tuesday helping the Red Sox to a 4-1 win  over the St. Louis Cardinals and moving Boston one win away  from capturing their first World Series since 1918.


Dollar Inches Up, Falls Seen Again

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar edged higher against the euro  on Wednesday, after a downbeat outlook for European growth  prompted investors to buy back the U.S. currency after heavy  falls.


Marsh to avoid criminal charges

Giant insurance broker Marsh and McLennan is now expected to escape criminal charges over illegal payments. It has been the subject of legal action over the payments by New Yrok attorney general Eliot Spitzer.


US airline ATA files for bankruptcy

The tenth-largest US airline, ATA Airlines has filed for bankruptcy protection and sold off airport slots and other assets to AirTran Airways for \$ 87.


Abbey withstands takeover turbulence

Third-quarter trading profit at Abbey National #39;s core retail banking unit was ahead of the first half trend despite uncertainty caused by Santander Central Hispano #39;s 9.1 billion pound swoop.


#39;QUIET #39; RULE MAY CHANGE

The Securities and Exchange Commission wants to scrap a 1933 rule that forces a strict  quot;quiet period quot; on all talk about a company just prior to its stock being sold initially to the public.


Cassini tantalizes scientists with images of Saturn moon

The Cassini spacecraft #39;s cameras revealed sharp but puzzling pictures of Saturn #39;s moon Titan that captivated planetary scientists Tuesday night as the first-ever close-ups


Blood moon to make its mark tonight during lunar eclipse

Just four days before Halloween, the full moon will disappear from the sky tonight, likely leaving a bloody facsimile behind. Dont be alarmed; its just another lunar eclipse, the third visible in North America in the past two years.


Vole releases Instant Messaging Server

WHILE the Mighty Vole drags its small paws over operating systems, it #39;s been far faster off the mark to release another version of its Office Live Communications Server.


NASA delays DART launch

NASA and Orbital Sciences Corp. postponed Tuesday #39;s launch of a robot spacecraft after the satellite to which it was supposed to attach temporarily lost its global positioning reception.


UK troops in Iraq move north

The 1st Battalion The Black Watch begins move north to take over operations from US troops in central Iraq.


West Brom begin search for boss

West Bromwich Albion hope to make a swift appointment as they start the search to find a replacement for sacked manager Gary Megson.


Florida notebook: Focus on defense after loss

After all, Florida is second in the Southeastern Conference and 17th nationally at 35.1 points per outing. And the Gators have put up 83 points in their last two games.


Separatist strike shuts down many parts of Kashmir

Shops and businesses were shut and traffic was light in many parts of Indian Kashmir on Wednesday after separatists called a strike to mark the 57th


Taiwan accuses US of betrayal

Taiwan accused the United States of a breach of trust after US Secretary of State Colin Powell in Beijing voiced support for cross-straits reunification.


Bloom: Veritas On Track For  #36;2B Year (TechWeb)

TechWeb - Third quarter revenue from the company's two-tier distribution was up 18 percent from a year ago, despite rumored challenges from EMC and its Legato software unit.


Indymedia Web Server Takedown Called Speech Threat (TechWeb)

TechWeb - Web sites for Indymedia, a Texas company, were knocked offline when the servers housing them were seized in Britain. Indymedia and civil libertarians are charging censorship.


Misgivings in New Jersey; Hope at the Garden

The Knicks and Nets met again on Tuesday, but the scene would have been unrecognizable to anyone who watched their playoff rumble of last spring.


Radcliffe Competing for the Joy of Running

Paula Radcliffe said she would run in the New York City Marathon on Nov. 7, 77 days after dropping out during the Olympic marathon.


He gave command performance

Not all of his teammates were happy with Pedro Martinez last night. Or maybe you didn't notice Derek Lowe, waiting at the top step of the visitors' dugout, after Martinez struck out looking to start the third inning.


One win to go for the crown

It looks as if the planets really are in line for the Red Sox this time. A lunar eclipse is due to start less than an hour before the Sox and St. Louis Cardinals play the fourth game of the World Series tonight. If skies are clear, the moon over Busch Stadium will be blood red in ...


Friends feared worst

It was always said about Ken Caminiti that the man had a big heart. But just two days after Caminiti was released from a Houston jail Oct. 5, the 1996 National League MVP's brother, Glenn, and good friend Aaron Crumpton shared their mutual fear that Ken's heart was going to fail.


Gunning to be BMOC

Ralph Lauren's latest designs didn't debut on catwalks in New York or Paris but inside a narrow storefront on Newbury Street.


Limo wars

So I am in New York reporting on two Boston limousine competitors -- one a national player, the other an ambitious upstart -- who are wrestling over turf in the biggest limo market in the world. My limo driver, Trevor Ingram, has found himself entangled in a nasty lawsuit along with his new employer, Commonwealth Worldwide.


Consumer confidence plummets

Consumer confidence fell sharply in both Massachusetts and the nation in October, weighed down by concerns about jobs, rising energy costs, and the strength of the economic recovery.


It's a championship heavy wait

They are like a big lobster pot on a piping hot stove, churning and bubbling, ready to boil over. The Red Sox have a 3-games-to-none lead over the Cardinals in the 2004 World Series, and all of their dreams -- and yours -- are about to come true. The local nine is bursting with optimism, yet the ...


Business brisk as Americans stream to Canada for flu shots

Americans are streaming into Canada -- in some cases by the boatload -- in search of flu vaccine.


Clutch performance by Nixon

There was a time when they must have imagined sharing a World Series moment like this, but as teammates. Trot Nixon and Jeff Suppan. Both high draft picks of the Red Sox. Minor leaguers together. Their friendship blossomed when they each made it to the big club, promising talents for the folks at Fenway Park to cheer.


2 biotech giants seeking office space in Cambridge

Two biotech giants are searching for office space in Cambridge in moves that may foreshadow the establishment of larger research facilities.


No raindrops on Arroyo

The steady rain was getting to Bronson Arroyo, and not because it presented the clear and present danger of frizzing his cornrows.  quot;It's pretty slick out there, quot; he reported, 2 hours 10 minutes before the scheduled start of Game 3 last night.  quot;It's very difficult to get your footing. I don't like it. It will be tough ...


Mixed bag for Putnam Marsh chief's exit met with relief, concern

For Putnam Investments, the end of the Jeffrey W. Greenberg reign at Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. is bittersweet.


It's a happy homecoming

He said he did away with his inner fan in 1993, when he was signed by the San Francisco Giants. The team he adored, the St. Louis Cardinals, was still in his heart but almost out of his mind. That was tough for a kid who grew up in the St. Louis suburb of Maryland Heights, wanting ...


Mobile phone customers get connected

Cingular Wireless marked the completion of its \$41 billion takeover of AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc. by immediately expanding unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling between the two networks. Subscribers of the original Cingular and AT amp;T Wireless who have had plans that gave them unlimited calls to fellow subscribers now also get free unlimited calls to subscribers of the other carrier. Cingular is now ...


With loss, these Birds on a wire

They closed the locker room door quickly and didn't open it until Major League Baseball Director of Security Kevin Hallinan banged on the door, letting the St. Louis Cardinals know their 10-minute cooling off period had ended.


Fireman's Fund says it will keep insuring autos in Mass.

Fireman's Fund Insurance Co., apparently swayed by recent meetings with a Massachusetts regulator, reversed course yesterday and said it now plans to continue writing auto insurance policies in the state next year.


Circuit City customer files bias complaint

A Muslim man has filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination alleging that a Circuit City in Taunton contacted federal authorities and falsely accused him of threatening to rig a store-bought computer with a bomb.


Red Sox seek approval to expand Fenway capacity by 10

The Red Sox yesterday received preliminary approval from the Boston Landmarks Commission to expand Fenway Park's capacity by 10 percent, presenting the club's most specific designs yet on how it would add about 1,000 seats as well as extra standing room.


WordsWorth Books' final chapter is Saturday

WordsWorth Books, a fixture in Harvard Square for nearly three decades, will be closing its doors Saturday after its owners failed to find an investor to help them refinance their bankrupt company.


Playoff joyride has built-in meaning for Duquette

ST. LOUIS -- The man whose fingerprints are all over the '04 Red Sox was sipping a glass of ice water in the lounge area of the team hotel, where he's staying for the World Series. Former Sox general manager Dan Duquette said he wouldn't have missed this for anything, despite his bitter parting with the team he helped build.


Entrepreneur thinks disposable DVD technology a keeper

To some consumers, the self-destructing DVD sounds like a device out of  quot;Mission: Impossible. quot; To Atlanta entrepreneur Jeffrey Arnold, it sounds like money.


Cowher the last word

He fits. That, as much as anything, is why Bill Cowher has lasted. He is the right man in the right town, a hard-nosed guy for a hard-nosed place.


Broadcast news: McGahee to start

Willis McGahee will get the second start of his Bills career Sunday when Buffalo hosts the Arizona Cardinals, the running back said on a national radio broadcast yesterday.


Optimism is rampant

The University of Rhode Island football team, in pursuit of its first winning season in three years and just its third since 1992, took a step in that direction last Saturday with its 27-24 victory over Massachusetts in Kingston, R.I.


Mixed bag for Putnam Marsh chief #39;s exit met with relief, concern

For Putnam Investments, the end of the Jeffrey W. Greenberg reign at Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. is bittersweet. His resignation on Monday was greeted with some relief


US consumer confidence falls as election race goes to the wire

WASHINGTON - Americans are becoming increasingly glum about their economic prospects, as uncertainty over the outcome of the neck-and-neck presidential race grows.


Lakshmi Mittal builds empire from troubled assets

Indian-born Lakshmi Mittal started out with a steel mill in Indonesia in 1976. By April of next year, the London-based entrepreneur will have bought Wilbur Ross #39;s International Steel Group


Merck profits beat forecasts

German drugs and chemicals group Merck has reported quarterly earnings that have easily beaten forecasts thanks to strong sales of cancer drug Erbitux and a one-off payment for an alcoholism drug.


OPEC has asked US for oil help

The president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries says he has asked the US to release some of its emergency crude oil stocks.


Newsom joins picket line, vows boycott of hotels  #39;Bad business <b>...</b>

Mayor Gavin Newsom made good on his promise to join locked-out union members on the picket line Tuesday after a group of San Francisco hotels rejected his proposed 90-day cooling off period, extending a bitter labor dispute that has left 4,000 workers


Popular iPod adds picture capability

Apple Computer yesterday introduced a new larger-capacity iPod with a color display, as well as a first-of-its-kind digital compendium of the rock band U2 #39;s songs.


Titan #39;s Drumroll Please

Imagine an oil drum the size of a school bus with an antenna on top. That description paraphrases how Cassini points mechanically at Saturn and its moons.


Lunar eclipse visible tonight if clouds are absent

A total lunar eclipse expected to create views of a blood-red moon will be visible tonight throughout most of North America, weather permitting.


Google #39;s new Desktop Search software may be too efficient

Google #39;s new Desktop Search software is a muscle car among search engines, racing through personal data stored inside your computer to instantly find things you can #39;t easily locate.


BOSTON 4, ST. LOUIS 1: Red Sox one win to glory

As Pedro Martinez left the mound for the final time Tuesday night, he looked and pointed skyward. He had done in his first World Series start what Babe Ruth did in his back in 1916


West Brom sack boss Gary Megson

West Bromwich Albion have sacked their manager Gary Megson after he said he was planning to leave the club. Megson said he didn #39;t want to stay on as the club #39;s boss when his contract ended at the end of the season.


Fleming nears double ton

Captain Stephen Fleming closed in on a double-century as New Zealand passed the 400 mark on day two of the second Test against Bangladesh.


Vogts stays in Scotland job

The SFA had been expected to sack the German and end his two less than glorious years as national coach. But a meeting of the 11 board members did not materialise, leaving Vogts #39; future in limbo.


Union complicates negotiations

The NFL Players Association wants major additions to the revenue pool used to determine player salaries, making negotiations to extend the current contract more difficult than in the past.


Phillies to meet with Leyland

Jim Leyland, who led the Florida Marlins to the World Series title in 1997, will interview for the Philadelphia Phillies managerial vacancy.


Historic pullout approved by Israel

JERUSALEM -- Shattering decades of public policy, Israel #39;s parliament -- for the first time in the nation #39;s history -- approved a plan Tuesday night that would uproot Jewish settlements from some of the land claimed by the Palestinians for a future nation


Allawi faults foreign troops in massacre

In rare criticism of US-led forces in Iraq, interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi yesterday blamed foreign troops helping secure the country for


Toll in China #39;s coal mine explosion reaches 129

Beijing, Oct 27 (PTI) The death toll in the coal mine tragedy in central China #39;s Henan Province has reached 129 but chances of finding the 19 missing miners alive are very slim, the state media reported today.


Zimbabwe Bans S.Africa Labor Chiefs' Visit (AP)

AP - Zimbabwe authorities ordered a delegation from South Africa's main labor organization to leave the country on the first day of a scheduled four-day visit, labor officials said.


Sharon resists Gaza referendum

Israel's prime minister confronts a divided cabinet after winning a crucial vote on his Gaza withdrawal plan.


78 detainees die in Thailand

PATTANI, Thailand -- At least 78 Muslim detainees suffocated or were crushed to death after police rounded up 1,300 people and packed them into trucks following a riot in southern Thailand. Islamic leaders accused troops yesterday of overreacting and warned the deaths could worsen sectarian violence.


Arafat has gallstone, hospital official says

RAMALLAH, West Bank -- Yasser Arafat has a large gallstone, a Palestinian hospital official said yesterday, as the weakened Palestinian leader broke his Ramadan fast and underwent more medical tests at the urging of his doctors.


India lukewarm on Kashmir proposal

NEW DELHI -- One day after Pakistan's president proposed a demilitarization of the violence-racked Himalayan region of Kashmir, India's response was notably lukewarm, with an official making clear the proposal should not have been made first to reporters.


Next year's combat budget could total \$75b

WASHINGTON -- President Bush plans to send Congress a request early next year to finance wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and operations against terrorism that could total \$75 billion, congressional aides said yesterday.


Timeline

The UN Security Council reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency on Monday about the disappearance of nearly 400 tons of explosives from an Iraqi military base. Exactly when the explosives disappeared has become a heated campaign issue. Here is a chronology, based on information from the United Nations and from news reports:


Internet video says Japanese man taken captive, faces beheading

CAIRO -- Video posted yesterday on a militant Islamic website showed what it claimed was a Japanese captive kidnapped by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's group, and threatened to behead him within 48 hours unless Japan pulls its troops from Iraq.


Karzai is winner in Afghan presidential election, officials say

KABUL, Afghanistan -- More than two weeks after Afghanistan's first presidential election, vote counting wrapped up yesterday and interim leader Hamid Karzai emerged with a resounding victory.


Russian House Ratifies Kyoto Protocol (AP)

AP - Russia's upper house of parliament on Wednesday ratified the Kyoto Protocol and sent it to President Vladimir Putin for the final stamp of approval that would bring the global climate pact into force early next year.


Articles Highlight Different Views on Genetic Basis of Race

A difference of opinion about the genetic basis of race has emerged between scientists at the National Human Genome Center at Howard University and some other geneticists.


First Saturn Moon Close-Ups Arrive After Spacecraft Flyby

The moon, long an enigma wrapped in smog, has been described by one scientist as the "largest unexplored surface in the solar system."


Artificial Spinal Disk Gains Approval From the F.D.A.

Johnson   Johnson will be allowed to market an artificial spinal disk in the U.S. as a new form of treatment for people with severe lower back pain.


NASA Expert Criticizes Bush on Global Warming Policy

A NASA climate expert planned to say in a lecture that a Bush administration official told him not to discuss the consequences of global warming.


Newest iPod From Apple Holds Photos and Music

The new iPod Photo, priced at \$499 and \$599, will be able to store up to 25,000 wallet-size images and up to 15,000 songs.


Madison Avenue Ponders the Potential of Web Logs

Advertising agencies and communications professionals are using blogs to create discussion about ideas within their industries.


With F.C.C. Consent, Cingular Buys AT T Wireless

The \$41 billion deal will create the country's largest mobile phone provider.


U.S. Thinks Explosives Vanished in Spring '03

Pentagon officials have identified the period during which nearly 400 tons of powerful explosives from an Iraqi military facility vanished, leading to speculation over should claim responsibility for the disappearance.


Small Minority Says Draft Could Happen

Many military experts believe that reviving some sort of military draft is extremely unlikely, even impossible -- but not all of them.


US Steel reports 3rd quarterly profit

PITTSBURGH -- US Steel Corp. swung to its third consecutive quarterly profit, helped by higher prices and a tax gain, to beat analysts #39; earnings estimates.


IBM Lends Software Support To EMC Servers

After aggressively placing its new storage boxes in direct competition with storage giant EMC, IBM has now released new storage software to support EMC #39;s Symmetrix DMX Series.


Wenger keeps up Red Devils attacks

Ruud van Nistelrooy #39;s apology to Ashley Cole does not look like ending his feud with Arsenal after Arsene Wenger launched another bitter attack on the Dutchman - and his club.


Leyland among Phils #39; candidates

Jim Leyland, who led the Marlins to the World Series title in 1997, will interview for the Phillies managerial vacancy. Leyland, a scout for the Cardinals the past four seasons


Deanna Favre ready for cancer fight

After recently being diagnosed with breast cancer, Deanna Favre has a simple, heartfelt message for women everywhere. I definitely, definitely, definitely think women should know how to properly


Paterno is still searching for answers

both mental and physical -re taking a toll on the Penn State offense. Coach Joe Paterno said on Tuesday that starting quarterback Zack Mills sustained a concussion on


Sixers Scoop/Caryl Kauffman Iguodala earns spot in starting lineup

PHILADELPHIA -- Apparently, one AI is much like another at least in one respect. Both will start as rookies. Like Allen Iverson in 1996-97, Andre Iguodala will be in the starting lineup when the 76ers open the season in Boston next Wednesday.


Moon to cast red glow; could it be an omen?

Mother Nature will offer a special treat this evening: a blood-red moon, just in time for Halloween. A total lunar eclipse, the last visible in North America until 2007, will begin tonight at 8:06 and continue until about 2 am Thursday.


SGI claims supercomputing victory

Although a victor won #39;t be declared for two weeks yet, Silicon Graphics has become the second computer maker to boast that its machinery is leading a competition for world #39;s fastest supercomputer.


Pizarro inches Bayern closer to Bundesliga lead

Munich, Germany (Sports Network) - Claudio Pizarro returned from injury and scored twice in Bayern Munich #39;s 2-0 win over Bundesliga leaders Wolfsburg.


Azeri makes this a more attractive race

The \$4 million Classic, the feature event on Saturday #39;s Breeders #39; Cup card at Lone Star Park, just got tougher. Already loaded with talent


Fresenius Medical Care subpoenaed by US Justice Department (AFP)

AFP - Fresenius Medical Care, the world's leading supplier of dialysis products and services, said that it had been subpoenaed by the US Justice Deparment in New York to provide a  quot;broad range of documents quot; relating to its operations.


Two down in India #39;s shaky start

India lost two early wickets after polishing off the Australian tail on the second morning of the Third Test at Nagpur. Resuming on 362 for seven, the tourists lost their last three wickets for 36 runs after India had taken the second new ball.


Body of missing British tourist found near Australia's Ayers Rock (AFP)

AFP - An investigation has been launched into the death of a British tourist whose body was found near Australia's famed Ayers Rock 36 hours after she went missing, police said.


Taiwan UMC's profit down 14 percent in third quarter (AFP)

AFP - United Microelectronics Corp (UMC) earnings fell sharply in the third quarter and warned of a steep fall-off in wafer shipments and capacity utilization rates to come.


Barroso 'backs down' on EU vote

The incoming EU Commission president is to call for a delay in a crucial vote on his new team, reports say.


It's a fancy move from ESPN

Barely a year after an internal investigation into ESPN's boxing program led to the dismissal of its long-time boxing coordinator and a shakeup in its approach that left many small-time promoters losing money just to put a show on the network, ESPN has decided to fight for a niche in the sport long the property of HBO and Showtime.


Game time violence penalties proposed

A city councilor is proposing stiffer penalties for crimes committed around Boston sports events, in a measure aimed at deterring game-related violence and vandalism.


'Perfect' opportunity

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas announced yesterday he will enter champion mare Azeri against the males in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic at Lone Star Park, but she'll have to be better than good to defeat defending champion Pleasantly Perfect. A son of Pleasant Colony, Pleasantly Perfect overcame a serious illness to develop into a monster, and he ...


Azeri makes this a more attractive race

The \$4 million Classic, the feature event on Saturday's Breeders' Cup card at Lone Star Park, just got tougher. Already loaded with talent, the Classic picked up another star attraction when owner Michael Paulson and trainer D. Wayne Lukas entered Azeri, the 2002 Horse of the Year, against powerful males in the Classic instead of fellow ...


Today's schedule

Pro basketball: Exhibition: Celtics vs. Detroit at the FleetCenter, 6 p.m. College field hockey: Harvard at BU, 3 p.m.; UConn at Fairfield, 3 p.m.; Gordon at Framingham St., 3 p.m.; Keene St. at Endicott, 3:30 p.m.; Colby at St. Joseph's (Maine), 4 p.m.; Brown at Holy Cross, 5 p.m.; UNH at BC, 7 p.m.; Regis at Simmons, 7 p.m.


Crude Futures Hover Around \$55 a Barrel

SINGAPORE - Crude oil futures hovered around the US\$55-a-barrel mark Wednesday on fears of a heating oil shortage ahead of the northern winter, and oil cartel OPEC urged Washington to release more oil from its strategic reserve to calm the market.


EU approves Oracle #39;s PeopleSoft bid

STRASBOURG: The European Commission on Tuesday approved Oracle Corp. #39;s proposed \$7.7 billion hostile takeover of rival business software company PeopleSoft Inc.


New blow for Unilever

SALES at consumer goods giant Unilever slumped 4 in its latest quarter, heaping yet more bad news on long-suffering investors. Just weeks after a devastating profit warning braced the markets for grim tidings


Ovitz says Disney dissed his dreams

Once labeled the most powerful man in Hollywood, Michael Ovitz portrayed himself yesterday as a victim whose every move at Disney was thwarted by his boss, Michael Eisner.