Morrison says Safeway sales still sinking

William Morrison Supermarkets says sales have continued to decline at its newly-acquired Safeway stores which have not yet been converted to the Morrisons brand, but sales at converted stores are up.


French September Consumer Spending Unexpectedly Falls (Update1)

Household spending in France, Europe #39;s third-largest economy, unexpectedly fell in September, hurt by unemployment and rising oil prices.


Planetary scientist Donahue dies at 83

Thomas M. Donahue, one of the country #39;s leading space and planetary scientists and a pioneer of space exploration, died Saturday of complications following heart surgery.


Clemens #39; moment arrives in NLCS

The lure of this moment is what made his retirement so short. A pennant on the line, an adopted city #39;s heart in his hands, a hostile stadium and swarming opponent.


Garcia-Owens feud to hit field

BEREA, Ohio  Someday, Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens may connect again. But not this week. Sunday, when the Cleveland Browns host the Philadelphia Eagles, Garcia and Owens will be in as close proximity as


Wetterich seeks more secure card

Brett Wetterich is perched on a precarious ledge on the Nationwide Tour money list in his bid to win a PGA Tour card with the Miccosukee Championship beginning today in Miami.


Terror suspects win privacy right

\Terror suspects held at the US military base at Guantanamo Bay must be allowed to meet privately with their lawyers, a federal judge has ruled.


Singapore Dumps Microsoft, Goes Open Source (TechWeb)

TechWeb - The Defense Ministry of Singapore, the latest government agency to spurn Microsoft for open source, said this week that it's turning to the OpenOffice application suite rather than updating Microsoft Office.


Solidarity sit-in

They clean hotel rooms, tend bars, cook meals, and wait tables at many of Boston's prestigious hotels and universities, an army of mostly immigrant and low-wage workers that labors behind the scenes.


Heebner's crystal ball

You're probably a stock market investor if you feel sure the past five years have been dragging on for at least a decade.


State hits insurer's fee to consultant

The executive director of the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission, which buys health, life, and disability coverage for more than a quarter-million state employees and retirees and their families, said yesterday she demanded that one of the commission's insurance consultants return a six-figure payment it received from UnumProvident Corp. in connection with \$26 million in life-insurance business UnumProvident has with the ...


Statewide medical records planned

Blue Cross  amp; Blue Shield of Massachusetts plans to spend about \$50 million to electronically link doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers in three Massachusetts communities, allowing them to share and access patients' medical records.


Poised to cash in on 'magic shoe'

Curt Schilling's masterful performance in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series isn't just the stuff that makes baseball legend. It's also the stuff that sells shoes.


Get ready for a robot invasion, UN report says

The use of robots to mow lawns, vacuum floors, and perform other household chores is set to surge sevenfold by 2007, says a United Nations survey, which credits dropping prices for the robot boom.


Citigroup ousts three after banking scandal

Citigroup Inc. , the financial services giant, said yesterday that it was removing three senior executives in the wake of a banking scandal in Japan.


Insurance probe widens; Marsh suspends 4

California's top insurance regulator said yesterday that he will file a civil suit shortly in the widening scandal over insurance industry sales practices.


KPMG settles with regulators over Gemstar-TV Guide audits

KPMG will pay \$10 million -- the largest payment ever by an accounting firm in a Securities and Exchange Commission action -- to settle charges of improper conduct while auditing Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. , the SEC said yesterday.


Miracle workers

It came to this: A tumultuous 243 days after they began to gather for spring training, the Red Sox last night had a chance to change history.


A World Series party

NEW YORK --Forevermore, the date goes into the New England calendar as an official no-school/no-work/no-mail-delivery holiday in Red Sox Nation.


Story is too good for words

Every once in a while an Oscar winner gets up there and wings an acceptance speech because  quot;I never thought I'd win, so I didn't prepare anything. quot;


Hargrove lands Mariners job over Little and others

Mike Hargrove knows just what he's getting into as the new manager of the last-place Seattle Mariners.


Edmonds, Cardinals have a blast

ST. LOUIS -- Don't look now, but there's a bit of drama building in the  quot;other quot; League Championship Series.


MVP Ortiz shouldered the load

Pucker up, New Englanders. Soaked in champagne and grateful for one player as much as any other, Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino said of David Ortiz after the club clinched its 11th American League pennant,  quot;He has such big shoulders and he carries this team on the field and off the field. We're extraordinarily fortunate, ...


Morgan magic

It may go down as one of the most innovative, quick-fix medical procedures in the history of postseason baseball, and it may have been possible only because the doctor who brainstormed the breakthrough first tested his technique on human cadaver legs.


Newest Yankees fail to deliver

They had just been on the bottom side of the greatest el foldo in major league baseball playoff history. Maybe at some point down the road, that will irk the Yankees.


Martinez gets chance to help

It wasn't the eighth inning of a Game 7 in Yankee Stadium with the Sox clinging to a lead, but it was close.


Fans keeping watchful eye

Even as local TV people marveled yesterday at Boston's 49.8 rating (70 audience share) for Tuesday night's Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, speculation had begun about what kind of number last night's Game 7 would earn.


Series proves baseball in October has no rival

For all the polls that show how football is now America's most popular game, the Yankees-Red Sox showdown for the American League pennant is this year's sweet reminder that October baseball is the best game, the best theater in sports for moments to remember.


Ace's gritty performance won't soon be forgotten

Sixteen hours later, it seemed even more remarkable than when it was actually unfolding. Curt Schilling's gritty performance in Tuesday's 4-2 win in Game 6 over the Yankees, pitching with a dislocated tendon that was sutured to his skin, is already being spoken in the same breath as some of the historic postseason feats involving injured stars. ...


Foulke's closing act deserving of ovation

When general manager Theo Epstein was putting the pieces of this Red Sox team together last winter, he asked then-managerial candidate Terry Francona about Keith Foulke, one of the prized relievers on the free agent market.


Giving up was never in this group's nature

NEW YORK -- What manner of mettle separates these 2004 Red Sox from the 25 teams that preceded them in spotting adversaries a 3-0 series lead in the postseason, in refusing to go quietly into that good night?


Law's specialty: pick-off plays

Ty Law tied the Patriots' all-time record for interceptions last Sunday when he made a diving catch for the 36th pick of his career, but there are other things he wants. Like Michael Haynes's arms and legs.


Time has been on Gay's side

Rookie cornerback Randall Gay has had increased playing time the last two weeks in sub packages against the pass, and Ty Law has taken notice.


A new line on Davis

Following the Celtics' 95-92 loss to the Bulls Tuesday night, Ricky Davis scanned the box score and shook his head.


BC seniors eye Irish sweepstakes

There was a time when beating Holy Cross made the season for Boston College. Those who remember that era never dreamed there would be a BC senior class with a chance to sweep four games from national power Notre Dame.


Experience on Dragons' side

For 34 years, Foster Cass patrolled the sidelines for the Duxbury boys' soccer team. After a brief retirement last year, Cass returned to Duxbury yesterday, this time as coach of Pembroke (5-10), in its first year as a high school.


US cites Taliban rift in sabotage failure

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar has fallen out with some of his lieutenants, who blame him for the rebels' failure to disrupt the landmark Afghan presidential election, the US military said yesterday.


Prime minister resigns in Lebanon

AMMAN, Jordan -- Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri of Lebanon resigned yesterday in a sign of deepening divisions within Lebanon's fragile government over the decisive role that Syria, its larger and more powerful neighbor, plays in its political life.


Russians eyed in abductions

ARGUN, Russia -- Just before sunrise one morning this month, a dozen armed men in camouflage uniforms and black masks burst into the house of Zalpa Mintayeva, shouting, ''Do you have a man at home? quot;


No scenario seen for draft of health care workers

WASHINGTON -- No war or other national emergency would overwhelm the military's medical care system and require a draft of civilian health care workers, a senior Pentagon official said yesterday.


STATES GANGING UP ON INSURERS

Already reeling from Attorney General Eliot Spitzer #39;s no-holds-barred probe, insurers can now look forward to dozens of additional investigators from their state regulator giving their books a once over.


Citigroup Inc., the financial services giant, said yesterday that it was removing three senior executives in the wake of a banking scandal in Japan.


Big 3 report \$911M loss

Delta Air Lines will virtually eliminate its hub in Dallas that once was key to its long-term strategy. American Airlines will shutter its operations at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Bohemia.


Sales, subscribers rise for Cingular Wireless

Atlanta-based Cingular Wireless, on the cusp of closing its acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless, reported third-quarter results yesterday that showed higher sales and a slight decrease in operating income.


Millions galore in Glenmorangie sale

THE clan Macdonald are in line for a 150m windfall following the sale of the world-renowned Scotch whisky maker to Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy.


Yahoo Japan Q2 profit rises 46.2

TOKYO (CBS.MW) - Yahoo Japan said Wednesday its second-quarter net profit rose 46.2 percent from a year earlier, helped by advertising sales and growth of its online auction services.


Update 1: Feds Probe UC Berkeley Hacker Attack

Authorities are trying to determine how a hacker gained access to a University of California computer that contained personal information for up to 600,000 state residents.


Sharp kills penguin-based PDAs

JAPANESE GIANT Sharp has pulled the plug on its Linux-based PDAs in the United States as no-one seems to want them. The company said that it will continue to sell them in Japan where they sell like hot cakes


Human Gene Total Falls Below 25,000

A new and perhaps final report from the international consortium of laboratories that decoded the human genome has revised the estimated number of human genes sharply downward.


New biography describes Audubon #39;s magnetism, obsession

He was the 19th-century version of a performance artist, a buckskin-clad faux-frontiersman whose lean and hungry look set drawing-room society all atwitter.


Bridgestone to release paper-thin-display price tags in 2005

Japan-based tire manufacturer Bridgestone plans to release a monochrome paper-thin display for use as tags, according to the Chinese-language Economic Daily News.


Edmonds, Cardinals force Game 7

This time it was Jim Edmonds #39; turn to get the hero #39;s welcome, his joyous St. Louis Cardinals teammates surrounding him as he tried to touch home plate.


Henman fires amid models furore

Tim Henman, in common with Michael Owen, has found the target here at last. The British No 1, beaten in his opening matches on two previous visits to the Madrid Masters, defeated Albert Costa, of Spain, yesterday, 6-4, 6-2.


Romanian FA chief blasts Mutu

Adrian Mutu has been accused of getting carried away with his fame and fortune by the president of the Romanian Football Association.


BUZZ: New privacy concerns

People who use public or workplace computers for e-mail, instant messaging and Web searching have a new privacy risk to worry about: Google #39;s free tool that indexes a PC #39;s contents for quickly locating data.


Summary: Europeans make Iran offer

THE OFFER: Britain, France and Germany are offering Iran a trade agreement and the chance to buy nuclear fuel in exchange for a promise to suspend enrichment of uranium.


Rescue workers in China continue search for 148 missing miners

Officials in China are holding few hopes for the survival of 148 miners trapped after a coal mine explosion. So far, 56 people are confirmed to have died in the blast in Henan province and rescue work is continuing.


Trump said to strike deal to save casinos-NYTimes

Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts Inc. (DJTC.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) , struggling to stave off a bankruptcy filing, has reached a preliminary agreement with investors to restructure


Siemens Selects Qualcomm #39;s Chipsets

reserved. US digital wireless communications products developer Qualcomm has announced that German handset maker Siemens is to build wireless multimedia handsets based on chipsets from Qualcomm #39;s WCDMA (UMTS) Mobile Station Modem (MSM) portfolio.


Profit rises for Yahoo Japan site

TOKYO Yahoo Japan, which operates Japan #39;s most visited Web portal, said Wednesday that profit rose 46 percent during its fiscal second quarter as it sold more advertising.


Google founders tout new projects in Japan

The founders of Google Inc., Sergey Brin and Larry Page, flew to Tokyo this week to set up a research and development center and other projects in Japan.


Fla. birds in serious decline

Nearly a third of North America #39;s birds are in significant decline, signaling degrading environmental conditions and leaving some Florida species hard-hit, according to a report released this week.


Dell Believes Education Is Best Way To Fight Spyware

The computer maker and a nonprofit organization have launched a project to teach people about spyware and how to avoid it. By Thomas Claburn.


New Zealand #39;s McCullum scores maiden test century

Wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum scored his maiden test century on Thursday to put New Zealand in control of the first test against Bangladesh.


Castro Falls After Speech, but Recovers

Cuban President Fidel Castro speaks to Elian Gonzales Wednesday Oct. 20, 2004, in Santa Clara, 300 kms (about 186 miles) east of Havana before a speech to celebrate Cuban Culture Day.


Japan storm kills 31, 40 missing

TOKYO -- A powerful typhoon blasted across Japan yesterday, killing at least 31 people, causing deadly mudslides and flash floods and prompting thousands to flee their homes, officials said.


France expels Muslim girls over head scarves

France has quietly begun expelling Muslim girls who wear head scarves to public schools in defiance of a new law banning conspicuous religious symbols.


Disney reaches deal for beleaguered retail chain

The Children #39;s Place Retail Stores Inc. announced Wednesday it will buy The Walt Disney Co. #39;s flagging retail chain in an effort to become a bigger player in the infant to preteen market.


Company Focus Follow the dinosaurs to airline profits

As the big carriers sink into the ooze, their smaller cousins are poised to benefit greatly -- if the big guys #39; trouble doesn #39;t pull them under, too.


Export earnings weigh on Nikkei

Tokyo #39;s Nikkei average slipped 0.85 percent to finish at a three-week closing low on Thursday as a fall in the dollar further weakened investors #39; confidence in company earnings, prompting selling of exporters such as Honda Motor.


FCC Chairman Vows To Stop State Regulation of VoIP

US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Michael Powell is calling for a hands-off regulatory approach to Voice over IP (VoIP) and has vowed to try to take regulatory control


This Travel Search Site Could Go Far

Svetlozar Nestorov #39;s Mobissimo aims to make the Web #39;s massive travel deals and info much more accessible. He #39;s off to a good start.


Study: Many bird species are declining

If it seems quiet in your back yard these days, it #39;s probably because so many species of birds have flown the coop, bound south on their migratory journeys.


Henman wary of dangerous Croatian

Tim Henman faces a tough task when he meets big-serving Croatian Ivan Ljubicic in the third round of the Madrid Masters on Thursday morning.


Bernie to pull GP plug

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has reportedly lost patience with Silverstone #39;s owners and has moved to have the 2005 British GP scrapped from the calendar.


WRAPUP-1-Milan clubs and Chelsea eye next stage

Inter Milan, AC Milan and Chelsea all virtually sealed their places in the knockout phase of the Champions League on Wednesday by maintaining 100 percent starts with their third successive victories.


Cabinet holds talks on troops plan

The Cabinet is to discuss plans to send soldiers from the Black Watch to support American forces around Baghdad, amid reports that more British troops could soon be on their way to Iraq.


Blair denies  #39;bailing out Bush #39; charge

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has reacted to a barrage of criticism from politicians, analysts and national newspapers for considering a US request to deploy troops in Baghdad.


Nikkei Hits Low, Hurt by Weak Dollar (Reuters)

Reuters - Tokyo's Nikkei average lost 0.85 percent\to a three-week closing low on Thursday as a fall in the dollar\further weakened investor confidence in company earnings,\driving exporters such as Honda Motor Co. down.


'Boisterous' Soldier Buried at Arlington

Staff Sgt. Darren J. Cunningham, a 22-year Army veteran who was described by friends and family as gregarious and fun-loving, was buried yesterday under gray skies at Arlington National Cemetery.


Microsoft considering 100-dollar PC

San Francisco (dpa) - Microsoft is working toward a bare-bones personal computer that would cost less than 100 dollars and could help stem rampant software piracy in emerging countries, CEO Steve Ballmer said Wednesday, according to tech news service ZDNet


F1: Move put on hold

Jenson Button is still planning a return to Williams despite being told yesterday he cannot drive for them in 2005. Button had wanted to return to Williams, where he started his Formula One


Inter Milan, Chelsea and AC Milan keep perfect records

Inter Milan, Chelsea and AC Milan maintained their perfect records on Wednesday in the European Champions League group stage on Wednesday.


HE #39;S IN A CLASS OF HIS OWEN

SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON has hailed Michael Owen #39;s return to form after the England striker shook off his early season struggles to net his first goal for Real Madrid.


Israelis want peace says visiting minister

JOHANNESBURG - A small group of pro-Palestinian supporters were escorted out of the Sandton Convention Centre here during a protest against a visit by Israeli Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday.


Afghan president on course for historic election victory (AFP)

AFP - Afghan President Hamid Karzai is on course for a clear victory in the country's historic election, with more than half the votes counted.


Israelis, Palestinians at Odds Over U.S. Election

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - If Israeli settler Rachel Saperstein  could decide the outcome of the U.S. election, President Bush  would beat Democratic challenger John Kerry by a landslide.


FTSE bounces as BHP buoys miners

The FTSE 100 index has reclaimed some of its recent losses, led higher by BHP Billiton and Allied Domecq after upbeat news from both.


Fields are stocked for Breeders #39; Cup

When Smarty Jones was retired following the Triple Crown, it took some sizzle out of the racing scene. But one doesn #39;t have to be an insider to appreciate the


Neuheisel cleared by NCAA

Former Washington football coach Rick Neuheisel looked forward to a return to coaching Wednesday after being cleared by the NCAA of wrongdoing related to his gambling on basketball games.


Iran: Compromise drafted

VIENNA, Austria -- Giving Iran one last chance to avoid the threat of UN sanctions, Britain, France and Germany will offer undisclosed incentives at a meeting today in return for assurances that the Tehran regime will suspend uranium enrichment, diplomats


Hope for over 148 missing Chinese miners slim: Official

The death toll in one of China #39;s major coal mine disaster is set to rise to 204 with officials nearly giving up hope of finding the missing 148 miners alive in central China #39;s Henan province.


1,300 more British troops for Iraq

Britain could send more troops to Iraq before next January #39;s elections, a senior military commander said today. Military chiefs are reported to have


Anti-Gay EU Commissioner Should Quit, Says Kinnock

Incoming EU Commissioner Rocco Buttiglione should resign or be stripped of some of his powers, Neil Kinnock said today. Mr Buttiglione has thrown the new Commission


International growth lifts eBay

Auction site eBay is enjoying continued growth thanks to increased global sales and the success of PayPal.


Brazil holds '\$30m fraud hackers'

Brazilian police say they have arrested more than 50 hackers who stole \$30m through internet fraud.


Insurance chief puts industry on notice

Pledging to crack down on  quot;back-room deals quot; in the insurance industry, California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi yesterday moved to block agents and brokers from steering clients to


Morrisons find Safeway hard to digest

The supermarket group Morrisons today revealed that Safeway #39;s performance had continued to decline, with like-for-like sales 7.9 per cent lower in the first half.


Yanks came oh-so-close to Series

At 12:01 am ET, the Boston (Bleepin #39;) Red Sox erupted in celebration in full view of Yankee Stadium #39;s stone-cold and stone-silent grandstands.


Astros like chances with Clemens

Roger Clemens and Brad Lidge give the Houston Astros two reasons to think they will finally punch their ticket to a World Series. Clemens has gone 3-0 against the Cardinals this


Breeders #39; gets list of entries

Pleasantly Perfect, defending champion in the \$4 million Classic, was among 101 horses listed in pre-entries announced yesterday for the 21st edition of the Breeders #39; Cup World Thoroughbred Championships on Oct.


Witness says CIA oversaw abuse at Abu Ghraib

Witnesses in the trial of a US soldier charged with abusing prisoners at Abu Ghraib have told the court that the CIA sometimes directed abuse and orders were received from military command to toughen interrogations.


Parliament Speaker Rues Sharon Policy

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, right, surrounded by an unprecedented number of bodyguards walks inside the Knesset, Israel #39;s parliament, in Jerusalem Wednesday Oct. 20, 2004.


South Korean Court Rules Against Capital Relocation

The Constitutional Court of South Korea delivered a major blow to President Roh Moo-hyun today by virtually scuttling his high-profile plan to relocate the national capital away from Seoul.


Today's schedule

College field hockey: Tufts at Wheaton, 3:30 p.m.; Smith at Elms, 4 p.m. College soccer: Men -- St. Michael's at Middlebury, 2:30 p.m.; Southern Maine at UNew England, 3 p.m.; UMass-Boston at Emerson, 3:30 p.m.; Husson at Maine Maritime, 7 p.m.


Fields are stocked for Breeders' Cup

When Smarty Jones was retired following the Triple Crown, it took some sizzle out of the racing scene. But one doesn't have to be an insider to appreciate the field for the \$4 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Lone Star Park Oct. 30. It may not be the Kentucky Derby, but a field doesn't get any better than this.


Heading to the finish line

On a cold, raw, drizzly afternoon this week, Sherry Proctor put large containers with about 300 orange and green fluorescent buoys into his Volvo station wagon and took them to the Cambridge Boat House. He and a few others will start dropping them into the water tomorrow, marking the course for the rowers in the Head of the Charles Regatta ...


Transactions

BASEBALL Seattle (AL): Named Mike Hargrove manager and agreed to terms on a three-year contract.


Boston bats put hurting on Brown

At the time, the decision to start Kevin Brown seemed to make the most sense. It turned out to be an unmitigated disaster.


Blast Wounds Three U.S. Soldiers, Afghan Interpreter (Reuters)

Reuters - A roadside bomb exploded in southern\Afghanistan, wounding three U.S. soldiers and an Afghan\interpreter, the U.S. military said on Thursday.


Mouse may be mightier than man

HUMANS may have as few as 20,000 genes, just a fraction of previous estimates, an international consortium of scientists say in a report to be released on Thursday.


An all-time Lowe

Derek Jeter said Game 7 would test the Yankees #39; mettle, and the heat of survival would reveal what they are made of. What they #39;re not made of is championship stuff.


Australian state to increase secret police powers (AFP)

AFP - Australia's most populous state has announced it will give counter-terrorism police increased powers to carry out covert surveillance to help them break up extremist cells.


Baseball-Red Sox Eye End to World Series Torment

NEW YORK (Reuters) - After their epic comeback against the  New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox can now lift a curse  hanging over them for more than 80 years.


Windows XP Service Pack 2: Is It Time Yet?

InformationWeek: A Desktop Pipeline reviewer invites readers to step into the SP2 waters, and offers some suggestions on how to do it as safely as possible.


Williams willing to wait for Button

Williams have refused to give up on signing Jenson Button to drive for them, but admitted that they will have to wait until 2006 before he joins the team.


Despite his 5 INTs in last game against Patriots, Pennington says <b>...</b>

The body of work is not substantial enough to consider Chad Pennington a victim of the Belichick factor. Fair or not, Pennington #39;s five-interception game against the Patriots last December at least makes him a candidate.


Beleaguered firm renegotiating bank lines

Insurance broker Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. said yesterday it is renegotiating terms of \$2.8 billion of backup bank financing after New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer sued the company last week.


Rents rising in many Western markets

Apartment rents through most of the Western US are rising, a sign that landlords are regaining some of the leverage lost in a sluggish economy and a hot home-buying market


French finance minister calls for European energy policy

French Finance Minister Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday called for a European energy policy and said France #39;s eurozone partners should join it in a plan to pass on surplus tax receipts to consumers.


Rampant Inter march on

INTER MILAN continued their stunning start to the season and top Champions League Group G with a perfect record. A scintilating second-half, with goals from Dejan Stankovic, Christian Vieri Andy Van der Meyde


Cooke out of Sun Tour

Former Tour de France green jersey Baden Cooke pulled out of the Herald-Sun Tour of Victoria on Tuesday, citing problems with his back.


204 feared killed in China #39;s coal mine disaster

At least 56 people were killed in a major coal mine disaster in China today and the toll may rise to 204 with officials nearly giving up hope of finding the missing 148 miners alive in central Henan province.


UK police confirm report of Prince Harry scuffle

British police have confirmed a scuffle involving British royal Prince Harry was reported to them early this morning. The third-in-line for the UK throne was involved in a scuffle outside a London nightclub today which left a photographer with a cut lip.


Barroso to meet leaders over Buttiglione

The incoming president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, is to meet party leaders in the European Parliament. This morning #39;s meeting is a bid to avert a crisis over the nomination of Italian Rocco Buttiglione as Justice Commissioner.


South Korean Court Blocks Roh Plan to Move Capital (Update2)

South Korea #39;s Constitutional Court blocked President Roh Moo Hyun #39;s \$40 billion plan to relocate the capital about 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Seoul.


Milosevic lawyers plead to quit

Appeals court judges hear from Slobodan Milosevic's lawyers, who want  the ex-Yugoslav president to defend himself.


Actress Close 'joins TV cop show'

Fatal Attraction star Glenn Close is to join US police drama The Shield, according to reports in Hollywood.


Hunt for Grand Theft Auto pirates

The makers of the best-selling Grand Theft Auto games are "aggressively pursuing" the pirates who leaked the latest version of the series.


No need to cut French GDP growth forecast over oil price: Sarkozy

French Economy Minister Nicolas Sarkozy said late Wednesday that there was no need to lower the 2005 economic growth forecast for France because of surging oil prices, saying such a move would dent confidence.


Kezman hopes Mutu will return

The Romanian international, who failed a random drug test and has admitted taking cocaine, flies back into England from Rome today for more talks with his employers.


Ranieri honeymoon over after Valencia mauling

Claudio Ranieri #39;s honeymoon at Valencia is over after they were thrashed 5-1 at home by Inter Milan in the Champions League last night.


Malaysia Airlines Herald Sun Tour of Provincial Victoria - 2.3

and exciting - days on this year #39;s Malaysia Airlines Herald Sun Tour of Provincial Victoria, the lead has swapped hands again, with Bicycle Superstore teammates


SUU gets  #39;F #39; for hiring

Southern Utah University received an  quot;F quot; grade Wednesday from the Black Coaches Association for the way it hired its most recent head football coach, Wes Meier.


Tokage #39;s Death Toll Rises as Storm Leaves Japan (Update2)

Typhoon Tokage, the biggest tropical storm to hit Japan in more than a decade, killed as many as 57 people as it destroyed homes and caused mudslides.


Prince Harry hit in face by camera

LONDON, England -- Prince Harry was hit in the face by a camera during an overnight scuffle outside a nightclub that left a photographer with a cut lip.


Election Heralds Start of Endgame in UN-Run Kosovo (Reuters)

Reuters - Kosovo's\general election on Saturday will be the first step in a tricky\endgame to settle the fate of the Serbian province, now a U.N.\protectorate in the heart of the Balkans.


Allied Domecq profits edge up as sales lose fizz (AFP)

AFP - British drinks giant Allied Domecq, maker of Beefeater gin, Courvoiser cognac and Malibu rum, posted a six-percent rise in annual pretax profits as sales of spirits and wines stagnated.


More UN help needed, Iraqi government says

BAGHDAD -- Iraq's interim government complained yesterday that the United Nations isn't doing enough to help prepare for January elections, saying the organization has sent fewer electoral workers than it did when tiny East Timor voted to secede from Indonesia.


Premium rate fraud 'an epidemic'

Scams using premium phone rate lines are getting out of control, the Trading Standards Institute says.


Malibu maker sees profits climb

Rising sales of core spirit brands have helped drinks giant Allied Domecq report a rise in annual profits. The owner of Courvoisier cognac and Beefeater gin said full-year pre-tax profits before exceptional items rose 6 to 521m (\$942.


Novartis tops Q3 forecast, Schering ups EPS view

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- European drugmakers Novartis, Schering and Sanofi-Aventis on Thursday all posted rising third-quarter sales, helped by sales lifts in the companies #39; key products.


Update 3: DHL Pulls International Hub From Brussels

The DHL parcel delivery service said Thursday it was pulling its intercontinental hub - and thousands of jobs - out of Belgium because authorities refused to accept an increase in noisy night flights.


Academics find that the finger of destiny points their way

Male scientist are good at research because they have the hormone levels of women and long index fingers, a new study says. A survey of academics at the University of Bath has found that male scientists typically


NEC, Toshiba add HD-DVD to PCs in 2005

NEC plans to start selling desktop PCs equipped with HD-DVD drives at the end of 2005, the company announced. Slimmed-down versions of the drives will be added to laptops in 2006.


Who #39;s your daddy now?

NEW YORK - With last night #39;s 10-3 victory, the Red Sox made history. They became the first team ever to get down 0-3 in a playoff series to come back and win.


Lehmann left red-faced

MANCHESTER United fans will be hoping for a repeat performance from Arsenal  #39;keeper Jens Lehmann on Sunday after the German blundered twice against Panithinaikos last night.


First Profit Since 2000 For Lucent (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Lucent Technologies Inc, the nation's leading telecommunications-equipment maker, recorded its first annual profit since 2000, fueled by rapid growth in its wireless telephone division, the company announced yesterday.


U.S. Unit Commander in Iraq Moved from Post

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The commander of a U.S. army company  that refused orders to deliver fuel along a dangerous route in  Iraq was relieved of her duties at her own request on Thursday,  the U.S. military said.


Pill 'may cut heart disease risk'

The oral contraceptive pill may protect women from heart disease and some cancers, scientists suggest.


Burma cancels talks with rebels

Burma's military has cancelled talks with the Karen rebel group just days after dismissing the prime minister.


Morrison speeds up Safeway rebranding

Grocer William Morrison has reported strong sales at the Safeway stores it has converted to the Morrison brand and says it will speed up the rebranding of the chain it bought in March.


SAP Reports 3rd Quarter Profit Rise

SAP AG, the German business management software maker, reported a 15-percent jump in third-quarter net profit Thursday to euro291 million (US\$366 million), citing increased sales across the globe.


DHL will not expand in Brussels. Many jobs lost by 2008

As predicted by Luchtzak Latest News one week ago, DHL will not expand its Brussels base. The refusal by the Belgian government to accept an increase in the number of night flights operated by MD-11 for intercontinental


Hong Kong Shares Rise

Shares in Hong Kong were mostly higher Thursday as gains by mainland stocks outweighed losses in property issues. The Hang Seng Index added 16.


Hunt for Grand Theft Auto pirates

The makers of the best-selling Grand Theft Auto games are  quot;aggressively pursuing quot; the pirates who leaked a copy of the latest version of the game.


Sharp drops handhelds from US retail market

com October 20, 2004, 12:39 PM PT. Sharp Electronics is ceasing development of its Linux-based handheld devices for US consumers--the latest maker to wash its hands of the once-popular retail market.


Symantec EMEA reports 52 per cent growth

Symantec Corp, the global leader in info security, today announced record revenue growth for the fiscal second quarter. The September quarter marked another period of record performance for Symantec.


Clemens in Game 7 -- perfect

ST. LOUIS -- This was the kind of deflating loss that would send some teams -- the Cubs come to mind -- into the fetal position. Twelve grueling innings, a booming walkoff two-run homer and 52,144 people screaming loud enough to make your ears ring.


Maltais takes air out of Aeros

Steve Maltais can #39;t do it all for the Wolves, but the 35-year-old certainly is trying. Maltais scored the Wolves #39; first two goals Wednesday night against Houston after scoring the team #39;s only three goals in


Parlow hat trick keeps US tour perfect

Nomar Garciaparra, the Cubs shortstop, had his choice in sports viewing Wednesday night. He could watch the baseball playoffs on television in a Soldier Field skybox or focus on his wife playing soccer on the beat-up turf below.


Group Warns on Consumption of Resources (AP)

AP - People are plundering the world's resources at a pace that outstrips the planet's capacity to sustain life, the environmental group WWF said Thursday.


American Passports to Get Chipped

The United States plans to issue passports with personal data stored on radio frequency identification chips. The documents would be harder to forge, but might leave holders vulnerable to identity theft. By Ryan Singel.


Toe-to-Toe Over Peer-to-Peer

Although recording industry folks predict success for 'sanctioned' P2P services, no one is sure consumers will be willing to pay, or even if such a setup can be agreed upon. Michael Grebb reports from Washington.


Magazine Makes Gadget-Making Fun

Do-it-yourself projects won't disappear, even with Martha in jail. Make, a new magazine that centers around unique technology projects -- like how to build a mesh network in your house -- launches early next year. By Katie Dean.


All Bio Systems Are Go

Systems biologists are pushing the envelope of preventive medicine through research centered on the interactions of the thousands of pieces of DNA, RNA and proteins that network together in each cell of our body. By Rowan Hooper.


It Takes a Con to Know a Con

With all sorts of important and interesting stories to pursue, CNN latched on to Martha Stewart's incarceration, but it didn't get the real story. Commentary by Adam L. Penenberg.


Fish Tales Solve Genetic Puzzles

A puffer fish genome sequence sheds light on human biology, and tells a twisted evolutionary story. By Kristen Philipkoski.


Typhoon Kills 62 in Japan, Deadliest in 20 Years

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's deadliest typhoon in more than  two decades killed at least 62 people, media said on Thursday  as rescuers searched frantically for 27 still missing in floods  and landslides.


'Eight dead' in Iraq car bombs

Samarra is hit by its first major attack since US-led forces recaptured the town from insurgents three weeks ago.


Pakistan forces hunt for militant

Pakistani troops hunting for militant leader Abdullah Mehsud clash again with insurgents.


GM Workers in Germany Protest Job Cuts a 3rd Day

Just days after it announced deep job cuts in Europe, the General Motors Corporation is battling a wildcat strike at one of its biggest German auto plants, and a threat of wider disruptions.


SAP benefits from Europe bounce

Business software maker SAP, which employs 450 people in Dublin and Galway, has said that a strong performance in its European activities helped boost earnings in the third quarter, which came out higher than analysts #39; expectations.


Cingular: subscriber, revenue rise, but operating profit dip

ATLANTA Cingular Wireless reports a rise in subscribers and revenue, but a drop in operating profit ahead of the expected closing of its 41 (b) billion dollar purchase of AT-and-T Wireless Services.


Microsoft Plans Russian Hotmail, Network

Microsoft Corporation plans to create Russian versions of its Hotmail e-mail program and Microsoft Network online service, Associated Press reports.


Samsung #39;s 5MP SCH-S250

Samsung today officially launched their new Korean market 5 megapixel cameraphone, the SCH-S250. Of course we told you about the 5MP camera part already, but there is another surprise in there, too.


Index Fingers Point the Way for Male Scientists

Male scientists are good at research because they have higher-than-average levels of the female hormone oestrogen which aids analytical skills, a study on Bath University academics today revealed.


Symantec Nearly Doubles Quarterly Revenue

Symantec Wednesday said fiscal second-quarter earnings more than doubled over the previous year as the company saw growth across all of its business segments.


Mariners went for an experienced manager this time

After gambling on an inexperienced manager following Lou Piniella #39;s move to Tampa Bay two years ago, the Seattle Mariners decided that experience was paramount this time.


Washington case done; will NCAA act on MSU next?

A Mississippi State official said Wednesday that with the University of Washington #39;s NCAA infractions case now over, a resolution might be coming soon for MSU.


Mia and friends taking final bows

Instead of standing for ante meridian and post meridian, though, fans will remember the time periods of pre-Mia and after-Mia. After playing for 18 years and shattering nearly every record


Tiger skips Disney for first time as pro

The boat hadn #39;t docked as of Wednesday morning, in case you were wondering. Tiger Woods was still out to sea, in no hurry to be seen -- and who could blame him?


Transparency International Presented the Corruption Perception <b>...</b>

CPI is a composite index, with data on corruption compiled from 18 different expert surveys. CPI ranks the countries by the level of perception about the spread of corruption among the public officials and


Harry #39;s security men (pictured) intervened in the altercation

Prince Harry has found himself at the centre of a controversy after a late-night scuffle with a photographer. According to royal officials, the 20-year-old was leaving the London nightclub Pangaea in the early


Indonesia #39;s Yudhoyono Takes Office; May Name Cabinet (Update1)

Former General Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was sworn in as Indonesia #39;s first directly elected president, after winning a landslide victory on pledges to tackle corruption, attract investors and create jobs.


Astronaut to Meet Baby Daughter on Return to Earth (Reuters)

Reuters - Days away from ending a\six-month mission in space, U.S. astronaut Michael Fincke said\on Wednesday he is looking forward to meeting his 4-month-old\daughter.


Darfur Rebels Say Peace Talks Delayed (Reuters)

Reuters - Rebels from Sudan's troubled Darfur\region said a new round of peace talks on Thursday would be\delayed by two days because of logistical problems with sending\their delegation to the Nigerian capital Abuja.


Morrisons increasing Safeway conversion rate

Morrisons is accelerating the conversion programme of the Safeway stores acquired earlier this year as the 3bn takeover continues to cause the company short-term pain.


Sun-Times Strike Deadline At Noon

About 180 union reporters, copy editors and other newsroom staffers at the Chicago Sun-Times are scheduled to strike at noon Wednesday if they cannot agree on a contract with publisher Hollinger International Inc.


Now piracy curse strikes GTA: San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has become the latest big name title to fall victim to the determined efforts of the piracy scene as the PS2 Rockstar opus leaked onto illegal download channels today.


Jens out of sorts in the Euro zone

Something happens to Jens Lehmann on Champions League nights. In the Premiership, the German has few peers, as his record verifies.


INTER THRASH VALENCIA 5-1

VALENCIA - Inter bring home all three points from Wednesday evening #39;s hard-fought Uefa Champions League Matchday 3 encounter at the Mestalla to keep their one hundred record in Group G. Stankovic, Vieri, van der Meyde, Adriano and Cruz scored the goals in


Mariners will start anew with Hargrove as manager

Mike Hargrove knows just what he #39;s getting into as the new manager of the last-place Seattle Mariners. After all, he lost 98, 95 and 91 games in his final three years with Baltimore.


Explosion in Chinese mine kills 56

AP - A gas explosion in a coal mine in China has killed at least 56 miners, and 92 others listed as missing had only a slim chance of survival, officials say.


Prince Harry hit in face in scuffle with photograher

Britain #39;s Prince Harry was hit in the face with a camera in a scuffle with photographers outside a London nightclub in the early hours of Thursday, royal officials said.


ISRAELIS ARREST 2 BOMB GALS

JERUSALEM - Two Palestinian women planning to carry out homicide bombings were arrested in the last two days, and Israeli forces are conducting a massive search for a third, officials said yesterday.


Iraq complains lack of UN workers to help prepare elections

The Iraqi interim government has complained that the United Nations did not send enough electoral workers to help the country prepare for national elections scheduled for January.


Cabinet considers troop move plans

The Cabinet is today discussing plans to redeploy British troops to an American-controlled area in central Iraq. Ministers are poised to decide whether to allow 650 troops from the Black Watch regiment to shift to the region.


Doubts over passport face scans

Serious doubts are raised on the accuracy of a new ID system being introduced on new UK passports next year.


Doubts over passport face scans

Serious doubts are raised on the accuracy of a new identity system being introduced on all new UK passports next year.


Spotlight falls on consultants

CRUSADING New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer is turning his attention to pension consultants as part of his attack on the insurance industry.


Gov't to announce decision on troop redeployment in Iraq (AFP)

AFP - The government will announce later whether it has agreed to a US request to send hundreds of its troops to relieve American forces in Iraq, Prime Minister Tony Blair's spokesman said, a move widely expected to go ahead.


Dollar Fall Gathers Momentum

LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar fell to an eight-month low  against the euro on Thursday, also setting multi-month lows  versus the yen, sterling and the Swiss franc amid worries the  U.S. economy was not growing enough to support its currency.


NY to Ease; Spotlight on Insurers

LONDON (Reuters) - Wall Street was set to start softer on  Thursday with the insurance sector in the spotlight again after  American International Group AIG.N said it was being probed  by a federal grand jury.


As Gaza Vote Looms, Israel Warns of Civil War Risk (Reuters)

Reuters - Israel's justice minister warned on\Thursday that far-right rabbis who urge soldiers to disobey\orders to evacuate Jewish settlements in Gaza were flirting\with civil war and could face prosecution.


Plane turns back after hitting bird (AFP)

AFP - A British tourist flight travelling to Paris turned back shortly after take-off when the plane struck a bird.


OQO pocket-size Windows XP PC clever but could be better (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - I'm guessing the founders of a San Francisco start-up called OQO are bummed that Microsoft long ago snagged the name Pocket PC for its personal digital assistants. Because Pocket PC might be the ideal moniker for OQO's new model 01 "ultrapersonal computer"- uPC for short.


Baseball Today (AP)

AP - Houston at St. Louis (8:19 p.m. EDT). Game 7 of the NL championship series.


Mobile phones boost retail sales

Retail sales picked up strongly in September, official figures show, helped by strong demand for mobile phones.


Early sea spider flashes pincers

Scientists reconstruct a sea spider from the faint imprint it left when it fossilised 425 million years ago.


US broker faces credit downgrade

MARSH  amp; McLENNAN, the worlds biggest insurance broker, was last night facing a potentially crippling downgrade of its credit rating by Standard  amp; Poors, after its borrowing power was all but frozen by its bankers.


US Airlines Hit Financial Turbulence

Three of America #39;s largest airlines have reported a combined 906 million dollars US in third-quarter losses. The largest by far was at Delta Air Lines, where bankruptcy looms unless it can quickly win concessions from its pilots and debt holders.


DIFFICULT BUT NECESSARY

ROBERT POLET may not be elaborating on the reasons for Gucci CEO Giacomo Santucci departure from the company yesterday, but he #39;s made his point.


McCullum ton swings Test match in NZ #39;s favour

Dhaka - New Zealand tightened the screws on Bangladesh with a superb maiden century from Brendon McCullum in the opening Test at the Bangabandu National Stadium here on Thursday.


HORSE RACING A Breeders #39; Cup draw in Texas

Horse racing may have gotten off to a rocky start in Texas, but the state that made cowboys famous will prove its worth by hosting the Breeders #39; Cup World Thoroughbred Championships at Lone Star Park on Oct. 30.


Owens #39; mouth places Eagles in tough spot

On his way out, whenever that day comes, Terrell Owens will rip Donovan McNabb, Andy Reid and the Eagles, too. That notion hung in the air Tuesday as Jeff Garcia, the three-time Pro Bowl


European, Iranian Officials to Discuss Nuclear Issue

Diplomats from France, Britain and Germany are expected to meet with Iranian officials Thursday in Vienna to offer Tehran incentives to end its uranium enrichment efforts.


Another strong quarter for eBay (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - Aided by strong international growth and better-than-expected back-to-school sales, eBay reported robust third-quarter earnings Wednesday as profit surged 77 percent over last year.


Buttiglione regrets slur on gays

The controversial incoming EU Justice Commissioner apologises for comments he made about gays and women.


Insurance commissioner targets hidden fees

Decrying  #39; #39;ethical breaches of an unprecedented nature, #39; #39; California #39;s insurance commissioner announced regulations Wednesday to bar brokers from steering customers to certain policies in exchange for hidden commissions.


Allied profits from rappers #39; thirst

Britons #39; growing thirst for Courvoisier, the cognac brand championed by hip-hop culture, has helped Allied Domecq report a 6 per cent rise in annual profits.


Small companies star as market rises

A recovery in resource stocks and some star performances from smaller companies have helped the Australian share market back into the black today.


Qantas to fly on despite strike threats

Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon has declared the national carrier will continue to fly despite facing union threats on two fronts.


Astros, Cards to meet in Game 7

ST. LOUIS - Like so many other riveting contests in this most magical of baseball post-seasons, last night #39;s Game 6 of the NL Championship Series was decided by a walkoff home run, sending the St.


UPDATE 1-Henman makes it third time lucky in Madrid

Top seed Tim Henman finally won a match at the Madrid Masters on Wednesday, producing a classy display to beat Spain #39;s Albert Costa 6-4 6-2 and reach the third round.


Garcia has heard enough of Owens

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia said Wednesday that he does not consider Terrell Owens an  quot;enemy of mine quot; even though the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver repeatedly has criticized his former teammate.


Fidel Castro Tumbles Off Stage

HAVANA, Cuba -- Cuban leader Fidel Castro says he is fine after falling off of the stage in Santa Clara, Cuba. The fall is bringing back memories of when he collapsed two years ago.


Yesterday in parliament

The prime minister insisted no decision had yet been taken on sending British troops to relieve US allies in Iraq. Repeatedly challenged at prime minister #39;s question time, Mr Blair said it was a military decision


Karzais victory shows Afghan ethnic divide

Hamid Karzai is about to win in Afghanistan #39;s first direct presidential election, but the returns show that dangerous ethnic divides could become a major problem if he wins.


Tearing up the UN Charter

Bernstein: UN peacekeepers are now collaborating with the Haitian police and death squads, in a bloody purge of thousands of pro-democracy supporters of President Jean Bertrand Aristide.


South Korean court blocks relocation of capital

SEOUL : South Korea #39;s Constitutional Court has derailed President Roh Moo-Hyun #39;s plan to relocate the country #39;s capital from Seoul, saying the move was unconstitutional.


Profit at EBay Up Sharply, Stock Rises

\

 By Lisa Baertlein

 SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - EBay Inc., the world's largest\online marketplace, on Wednesday posted a 77 percent increase\in quarterly profit, fueled by strong back-to-school shopping\and growth in its international and PayPal businesses.


General Dynamics Posts Profit

Defense contractor General Dynamics Corp. reported a 23 percent jump in profit in its third quarter yesterday despite escalating costs on a contract to build commercial oil tankers.


Online Tracking Firm Says Kazaa Losing Users

Kazaa's long-standing position as the most popular online file-sharing software appears to be over. Last month, the daily average of file-swappers on the FastTrack peer-to-peer network, which includes Kazaa and related programs, was surpassed for the first time by users on the eDonkey/Overnet network, according to online tracking firm BayTSP Inc.


Microsoft Distributes XP Security Update

Microsoft Corp. says it has distributed about 106 million copies of its major security update for the Windows XP operating system.


Thumb twiddling on cybersecurity

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren says bureaucratic miscues continue to hamstring serious government action to combat cyberattacks.


Taking Microsoft for a spin?

The software juggernaut that conquered the desktop is racing to get Windows into your next car.


Marsh averts cash crunch

Embattled insurance broker #39;s banks agree to waive clause that may have prevented access to credit. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos.


NY to Ease; Spotlight on Insurers

Wall Street was set to start softer on Thursday with the insurance sector in the spotlight again after American International Group (AIG.


Typhoon Tokage Kills 54 in Japan

A fishing boat sits on dike in Susami town, western Japan Oct. 21, 2004 after high waves hit the fishing port. Typhoon Tokage unleashed flash floods that washed away entire hillsides, killing up to 51 people


British retail sales see fastest growth in Sept.

Retail sales in Britain saw the fastest growth in September since January, casting doubts on the view that the economy is slowing down, according to official figures released Thursday.


Online Search Universe Is Expanding (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - To get an idea of how hot Web search is, go talk to Raul Valdes-Perez, a Carnegie Mellon University professor who is leading a search technology start-up called Vivisimo Inc. He'll tell you that more than 50 venture capitalists have come knocking on his door since January, all seeking a chance to invest in Vivisimo, which recently launched a Web search service under the dopey name of Clusty.


Red Hat and MySQL back European anti-patent campaign

Open source software vendors Red Hat Inc and MySQL AB have lent their support to a new campaign against software patents in the European Union under the name NoSoftwarePatents.


Pilot dies after US chopper crashes in Afghanistan (AFP)

AFP - The pilot of a US military Black Hawk helicopter died when the aircraft crashed near Afghanistan's western city of Herat, a United Nations spokesman said.


AC Milan edge Barcelona

Andriy Shevchenko #39;s first half header gave AC Milan a 1-0 win over Barcelona in front of a 68,000 crowd here on Wednesday and moved them a big step closer to the knockout stages of the Champions League.


Reuters Poll: Bush Grabs One-Point Lead on Kerry (Reuters)

Reuters - President Bush opened a slight\one-point lead on Democratic rival John Kerry in a tight race\for the White House, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released\on Thursday.


Red Sox Eye End to World Series Torment

NEW YORK (Reuters) - After their epic comeback against the  New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox can now lift a curse  hanging over them for more than 80 years.


Xerox Quarterly Profit Rises (Reuters)

Reuters - Xerox Corp. on Thursday said\third-quarter profit rose as it cut costs and sales of its\copiers and printers improved.


2003 Loss Just a Setback for Red Sox (AP)

AP - Even in the pain of last year's collapse, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein was confident Boston will someday win the World Series.


Gold Medal Dispute Set to End Thursday (AP)

AP - Paul Hamm is finally going to have an answer for everyone who asks if he's going to be able to keep his Olympic gold medal.


AT T Posts \$7.1 Billion Loss on Writedown

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - AT T Corp. on Thursday reported a  \$7.1 billion third-quarter loss due to an \$11.4 billion  writedown of its assets after its retreat from consumer  services and other restructuring charges.


DHL scraps Brussels growth plan

Courier firm DHL decides to ditch its plan to make Brussels its international hub as authorities delay a decision over night flights.


Husband of Aid Worker Seized in Iraq Pleads for Release (Reuters)

Reuters - The husband of Margaret Hassan, a\British-Iraqi aid worker snatched by kidnappers on her way to\work in Baghdad this week, appealed for her release on\Thursday.


Milosevic Calls for Control Over Own Trial Defense (Reuters)

Reuters - Former Yugoslav President Slobodan\Milosevic urged judges on Thursday to allow him to defend\himself at his war crimes trial as his court-assigned lawyer\said efforts to represent him had reached a dead end.


SAP Reports 15 Percent Rise in 3Q Profit (AP)

AP - SAP AG, the German business management software maker, reported a 15 percent jump in third-quarter net profit Thursday, citing increased sales across the globe.


28 Lebanese Lawmakers Boycott Talks (AP)

AP - At least 28 lawmakers said they will not take part in talks on forming new government started by Lebanon's president on Thursday, a day after the Cabinet of veteran Prime Minister Rafik Hariri resigned.


Russia to lease India nuclear submarine - agencies (Reuters)

Reuters - Russia will lease to India a nuclear-powered submarine capable of firing nuclear and conventional missiles, Russian news agencies reported on Thursday.


AIG's Profits Rises

American International Group said third-quarter earnings rose 7.5 percent, but also revealed is a target of a federal investigation.


Iraqi Official Derides U.N. Election Aid (AP)

AP - The United Nations has not sent enough election workers to help out with vital balloting in Iraq set for January, the Iraqi foreign minister said Wednesday.


Violence Flares in Boston After Red Sox Win

BOSTON (Reuters) - Scattered violence broke out on Thursday  after thousands of Boston Red Sox fans converged on Fenway Park  to celebrate their baseball club's historic win over the New  York Yankees that puts them in the World Series.


Husband of Aid Worker Seized in Iraq Pleads for Release

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The husband of Margaret Hassan, a  British-Iraqi aid worker snatched by kidnappers on her way to  work in Baghdad this week, appealed for her release on  Thursday.


\

 WASHINGTON (Reuters) - AT T Corp. on Thursday reported a\\$7.1 billion third-quarter loss due to an \$11.4 billion\writedown of its assets after its retreat from consumer\services and other restructuring charges.


Top Seed Henman Falls to Ljubicic in Madrid

MADRID (Reuters) - Top seed Tim Henman lost 6-4, 4-6, 6-2  to big-serving Croatian Ivan Ljubicic in the Madrid Masters  third round Thursday.


Turkey must strengthen reforms to sustain growth: OECD (AFP)

AFP - Turkey must strengthen market-economy reforms to sustain growth and promote confidence and to attract crucial international investments, the OECD said in a report.


German banks to repay state aid

Seven German banks - including WestLB - are to hand back state aid worth more than 3bn euros that the EU says broke competition laws.


Rock stars back new Band Aid song

Coldplay, Travis, The Darkness and Keane get behind a new version of charity single Do They Know It's Christmas?


Merck Profit Falls, Hurt by Vioxx Recall

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Merck   Co. MRK.N on Thursday said  its third-quarter profit fell, hurt by big charges for the  recall of the company's Vioxx arthritis drug in late September  after it was linked to heart attacks and strokes.


MedImmune Loss Widens on Charges, R D

NEW YORK (Reuters) - MedImmune Inc. MEDI.O, maker of the  nasal spray flu vaccine FluMist, on Thursday said its  third-quarter loss widened on higher costs and one-time  charges.


Disney in the dock over \$140 mn payout to executive

Georgetown, Delaware, October 21: A lawsuit against the Walt Disney Co over a 140 million-dollar payout to former President Michael Ovitz started here, seven years after shareholders brought the action.


Worlds First 5-Megapixel Camera Phone

A true digital convergence product that combines a gamut of innovative technologies including a true color LCD (16 million colors), Text-To-Speech conversion capability, as well as, a 5-megapixel CCD camera.


Symbol rolls out enterprise digital assistant

Symbol Technologies has unveiled a multi-function enterprise digital assistant handheld device targeting mobile professionals requiring real-time access to corporate systems while on the move.


Female hormones decide research skills of male scientists!

A survey by academics at the University of Bath, UK, has revealed that male scientists are good at research because they have the hormone levels of women and long index fingers.


Sox Victorious At Last!!

BOSTON -- After suffering decades of defeat and disappointment, the 2004 Boston Red Sox made history Wednesday night, beating the Yankees in the house that Ruth built and claiming the American League championship trophy.


Carrol: Arsenal game is huge

Goalkeeper Roy Carroll has admitted that Manchester United cannot afford to drop points in their clash against the Premiership champions Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.


Area fans: Huskies #39; reputation damaged

South Sound fans reacted with everything from relief to regret over Wednesday #39;s NCAA rulings on the University of Washington athletics program.


FTSE hits 3-week low

Top shares have fallen to a three-week low after an early jump on the back of positive corporate news failed to gather momentum and stronger-than-expected retail sales data


DHL scraps Brussels growth plan

Courier firm DHL is ditching plans to site its international hub in Brussels at a likely cost of 1,700 jobs by 2008. Negotiations with local and federal authorities over increasing the number of night flights have failed, the firm told BBC News Online.


SAP reports 15 percent rise in 3Q profit

BERLIN -- SAP AG, the German business management software maker, reported a 15 percent jump in third-quarter net profit Thursday, citing increased sales across the globe.


Samsung 5 Megapixel Camera Phone

Samsung is marketing the world #39;s first camera phone that is capable of delivering 5 megapixel resolution digital images. The SCH-S250 camera phone, which will be introduced


NEC strikes blow in supercomputer battle

The battle for supercomputing supremacy took a new twist on Tuesday when Japanese manufacturer NEC launched a new generation of computational building blocks that could be laced together to form the most powerful supercomputer in the world.


Female hormones decide research skills of male scientists!:

Health India: London, Oct 21 : A survey by academics at the University of Bath, UK, has revealed that male scientists are good at research because they have the hormone levels of women and long index fingers.


Top Cyber News 10/22

It used to be the most popular online file-sharing software, but Kazaa #39;s long-term run at the top of the heap is now over. An online tracking firm says the new #1 site is the e-Donkey Overnet network.


Do the BRDC really have a plan B?

The BRDC are looking to finalise a deal with Formula One Management (FOM) that will ensure that the British Grand Prix takes place next year on July 3rd and in 2005.


56 killed in China coal mine blast:

World News: Hong Kong, Oct.21 : A gas explosion at a coal mine in central China has killed at least 56 people and left 100 others missing.


European heavyweights give Iran last chance to come clean on <b>...</b>

VIENNA : Europe #39;s three heavyweight states are to give Iran a last chance prove it is not secretly developing atomic weapons, offering valuable nuclear technology as a carrot and possible UN sanctions as the stick.


Schering Plough Posts Profit, Sales Dip

Schering-Plough Corp. swung to a profit in the third quarter from a loss a year ago, even as sales decline slightly in the period.


Baseball's Move to XM Set Up by ESPN Deal (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s deal, potentially worth  #36;650 million, to acquire the broadcast rights to Major League Baseball over at least the next eight years, announced yesterday, was made possible by ESPN radio relinquishing its satellite broadcast rights.


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Merck   Co. MRK.N on Thursday said  its third-quarter profit fell, hurt by negative effects of the  recall last month of its Vioxx arthritis drug.


SBC Earns Up on Long Distance, Broadband

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - SBC Communications SBC.N on  Thursday reported a higher third-quarter operating profit as  growth in sales of long distance and high-speed Internet  service outweighed declines in local phone customers.


Southern Co. Quarterly Profit Rises

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Southern Co. SO.N, which supplies  power to the U.S. Southeast, said Thursday its third-quarter  earnings rose slightly, as increased energy use in the  industrial sector and more customers outweighed mild weather  and hurricane damage.


Merck Profit Falls, Hurt by Vioxx Recall (Reuters)

Reuters - Merck   Co.  on Thursday said\its third-quarter profit fell, hurt by negative effects of the\recall last month of its Vioxx arthritis drug.


AIG Earnings Up, Shrugs Off Probe Impact (Reuters)

Reuters - American International Group ,\the world's largest insurer by market value, said on Thursday\its third-quarter earnings rose despite losses related to four\U.S. hurricanes but fell short of market estimates.


British retail sales surge in September, clouding rate outlook (AFP)

AFP - Retail sales in Britain rose at the fastest pace for eight months in September, though underlying growth continues to slow, raising fresh doubts on the interest rate outlook.


UPS Third-Quarter Profit Grows

NEW YORK (Reuters) - United Parcel Service Inc., the  world's largest package carrier, said on Thursday its quarterly  profit rose, driven in part by strength in its international  and non-package businesses.


NEC updates vector supercomputer

The SX-8 is the latest incarnation of the high-end but relatively rare "vector" computer breed.


Photo Gallery: NEC's new SX-8


Soccer Prodigy Adu Wins Cybersquatter Case

\

 GENEVA (Reuters) - U.S. soccer's most expensive player,\teenage prodigy Freddy Adu, has won his cybersquatting case\against a man who claimed to be preparing a fan-based Web Site,\an international arbitrator ruled on Thursday.


Update 1: AIG #39;s Net Income Up, Is Target of Probe

Third-quarter net income at American International Group Inc., one of the insurance giants named an investigation into questionable sales practices, rose 7.5 percent in spite of higher catastrophe losses, but missed Wall Street #39;s forecast by a penny.


Xerox reports 39 percent increase in third-quarter profits

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Xerox Corp. reported Thursday that third-quarter profits increased 39 percent, citing strong sales of new products and demand for document services.


High street rings up shock sales rise

A shock rise in retail sales last month contradicted signs that the economy is slowing down, official figures showed today. The Office for National Statistics said sales volumes were up 1 in September - the fastest increase since January.


Stewart lawyers file appeal

NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Attorneys for Martha Stewart have filed an appeal in the US Court of Appeals for the Second District claiming that the process leading to her conviction was tainted.


Delta Air Lines reports huge loss for third quarter

Delta Air Lines continued its downward spiral toward bankruptcy Wednesday as the company reported a net loss of \$646 million for the third quarter.


Oil may slow Australian economic growth

SYDNEY Rising oil prices may slow Australia #39;s economic growth rate in the short term by damping global demand for exports, and by cooling consumer spending, the central bank said Thursday.


NEC retakes supercomputer title

In the international rivalry to create the fastest, most powerful supercomputer, Japan struck back at the United States. NEC Computers Inc.


Switzerland : Swatch launches New Smart Watch  Swatch <b>...</b>

Swatch, the innovative, trend-setting watch brand from Switzerland-based Swatch Group, the leading global watch corporation, has joined with MSN Direct, a division of Microsoft Corp.


Jobless Claims Drop More Than Expected (Reuters)

Reuters - The number of people filing an\initial claim for U.S. jobless aid fell by a\larger-than-expected 25,000 in the holiday-shortened week ended\Oct. 16, the government said on Thursday.


Sox stun Yankees

It is not a World Series championship, but for Boston Red Sox fans who watched their team bring history to its knees, it must feel even better.


Man Utd fans unite against Glazer

Two Manchester United fans #39; groups are meeting former Football League chairman Keith Harris to discuss how to ward off any takeover bid by Malcolm Glazer.


Longtime Ally Decries Sharon #39;s Gaza Plan

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has betrayed his Likud Party, a longtime senior ally wrote to thousands of party faithful Thursday, but the rebuke over the Gaza withdrawal was unlikely


Death toll in China #39;s coal mine blast expected to rise

BEIJING : A gas explosion in a coal mine in China has killed at least 56 miners and left nearly 100 others missing. The death toll is expected to rise further


UN urges support for the AU in Darfur

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is supporting African Union efforts to bolster its monitoring and protection presence in Sudan #39;s trouble Darfur region.


Compromise Deal Rejected - New EC Faces Veto

A compromise deal to save the next European Commission was today rejected by European parliament leaders who want an anti-gay member of the new team axed.


Britain Agrees to U.S. Troops Request (AP)

AP - Britain agreed Thursday to meet a U.S. request for British troops to be moved into volatile central Iraq, a proposal that has met strong opposition within the governing Labour Party.


FUTURES MOVERS

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Crude-oil futures showed continued strength Thursday as tight supplies and strong demand in advance of the winter heating season kept prices near record levels.


Xerox Quarterly Profit Rises

Xerox Corp. on Thursday said third-quarter profit rose as it cut costs and sales of its copiers and printers improved. The Stamford, Connecticut-based company said net income available


German air freight company DHL to close Brussels hub

BRUSSELS/BERLIN - International air freight company DHL - owned by Deutsche Post AG - plans to quit Brussels as its night- flight hub and is eyeing airports in France and Germany, the company confirmed Thursday in a statement.


Can new deal save Trump #39;s casinos?

Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts Inc., struggling to stave off a bankruptcy filing, has reached a preliminary agreement with investors to restructure \$1.


Impact of oil price on inflation subdued

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) said the impact of soaring global oil prices on domestic inflation was more muted than it had been in the 1970s.


NEC updates vector supercomputer

com October 21, 2004, 5:09 AM PT. ZDNet #39;s survey of IT professionals in October kept upgrading hardware at number two on the businesses radar throughout the year.


Grand Theft Auto San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto San Andreas is the latest video game to fall into the hands internet prirates. Rockstar, the publishers of the title are aggressively pursuing the pirates who leaked a copy of the latest version on the to the internet.


P2P tracking firm: Kazaa losing users to eDonkey

Kazaa #39;s long-standing position as the most popular online file-sharing software appears to be over. Last month, the daily average of file-swappers on the FastTrack peer-to-peer network, which


IBM #39;s Liberty membership closing identity gap

After months of flirting, IBM Corp has finally joined the industry-backed Liberty Alliance Project, potentially speeding interoperability between two rival sets of Web services specifications for federated identity.


BECKHAM ESCAPES FA CHARGE OVER BOOKING

David Beckham has escaped a Football Association (FA) charge for deliberately getting himself booked against Wales. The England captain faced being suspended from international duty for his foul on Ben Thatcher.


McCULLUM LEADS NEW ZEALAND CHARGE

Brendon McCullum produced an outstanding 143 as New Zealand moved into a commanding position on day three of the first Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka.


Another good day for Sharapova in Zurich

ZURICH, Switzerland (Ticker) - Reigning Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova had a better day than fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva at the Swisscom Challenge on Wednesday.


FLETCHER PREPARED TO BIDE TIME

Forgotten man Darren Fletcher insists he still has a big part to play at Manchester United. With all the chopping and changing Sir Alex Ferguson has been forced into this season, most United fans are scratching


RAMPANT PAKISTAN ON SHOULDER OF SRI LANKA

Pakistan are closing in fast on Sri Lanka #39;s first innings total after impressing with both ball and bat on the second day of the opening Test in Faisalabad.


Castro injured in graduation ceremony stumble

Cuban President Fidel Castro put on a brave face after he was injured in a tumble Wednesday night. Although it was not broadcast live on Cuban television, cameras caught Castro #39;s misstep Wednesday night, as


Schoolgirls expelled over headscarf

Three more Muslim schoolgirls were expelled in France on Wednesday for flouting a controversial law on the wearing of religious insignia in schools.


UK carbon output 'under-reported'

The UK government is misleading people by failing to report all the carbon emissions it causes, campaigners say.


Sharp to Stop Selling PDA in U.S. (AP)

AP - Sharp Electronics Corp. plans to stop selling its Linux-based handheld computer in the United States, another sign of the slowing market for personal digital assistants.


Microsoft CEO: Hackers Getting Smarter (AP)

AP - Microsoft Corp.'s chief executive believes it's naive to suggest the software giant can eliminate all security vulnerabilities in its various products even though engineers are trying hard to do so.


Sears Posts a Loss, Cuts Full-Year View (Reuters)

Reuters - Sears, Roebuck   Co , the largest\U.S. department store chain, on Thursday posted a third-quarter\loss as its clothing sales continued to slide and cuts its\forecast for the full year.


Hamm Holds on to Olympic All-Round Gold

LAUSANNE (Reuters) - American gymnast Paul Hamm will keep  his Olympic all-round gold medal after the Court of Arbitration  for Sport (CAS) rejected Thursday an appeal from South Korea's  Yang Tae-young.


Insurance probe widens

California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi on Wednesday proposed broad regulations that would require brokers and some agents to disclose all compensation they receive from insurance companies and to recommend to their clients the best available


UPS misses Wall Street forecast

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - United Parcel Service posted improved third-quarter earnings but the results still missed forecasts on Wall Street.


Jobless Claims Drop More Than Expected

The number of people filing an initial claim for US jobless aid fell by a larger-than-expected 25,000 in the holiday-shortened week ended Oct. 16, the government said on Thursday.


Allied raises glass to 6 profit rise

ALLIED Domeq, the worlds second-biggest spirits maker, today toasted an  quot;excellent year quot; with news of a six per cent rise in annual profit.


Valleys rental prices on the rise

For \$690 a month, her family rents a three-bedroom, two-bath house, located close to the middle school her 12-year-old daughter attends.


UK carbon output  #39;under-reported #39;

The UK is responsible for almost 30 more carbon dioxide than it reports, the conservation organisation WWF says. WWF #39;s Living Planet Report 2004 says Britain counts only CO2 emitted by UK industry, power plants and vehicles.


Red Sox Win AL Pennant; NL Game 7 Tonight

Boston Red Sox #39;s Pokey Reese, right, and Orlando Cabrera, leap into each other #39;s arms as they celebrate after Boston defeated the New York Yankees 10-3 in the final game of the AL championship series Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004, in New York.


Chelsea pair reveal Mutu backing

Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman and club keeper Petr Cech have come out in support of team-mate Adrian Mutu.  quot;It was a shock for all of us, quot; said Kezman about Mutu failing a drug test.


Contract ruling opens up seats scramble

In true Formula One soap-opera style, the Jenson Button saga has finally come to an end - but not without opening up a huge can of worms.


FA closes Beckham affair

LONDON, Oct 21 (SW) - The English Football Association has decided not to discipline England skipper David Beckham over his alleged voluntary booking against Wales on October 9th.


Rousing reception eases pain of defeat for Rijkaard

Former AC Milan favourite Frank Rijkaard took some consolation from the warm welcome he received on his return to the San Siro where his Barcelona team lost 1-0 in the Champions League.


Iraqi air employees attacked

BAGHDAD - Gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying female employees of Iraqi Airways to the Baghdad airport Thursday, killing one and wounding 14, an airline official said.


China mine blast kills 56

At least 56 miners were killed in a coal mine gas explosion in China last night that left another 92 missing. There is only a slim chance that those missing after the blast, at the Daping mine in Henan province


EU Nations To Give Iran Final Chance On Nuke Issue

Tehran, Oct. 21 (NNN): European states are to offer Iran a final chance to provide assurances that its nuclear energy programme is not aimed at acquiring weapons.


Indonesia #39;s President Swears in New Cabinet

Indonesia #39;s new president has sworn in his cabinet, a day after his inauguration. But some of the names in the new administration have raised concerns among observers that politics might have won out over practicalities.


Lilly Profit Rises on Sales of Key Drugs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Eli Lilly and Co. LLY.N on Thursday  said its third-quarter earnings rose as growing demand for its  medicines offset higher spending to market recently approved  treatments.


Jobless Claims Drop More Than Expected (Reuters)

Reuters - The number of people filing an\initial claim for U.S. jobless aid fell by a\larger-than-expected 25,000 last week, the government said on\Thursday in a report seen as a good sign for job growth.


Lilly Profit Rises on Sales of Key Drugs (Reuters)

Reuters - Eli Lilly and Co.  on Thursday\said its third-quarter earnings rose as growing demand for its\medicines offset higher spending to market recently approved\treatments.


Merck Profit Falls, Hurt by Vioxx Recall

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Merck   Co. MRK.N on Thursday said  its quarterly profit fell 28 percent due to last month's recall  of its Vioxx arthritis drug, and the company predicted 2004  earnings will fall as much as 11 percent because of the recall.


Jobless Claims Drop More Than Expected

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of people filing an  initial claim for U.S. jobless aid fell by a  larger-than-expected 25,000 last week, the government said on  Thursday in a report seen as a good sign for job growth.


Weekly Jobless Claims Fall Sharply

The number of new people signing up for jobless benefits fell sharply last week, offering a dose of encouraging news that the recovery in the labor market may be strengthening a bit.


Lebanon poised to appoint new PM

President Lahoud is set to name a new prime minister following Rafiq Hariri's shock departure on Wednesday.


Man Undergoes Web-Arranged Transplant

A Colorado man underwent surgery for a new kidney Wednesday in what was believed to be the first transplant brokered through a commercial Web site - a transaction that has raised a host of ethical and legal questions.


Bush and GOP Web Sites Suffer Outages

Web sites for President Bush's campaign and the Republican National Committee suffered outages for several hours on Wednesday.


UPS #39; 3Q Profit Climbs 20 Percent on Sales

Transportation services giant United Parcel Service Inc. said Thursday that third-quarter earnings rose 20 percent year-over-year, on a nearly 8 percent rise in worldwide sales.


Rental market tighter

After nearly four years of slashed security deposits, allowances for pets and other perks, Bay Area renters are starting to see prices rise and their bargaining power decline.


Nestle Reports Nine-Month Sales Unchanged

Nestle, the world #39;s biggest food and drink company, on Thursday reported sales of 64.6 billion Swiss francs (US\$52.87 billion, euro42.


6 arrested in Boston protesting SF lockout

Boston -- About 85 members of Hotel Workers Local 26 demonstrated Wednesday in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Boston to show support for locked-out workers in San Francisco.


No Go-Ahead Stamp for Microsoft #39;s Passport

Microsoft is recasting ambitions for its .Net Passport identification system, saying the service now will be limited to its own online offerings and those of close partners.


Beckham escapes FA sanctions over yellow card ploy

The Football Association will not take disciplinary action against England captain David Beckham for intentionally getting a yellow card in a World Cup qualifying game.


Latvia remains hive of corruption

The latest report on world corruption by Transparency International shows that Latvia is the second most corrupt country in the EU, while Estonia was the least corrupt among the 10 new members in the 25-member union.


New minister should keep Indonesian deficit plan, analysts say

JAKARTA Jusuf Anwar, Indonesia #39;s new finance minister, must extend the deficit-reduction policies of his predecessor to spur job growth and increase investment in the economy, according to analysts.


S.Korean president faces test over capital relocation plan

In a hastily organized news conference, South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun #39;s Spokesman Kim Jong-min on Thursday told reporters that the Presidential Office will


Car crazy: Microsoft in the driver's seat

The software juggernaut that conquered the desktop is racing to get Windows into your next car.


Sky launches Freesat digital TV

BSkyB launches a free digital satellite TV service which offers 140 channels for a one-off fee of 150.


Did Google Bomb New Directories Online? Looks That Way!\\A few weeks have gone by now and the results from Googles new update are in. As we take a closer look we see a pattern emerging. It seems as though, older more established directories are being rewarded once again. Many newer ...


Police Won #39;t Plant Explosives for Training

French police on Sunday ended their practice of hiding plastic explosives in air passengers #39; luggage to train bomb-sniffing dogs after one such bag got lost, possibly ending up on a flight out of Paris #39; Charles de Gaulle airport.


Einstein's warp effect measured

Two scientists beat a \$600 million Nasa mission to be first to measure a prediction of Einstein's relativity theory.


Yahoo Local Gets Way Enhanced

Yahoo Local Gets Way Enhanced\\You ever feel like you're way behind and you're just going to get more behind? My review queue is jammed. I may just take a weekend and do nothing but review resources and drink Red Bull.\\Anyway, Yahoo! Local has launched a new local search prduct, Yahoo! ...


Lilly Profit Up on Sales of Key Drugs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Eli Lilly and Co. LLY.N on Thursday  said its third-quarter earnings rose as a drop in sales of its  best selling schizophrenia medication was offset by demand for  drugs to treat depression and impotence.


Caterpillar's Earnings More Than Double

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Caterpillar Inc. CAT.N said on  Thursday quarterly earnings more than doubled on continued  strong demand for its heavy equipment.


US airman killed in Afghan crash

A US airman dies and two are hurt as a helicopter crashes due to technical problems in western Afghanistan.


Earnings alert: AT T posts \$7.1 billion loss

Plus: Lucent's 1st profitable year since 2000...EMC issues sunny report...IBM net income inches higher, despite legal bill.


AIG #39;s Net Income Up, Is Target of Probe

NEW YORK - Third-quarter net income at American International Group Inc., one of the insurance giants named an investigation into questionable sales practices, rose 7.5 percent in spite of higher catastrophe losses, but missed Wall Street #39;s forecast by a


UPS Profit Grows But Results Hurt by Fuel

United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Thursday its quarterly profit rose but missed analysts #39; expectations as rising oil prices offset strength in its international and non-package businesses.


Southern Co. reports small jump in third-quarter profit despite <b>...</b>

Energy provider Southern Company reports a four percent jump in third-quarter earnings. A report out today indicates slightly higher revenues despite mild weather in the company #39;s region and


AT amp;T posts \$7.1 billion loss for the third quarter reflecting <b>...</b>

NEW YORK - AT amp;T Corp. swung to a third-quarter loss of \$7.1 billion after recording huge charges related to the company #39;s retreat from traditional telephone services, which has included at least 7,500 more


Surge in retail sales revives rates fears

Strong performances my mobile phone and carpet stores have prompted a surprise rise in retail sales figures, and revived fears that interest rates may yet be raised again this year.


Delta Air Lines reports a fourfold increase in losses

NEW YORK, October 20 (newratings.com) - Delta Air Lines (DAL.NYS) has inched further towards a potential bankruptcy, with the company #39;s 3Q04 losses nearly quadrupling from the year-ago levels.


Red Sox heading to the World Series

The Boston Red Sox have won the American League Championship Series and are heading to the World Series for the first time since 1986.


UPDATE 1-No FA action against Beckham after Wales booking

England captain David Beckham will not face disciplinary action after telling a newspaper he deliberately got himself booked in a World Cup qualifier against Wales, the Football Association (FA) said on Thursday.


India ; Tendulkar backs beleaguered Parthiv

India News, New Delhi,Sachin Tendulkar has come out in support of wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel after criticism of his work behind the stumps in the first two Tests against Australia, saying the teenager has done a  quot;good job quot;.


Bob Ike #39;s Oak Tree Handicap

Entries for Thursday, October 21 (18th day of a 26-day meet). Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita. Oak Tree Racing Association, Arcadia, Calif.


UK to Send Troops Into US-Controlled Area of Iraq (Update1)

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair #39;s government, risking criticism from lawmakers in the ruling Labour Party, said it will redeploy 850 troops now in southern Iraq to a region controlled by US forces.


EU may be without executive over Buttiglione row

The incoming head of the European Commission has been trying to end a dispute which threatens to leave the EU without an executive.


Martha Stewart Appeals Conviction

Lawyers for Martha Stewart told a federal appeals court that she suffered a "fundamentally unfair" trial at the hands of prosecutors who incorrectly suggested she was accused of insider trading.


Link Exchange Scams

Link Exchange Scams\\Do you ever exchange links with other Web sites? I am sure most of you that do this, look to see if your links are actually on the pages that you exchanged with. In addition, I assume that you check to make sure that the links do not ...


Top Seed Henman Falls to Ljubicic in Madrid

MADRID (Reuters) - Top seed Tim Henman slumped to a 6-4,  4-6, 6-2 defeat by big-serving Croatian Ivan Ljubicic in the  Madrid Masters third round Thursday.


AstraZeneca Posts 51 Percent Profit Jump (AP)

AP - Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca PLC announced a 51 percent leap in third-quarter profits Thursday, despite an  #36;80 million loss on the U.S. rejection of its anti-clotting drug Exanta.


Garcia Wishes Owens Would Move On (AP)

AP - Someday, Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens may connect again. Someday, the former teammates may be able to talk, shake hands and repair their ruptured relationship. And maybe, just maybe, they can become friends again. Someday. Not this week.


Sri Lanka restrict Pakistan after Samaraweera's hundred (AFP)

AFP - Sri Lanka fought back with seven wickets in the last two sessions to restrict Pakistan's first innings lead on the second day of the first Test.


Guidant Profit Up on Defibrillator Sales

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Cardiovascular device maker Guidant  Corp. GDT.N said on Thursday its quarterly net profit rose,  helped by sales of implantable devices to treat irregular heart  rhythms.


Iraq Attacks Kill 41, UN Envoy Skeptical on Elections

BAGHDAD, December 5 (IslamOnline.net  amp; News Agencies) - With unabated attacks and bombings leaving at 41 Iraqis and six occupation forces dead in the past 24 hours, a senior UN official cast doubt on the possibility of organizing the scheduled elections


UK carbon output 'under-reported'

The UK government is misleading people by failing to report all the carbon emissions it is causing, campaigners say.


Castro Injured in Fall

President Fidel Castro tripped and fell after leaving the stage at a graduation ceremony, possibly breaking bones, but later returned to say that he was "all in one piece."


Bucs' Jurevicius Returns to Practice (AP)

AP - Joe Jurevicius felt like a rookie again. The Tampa Bay receiver practiced for the first time this season Wednesday and expects to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears after being sidelined most of the past year by knee and back injuries.


AIG Is Target of Grand Jury Investigation

NEW YORK (Reuters) - American International Group Inc., the  world's largest insurer by market value, said on Thursday it  was the target of a federal grand jury investigation into  products that prosecutors say were concocted to help companies  manage their earnings.


Reebok Third-Quarter Earnings, Sales Up

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Athletic shoe and apparel maker Reebok  International Ltd. RBK.N on Thursday posted  better-than-expected quarterly earnings, helped by improved  sales due to acquisitions and the weak dollar.


Typhoon Kills 66 in Japan, Deadliest in 22 Years

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's deadliest typhoon in more than  two decades killed 66 people, news reports said on Thursday as  rescuers searched frantically for 22 still missing in floods  and landslides.


Find.com Business Search Engine Adds MarketResearch Content

Find.com, a business search engine (www.find.com), today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with MarketResearch.com Inc., the leading online source for global market intelligence reports. Under the terms of the strategic partnership, MarketResearch.com, which offers more than 80,000 reports from over 350 research firms and consultancies worldwide, ...


AIG Is Target of Grand Jury Investigation (Reuters)

Reuters - American International Group Inc., the\world's largest insurer by market value, said on Thursday it\was the target of a federal grand jury investigation into\products that prosecutors say were concocted to help companies\manage their earnings.


Citigroup sacks top executives over Japan debacle

NEW YORK, October 21 (newratings.com) - Global banking giant Citigroup #39;s (C.NYS) recent move to terminate three top executives, in the wake of the recent debacle in the companys Japanese operations, has been widely welcomed by Wall Street analysts.


Sears Posts a Loss, Cuts Full-Year View

Sears, Roebuck  amp; Co (SN: Quote, Profile, Research) , the largest US department store chain, on Thursday posted a third-quarter loss as its clothing sales continued to slide and cuts its forecast for the full year.


Baxter Profit Declines in 3Q

Baxter International Inc. on Thursday reported earnings from continuing operations of 42 cents a share, in line with analysts #39; expectations.


Update 1: Stewart Asks Court to Overturn Conviction

Lawyers for Martha Stewart told a federal appeals court that she suffered a  quot;fundamentally unfair quot; trial at the hands of prosecutors who incorrectly suggested she was accused of insider trading.


Delta bankruptcy appears certain

Several analysts gave Delta Air Lines slim chances of averting bankruptcy after Cincinnati #39;s dominant airline reported a whopping \$646 million loss and an alarmingly low \$1.


Now it #39;s all about pride for the Celts

DIDIER AGATHE today insisted Celtic will be playing for more than European survival when they face Shakhtar Donetsk again a week on Tuesday.


Biggest game of year: Man United vs. Arsenal

It #39;s the biggest game of the English season - Manchester United vs. Arsenal on Sunday at Old Trafford.  quot;The whole world is waiting as well, quot; said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.


Harry #39;s fury on night out

PRINCE Harry cut a photographers lip after being hit in the face with a camera outside a London nightclub. The 20-year-old prince had to be held back by a bodyguard as he apparently tried to lunge at the paparazzi in the early hours of this morning.


Golf: Swiss Youngster Clement Sets the Early Pace

MADRID (Reuters) - Switzerland's Julien Clement, lying  174th on the European money-list, was the surprise early Madrid  Open leader after shooting a sparkling first-round 64 on  Thursday.


Intel expands Centrino line with new Pentium M chip

Intel Corp. gave its Centrino laptop package a speed boost Wednesday with the release of a new, faster Pentium M processor.


SAP posts hike in Q3 revenue and profit

Germany's SAP, the world's largest maker of business-management software, reported Thursday a third-quarter rise in revenue and net income, boosted by strong sales in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and continued growth in the U.S.


World Living Beyond Its Environmental Means-WWF

The world is consuming some 20 percent more natural resources a year than the planet can produce, conservationist group WWF warned on Thursday.


Quantum acquires tape drive maker Certance

Storage vendor Quantum Wednesday said in a statement that it has agreed to purchase Certance LLC, a manufacturer of tape-based storage devices in Costa Mesa, Calif.


Prince Harry in nightclub scuffle

Prince Harry was hit in the face with a camera in a scuffle outside a London nightclub on Wednesday night, royal officials said. The prince, third in line to the British throne, also cut a photographer #39;s lip


Parliament speaker charges PM with disloyalty to Israel

Israeli Knesset (parliament) Speaker Reuven Rivlin (Likud Party) on Thursday charged Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and supporters of the disengagement plan withdisloyalty to Israel, Israeli Army Radio reported.


3 Inmates Questioned on Alleged Spain Plot (AP)

AP - Three Algerians who are considered close to a suspected ringleader of the Madrid train bombings are being questioned about an alleged plot to kill judges investigating Islamic terrorists, officials said Thursday.


Sears Posts  #36;61 Million Loss in 3Q (AP)

AP - Sears, Roebuck and Co. posted a  #36;61 million loss in the third quarter and lowered its estimate for full-year earnings as its tailspin continues. The giant retailer's stock fell sharply Thursday.


US pilot dies, three soldiers injured in separate incidents in Afghanistan (AFP)

AFP - The pilot of a US military helicopter died after it crashed in western Afghanistan while two US soldiers on other side of the volatile nation were seriously wounded by a bomb, officials said.


Blue Chips Open Lower; Techs Up

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Blue chips opened lower on Thursday,  weighed down by news that insurer American International Group  AIG.N was being investigated by a federal grand jury, while  techs rose on eBay EBAY.O earnings.


Mice Thrive Without Chapters of the Book of Life (Reuters)

Reuters - It's called the book of life but mice,\and perhaps humans, can still thrive even when chapters are\missing, scientists said Wednesday.


Illinois GOP Skips Keyes in Promotion (AP)

AP - The Illinois Republican Party left U.S. Senate candidate Alan Keyes off a campaign mailer that touted "Your 2004 Republican Team," but both sides insist the omission was not a snub.


Gunmen Attack Key Baghdad Link; UK Forces Redeploy

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Gunmen fired on a bus carrying workers  to Baghdad airport on Thursday, killing four people and  wounding 11 in a brazen assault on Iraqis helping to revive a  vital link in the country's reconstruction.


Sears Posts a Loss, Cuts Year Outlook

Sears, Roebuck  amp; Co (SN: Quote, Profile, Research) , the largest US department store chain, on Thursday posted a third-quarter loss as its sales continued to slide, prompting the company to cut its full-year profit forecast.


Update 1: Hershey 3Q Profit Climbs 16 Percent

Candy maker Hershey Foods Corp. on Wednesday said new products and favorable pricing sweetened its third-quarter profit, which surged 16 percent and topped Wall Street expectations.


Safeways Stores Reaping Rewards from Morrison Brand

Supermarket group Morrisons today cheered the City with news that converted Safeway stores were reaping the benefits of their change to the Morrisons format.


American to cut 400 jobs at KC base

KANSAS CITY, Mo. About 400 workers will lose their jobs at the American Airlines maintenance base in Kansas City, a union official said.


Hamm Retains Olympic All-Round Gold

American gymnast Paul Hamm will keep his Olympic all-round gold medal after the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected Thursday an appeal from South Korea #39;s Yang Tae-young.


UK agrees to US troops request

LONDON, England -- Britain has agreed to a US request to redeploy about 850 troops to central Iraq, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon told lawmakers.


Britains Prince Harry scuffles with photographer outside <b>...</b>

LONDON - Prince Harry, fast gaining a reputation as Britains most unruly royal, was involved in a scuffle with a photographer outside a London nightclub early Thursday, palace officials and witnesses said.