Ceasefire brings oil price slip

Oil prices slid towards \$US49 a barrel, after United States crude stocks rose unexpectedly and rebels in Nigeria #39;s oil- rich delta region agreed to a ceasefire with the Government, reducing an imminent threat to supplies.


Saks to close 11 stores, affecting 700 jobs

NEW YORK - Retailer Saks Inc. Friday said it will close its Saks Fifth Avenue upscale department stores in La Jolla and seven other locations and three of its lower-price Off 5th stores, affecting 700 jobs.


National Cybersecurity Chief Amit Yoran Resigns

Amit Yoran has abruptly resigned his position with the Homeland Security Department. Olga Grkavac, senior vice president of the Information Technology Association of America, confirmed that


Note: Suzuki has tonight and two games remaining

The 30-year-old right fielder, who has 257 hits, has tonight and two games remaining to break the record. George Sisler #39;s mark of 257 hits was set in 1920.


Eriksson warning for Owen

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will recall Rio Ferdinand to his squad for two upcoming World Cup qualifiers but issued a warning to Michael Owen.


SUN 61, LIBERTY 51 Balanced Sun Knocks Liberty Off-Balance

ith five minutes left in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals last night at Madison Square Garden, the Connecticut Sun had the Liberty down, if not out.


Elena Dementieva wins in Gaz de France Stars tennis tournament

US Open and French Open runner-up Elena Dementieva reached the quarter-finals of the Gaz de France Stars tournament Thursday, beating Michaela Pastikova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 6-2.


Nigeria military orders halt to delta patrols

The Nigerian military on Friday ordered a halt to patrols around the Niger Delta to underscore the government #39;s commitment to a truce agreed with militants, a senior oil industry source said.


Brazil denies getting nuclear technology from Pakistan

The government of Brazil denied Friday that its centrifugal plans for uranium enrichment come from the clandestine nuclear network headed by Pakistani physicist Abdul Q. Khan.


European Judge Questions Moves Against Microsoft

The judge in Microsoft's appeal of the antitrust measures imposed by the European Commission questioned the wisdom of those moves as the hearing wound up.


Mariners #39; Suzuki Breaks Sisler #39;s Single-Year Hit Mark (Update1)

Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners broke Major League Baseball #39;s single-season hit record with two singles against the Texas Rangers.


Inquiry Stymied on Company With Air Force Ties

First Command's success in its face-off with Air Force lawyers illustrates how a company with military ties can influence the people who are supposed to monitor it.


Cardinals 4 Brewers 1

ST. LOUIS Rick Ankiel won his first game in three and a-half years with a four-inning relief stint marred only by an errant curveball that beaned a batter and St.


Second Day of Violence Breaks Out in Haiti (AP)

AP - Violence erupted again Friday in the Haitian capital as the decapitated bodies of three police were found, bringing the death toll to at least seven people in two days of protests for the return of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.


Kerry Lures Persuadable Voters in Debate (AP)

AP - Many undecided voters liked what they saw from John Kerry and were more than a little concerned about President Bush's performance in the first presidential debate  #151; but they still had questions about what Kerry would do in Iraq.


German manufacturing orders rise in October (AFP)

AFP - Orders placed with manufacturing companies in Germany rose in October, after gaining slightly the previous month, thanks to a large number of big-ticket domestic orders, data published by the Economics and Labour Ministry showed.


Bosnia nationalists in poll test

Bosnians are voting in local elections - the first held by the Bosnian authorities since the end of the war in 1995.


Eldest Pitcairn rape suspect tried

A 78-year-old man is accused of twice raping a woman more than 30 years ago in the third of seven sex trials on Pitcairn.


Bush and Kerry Follow Debate With Sharp Jabs

President Bush attacked John Kerry on Iraq, taking a more aggressive approach than he had during the debate.


Ichiro Breaks Sisler's Season Hits Record

SEATTLE - Ichiro Suzuki set the major league record for hits in a season with 258, breaking George Sisler's 84-year-old mark with a pair of singles Friday night. The Seattle star chopped a leadoff single in the first inning, then made history with a grounder up the middle in the third...


Troops Battle to Control Samarra

The U.S.-Iraqi offensive in the city about 65 miles north of Baghdad largely overwhelms rebel forces during a night and day of occasionally intense fighting.


Mayor's Lesbian Partner Barred from Race in Brazil

BRASILIA, Brazil (Reuters) - A Brazilian court on Fridaybarred the lesbian partner of the outgoing mayor of an Amazontown from trying to succeed her, citing a ban on politicaloffice passing between family members.


Kissinger Criticized Subordinates

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger suggested punishing subordinates who criticized military dictatorships in Chile and Argentina in the 1970s, declassified documents show.


Markets skirt crude oil hikes

Despite the price of oil settling above \$50 a barrel for the first time, Wall Street yesterday celebrated new data showing the nation #39;s manufacturing sector expand again last month.


Red Sox Rally to Drop Orioles 8-3 (AP)

AP - Tim Wakefield allowed two runs in six innings for his first victory since August, and Johnny Damon and David Ortiz homered to power the Boston Red Sox past the Baltimore Orioles 8-3 on Friday night.


Week in review: A snapshot of the new virus

Hackers wasted little time in exploiting a flaw in the way Microsoft software handles graphics files. Internet watchers say they #39;ve spotted infected images that could implant a back door into a Windows computer if they are viewed.


Twins Defeat Indians 4-3 (AP)

AP - Corey Koskie homered and hit a go-ahead two-run single in the eighth inning, lifting the Minnesota Twins over the Cleveland Indians 4-3 Friday night.


NCAA Game Summary - Utah at New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM (Sports Network) - Alex Smith passed for 167 yards and ran for a pair of touchdowns, leading No. 14 Utah to a 28-7 victory over New Mexico in a Mountain West Conference matchup.


Riots by Aristide supporters erupt for second day in Haiti

Violence erupted again yesterday in Port-au-Prince, one day after three policemen were killed in a clash with protesters demanding the return of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.


No. 14 Utah Defeats New Mexico 28-7 (AP)

AP - Quarterback Alex Smith ran for two touchdowns and Steve Savoy caught 11 passes for 150 yards in Utah's 28-7 victory over New Mexico on Friday night.


Els Takes 2-Shot Lead at American Express (AP)

AP - His post-majors funk behind him, Ernie Els was back in his element Friday. Playing some of his best golf in the worst conditions, Els breezed through a wacky day of weather at the American Express Championship by starting with four straight birdies and finishing with an 8-under 64, giving him a two-shot lead and hope that he still has a lot to play for this year.


North-South Showdowns Bring Out State's Polar Opposites

This weekend in baseball, two teams from Northern California face two teams from Southern California and all four are in contention for a playoff spot.


New Name Will Wait

Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said Friday he would prefer for the new owners of Washington's baseball franchise to select the team's name.


Protection Is Issue

The Redskins have allowed nine sacks in the past two games -- a particularly large number for a Joe Gibbs-coached team.


Ichiro Sets Hits Record

Ichiro Suzuki set the record for hits in a season with 258, breaking George Sisler's 84-year-old mark with a pair of singles Friday.


No Easy Return

Felix Trinidad's return to boxing may be timed well but it won't be easy facing the aggressive and dangerous Ricardo Mayorga.


O's Hopes for .500 End

Boston quickly dismisses the Orioles' goal of attaining a four-game sweep and a .500 record with an 8-3 victory on Friday night.


Hymes Catching On

Randy Hymes has been the Ravens' most productive wide receiver and will start in place of the injured Travis Taylor for the third consecutive game on Monday.


Sun Scorches Liberty

Nykesha Sales scores 13 of her 15 points in the first half and the Sun beat the Liberty 61-51 on Friday night in Game 1 of the WNBA's Eastern Conference finals.


Easy Going for Els

Ernie Els breezes through a wacky day of weather at the American Express Championship by finishing with an 8-under-par 64, and taking a two-shot lead in Ireland.


Hoyas Seek League Win

Georgetown is off to an 0-2 start in the Patriot League and plays Bucknell, which is playing its first conference game of the season.


Nemecheck Takes Pole

Joe Nemechek took his first pole in four years and the seventh of his NASCAR Nextel Cup career Friday, earning the top spot for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.


Former Boeing official in prison

A former Air Force official was sentenced to nine months in prison yesterday after admitting that she helped Boeing Co. obtain a lucrative contract in hopes of landing an executive job at the company.


Inquiry into Fannie Mae may hike mortgage cost

The rate consumers pay on a 30-year, \$200,000 home loan will likely rise 0.2 of a percentage point - an extra \$9,200 over the course of the loan - as the largest US buyer of mortgages slows growth to meet regulators #39; request to boost capital, said Kevin


US-EU talks on Airbus subsidies fail

The EU and US moved closer to an aviation trade war after failing to reach agreement during talks Thursday on subsidies to Airbus Industrie.


PeopleSoft fires CEO, clearing way for bid by Oracle

PeopleSoft Inc., the business software-maker, unexpectedly fired Craig Conway, its chief executive, dumping the feisty leader who engineered the company #39;s dogged resistance to Oracle Corp.


Nations ask for study of effect of quota end

A group of developing countries proposed yesterday that the World Trade Organization study the global effects of phasing out a textiles and clothing quota system, saying that many countries are losing out because of this trade liberalization.


Automakers report Sept. sales strong for all but Ford, Honda

Led by General Motors Corp., the US automotive industry rebounded in September with one of its most robust months of the year. Sales were pushed up by 2005 models


Cybersecurity Czar bails

Amit Yoran has now become the fourth US cybersecurity chief in a year to quit in frustration today, giving the government only a day #39;s notice.


Japanese fans celebrate Suzuki #39;s historic hit

His countrymen celebrated Suzuki #39;s record-breaking hit Saturday when the Seattle Mariners outfielder broke George Sisler #39;s 84-year-old major league mark for hits in a season.


Sun Leads Liberty in East Finals Sun 61, Liberty 51

NEW YORK, Oct. 1 -- After building a 16-point lead with a big run, Nykesha Sales didn #39;t want to take a break for halftime. Sales scored 13 of her 15 points in the first half and the Connecticut Sun beat the


Orioles Lose, but Begin to Tally Successes

The loudest voice of reason came from the slightest Baltimore starter, second baseman Brian Roberts, who with a quiet but authoritative voice stated that a season #39;s


EU leaders clash over immigration camps

SCHEVENINGEN, Netherlands European Union leaders clashed Friday over a plan to set up camps in North Africa to process immigrants and asylum seekers to help stop the flow of illegal migrants across the Mediterranean to Europe.


India denies pullback plan

NEW DELHI, Oct 1: India does not plan to withdraw troops from the Siachen Glacier and recent news reports claiming otherwise are  quot;pure speculation and a lie, quot; Indian Foreign Minister Kunwar Natwar Singh said on Friday.


BLACK HITS BACK

Deposed press baron Conrad Black is doing what he does best - filing another lawsuit. This time, the former head of Hollinger International is filing another libel suit, with


Founder, chairman called  #39;heart #39; of software company

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- When PeopleSoft Inc. fired Chief Executive Craig Conway on Friday, the business-software maker didn #39;t have to look long or far to find a suitable replacement.


Ichiro Breaks Sisler #39;s Season Hits Record

SEATTLE Oct. 2, 2004 - No. 258 for Ichiro Suzuki was like so many others, a little ground ball up the middle. Only this one made history, a hit cheered  #39;round the world.


Devil Rays hold off Tigers 4-1, avoid last-place finish for first <b>...</b>

Lou Piniella sprayed champagne after World Series victories as a player and a manager. He wanted some to celebrate a smaller achievement Friday night: For the first time in their history, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays won #39;t finish last.


Fatigue catching up to El Duque

TORONTO (CP) - Orlando Hernandez has lost his pop and doesn #39;t know where to find it. Pitching for the first time in eight days, Hernandez (8-2) allowed five runs in three innings as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 7-0 on Friday.


S.Korea on Alert After Purported Al Qaeda Warning (Reuters)

Reuters - South Korea put its security forces on\alert after Muslims were urged to resist the United States and\its allies around the world in an audio tape believed to be\from al Qaeda's deputy leader, local media said Saturday.


Five Blasts Reported in Spain After ETA Threats (Reuters)

Reuters - Five explosions were reported in\different parts of Spain Monday after the Basque separatist\group ETA threatened to set off a total of seven bombs, Spanish\media reported.


Merck shares rebound slightly

BOSTON (CBS.MW) - Shares of Merck and rivals Pfizer and Novartis all closed higher Friday, the day after Merck announced that it was abruptly pulling its hugely popular anti-inflammatory drug Vioxx from the market due to safety concerns.


Shares pare losses as analysts remain upbeat

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Research In Motion shares slipped early Friday, but bounced off their lows, after the maker of the popular handheld device said sales in the current quarter would just match Wall Street #39;s expectations.


Computing  #39;falls short

BERKELEY, Calif. (CBS.MW) -- The computing problems to be solved in the next two decades will be more exciting than those that already have been solved, according to Microsoft #39;s Bill Gates.


El Duque unsure he can pitch in playoffs

TORONTO - Orlando Hernandez has a tired arm and doesnt know whether hell be able to start in the playoffs. El Duque lost his second straight start, allowing five runs in three innings Friday night as


Padres 3, Diamondbacks 2

The San Diego Padres found out between the second and third innings that they were eliminated from wild-card contention, then rallied for a 3-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.


NL Wrap: Rueter Sharp as Giants Stay in Division (Reuters)

Reuters - Kirk Rueter allowed just three hits\over seven innings and J.T. Snow homered as the San Francisco\Giants scored a crucial 4-2 win over Los Angeles in National\League play at Dodger Stadium Friday.


Nigerian rebels sign ceasefire

Rebels in Nigeria #39;s oil-rich Niger Delta have agreed to stop fighting government forces and hand in their weapons. In a statement on Friday, the Nigerian president #39;s office said an agreement to cease all hostilities had been reached.


NL Wrap: Rueter Sharp as Giants Stay in Division

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Kirk Rueter allowed just three hits  over seven innings and J.T. Snow homered as the San Francisco  Giants scored a crucial 4-2 win over Los Angeles in National  League play at Dodger Stadium Friday.


Hurricanes Force NASA to Delay Space Shuttle Flights

The US space agency NASA says it has pushed the resumption of space shuttle flights back one or two months until at least May next year.


Suzuki singles into history

SEATTLE - Chasing a nearly forgotten ghost of the game, Ichiro Suzuki broke one of baseball #39;s oldest records Friday night, smoking a single up the middle for his 258th hit of the year and breaking George Sisler #39;s record for the most hits in a season


ANOTHER VOICE Baseball in Washington

Washington may or may not get a new president next year, but it is getting a new baseball team. And like almost every major-league team that has ever worn Washington on its jersey, this one is a last-place bunch.


Kirk Rueter allowed just three hits over seven innings and JT Snow homered as the San Francisco Giants scored a crucial 4-2 win over Los Angeles in National League play at Dodger Stadium Friday.


PeopleSoft Ousts CEO in Oracle Battle (Reuters)

Reuters - In Oct 1 story headlined "PeopleSoft Ousts CEO Amid Oracle\Battle," please read in paragraph 16 ... originally offering\ #36;16 a share ... instead of ... originally offering  #36;19.50 a\share ...


Astronomers scan sky for birth of supernova

Astronomers are closely watching three sections of the sky after detecting three short but powerful X-ray bursts that may be harbingers of supernovas that could happen in the next few days.


Baseball in DC, Angelos likely smiling

Peter G. Angelos could sell the Baltimore Orioles for almost \$200 million more than he paid for the team 11 years ago under terms of a deal he is negotiating with Major League Baseball to compensate him for the Montreal Expos moving to Washington


Angels roll Athletics to move atop AL West

Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - Bartolo Colon hurled seven shutout innings of three-hit ball as the Anaheim Angels drew first blood in this three-game series for the American League West title with a 10-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics at Network


Dodgers must put champagne on ice; Giants still alive for NL West

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - JT Snow homered to lead San Francisco over Los Angeles, 4-2, in the opener of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.


Nigeria Delta rebels agree truce

The Nigerian government has confirmed reports that rebel groups in the country #39;s main oil producing region have agreed to a ceasefire.


Judge's Decisions Draw Notice, for Being Conspicuously Late

Judge George Daniels of Federal District Court in Manhattan has 289 motions in civil cases pending - more than any federal judge in the nation.


PeopleSoft Ousts CEO in Oracle Battle

In Oct 1 story headlined  quot;PeopleSoft Ousts CEO Amid Oracle Battle, quot; please read in paragraph 16 ... originally offering \$16 a share ... instead of ... originally offering \$19.50 a share ... By Michael Kahn and Martha Graybow.


CEO #39;s firing rocks world of tech Longtime Oracle target PeopleSoft <b>...</b>

PeopleSoft Inc. said Friday it had fired CEO Craig Conway, raising the possibility that the company, which until now has fought fiercely for its independence, will succumb to Oracle Corp.


US Pressing China Over Currency Value

The Bush administration, seeking to achieve an economic breakthrough in the closing weeks of an election campaign, says China has made a serious commitment to overhauling a currency system


Top US cyber-security official resigns

WASHINGTON -- The nations top cyber-security official has resigned unexpectedly, raising new questions about the progress of efforts to protect the nations vast computer networks from terror attacks, electronic viruses and other threats, government


Vieira denies Lauren fight

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has admitted that he had a disagreement with teammate Lauren after the Champions League tie against Rosenberg on Wednesday.


Eriksson warns Owen over England place

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson says striker Michael Owen must prove in training next week that he deserves to face Wales in a World Cup qualifier -- or risk losing his place.


SI.com

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Twins don #39;t have to pack their bags for the playoffs just yet. Corey Koskie homered and drove in three runs to help Minnesota rally for a 4-3 triumph over the Cleveland Indians .


New al-Qaida tape likely authentic

A new audiotape purportedly from al-Qaida #39;s second-in-command urging Muslim youths to attack the United States is probably authentic, a US intelligence official said.


Blair returns to Downing Street after heart trouble

HAMISH ROBERTSON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair has returned to Downing Street after undergoing hospital treatment for a heart ailment.


Israelis mass along Gaza

JEBALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza StriP -- Israeli aircraft struck more targets in the Gaza Strip yesterday as the army massed an armoured force in apparent preparation for a major military operation against militants in Jebaliya, the Palestinians #39; biggest


Mosque blast kills at least 25

Dozens were injured in the suicide attack on a building crowded with Shiite Muslims in eastern Pakistan. SIALKOT, PAKISTAN -- A suicide attacker detonated a bomb inside a crowded Shiite Muslim mosque in eastern


Pfizer wastes no time touting Celebrex

A day after Whitehouse Station-based Merck abruptly withdrew from the market Vioxx, its blockbuster arthritis drug, Pfizer yesterday moved to promote Celebrex, its competing medicine.


Oil price closes above \$50 per barrel in New York

Crude oil closed above 50 dollars per barrel Friday for the first time as traders worry below-normal US crude inventories could not meet the soaring demand in the upcoming months.


US Pressing China Over Currency Value

WASHINGTON Oct. 2, 2004 - The Bush administration, seeking to achieve an economic breakthrough in the closing weeks of an election campaign, says China has made a serious commitment to overhauling a currency


Singing the praises of karaoke #39;s creator

Time magazine once called him  quot;the genius who gave voice to the common man in the 20th century, quot; comparing him (not entirely unseriously) to Mao Zedong and Mohandas Gandhi in influence.


Mariners #39; Suzuki Breaks Sisler #39;s Single-Year Hit Mark (Update3)

Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners broke Major League Baseball #39;s single-season hit record with singles in his first two at-bats in tonight #39;s 8-3 win over the Texas Rangers.


Lights out for Maroth, 4-1

Mike Maroth #39;s bid for a .500 season got lost in the lights of Comerica Park on Friday night. Maroth (11-13) was locked in a scoreless pitching duel with Tampa Bay Devil Rays right-hander Rob


Blair to return to work after successful surgery

LONDON -- Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived home yesterday after undergoing a successful operation to correct an irregular heartbeat.


War On Terror Column

The Israeli army killed nine Palestinians in Gaza yesterday as it poured its forces into the coastal strip, expanding a ground offensive intended to root out militants firing rockets into Israeli towns.


UN struggles with Haiti violence

UN peacekeepers in Haiti have struggled for a second day to control protests by supporters of deposed President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.


Denmark Hopes to Claim North Pole (AP)

AP - Denmark is joining Russia and Canada to see if it can lay a claim to the North Pole  #151; and whatever natural riches may lie beneath it.


Descent into horror of Silent Hill

The Silent Hill series of games have always been ripe with weirdness and hellish alternate realities.


U.S. Pursues Samarra Offensive; 5 Dead, 20 Wounded (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. and Iraqi forces pushed on\with their offensive against insurgents in the town of Samarra\overnight, killing five people and wounding 20 in the fighting,\a doctor at a local hospital said Saturday.


Bomb Blasts in Northeast India Kill 10, Wound 35 (Reuters)

Reuters - A series of bomb blasts killed\nine people and wounded 35 in northeastern India on Saturday in\the deadliest attack since a cease-fire with the main\separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


Mourning Iraqis Blame U.S. Troops (AP)

AP - Families of the 35 children who died in a string of bombings in Baghdad blamed American troops for the tragedy, accusing them of attracting insurgents to a ceremony where the attacks occurred.


Two Explosions in India Kill 14 (AP)

AP - Explosions ripped through a train station and a market within minutes of eachother in a northeast Indian city on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and wounding many more, a police official said.


Australian election enters final week with prize still up for grabs (AFP)

AFP - The Australian election campaign enters its final week with neither side holding a decisive lead and both major parties hoping big-spending promises to swinging voters will get them over the line, according to analysts.


Intelligence Bill Has Political Tinge (AP)

AP - After Congress shuffled the federal bureaucracy in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by creating the Homeland Security Department, Democrats lost control of the Senate and four seats in the House.


Bomb Blasts in Northeast India Kill 10, Wound 35

GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A series of bomb blasts killed  nine people and wounded 35 in northeastern India on Saturday in  the deadliest attack since a cease-fire with the main  separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


Pakistan Ups Security, Shi'ites Mourn Bomb Victims

SIALKOT, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan beefed up security  Saturday as minority Shi'ite Muslims prepared to bury victims  of a suicide bomb attack on a mosque in the eastern town of  Sialkot that killed at least 30 people a day earlier.


US firm allowed to sue Diana fund

A US firm gets the go-ahead to sue the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund for 16m in a row over souvenirs.


Bigley brother's 'home searched'

The brother of Iraq hostage Ken Bigley says UK and Dutch intelligence officers have searched his home.


UN struggles with Haiti violence

UN peacekeepers try for a second day to control protests by supporters of deposed President Aristide.


Two suicides in child porn case

Two men commit suicide and two others are found dead after Australia's biggest-ever operation against child porn.


PM recovers after heart treatment

Tony Blair says he feels "fine" after hospital treatment for an irregular heartbeat, and plans to return to work on Monday.


No. 2 Al Qaeda Leader Urges Attacks

An audiotape attributed to Ayman Zawahiri emerged Friday, stoking fears among some intelligence officials that the terrorist network is preparing a significant strike before the Nov. 2 election.


Former military official jailed for lying about Boeing deals

WASHINGTON - A former high-ranking Air Force procurement official was sentenced to nine months in federal prison Friday after she admitted that she had lied to federal prosecutors and that favors from Boeing Co.


Hotel workers being locked out at ten hotels

A labor dispute between San Francisco hotel workers and management is spreading to more hotels in the city. Employees at ten major hotels are being been locked out from their jobs today.


Giants, Astros Remain Tied for Wild Card (AP)

AP - The San Francisco Giants kept pace with Houston in the wild-card race, and gave themselves an outside chance of overtaking Los Angeles in the NL West.


SpaceShipOne: Monday Launch Is On

After a day spent reviewing its spectacular but wild spaceflight Wednesday, aerospace visionary Burt Rutan #39;s team is sticking to its plan to try to capture the Ansari X Prize with a second launch on Monday.


Apple plans European expansion of iTunes

BERLIN: Apple Computer Inc is planning the next wave of expansion for its popular iTunes online music store with a multi-country European launch in October, the services chief architect said on Wednesday.


Angels bring A-game, but A #39;s don #39;t

It is often said, mostly by broadcasters who have more time to fill than salient details, that the most important moment in a baseball game can come at any time.


Vieira plays down spat

Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira has played down his spat with teammate Lauren following their team #39;s disappointing UEFA Champions League draw with Rosenborg.


Major League Baseball News

There were some skeptics wondering if Giants manager Felipe Alou was making the right decision by putting veteran Kirk Rueter on the hill in literally the biggest game


Notes: Guillen case settled

Suspended Angels outfielder Jose Guillen #39;s grievance hearing Friday morning turned out to not be much of a hearing at all. Both sides agreed to a relatively quick settlement


AL Wrap: Angels Thump Athletics to Near Playoffs (Reuters)

Reuters - Bartolo Colon pitched seven shutout\innings and Alfredo Amezaga hit a grand slam home run as the\Anaheim Angels trounced the Oakland Athletics 10-0 in their\American League West showdown series opener Friday.


Sharapova Advances to Korea Open Final (AP)

AP - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova advanced to the final of the Korea Open on Saturday, beating Anne Kremer 6-0, 6-2.


Chief of Partnership to resign

Thirteen years after leading the charge to diversify Boston's corporations, Benaree Wiley, president and chief executive of The Partnership, is stepping down to devote more time to personal interests.


Recall another step in Merck slide

Merck  amp; Co.'s decision to pull its widely prescribed drug Vioxx off the shelves yesterday because of a risk of stroke and heart attacks marked a new low for a pharmaceutical company that has suffered a steady decline in both market position and prestige over the last decade.


At peace with Microsoft, Sun chief whips off the gloves over Red Hat

Sun Microsystems Inc.'s combative chief executive, Scott McNealy, fresh from resolving his long-running quarrel with archrival Microsoft Corp. , has found a new target for his wrath: Linux software maker Red Hat Inc.


Biotech hopes Finneran will help on Hill

Biotechnology interests have scored big wins on Beacon Hill, but in Washington it's a different story.


US Airways, pilots reach pact on cuts

US Airways reached a tentative agreement with the leaders of its pilots union on \$300 million in annual concessions yesterday, a deal that would result in the pilots permanently losing 17.5 percent of their salaries in exchange for a chance to save the airline and their jobs.


Buzz Was Big, but Mount St. Helens Eruption Wasn't

Mount St. Helens's small explosion, predicted for several days and posing no imminent danger to people in the region, was greeted with jaw-dropping delight by many.


NASA Delays Plans to Fly Shuttle Soon

NASA has abandoned plans to resume flying the space shuttle next March because of the impact of four hurricanes on space agency centers and work schedules.


Op can boost size of micro-penis

\Surgeons perfect a way to build up the size of very small penises, enabling proper urination, and a full sex life.


PeopleSoft Leads Rally in Tech Stocks

PeopleSoft Inc. shares surged 15 percent as investors interpreted the ouster of the company #39;s chief executive as a sign the company might now be willing to accept Oracle Corp.


Space shuttle grounded until May or even later

NASA has abandoned plans to resume flying the space shuttle next March because of the impact of four hurricanes on space agency centers and work schedules, officials said Friday.


Taking aim at iPod: How competition for the market stacks up

Apple Computer #39;s lovely little music player dominates the market, and its design and simplicity make it hard to beat. But let #39;s face it - the iPod is the luxury car of hard-drive music players.


Koalas to undergo contraceptive implants:

World News Canberra, Oct 2 : Up to 2,000 female koalas will be implanted with a slow-release hormone in Australia to keep their numbers down, reports Xinhua.


Anaheim a win from title

Bartolo Colon cruised along, refusing to show any emotion until the final out. Then, he quickly found catcher Jose Molina and gave him a huge hug.


Sun get jump on Liberty in Game 1

Home-court advantage was not kind to the New York Liberty Friday night. And the Connecticut Sun, which has built somewhat of a reputation for putting


A series of bomb blasts killed nine people and wounded 35 in northeastern India on Saturday in the deadliest attack since a cease-fire with the main separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


Stocks Begin Quarter With Solid Gains

Stocks kicked off the fourth quarter with a solid rally on Friday as investors bet the market would shake off continued uncertainty about the election, the


Nations demand study of quotas

Governments from nearly 30 countries demanded Friday that the World Trade Organization undertake an urgent review of what might happen when textile quotas end Jan. 1. The


CPS cites worker burden in continued abuse

Texas children remain in life-threatening situations and are continually abused because child protective workers are inundated with excessive caseloads, an investigative report released Friday concludes.


Cell phone camera photos make arrest a snap for police

a limousine driver -sed his cell phone #39;s camera to snap photos of the robber and the robber #39;s truck, police said.


Netflix, TiVo Partner To Offer Online Films (TechWeb)

TechWeb - Netflix, TiVo team up to work with Hollywood studios to develop technology for the delivery of video programming over the Internet.


Drese and Ichiro forever linked

Ryan Drese became an instant trivia subject on Friday night, courtesy of Ichiro Suzuki. What pitcher gave up Ichiro #39;s record-breaking 258th hit?


Els takes lead at WGC American Express

Playing some of his best golf in the worst conditions, the South African breezed through a wacky day of weather at the WGC American Express Championship by starting with four straight birdies and finishing with an 8-under 64, giving him a two-shot lead


SAVE OUR GRAND PRIX: BY ECC!

MOTOR racing boss Bernie Ecclestone, the man trying to axe the British Grand Prix, is backing the Mirror #39;s campaign to save the Silverstone showpiece.


The fat lady finally sings

Olympic Stadium has always had the lighting of a morgue. Stark and blindingly white, you could roll out a gurney and perform an autopsy at home plate - which is what #39;s now in order, given there #39;s been a needless death at The Big O.


No Easy Return for Trinidad

Ricardo Mayorga swung so hard at Cory Spinks throughout their fight last December that once, when a wild shot missed its mark, Mayorga spun around in a cartoonish pirouette.


Non-Chase drivers tops at Talladega

Joe Nemechek is 24th in the Nextel Cup standings, his championship chances long sunk. He realizes there #39;s only one way to get any recognition for his team and his sponsor, US Army: the old-fashioned way.


Brazil denies getting nuclear technology from Pakistan:

World News Brasilia, Oct 2 : Brazil has denied that technology for its centrifuge plants for uranium enrichment comes from the clandestine nuclear network headed by Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan.


Black threatens to raise libel suit to \$1.1-billion

Conrad Black has raised the stakes in a libel action, threatening to file a \$1.1-billion suit against the authors of a 500-page tale of his alleged  quot;corporate kleptocracy quot; at Hollinger International Inc.


US need not worry about China, India: Gates

Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, told a gathering of students of the University of California at Berkeley yesterday that computers would be the ticket to a good career in the near future.


NASA postpones space shuttle flight resumption

WASHINGTON, October 2 (Itar-Tass) -- The US space agency has decided to postpone shuttle missions resumption earlier planned for March or April next year.


MY RIOT HELL

MILLWALL chairman Theo Paphitis told yesterday how he called for police protection to escape rioting football fans.  quot;It was like going back in time 20 or 25 years to the bad old days of English football, quot; he said.


More Rooney magic?

DEADLY SCORER: Manchester United #39;s Wayne Rooney celebrating his three goals against Fenerbahce this week at Old Trafford. (AP).


Trinidad set to punch back in

Difficult questions. Questions about the futures of Felix Trinidad and Ricardo Mayorga. Very likely they will be questions only one of them will be able to answer.


Israelis, Palestinians seem to be digging in

Israeli aircraft struck more targets in the Gaza Strip on Friday as the army massed an armored force in apparent preparation for a major military operation


Suicides  #39;will not deter #39; porn probe

FOUR men committed suicide after being investigated for possessing child pornography, the government confirmed today, as it warned more arrests would be made this week.


100 Qaeda deaths reported

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan Pakistani security forces killed about 100 Qaeda terrorists during a recent military operation in tribal areas near Afghanistan, state-run television quoted Pakistan #39;s president as saying.


Rhythm not thrown off by their line dance

They comprised one of the steadiest units in the NFL last season, so much so that the Patriots' offensive line made their lineup changes at the beginning and end of the season go virtually unnoticed.


Angels, Guillen reach financial accord

Outfielder Jose Guillen and the Anaheim Angels have reached a financial settlement to resolve the grievance filed after the team recently suspended him without pay for the rest of the season. The sides agreed that Guillen will not rejoin the team for the remainder of the regular season and the penalty was reduced from seven days without pay to two ...


Giants win, stay alive for berth

Kirk Rueter pitched seven strong innings and the San Francisco Giants defeated the Dodgers, 4-2, in Los Angeles last night, preventing the Dodgers from clinching their first West title since 1995.


Notables

Detroit starter Mike Maroth (11-13) failed in his bid to finish at .500 after a 21-loss season last year.


Wakefield's ending is a happy one

All Tim Wakefield needed to do last night, it turned out, was pitch adequately and emerge uninjured to secure a spot in the postseason rotation. He did both, prompting the Red Sox to announce after an 8-3 victory over the Orioles at Camden Yards that Wakefield and Bronson Arroyo would pitch Games 3 and 4 of the American ...


Colon, Angels rip A's

The Angels considered themselves a playoff team all along, even while they spent the summer playing catch up. Now they're one win away.


Middle ground for Cancela

Jose  quot;Pepe quot; Cancela was among the key attacking players for the Revolution last season. But Cancela has performed only briefly in the last five matches as the Revolution have struggled to a 1-3-1 record and are on the brink of elimination from MLS playoff contention.


UNH faces tough task at Villanova

The University of New Hampshire football team will have its hands full when it travels to Villanova today for a pivotal Atlantic 10 matchup.


Eddy, Bentley outpace the Setters

Marc Eddy threw for 351 yards and three touchdowns as Bentley routed Pace, 47-6, last night in Waltham.


Charging Els moves to the top

Wild weather seems to bring out the best in Ernie Els, who was both steady and spectacular yesterday in a cool rain, warm sunshine, and blustery conditions for an 8-under-par 64 that gave him a two-shot lead in the American Express Championship at Thomastown, Ireland.


Brockton upends St. John's Prep

The Boxers were supposed to be vulnerable, coming off their first loss of the season at the hands of Xaverian.


Williams takes off for Jets

Julius Williams is a well-mannered student at East Boston High School by day. Once he steps into his phone booth and straps on his cleats and shoulder pads, he becomes a superhero to Jets fans and a formidable foe to opponents. Williams and the rest of the Eastie squad grinded until there was no mud left in Charlestown yesterday afternoon ...


Pitts scores twice to power Oliver Ames

The Oliver Ames girls' soccer team assumed first place in the Hockomock League, edging King Philip, 5-4, yesterday in Easton.


Crocker's fake ensures a real record

\\Through 3 1/2 quarters of last night's record-setting win over Concord-Carlisle, Acton-Boxboro quarterback Dave Crocker must have thought he was in the middle of a nightmare.


Transactions

BASKETBALL Cleveland (NBA): Signed G Lucious Harris. Los Angeles (NBA): Named Chris Bodaken, Melvin Hunt, Larry Smith and Mike Wells assistant coaches. Memphis (NBA): Signed C Pau Gasol to a multiyear contract extension. Milwaukee (NBA): Signed G Tommy Adams. Sacramento (NBA): Signed G Courtney Alexander to a one-year contract.


Today's schedule

College field hockey: Sweet Briar at Nichols, 10 a.m.; Salve Regina at Regis, 11 a.m.; UMass-Dartmouth at Bridgewater St., 11 a.m.; Assumption at AIC, 11 a.m.; Middlebury at Colby, 11 a.m.; Conn. College at Wesleyan, 11 a.m.; Amherst at Bowdoin, 11:30 a.m.; URI at Yale, noon; Penn at Dartmouth, noon; Salem St. at Fitchburg St., noon; Trinity at Williams, noon; ...


Sun rise to occasion with dominating first half

Nykesha Sales scored 13 of her 15 points in the first half and the Connecticut Sun beat the Liberty, 61-51, last night at New York in Game 1 of the WNBA's Eastern Conference finals.


Baseball: Giants dump Dodgers to deny division crown

LOS ANGELES: San Francisco have denied the Los Angeles Dodgers a division title, with a 4-2 Major League Baseball triumph that kept the Giants in the thick of the National League playoff race.


Shuttle #39;s Spring 2005 Launch Date Delayed

HOUSTON Oct. 2, 2004 - The first shuttle flight since the Columbia tragedy has been pushed back by NASA because hurricane damage and implementation of new safety measures made a spring 2005 launch  quot;no longer achievable.


2,500-Year-Old Pomegranate Found In Greece

ATHENS, Greece -- A scientific dig has uncovered four pomegranates believed to be 2,500 years old preserved inside a woven basket nestled in a bronze vessel, a Greek archaeologist said Friday.


Afghan Campaign Picks Up as Karzai Heads to Berlin

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai's deputies  campaigned for him Saturday ahead of presidential elections  seven days away, while the candidate himself prepared to fly to  Germany to collect an international award.


Bosnians Vote for Local Councils and Mayors

SARAJEVO (Reuters) - Bosnians voted Saturday in local  elections in which the main Muslim, Serb and Croat nationalist  parties are expected to confirm their dominance nine years  after the end of the 1992-5 war.


Bomb Blasts in Northeast India Kill 20, Wound 50

GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A series of bomb blasts killed  19 people and wounded more than 50 in northeastern India  Saturday in the deadliest attack since a cease-fire with the  main separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


Cubans say US remittance policy unfair

MATANZAS, Cuba -- The photo on the living room wall shows a smiling young man on a palm-fringed balcony near his new home in Miami, just 90 miles from here. His aging parents and grandmother fear they may not live to see him again -- and they blame President Bush.


Suicide bomber kills 25 at mosque in Pakistan

SIALKOT, Pakistan -- A suicide attacker carrying a bomb in a briefcase struck a Shi'ite mosque crammed with hundreds of worshipers in eastern Pakistan, killing at least 25 people and wounding more than 50 during prayers yesterday.


Intelligence Bill Has Political Tinge

WASHINGTON - After Congress shuffled the federal bureaucracy in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by creating the Homeland Security Department, Democrats lost control of the Senate and four seats in the House...


Ichiro Breaks Sisler's Season Hits Record

SEATTLE - The 258th hit in 2004 for Ichiro Suzuki was like so many others, a little ground ball up the middle. Only this one made history - a hit cheered 'round the world...


India assess Bangladesh security

An Indian security team travels to Bangladesh to decide on the tour's future.


Boeing contract helper sentenced

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- A former Air Force official was sentenced Friday to nine months in prison after admitting she helped Boeing Co.


UPDATE 2-LUKOIL says Conoco can book 10 pct of its reserves

US oil firm ConocoPhillips (COP.N: Quote, Profile, Research) will be able to add 10 percent of Russian major LUKOIL #39;s (LKOH.RTS: Quote, Profile, Research) total reserves to its books after it completes buying a 10 percent stake


Ancient fruit basket dug up near Athens

ATHENS -- A scientific dig has uncovered four pomegranates believed to be 2,500 years old preserved inside a woven basket nestled inside a bronze vessel, a Greek archeologist said yesterday.


Space launch gets Transport Canada go-ahead

SASKATOON -- Transport Canada approved yesterday an application for a suborbital space launch by a Canadian team competing in an international race to put civilians into space.


Ichiro as exciting as they come

This record is for all the little guys, for all the players who have to leg out every hit instead of taking a relaxing trot around the bases, for all the batters whose muscles aren #39;t


Charging Els moves to the top

Wild weather seems to bring out the best in Ernie Els, who was both steady and spectacular yesterday in a cool rain, warm sunshine, and blustery conditions for an 8-under


Angels skunk A #39;s, are 1 win from West title

OAKLAND - The weekend showdown and pitching matchups were perfect for a season-ending billing, but the unheralded stars Friday night became even more amazing for pennant-drive stories.


Sadly for Yanks, no rest for weary

Instead of resembling the Yankees #39; best pitcher of the second half, Orlando Hernandez on Friday looked more like someone desperately fighting a weak shoulder.


Indians finishing like they started

MINNEAPOLIS -- It was  #39; #39;Scott Elarton Continued Employment Night #39; #39; at the Metrodome yesterday, as the elongated right-hander made a final bid for a spot on the Indians #39; roster for 2005.


Turkey, Iraq on agenda for informal Chirac-Schroeder summit

French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder were to meet Friday in the eastern French city of Strasbourg for informal talks focused on Turkey #39;s bid to join the EU and Iraq.


India, Pakistan to discuss troop pullback from Kashmir glacier

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan will hold talks on the withdrawal of troops from a glacier in disputed Kashmir known as the world #39;s highest battlefield, a defence official said Wednesday.


Natwar rubishes NDA #39;s Pak claims

LONDON: External Affairs minister K Natwar Singh has dismissed reports that India and Pakistan have finally done a deal on troop withdrawal from the world #39;s highest battlefield, the frigid Siachen glacier, even as he offered unlikely praise for Pakistan


Other drivers feeling left out

TALLADEGA, Ala. - Friday #39;s qualifying session at Talladega Superspeedway was a big day for the other guys -hose Nextel Cup drivers who aren #39;t among the elite 10 in the Chase to the Championship.


Four Commit Suicide in Australia Child Porn Case (Reuters)

Reuters - Four Australian men have committed\suicide after being caught up in an investigation into child\Internet pornography that has resulted in more than 200\arrested and charged for 2,000 offences, police said on\Saturday.


Blair Back Home After Successful Operation (AP)

AP - Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived home Friday after a successful operation to correct an irregular heartbeat, and doctors expected him to make a "rapid and complete recovery" with a very low risk of recurrence.


Report: Militants Demand Cleric's Release (AP)

AP - A militant group claiming to have kidnapped two Indonesian women demanded Jakarta free a Muslim cleric accused of heading an al-Qaida-linked group, the Arab news station Al-Jazeera reported Saturday. But the cleric said he wanted no such thing.


Oil closes above \$50 for first time

NEW YORK - Oil prices closed above \$50 a barrel for the first time in New York trading Friday, as traders fretted about Nigerian oil production amid a threatened rebel uprising.


Schwarz out of the race

nother stage victory for race leader Petter Solberg, his fifth since the start of the rally. The Subaru driver is not pulling away at a fast pace from Gronholm and Loeb but the gap is nonetheless increasing steadily.


U. runs away with it

Playing with an intensity born of embarrassment last season, the No. 14 Utes turned New Mexico into a threadbare red carpet at University Stadium on Friday night, running over the Lobos


78-year-old on trial in Pitcairn

A 78-year-old man has became the latest to face sex abuse allegations on the remote British Pacific colony of Pitcairn Island, founded more than 200 years ago by mutineers.


Microsoft defence enters day two

A European judge will hear arguments on Friday on whether Microsoft should be forced to remove its music and video player from its Windows system.


17 people killed in explosions in India

In India, at least 17 people have been killed and up to 55 wounded in four explosions in the country #39;s troubled northeast. Police say three blasts occurred in Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland state, killing 16 people.


Nigeria reaches cease-fire with rebels

The Nigerian government has signed a cease-fire with three rebel groups that had been targeting foreign oil companies and their workers in the Niger Delta region, government officials said Friday.


Captors of Indonesians want cleric freed

A group claiming to have captured two Indonesian women in Iraq has said it will release them if Jakarta frees Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir being held for alleged terrorist links.


Chirac Wants French Referendum on Turkey #39;s EU Bid (Update1)

French President Jacques Chirac wants to change his country #39;s constitution to allow for a referendum on Turkey #39;s bid to join the European Union.


Hotels lock employees out

As the chants of striking union workers filtered up to the hospitality room of the Hyatt Regency today, general managers of hotels represented by the San Francisco Multi-Employer Group announced that they had locked out UNITE HERE Local 2 employees from


Dollar slides to a new euro low

The dollar creeps to a new low against the euro in early European trade, after hitting a 12-year low against sterling.


Tribe forced to watch a Koskie Show rerun

Minneapolis- The rest of baseball is hitting .330 against Terry Mulholland this season. The Indians do not know how that is possible.


Honors for Nude Lit, Fish Farts

Recipients of this year's Ig Nobel Prizes, which honor the best in oddball research, run the gamut from a nudist library to a psychology experiment featuring a man in a gorilla suit to a recent finding that herrings communicate by farting. By Mark Baard.


SpaceShipOne: Monday Launch Is On

Satisfied that his spaceplane is sound despite a series of unexpected rolls during Wednesday's flight, Burt Rutan will send SpaceShipOne aloft as scheduled to try to capture the \$10 million X Prize. By Dan Brekke.


Canada Still Has Eyes on X Prize

Toronto's da Vinci Project says it has the go-ahead from the Canadian government for a manned space launch. Question is, can the crew catch up to Burt Ratan's SpaceShipOne, which is halfway to winning the \$10 million jackpot? By Dan Brekke.


Cybersecurity Chief Takes a Hike

The director of Homeland Security's National Cyber Security Division quits, giving one day's notice. His resignation comes during a push by the tech industry and several lawmakers to make cybersecurity a higher priority.


U.S., Iraqis Battle Resistance in Samarra (AP)

AP - Sporadic gunfire echoed through this Sunni Muslim stronghold Saturday as U.S. and Iraqi forces battled pockets of resistance a day after the start of what appeared to be the first major push to regain control of a string of cities before elections in January.


Two killed in attempt to bomb campaign office of Afghan president (AFP)

AFP - Two men were killed when a bomb exploded as they were planting it outside a regional electoral campaign office of Afghanistan's US-backed President Hamid Karzai, an official said.


Four Suicides Linked to Child Porn Probe (AP)

AP - The government will press on with a child pornography crackdown despite the suicides of four people being investigated in the operation, an official said Saturday.


U.S.-Led Forces Tighten Hold on Iraq Rebel Town

SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. and Iraqi forces tightened  their grip on Samarra Saturday, pressing on with one of the  largest offensives since the fall of Saddam Hussein to try to  regain control of the rebel stronghold.


Israel Kills 7 Militants in Massive Gaza Offensive

GAZA (Reuters) - The Israeli army killed seven militants in  and around the northern Gaza Strip Saturday, raising the  Palestinian death toll to 45 in one of the biggest and  bloodiest offensives in four years of conflict.


Israel Presses on With Gaza Offensive

JEBALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip - More troops poured into the Gaza Strip on Saturday as Israel expanded its offensive to counter Palestinian rocket fire, one of the largest incursions in four years of fighting. Seven Palestinians were killed in new clashes, including four who cut through Gaza's border fence...


U.S., Iraqis Battle Resistance in Samarra

SAMARRA, Iraq - Sporadic gunfire echoed through this Sunni Muslim stronghold Saturday as U.S. and Iraqi forces battled pockets of resistance a day after the start of what appeared to be the first major push to regain control of a string of cities before elections in January...


SAKS FIFTH AVENUE CLOSING

Saks Fifth Avenue, Carmel Plaza #39;s retail anchor for nearly two decades, will close in January, the company announced Friday. Shoppers who fancy the high-end store that boasts such brands


#39;Fable #39; weaves fun fantasy adventure

When Peter Molyneux designs a game, players take notice. Referred to by many in the video game industry as a man with a Midas touch, this soft-spoken British game maker


AL notebook: Angels, Guillen reach resolution on grievance

Outfielder Jose Guillen and the Anaheim Angels reached a financial settlement yesterday to resolve the grievance filed after the team recently suspended him without pay for the rest of the season.


Memphis Signs Gasol to Multi-Year Deal (AP)

AP - Pau Gasol has been in the NBA for three seasons. That's been long enough for the 7-foot Spaniard to realize he wants to keep working with Jerry West and Hubie Brown.


Hostage brother hits out over police raid

THE brother of Iraq hostage Ken Bigley hit out at police today after officers investigating the kidnapping raided his home. Paul Bigley said the raid had made him feel like a criminal and had wasted time in the race to save his brothers life.


Ichiro's New Hit Record Stokes Japanese Pride (Reuters)

Reuters - Japanese school children and grown up\fans cheered Ichiro Suzuki when he set a new major league\baseball record for hits in a single season, a milestone that\drew personal congratulations from Japan's prime minister.


Canas Advances to Shanghai Open Final (AP)

AP - Guillermo Canas booked his third finals appearance of the season with a 6-1, 6-2 victory Saturday over Jiri Novak at the Shanghai Open.


Ichiro's New Hit Record Stokes Japanese Pride

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese school children and grown up  fans cheered Ichiro Suzuki when he set a new major league  baseball record for hits in a single season, a milestone that  drew personal congratulations from Japan's prime minister.


Gates opens up

Microsoft #39;s Bill Gates barnstormed the Bay Area on Friday, making three public appearances to discuss the future of technology and his own philanthropic efforts.


Greek archaeologists find 2,500-year-old pomegranates preserved in <b>...</b>

A scientific dig has uncovered four pomegranates believed to be 2,500 years old preserved inside a woven basket nestled in a bronze vessel, a Greek archaeologist said Friday.


FilePlanet Daily Download

Valve #39;s Gabe has sent some fresh info to fan site HL Fallout in which he reveals the various Half-Life 2 retail and Steam packages that will be available to the public once Half-life 2 actually goes on sale.


WHY DO ARSENAL PLAYERS PICK ON LAUREN?

PATRICK VIEIRA insists his bust-up with Lauren will not damage Arsenal #39;s Premiership title challenge and maintains there is no dressing-room split at Highbury.


A #39;s are down Angels take opener, lead in the West

One member of the Big Three is done for the regular season, with Mark Mulder #39;s nightmarish second half ending in a whimper, his night over after a ragged second inning.


Nemechek wins Bud Pole at Talladega

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Joe Nemechek took his first Bud Pole of the year and his third at Talladega Superspeedway Friday, turning a top speed of 190.


EDITORIAL: IAEA cannot request access to Dr AQ Khan

Pakistans decision to refuse the International Atomic Energy Agency to have direct access to Dr AQ Khan is correct on both legal and political counts.


Headless bodies of policemen found

AUTHORITIES found the decapitated bodies of three policemen as sporadic gunfire killed at least one civilian in Haitis capital on the second day of violent protests staged by followers of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.


Blair's Exit Strategy Sparks Succession Fever

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair was  back at work Saturday after successful heart surgery but his  vow to hold on to power for five more years has sparked fevered  speculation about who might succeed him and when.


America #39;s richest man talks tech at UC Berkeley

The United States must  quot;rededicate quot; itself to the strength of its universities if the nation is to maintain its place as a world leader in technology and innovation, Microsoft Corp.


Afghan Campaign Picks Up as Karzai Heads to Berlin

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai's main  opponent in a landmark election took center stage on Saturday,  while the incumbent, almost invisible during the campaign amid  security concerns, prepared to go to Germany to receive an  award.


Half-Life 2 date is 26th November

EUROGAMER is reporting that Vivendi has informed its retail partners this week of the release dates for the long-awaited Half-Life 2, putting to bed speculation that the court case currently ongoing between Vivendi and Valve would delay the games release


At peace with Microsoft, Sun chief whips off the gloves over Red <b>...</b>

Sun Microsystems Inc. #39;s combative chief executive, Scott McNealy, fresh from resolving his long-running quarrel with archrival Microsoft Corp.


Congratulations Ichiro!

Ichiro #39;s 3-for-5 night at the plate versus Texas on Friday gave those in attendance at Safeco Field a night they will never forget, as the Mariners #39; right fielder set a new single-season hits record with 259.


Weather Doesn #39;t Impede Els

Playing some of his best golf in the worst conditions, Els breezed through a wacky day of weather at the American Express Championship in Thomastown, Ireland by starting with four straight birdies and finishing with an 8-under-par 64, giving him a two


TRIPLE SUCCESS FOR SOLBERG

Petter Solberg strengthened his grip on the Italian Rally this morning with three consecutive stage wins. The world champion held a half-minute overnight advantage from Marcus Gronholm but fastest times on


EU Report 'Extremely Critical' of Turkey-Verheugen

BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Commission will be  "extremely critical" of Turkey's reform efforts in a report  next week, but that will not stop EU leaders agreeing to open  membership talks with Ankara, EU officials said Saturday.


Update 1: Enron Corp. #39;s CFO Resigns; Succesor Named

The man who became Enron Corp. #39;s chief financial officer only a month after the energy giant declared bankruptcy has resigned.


Federer stretched to the limit in win over Paradorn

World number one Roger Federer was stretched to the limit by fourth-seeded Thai Paradorn Srichaphan before edging a 7-5 2-6 6-3 victory in the Thailand Open semi-finals on Saturday.


Sharapova Storms Into Semifinals

Even the chilly weather couldnt cool down Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova as she reached the semifinals of the Hansol Korea Open yesterday in Seoul in convincing fashion.


Blair op sparks row in his party

British Prime Minister Tony Blair was recovering Saturday after successfully undergoing treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat -- but speculation about who will succeed him raged in his party.


Blasts kill 20 in northeast India

A series of bomb blasts have killed 20 people and wounded more than 50 in northeastern India. This is the deadliest attack since a ceasefire with the main separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


AL Wrap: Angels Thump Athletics to Near Playoffs

OAKLAND, Calif. (Reuters) - Bartolo Colon pitched seven  shutout innings and Alfredo Amezaga hit a grand slam home run  as the Anaheim Angels trounced the Oakland Athletics 10-0 in  their American League West showdown series opener Friday.


NL Wrap: Rueter Sharp as Giants Stay in Race

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Kirk Rueter allowed just three hits  over seven innings and J.T. Snow homered as the San Francisco  Giants scored a crucial 4-2 win over Los Angeles in National  League play at Dodger Stadium Friday.


Houston Astros Hold on to NL Wild Card Lead

HOUSTON (Reuters) - The streaking Houston Astros used seven  pitchers and a Jeff Bagwell home run to beat the Colorado  Rockies 4-2 Friday to hold on to their lead in the National  League wild card race.


What If Supercomputers Ruled The

Ever since computer giant IBM announced earlier this week that they had developed the world #39;s fastest computer, the whole nation seems to be abuzz about supercomputers.


Dominant Solberg extends Rally of Italy lead

World champion Petter Solberg extended his Rally of Italy lead to almost a minute after winning the first three stages on Saturday.


South Korea Tightens Security Following New Al-Qaida Threat

South Korea has tightened security at home and overseas after a new threat by the al-Qaida terrorist network against countries supporting the US-led coalition in Iraq.


Chirac criticises interference in Iraq hostages release <b>...</b>

PARIS - French President Jacques Chirac has lashed out at a private initiative to secure the release of two French hostages in Iraq as interference and said he hoped it would not thwart the delicate process, aides said Saturday.


Iraqi Kidnappers Demand Release of Militant Indonesian Cleric

Kidnappers holding two Indonesian women hostages in Iraq are demanding the release of a militant cleric accused of leading a terrorist group in Southeast Asia.


Italians Divided After Return of  #39;Simonas #39;

For three weeks, Italians across the country marched, held vigils and lit candles, and politicians united to promote freedom for a pair of humanitarian aid workers held captive in Iraq.


Blair's Exit Strategy Sparks Succession Fever (Reuters)

Reuters - British Prime Minister Tony Blair was\back at work Saturday after successful heart surgery but his\vow to hold on to power for five more years has sparked fevered\speculation about who might succeed him and when.


McGrath and Langer shine in drawn India tour opener (AFP)

AFP - Glenn McGrath scalped four wickets and Justin Langer hit a century here to lead Australia's preparations for next week's Test series against India.


U.S.-Led Forces Tighten Hold on Rebel Iraqi City

SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. and Iraqi forces tightened  their grip on Samarra Saturday, pushing ahead with one of the  largest offensives since the fall of Saddam Hussein to try to  regain control of the rebel stronghold.


Rioting in Pakistani Town as Blast Victims Buried

SIALKOT, Pakistan (Reuters) - Angry Shi'ite Muslims set  vehicles and the mayor's office on fire in Pakistan's eastern  city of Sialkot Saturday after a funeral procession to bury  victims of a suicide bomb attack that killed 30 people.


Israel Expands Offensive in Gaza Strip

JEBALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip - More troops poured into the Gaza Strip on Saturday as Israel expanded its offensive to counter Palestinian rocket fire, one of the largest incursions in four years of fighting. Seven Palestinians were killed in new clashes, including four who cut through Gaza's border fence...


The Angels maul Mark Mulder, and the punchless A #39;s fall one game <b>...</b>

Bee Staff Writer. Or else, their run of four consecutive playoff appearances would end with a whimper and plenty of regrets. The A #39;s face that reality because Mark Mulder #39;s mysterious downfall


Wal-Mart Says Sept. Sales Up 2.3 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc.  on\Saturday said sales at stores open at least a year rose 2.3\percent, according to its preliminary tally, helped by sales of\bedding, electronics, food and pet supplies.


Enron Finance Chief Quits

The man who became Enron Corporations chief financial officer only a month after the energy giant declared bankruptcy has resigned.


Hatch #39;s bill for tuition breaks for undocumented immigrants <b>...</b>

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has inserted his  quot;DREAM Act quot; into the budget authorization for the Justice Department, bypassing opposition from Republican leaders who have refused


Reaction furious to EPA report

WASHINGTON -- An Environmental Protection Agency report charging that the agency undermined its own lawsuits against air polluters by changing key regulations was praised Friday by environmentalists and condemned by industry groups and the EPA itself.


Bigley #39;s kidnappers may trade hostage for cash

The terrorists holding Ken Bigley hostage in Iraq could be prepared to barter their captive for a ransom, it emerged last night. The Islamic militant leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has decided that Mr Bigley


Wal-Mart Says Sept. Sales Up 2.3 Percent

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N on  Saturday said sales at stores open at least a year rose 2.3  percent, according to its preliminary tally, helped by sales of  bedding, electronics, food and pet supplies.


What did Fannie Mae #39;s leader know?

Corporate spin can be a powerful thing. Just ask Fannie Mae #39;s investors. They spent the last year hearing the mortgage giant #39;s chief executive Franklin D. Raines continually


SpaceShipOne to launch again Monday

com October 1, 2004, 11:39 AM PT. With the economy slowly turning up, upgrading hardware has been on businesses radar in the past 12 months as their number two priority.


Eriksson Spoilt for Choice

Sven-Goran Eriksson is relishing the selection dilemma posed by the long-awaited return of Rio Ferdinand to the England squad ahead of next weekends World Cup qualifier against Wales.


Internet Video Shows Militant Beheading Iraqi

DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iraqi Islamist group beheaded an Iraqi  contractor it said was working for U.S. forces, a video on an  Islamist Web site showed Saturday.


Bomb Blasts Kill 20 in India's Nagaland

GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A series of bomb blasts killed  at least 20 people in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland  Saturday in the deadliest attack since a cease-fire with the  main Naga separatist group began seven years ago.


Hamas pledges new rocket attacks

Hamas militants say there will be no let-up in efforts to fire missiles at Israel, despite a major Israeli military operation.


U.S., Iraqis Battle Resistance in Samarra

SAMARRA, Iraq - Sporadic gunfire echoed through this Sunni Muslim stronghold Saturday as U.S. and Iraqi forces battled pockets of resistance a day after launching what appeared to be the first major push to regain control of a string of cities before elections in January...


Utah Woman's Body Found in Landfill

SALT LAKE CITY - The body of a young Utah woman allegedly killed by her husband has turned up in a landfill that police had been searching since her disappearance in late July. The state medical examiner's office used dental records to identify Lori Hacking's remains about six hours after they were discovered Friday...


Iraqis Blame U.S. for Massacre of Children

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Families of the 35 children who died in a string of bombings in Baghdad blamed American troops for the tragedy, accusing them of attracting insurgents to a ceremony where the attacks occurred.    By Friday, tents had sprung up in the el-Amel neighborhood in Baghdad to accommodate mourners who gathered to share their grief from the Thursday attack...


MLB: Suzuki Breaks Most Base Hits Record

The Seattle Mariners #39; Ichiro Suzuki has broken one of baseball #39;s oldest hitting records - most base hits in a season, set 84 years ago by Hall of Famer George Sisler.


Eriksson fears for Owen

Michael Owen, whose summer move to Real Madrid is rapidly turning into a nightmare, has been warned by national coach Sven Goran Eriksson his England place could be under threat.


Gibernau wins Qatar MotoGP after Rossi controversy

Spaniard Sete Gibernau won a controversial inaugural Qatar MotoGP on Saturday which began with multiple world champions Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi being relegated to the back of the grid.


Kyoto protocol comes in from the cold

The Russian government has approved the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, which sets formal targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and sent it to the country #39;s parliament for ratification.


Strong African Union force needed in Darfur

UN officials in Sudan said Friday that they hope an expanded AU force will be deployed in Darfur by the end of the month, after Sudan #39;s foreign minister agreed to allow in 3,500 forces.


Musharraf elevates ISI Chief, Karachi Commander to top posts

Islamabad, Oct. 2. (PTI): Consolidating his hold on the military, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today appointed Chief of the country #39;s powerful spy agency, ISI, Gen Ahsanul Haq, as Chairman of the Joint


Voting Begins In Bosnian Local Elections

2 October 2004 -- Bosnians began voting today in the country #39;s first locally organized local elections since the 1992-95 war. Around 2.3 million voters are eligible to elect local councils and mayors in 142 municipalities.


Federer to Meet Roddick in Thai Final

BANGKOK (Reuters) - World No. 1 Roger Federer will meet  second seed Andy Roddick in the final of the Thailand Open  after both claimed three-set victories Saturday.


Wal-Mart's Sept. Sales Up 2.3 Percent

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N on  Saturday said sales at stores open at least a year rose 2.3  percent for September, near the low end of expectations,  according to its preliminary tally.


Enron #39;s CFO steps down

HOUSTON The man who became Enron #39;s chief financial officer a month after the energy giant declared bankruptcy has resigned. An Enron spokeswoman says Raymond Bowen will pursue other professional opportunities.


MOTOGP NEWS Gibernau wins dramatic Qatar GP, Rossi falls.

Sete Gibernau has led a Telefonica Honda one-two in a dramatic first ever Qatar Grand Prix, which also saw Ruben Xaus take his first ever MotoGP podium and world championship leader Valentino Rossi crash out after a determined charge from the back of the


Musharraf elevates ISI chief to top post

Consolidating his hold on the military, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday appointed chief of the country #39;s powerful spy agency ISI General Ahsanul Haq as chairman of the joint chiefs of military staff after promoting him to the rank of four


Taliban Threaten to Attack Karzai Inauguration

KABUL (Reuters) - The Taliban threatened Monday to launch  attacks during the swearing in of Afghan President Hamid Karzai  while the U.S. military said every precaution was being taken  to protect a ceremony to be attended by top U.S. officials.


Quick-thinking driver helps cops save the day

Nashville - Thanks to a quick-thinking robbery victim and his camera-equipped cellphone, police had a photo of the suspect and tracked him down in 10 minutes, police said.


CA to name CEO in 30 to 45 days

OCTOBER 01, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Computer Associates International Inc. expects to fill its CEO vacancy within the next 30 to 45 days, the company said today.


MacCentral Week in Review

First of all, I #39;d like to thank the dozens of newsletter subscribers who took the time to respond to last week #39;s editorial,  quot;The Real World, quot; in which I talked about my son #39;s school #39;s decision to switch from Macs to PCs.


Federer moves to Thailand Open final

Top ranked Roger Federer shrugged off a strong challenge by local hero Paradorn Srichaphan to take a 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 win Saturday and set up a Thailand Open final showdown with Andy Roddick.


City spurn chances in draw

London - Manchester City wasted numerous chances to score on Saturday as Southampton held them to a 0-0 draw in the Premier League.


Owen #39;s Real benchtime has Eriksson worried

London - Michael Owen, whose summer move to Real Madrid is rapidly turning into a nightmare, has been warned by national coach Sven Goran Eriksson that his England place could be under threat.


Motor Cycling: Gibernau wins in Qatar as Rossi crashes out

LOSAIL, Qatar : Spain #39;s Sete Gibernau won a dramatic Qatar Grand Prix to throw the world title race wide open after defending world champion Valentino Rossi crashed out.


Sharapova advances to Korea Open final

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova flattened Anne Kremer of Luxembourg 6-0, 6-2 on Saturday and cruised into the Korea Open final.


Bombings kill 28 in north-east

Bomb blasts killed at least 28 people and wounded 87 in north-eastern India yesterday in the deadliest attack since a ceasefire with the main separatist group in Nagaland began seven years ago.


Syria, Lebanon yet to fulfill UN demands: Report

United Nations, Oct 2 (PTI) Syria has failed to pull out troops from Lebanon despite a demand by UN Security Council while Lebanon has not met the requirement that it disarm all militias, including Hizbollah guerrillas, according to a new United Nations


Wildlife conference starts as battle lines drawn

A major wildlife conference started yesterday in Bangkok bringing together 166 nations to scrutinise trade in some of the world #39;s rarest species amid promises of greater action to fight smuggling.


U.S.-Led Forces Widen Control in Rebel Iraqi City

SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. and Iraqi forces tightened  their grip on the rebel stronghold of Samarra on Saturday with  one of the largest offensives since the fall of Saddam Hussein.


DeLay's Push Helps Deliver NASA Funds (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Without a separate vote or even a debate, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) has managed to deliver to a delighted NASA enough money to forge ahead on a plan that would reshape U.S. space policy for decades to come.


N.Korea Says South Has Nuclear Arms, Rejects Talks

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea Saturday dashed the South's  hope of quickly resuming bilateral talks between the two old  Cold War enemies, declaring there is no hope for progress  unless South Korea's nuclear experiments are fully  investigated.


Virgin Making Mark Among Mobile Services

NEW YORK (Reuters) - When Virgin Group VA.UL Chairman  Richard Branson put his brand on a U.S. mobile telephone  service two years ago, there appeared to be scant space for  newcomers to the crowded market.


Rhinemaidens Turn Bungee Jumpers

In the Lyric Opera of Chicago's reprise of Wagner's "Ring" Cycle, gymnasts dangle, flutter and lip-sync.


Hits Record Is Ichiro's 'Best Moment'

SEATTLE - The 258th hit in 2004 for Ichiro Suzuki was like so many others, a little ground ball up the middle. Only this one made history - a hit cheered 'round the world...


IBM Wins Big Contract from Lloyds (Reuters)

Reuters - IBM has signed a seven-year,  #36;969.2\million contract with British bank Lloyds TSB to supply it with\Internet telephony and data services, IBM said on Monday.


Cost Conundrum Holds Up Diesel Hybrid Cars

A car that can go 80 miles on a gallon of renewable fuel such as soy and canola would seem like an ideal solution to oil prices bumping around historic highs of \$50 a barrel.


Perry Says Sweeping Reforms In Store For CPS

Gov. Rick Perry told the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute Friday that it is the responsibility of a conservative and compassionate government to protect the most vulnerable in society.


Google Challenge: Keeping Wealthy Workers

As Google Inc. (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) nears the end of its first quarter as a public company, industry watchers say one of its emerging challenges is


NASA Delays Shuttle Flight Set for Spring

HOUSTON, Oct. 1 -- NASA decided Friday to delay the spring 2005 launch of the first shuttle flight since Columbia disintegrated, citing hurricane damage and more work needed to implement safety recommendations.


Clarke sets early pace with third-round 65

Britain #39;s Darren Clarke reeled off eight birdies in a seven-under-par 65 to surge up the leaderboard in the WGC-American Express Championship third round on Saturday.


Canas tops Novak in Shanghai semis

Shanghai, China (Sports Network) - Third-seeded Argentine Guillermo Canas recorded an easy straight-set win over second-seeded Czech Jiri Novak in Saturday #39;s semifinals at the \$380,000 Heineken Open Shanghai.


US-Led Forces Widen Control in Rebel Iraqi City

US and Iraqi forces tightened their grip on the rebel stronghold of Samarra on Saturday with one of the largest offensives since the fall of Saddam Hussein.


New pension law makes life tougher for old-timers

A smashing blow is being dealt to thousands of future pensioners by a law that has just been brought into force by the Federal Government.


Oil, Profit Reports to Weigh on Stocks (Reuters)

Reuters - A new reporting period for company\earnings kicks into gear next week, giving investors a bit of\hard data to chew on, and markets could be volatile if the\price of crude oil stays north of  #36;50 a barrel.


Google Challenge: Keeping Wealthy Workers (Reuters)

Reuters - As Google Inc.   nears\the end of its first quarter as a public company, industry\watchers say one of its emerging challenges is how to keep\soon-to-be wealthy workers from cashing out and moving on.


IMF policymakers open annual meeting under heavy security

WASHINGTON, Oct 2 (AFP) - IMF policymakers, gathering under heavy police guard, went behind closed doors here Saturday to assess near-term global economic prospects threatened by rising oil prices.


NASA Forced To Delay Shuttle Launch

The launch of the first Space Shuttle since the Columbia disaster has been delayed because of the impact of hurricane damage and the implementation of new safety measures.


Manchester United v Middlesbrough

Gareth Southgate fears another Boro backs-to-the-wall display on Sunday -whether Wayne Rooney lines up against them or not. After a battling performance against Czech champions Banik Ostrava on Thursday to


Cleveland Indians Team Report - October 2

(Sports Network) - The Cleveland Indians will continue with the second test of a regular season-ending three-game set against the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome.


Briton Sheds More Light on Guantanamo Hell

A British detainee said he has been abused in Guantanamo, adding he witnessed the deaths of two other detainees at the hands of US military personnel, according to a letter sent to his lawyers.


Druse leader criticizes Lahoud #39;s extended term

A Lebanese opposition leader on Saturday renewed his criticism of pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud #39;s extended term, a day after a close supporter was wounded in a car bombing regarded as a warning not to upset Lebanon #39;s Damascus-backed establishment.


Study Reveals 'Demographic Catastrophe' in Darfur (Reuters)

Reuters - Researchers called the situation in\Darfur a "demographic catastrophe" on Friday after the first\scientific study done in the region found high death rates both\before and after the displacement of some 1.5 million people.


Three in London court appearance on terrorism charges (AFP)

AFP - Three men charged under Britain's anti-terrorism laws on suspicion of seeking to obtain radioactive material to make a nuclear device made a brief first appearance Saturday before a London court.


Iran Revises Constitution to Allow Privatisations

By Amir Paivar  TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran Saturday overturned a key plank of the  constitution to allow large-scale privatizations in a bid to  overhaul the lumbering economy, over which many hard-line  parliamentarians have been trying to maintain state dominance.


New NASA Spacecraft Moves One Step Closer to Fall Launch

NASA -- NASA is planning to launch the Demonstration of Autonomous Rendezvous Technology (DART) flight demonstrator no earlier than Oct. 26, 2004, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif...


Evidence Shaky for Sun's Major Role in Past Climate Changes

National Center for Atmospheric Research -- Computer models of Earth's climate have consistently linked long-term, high-magnitude variations in solar output to past climate changes.     Now a closer look at earlier studies of the Sun casts doubt on evidence of such cycles of brightness, their intensity and their possible influence on Earth's climate...


Space Shuttle's Spring 2005 Launch Date Delayed

By PAM EASTON    HOUSTON (AP) -- The first shuttle flight since the Columbia tragedy has been pushed back by NASA because hurricane damage and implementation of new safety measures made a spring 2005 launch "no longer achievable."    March or April had been the tentative date selected by NASA's spaceflight council, which announced the delay Friday.    The council, in Houston to discuss the Oct...


Pinhole Camera to Image New Worlds

A University of Colorado study has embarked on demonstrating that new planets can be found with the help of an orbiting starshade. The method has been compared to building a giant pinhole camera in space.


Bombings, Gun Attacks in India Kill 44

GAUHATI, India - A spate of bombings and gun attacks in crowded public places killed 44 people Saturday in markets and a railroad station across two states in India's northeast, police said.    In all, nine attacks took place through the day in Nagaland and Assam states, both of which have faced campaigns by separatist rebels, police officials in the two states told The Associated Press...


NASA Official Sees Role in Space for Private Companies

The head of the US space agency, NASA, says private enterprise will play an important role in space in the future. While visiting California, NASA administrator Sean O #39;Keefe watched the launch of the privately


Seattle Mariners Team Report - October 2

(Sports Network) - Ichiro Suzuki will try to add to his new single-season hits record, as he takes the field for the Seattle Mariners in the middle test of a season-ending three-game series against the visiting Texas Rangers.


Roddick vs. Federer in Thailand Open final

Roger Federer and Andy Roddick pulled out three-set victories Saturday to set up a No. 1 vs. No. 2 final at the Thailand Open. Top-ranked Federer got past Thai star Paradorn Srichaphan 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 in the


Sharapova advances to Korea Open final

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova routed Anne Kremer of Luxembourg 6-0, 6-2 Saturday to advance to the Korea Open final. The top-seeded Sharapova will play for the title Sunday against Poland #39;s Marta Domachowska


Hundreds in Pakistan protest at funeral

A funeral for 30 victims of a mosque bombing in Sialkot, Pakistan, became violent Saturday, with protesters setting fire to several government buildings.


Twenty dead from India bomb blasts

At least 20 people were killed in three bomb blasts Saturday in northeastern India, CNN reported. Besides the 20 dead, about 65 people were injured in the explosions, one of


Labor trails in marginals

LABOR has failed to make inroads in Coalition marginal seats, casting doubt on its chances of winning Saturday #39;s election. An exclusive Newspoll shows the Coalition hanging on to its lead in the seats Mark Latham must win.


Some 200,000 rally against Dutch austerity measures (AFP)

AFP - Some 200,000 people rallied in Amsterdam against the govenrment's controversial austerity and reform measures in the city's biggest demonstration in two decades.


Stocks Rise; Nasdaq, S amp;P at 3-Month Highs

Stocks rose sharply on Friday in heavy trading as software company PeopleSoft Inc. and chip-related stocks boosted the Nasdaq and Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 indexes to their highest closes in about three months.


OSIA Dismisses Gartner Linux Piracy Claim

The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way. There should be an MS tax, no there shouldn #39;t... (Score:2, Insightful). OK, colour me not


Three remanded on terror charges

Three men have appeared in court charged with terrorism offences after a newspaper tip-off alleging the suspects tried to buy explosives for a  quot;dirty bomb quot;.


Will historic flight launch space tourism?

MOJAVE, Calif.--As the sun cracked the ragged horizon of the Mojave Desert on Wednesday, the White Knight aircraft taxied onto the runway looking like a gigantic model glider with an oversize torpedo latched to its belly.


Baseball: Economics and the Playoffs

Description: NPR #39;s Robert Siegel talks with our regular sports commentator Stefan Fatsis of The Wall Street Journal about Major League baseball.


Suzuki sets record but would rather have playoff spot Anaheim #39;s <b>...</b>

(CP) - Ichiro Suzuki has the single-season hits record, but he #39;d much rather have the playoff spot Bartolo Colon and the Anaheim Angels are one game closer to securing.


Kirk Rueter picthes 7 strong innings, and the Giants trim their <b>...</b>

Bee Staff Writer. LOS ANGELES - One down, two or three to go - that #39;s the Giants #39; mantra after they successfully took their first step of a weekend mission at Dodger Stadium.


Bayern, Bremen Lift Euro Hopes Ahead of Clash

Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen both recorded European Champions League wins in mid-week to add spice to an already mouthwatering Bundesliga match this Saturday.


49 killed in serial blasts in Assam, Nagaland

A series of bomb blasts and militant attacks in Nagaland and Assam have killed at least 49 people today. In Assam, there have been several explosions and attacks all through the day, killing 26 people.


IBM Reclaims Supercomputing Crown from NEC

IBM has reclaimed the title of world #39;s fastest supercomputer, overtaking a Japanese computer that shocked the US government when it set a computing speed record in 2002.


CO KNOWS IT WON #39;T BE EASY

AZ Alkmaar coach Co Adriaanse knows his team have their work cut out to stay among the Eredivisie pace-setters ahead of Sunday #39;s visit of champions Ajax.


OS Competition Is Good for IT (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - The competition between open-source and proprietary software promises to be the most significant force in IT over the next decade.


NEC Blade Server Bundles Linux (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - NEC Solutions America is shipping a version of its blade server bundled with a fault-tolerant version of Linux.


Bush Hits Kerry on U.S. Needing 'Global Test' (Reuters)

Reuters - President Bush said on Saturday\Democrat John Kerry's debate remark that U.S. preemptive\military action should be subject to a "global test" would give\other nations a veto over American national security decisions.


Body dug up in Kenya rape probe

The body of a teenage Kenyan girl, whose parents say she was raped by British soldiers, is exhumed.


Football: Arsenal thrash Charlton

Thierry Henry scores twice as Arsenal thrash Charlton and go five points clear in the Premiership.


Officials Far Apart on Iraq Debt Relief

WASHINGTON - The world's major economic powers were far apart Saturday on agreeing how to provide debt relief for Iraq and the poorest nations, as finance officials began broader discussions about the global economy.    Treasury Secretary John Snow and Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan led the U.S...


Smoking Spurs Snoring

By Serena Gordon, HealthDay Reporter    Even passive smoke can make you a nocturnal noisemaker, study finds    HealthDayNews -- Your chances of getting a peaceful night's sleep are better if you don't smoke, or spend time around anyone who does.    That's because smoking -- both active and passive -- makes it more likely you'll snore the night away, according to a study in the October issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine...


Vioxx Users Can Find Safe Alternatives

By E.J. Mundell, HealthDay Reporter    Other drugs on the market offer arthritis relief, experts say    HealthDayNews -- A day after one of the largest drug recalls in history, America's 2 million Vioxx users are left wondering what's next in terms of relieving their arthritis pain...


Right Whales May Be Making a Comeback

By MARY PEMBERTON     ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- North Pacific right whales may not be going extinct after all. Scientists have found twice as many right whales in the Bering Sea as previously spotted, giving them hope the rare whales are making a comeback...


Mount St. Helens -- A Volcanic 'Ring of Fire'

The earthquakes that started a week ago at Mount St. Helens -- precursors to Friday's eruption -- are a reminder that the 8,364-foot sleeping giant is but a part of a volcanic "ring of fire" so vast that it encircles the Pacific Ocean.


Denmark Hopes to Claim the North Pole

By JAN M. OLSEN     COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- Denmark is joining Russia and Canada to see if it can lay a claim to the North Pole - and whatever natural riches may lie beneath it...


CA Partners Rattled Again By Upheaval

Partners of Computer Associates International had their concerns rekindled last week after CA announced layoffs and product changes with little detail.


No. 3 seed will face Burgsmuller for title

SHANGHAI, China -- Guillermo Canas defeated Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-2 Saturday at the Shanghai Open and will play for his third title this season.


Schweinsteiger hits Bayern winner

Substitute midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger pushed Bayern Munich up to third place in the Bundesliga when he scored the decider in a 2-1 victory away to champions Werder Bremen.


***** WNBA Playoff Game Capsules - Friday, October 1st *****

Final Score: Connecticut 61, New York 51 New York, NY (Sports Network) - Nykesha Sales scored 15 points to lead Connecticut to a 61-51 win over New York in Game 1 of their best-of-three Eastern Conference Finals series at Madison Square Garden.


Texas Tech Red Raiders

NORMAN, Oklahoma (Ticker) -- Adrian Peterson hopes to carry over his stellar start to Big 12 Conference action when second-ranked Oklahoma hosts Texas Tech on Saturday.


Steelers LB Bell Remains Out With Injury (AP)

AP - Steelers linebacker Kendrell Bell will miss a fourth consecutive game Sunday because of a sore groin.


Bomb Blasts Kill At Least 26 in Northeastern India

Two bomb blasts minutes apart have killed at least 26 people and wounded at least 86 others in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, home to a long-running separatist conflict.


U.S. Offers Internet Downloads of \$50 Bill

By TED BRIDIS    WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. government will offer over the Internet low-quality images of its new \$50 bill for artists, students and others who discover that their computers, scanners or printers won't allow them to view or copy pictures of the new currency...


Customized Photo-Stamp Experiment Canceled

The U.S. Postal Service has canceled a brief experiment that allowed ordinary people to make postage stamps using images of their dogs, babies and even, it turned out, outlaws such as the Unabomber.


Orange launches delayed 3G service (FT.com)

FT.com - Orange on Monday launched its long-delayed 3G mobile phone services in the UK, and predicted it would sell between 1.5 and 2m branded handsets by the end of 2006.


San Francisco Giants Team Report - October 2

(Sports Network) - The San Francisco Giants not only have wild card apsirations, but they can possibly win the NL West. San Francisco will play the middle contest of a three-game series versus the Los Angeles Dodgers today in southern California.


Yankees manager Torre suspended for one game, fined

New York Yankees manager Joe Torre was suspended for one game and fined by major league baseball Saturday because one of his pitchers threw at a batter after umpire warnings during a game against the Boston Red Sox.


Many Iraqi Children Miss School Over Violence Worry

Millions of Iraqi children were due to start the new school year Saturday, but many stayed at home, their parents too scared to let them venture out amid Iraq #39;s spiraling violence.


China Has No Immediate Plan to Join G7

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China, which for the first time  joined a meeting of top officials from the Group of Seven  countries this week, has no immediate plans to enter the rich  nations' club, its finance minister said on Saturday.


Uncertainty Translates Into Losses

Mutual funds dipped last quarter, but didn't dive. The losses were felt almost across the board, spanning many sectors and virtually every type of diversified fund.


Motor Cycling: Angry Rossi hits out at demotion

LOSAIL, Qatar : World champion Valentino Rossi angrily hit out at race organisers here after he was demoted to the back of the grid for the Qatar Grand Prix.


Merck Pulls Arthritis Drug Off Market

Merck  amp; Co Inc. on Thursday pulled its arthritis drug Vioxx off the market after a study showed it doubled the risk of heart attack and stroke, a move that sent its


Molson #39;s O #39;Neill Promises to Address Options Concerns (Update3)

Molson Inc. Chief Executive Officer Daniel O #39;Neill said he #39;ll provide investors with a positive #39; #39; response to their concerns over the company #39;s plan to let stock- option holders vote on its planned merger with Adolph Coors Co.


Vioxx woes put FDA process under scrutiny

Americans should feel reasonably safe taking government-approved prescription drugs - with a few caveats - even after a popular arthritis medication was pulled from the market, medical experts say.


Nickelback singer eager to play to the game world

Game designers are often called the rock stars of the digital world, but that #39;s a load of hooey. Rock stars are pop gods and they transcend all bounds of genre to find success in the mainstream.


Men #39;s Tennis: Federer Reaches Thailand Open Finals

The world-number-one in men #39;s tennis, Roger Federer of Switzerland, has advanced to the final of the Thailand Open after eliminating local star Paradorn Srichaphan.


Why Conway was shown the door (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - When Craig Conway took charge at PeopleSoft in 1999, the maverick ex-Oracle salesman was given free rein to turn around the software maker's country-club atmosphere and whip it into shape for fierce competition. And, in large part, he succeeded.


Incoming CEO: Father figure Duffield back at the helm (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - If there's a spirit that defines the many quirks and complexities of Pleasanton software company PeopleSoft, it emanates from its founder and once-again chief executive officer, David A. Duffield.


'Don't Let Down Guard,' IMF Chief Warns

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With no major economic crises  brewing, the head of the International Monetary Fund on  Saturday urged world financial leaders to seize the period of  calm as a time to tackle weak spots in their economies.


Officials Far Apart on Iraq Debt Relief

The world's major economic powers were far apart Saturday on agreeing how to provide debt relief for Iraq and the poorest nations, as finance officials began broader discussions about the global economy.


Crunch time on poverty

The annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington later this week should be anything but routine.


.Mac bumps up storage capacity, improves mail

SEPTEMBER 29, 2004 (MACCENTRAL) - Apple Computer Inc. has improved the services offered to subscribers of .Mac. Previously, the amount of storage for a basic .


Spring change slows Cup cars a bit

In yet another step to keep its Nextel Cup teams from getting too creative, NASCAR handed out rear springs Friday to be used in qualifying for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.


Report: Cleric swap for hostages

Arabic-language news channel Al-Jazeera has reported hostage-takers in Iraq are demanding Indonesia #39;s government release Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba #39;asyir in exchange for two female hostages.


Militant Group May Ask for Ransom for British Hostage

The brother of British hostage Ken Bigley said today he was looking into reports that a new Iraqi militant group had intervened to help negotiate the engineers release.


PalmOne's Treo 650: Hybrid Phones Keep Getting Smarter (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - When I showed PalmOne's new Treo 650 to a co-worker who had just bought the Treo 600, my now-jealous colleague paid this new model one of the highest compliments imaginable: a two-word obscenity we can't print.


Angry Shaq on Kobe:  #39;He #39;s a joke ... a clown #39;

O #39;Neal lashed out at his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate again during a photo shoot in Florida.  quot;The guy #39;s a joke, quot; O #39;Neal was quoted as saying in the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel on Friday.


French president, FM slate freelance efforts to free hostages (AFP)

AFP - French President Jacques Chirac has lashed out at a private initiative to secure the release of two French hostages in Iraq as  quot;interference quot; and said he hoped it would not thwart the delicate process, aides said.


Liberals face one-year election anniversary dogged by "promise breakers" label (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - A year ago Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty solemnly pledged to Ontarians in prime-time TV election ads that he would make Ontario a better place - without raising taxes.


New Web site allows salespeople to help solve the puzzle of whom to reach (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - It sounds like a 1999 dot-com spin on eBay: A new San Mateo start-up called Jigsaw says it is launching a platform where users can buy, sell and trade business cards.


Activist Holds Anti-Nader Hunger Strike (AP)

AP - A peace activist who once fasted for 63 days to protest movie violence and war toys is launching another hunger strike to persuade Ralph Nader to abandon his presidential bid.


U.S.-Led Forces Widen Control in Rebel Iraqi City

SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S.-led forces backed by  warplanes tightened their grip on the rebel stronghold of  Samarra Saturday, saying they had killed 125 rebels in one of  the largest offensives since the fall of Saddam Hussein.


Romania Presidential Challenger Stolojan Quits Race

BUCHAREST, Romania (Reuters) - Romania's main opposition  presidential challenger Theodor Stolojan withdrew from the race  citing health reasons Saturday, dealing a severe blow to his  alliance ahead of next month's elections.