Avis Europe is latest to get stung by IT

Avis Europe has scrapped development of a new ERP system because of cost overruns and delays, and will also scale back its overall IT restructuring project.


Fairfax E-Voting Video Speaks Immigrants' Languages

Fairfax County is putting its technology prowess to work for its new immigrants on Election Day.


Ruud #39;s goal: Was it a penalty?

MANCHESTER United brought Arsenal #39;s long, unbeaten run to an end yesterday with a 2-0 win, but controversy rages over whether the Reds #39; first, scored by Ruud van Nistelrooy, was a deserved penalty.


School #39;s out for Sterne

A first win on the European Tour is a notable feat in any golfer #39;s career - but the one by South African Richard Sterne in the Madrid Open deserves special mention.


SECOND LOOKSnapshots from the latest in college football

The boys of Pi Kappa Phi better look out. Mississippi State pulls off the SEC stunner of this Millennium, beating Ron Zook and Florida 38-31.


Is the End Nigh for Opel?

As restructuring talks continue, Opel #39;s works council and US parent company General Motors are considering a possible merger of GM #39;s European subsidiaries.


EU seeks joint asylum policy

European Union ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to discuss a five-year plan for co-ordinating policies on asylum, immigration and cross-border security.


Misdirected Text Message Leads to Teenager #39;s Murder

A 16-year-old French girl was kidnapped, raped and then murdered by a jilted boyfriend she met after accidentally sending a text message to his mobile phone.


SAT Site Crashes

The ability to get SAT scores on the Web has been celebrated by many teenagers and their parents; but when the site crashes, as it did Thursday, modern life suddenly seems maddeningly inconvenient.


Majestic Moya Wins Davis Cup for Spain

SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) - A majestic Carlos Moya tamed  world No. 2 Andy Roddick, 6-2, 7-6, 7-6, Sunday to clinch the  Davis Cup for Spain.


Yahoo, Adobe team up on new Web services

Yahoo Inc. and Adobe Systems Inc. have joined forces to tap each others #39; customers and put Web search features into Adobe #39;s popular Acrobat Reader software.


Schwarzenegger Shows Eco-Friendly Hummer

LOS ANGELES - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (news - web sites) has introduced an environmentally friendly Hummer - but not the converted hydrogen-powered car he promised voters he would build when he campaigned for office.


Internet users seen having few safeguards

WASHINGTON -- Home Internet users are not nearly as safe online as they believe, according to a nationwide inspection by researchers, which found most consumers have no firewall protection, outdated antivirus software, and spyware programs secretly


Yahoo buys e-mail search firm

SAN FRANCISCO: Internet media and Web search company Yahoo Inc. said that it bought privately held e-mail search company Stata Labs, jumping into the nascent market for search-based email programs and services.


In spite of best efforts, firestorms could happen again --- and <b>...</b>

NORTH COUNTY ---- For many, it was like waking from a bad dream ---- and then discovering it was not a nightmare, but real, and that it was just beginning.


Missing the pressure point

Home PC users will never choose Linux over Windows until it is adopted in the workplace. Whether Windows is a generic term and can be subject to copyright is all very interesting, as are some of the other


TI says chip will allow TV on cell phones

Texas Instruments says it has developed a computer chip that will let television fans watch their favorite shows on cellular phones.


United ends Glazer talks

Manchester United fans still celebrating yesterday #39;s victory over Arsenal received what most would regard as even better news today - the club has ended takeover talks with Malcolm Glazer.


Jackson puts Cowboys in headlock

Mike Sherman forgot his candy bar, and because of it he and the Packers tasted a sweet victory Sunday at Lambeau Field. Sherman and Grady Jackson took part in some good-natured sparring in the days leading up to Sundays Packers-Cowboys game.


Strahan gives bad reviews to Strahan

A Giants player was asked about the lack of pressure his team put on Lions quarterback Joey Harrington yesterday.  quot;Strahan didn #39;t get any pressure on the quarterback, quot; the player said after Detroit #39;s 28-13 victory at Giants Stadium.


Chiefs #39; offense finally breaks out

(October 25, 2004) - The Kansas City Chiefs were overdue for an offensive explosion and visiting Atlanta was the 56-10 victim Sunday.


Germany #39;s most beautiful words

Habseligkeiten - which means  #39;property #39; - has been voted the most beautiful word in the German language. And rhabarbermarmelade -  #39;rhubarb jam #39; - has been singled out as Germany #39;s coolest word.


France still hopeful reporters in Iraq will be released (AFP)

AFP - French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said he was still hopeful two French reporters held hostage in Iraq would be freed, adding that  quot;lines of dialogue quot; had been opened with those detaining them.


Japan Quake Survivors Face Rain, Aftershocks

OJIYA, Japan (Reuters) - Thousands of weary survivors of  Japan's deadliest earthquake in a decade prepared for a third  tense night in makeshift shelters and outside as rain  threatened and aftershocks raised fears of another big tremor.


Oil prices at high on Norway fear

US oil prices have hit new highs on fears that a shipping strike in Norway could severely disrupt supplies from the world #39;s third largest exporter.


Net via satellite effort to be written off by Direc TV

MUMBAI: Satellite television provider, Direc TV in a regulatory filing on Friday said that it may take up to \$1.6 billion in pre - tax charges to write down the value of satellites it would use for broadcasting instead of high-speed data services.


Texas Instruments brings live digital TV to the cell phone

Texas Instruments (TI) has developed the wireless industry #39;s first digital TV on a single chip for cell phones. This will capture broadcast signals and allow cell phone users to watch live broadcasts ranging.


Depleted defense did its part

He plucked the errant pass out of the air and took it to a place he had never gone before. He was so overcome with emotion that he taunted an opponent just before the goal


KC barbecues Falcons

Bryan Scott loved how the Atlanta Falcons opened their game Sunday to quiet the roars at Arrowhead Stadium. One play after the offense handed the defense a three-point lead, Scott stripped


Rebels massacre 49 Iraqi trainees

The bodies of 49 freshly trained Iraqi national guard recruits, lined up and executed by insurgents, were discovered on a roadside about 75 miles northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi officials said Sunday.


Darfur peace talks resume in Nigerian capital

Peace talks between the Sudanese government and rebel groups in Darfur will resume in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, today. The talks are aimed at resolving the conflict which has left thousands of people dead and more than one million destitute.


Marks and Spencer begins mammoth share buy-back

LONDON : Marks and Spencer, the struggling British retailer, began buying back more than one quarter of its shares in the biggest tender offer ever seen in Britain.


Linux under threat from  #39;security update #39;

Linux maker Red Hat is warning users about an email that pretends to be an official security advisory but is actually a phishing-type scam that contains links to malicious code.


High hopes for Cassini #39;s Titan flyby

The Cassini mission is set to reveal the first close view of Saturn #39;s giant moon Titan. At 1744 BST on Tuesday, the spacecraft will skim within 1200 kilometres of the moon - close enough for radar to penetrate


Heavy Guard as Israeli Parliament Debates Gaza Withdrawal

In Gaza today, Israeli troops raided a Palestinian refugee camp in response to mortar fire, killing 11 Palestinians, including an 11-year-old boy, hospital officials said.


Aftershocks continue to rattle quake-stricken Niigata

Strong aftershocks continued to rattle Niigata Prefecture on Monday after a series of devastating quakes on Saturday night left 25 people dead and more than 2,500 others injured, the Meteorological Agency and police said.


EU to Tackle Asylum and Security Policy

EU Justice and Interior ministers on Monday will discuss the future policy course on a wide-ranging security and immigration program that includes controversial proposals for refugee detention camps in Africa.


Warner Chilcott gets 837p approach

Northern Ireland drug company Warner Chilcott says it has received a takeover approach at a price of 837p per share. This would value the company at more than 1.


China enters peak period of trade disputes

With the fast growth of China #39;s foreign trade after the WTO accession, China has entered a peak period of trade disputes with foreign countries, said officials with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.


Man Utd rejects Glazer plan

MANCHESTER United today dramatically rejected the advances of Malcolm Glazer, the US sports boss who is mulling an 825m bid for the football club.


PREVIEW-Nagpur track plays into Aussie hands - Ganguly

India captain Saurav Ganguly expressed his dismay and Australia #39;s Adam Gilchrist his delight as the grassy wicket in Nagpur became the centre of attention on the eve of the third test.


Powell declares North Korea a  #39;terrorist state #39;

BEIJING - US Secretary of State Colin Powell, on a mission to restart talks on North Korea #39;s nuclear program, on Sunday branded North Korea a  quot;terrorist state quot; that shows  quot;no respect whatsoever for human rights.


Swanepoel #39;s Gold Fields takeover bid looks as if it was born of <b>...</b>

THE bid by charismatic Harmony CE Bernard Swanepoel to take over Gold Fields has all the makings of a bitter fight and one that may result, after years of success, in a serious setback for him.


Higher trade growth predicted in 2004 despite oil price hikes

Despite high oil prices, the volumeof world trade by the end of 2004 is likely to grow by 8.5 percentin real terms over 2003, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said Monday.


World growth in 2005 could be below 4.3: IMF

World growth in 2005 could be lower than the 4.3 per cent forecast by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) a month ago because of high oil prices, its deputy managing director Agustin Carstens said on Monday.


Yahoo buys Bloomba; plans Chennai operations

Internet major Yahoo Inc will have a 25-member high-skilled software professional team in Chennai, after it acquired US-based Stata Labs.


Powell Urges China to Hold Taiwan Talks

Secretary of State Colin Powell encouraged Chinese leaders on Monday to resume a dialogue with Taiwan but suggested Beijing was not prepared to do so because of strong concerns about President Chen Shui-bian #39;s policies.


Dad, Reluctantly Upgrading to a Modern 'Machine'

We  had been talking about it for at least 10 years. I would say, "Dad, you really should buy a computer. Nobody uses typewriters anymore."


The Buyout Business Has Changed, and So Has Frederic Malek

A seemingly small change was recorded last week at    Thayer Capital Partners,  one of the Washington region's biggest and best known corporate buyout firms. In its marketing brochure,    Frederic V. Malek  changed his title to "chairman and founder" from "managing partner," the title he has held since he formed Thayer in 1993.


Developing Effective Network Diagnostics

Network engineers spend many of their working hours just keeping their networks up and running. Router Solutions, a three-person company in McLean, wants to help companies reduce the time their tech departments devote to such routine fixes. The company said it has developed a system-operation-management platform that monitors what's happening across an entire network, detecting issues when they arise and  fixing them with little or no intervention from network engineers.


Cogent Acquires Broadband Company

Cogent Communications Group Inc. of Georgetown plans to announce today that it acquired the assets of another telecommunications firm and will get a new investment of \$18 million in cash as part of the merger, according to the company. .


German business confidence stable despite high oil prices, strong euro (AFP)

AFP - German business confidence braved surging oil prices and the strong euro to remain stable in October, a widely watched barometer of industrial confidence in the eurozone's biggest economy showed.


SingTel tests video calls between fixed-line and mobile phones (AFP)

AFP - Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) started trials of third generation (3G) video calls between mobile and fixed-line phones.


Firms Vie for Air Force Space Command Work

Three local companies are among four contractors that will vie for \$610 million in consulting, engineering and technical services with the Air Force Space Command over the next five years.


EU to Lift Sanctions as Bush Signs Law Repealing Tax Breaks

The European Union will lift sanctions on US imports after President George W. Bush signed a law replacing an illegal export tax subsidy with a \$145 billion package of new corporate tax cuts and a buyout for tobacco farmers.


Ispat International to buy LNM, then Int #39;l Steel

Ispat International NV (IST.N: Quote, Profile, Research) (ISPA.AS: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said it would buy LNM Holdings NV and then will purchase International Steel Group Inc.


BHP Billiton approves Chile copper project, Western Australia iron <b>...</b>

SYDNEY: BHP Billiton said it has approved a copper project in northern Chile costing 990 million US dollars and the expansion of its iron ore operations in Western Australia.


EU bid to catch US economy  #39;a big failure #39;: Prodi

LONDON : Europe #39;s efforts to catch up to and then outpace the US economy have been  quot;a big failure, quot; the outgoing head of the European Union executive commission, Romano Prodi, told the Financial Times in an interview.


Europe falls to six-week lows

European shares fell to six-week lows on Monday, taking their cue from the Dow Jones industrial average #39;s lowest close for the year, with record high crude oil prices and a sliding dollar also weighing on sentiment.


Intel switches off LCOS TV chip

Intel has decided to cancel its project to develop a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) chip that would bring down the cost of rear-projection televisions.


Brazil Successfully Launches Its First Rocket To Space

thatshortkid writes  quot;The Washington Times is reporting on Brazil #39;s first successful space launch. Since it is closer to the equator, the task of getting up to space is easier, meaning much more cargo room over fuel.


Earth #39;s Tides Set Off Quakes

After 100 years of speculation, scientists have finally found proof that strong tides can trigger earthquakes. The link was confirmed by a trio of researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles


Amarilloan shoots 10-under 62 to claim first title on PGA Tour

When Ryan Palmer went to the golf course Sunday morning for the final round of the Funai Classic, he knew he would need to shoot a low score to have a chance at winning.


Sterne shocked by Madrid victory

South African Richard Sterne carded a brilliant closing round of 65 to win the Madrid Open and a place on the European Tour for the next two years.


Aus Iraq patrol attacked for first time

Australian troops serving in Iraq suffered their first casualties from hostile action on Monday when a car bomb exploded near their convoy in Baghdad, media reports said.


Sudanese government, rebels restart talks on Darfur

Sudan #39;s government and rebels resumed peace talks in Nigeria #39;s capital Monday aimed at resolving the crisis in Sudan  #39;s Darfur region, which has left tens of thousands of people dead and displaced more than 1 million


Sudanese peace talks open with dispute on security looming (AFP)

AFP - Sudanese government envoys sat down with leaders of the rebellion in the western Darfur region as African Union peace talks took off here with a likelihood of bitter rows over security arrangements.


Mind those IMs--your cubicle's walls have ears

As more firms install software to keep tabs on workers, start-ups and heavy hitters alike spy an opportunity in surveillance products.


Int #39;l Steel Group to be bought for \$4.5B

NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- International Steel Group (ISG) said it will be acquired by Ispat International (IST) in a deal valued at \$4.


Oil hits new record

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Oil hit new record levels Monday, lifted by concerns over expansion of a Norwegian labor dispute that threatened to totally shut down the flow of oil from the world #39;s No.


Marks and Sparks buys back 635m shares

Ailing British retailer Marks and Spencer is to buy back 635 m shares -- around 27.9 pc of its issued capital -- at 362 pence following the UK #39;s biggest ever tender offer.


Red Hat Users Targeted by Bogus Advisory

Users of Red Hat Linux have been targeted by a fraudulent electronic mail advising recipients to install a  quot;security update quot; containing mailicious code.


Strong Earth tides can trigger earthquakes

Earthquakes can be triggered by the Earths tides, UCLA scientists confirmed Oct. 21 in Science Express, the online journal of Science.


In Other News...

October 25, 2004 - I finally picked up the latest PC Gamer and thumbed through the Half-Life 2 review. I haven #39;t read the entire feature, as I got hung up on the part that said if you don #39;t want spoilers to just skip to the end for the score.


Dream season says Ferrari #39;s technical director

Ferrari #39;s record-breaking season may go down in the Formula One history books as the peak of Michael Schumacher #39;s career. Technical director Ross Brawn certainly


IMPERFECTION WON #39;T BEAT PERFECTION

In their attempt to stop the Patriots #39; pursuit of perfection - which has reached 21 straight victories, including six to start the season - the Jets were imperfect.


PITCAIRN: SIX GUILTY OF SEX CRIMES

Six men on the Pacific island of Pitcairn have been found guilty of subjecting women to rape and indecent assaults over a 40-year period.


Iran may continue suspension of uranium enrichment

Iran #39;s senior nuclear official said that the Islamic republic might resume the suspension of uranium enrichment as requested by the European Union in an attempt to end a standoff over its nuclear program.


Killer typhoon swipes Taiwan

up to 130 km (81 miles per hour). The eye was 80 km north of Taipei at 0800 GMT and. driver in the northern port city of Keelung.  quot;I #39;ve never seen anything like it.


Myanmar, India to sign cooperation agreements

New Delhi (VNA) - Myanmar and India are expected to sign some cooperation agreements, including a protocol on fighting terrorism, during a five-day India visit by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar Than Shwe, which started on


Australia court hears case against song-share website owner (AFP)

AFP - An Australian song-share website which offered links to music download sites was dubbed one of the world's largest copyright infringers in a landmark 500 million Australian dollar (374 million US) case.


Engelhard Posts Flat 3rd-Quarter Results

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Specialty chemicals company Engelhard  Corp. EC.N on Monday posted flat third-quarter results as  higher raw material costs and an unusually severe hurricane  season offset slightly higher sales.


Shipowners Association May Expand Lockout

The Norwegian Shipowners Association threatened on Monday to lock out more oil and gas rig workers, a move analysts said could result in a near shutdown of the third-largest petroleum exporter #39;s production and drive world oil prices even higher.


Somerfield buys 114 Safeway outlets

MORRISONS is to hand over 114 of its smaller Safeway stores to rival Somerfield as part of a 260m deal. Morrisons said the sale would let it concentrate on the larger Safeway stores that it acquired and


Most computer users ignore basic online security measures

You may lock your doors and windows - and maybe even activate an alarm system to keep your home protected, but a new study indicates that most of us haven #39;t taken the equivalent of those basic steps when it comes to protecting ourselves when we go online.


Champion Skater Injured in Fall to Ice

10/25/04- A world champion Russian figure skater is recovering after she was dropped on the ice by her partner during a performance.


Democratic dawn

Preliminary results indicate that interim leader Hamid Karzai has won a majority in Afghanistans election to become its first democratically elected President.


Powell sees urgency in N. Korean nuclear talks

Previously citing a  quot;sense of urgency quot; on North Korea issues, US Secretary of State Colin Powell headed into Seoul yesterday from China for a two-day visit to discuss international and bilateral affairs.


Rand eyes 6.10 as dollar wilts

The rand remained strong in late morning trade on Monday, having earlier touched 6.10 per dollar for the first time since July 23.


Red Sox take another big step (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Pitching again through pain and seeping blood, Curt Schilling helped Boston move halfway to snaring its most elusive prize: a first World Series title in 86 years. Backed by another big hit from surprising Mark Bellhorn and unfazed by a defense that made four more errors, Red Sox beat St. Louis 6-2 Sunday to take a commanding 2-0 lead.


Oil Hits High; Dollar, Stocks Slide

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices hit new record highs Monday  and the dollar slid against major currencies, piling up worries  in financial markets about slower growth and thinner corporate  profits.


El Guerrouj Plans to Retire in 2006

RABAT, Morocco (Reuters) - Double Olympic champion Hicham  El Guerrouj, the greatest middle distance runner of his  generation, plans to retire in 2006 after trying to break the  5,000 meters world record next year.


Manchester Utd drop Glazer talks

Manchester Utd say they have ended talks with the Glazer family regarding a possible takeover.


M S starts share buyback

Marks   Spencer begins buying back more than a quarter of its shares in a move that will return 2.3bn (\$4.2bn) to shareholders.


Insurgents kill 23 Iraqis countrywide

Guerrillas have shot dead 17 Iraqis working for US forces north of Baghdad and killed six other people, including three Iraqi National Guards, taking the toll from three days of violence to more than 70.


Security for Internet Users Deemed Weak

Internet users at home are not nearly as safe online as they believe, according to a nationwide inspection by researchers. They found most consumers have no firewall protection, outdated antivirus software and dozens of spyware programs secretly running on their computers.


Netflix Girds for DVD Rental Price War

The future suddenly looks shaky for online DVD rental pioneer Netflix Inc. - a plucky home entertainment upstart that managed to hold its ground after retailing giants Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Blockbuster Inc. invaded its turf.


Leading games maker up for sale

Leading independent games maker,  Argonaut, is put up for sale to try to save the UK firm from going under.


Red Sox Star Keeps Bit of His Past in Present

Carlos Ferreira was Manny Ramirez's Little League coach back in Washington Heights, a Dominican neighborhood in New York City, where it all began 20 years ago.


Twelve Iraqis Die in Car Bombs, Clashes (Reuters)

Reuters - Car bombs and clashes killed 12 Iraqis\Monday and three Australian troops were wounded in the first\attack on their contingent since the end of the Iraq war.


Home PCs not as protected as owners think (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Internet users at home are not nearly as safe online as they believe, according to a nationwide inspection by researchers. They found most consumers have no firewall protection, outdated antivirus software and dozens of spyware programs secretly running on their computers.


Tech CEOs chat about new products, globalization (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - The economic rebound might be sluggish, but technology investments matter more than ever. That's what three of the industry's biggest CEOs told 6,500 attendees last week at the Gartner Symposium and Information Technology Expo, one of the biggest annual gatherings of tech professionals. Cisco Systems CEO John Chambers, Intel CEO Craig Barrett and Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy also met with USA TODAY reporter Michelle Kessler to sound off on new technologies, stock options and globalization. Here's what they had to say, edited for clarity and space.


Stocks to Watch Monday

The company said it would shutter part of its Japanese  trust business and promised sharper oversight of its remaining  operations, after a scandal led to the closure of its private  bank in the country.


EU Lifts Sanctions After U.S. Signs Bill

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union will suspend  sanctions on \$4 billion worth of U.S. goods, the bloc's  executive said Monday, three days after President Bush signed a  bill repealing illegal export tax subsidies.


Kerry demands answers about missing explosives (AFP)

AFP - Democrat challenger John Kerry's campaign demanded answers from President George W. Bush about the disappearance of nearly 400 tonnes of conventional explosives in Iraq, as the deadlocked White House race entered its final week.


Oil Scales New High as Norway Strike Hits

\

   LONDON (Reuters) - Oil scaled a new high above \$55 a barrel\Monday as a threat by Norwegian ship owners to halt production\from the world's third biggest exporter stoked fears of a\winter supply crunch.


Oil Scales New High as Norway Strike Hits (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil scaled a new high above  #36;55 a barrel\Monday as a threat by Norwegian ship owners to halt production\from the world's third biggest exporter stoked fears of a\winter supply crunch.


Engelhard Posts Flat 3rd-Quarter Results (Reuters)

Reuters - Specialty chemicals company Engelhard\Corp.  on Monday posted flat third-quarter results as\higher raw material costs and an unusually severe hurricane\season offset slightly higher sales.


Ahold Raises Stake in ICA to 60 Percent (AP)

AP - The global food retailer Ahold NV, which owns the Stop  amp; Shop and Giant chains in the United States, said Monday it will buy a 20 percent stake in Scandinavian grocer ICA AB for 7.35 billion Swedish kronor ( #36;1.03 billion).


The 401(k) Card

Washington Post staff writer David A. Vise discusses the unveiling of the new 401(k) credit card -- which allows American workers to easily borrow money from their own retirement savings.


Darfur Peace Talks Start Amid New Fighting (Reuters)

Reuters - Darfur peace talks kicked off\four days late in Nigeria Monday amid mounting international\concerns of a resurgence of fighting in the remote Sudan\region.


Israel Kills 14 in Gaza Before Key Withdrawal Vote

GAZA (Reuters) - The Israeli army killed 14 Palestinians in  a raid on a Gaza refugee camp Monday as Prime Minister Ariel  Sharon prepared for a critical parliamentary vote on his plan  to withdraw from the occupied territory.


World oil prices hit new record peak on Norway supply halt fears

NEW YORK, October 25 (newratings.com) - Crude oil prices increased to new record high levels at \$55.63 per barrel today, driven by concerns surrounding a potential disruption in supplies due to a shipping strike in Norway, the world #39;s third-largest oil


Mittal to Buy ISG, Create World #39;s Largest Steelmaker (Update1)

Indian-born billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, who made a fortune buying mills from Algeria to Mexico, agreed to acquire Wilbur Ross #39;s International Steel Group Inc.


Drugs group confirms bid approach

Women #39;s healthcare specialist Warner Chilcott has received a bid approach which would value the firm at more than 1.5bn (\$2.


EU bid to catch US economy  #39;a failure #39;

LONDON - Europe #39;s efforts to catch up to and then outpace the US economy have been  quot;a big failure, quot; the outgoing head of the European Union executive commission, Romano Prodi, said.


Yahoo to start Chennai operations

Chennai: Internet major Yahoo Inc will own a 25-member high-skilled software professional team in Chennai, after it acquired US-based Stata Labs.


Slashdot warns of Red Hat security scam

Slashdot has a warning posted about the existence of a phishing scam directed toward Red Hat users. Read more to see the post. rixdaffy writes  quot;I just received an email from the  #39;Redhat Security Team #39; telling


Putting Home Theater In Every Room

You have a fancy home-entertainment system that can record and play TV programs, DVDs, show digital photos, and tap into your collection of digital music.


Brazil Back in Space

A test rocket which Brazil successfully launched on Saturday provided reassurance to the countrys space programme 14 months after a more powerful one exploded before lift-off killing 21 people.


Twelve Iraqis Die in Car Bombs, Clashes

Car bombs and clashes killed 12 Iraqis Monday and three Australian troops were wounded in the first attack on their contingent since the end of the Iraq war.


Twelve Palestinians killed as Israeli parliament to debate Gaza <b>...</b>

GAZA CITY : Twelve Palestinians, including a child, were killed in a major army operation in the Gaza Strip as the Israeli parliament prepared to debate a controversial plan to pull out from the territory it has occupied for almost 40 years.


Iraqis suspect executed soldiers were set up

Iraqi officials suspect that 50 US trained Iraqi soldiers murdered by insurgents - many of them execution-style -ay have been set up by rebel infiltrators in their ranks.


Aftershocks continue to rattle Japan

Aftershocks shook central Japan Monday as the death toll from Saturday #39;s earthquakes rose to 25, with more than 21,000 injured.


Typhoon kills 3 in Taiwan

Typhoon Nock-Ten killed three people and injured several others in Taiwan, according to a Hong Kong radio station on Monday. The dead include a male TV reporter and a fireman and another person still remained missing.


More than 100 Iraqis demand release of Margaret Hassan

About 150 Iraqis, many of them recipients of humanitarian aid, rallied Monday in front of the Baghdad offices of CARE International to demand the release of aid worker Margaret Hassan.


1 killed in car bombs in northern Iraq

Two car bombs detonated in Iraqi northern city of Mosul on Monday, killing one Iraqi person and wounding two others, security officials said.


Indian decision on passports discriminatory: Pak

Islamabad on Monday termed as  quot;discriminatory quot; and  quot;not in sync with peace process quot; the reported decision of Jammu and Kashmir officials to issue passports with explicit instructions that it is not valid for travel to Pakistan.


EU to lift trade sanctions against US amid lingering doubts (AFP)

AFP - The EU commission acted to ease trade tensions with the United States, saying it would lift sanctions after US President George W. Bush approved a repeal of illegal corporate tax breaks.


Schilling Gives Red Sox 2-0 World Series Lead

BOSTON (Reuters) - Curt Schilling, his bad ankle held  together by stitches, tossed six courageous innings to help the  Boston Red Sox pound the St. Louis Cardinals 6-2 to seize  control of the 100th World Series Sunday.


Stitched-Up Schilling Makes World Series History

BOSTON (Reuters) - A stitched-up Curt Schilling became the  first pitcher in major league history to win World Series games  with three different teams after producing a gritty display  Sunday.


Oil scaled a new high above \$55 a barrel Monday as a threat by Norwegian ship owners to halt production from the world #39;s third biggest exporter stoked fears of a winter supply crunch.


Manchester United Ends Talks With Glazer on Takeover (Update2)

Manchester United Plc said it ended talks with Malcolm Glazer about a takeover bid for the world #39;s biggest soccer club by revenue because the US billionaire #39;s proposal involves borrowing against the company #39;s assets.


Serena flies to Austria in desperate search for points

Desperate to salvage a major title from a disappointing 2004, Serena Williams has flown to Austria to earn points for the end-of-season WTA Championships.


Another loss to BC crushes Notre Dame

Its not surprising the Notre Dame players and coaches were using words like devastating, heartbreaking and unbelievable following Saturdays 24-23 home loss to Boston College.


LaBranche Posts 3rd-Quarter Net Loss

NEW YORK (Reuters) - LaBranche   Co. LAB.N , the largest  market-maker on the New York Stock Exchange trading floor, on  Monday posted a net loss for the third quarter amid a drop in  principal transcations and commissions.


UPDATE 3-Citigroup to shut Japan trust bank, promises oversight

Citigroup (CN: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Monday it would shutter part of its Japanese trust business and promised sharper oversight of its remaining operations


Ispat to Buy LNM Holdings, Intl Steel

Netherlands-based steelmaker Ispat International NV said Monday that it agreed to acquire LNM Holdings NV and International Steel Group Inc.


Marsh and McLennan #39;s Chairman Steps Down

(1010 WINS) (NEW YORK) Marsh and McLennan #39;s chairman and chief executive Jeffrey Greenberg will step down this morning, according to a published report.


Ahold pays 811 million euros for ICA stake

ZAANDAM - Dutch food retailing giant Ahold announced it would take over a 20 stake in the ICA Swedish supermarket chain from Norwegian Canica group for 811 million euros.


Asia DRAM Report: Hynix 3Q Net Surges;Strong Chip Prices

SEOUL (Dow Jones)--South Korea #39;s Hynix Semiconductor Inc. (000660.SE) Monday posted sharply higher net profit for the third quarter, helped by strong chip prices - making


Kimberly-Clark Posts Third-Quarter Profit (Reuters)

Reuters - Kimberly-Clark Corp.  on Monday\posted a higher third-quarter profit as increased tissue prices\helped counter higher raw material costs.


Wenger #39;s referee comments to be investigated by FA

The Football Association will review Arsene Wenger #39;s comments about the referee of Sunday #39;s 2-0 defeat by Manchester United and investigate reports that United manager Alex Ferguson was pelted with soup in the tunnel.


NASCAR Community Mourns After Plane Crash

The NASCAR community is mourning a tragic loss after a plane crash killed 10 members of a racing dynasty. Federal officials say 8 passengers and two pilots died when the Hendrick Motorsports aircraft went down on its way to a race in Virginia.


Storm Damage Hurts BellSouth Earnings

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - BellSouth Corp. BLS.N on Monday  said third-quarter earnings fell due to storm damage in its  region and the sale of some international assets.


Oil Hits New High on Norway Strike Fears

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil scaled a new high above \$55 a barrel  Monday as a threat by Norwegian oil and gas employers to halt  production from the world's third biggest exporter stoked fears  of a winter supply crunch.


Pakistani prime minister to visit India next month (AFP)

AFP - Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will visit India and other South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations next month, the foreign office said.


U.N.: Explosives Missing from Former Iraq Atomic Site

VIENNA (Reuters) - Nearly 380 tons of explosives are  missing from a site near Baghdad that was part of Saddam  Hussein's dismantled atom bomb program but was never secured by  the U.S. military, the United Nations said Monday.


For cell phones, it's TV to the rescue

Cell phone executives say new data-oriented services such as TV will help bolster an industry in a precarious state.


Ispat to form global steel giant in \$17.8 bln deal

Ispat International will buy LNM Holdings and International Steel Group Inc., forming the worlds largest steel firm in a deal worth a total of \$17.


Harmony Gold Q1 headline loss misses expectations

South African miner Harmony, seeking to acquire rival Gold Fields, posted a first quarter headline loss per share of 110 cents on Monday, worse than expected.


Bright Marks  amp; Sparks

It speaks of grateful grannies and bowing bread-earners as Munificence plc divides between its investors excess booty earned from triumph on commerce #39;s high seas.


Semel: Search For New Yahoo! Features Yields Adobe Deal

Seek and ye shall find: Yahoo! (nasdaq: YHOO - news - people ) and Adobe Systems (nasdaq: ADBE - news - people ) have struck a deal to put Web search capabilities into Adobe #39;s Acrobat Reader software.


#39;Stagnation not deflation #39; in housing market

The housing market has peaked but is not heading into the abyss, analysts said today, as figures showed property price falls for the fourth consecutive month.


Reliance second quarter profit up 39 per cent

MUMBAI: Reliance Industries Ltd, the petrochemical flagship of India #39;s largest private company, said Monday second quarter net profit jumped 39 percent against a backdrop of high oil product prices.


Yahoo acquires e-mail search firm

Yahoo has acquired Stata Labs, a company whose e-mail application Bloomba allows users to search messages and attachments. Engineers from Stata Labs are to join Yahoo.


palmOne Announces the Treo 650

In a completely expected announcement, palmOne has formally announced the Treo 650. There are few, if any surprises, considering they #39;ve done an amazingly bad job of protecting against leaks.


Borland focuses on UML modeling

Borland Software this week is breaking up its Together ControlCenter package for UML modeling into separate products for developing, designing, and architecting applications.


Berlin to host 2009 World Championships

Helsinki, Finland - The delegation representing the city of Berlin on Saturday successfully won its bid to host the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Athletics, ahead of strong challenges from Split and Valencia.


Rugby-Bulloch to captain Scotland in November internationals

Hooker Gordon Bulloch was named on Monday as Scotland captain for the November internationals against Australia, Japan and South Africa.


Seahawks lay an egg with loss to Cardinals

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Seattle Seahawks had a bad fourth quarter against St. Louis two weeks ago, then a bad first quarter last week in New England.


Borland focuses on UML modeling (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Borland Software this week is breaking up its Together ControlCenter package for UML modeling into separate products for developing, designing, and architecting applications.


IAEA: Tons of Iraq explosives missing

The International Atomic Energy Agency says 380 tons of powerful conventional explosives are missing from the Al Qaqaa facility south of Baghdad that was supposed to be under American military control.


Bomb blast explodes near Australian Embassy in Baghdad, killing 2 <b>...</b>

A car bomb targeting a US military convoy exploded near the Australian Embassy Monday, killing at least two people, police and the Iraqi Interior Ministry said.


Japan Quake Survivors Face Rain, Aftershocks

OJIYA, Japan (Reuters) - Some 100,000 weary survivors of  Japan's deadliest earthquake in a decade bedded down for a  third night in makeshift shelters or slept outside as a series  of strong aftershocks raised fears of another big tremor.


'Spam King' Ordered to Disable Spyware

A federal judge has ordered a man known as the "Spam King" to disable so-called spyware programs that infiltrate people's computers, track their Internet use and flood them with pop-up advertising.


Yahoo links seach tool to Adobe

Stepping up the heated battle of online search and services, Yahoo Inc and Adobe Systems Inc have joined forces to tap each others #39; customers and put Web search features into Adobe #39;s popular Acrobat Reader software.


Checks to clear much faster as  #39;float #39; disappears

written a check with the hopes that it wouldn #39;t clear for a few days, so there #39;s enough time to get more money in the bank account to cover the expense.


Kellogg Quarterly Earnings Top Estimates (Reuters)

Reuters - Kellogg Co. , the world's\largest cereal maker, on Monday reported a quarterly profit\that exceeded Wall Street estimates and raised its full-year\earnings outlook, helped by strong sales of new products.


Internet Users Not As Safe Online As They Believe

WASHINGTON -- You may lock your doors and windows -- and maybe even activate an alarm system to keep your home protected. But a new study indicates that most of us haven #39;t taken the equivalent of those basic


US expert believes Bin Laden network active in Bosnia (AFP)

AFP - Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is actively directing terrorist cells in the former Yugoslav republic of Bosnia, a top US terrorism analyst told a local daily.


Ryan Palmer Wins Funai Classic Over Singh (AP)

AP - With a Sunday charge that would have made his namesake Arnold Palmer proud, Ryan Palmer birdied four straight holes down the stretch and closed with a 10-under 62 to win the Funai Classic at Disney by three shots over Vijay Singh and Briny Baird.


Little Movement in AP Football Poll (AP)

AP - No. 1 Southern California and No. 2 Oklahoma have been the top two teams in The Associated Press Top 25 since the preseason, a nine-poll run that is the longest to start a season in nine years. There were few changes in the media poll Sunday with no movement among the first 11 teams.


Stocks Seen Lower as Oil Adds Pressure

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures trimmed early  losses but pointed to a lower market open on Monday, following  a broad sell-off on Friday, as oil prices set new records above  \$55 a barrel, fueling worries that soaring energy costs will  bite into corporate profits.


BellSouth Posts Lower Quarterly Earnings

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - BellSouth Corp. BLS.N on Monday  said third-quarter earnings fell due to storm damage in its  region and costs stemming from Cingular Wireless' planned \$41  billion purchase of AT T Wireless Services Inc. AWE.N.


Cingular/AWE Deal to Get Conditional OK

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. regulators are set to give  Cingular Wireless final approval for its \$41 billion purchase  of AT T Wireless Services Inc. AWE.N on Monday, on condition  that it sells assets including wireless airwaves in more than  16 markets, according to a source close to the deal.


Dell Shows New Small Business Servers

Systems, which start as low as \$500, don't require advanced IT skills.


Cingular/AWE Deal to Get Conditional OK (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. regulators are set to give\Cingular Wireless final approval for its  #36;41 billion purchase\of AT T Wireless Services Inc.  on Monday, on condition\that it sells assets including wireless airwaves in more than\16 markets, according to a source close to the deal.


Infineon execs plead to price-fixing

Four executives of German memory chip maker Infineon Technologies AG have agreed to plead guilty to participating in a conspiracy to fix computer memory chip prices, the Department of Justice said Thursday.


Thinner Bill Clinton feels "good" as he goes to aid Kerry (AFP)

AFP - Former US president Bill Clinton, appearing thinner seven weeks after open heart surgery, said he feels  quot;good quot; and wants to campaign this week to help John Kerry win the White House.


Gold Fields saga may lead to court

Gold Fields #39; plan to merge with Iamgold of Canada could end up mired in legal challenges if a crucial shareholder vote next week produces a close result.


Skater Totmianina Doesn't Remember Fall (AP)

AP - World champion pairs skater Tatiana Totmianina said Monday she still doesn't know what caused her to fall and sustain a concussion during a weekend skating program, though she says she doesn't fear going back on the ice.


Mortgage Giants Are Near Top in Lobby Cost

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the giant government-chartered mortgage funding companies, continued to spend more on lobbying in the first half of this year than almost every other corporation in the United States.


LNM Plans to Merge Two Main Divisions

Privately-owned Dutch steelmaker LNM Group said Monday it plans to merge its two main divisions, Ispat International NV and LNM Holdings NV, and then take over US-based International Steel Group, which would make it the largest steel company in the world.


Strong response to M amp;S buyback

Marks  amp; Spencer today set the price for its record share buyback above market expectations, at 362p per share. The retailer said demand for the 2.


Magna to take auto parts subsidiaries Intier, Decoma and Tesma <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Magna International Inc. has made a bid to take its three publicly traded auto parts subsidiaries private. The big auto components maker said Monday it has made separate proposals to the boards


EU to lift \$4bn sanctions on US imports

NEW YORK, October 25 (newratings.com) - The European Union (EU) plans to lift the existing sanctions on US goods worth about \$4 billion in response to a new bill that repeals the illegal export tax subsidies in the US.


Kellogg Quarterly Earnings Top Estimates

Kellogg Co. (KN: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest cereal maker, on Monday reported a quarterly profit that exceeded Wall Street estimates and raised its full-year earnings


UPDATE: James Hardie Willing To Help Compensation Fund

SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--James Hardie Industries NV (JHX) said Monday it is willing to help the medical fund it established to pay victims of asbestos-related illnesses avert a liquidity crisis.


Ice skater doesn #39;t remember what caused fall that left her with a <b>...</b>

World champion pairs skater Tatiana Totmianina said Monday she still doesn #39;t know what caused her to fall and sustain a concussion during a weekend skating program, though she says she doesn #39;t fear going back on the ice.


Ravens - Bills: Game Notes

COMPOSED: With Lewis serving the first game of his two-game suspension for violating the NFL substance-abuse policy, Chester Taylor was effective and decisive in his debut.


Chargers rally for fourth win

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Keenan McCardell took his time getting dressed, carefully buttoning his bright fuchsia shirt and securing his striped tie.


UN: Explosives Missing from Former Iraq Atomic Site

Nearly 380 tons of explosives are missing from a site near Baghdad that was part of Saddam Hussein #39;s dismantled atom bomb program but was never secured by the US military, the United Nations said Monday.


Tunisia #39;s Ben Ali wins landslide victory

Tunisian President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali won a landslide victory over three rivals in the presidential elections, officials said Monday.


Egypt Arrests Alleged Sinai Bombers

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon walks through the halls of his Jerusalem office to attend the weekly cabinet meeting, Sunday Oct. 24, 2004.


Chinese guard Liu Wei cut from Sacramento Kings (AFP)

AFP - Chinese basketball player Liu Wei's quest to become Asia's first-ever point guard in the NBA has come to an end after he was cut from the roster of the Sacramento Kings, Chinese press reports said.


Canadian retail survey suggests average holiday spending \$991 a <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Canadian adults will spend an estimated average of \$991 this holiday season on gifts, clothing, travel, beauty services, food, drink and entertainment, an Ipsos-Reid survey suggests.


Manchester United breaks Arsenals winning Streak

It took 50 matches for a team to finally beat Arsenal in the English Premiere League. Arsenal, unbeaten through entire last season lost a match after more than a year.


Japan #39;s IT companies say no major damage after quakes

Japan #39;s major electronics companies had found no serious damage to their facilities after a series of powerful earthquakes shook Niigata prefecture, northwest of Tokyo.


Peace talks for Sudan #39;s Darfur region restart in Nigeria

Delegates from the Sudanese government and rebel groups eventually restarted here on Monday the peace talks for the war-torn Darfur region after a month of suspension, in the hope of ending a 20-month-old conflict there.


Treasury Yields Near Seven-Month Lows

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasuries rallied early Monday,  compressing yields to their lowest levels in nearly seven  months, as record high crude oil prices pressured equities and  threatened to be a drag on world economic growth.


CTIA shines spotlight on mobile middleware (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Mobility will take center stage this week as San Francisco plays host to the Cellular Telecommunications  amp; Internet Association's (CTIA) Wireless I.T.  amp; Entertainment 2004 fall conference.


Blair: Next Few Weeks 'Crucial' for N.Ireland (Reuters)

Reuters - The next few weeks will be critical for\efforts to clinch a new Northern Ireland peace deal, British\Prime Minister Tony Blair said Monday.


PeopleSoft, RIM partner to deliver sales application (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Research in Motion (RIM), the company that first pushed e-mail over wireless, is teaming up with PeopleSoft to offer corporate users PeopleSoft Enterprise Sales for BlackBerry, a sales application with similar push technology.


URI Proposes Undersea Exploration Center (AP)

AP - Oceanographer Robert Ballard sees the University of Rhode Island with an opportunity to become the undersea equivalent of the Houston Space Center.


Ancient Bird Fossil May Suggest Link with Dinosaurs (Reuters)

Reuters - Scientists in China have found a 120\million-year-old fossil of a baby bird which is believed to\have died just before it hatched and which could shed light on\the relationship between dinosaurs and birds.


Blair: Next Few Weeks 'Crucial' for N.Ireland

LONDON (Reuters) - The next few weeks will be critical for  efforts to clinch a new Northern Ireland peace deal, British  Prime Minister Tony Blair said Monday.


Ifo Index Barely Climbs in October (AP)

AP - The closely watched Ifo Institute index of German business sentiment barely rose in October, a result the institute said Monday illustrated that Germany's current recovery lacked the strength of previous upswings.


PeopleSoft, RIM partner to deliver sales application

Research in Motion (RIM), the company that first pushed e-mail over wireless, is teaming up with PeopleSoft to offer corporate users PeopleSoft Enterprise Sales for BlackBerry, a sales application with similar push technology.


US Treasury Debt Investors Turn More Bearish on Dollar Drop

Investors in US Treasury notes are growing more bearish that the dollar #39;s decline to a record against the euro and a four-year low versus the yen will diminish the appeal of US assets.


ISG in major merger

International Steel Group Inc. (NYSE: ISG) on Monday said it has entered into a complex merger agreement that will create the largest steel company in the world.


CNF Swings to 3Q Loss on Charge

CNF Inc. said Monday it swung to a loss in the third quarter as the result of a charge related to the planned sale of its Menlo Worldwide Forwarding unit.


Russian oil company problems likely to affect global oil prices

ELEANOR HALL: The high price of oil is already threatening global economic growth, but that price could yet be pushed higher by events in Russia.


Kimberly-Clark reports third-quarter results

DALLAS Kimberly-Clark today reports its third-quarter earnings rose five percent -- despite tough price competition in its key diaper market.


Yahoo, Adobe team on search, boost PDF

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


Finally! The Treo 650 Arrives

The palmOne Treo 600 may be the nation #39;s most loved smart phonea celebrated balance of cell phone and PDA. Rumors have swirled around the Internet for months about the next generation of Treos; today, with


Ancient baby bird fossil found in China

The fossil of what may be one of the earliest baby birds has been found in northeast China. The fossil, estimated at 121 million years old, is curled up as though still in its shell.


Reds snub Glazer

MANCHESTER United today broke off talks with US sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer about his potential takeover bid. The decision was hailed as  quot;fantastic quot; by supporters, who have waged a fierce campaign against him.


Racing: Jaguar future to be decided this week

SAO PAULO, Brazil : The future of the Jaguar Formula One team is expected to be announced later this week when a decision is taken over offers made to buy the outfit.


Production Resumes at GM Plant in Germany (AP)

AP - Production resumed Monday at a General Motors plant in Ruesselsheim that was idled by a lack of parts after workers at another factory staged a six-day walkout protesting threatened job cuts.


Google shares go crazy (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - The price of Google shares soared Friday, evoking memories of the Internet bubble among some Wall street analysts and traders.


Crucial vote looms on Israel #39;s Gaza withdrawal

Ariel Sharon was today preparing for a crucial vote in the Israeli parliament on his plan to close all Jewish settlements in the occupied Gaza Strip.


We #39;re Standing Up for Iraq Democracy, Insists Blair

Prime Minister Tony Blair vowed today to stand up for democracy in Iraq - and warned the insurgents would not be defeated by military means alone.


Egypt arrests five suspects over Sinai bombings (AFP)

AFP - Egypt said it had arrested five suspects accused of carrying out a wave of deadly car bomb attacks in Red Sea resorts almost three weeks ago.


Bush bouncing checks that bolster markets

Goodbye Social Security, pensions, company health benefits and job security. Let the people decide what to do with their own money, as this new age #39;s popularizers say.


US sees China pressing NKorea for quick resumption of nuclear talks (AFP)

AFP - China signalled to US Secretary of State Colin Powell it will press North Korea to return quickly to stalled talks on its nuclear weapons program, a senior State Department official said.


Mali Says Locust Outbreak Subsides, Eases Food Fears (Reuters)

Reuters - Mali's government said on Saturday it\could supply enough food for villagers who watched locusts\devour their harvests and that the threat posed by the insects\had largely subsided.


New Violence Flares in Iraq, After Executions Leave 50 Dead

The military reported the deaths of a U.S. soldier and six Iraqi civilians today, a day after Iraqi officials announced the deadliest ambush of the insurgency.


Colombia Destroys Stockpiled Land Mines

In eight thunderous explosions, Colombia blew up its remaining 6,800 stockpiled land mines, winning the praise of Jordan's visiting Queen Noor who said the move took courage given that the nation is still fighting an internal conflict.


Mittal Steel emerges world #39;s largest steelmaker

London: NRI business tycoon Lakshmi N. Mittal-owned Ispat International on Monday emerged as world #39;s largest steelmaker as it announced its merger with The Netherlands-based LNM Holdings and US International Steel Group to form Mittal Steel Corporation.


BellSouth earnings hit by storm damage

BellSouth Corp. on Monday said third-quarter earnings fell due to storm damage in its region and costs stemming from Cingular Wireless planned \$41 billion purchase of AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc.. The No.


Hynix #39;s 3Q Profit More Than Triples

SEOUL, South Korea - South Korea #39;s Hynix Semiconductor Inc. said Monday its third-quarter net profit more than tripled from same period last year thanks to steady global prices for memory chips.


Russia to launch new Soyuz launch vehicle this month

Russia #39;s new medium launch vehicle Soyuz M-2 will make its maiden flight on Friday from the Plesetsk cosmodrome, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov announced on Monday.


Red Hat hit by security-update email scam

Red Hat is warning users that an email purporting to be a security update may contain malicious code. The email - which began appearing last Friday - uses a securityredhat.


UA scientists anxious as Cassini approaches flyby of Saturn #39;s <b>...</b>

University of Arizona scientists who have devoted their careers to exploring Saturn are about to get their best look yet at Titan, the mysterious moon that will serve as a  quot;slingshot quot; 44 times during the Cassini spacecraft #39;s four-year mission.


Microsoft Feeling Heat from the Penguin

LinuxInsider: Microsoft #39;s Steve Ballmer argued that the true amount of shifting from Microsoft to Linux in places like Europe and Asia has been overstated in the media.


Wenger fury at  #39;cheating #39; star

Arsene Wenger has called on the FA to look again at Ruud van Nistelrooy #39;s controversial challenge on Ashley Cole at Old Trafford yesterday, which BBC pundit Alan Hansen labelled  quot;a disgrace quot;.


Subway 500 victory overshadowed by 10 dead in company craft

Euphoria turned into shock and grief minutes after the Subway 500 yesterday, as members of the winning Hendrick Motorsports team were informed that one of the organization #39;s


Webber a champion in waiting, says Jaguar boss

Mark Webber #39;s Jaguar team boss believes the Australian can emulate compatriot Alan Jones and become a world champion with Williams.


Sulamani cruises by 11/2 in Canadian International

The other jockeys tried to keep Sulamani, the 4-5 favorite, boxed in, but it hardly mattered as he captured the \$1.5 million, Grade I Pattison Canadian International by 11/2 lengths under a hand ride yesterday at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.


Facts about Israeli leader Ariel Sharon

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon seeks parliament #39;s support on Monday for his plan to quit occupied Gaza and for the first time uproot settlements from land that Palestinians want for a state.


Black Watch on new alert after massacre

BLACK Watch troops were today facing new dangers in Iraq after rebels massacred 50 Iraqi soldiers. The Iraqi troops were ambushed and shot dead, heightening the dangers for the Scots regiment as it made final


Finder of 'Iceman' Found Dead in Austrian Alps (Reuters)

Reuters - The man who 13 years ago discovered the\frozen remains of a prehistoric iceman in an Alpine glacier was\found dead in the Austrian Alps on Saturday, eight days after\he went missing, rescue authorities said.


EU suspends US export sanctions

The European Union suspends tariffs on US imports imposed earlier this year during a bitter trade dispute.


Mittal Family in  #36;17.8 Bln Steel Deal (Reuters)

Reuters - Lakshmi Mittal, one of the UK's\wealthiest men, will merge his steel assets and buy\International Steel Group Inc. in a deal worth  #36;17.8 billion to\form the world's largest steel company.


Mittal Family in \$17.8 Bln Steel Deal

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Lakshmi Mittal, one of the UK's  wealthiest men, will merge his steel assets and buy  International Steel Group Inc. in a deal worth \$17.8 billion to  form the world's largest steel company.


Gold Licks at Near 16-Year Highs

LONDON (Reuters) - Gold was within reach of its highest  level in nearly 16 years on Monday, fired by a resurgent euro  and inflationary fears fanned by sky-high oil prices, dealers  and analysts said.


Intel sketches out nanotechnology road map

The firm is planning new ways to shrink transistors and increase chip speed. Could "spintronics" replace silicon-based technology?


Intel Prepares for the Next 20 Years

Chip maker plans for smaller, faster, less power-hungry processors.


Mac users face rare virus

The malware disables Mac OS X's built-in firewall, steals personal information and can destroy data.


Festivals may not cheer durable goods makers (Reuters)

Reuters - Intense competition has depressed prices of everything from washing machines to refrigerators in India, dampening the spirits, and profits, of durable goods makers as they prepare for the busy festival season.


Brazil Launches First Test Rocket Since Accident (Reuters)

Reuters - Brazil has successfully\launched a test rocket, 14 months after a more powerful one\exploded before lift-off killing 21 people, Brazilian space\officials said on Sunday.


Oil Scales New Highs

LONDON (Reuters) - World oil prices scaled a new high above  \$55 a barrel on Monday as a threat by Norwegian oil employers  to halt production from the world's third biggest exporter  stoked fears of a winter supply crunch.


China Rebuffs Powell's Suggestions on Taiwan

Chinese officials Monday rebuffed Secretary of State Colin L. Powell's suggestion they use a possibly conciliatory speech by Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian to restart cross-straits discussions, telling him in strong terms that they are not impressed by Chen's words and are worried about his actions.


IAEA Says Tons of Iraq Explosives Missing

Several hundred tons of conventional explosives are missing from a former Iraqi military facility that once played a key role in Saddam Hussein's efforts to build a nuclear bomb, the U.N. nuclear agency confirmed Monday.


Yahoo, Adobe look to convert Web content to PDF documents

Yahoo Inc. and Adobe Systems Inc. have entered an alliance aimed at boosting Yahoo's Internet search tool while possibly turning more Net content into PDF (Portable Document Format) documents, to the advantage of Adobe's PDF Reader product.
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SBC Case Study: Crate   Barrel
What sold them on improving their network? A system that could cut management costs from the get-go. Find out more.


Now Norway riles the oil market

Norwegian ship owners threaten to expand a lockout, disrupting production. Marsh  amp; McLennan #39;s CEO reportedly is set to resign.


EU suspends US export sanctions

The European Union is to suspend sanctions on US imports worth \$4bn after President Bush signed a bill removing illegal export subsidies.


USA: Kellogg posts higher Q3 profit, raises guidance

US cereal maker Kellogg has reported higher third-quarter earnings, driven by increased sales, and raised its earnings guidance for the full year 2004.


Reynolds American reports \$339 million third quarter profit

Reynolds American Inc. reported today a profit of \$339 million in the third quarter - the first earnings report that included the results of the combined RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co.


Hynix Q3 net profit quadruples on firm chip sales

Third-quarter profits at Hynix Semiconductor Inc, the second-largest maker of basic memory chips, nearly quadrupled from a year ago on robust demand, but dropped from the previous quarter due to falling prices.


One Year On: Khodorkovskys Supporters Picket Moscow Court

On 25 Oct., 12 months after former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky was arrested on charges of fraud and tax evasion, a group of his supporters gathered near the building of the Meshchansky Court in Moscow, where his case is being examined.


Russia to Test New Soyuz Booster on Oct. 29

Russia #39;s military will test a new-generation rocket booster this week that could eventually be used to launch civilian cargoes into space, Itar-Tass news agency said Monday.


Hackers Pull Out Nasty Trick From Hat

An e-mail that tricks Linux users to download a fake update from Red Hats security team is currently doing the rounds of the Internet.


Mac users face rare virus

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


Titan #39;s Alien Thunder

An anonymous reader writes  quot;What is not being reported much about the fascinating Huygens descent to the surface of Saturn #39;s largest moon, Titan, is its remarkable microphone.


Media #39;s Believe-It-or-Not Future

TV and radio serve up content in a linear broadcast format. It #39;s dished out in time slices according to schedules that make sense to broadcasters and the marketers who buy their ad space.


IBM Introduces Blades With Slimmer Price Tags

IBM has released a new low-cost eServer BladeCenter chassis and a unique set of  quot;business-in-a-box quot; solutions to help lower the cost and speed the time it takes for SMBs to purchase, deploy, and implement blade servers.


Man U breaks off talks with Glazer

Manchester United broke off talks Monday with American businessman Malcolm Glazer over a possible takeover of the soccer club, saying his bid relied too heavily on borrowed money.


Failure of Gaza pullout plan would be catastrophic: Peres

JERUSALEM - Opposition leader Shimon Peres warned on Monday Israel would face a catastrophe if the pullout from Gaza is blocked, saying a continued presence in the territory ran counter to national security.


Japan quake survivors face aftershocks

percent chance of an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 or greater in the area in the next week. Saturday #39;s initial earthquake had a magnitude of 6.8.


China Rebuffs Powell #39;s Suggestion

Chinese officials Monday rebuffed Secretary of State Colin L. Powell #39;s suggestion they use a possibly conciliatory speech by Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian to restart


China Factory Workers Protest Pensions (AP)

AP - Thousands of retired textile factory workers in an eastern Chinese industrial center blocked traffic in a weekend protest over the failure of their pensions to keep pace with rising prices, officials and labor advocates said Monday.


A Field Guide to the Falling Dollar

Depending on how investors behave, the dollar's downward drift could cast anything from a benign breeze to a hurricane.


Israel Kills 14 in Gaza Before Key Withdrawal Vote

GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli troops killed 14 Palestinians in a  Gaza refugee camp Monday as parliament prepared, under tight  security, to debate Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to  withdraw from the occupied territory.


Day at-a-glance

The hot event, who's ahead, pictures and quotes: what you need to know about the US election today.


Kimberly-Clark 3rd-Qtr Net Rises 5.1 on Huggies Diaper Sales

Kimberly-Clark Corp., the largest US maker of disposable diapers, said third-quarter earnings rose 5.1 percent as sales gains for Huggies and price increases on Scott tissue helped to counter rising pulp costs.


Hynix Profit Soars, Forecasts Better Fourth Quarter (Update4)

Hynix Semiconductor Inc., the world #39;s second-largest maker of computer-memory chips, said profit quadrupled in the third-quarter and will rise in the current period on increased demand for its products.


India #39;s Reliance Industries second quarter profit up 39 percent

BOMBAY (AFP) - Reliance Industries Ltd, the petrochemical flagship of India #39;s largest private sector company, said second quarter net profit jumped 39 percent against a backdrop of surging oil product prices.


Bond yields near 7-month lows

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - US Treasuries rallied early Monday, sending yields to their lowest levels in nearly seven months, as record high crude oil prices pressured equities.


Red Hat hit by security-update email scam

Red Hat is warning users that an email purporting to be a security update may contain malicious code. The email - which began appearing last Friday - uses a securityredhat


Yahoo and Adobe Announce a Partnership

A deal that gives Yahoo a new and very large distribution channel for their toolbar and will later see Yahoo search embedded in the Acrobat Reader will be announced today.


Shuttle Enterprise Takes Center Stage, at Last

Space shuttle Enterprise was born to be an astronautical bridesmaid, never a bride. Built in 1976 as one of the first trio of US shuttles, Enterprise never left


Treo Smartphones to Get Smarter

Staying in touch with clients, customers and the home office is one of the most crucial aspects of running a successful small business, especially if you #39;re on the road a lot.


Mind those IMs--your cubicle's walls have eyes

As more firms install software to keep tabs on workers, start-ups and heavy hitters alike spy an opportunity in surveillance products.


Vatican Handbook Questions Preventive War (AP)

AP - A Vatican handbook made public Monday questioned preventive war and denounced the "horrendous crime" of abortion, but Vatican officials denied they were trying to influence the U.S. presidential election campaign.


Milan derby finishes with a goalless draw

Inter held champions AC Milan to a 0- 0 draw in the Milan derby on Sunday, widening their gap with first division leaders Juventus.


Tunisian President Ben Ali Reelected

President Ben Ali was elected for a fourth term, with close to 95 percent of the vote, according to results published by the ministry of interior.


Sudanese peace talks open with dispute on security looming

ABUJA : Sudanese government envoys sat down with leaders of the rebellion in the western Darfur region as African Union peace talks took off here with a likelihood of bitter rows over security arrangements.


TV REPORTER DROWNS ON ASSIGNMENT

Taipei, Oct. 25 (CNA) A local TV reporter was swept away by floodwaters and drowned while covering Typhoon Nock-Ten in Taipei County Monday morning.


Ispat, LNM, ISG merge to form world's largest steelmaker (AFP)

AFP - Dutch-Indian steel group Ispat International announced that it had agreed to merge with Dutch LNM Holdings and US International Steel Group to form the world's largest steelmaker, which would be known as Mittal Steel.


Robot promoters look to Social Security set

The elderly are being eyed as a potential market for personal assistant robots that could help them live independently longer.


Multimedia goes mobile at CTIA

Mobile operators, content providers and other participants at the CTIA Wireless IT and Entertainment trade show this weekin San Franciscowill be gearing up for an expected boom in mobile multimedia in the U.S.


PalmOne packs Treo smart phone with new chip

PalmOne Inc.'s long-awaited update to the Treo 600 will come with a new processor, sharper display and flash memory, as the company continues to improve its flagship product. The company is set to unveil the device, called the Treo 650, Monday at the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association's (CTIA's) Wireless IT and Entertainment conference.


Exec says Pentium M may add location-based services in 2006

Intel Corp. will likely add support for location-based services to its Pentium M line of mobile processors in 2006, a senior company executive said Monday.


Hilton Profit Up on Travel Recovery

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hilton Hotels Corp. HLT.N on Monday  said third-quarter earnings almost doubled as business and  leisure travel increased, filling its big urban hotels.


Do You Need Disability Insurance?

There's a good chance you'll become disabled for a while. Are you protected?


Crude Oil Prices Rise on Winter Fuel Worries

Crude futures prices rose Monday on concerns about tight heating oil supplies ahead of winter, strong oil demand in China and fears about a planned petroleum-industry lockout in Norway.


President signs American Jobs Creation Act

WASHINGTON - U.S. President George Bush on Friday signed tax legislation that provides \$145 billion in new tax relief to U.S. corporations over the next 10 years, including a provision giving a tax break to companies that return income to the U.S. from operations located overseas.


Existing Home Sales Surge in September

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Sales of existing U.S. homes surged  by an unanticipated 3.1 percent in September as low mortgage  rates fueled home buying, a trade association said on Monday.


Existing Home Sales Surge in September (Reuters)

Reuters - Sales of existing U.S. homes surged\by an unanticipated 3.1 percent in September as low mortgage\rates fueled home buying, a trade association said on Monday.


Supermarket chain Morrison sells 114 stores (AFP)

AFP - William Morrison, the fourth largest grocery chain, said it had agreed to sell 114 stores to rival Somerfield for 260 million pounds.


Magna International Offers to Take 3 Units Private (Update2)

Magna International Inc., Canada #39;s largest auto parts supplier, offered to buy the shares that it doesn #39;t own in three units for as much as C\$1.


Hynix sees Q3 sales, profits slip sequentially

SEOUL, South Korea - Hynix Semiconductor Inc. made a profit of 530 billion won (about US\$467 million) on sales revenue of 1,542 billion won (about US\$1,359 million) in the third quarter of 2004.


NETHERLANDS/SWEDEN: Ahold, Canica agree purchase price of ICA <b>...</b>

Dutch retailer Ahold has said it has reached an agreement with its joint venture partner Canica over the purchase price of Canicas 20 stake in Scandinavian joint venture ICA AB.


One year since YUKOS #39; head arrest

RBC, 25.10.2004, Moscow 17:27:13.It has been one year today since former YUKOS CEO and its major shareholder Mikhail Khodorkovsky was arrested.


Cassini takes passing shot of Saturn #39;s moon

Monash scientist Andrew Prentice ponders the probe that will land on the Saturnian moon Titan in January. Photo: Angela Wylie. NASA #39;s mission to Saturn, Cassini, will pass a crucial milestone


PalmOne updates the Treo smart phone

PalmOne Inc. #39;s long-awaited update to the Treo 600 will come with a new processor, sharper display and flash memory, as the company continues to improve its flagship product.


Curb biological weapons - doctors

The British Medical Association is to call for international action to curb advancements in the development of biological and genetic weapons.


United ends Arsenal #39;s streak

Manchester United emerged triumphantly from an uncompromising Battle of the Titans to end Arsenal #39;s 49-match unbeaten English Premier League run with a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday.


Molik carries weight of expectation

Is Alicia Molik the great white hope of Australian women #39;s tennis? It might be unfair to burden the 23-year-old with that tag, but following her win over Maria Sharapova in the \$1.


Uncertain offseason in store

Sunday #39;s Brazilian Grand Prix marked the end of the 2004 Formula One season, and for some, the end of the line. David Coulthard, who saw his career at McLaren come to an end with an 11th place finish, has


Diggers bombed in Baghdad

AUSTRALIAN troops have suffered their first direct attack since the Iraq war began, with three Australian soldiers injured in a suspected suicide bomb assault on an armoured vehicle convoy in Baghdad.


Karzai Seen Winning Outright First-Round Victory

The latest official preliminary results from Afghanistan #39;s 9 October 9 presidential election show transitional leader Hamid Karzai has won the clear majority needed for an outright first-round victory.


China, US agree to revive talks on N. Korean nuke issue

Beijing, Oct. 25 (PTI): China and the US today agreed to work jointly to re-energise the six-party talks mechanism aimed at dismantling North Korea #39;s nuclear programmes while Washington urged Beijing to resume


Egypt arrests five suspects over Sinai bombings

CAIRO (AFP) - Egypt said it had arrested five suspects accused of carrying out a wave of deadly car bomb attacks in Red Sea resorts almost three weeks ago.


Compatriots urged to battle Chen #39;s moves

The people of Taiwan Province were called on Monday to join with their mainland compatriots in the fight to safeguard national unity and counter Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian #39;s splittist moves.


Now Norway: Oil Finds Another Reason To Rise

NEW YORK - Crude oil prices surged to a new high this morning in European trading, with a barrel fetching as much as \$55.67. Two reasons were offered by wire-service reports--one relatively old, and one brand new.


Russian ice queen is hurt in fall

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, -- Reigning world pairs champion Tatiana Totmianina was hospitalized after a head-first fall to the ice during a Skate America competition in Pittsburgh on Saturday.


Bulloch to captain Scots

Bulloch takes over from Scott Murray, who is recovering from knee surgery, for the games against Australia (two), Japan and South Africa.


Japan quake survivors face aftershocks

Some 100,000 weary survivors of Japan #39;s deadliest earthquake in a decade have bedded down for a third night in makeshift shelters or slept outside as a series


Russian tycoon rocks Vilnius

by RN Eastern Europe editor Margreet Strijbosch, 25 October 2004. A Russian-born millionaire has turned Lithuanian politics on its head.


Els Stays Away as Valderamma Loses Its Sparkle

London (Reuters) - The finale to the European golf season,  the Volvo Masters, will be fought out this week without  money-list winner-elect Ernie Els.


Sharon Says Iran Doing All to Get Nuclear Weapons (Reuters)

Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon\accused arch-foe Iran Monday of doing everything it could to\obtain nuclear weapons.


Palestinian Organized Taba Bombs, Died in Blast (Reuters)

Reuters - A Palestinian driver targeting Israelis\masterminded bombings that killed 33 people at Egyptian resorts\on Oct. 7 and he himself died in one of the explosions because\the timer was badly set, Egypt said on Monday.


Sony Launches MP3 Walkmans to Counter IPod

LONDON (Reuters) - Sony Corp 6758.T launched its first  MP3-compatible flash memory digital music players under the  Walkman name on Monday in the latest bid to reclaim the lead in  a market it has lost to Apple Computer's iPod.


US vice president deems Kerry's approach to fight against terror 'nuts' (AFP)

AFP - US Vice President Dick Cheney in an interview dismissed John Kerry's approach to safeguarding US national security as  quot;nuts, quot; adding that the Democratic presidential candidate would leave the United States less secure were he to win the White House.


Computer Security Survey Finds Awareness Gap

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Most computer users believe they are  safe from online threats even as their machines fall victim to  viruses and spyware, according to a survey released on Monday.


Sony Launches MP3 Walkmans to Counter IPod (Reuters)

Reuters - Sony Corp (6758.T) launched its first\MP3-compatible flash memory digital music players under the\Walkman name on Monday in the latest bid to reclaim the lead in\a market it has lost to Apple Computer's iPod.


Invasion of the Data Snatchers

Think your PC is safe? Think again. A new study indicates your home computer is likely bogged down with spyware, viruses and other scourges wrought by hackers and PC pranksters. -washingtonpost.com


Key Internet Domain Up For Grabs

This month, the overseer of the Internet's addressing system will begin deciding what company will run the .net domain. The stakes are high, and so is the responsibility. -washingtonpost.com


United Online Buying Classmates.com

Internet service provider United Online Inc. on Monday posted a 42 percent surge in third-quarter profit  --  helped by expanding margins and lower telecommunications costs  --  and raised its earnings outlook for 2004.


Chechen President Open to Rebel Talks (AP)

AP - The Kremlin-backed president of Chechnya said Monday he was open to negotiating with rebel leaders if they could ensure that their followers make good on any commitments undertaken in peace talks.


Darfur Peace Talks Seek to Break Deadlock (AP)

AP - Sudan's government and rebels met Monday to try to break a deadlock over key security issues holding up the signing of an accord to grant humanitarian organizations wider access to hundreds of thousands of refugees of the Darfur crisis.


No Fast Answers in Probe of Seal Deaths (AP)

AP - Scientists investigating high mortality rates of seals say no fast answer has emerged. Reports of stranded seals have slowed to normal rates in recent weeks, but researchers continue to search for clues about what happened to the harbor seals last summer in Maine.


Karzai Win Assured as Afghan Poll Count Winds Up

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai is sure of  victory in his country's historic presidential poll, but the  result will not be announced for a day or so until the last few  ballot boxes are counted, an official said Monday.


BellSouth Profit Drops on Flat Revenue

The phone provider reported a 14.6 percent drop in third-quarter profit on flat revenue and a continued loss of local access lines.


Kerry Calls Missing Explosives One of Bush's 'Great Blunders'

DOVER, N.H. (AP) -- Democrat John Kerry is seizing on the Bush administration's failure to secure hundreds of tons of explosives now missing in Iraq.


Israeli Troops Kill 14 in Gaza Refugee Camp

Israeli troops killed 14 Palestinians in a Gaza refugee camp on Monday as parliament prepared, under tight security, to debate Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw from the occupied territory.


Montoya Leaves Williams on a High

 By Alan Baldwin

 SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Juan Pablo Montoya left Williams as awinner in Brazil on Sunday, even if he had hoped for greaterthings before the season started.


Hilton Hotels profit zooms 78 percent amid summer travel surge

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (Dow Jones/AP) -- Hilton Hotels Corp. on Monday posted a 79 percent jump in third-quarter profit, as strong summer travel demand and higher room rates helped the company #39;s bottom line.


Reynolds reports 1st earnings since merger

Tobacco company Reynolds American Inc., reporting earnings for the first time since the combination of RJ Reynolds and the US operations of Brown  amp; Williamson


Reliance #39;s Q2 profit jumps 38.7 percent, shares slip (update):

Business India: Mumbai, Oct 25 : Reliance Industries Ltd., India #39;s largest private business conglomerate, Monday reported a better-than-expected 38.


Invasion of the Data Snatchers

Think your PC is safe? Think again. A new study indicates your home computer is likely bogged down with spyware, viruses and other scourges wrought by hackers and PC pranksters.


Sony Corp 6758.T launched its first MP3-compatible flash memory digital music players under the Walkman name on Monday in the latest bid to reclaim the lead in a market it has lost to Apple Computer #39;s iPod.


Astronaut candidates taste of zero gravity

com. NASA #39;s newest astronaut candidates experienced their first taste of zero gravity and are now preparing to make their first jet flights without the company of instructors.


Britain seeks wave power

Denmark catches the most wind for power. Japan absorbs the most sun. Now Britain wants to rule the waves. Wave and tidal stream machines are the latest exploratory technology


Brazil Successfully Launches First Rocket Into Space

Brazil has successfully launched a test rocket from the Alcantara base in northern Brazil on Saturday, October 23. The two-stage VSB-30 prototype flew for seven minutes at an altitude of about 100 kilometers above the earth.


Ferdinand cautious amid United euphoria

Rio Ferdinand has claimed yesterdays controversial win over Arsenal will count for nothing unless Manchester United beat Portsmouth at the weekend.


Gators Fire Zook

Two days after one of its most embarrassing losses in recent years, the University of Florida has fired head football coach Ron Zook.


Bulloch is new Scotland skipper

GORDON BULLOCH was today named as the new captain of Scotland rugby ahead of the three Abbey Autumn Tests next month writes BILL LOTHIAN.


Six convicted in Pitcairn sex trials

Six of seven Pitcairn men being tried on sexual assault charges on the south Pacific island were convicted by three judges, New Zealand TV reported Monday.


Egypt arrests Sinai bomb suspects

Five Egyptians have been arrested on charges of plotting a series of simultaneous bomb blasts in Red Sea resorts earlier this month.


Four killed in Thai violence

SECURITY forces fired shots in the air and used water cannons and tear gas to disperse about 2000 angry Muslim youths rioting in Thailand #39;s troubled south Monday, leaving at least four people dead and more than 20 injured, police said.


Stocks Fall as Oil, Dollar Weigh

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Monday, with the  blue-chip Dow hitting a new low for the year, as oil prices set  new records above \$55 a barrel and the dollar fell to within a  cent of record lows against the euro.


Oil Scales New High on Norway Fears

LONDON (Reuters) - World oil prices scaled a new high above  \$55 a barrel on Monday as a threat by Norwegian oil employers  to halt production from the world's third biggest exporter  stoked fears of a winter supply crunch.


Dollar Falls, Gloom Over Economy Persists

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar fell sharply on Monday,  dropping to within one cent of record lows against the euro as  worries over the state of the U.S. economy persisted.


Mac users face rare threat

Shell script disables Mac OS X's built-in firewall, steals personal information and can destroy data.


Survey: Porn to Boost Wireless Web Services

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Mobile phone users around the world  will spend \$1 billion a year on pornography sent to their  handsets by 2008, which may boost the wireless services sector  much as it fueled growth in the fixed-line Internet, a market  research firm said.


Porn to Boost Wireless Web Services-Survey


Ispat to create world #39;s largest steelmaker

Ispat International, the steel producer controlled by the Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, today announced it had agreed to buy LNM Holdings and International Steel Group in


EU proposes end to biggest trade dispute with Washington

The European Union #39;s top trade official says he #39;ll move to lift millions of dollars in punitive tariffs on US goods. EU trade commissioner Pascal Lamy says he #39;ll act because Congress


Reynolds American Reports First Earnings Since Merger With B amp;W

CHARLOTTE -- Reynolds American reports a third-quarter profit of \$339 million in its first earnings report since the combination of RJ Reynolds and the US operations of Brown and Williamson Tobacco.


SEC Probes Payments to Pension Planners

The Securities and Exchange Commission is finding troubling indications that mutual-fund companies and other money managers paid retirement-plan consultants to be recommended to the consultants #39; clients, people familiar with the probe told The Wall Street


Police open fire at Thai Muslim protest

Up to five people have died and at least 20 injured after security forces in southern Thailand fired shots in the air and used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protestors.


Consular Office of Korean Embassy in Beijing Considers Suspending <b>...</b>

The Consular Office of the South Korean Embassy in Beijing decided on October 25 to consider halting general consular services, owing to a recent flow of North Korean defectors crossing into China and overpopulating the consulates temporary housing


Survey: Porn to Boost Wireless Web Services (Reuters)

Reuters - Mobile phone users around the world\will spend  #36;1 billion a year on pornography sent to their\handsets by 2008, which may boost the wireless services sector\much as it fueled growth in the fixed-line Internet, a market\research firm said.


Rivals run a relay race for president (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Colorado, New Mexico and Florida are three of the most competitive states in the presidential election. USA TODAY reporters and photographers followed President Bush and Sen. John Kerry as they bounced around those states - and three time zones - Saturday, 10 days before Election Day. Here is a look at their day on the road.


Darfur Peace Talks Start Amid New Fighting

ABUJA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Darfur peace talks kicked off  four days late in Nigeria Monday amid mounting international  concerns of a resurgence of fighting in the remote Sudanese  region.


Rutan meets his rocket heroes

Private spaceflight pioneer Burt Rutan meets his heroes - remaining members of Wernher von Braun's rocket team.


McKesson Gets Pain Relief

Drug distributors would like to forget 2004. But this may mean bargains for investors.


2004 Salary Survey Snapshots

Here's a look at some miscellaneous -- and enlightening -- statistics from this year's salary survey.


Hilton Profit Up on Travel Recovery

Hilton Hotels Corp. (HLT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said third-quarter earnings almost doubled as business and leisure travel increased, filling its big urban hotels.


Automatic Data Posts Higher 1Q Profit

Automatic Data Processing Inc., a provider of payroll and financial processing services, on Monday posted a 7 percent rise in first-quarter profit, helped by strong national account sales and heightened demand for its employer services.


Magna to take auto parts subsidiaries Intier, Decoma and Tesma <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Magna International Inc. has made a \$1.3-billion bid to take its three publicly traded auto parts subsidiaries private in a move the company says will help it win business from Japanese and South Korean carmakers.


Reports: Gators Football Coach Zook Fired (AP)

AP - Florida coach Ron Zook was fired Monday but will be allowed to finish the season, athletic director Jeremy Foley told The Gainesville Sun.


Myanmar military ruler says democracy only option (Reuters)

Reuters - Myanmar military ruler Senior General Than Shwe told Indian leaders on Monday the junta was committed to bringing democracy, a week after ousting a fellow general credited with setting in motion a roadmap for change.


Stocks Fall; Oil, Dollar Take Their Toll

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Monday, with the  blue-chip Dow at a new low for the year, after oil prices  climbed to new highs overnight and the dollar fell to within a  cent of record lows against the euro.


US, Russian Astronauts Land Safely in Kazakhstan

Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka and American astronaut Mike Fincke had been in space since April. While in space they carried out four space walks, including one crucial mission to repair


The race for flights into space

After years of capturing the imagination of wide-eyed daredevils, dreamers and would-be entrepreneurs, space travel for ordinary people may finally be taking flight.


UF Fires Coach Zook, ESPN Says

Ron Zook, head coach of University of Florida football, has been fired, according to ESPN and First Coast News in Jacksonville, Fla.


Darfur Peace Talks Seek to Break Deadlock

ABUJA, Nigeria Oct 25, 2004 - Sudan #39;s government and rebels met Monday to try to break a deadlock over key security issues holding up the signing of an accord to grant humanitarian organizations wider access to hundreds of thousands of refugees of the


Federer Sets Sights on 'Fairytale' Swiss Title

BASEL, Switzerland (Reuters) - World number one Roger  Federer, overwhelming favorite for this week's Swiss Indoors  tournament, has targeted a fairytale victory in front of his  home crowd.


Kyoto Too Little to Fix Warming - UN Climate Chief (Reuters)

Reuters - Although saved last week with Russian\help, the Kyoto pact on global warming offers too little to\arrest climate change and governments should adopt more radical\solutions, the top U.N. climate expert said.


Oil Slips Under \$55 a Barrel

LONDON (Reuters) - World oil prices briefly scaled a new  high above \$55 a barrel on Monday before falling back as the  Norwegian government moved to end a strike that had threatened  the country's energy output.


French gays hail new "Pink TV" channel (Reuters)

Reuters - Gays across France are celebrating the launch of the country's first television channel for homosexuals,\anticipating a pink mixture of fashion, travel, talk, cult movies, music and soap operas.


World #39;s largest steelmaker formed

ROTTERDAM - Dutch-Indian steel group Ispat International announced on Monday that it had agreed to merge with Dutch LNM Holdings and US International Steel Group to form the world #39;s largest steelmaker, which would be known as Mittal Steel.


Reynolds American Profits, Raises Outlook

Reynolds American Inc. (RAI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the maker of Camel and Kool cigarettes, on Monday posted a third-quarter profit and raised its expectations for its full-year performance on tax benefits and cost savings.


Morrison sells 114 stores

LONDON - William Morrison, Britain #39;s fourth largest grocery chain, said Monday it had agreed to sell 114 stores to rival Somerfield for 260 million pounds (375 million euros, 479 million dollars).


Yahoo, Adobe announce strategic partnership, launch joint toolbar

Adobe Systems and internet company Yahoo today announced a strategic relationship aimed at providing consumer services to internet users.


Nokia Eases Mobile Movie Buys

Forum Nokia, the global developer support program of mobile giant Nokia, has announced an innovative software application that makes it easy for end-users to discover, try and buy mobile applications, content and services.


U2 Lovers Mad? Most Excited With iPod Deal, Fan Website Editor <b>...</b>

The majority of fans of the rock group U2 are happy and excited with its expected announcement of a deal with Apple Computer to launch a special-edition U2


Schilling shuts down Cards

The Boston Red Sox are two wins away from their first World Series championship since 1918, two wins away from reversing the dreaded Curse of the Bambino, two


Vassell out with broken ankle

Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell faces a long layoff after breaking his ankle in Saturday #39;s game against Fulham. The 24-year-old England striker was injured midway through the


Yahoo and Adobe Partner for Downloads

Yahoo and Adobe Partner for Downloads\\Yahoo and Adobe have partnered to provide more Yahoo Toolbar downloads to Adobe Reader downloaders. Adobe and Yahoo announced the strategic relationship aimed at providing consumer services to Internet users. Leveraging the over half-a-billion copies of Adobe Reader software distributed to date and Yahoo the ...


Norway's Shipowners plans to expand lockout, government orders talks (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - STAVANGER, Norway (AP) - The Norwegian Shipowners Association threatened on Monday to lock out more oil and gas rig workers, a move analysts said could result in a near shutdown of the third-largest petroleum exporter's production and drive world oil prices even higher.


Gators May Fire Zook

There is a report that Florida will fire third-year football coach Ron Zook this afternoon. Zook replaced Steve Spurrier after the 2001 season.


Another Palmer Charges to Victory

The name was familiar. So was the charge.<br> The highlight of Ryan Palmer's rookie season on the PGA Tour came seven months ago across town at Bay Hill, when he met Arnold Palmer for the first time. That changed yesterday in the Funai Classic, where the 28-year-old rookie made a name for...


BellSouth Posts Lower Earnings

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - BellSouth Corp. BLS.N on Monday  said third-quarter earnings fell due to hurricane damage in the  southeastern U.S.


Pentium M Finds Its Place

Notebook chips will likely support location-based services by 2006, Intel says.


Oil Slips Under \$55 a Barrel

World oil prices briefly scaled a new high above \$55 a barrel on Monday before falling back as the Norwegian government moved to end a strike that had threatened the country #39;s energy output.


Mittal: British Billionaire Creates World #39;s Largest Steel Company

Billionaires forge a deal: Lakshmi Mittal, one of the richest men in the UK, will merge his steel assets and buy International Steel Group (nyse: ISG - news - people ), which counts US billionaire Wilbur L. Ross Jr.


S amp;P 500 Falls After Kimberly-Clark #39;s Earnings Trail Estimates

The Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 Index fell, led by shares of household-product makers, after Kimberly-Clark Corp. reported earnings that trailed analysts #39; estimates.


Spitzer Strikes Again

Eliot Spitzer received an anonymous letter last March that made for intriguing reading. The message suggested that the New York attorney general poke around Marsh  amp; McLennan, the US #39;s largest insurance broker


Reynolds Reports 1st Earnings Since Merger

Tobacco company Reynolds American Inc., reporting earnings for the first time since the combination of RJ Reynolds and the US operations of Brown  amp; Williamson Tobacco, on Monday


Magna International Offers to Take 3 Units Private (Update3)

Magna International Inc., Canada #39;s largest auto parts supplier, offered to buy out shares in three units for as much as C\$1.3 billion (\$1.


Somerfield puts bite on rivals

Supermarket chain Somerfield is to take control of more than half of Scotland #39;s Safeway branches. They are being sold by the company #39;s new owner Morrisons as part of a 260m deal.


PalmOne Intros Treo 650 Smartphone

The Treo allows users to dial contacts by name from a contacts list or enter a name or number on the improved backlit Qwerty keyboard or on-screen dial pad.


Forum Nokia to streamline content distribution

SAN FRANCISCO-Nokia Corp. #39;s development program plans to use CTIA #39;s Wireless IT  amp; Entertainment show to unveil a worldwide initiative designed to make it easier for developers to bring mobile content and applications to market.


IBM unveils low-cost blades

IBM announced last Friday a lower-cost blade server option--a pared-down chassis geared for small and midsize businesses. The new Express version of IBM #39;s BladeCenter chassis still can accommodate as many


Report Says Florida to Fire Zook

University of Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley will hold a news conference this afternoon regarding the future of third-year coach Ron Zook.


Still Perfect: Win streak reaches 21 for Patriots

The New England Patriots extended their remarkable winning streak to 21 games on Sunday and broke another NFL record in the process in their 13-7 win over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.


Australians may have been target of bombing: Minister

The Foreign Minister says Australians may have been the target of a suicide car bombing in Baghdad which injured three Australian soldiers.


Taba bombings masterminds identified

Egypt said Monday a Palestinian and a group of Bedouin Egyptians planned and executed the bombings in Taba that killed 34 people earlier this month.


Powell, Japan #39;s Machimura Discuss Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea

(State Department) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell and Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura held a 90-minute working lunch in Tokyo October 24, exchanging views on Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea, China, UN reform, and Japan #39;s insistence that


James Hardie asbestos fund threatens April wind-up in funding <b>...</b>

SYDNEY: Directors of a compensation fund for asbestos victims set up by embattled building products group James Hardie Industries said it could run out of money by April and be forced to close down.


French Farmers Mount Fuel Blockades (AP)

AP - Hundreds of angry French farmers mounted blockades around the country Monday to hold up fuel shipments in protest at soaring diesel and gasoline prices and to press their demands for government aid.


A Look at Foreigners Taken Hostage in Iraq (AP)

AP - Insurgents in Iraq have kidnapped more than 150 foreigners. Those reported held are: