High Energy Mystery lurks at the Galactic Center

PPARC -- A mystery lurking at the centre of our own Milky Way galaxy - an object radiating high-energy gamma rays - has been detected by a team of UK astronomers working with international partners.     Their research, published today (September 22nd) in the Journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, was carried out using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.), an array of four telescopes, in Namibia, South-West Africa...


What Genesis Solar Particles Can Tell Us

UC Davis/AP -- The recent crash of NASA's Genesis space probe may have looked like bad news for scientists, but its cargo of particles captured from the sun should still yield useful information, according to Qing-Zhu Yin, a planetary scientist at UC Davis.     Yin, who is not directly affiliated with the Genesis mission, studies the composition of meteorites to learn about the formation of the solar system...


New Signs of Life Found at the Poles

British Atlantic Survey -- Large colonies of micro-organisms living under rocks have been discovered in the most hostile and extreme regions of the Arctic and Antarctic  giving new insights on survival of life on other planets.     Reporting in this week's Nature, scientists from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography reveal their surprise findings that rock-dwelling micro-organisms can photosynthesise and store carbon just as much as the plants, lichens and mosses that live above ground...


Pay for Sun's Schwartz jumps 56 percent

Sun Microsystems' new president pulls in \$677,000 in fiscal 2004, as the company tries to return to prosperity.


Code to exploit Windows graphics flaw now public

Program showing how to use flaw in Windows' handling of graphics files hits the Net--back up your family photos and beware.


XP SP2 distribution accelerated, VPN problem fixed

Microsoft will accelerate the rollout of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) over the next month and has released the first official update for SP2 to fix a problem some users had with VPNs (virtual private networks).


Govt aims to raise FDI to GDP ratio to 22 in 3 years

ISLAMABAD: Waseem Haqqie, chairman Board of Investment (BoI) said Wednesday that the government aims to enhance the ratio of foreign direct investment (FDI) to GDP from 18 percent to 22 percent in the next three years.


Shell switch in strategy fails to win support of investors

Shell, the Anglo-Dutch oil giant, warned yesterday that production is likely to remain flat for the next five years as it accelerates the disposal of unwanted assets and


Update 1: US Airways Pilots Reopen Negotiations

Pilots at US Airways Group Inc. resumed negotiations Wednesday with management on a new labor contract with the bankrupt airline, even as the company made clear that it will now be seeking greater concessions.


Wrong move, Inzamam

SOUTHAMPTON - Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq gambled and lost yesterday as the West Indies thrashed his team by seven wickets to book their place against England in the Champions Trophy final.


Blackburn out of League Cup after 7-6 loss to Bournemouth on <b>...</b>

Blackburn was dumped out of the Carling Cup on Wednesday, losing 7-6 on penalties to lowly Bournemouth in the second round. The two sides had tied 3-3 after extra time in English soccer #39;s second tier club knockout competition.


We are no longer underdogs, says Montgomerie

From the 18th green at Oakland Hills to an Irish bar in Detroit, where Padraig Harrington met up with his cousin, Joey, the quarterback of the Detroit Loins who also won on Sunday


Europe adjust to life at top

quot;We #39;ve always bowed to the US Tour. Now, after winning four times in five starts, the time has come for us to pat ourselves on the back.


Verizon Expands Service Into New Wireless Markets

By BRUCE MEYERSON    NEW YORK (AP) -- Verizon Wireless plans next week to expand its high-speed mobile data service to 11 more markets, including New York and Los Angeles, as well as 19 more airports.    The speedier laptop connections will be marketed only to businesses while the company adds coverage and readies services and devices for a consumer-oriented launch in 2005, Verizon Wireless said Wednesday...


Immersion Wins Patent Case Against Sony (AP)

AP - Immersion Corp., a small firm that develops and licenses touch-related technologies, has been awarded  #36;82 million after winning a patent infringement lawsuit against PlayStation maker Sony Corp.


Group claims execution of Italian hostages in Iraq: website (AFP)

AFP - A group calling itself the  quot;Jihad Organization quot; said it had  quot;slaughtered quot; two Italian female hostages in Iraq, in a statement posted on an Islamist website.


Pay Now, Learn Later (Forbes.com)

Forbes.com - By now you probably know that earnings of Section 529 college savings accounts are free of federal tax if used for higher education. But taxes are only part of the problem. What if your investments tank? Just ask Laurence and Margo Williams of Alexandria, Va. In 2000 they put  #36;45,000 into the Virginia Education Savings Trust to open accounts for daughters Lea, now 5, and Anne, now 3. Since then their investment has shrunk 5 while the average private college tuition has climbed 18 to  #36;18,300.


Man shot to death by Edmonton police had history of violence in Ontario (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - EDMONTON (CP) - A man shot to death by an Edmonton police officer three years ago hoped Ontario Provincial Police would shoot him during a violent encounter almost a decade earlier, a fatality inquiry heard Wednesday.


Is AOL More Ad-User Friendly? (AdWeek.com)

AdWeek.com - As an ad medium, America Online has struggled to compete with rivals Yahoo! and Microsoft's MSN. But nine-month AOL Me-dia Networks president Michael J. Kelly declares the Time Warner unit has turned the corner--and some advertisers and agencies agree.


Sony Shifts Strategy to Support MP3 Files (AP)

AP - In a major strategic reversal, Sony Corp. said Wednesday it plans to add support for MP3 music files to some of its portable music players.


Air Force's Roche Eyed Over Boeing Deal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - White House officials have asked the  Justice Department to determine whether Air Force Secretary  James Roche engaged in possible misconduct over an initial  proposal to lease 100 Boeing Co. BA.N refueling tankers,  sources familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.


Fannie Mae Used Improper Accounting-Probe

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Fannie Mae used improper accounting  to manipulate its earnings reporting from quarter to quarter,  federal regulators said in a highly critical report that sets  the stage for the industry's second bookkeeping drama in less  than 18 months.


'Iraq-Style' U.N. Plan Not Sought for Iran (AP)

AP - The Bush administration has no plans to seek an "Iraq-style" U.N. Security Council resolution on Iran if it succeeds in efforts to have the council address that country's nuclear activities.


Presidential candidates look toward crucial debate (AFP)

AFP - President George W. Bush and his Democratic rival John Kerry scouted votes in key battleground states but were already looking ahead to their crucial televised debates starting in a week.


US Senate confirms Porter Goss as CIA head (AFP)

AFP - The US Senate confirmed Representative Porter Goss, who led efforts in Congress to reform intelligence-gathering, as head of the Central Intelligence Agency for which he once worked as a spy.


Vikings Place Kleinsasser and Rosenthal on IR

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., (Sports Network) - The Minnesota  Vikings suffered a major blow on Wednesday when the club placed  right tackle Mike Rosenthal and tight end Jim Kleinsasser on  injured reserve, ending both players season.


Colts' James Questionable for Sunday

INDIANAPOLIS (Sports Network) - Indianapolis Colts running  back Edgerrin James is questionable for Sunday's game against  Green Bay.


Low-Carb Diet Craze Hits Plateau

There was a time when the low-carbohydrate Atkins and South Beach diets were sending tsunamis through the financial world. Riding swelling demand up was MGP Ingredients (Nasdaq: MGPI) -- formerly


Unctad report: FDI in Malaysia at US\$2.47bil last year

FOREIGN direct investment (FDI) in Malaysia dropped to US\$2.47bil last year from US\$3.20bil in 2002, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Developments (Unctad) World Investment Report 2004.


Coles Myer second-half profit rises 26

SYDNEY: Coles Myer Ltd, Australias biggest retailer, increased second-half profit by 26 after opening fuel and convenience stores, selling more-profitable groceries and cutting costs.


ICC approved Ameren #39;s acquisition of Illinois Power

CHICAGO The Illinois Commerce Commission today unanimously approved Ameren Corporation #39;s two-point-three-(b)billion-dollar acquisition of Decatur-based Illinois Power.


Boom times for mp3 players?

p2pnet.net News:- Is digital music finally going mainstream? According to market research firm IDC, the MP3 portable market will boom over the next five years into a \$58 billion industry.


Pay for Sun #39;s Schwartz jumps 56 percent

com September 22, 2004, 4:33 PM PT. With the economy slowly turning up, upgrading hardware has been on businesses radar in the past 12 months as their number two priority.


Button contract decision delayed

Jenson Button will not know which Formula One team he will race for next season until next month after a hearing on the dispute was adjourned.


Singh looks to build No. 1 ranking, push Woods #39; money record at 84 <b>...</b>

Vijay Singh didn #39;t see the Mystic Rock course where the 84 Lumber Classic is played until a few weeks ago. Defending champion JL Lewis said the world #39;s top-ranked golfer would have gained no great advantage if he had seen it earlier.


Weekdays at 4:45 PM on Radio 990 in Manitoba

WINNIPEG - After more than 200 games, former Winnipegger Todd MacCulloch has decided to retire from the National Basketball Association.


Researchers Study Real Viruses to Thwart Virtual (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. university researchers will\soon begin a  #36;13 million study of the spread of Internet\viruses using methods pioneered in tracking the outbreak of\human epidemics, researchers said on Wednesday.


Suicide bomber kills 11 as recruits join Iraqi police

A suicide bomber struck for the second time in 24 hours yesterday near where National Guard recruits were waiting to sign on, killing at least 11 people in west Baghdad.


Family of Briton held in Iraq issue final appeal for mercy (AFP)

AFP - The family of a British engineer held hostage in Iraq made a final desperate appeal to his captors to  quot;be merciful quot;, as hopes for his safe release started to fade.


Pill-Popping Nation

Americans are using more prescription drugs, but pharmaceutical companies can't take huge comfort in that.


U.K. Hostage Pleads for Life on Videotape (AP)

AP - A British hostage appeared on a video posted on an Islamic Web site Wednesday weeping and pleading for his life as Iraq's leader and U.S. officials crushed reports that a high-profile female Iraqi weapons scientist could be released from jail soon  #151; as demanded by the kidnappers.


Back to School (Forbes.com)

Forbes.com - Over the past three decades the Federal Government has poured three-quarters of a trillion dollars into financial aid for college students. Back in 1971, the annual total for grants, loans, tax breaks and other aid was the equivalent, in today's dollars, of  #36;18 billion. It's now running at a  #36;65-billion-a-year clip.


Senate Approves Goss As Head of CIA (AP)

AP - The Republican-led Senate approved President Bush's choice to head the CIA, Rep. Porter Goss, over protests from some Democrats who said he has too many Republican ties for a job that requires independence.


Kimberly-Clark seeks cut of 400-500 million dollars (AFP)

AFP - Kimberly-Clark, maker of Kleenex tissues and other consumer goods, announced a cost-cutting plan aimed at saving 400 to 500 million dollars over three years, as well as a share buyback plan.


U.S. Says Cat Stevens May Have Terror Ties

WASHINGTON - The singer formerly known as Cat Stevens is forbidden from flying into the United States because of his alleged association with possible terrorists, U.S. officials said Wednesday in explaining why a London-to-Washington flight carrying the peace activist was diverted...


Wheeling-Pitt raises \$100 million

Wheeling-Pittsburgh Corp. closed \$100 million Wednesday from a public stock offering. The steelmaker offered 3.65 million shares of common stock at \$29 per share.


Oprah car winners hit with hefty tax

Like any prize, the value is counted as income; winners must pay up to \$7,000 or forfeit the car. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Leave it to Uncle Sam to spoil the party.


IBM and AMD partnership extended through 2008

AMD and IBM have extended their CPU technology agreement through the end of 2008. Originally signed in December 2002, the alliance was originally slated to wind up at the end of 2005.


Keane to Rooney: Beware the hangers-on and back-stabbers

MANCHESTER - As Wayne Rooney steps closer to his Manchester United debut, club captain has Roy Keane warned the England striker not to trust anyone as he revealed a world of hangers-on and back-stabbers at Old Trafford.


Buy and sell tickets to premium and sold out events

The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Tuesday refused to reinstate a lawsuit against the Minnesota Vikings for the actions of its trainers before the Aug. 1, 2001, death of NFL lineman Korey Stringer.


Middle East Quartet Laments Lack of Progress on Israeli <b>...</b>

US Secretary of State Colin Powell convened Wednesday in New York with his counterparts from Russia, the European Union and the United Nations making up the informal Quartet on the Middle East.


Researchers Study Real Viruses to Thwart Virtual

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - U.S. university researchers will  soon begin a \$13 million study of the spread of Internet  viruses using methods pioneered in tracking the outbreak of  human epidemics, researchers said on Wednesday.


Eurozone ministers accuse US as dollar sinks to new lows (AFP)

AFP - European Union finance ministers pressed for action by the United States to prop up the dollar as eurozone nations expressed their deep disquiet at the parlous state of America's national finances.


U.S. Cybersecurity Office May Relocate (AP)

AP - The House will propose moving cybersecurity offices from the Department of Homeland Security to the White House as part of the intelligence reorganization, according to draft legislation obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press. The bill, expected to be introduced Thursday, would place cybersecurity into the White House budget office.


REVIEW: Star Wars Game Gives Battle Tour (AP)

AP - Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader may get all the glory, but a new Star Wars video game finally gives credit to the everyday grunts who couldn't summon the Force for help.


Korean Troops Deploy in Iraq, Meet Kurdish (Reuters)

Reuters - South Korea's military completed\deployment of its 2,800-strong contingent in Iraq on Wednesday\and its commander said protecting his troops was at the top of\his agenda.


Ex-Computer Associates CEO Kumar Indicted (AP)

AP - Former Computer Associates International Inc. chief executive Sanjay Kumar has been charged with securities fraud conspiracy and obstruction of justice in connection with a multibillion dollar accounting scandal at the software company.


Bush Mocks Kerry's Leadership Credentials (AP)

AP - President Bush mocked John Kerry's fitness to be commander in chief Wednesday, saying the way to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq "is not to wilt or waver." Kerry suggested to a campaign crowd that Bush might bring back the military draft and said in an Associated Press interview that the president was "living in a make-believe world."


Niners' Barlow Has MRI

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (Sports Network) - Kevan Barlow of the  San Francisco 49ers underwent a precautionary MRI on his sore  right knee Wednesday, but the running back expects to play  Sunday in Seattle.


New Papers Emerge in Okla. Senate Fight (AP)

AP - The woman accusing Republican Senate candidate Tom Coburn of sterilizing her without permission nearly 14 years ago has released documents she says bolster her contention that she never consented to the procedure.


House Backs Looser Cuba Sanctions (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. House of Representatives on\Wednesday defied the White House and voted to ease limits on\U.S. student travel and trade with Cuba, but defeated a measure\that would have lifted all economic sanctions.


Kerry: Bush failed to level with the U.N. about Iraq (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Democrat John Kerry said Tuesday that President Bush "didn't talk reality at the United Nations" and pressed him to answer question about policies that Kerry said have made Iraq a violent mess.


As Mets Look Ahead, They Keep Looking Back

A handful of potential managers has emerged from the Mets' 1986 World Series-winning team.


New Hockey League Plans to Go On

A hockey league formed for locked-out N.H.L. players denies that it suspended play, saying a statement released with league letterhead was not legitimate.


Crash Gordon Put on Probation

Robby Gordon, who admitted he intentionally caused an accident last Sunday, has been placed on probation for the remainder of the 2004 Nascar Nextel Cup season.


Powell, Libya Foreign Minister to Hold First Talks

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - In a sign of warming U.S.-Libyan  ties, Secretary of State Colin Powell will meet Libya's foreign  minister on Thursday in the highest level talks between the  countries in decades, U.S. officials said.


Kennedy looks forward to power

Charles Kennedy will tell Lib Dems they are on the road to  government when he wraps up their annual rally, writes Nick Assinder.


Kolzig Head West

Capitals goalie Olaf Kolzig will stay close to his home during the lockout, taking a position as goaltenders coach with his former junior team, the Tri-City Americans.


A Whole New Look

All 18 greens were replaced since last year at the Mystic Rock course where the 84 Lumber Classic is played, and the course was lengthened by 400 yards to 7,500.


ACC Does QB Shuffle

Tennessee, North Carolina State and Duke have no true quarterback starter. Maryland and Florida State are getting spotty play by their quarterbacks. And it's only September.


Crude oil prices surge amid drop in US domestic supplies

Crude futures climbed above 48 dollars a barrel Wednesday as US Energy Department reported that domestic supplies fell more than expected.


UPDATE 3-US Airways seeking relief from union contracts

Bankrupt US Airways (UAIRQ.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) sought consent from its big unions on Wednesday for temporary relief from contracts and threatened to


Brussels clears 3.4bn nuclear bail-out for British Energy

British Energy won approval from Brussels yesterday for its 3.4bn government-backed bail-out, under the condition that the cash is used exclusively for decommissioning nuclear power plants.


Hackers Hit Credit Card Company

Credit card processing firm Authorize.Net has been the target of a  quot;large-scale quot; distributed denial-of-service attack that has resulted in periodic disruptions of service for some customers, says David Schwartz, the company #39;s marketing director.


REVIEW: Star Wars Game Gives Battle Tour

Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader may get all the glory, but a new Star Wars video game finally gives credit to the everyday grunts who couldn #39;t summon the Force for help.


The best view of all is our beautiful planet

You #39;re speeding through space at 28 000 kilometres per hour, at times the outside temperature gets down to a chilling minus two hundred degrees Celsius, there is no quick getaway.


PeopleSoft devotees in denial?

com September 22, 2004, 5:38 PM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half.


State #39;s smog police map route to cleaner air

Riding popular Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger #39;s endorsement, state air quality regulators are expected to step up a campaign against global warming that could spark sticker-shock in auto showrooms over the next 10 years.


Windies book final against England as Pakistan flop

WEST Indies beat Pakistan by seven wickets at the Rose Bowl yesterday to reach the final of crickets Champions Trophy and set up a showdown with hosts England at the Oval on Saturday.


Green still undecided on Yom Kippur games

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Shawn Green will definitely sit out at least one game of a weekend series against the San Francisco Giants in observance of Yom Kippur, but will wait until Thursday to make his final decision.


Conflicting reports over Iraq release

Conflicting accounts about the possible release of Iraqi detainees -- among them the woman known as  quot;Dr. Germ quot; -- were issued by the US and Iraqi governments Wednesday.


Afghan, US Soldiers Killed in Clashes in Khost Province

The US military says an American soldier was killed in attack in eastern Afghanistan, the third US soldier to die in the country this week.


Group claims to kill Italian hostages in Iraq, but on Web site not <b>...</b>

An Internet statement purportedly by a group which claimed to have kidnapped two Italian aid workers in Iraq said Wednesday it had killed the women.


Nuclear weapons: Can they be stopped?

Nuclear technology is now so widespread that it is only political will which stops many countries from making nuclear weapons. Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the UN #39;s nuclear regulatory body the


Border police killed in Jerusalem attack

A female Palestinian bomber blew herself up near an Israeli military hitch-hiking post in Jerusalem on Wednesday, killing two people and wounding 15.


Wheeling-Pitt closes stock offering

Wheeling-Pittsburgh Corp. raised net proceeds of roughly \$100 million through a share sale completed this week, the company said. Wheeling-Pittsburgh, a steel maker, sold 3.65 million shares of common stock at \$29 each.


MiniDisc gives in to MP3

IN A major strategic reversal, Sony plans to add support for MP3 music files to some of its portable music players. The shift to support the widely used MP3 music format would end Sony #39;s long-standing insistence on its proprietary Atrac format.


Calif. Panel Weighs Greenhouse Gas Plan for Cars

A plan to require automakers to cut greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks by about 30 percent is expected to be approved on Thursday by the California Air Resources Board, backers and opponents said.


Nintendo to launch DS game system in November

Japanese game giant Nintendo announced Tuesday that its forthcoming DS (short for Dual Screen) portable game system will launch in the United States on Nov. 21 for a retail price of \$149.


Don #39;t worry, it #39;ll be live on TV, says Dalmiya

KOLKATA: The live telecast of the Test series between India and Australia is a near-certainty. BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya on Wednesday said the board was making  quot;all-out efforts quot; to ensure the series


PRINCE OF PUCKS: Players keeping busy

The National Hockey League lockout may be officially a week old, but already a considerable number of its players are finding employment elsewhere.


Serena, Sharapova move into Beijing quarters

Beijing, China (Sports Network) - Top-seeded American Serena Williams and Wimbledon winner Maria Sharapova of Russia both posted second-round wins Wednesday and moved into the quarterfinals at the inaugural \$585,000 China Open.


Dope cheats banned for life

ATHENS, Sept. 22. - Two powerlifters from Azerbaijan have tested positive for banned substances in initial doping tests and are banned for life from the Paralympics, officials said today.


Musharraf opposes India #39;s claim for UNSC membership

United Nations, Sep 22 (UNI) Even as he refrained from launching a tirade against New Delhi, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today strongly opposed any proposal to include India in an enlarged United Nations Security Council and asserted that a


US Tanks, Planes Strike Baghdad Shi #39;ite District

US tanks raided the Baghdad Shi #39;ite Muslim stronghold of Sadr City in the early hours of Wednesday as aircraft bombed the area and helicopters flew low overhead, witnesses said.


Virgin staff  #39;not trained for bomb #39;

VIRGIN Blue had not trained its workers to cope with an emergency like the discovery of an explosive device on a flight, an airport union said today.


Brees Cleared to Start Sunday at Denver (AP)

AP - The only time Drew Brees got a headache on Wednesday was when he recalled what usually happens to the San Diego Chargers in Denver.


Oregon High Court Takes Nader Off Ballot (AP)

AP - Ralph Nader will not appear on Oregon's general election ballot, the state Supreme Court said Wednesday, overturning a lower court decision.


Senate Confirms Rep. Goss as Intelligence Director (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - The Senate voted overwhelmingly yesterday to confirm Rep. Porter J. Goss (R-Fla.) as the new head of the CIA, brushing aside complaints from some Democrats that he is too partisan and insufficiently interested in reform to head the embattled agency.


China Puts Flood Toll at 1,029 as Wet Season Ends

BEIJING (Reuters) - Floods in China killed more than 1,000  people this year, destroyed 650,000 village homes and caused  64.7 billion yuan (\$7.82 billion) in direct economic losses,  the official Xinhua News agency said.


UK rules out hostage negotiations

Britain says it will not bargain with Iraqi militants holding a UK man, after he made a video plea to Tony Blair.


Dodgers' Green to Miss Game on Yom Kippur

SAN DIEGO - Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Shawn Green will definitely sit out at least one game of a weekend series against the San Francisco Giants in observance of Yom Kippur, but will wait until Thursday to make his final decision.    Green said Wednesday there's a possibility he'll sit out both Friday night and Saturday afternoon...


SpamAssassin sports new open-source license

Open-source spam blocker gets legal makeover with switch to Apache license. Oh, and tech upgrades.


PeopleSoft devotees in denial?

With software tycoon Larry Ellison poised to dismantle PeopleSoft, why are PeopleSoft customers so relaxed?


Briefly: Ad campaign touts multimedia cards

roundup Plus: T-Mobile sells Sidekick II...Spyware bill moves to Senate...Supercomputer center gets new No. 2.


Wall Street rattled by Fed as Shell fails to please City

WALL Street is said to be a bit rattled at the Federal Reserves latest quarter-point rise in American interest rates. Yesterdays one-third drop in quarterly profit announced by investment bank Morgan Stanleys will not help the jitters.


Ex-Computer Associates Executives Indicted

Two former top executives of Computer Associates International were indicted in Brooklyn on charges of accounting fraud, the Justice Department said today.


SingTel to launch 3G trial services soon

Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel), the biggest telecoms both in Singapore and Southeast Asia, on Wednesday announced the start of a month-long trial for its third-generation


IMF warns on British house price crash

British house prices have risen by more than any other developed country #39;s over the past 30 years, and are more at risk of crashing than anywhere else, the International Monetary Fund warned yesterday.


Ad campaign touts multimedia cards

Multimedia Card Association kicks off ad campaign to promote the small cards based on its specifications.


ISS Crew to be Replaced on October 11

The International Space Station (ISS) crew will stay in orbit for two days longer than planned, Itar-Tass told today. The launching of the Soyuz TMA-5 spaceship has been postponed from October 9 to October 11 due to problems with the docking system.


LA Times chides Bush for self-justification

WASHINGTON: US President George W Bush on Wednesday received a rap across the knuckles from the Los Angeles Times which observed that he might have done better at wooing broader international


NATO Ambassadors Agree to Expanded Training Mission in Iraq

NATO ambassadors have agreed on a plan to expand the alliance training mission in Iraq. A NATO spokesman says the accord provides for the dispatch of instructors to staff a military training academy for Iraqi trainees.


NATO Gives Thumbs Up to Iraq Mission

They gathered in Brussels to try to agree on the terms for expanding the alliance #39;s small military training mission in Iraq. Officials said before the meeting that they believed an accord would be possible


Bogus marriages line racketeers #39; pockets

Immigration officials have smashed a criminal network operating one of the country #39;s fastest-growing immigration scams: the bogus marriage.


Hitachi TVs to pick up Gemstar technology

Gemstar-TV Guide and Hitachi announce a multiyear deal to bring program guides to digital TVs.


IBM, other vendors accused of cheating E-Rate program

U.S. House members accused IBM and other IT vendors Wednesday of breaking the rules in a much-criticized program designed to help schools and libraries purchase Internet equipment.


PeopleSoft throws customers a discount and free upgrade

PeopleSoft unveiled a new incentive program on Wednesday offering customers free upgrade assistance and a credit toward new purchases, an initiative the company hopes will spark sales and encourage customers to move to its latest releases.


News: Bill would narrow intruder surveillance

Senate proposal would scale back a provision of the USA Patriot Act that lets the FBI monitor alleged computer trespassers without a warrant.


iMac G5: TIME Gadget of the Week

#147;It has been a good year for Apple, #148; writes Wilson Rothman in naming the iMac G5 TIME Gadget of the Week.  #147;Since the beginning of 2004, I #146;ve discussed GarageBand, AirPort Express and the latest iPod. If you go back 12 months, you can probably even throw in iTunes Music Store, the original G5 and the official release of iChat AV. This isn #146;t favoritism, I #146;m just impressed. Rather than spend money on its silly  #145;Switch #146; ad campaign, the company has spent it inventing actual reasons for people to switch from Windows to Mac, not least of all personal style. The iMac G5 is super suave, but it #146;s also a pretty good deal. #148; Sep 22


Twinkie Maker Files For Bankruptcy

Sept. 22 - American avoidance of most things carb has hit the country #39;s largest wholesale baker - the company that makes Wonder Bread and Twinkies.


From Storage, a New Fashion

The U.S.B. flash drive  the portable memory device also known as a thumb or keychain drive  has become both essential utility and fashion object.


The Womb as Photo Studio

Ultrasound images from the womb are increasingly being made not for medical purposes but by companies offering expectant parents a sort of prebirth viewing.


European Ryder stars to tee it up in the new Heritage with a <b>...</b>

WOBURN, England (PA) -- A tired-looking David Howell, still on a high from helping Europe to its biggest-ever Ryder Cup win, on Wednesday made a frank admission on the eve of The Heritage Tournament at Woburn Golf Club.


They Are Sleuths Who Weigh Prose

Trying to authenticate documents or uncover forgeries is an increasingly technical pursuit.


Fingerprints on File, Right From the Patrol Car

A mobile wireless system being tested in Oregon allows police officers in the field to check fingerprints against state and national databases.


Drawing Semiconductor Circuits, One Tiny Line at a Time

A new chip-making technology that uses a special kind of electron microscope to draw the circuits and will lead to better memory chips.


British Hostage Makes Appeal For Blair's Help (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - BAGHDAD, Sept. 23 -- A British hostage threatened with death by a militant Islamic group appealed to  Prime Minister Tony Blair on Wednesday to save his life by ordering the release of all women held in Iraqi prisons.


Pentagon Widens Access to Web Site for Overseas Voters (Reuters)

Reuters - A Pentagon-run Web site intended to\make it easier for Americans overseas to vote by absentee\ballot has been modified to broaden access to the site, the\Defense Department said on Wednesday.


Oil price surge hits Wall Street

Oil prices have risen for the fifth day in a row amid continuing concerns over the level of US stocks. The surge helped spark a 1.3 fall on Wall Street as investors worried it could lead to a fall in consumer spending and hit corporate profits.


Celebrity Might End Up In Florida

A high profile celebrity may serve her prison sentence right here in North Central Florida. Martha Stewart could be coming to the small town of Coleman, Florida.


A Strategy for Shell?

The Royal Dutch/Shell Group said yesterday that it would sell as much as \$12 billion in assets, spend \$45 billion on new projects and consider some acquisitions as it tries to bolster oil and gas production.


Chinese economy sets for soft landing in 2005: ADB

China will succeed in cooling off an overheated economy and achieve a soft landing, according to a major Asian Development Bank (ADB) report released on Wednesday.


Sony to launch slim PS2 console in November

Sony announced on Tuesday that it is planning to launch a smaller and lighter version of its popular PS2 gaming console in November.


Northwest promises to match Internet fares on its own site

Northwest says it will refund the difference plus a 50-dollar travel voucher to any customer who buys a Northwest ticket finds a ticket for the exact same Northwest flight on the same date during the same day as their ticket was purchased.


PeopleSoft Discounts New Licenses

SAN FRANCISCO--PeopleSoft Inc. opened the second day of its user conference here Wednesday with good news for itself and its customers: upgrade discounts and a significant licensing deal.


Messina upset league champions Milan

Promoted Sicilian side Messina shocked Italian champions AC Milan with a 2-1 victory at the San Siro in Italian first division league match on Wednesday.


Valencia pounds Deportivo, goes to top of table

Valencia was all over Deportivo out of the gate, jumping out to a 4-0 lead at halftime. Summer acquisition Bernardo Corradi netted his first La Liga goal in the 17th minute, giving Valencia the 1-0 lead.


Europe favourites for 2006, insists  #39;Mr Ryder Cup #39;

COLIN Montgomerie has taken pride in the certainty that Europe will go into the next Ryder Cup match at the K Club against the United States as favourites for the first time.


Indians Come Back to Beat Tigers 7-6 (AP)

AP - Jhonny Peralta's two-run double keyed Cleveland's five-run seventh inning, and the Indians rallied to defeat the Detroit Tigers 7-6 on Wednesday night.


Woman bomber strikes in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM: A Palestinian woman suicide bomber blew herself up near a hitch-hiking post in Jerusalem yesterday, killing two people and wounding 15.


China: United Nations  quot;not a board of directors quot;

BEIJING, Sept. 23 (Xinhuaent) -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said in Beijing on Tuesday that the UN Security Council was not a board of directors and its composition should not be decided


Puppet Chief Minister Of Indian Held Kashmir Escapes Unhurt In <b>...</b>

SRINAGAR, IHK : Sep 23 (KMS) - In occupied Kashmir, the puppet Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Saeed escaped unhurt in an attack on the office of the district magistrate in Islamabad, where he was filing his election papers.


Alert and alarmed

THE fridge magnet and associated bumf the Howard Government distributed in 2003 said nothing about Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Osama bin Laden #39;s military commander and architect of the September 11 attacks.


Green Decides to Miss at Least One Game

If Shawn Green follows his own precedent, he will not play in the Los Angeles Dodgers' games in San Francisco on Friday and Saturday because of Yom Kippur.


The Showdown Begins

Orioles owner Peter Angelos, who sits on baseball's eight-member relocation committee, has insisted that he would fight any attempt to move the Expos to the District.


Infocus: Detecting Complex Viruses

The purpose of this paper is to examine the difficulties of detecting complex viruses, including polymorphic, metamorphic and entry-point obscuring viruses. Whether or not an anti-virus (AV) technology can detect these viruses can be a useful metric to consider when evaluating AV products.


For D.C, This May Be It

The Washington area's 33-year effort to acquire a Major League Baseball team has produced plenty of agonizing near-misses.  There is a good chance that won't happen this time.


Hamilton Is Suspended

U.S. cyclist Tyler Hamilton was suspended from his professional team Wednesday and put on notice that his contract would be invalidated if he is found guilty of the drug charges against him.


Brunell Feeling Better

Quarterback Mark Brunell looked spry leaving Redskins Park on Wednesday following another round of treatment for his strained left hamstring and said the injury continues to feel better.


Green Observes Holiday

Dodgers first baseman Shawn Green will definitely sit out at least one game of a key weekend series against the Giants in observance of Yom Kippur, but will wait to make his final decision.


News: Who would you like to attack today?

A massive rise in phishing attacks this year may lead on to customised email security attacks targeted specifically at individual or small groups of companies, according to email security firm MessageLabs.


N.Korea May Be Preparing Missile Launch-Paper

TOKYO (Reuters) - The United States and Japan have detected  signs that North Korea is preparing to launch a ballistic  missile that could hit almost all of Japan, a Japanese  newspaper said on Thursday.


Online and Even Near Home, New Front in the Terror Fight

Federal officials are trying to prosecute operators of Web sites that recruit terrorists, raising alarms among civil libertarians.


Cubs Walk Past Pirates 1-0

PITTSBURGH - Carlos Zambrano pitched 7 1-3 shutout innings to outduel Oliver Perez and beat Pittsburgh for the fifth straight time this season, carrying the Chicago Cubs to a tense, 1-0 victory over the Pirates on Wednesday night.    Sammy Sosa preserved the Cubs' sixth shutout with a sprawling, belly-flop catch of Ty Wigginton's bases-loaded, two-out line drive to right field in the eighth...


Suicide Bomber Kills Two in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM - A missile from an Israeli helicopter wounded 12 in a Palestinian refugee camp in Gaza early Thursday after a teenager from the West Bank evaded roadblocks and blew herself up next to a busy Jerusalem bus stop, killing two policemen.    To carry out the Wednesday suicide attack - the first in Jerusalem in seven months but the second in Israel in three weeks - the 19-year-old overcame a strict military closure of the West Bank imposed for a series of Jewish holidays that began last week...


US Airways Seeks Concessions from Unions

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Bankrupt US Airways UAIRQ.OB  sought consent from its big unions on Wednesday for temporary  relief from contracts and threatened to go to court to force  changes if workers did not voluntarily agree.


Insurer to Refund Money to Soldiers Who Bought High-Cost Life Policies

Hundreds of soldiers who unwittingly signed up for high-cost life insurance will receive full cash refunds from the insurance company.


A Strategy for Shell?

Shell outlined a profit strategy of modest acquisitions and no buybacks. Investors sold.


News: High-school drop-out to become Homeland Security Czar

President George W. Bush has nominated former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik to replace Tom Ridge as Homeland Security Secretary, marking a significant departure from his tendency to choose educated, Patrician types for his Cabinet.


Foreign buyers are back

Cross-border investment is rebounding after three lean years as companies take advantage of higher profits and a strong global economy to snap up foreign rivals, the United Nations said yesterday.


3G launch becomes battle of the brands

Vodafone yesterday began its campaign for dominance of Europe #39;s Christmas market for mobile phones with nine new handsets it will use to provide 3G services offering everything from video calls to downloadable games and television clips.


Verizon ready to begin offering wireless laptop Internet citywide

Verizon Wireless is including Milwaukee among 14 cities where on-the-go business people can equip their laptops for a new high-speed data service that will be available anywhere in the metro area.


MLB reduces suspensions for three Texas pitchers

Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - The three Texas Rangers relievers involved in last Monday #39;s altercation with fans in Oakland had their suspension reduced one game each by the league Wednesday.


Notes: Bed pains Wood #39;s back

Kerry Wood returned to Chicago on Wednesday to be examined by a doctor because of back problems that nearly forced the Cubs pitcher to miss Tuesday #39;s start against Pittsburgh.


Study shows DSL leading in broadband growth

Broadband digital subscriber line (DSL) led a global boom in broadband Internet access over the 12 months ended June 30, growing to about 78 million total subscribers as users of all broadband services surpassed 123 million, the DSL Forum announced Wednesday.


The state of the world

Given the impact and growing inter-connectedness of the world media, it is not surprising that Trinidadians, more than ever, are aware of the state of our world.


Website claims Italian hostages dead

Italian authorities said Thursday they had no information allowing them to confirm the execution of two Italian hostages being held in Iraq.


N.Korea May Be Preparing Missile Launch-Paper (Reuters)

Reuters - The United States and Japan have detected\signs that North Korea is preparing to launch a ballistic\missile that could hit almost all of Japan, a Japanese\newspaper said on Thursday.


Giants to Offer Wi-Fi Instant Replays (AP)

AP - Peanuts, hot dogs and wireless instant replays. It's the future of baseball.


Warners Pacts for 'Syriana,' 'Action' (Reuters)

Reuters - Warner Bros. Pictures\has partnered with the production company of Jeff Skoll, who\previously was eBay's first full-time employee and first\president.


Chile Finds Rails Possibly Used in Deaths (AP)

AP - Divers working under a court order on Wednesday found several pieces of railroad track believed used to sink the bodies of dissidents killed during the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet.


Some Question Speed of Intel Chief Bill (AP)

AP - A growing number of senators are questioning whether the Senate should abandon pledges to make far-reaching changes to the nation's intelligence bureaucracy before Election Day, doubts that could dampen the bill's momentum.


The secret of iPod's scroll wheel

Ask iPod users what they like the most about the device, and most will probably mention the scroll wheel. MP3.com's Eliot Van Buskirk has the story behind it.


Greece Admits Faking Data to Join Europe

Greece confessed Wednesday to having repeatedly misrepresented significant economic data before it joined the European currency union, prompting suggestions that it might


Awaiting Drug Results, Hamilton Is Suspended by His Pro Team

US cyclist Tyler Hamilton was suspended from his professional team yesterday and put on notice that his contract would be invalidated if he is found guilty of the drug charges against him.


SI.com

MONTREAL (Ticker) -- Mike Piazza kept the New York Mets from hitting rock bottom in the National League East Division. Piazza had two hits, including a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, as the Mets posted a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Expos .


National League Game Summary - Chicago at Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Carlos Zambrano tossed 7 1/3 shutout innings to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the middle contest of a three-game set at PNC Park.


Offensive outburst

Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said a few doubts crept into his mind about his offense this summer. It #39;s hard to blame him after 10 veteran


National League Game Summary - Philadelphia At Florida

Miami, FL -- Eric Milton pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, and Philadelphia used four home runs to beat Florida, 12-4, in the second of a three-game series.


US troops fight militants in Baghdad, other cities

US troops struck at militant strongholds across Iraq on Wednesday, pounding insurgent positions in Baghdad and clashing with fighters in central and northern cities.


Italian Women Said Dead in Iraq, UK Hostage Pleads (Reuters)

Reuters - Two Italian women aid workers were\reported killed in Iraq and a British hostage pleaded for his\life after the killing of two Americans, as the latest hostage\crisis put pressure on governments with troops in Iraq.


Cardinals Clip Brewers 3-2 (AP)

AP - Larry Walker hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning, lifting the St. Louis Cardinals to a 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.


Italian Women Said Dead in Iraq, UK Hostage Pleads

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Two Italian women aid workers were  reported killed in Iraq and a British hostage pleaded for his  life after the killing of two Americans, as the latest hostage  crisis put pressure on governments with troops in Iraq.


Hernndez Drops First After Losing Yanks' Lead

Orlando Hernndez failed to protect a 3-0 lead, so the Yankees lost a chance of clinching at least the wild card.


Detroit Seeks Its Own Prize on 'Oprah'

The show's 276-car giveaway is part of an effort to reclaim credibility in the domestic  car market.


Sprucing Up Sidewalks

D.C. has hired a group to develop new design standards for downtown food carts and souvenir stands.


Googles Picasa Hacked Via Security Hole

Google's Picasa Hacked Via Security Hole\\Google's Picasa was allegedgly hacked into over the weekend. Zone-H reports that Picasa was victim to a security hole in its forum. Picasa is a software for managing photos, the company has been acquired by Google earlier this year. \\The server hosting the Picasa web ...


Warnings Shadowed Firms' Rapid Growth

Wednesday's disclosure that government regulators have raised safety and soundness questions about mortgage finance giant Fannie Mae has given new ammunition to critics of the company and its sister firm, Freddie Mac.


Rape Inquiry Expands

A third La Salle University basketball player has been charged with rape over an alleged 2003 sexual encounter with a female La Salle player.


US House, Senate Negotiators Agree on \$146 Bln Tax-Cut Plan

US House and Senate negotiators agreed on a \$146 billion tax-cut plan that includes the renewal of four breaks for middle-income families and 23 business provisions.


UPDATE 1-Trump Hotels ends \$400 mln talks with DLJ

Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts Inc. (DJTC.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) , trying to restructure \$1.8 billion in debt, said on Wednesday that it and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners


Nextel Says FCC Undervalued Deal

Nextel Communications Inc. said the Federal Communications Commission should reduce by at least \$452 million what it is charging the company for new airwaves.


Answer Desk

Q: Where can I get help if I have problems with my computer after installing Windows XP Service Pack 2? A: Only a small percentage of Windows users have reported serious issues after installed Service Pack


State goal: Cut gas emissions

California is expected this week to order automakers to cut  quot;greenhouse gases #39; from passenger cars, trucks and SUVs, becoming the first state in the nation to try to combat global warming.


Anti-spam firms hit back at Gartner claims

Anti-spam vendors hit back on Tuesday against analyst firm Gartner #39;s claims that the level of spam is falling.  quot;I don #39;t agree with it at all, quot; said Mark Sommer, chief technology officer at MessageLabs.


West Indies, England to contest Champions Trophy final:

Sports India, Cricket Southampton, Sep 22 : The West Indies Wednesday beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the second semi-final to set up the title clash with England in the Champions Trophy Saturday.


Jets Say They Didn #39;t Run Enough Last Season

Through the season #39;s first two games, the Jets have the league #39;s top running game and the highest-scoring offense, and they are off to their best start in Coach Herman Edwards #39;s four-year tenure.


Spain: Valencia crush Deportivo at Riazor

A CORUA, Sep 22 (SW) - Valencia CF have confirmed their title aspirations by crushing Deportivo la Corua 1-5 at Riazor stadium, while Levante surprised Atletico de Madrid, winning 2-1.


Tropical Storm Jeanne leaves more than 500 dead in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE.More than 1,000 people have died or are missing as a result of Tropical Storm Jeanne, particularly in the northeastern region of the country where, at the close of this edition, more bodies were being discovered and the banks of certain


A new broom in Jakarta

Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is set to become Indonesia #39;s next president. The former general has been projected as the landslide winner of this week #39;s presidential ballot.


Gaza Pullout To Start Summer 2005, Last 12 Weeks: Israeli PM

JERUSALEM, Sept 22 (AFP) - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Wednesday that Israel #39;s withdrawal of troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip would start in the summer of 2005 and last 12 weeks, in an interview with public television.


21 die in Baghdad violence

At least 21 people were killed and 150 injured yesterday as two suicide car bombers wrought havoc in Baghdad and US forces pounded suspected insurgents in the east of the capital.


Bid to Save Tax Refunds For the Poor Is Opposed

Congressional negotiators appeared to have beaten back efforts yesterday to expand or preserve the tax refunds for poor families, even as they added \$12.


CA settles as former CEO indicted

Computer Associates has announced a deal with the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission that will solve the software vendor #39;s accounting scandal.


Group Decries Corporate Tax Slide

Business tax cuts and proliferating shelters pushed the effective tax rate of 275 large US corporations down by 20 percent since 2001, even as their pretax profits jumped 26 percent, according


Red Sox Stop Orioles 7-6 in 12 Innings (AP)

AP - Orlando Cabrera homered in the bottom of the 12th inning to lead the Boston Red Sox to their second straight win in their last at-bat, 7-6 over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night.


Senate Panel Votes to Transfer TV Airwaves to Safety Groups

A Senate committee voted yesterday to transfer airwaves used by dozens of television stations to spectrum-starved public safety organizations but included a provision that critics say


New technology increases threats

New technologies will make existing information security measures obsolete over the next five years, according to analyst Gartner.


Don #39;t touch my internet!

Cut off their connection to the web and people have moments of  quot;withdrawal and feelings of loss, frustration and disconnectedness quot;, according to a report released this week by Yahoo.


Citysearch Launches Pay Per Call Search Advertising Program

Citysearch Launches "Pay Per Call" Search Advertising Program\\Citysearch, a local search service, announced the national roll out of its PFP-Calls product to enhance its PFP (pay for performance) advertising package. The new product allows local merchants to track business leads through the number of phone calls they receive. Merchants are ...


China kicks off last three flyaway races

Motorsport.com. Formula One now enters the final three races of the 2004 season, all of which are long distant events. The inaugural Chinese Grand Prix heads the trio this weekend, followed by Japan and Brazil.


Piazza brings home winning run in eighth as Mets down Expos 3-2

MONTREAL (CP) - The Montreal Expos may claim it is of little importance to them if they finish out of last place in the National League East, but it #39;s definitely important to Steve Trachsel and the New York Mets.


Haiti Flood Death Toll Could Reach 2,000 (AP)

AP - Workers used dump trucks to empty more than 100 bodies into a 14-foot-deep hole on Wednesday  #151; the first mass grave for the more than 1,070 flood victims of Tropical Storm Jeanne. Bystanders shrieked, held their noses against the stench and demanded that officials collect bodies in waterlogged fields. The government late Wednesday said up to 1,250 people were still missing and that the death toll could rise to 2,000 people.


Italian Women Said Dead in Iraq, UK Hostage Pleads

Two Italian women aid workers were reported killed in Iraq and a British hostage pleaded for his life after the killing of two Americans, as the latest hostage crisis put pressure on governments with troops in Iraq.


Lebanon Arrests 10 Al-Qaeda Suspects, Foils Embassy Attack

BEIRUT, 23 September 2004 - Lebanon arrested 10 members of a suspected Lebanese Al-Qaeda network, thereby thwarting a planned attack on the Italian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanese Interior Minister Elias Murr said yesterday.


Sudan says it will observe UN resolution

The Sudanese government agreed to observe the UN resolution on Darfur, avoiding threatened sanctions to their oil industry. But it says the resolution is unfair and unjust to Sudan.


Cambodia Reports New Bird Flu Outbreak

Cambodia says it has found a new outbreak of bird flu in a province near Phnom Penh. Cambodia #39;s agriculture ministry says all birds at the farm where the outbreak was found will be slaughtered.


Opposition figure stirs row as he blames Australia government for <b>...</b>

SYDNEY : Australia #39;s government reacted furiously to an opposition politician #39;s claim that ruling party lawmakers were collectively to blame for the 2002 Bali bombings and a bloody attack on its Jakarta embassy.


Wizards Beat Fire 1-0 in Open Final (AP)

AP - Igor Simutenkov scored on a free kick five minutes into the first overtime period, leading the Kansas City Wizards to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire in the championship match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night.


Afghan election brings political marketing to wartorn country (AFP)

AFP -  quot;If you are showing the new Afghanistan, you cannot do it with a photo of a cemetery! quot; explains an exasperated worker with the media production house guiding Afghan presidential candidates into the murky world of political marketing.


Senate Panel Weighs In On Wireless Directory (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - The Senate Commerce Committee voted yesterday to require cell phone companies to get the approval of individual customers before listing their wireless phone numbers in public directories.


IRA Urged to Trade Arms for Power-Sharing Deal

The IRA was tonight told to be prepared to surrender its weapons if a deal to revive power sharing in Northern Ireland is to go ahead.


Politicians Go Courting on Indian Reservations

In the last few years, political races from Congress to county sheriff have begun to hinge on the American Indian vote.


Attorney: Spector May Face Indictment

LOS ANGELES - Music producer Phil Spector has been ordered to appear in court Monday - a possible sign that he has been indicted by a grand jury for murder, his attorney said Wednesday.    Attorney Roger Rosen said he hasn't been told there is an indictment, but can think of no other reason why he and Spector have been called to court...


Cueing the Balloons in Hussein's Home Town

Iraqis hailed the rebuilding of a bridge destroyed during the war in a ceremony held Wednesday, but many have decried the slow pace of reconstruction efforts.


In the Eye of the Storms

For much of last month's siege at a Russian school, it was left to a Moscow pediatrician known for his work at crisis scenes to mediate the standoff on the telephone.


Senate Panel Weighs In On Wireless Directory

Committee voted to require wirless firms to get the approval of customers before listing their numbers in public directories.
-The Washington Post


Ivory Coast rebels ask Mbeki to help with security

Ivory Coast #39;s rebels have asked President Thabo Mbeki to help provide security when they begin to disarm. Laurent Gbagbo, Ivory Coast #39;s president, has acceded to Mbeki #39;s request to create a conducive atmosphere


Nextel Says FCC Undervalued Deal

Wireless firm says agency should cut at least \$452 million what it is charging the company for new airwaves. -The Washington Post


Panel Votes to Transfer Airwaves to Groups

Committee votes to transfer airwaves to public safety groups but includes a provision that critics say could allow broadcasters to delay the move indefinitely.
-The Washington Post


NL Wrap: Rallying Reds Make Braves Wait for East Title

Javier Valentin smacked a three-run homer in a five-run ninth inning off John Smoltz to carry the rallying Cincinnati Reds to an 11-8 victory over the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wednesday.


Batista #39;s blast not enough

Mike Piazza #39;s eighth-inning single off reliever Luis Ayala helped the Mets edge the Expos, 3-2, in front of 3,664 at Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night.


Giambi and Brown Could Boost the Bench in October

he Yankees will soon meet to discuss their 25-man postseason roster, and two of the biggest curiosities are the recuperating Jason Giambi and Kevin Brown, the injured pitcher.


Cambodian villagers eat bird flu fowl

A deadly bird flu virus, which has killed 29 Asians this year, has reappeared in Cambodia and the government is deeply worried because villagers ate birds which had died from it, officials said on Wednesday.


Dollar trades stronger

THE Australian dollar continued to trade only slightly stronger today as investors wait for local data due out next week to provide some short term direction.


ADB predicts China #39;s economy to achieve soft landing in 2005

The 2004 Asian Development Prospect report has predicted that this year #39;s GDP growth rate will be 8-point-8 percent higher than last year while next year #39;s growth rate will slowdown to eight percent.


Enron Defendants Try to Deflect Witness #39;s Story

Defense lawyers on Wednesday sought to poke holes in a government witness #39;s story of an angry confrontation with a former Enron Corp.


Carb craze casualty

Twinkies maker Interstate Bakeries Corp., the nation #39;s largest wholesale baker, filed for bankruptcy protection yesterday after failing to meet auditor deadlines for financial reports.


ADB says China should raise rates to cool economy

China should raise interest rates to cool the economy and prevent a future buildup of bad loans in the banking system, the Asian Development Bank #39;s (ADB) Bei-jing representative Bruce Murray said.


Option Says New Mobile Data Card to Launch in Nov. (Reuters)

Reuters - Belgium's Option  said on\Wednesday it would launch a new wireless data card targeted at\the U.S. market in November.


Atlanta Braves Team Report - September 22

(Sports Network) - The Atlanta Braves will try to move one step closer to their 13th straight division title, as they continue a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds tonight from Turner Field.


Ecclestone makes no apology for chasing China #39;s golden fleece

Sunday #39;s Chinese grand prix promises to be the biggest payday of Bernie Ecclestone #39;s 25-year career as the controller of formula one.


New York Mets News

Mike Piazza sent a flare down the right-field line in the eighth inning Wednesday night at Olympic Stadium, and Bartolome Fortunato couldn #39;t have been happier about that cue shot.


Sports: Blue Jays 5 Yankees 4

NEW YORK Toronto spotted the New York Yankees a 3-to-0 lead before winning in the Bronx 5-to-4. Vernon Wells supplied the go-ahead, two-run triple off Orlando Hernandez in the seventh inning.


Cubs 1, Pirates 0

Carlos Zambrano pitched 7 1-3 shutout innings to outduel Oliver Perez and beat Pittsburgh for the fifth straight time this season, carrying the Chicago Cubs to a tense, 1-0 victory over the Pirates on Wednesday night.


A Biographical Behemoth Is Ready to Bend Shelves

Walk up St. Giles, the great piazza that runs north of St. Mary Magdalen #39;s church here, with St. John #39;s College to your right and the Ashmolean Museum to your left, and


Fannie Mae Used Improper Accounting-Probe (Reuters)

Reuters - Fannie Mae used improper accounting\to manipulate its quarterly earnings reports, regulators said,\touching off the mortgage finance industry's second such\controversy in less than 18 months.


This Date in Baseball (AP)

AP - 1908  #151; In a crucial game with the Chicago Cubs, Fred Merkle of the New York Giants failed to touch second base as the apparent winning run crossed home plate. This resulted in a great dispute and the game was eventually declared a tie and played over on Oct. 8 after the Cubs and Giants ended the season in a tie.


Asia growth to hit 7, bank says

Developing Asia and the Pacific will grow at 7.0 percent in 2004 on strong exports and buoyant intraregional trade, the Asian Development Bank says.


Immersion Corp. shakes \$82M from Sony in  #39;vibro-tactile #39; game <b>...</b>

Immersion Corp., a small California firm that develops and licenses touch-related technologies, has been awarded \$82 million after winning a patent infringement lawsuit against PlayStation maker Sony Corp.


Lara shaken but stirred

It was all a bit of a fast bowler #39;s joke at the time but, as Brian Lara lay dazed on the pitch, the words of Shoaib Akhtar must have felt a little more sinister.


Wizards 1, Fire 0

Igor Simutenkov scored on a free kick five minutes into the first overtime period, leading the Kansas City Wizards to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire in the championship match of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday night.


Insurgents Who Beheaded 2 Show Briton in Plea for Life

A militant group that beheaded two American engineers this week posted a video on the Internet early Thursday showing a third hostage, Kenneth Bigley, a Briton, pleading for his life.


Malaysian leaders vow war against traitorous #39; Anwar

Malaysian leaders vowed to wage political war against former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, calling him a  quot;traitor quot; at the annual ruling party congress yesterday and saying there would be no room for him to mount a comeback.


US lender accused of  #39;cookie-jar #39; figures

America #39;s biggest mortgage lender was thrown into turmoil yesterday when the industry watchdog accused it of having major accounting problems and doubted the  quot;soundness quot; of the company.


Four Nations Lobby For UN Security Council Seats

Japan, Brazil, India and Germany are joining forces to lobby for permanent seats on the UN Security Council. The move comes as a high-level panel prepares recommendations on reforming and enlarging the most powerful UN body.


Belgian coach Raymond Goethals dies at 83

BRUSSELS, Dec 6 (SW) - The Belgian Raymond Goethals, former coach of Standard Liege, RSC Anderlecht and Olympique de Marseille, has died at the age of 83.


Charges Vs. DeLay Linked to Ethics Charges (AP)

AP - The money laundering allegation in a congressional ethics complaint filed against House Majority Leader Tom DeLay involves the same  #36;190,000 in political contributions that led to indictments of the Texas congressman's aides on similar charges.


Top Shiite Cleric Is Said to Fear Voting in Iraq May Be Delayed

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has threaten to boycott the nationwide elections if Shiite power is diluted on the ballot.


Scientists find surprising polar life

Colonies of microorganisms found thriving under rocks at the north and south poles are evidence that life can exist in harsh areas on Earth which may mimic conditions on Mars, scientists said Wednesday.


Button decision delayed until next month

Briton Jenson Button will have to wait until mid-October to find out whether he drives for Williams or BAR next year. Button has spent the past three seasons with BAR, but in August revealed he has signed


Reds rock Smoltz in 11-8 victory

ATLANTA - If all goes according to plan, the Braves will clinch the division tonight, but that won #39;t lessen the sudden unease they feel at John Smoltz #39;s vulnerability.


O #39;s Go Down in the 12th

The plan to promote BJ Ryan into a part-time closer had seemingly provided the Baltimore Orioles with an almost flawless late-inning bullpen scenario.


Clash over prisoners exposes power struggle

The confusion yesterday over whether two  quot;high-value quot; women prisoners being held in Iraq would be released has underlined the limits of the interim government #39;s authority.


Lebanon arrests 2 leaders

BEIRUT Lebanon said Wednesday it had arrested 10 members of a Qaeda-linked group planning to blow up the Italian Embassy in Beirut using a car packed with 300 kilograms of the explosive TNT.


Schilling Adds Voice to Talk of the Red Sox

Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling called into a sports-talk radio station on Wednesday to dispel speculation that he didn't get along with teammate Pedro Martnez.


Nokia Launching 6670 Business Phone

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Nokia unveiled a mobile phone for  business users on Thursday that incorporates a camera with a  megapixel resolution, beefing up a patchy handset portfolio  that has cost it market share.


Jays Defeat 'El Duque'

Vernon Wells hits a go-ahead, two-run triple in the seventh inning as the Blue Jays rallies past the Yankees, 5-4, sending Orlando Hernandez to his first loss.


Indonesia's Megawati Apologizes, Warns on Terror

JAKARTA (Reuters) - President Megawati Sukarnoputri urged  Indonesians on Thursday to accept the results of the country's  first direct election of a leader, but stopped short of  conceding defeat.


Oil Dips as U.S. Considers SPR Loan (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil prices fell on Thursday on\expectations that the United States might loan some crude to\U.S. refiners from its strategic petroleum reserve after\weather-related disruptions led to a big dip in supplies.


Nokia Launching 6670 Business Phone (Reuters)

Reuters - Nokia unveiled a mobile phone for\business users on Thursday that incorporates a camera with a\megapixel resolution, beefing up a patchy handset portfolio\that has cost it market share.


Liberal Group Decries Corporate Tax Slide

Business tax cuts and proliferating shelters pushed the effective tax rate of 275 large U.S. corporations down by 20 percent since 2001, study shows.


US Airways Wants Deals  By Friday

US Airways will ask the bankruptcy court to temporarily nullify its labor agreements and impose wage cuts if the carrier's unions do not agree on concessions by Friday, the chief executive told employees yesterday.


China to Discuss Currency Policy With G-7 Nations

China will participate in a special meeting with the Group of Seven industrialized countries on Oct. 1, the U.S. Treasury said yesterday, an announcement that could herald Beijing's eventual membership in the elite economic club.


Moya Lifts Spain to Deliver His Davis Cup Dream

It was not quite what Carlos Moya missed the first time. The setting was not his country #39;s tennis capital and his former home, Barcelona, but the capital of the Spanish region Andalusia.


Congress Set to Extend Family Tax Cuts (Reuters)

Reuters - Congress is now poised to hand\President Bush an election-year tax cut victory after Senate\and House of Representatives negotiators on Wednesday night\agreed to extend popular tax breaks for children and couples\for five years.


IMF warns on global house prices

The International Monetary Fund warns that rising interest rates in some of the world's biggest economies may slow global house price growth.


mmO2 to launch speedy 3G

The mobile operator explained it will be the first in Europe to offer HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) and IMS (Internet Protocol Multimedia Services) with download speeds of 3.6Mbps when it launches the service in the Isle of Man next summer.


Device found on Australian plane

Australian police investigate an incendiary device found on board a Virgin Blue Boeing at Sydney airport.


US stocks hit by surge in oil prices

NEW YORK - Wall Street shares took a beating yesterday as a fresh surge in oil prices dented sentiment among investors already fretting about the coming corporate earnings season.


CA #39;s Ex-CEO indicted on fraud

An anonymous reader writes  quot;CNN is carrying a story about how Sanjay Kumar, ex-CEO of Computer Associates, was indicted on fraud charges.


Report: Lehman Near Deal on Enron Suits

Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. is close to settling a class action lawsuit for \$220 million stemming from allegations that it colluded with other brokerages to mislead Enron Corp.


IMF warns on global house prices

The International Monetary Fund has warned that rising interest rates in some of the world #39;s biggest economies may slow global house price growth.


Tough summer expected to hurt American #39;s 3rd quarter

FORT WORTH, Texas _ Intense competition, rising fuel prices and the wave of hurricanes in Florida socked American Airlines #39; finances last month, executives said Wednesday, and will likely hurt the airline #39;s third-quarter results.


Imf Warns of House Price Drop

The International Monetary Fund has warned of a possible sharp fall in UK house prices, according to reports. The IMFs World Economic Outlook said that, based on interest rate


Senate Panel Waters Down McCain Television Bill

Broadcasters beat back a proposal that would have required them to give up their current analog channels by 2009 as their allies on the Senate Commerce Committee


Bush #39;s NASA directive clouds other missions

NASA #39;s plans to send robots and people to the moon and Mars threaten long-planned science missions, a national science panel warns.


A Cure For IPod Withdrawal

If, like me, you travel everywhere with your Apple Computer (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ) iPod, you #39;re painfully aware of the need to carry some kind of charger, whether is a dock connected to a PC running Microsoft #39;s (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people


Soccer: Eriksson rules himself out of Real running

LONDON : England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has reiterated that he is not a contender to become the new Real Madrid coach. The Swede has been linked to the vacancy created by Jose Antonio Camacho #39;s shock


Reds score five runs off John Smoltz in ninth inning to beat <b>...</b>

John Smoltz is used to closing out games for the Atlanta Braves. Blowing saves is something he #39;s not accustomed to.  quot;It #39;s a shock to your system, quot; he said.


Double clutch

Forget the Yankees, Angels, A #39;s, Twins, and anyone else you might think stands in the way. Last night was all about the Red Sox regaining their footing, finding


Italian hostages reported killed in Iraq

killing of two Americans, as the latest hostage crisis put pressure on governments with troops in Iraq. employers in Italy said they had not given up hope.


Three US soldiers killed in Afghanistan clashes

KABUL: Three US soldiers were killed and 14 wounded in a series of hit-and-run attacks by Taliban militants in one of the worst days for US forces since they arrived here in 2001, the US military said on Wednesday.


Minister dies in Indian copter crash

GUWAHATI, Sept 22: Ten people, including a state government minister and two lawmakers, were killed in a helicopter crash in India #39;s mountainous north-east on Wednesday, officials said.


WSJ: SBC avoided \$9B in income taxes

Telephone services provider SBC Communications Inc. received \$9 billion worth of tax breaks during a three-year period, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.


Williams wins again as Cardinals defeat Brewers 3-2 for 99th win <b>...</b>

Woody Williams is more concerned that the St. Louis Cardinals keep focused on their goals than winning 100 games. St. Louis beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 Wednesday night for its 99th victory.


NL Wrap: Rallying Reds Make Braves Wait for East Title (Reuters)

Reuters - Javier Valentin smacked a three-run\homer in a five-run ninth inning off John Smoltz to carry the\rallying Cincinnati Reds to an 11-8 victory over the Atlanta\Braves in the National League Wednesday.


Indonesia's Megawati Apologizes, Warns on Terror (Reuters)

Reuters - President Megawati Sukarnoputri urged\Indonesians on Thursday to accept the results of the country's\first direct election of a leader, but stopped short of\conceding defeat.


S.E.C. Opens Investigation of Fannie Mae

Accounting problems at Fannie Mae, the giant mortgage company, have prompted an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.


CBS Is Fined \$550,000 for Super Bowl Incident

The Federal Communications Commission issued a notice of a \$550,000 fine against because of an incident during the Super Bowl halftime show.


Prime-Time TV Plan for Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., whose founder is scheduled to begin serving a prison sentence Oct. 8, said it had agreed to work with the television producer Mark Burnett to create


Commodoties push dollar higher

THE dollar opened stronger today as some commodity-based trading helped pushed the domestic unit higher. At 7am AEST the local unit was trading at \$US0.


Two Big Investment Banks Report Drops in Quarterly Profit

Morgan Stanley and Bear Stearns posted drops in quarterly profit yesterday, surprising some investors one day after two other big investment banks reported a rise in earnings.


Taste of the times

The company behind Twinkies, spongy cakes that have been an American institution since the 1930s, is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.


SingTel to launch 3G service

SINGAPORE Telecommunications (SingTel) said it will commercially launch its high-speed third generation (3G) mobile service within months, putting it at the forefront of Southeast Asian telecoms firms looking to roll out the technology.


MLB: Cincinnati 11, Atlanta 8

Javier Valentin #39;s three-run homer keyed a five-run ninth Wednesday night, giving Cincinnati an 11-8 win over Atlanta. Valentin had four hits to help the Reds win for the second time in seven games.


Incendiary device found in hold of a virgin jet

TONY EASTLEY: There #39;s been a serious security lapse at Sydney airport, with an incendiary device being discovered in the cargo hold of a Virgin jet.


Verizon Wireless Expands High-Speed Data Network

Verizon Wireless plans to expand its wireless high-speed data network into 14 additional cities, including New York and Los Angeles.


Commentary: In retrospect, analysts were too kind

SAN DIEGO (CBS.MW) - In light of Interstate Bakeries #39; bankruptcy filing today, here #39;s a rehash of something I wrote two weeks ago in Herb Greenberg #39;s RealityCheck.


US Airways, pilots resume talks

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- US Airways Group and its pilots union have resumed negotiations, the Air Line Pilots Association said Wednesday afternoon.


erizon Wireless said on Wednesday that it would expand its wireless high-speed data network into 14 additional cities, including New York and Los Angeles, starting on Monday.


Trump Hotels and Equity Firm Break Off Investment Talks

asino Resorts Incorporated quot;/ gt;Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts Inc., the flagship of Donald J. Trump #39;s faltering casino holdings, said late last night that a recently announced deal with


Kashmir resolution can #39;t be delayed inordinately

UNITED NATIONS - Stressing the need for settling the Kashmir dispute, President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday told the UN General Assembly that he would convey to the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh later this week that this is the moment for peace


Asian executives love flat screen TVs, but 3G phones flop (AFP)

AFP - Flat screen televisions and digital cameras are the hottest gadgets coveted by Asian business executives, but 3G phones and MP3 players are near the bottom of their electronic shopping lists, according to a survey.


NTT DoCoMo, Cingular to link in 3G cellphone business (AFP)

AFP - Japan's NTT DoCoMo will join hands with Cingular Wireless of the United States, aiming to unify technical specifications for third-generation (3G) cellphones and services.


Fall in US oil inventory pushes prices higher

WASHINGTONCrude futures prices surged above \$48 (US) per barrel yesterday as oil production and shipping disruptions caused by Hurricane Ivan prompted domestic supplies to shrink more than expected.


A To-Do List For The IMF

As Rodrigo De Rato prepares for his first annual meeting as managing director of the International Monetary Fund in early October, he could be forgiven for feeling pleased with the shape of the global economy.


Japan #39;s DoCoMo in mobile deal with Cingular

NTT DoCoMo, Japan #39;s largest mobile operator, will join US cell phone company Cingular Wireless in a partnership aimed at unifying third-generation cell phone technology and services, the Nihon Keizai newspaper said on Thursday.


Brees Gets Starting Nod for Chargers (Reuters)

Reuters - San Diego Chargers\quarterback Drew Brees will be under center for this Sunday's\contest versus the Denver Broncos.


Immersion wins patent case against Sony

Immersion, a small firm that develops and licenses touch-related technologies, has been awarded \$82 million after winning a patent infringement lawsuit against PlayStation maker Sony.


Holdup of new team will allow for repairs on station, Russians say

A new international space station crew will leave two days later than scheduled next month to accommodate repairs to the docking system, Russia #39;s space agency said Wednesday.


Climatic warming causes glaciers to fall, raising sea levels

PASADENA - When climate warming causes an ice shelf to break up, glaciers surge from land into the ocean and can cause the sea level to rise, according to two NASA-funded reports.


Keane on assault charge

Footballer Roy Keane is due to appear in court charged with assault and criminal damage. The 33-year-old Manchester United legend is said to have clashed with a 16-year-old boy near his 1.


AL Wrap: Jays Sink Yankees, Six-Hit Ibanez Mauls Angels (Reuters)

Reuters - Vernon Wells cracked a two-run triple\in the seventh inning to earn the Toronto Blue Jays a 5-4 win\over the New York Yankees in the American League Wednesday.


Memory makers face jail for price fixing

THREE German executives and an American with microchip giant Infineon Technologies face jail terms and fines under plea agreements to settle a US probe into price-fixing, according to the Justice Department.


Abdullah pledges moderate Islamic government

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi promised on Thursday to implement a moderate Islamic administration, undercutting the fundamentalist opposition, and took a swipe at his one-time rival, former deputy leader Anwar Ibrahim.


Hanjin to run Chinese branding in Shanghai

Renault F1 Team Partner Hanjin Shipping will run unique Chinese branding for this weekends race in Shanghai.


Middle-Class Tax Cuts Extension Approved

WASHINGTON - Legislation to extend several popular middle class tax cuts cleared a House-Senate conference and could be on President Bush's desk within days, handing him a major legislative victory in the closing weeks of the presidential campaign.    The \$145.9 billion package marked the fourth significant tax cut package that the president has championed since taking office...


Death Toll From Haiti Floods Tops 1,070

GONAIVES, Haiti - Trucks dumped scores of bodies into a mass grave in this flood-ravaged city still littered with corpses, as officials said the death toll from Tropical Storm Jeanne rose to more than 1,070 and could double again.    There was no funeral ceremony when the bodies were dumped into a 14-foot-deep hole at sunset Wednesday...


Suicide Bomber Kills Two in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM - A Palestinian teenager blew herself up at a busy Jerusalem bus station Wednesday, killing two Israeli policemen who stopped her for a security check and wounding 16 bystanders in an attack that evaded Israel's clampdown on the West Bank for the Jewish holidays.    Early Thursday, two armed Palestinians infiltrated an Israeli army outpost in a Gaza Strip settlement, killing at least three Israelis in a fierce gun battle before being shot dead, Israeli media reported...


Martha Stewart headed for prime-time TV show

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., whose founder will begin serving a prison sentence Oct. 8, said it agreed to work with television producer Mark Burnett to create a prime-time TV series featuring Martha Stewart.


Shared Office Code Unlikely to Sway Governments

Microsoft Corp. #39;s offer to share the source code of Office 2003 with governments may be a positive move, but governments say it is unlikely to make much difference to which software they choose.


Lara expected to play the final

West Indies captain Brian Lara, who had to retire hurt in the semifinal against Pakistan on Wednesday, has not suffered a serious injury.


Keane on assault charge

Footballer Roy Keane is due to appear in court charged with assault and criminal damage. The 33-year-old Manchester United legend is said to have clashed with a 16-year-old boy near his A1.


Giants 5, Astros 1

Noah Lowry takes a lesson out of every outing, and the baseball world is quickly learning that this kid is pitching nothing like a 23-year-old rookie.


Malaysia accuses West of fuelling terrorism

KUALA LUMPUR : Western countries have fuelled international terrorism through the invasion of Iraq and their stand on the Palestinians, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah ahmad Badawi said.


British FM rejects US reason for deporting Cat Stevens (AFP)

AFP - British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw complained to his US counterpart Colin Powell about the deportation from the United States of former pop star Cat Stevens as a possible terrorist risk, a senior State Department official said.


Australia's central bank says financial system sound, stable (AFP)

AFP - Australia's central bank said the country's financial system is sound and ongoing economic growth has created a favourable outlook for financial stability.


Iran Would React to Israeli Nuclear Action (AP)

AP - Iran warned that it will react "most severely" to any Israeli action against its nuclear facilities, after Israel said the United States was selling it 500 bunker buster bombs.


Lynne Cheney Helps Soften Husband's Image (AP)

AP - Lynne Cheney smiles, nods and applauds. Sitting on a stool beside her husband, she shows none of the fire that made her a leading conservative in her own right. She is the adoring wife, the woman who knew Vice President Dick Cheney when he was a teenager sweeping out the Ben Franklin store.


US musicians favour sharing - new survey

A new survey of US artists reveals that while most agree that downloading from file-sharing networks is illegal, yet they admit they themselves download media without paying and have little idea if it is legal or not.


IBM in Voice Services Deal with Lloyds

The deal includes almost 70,000 VoIP telephones and will reduce Lloyds #39; network costs, IBM said. The announcement comes on the heels of reports that IBM is exiting the personal computer business.


Open Letter to Tyler Hamilton

USATODAY.com presents the second installment of a new feature called Open Letter. Periodically we will identify a sports personality in the news and ask for your comments, written in an  quot;Open Letter quot; form


West Indies confident of final win

England: West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan is confident the West Indies can end a long sequence of failures by winning the ICC Champions Trophy.


Button decision delayed

Formula One #39;s Contract Recognition Board met but decided to adjourn the BAR versus Williams dispute over Jenson Button on Wednesday.


Chase contenders seek concrete results at Dover

Updated NASCAR team reports as the Nextel Cup #39;s championship chase turns to Dover (Del.) International Speedway, site of the second race in the 10-race shootout series.


Group claims killing of two Italian hostages in Iraq but Italy <b>...</b>

DUBAI : A group calling itself the  quot;Jihad Organization quot; said it had killed two Italian hostages in Iraq, in a statement posted on an Islamist website, but Italy urged caution over the reported murders.


Aceh a focus for Yudhoyono

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- As Indonesia awaits next month #39;s formal announcement that its new president will be Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the former army general has pledged to seek an end to the bloody separatist war in Aceh province.


Latham should sack Labor candidate - Howard

OPPOSITION Leader Mark Latham should have the strength to sack a Labor candidate for comments by his state MP wife that Liberals were to blame for the Bali bombing, Prime Minister John Howard said today.


Lycos antispam campaign bites the dust

The controversial attempt to attack spammers by bombarding their web sites with traffic from thousands of individual PCs is over. After a week of heavy criticism of the company #39;s plan to launch denial-of-service


Yukos cuts oil production

But exports to Europe safe after the Russian oil firm seals a barter deal with pipeline monopoly. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Yukos #39; crippling tax debts finally forced the Russian oil major to make a much-feared production cut Wednesday.


NTT DoCoMo, Cingular to link in 3G cellphone business

Japan #39;s NTT DoCoMo will join hands with Cingular Wireless of the United States, aiming to unify technical specifications for third-generation (3G) cellphones and services.


Web loss causes psychological problems

PEOPLE WHO who lose their web connection suffer from withdrawal and feelings of loss, frustration, and disconnectedness, according to a report released by Yahoo.


Sun man gets 56 per cent pay hike

SUN #39;S NEW number two, Jonathan Schwartz, has seen a 56 percent boost in his salary over the last year and is getting paid nearly seven times more than his boss Chief Executive Scott McNealy.


Threat to cancel tour

CRICKET Australia has threatened to cancel next month #39;s tour of India as tension over the television rights wrangle on the subcontinent escalates.


PREVIEW-China makes debut as Villeneuve returns

Formula One goes back to the future on Sunday with former champion Jacques Villeneuve making his race return in the first grand prix held in China.


Ichiro notches 4 more hits, moves within 10 of record

Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki produced four hits on Wednesday, reaching his 247th this season and only 10 shy of the Major League record of most hits in a single season.


No Giving In To Iraq Kidnappers: Britain

London, Sept. 23 (NNN): Britain has ruled out negotiations with militants holding a British man in Iraq, after the hostage made a video appeal to Prime Minister Tony Blair to help save his life.


South Korea deploys 2,800 troops in Iraq

SEOUL - South Koreas defense ministry said Wednesday it completed the deployment of around 2,800 troops on a relief and rehabilitation mission in northern Iraq.


Wasserstein, David-Weill Completing Lazard IPO Accord (Update1)

Lazard LLC said it #39;s completing an agreement between Bruce Wasserstein, who runs the company, and Chairman Michel David-Weill to take the world #39;s biggest closely held investment bank public by the end of next year.


3rd-quarter profit falls 34 at Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley, the second-biggest US securities firm, said Wednesday its fiscal third-quarter profit tumbled 34 percent, falling short of estimates, as bond trading plunged.


Computer Associates #39; ex-CEO is charged

The former chief executive of software maker Computer Associates International was charged yesterday with securities fraud in a multibillion-dollar accounting


US Airways, pilots to resume talks

US Airways Group Inc. and its pilots union agreed to resume negotiations on wage and benefits cuts the carrier is seeking to operate during bankruptcy protection.


Big profits don #39;t mean big tax bills

In at least one of the past three years, 82 of the largest US companies paid no federal income taxes, a report released Wednesday said.


Making IE safer and more  #39;trustworthy #39;

MICROSOFT Corps recent release of Service Pack 2 for Windows XP saw the company dealing head-on with the security issues that have plagued the operating system since its release.


NASA Extends Mars Rovers #39; Journey

quot;Spirit and Opportunity appear ready to continue their remarkable adventures, quot; said Andrew Dantzler, solar system division director at NASA Headquarters in Washington.


Internet threats grow

The latest six-month report on Internet threats shows a staggering breadth and complexity. Symantec Corp. #39;s Internet Security Threat Report (http://enterprisesecurity .


Wait-and-see for Schumacher at new Shanghai circuit

World champion Michael Schumacher arrived in Shanghai yesterday, along with a host of other Formula One stars, saying he looks forward to evaluating the challenges of the city #39;s brand new circuit.


Serena, Sharapova win in Beijing

Beijing - Wimbledon rivals Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova reached the quarterfinals of the 585,000-dollar China Open on Wednesday, with top seed Serena scraping past a tough challenge from a teenage Russian.


This Penny is bringing all bad luck

Jim Tracy had watched his would-be staff ace grab his right arm and walk off again, into the dugout, up the clubhouse tunnel and probably straight into the offseason.


NBA notebook: MacCulloch ends basketball career

Former University of Washington star center Todd MacCulloch, who hasn #39;t played for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1-1/2 years, retired yesterday from the NBA.


IOC Considering Possible Addition of Five Sports to 2012 Olympics

The International Olympic Committee has notified the governing bodies of golf, rugby, squash, karate and roller sports that they will be  quot;studied further quot; as part of a review of the games #39; competition schedule.


Malaysia #39;s Abdullah Says Islamic Nations Should Rebuild Iraq

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Islamic nations, including Malaysia, need to help rebuild Iraq, a civilization that was once a symbol of Islam #39;s greatness.


European Shares Dip on Wall Street Loss (Reuters)

Reuters - European shares eased at the outset on\Thursday, tracking losses on Wall Street amid renewed worries\about the impact of high oil prices on corporate profits, with\autos and technology stocks leading the losers.


EMC holds its breath

With just six business days remaining in the current calendar quarter, it's easy to spot the investors holding lots of technology stocks. They're the ones holding their breath.


An insider turns against drug industry

Peter Rost made a lot of money for his employers in the pharmaceutical industry. Now he has turned against them.


Critics: Legalization will lead to job losses

Opponents of importing prescription drugs from Canada are introducing a new argument to the debate with studies that say it would wipe out thousands of jobs in states like Massachusetts that depend on pharmaceutical and biotechnology research.


Blood test in Olympic case spotlights a growing field of screening devices

The blood test that showed evidence of banned transfusions by Olympic cyclist Tyler Hamilton is only one of several next-generation technologies coming to market to combat drugs in sports, athletic officials said yesterday.


High-tech start-ups feel push to outsource

Venture capitalists have a pressing new question for high-tech entrepreneurs who come looking for money: What's your India plan?


Report details Fannie Mae woes, spurs inquiry

Regulators have discovered serious accounting problems at mortgage giant Fannie Mae , prompting an inquiry by the Securities and Exchange Commission and calling into question its financial soundness, the company disclosed yesterday. Its shares fell nearly 7 percent.


Yukos cuts output, seals shipping deal

Russian oil company Yukos's crippling tax debts finally forced a much-feared production cut yesterday, but its exports to Europe looked safe after it made a barter deal with the pipeline monopoly.


Online firm, under attack, cites extortion

A major provider of credit card authorizations for Internet retailers was struggling to remain online yesterday. Authorize.net, of Bellevue, Wash., purchased this year by Lightbridge Inc. of Burlington, has been subjected since last week to ''denial of service quot; attacks, in which vandals try to knock computers out of commission by overwhelming them with data. ''We are working diligently to minimize ...


Judge says Pritzker heirs' lawsuit can proceed

Two young heirs to the Pritzker family empire can go forward with claims that relatives looted their trusts of more than \$1 billion, a Cook County judge ruled yesterday.


N.H. firm sues provider of Net hot spots

In a case that could shake up the growing market in wireless Internet  quot;hot spots, quot; a New Hampshire company is suing a leading hot spot provider, alleging patent infringement. If PowerOasis Inc. of Nashua wins its case against Wayport Inc. of Austin, Texas, thousands of travelers could lose access to the Internet in hotels and airports.


United eyes decision on pension plans' fate

United Airlines hopes to complete a new business plan within two months, including a decision on whether to terminate its pension plans, the company told employees yesterday.


Waltham jobs moving to Billerica

BILLERICA -- General Electric Co.'s  quot;sensing quot; business is setting up its world headquarters in Billerica, as it consolidates three area plants into one.


GE sites sensor world headquarters in Billerica

BILLERICA -- General Electric Co.'s sensing business is setting up its world headquarters in Billerica, as it consolidates three area plants into one.


Computer Associates ex-CEO charged with massive fr

The former chief executive officer of American firm Computer Associates, Sanjay Kumar, has been charged with accounting fraud and obstruction of justice, the US government has announced.


New signs of life found at the Poles

Large colonies of micro-organisms living under rocks have been discovered in the most hostile and extreme regions of the Arctic and Antarctic - giving new insights on survival of life on other planets.


Windies trounce Pakistan

Pakistan #39;s Naved-ul-Hasan Rana (left) is dismissed for zero, bowled by the West Indies #39; Corey Collymore (right), during their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final match at the Rose Bowl, Southampton, yesterday.


Belarus team carries heart, soul of country

The people of Belarus know oppression. They know hardship and misfortune on a scale far beyond most corners of the world. So it should be no surprise to learn that an entire countrys great


Group claims the deaths of Italian hostages in Iraq

DUBAIAn Islamist group claimed yesterday to have killed two Italian women taken hostage in Iraq, as a separate militant group released a video apparently showing the beheading of a captive American man.


Female bomber kills 2 Israeli border guards

JERUSALEMAs soft targets go, the bus stop servicing the bland and boxy apartment blocks of French Hill is the down pillow of Israeli vulnerabilities.


Indonesia vote count nears end

Megawati Sukarnoputri has declined to concede defeat in Indonesia #39;s first direct presidential election, although with most votes counted, she is too far


Iraq Group Says Kills Two Italian Women Hostages

An Islamist group in Iraq said it had killed two female Italian hostages in a statement posted on an Internet site, but the women #39;s employers in Italy said on Thursday they had not given up hope.


ID Biomedical wins major US flu vaccine deal

TORONTO - Shares of flu vaccine maker ID Biomedical surged more than 10 per cent Monday after it announced US distribution deals that could bring \$2.3 billion US in revenue for the company.


DSL Leads the Broadband Boom (PC World)

PC World - High-speed Internet access is becoming more and more popular, study shows.


New handheld consoles fight it out

The battle for the hands of gamers is intensifying, with two new portable consoles due out in the UK shortly.


Ceefax marks 30 years of service

The BBC's teletext service, Ceefax, celebrates 30 years as tributes pour in from the worlds of news and sport.


Indonesia Arrests U.S. Mine Executive (AP)

AP - Indonesian police arrested an American executive of a U.S.-based mining company and three local staff over the alleged contamination of a bay in eastern Indonesia, a company spokesman said Thursday.


Former CA boss Sanjay Kumar is indicted

Indictments were handed down to Kumar and CA #39;s former head of sales, Stephen Richards, with both men charged with securities fraud and obstruction.


Mark Burnett to Martha #39;s rescue

Stewart strikes a deal with the creator of  #39;Survivor #39; and  #39;The Apprentice #39; to develop new TV series. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.


Aging society hits Japan #39;s economy

Japan #39;s economy will be the most severely affected among industrialized nations by population aging, Kyodo News said Thursday.


Vodafone rings in changes with launch of 3G handsets

VODAFONE yesterday began its major push into the market for third-generation mobile phones with plans to launch 10 handsets before Christmas.


Electrolux: Profit Won #39;t Meet Expectations

Electrolux AB, the world #39;s biggest maker of home appliances, warned Thursday that its profit expectations for the rest of 2004 would be less than expected because of a rise in steel prices.


British Energy seeks to delist

British Energy is to seek approval to delist from the stock market as it fights plans by rebel shareholders to oppose its restructuring plan.


Liberal groups pan corporate tax breaks

WASHINGTON - A new study listing 46 profitable Fortune 500 companies as getting \$5.4 billion in federal tax refunds last year is being used by Democrats to push for expanding the child tax credit to low-income families who don #39;t pay income taxes.


UPDATE 2-Trump Hotels ends \$400 mln talks with DLJ

Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts Inc. (DJTC.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) , trying to restructure \$1.8 billion in debt, said late Wednesday that it and DLJ Merchant


Ireland Cracks Down on Online Scammers

bizpile writes  quot;Ireland has decided to take some extreme measures to crack down on one type of online scam. They have decided to suspend direct dialing to 13 countries (mostly South Pacific Islands) in order to halt the use of auto-dialers.


Broadcasters Gut Digital TV Bill

That was all it took to gut a bill introduced Tuesday by Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) to force broadcasters to give back all of their beachfront analog TV spectrum by Jan. 1, 2009.