Pro-Aristide protesters make threats to foreigners

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Enraged supporters of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide armed themselves and roamed a downtown slum, threatening to behead foreigners after UN peacekeepers and Haitian police arrested dozens of people yesterday.


Edmonds back in the swing

The last two weeks of the regular season were agonizing for Jim Edmonds, robbed of enthusiasm once the St. Louis Cardinals clinched the NL Central.


Varitek stays one step ahead

The first two at-bats were the kind of moments he'd like to forget. Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek looked, for lack of a better word, wobbly in his initial appearances against Anaheim fireballer Bartolo Colon.


Astros discover killer instinct

The Killer B's didn't have to go it alone. Roger Clemens and the powerful Houston lineup made sure the Astros got off to a good start in their quest to finally win a playoff series.


This season, they've been fish out of water

The perfect place for the Dolphins' pregame meal Sunday is in Boston's theater district. When things have been going like they have for Miami, what better place to dine than Rock Bottom?


Special attention is paid to teams

All signs point to plenty of emphasis on special teams this week in Patriotland after a shoddy performance against the Bills last Sunday in Orchard Park, N.Y. Safety Shawn Mayer , who missed a tackle on Buffalo's Terrence McGee on a 98-yard kickoff return, was released Tuesday. The Patriots brought back Je'Rod Cherry yesterday in the hopes of ...


Light decides to stay awhile

Matt Light was a good old country boy. Now he's a rich, good old country boy.


Simms picked to start

Chris Simms will make his first pro start at quarterback for the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week, replacing Brad Johnson .


Cassell returns to the fold

Sam Cassell and the Minnesota Timberwolves apparently are back on good terms. The veteran guard reported for yesterday afternoon's practice after skipping the team's media day and first day of workouts earlier in the week. Cassell, 34, was unhappy about not getting a contract extension.


Holliston grad off to a fast start in college

Lindsay Bove, a graduate of Holliston High School, has made an immediate and positive impact on the women's soccer team at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y.


US 'deserter' gets trial date

Ex-US soldier Charles Jenkins, accused of defecting to North  Korea, will face a court martial on 3 November.


On world stage, no one else compares to Els

It was two years ago when Ernie Els explained how it was possible that Tiger Woods could be overtaken in the world rankings. Of course, at the time the South African sat third in the order with a point value of 7.80, slightly behind Phil Mickelson and miles shy of Woods's whopping 17.54, so you can understand if there were ...


Nepal troops face 'abuse' charge

The US-based Human Rights Watch says both Nepalese troops and Maoist rebels are responsible for civilian killings and abductions.


More turbulence ahead

Kim and Brian Ursino haven't yet earned enough seniority at US Airways Group to get some major holidays off, forcing an unusual tradition on their family: the three-hour Christmas.


Radio's Stern reality

I'll be back with the news about Howard Stern's planned departure to satellite radio. But first, this endless block of commercials and station promotions.


Beleaguered Merck looks to future

A week after saying it was withdrawing its \$2.5 billion arthritis drug Vioxx from the market and losing a quarter of its stock market value as a result, Merck  amp; Co. will try to dodge the storm clouds and turn its attention tomorrow to a brighter subject with the official opening of its Boston research lab.


Ex-head of oil-for-food program accused of accepting bribes

NEW YORK -- The top US arms inspector accused the former head of the \$60 billion UN oil-for-food program of accepting bribes in the form of vouchers for Iraqi oil sales from Saddam Hussein's government while running the program, according to a report released yesterday.


Spending slow on Iraq rebuilding, report says

WASHINGTON -- Less than 7 percent of the \$18.4 billion that Congress approved last year to rebuild Iraq has been spent, the Bush administration said yesterday in its latest report on progress there.


Medium seeks wide impact

If satellite radio's proponents are right, the new medium could be the next cable television, only bigger. Currently available through two companies, the XM and Sirius satellite radio networks, satellite radio requires that users pay a monthly fee and buy a special receiver to translate the signal. Both networks offer a wide range of programming on more than 120 stations, ...


Conferees back bill to resolve trade row

WASHINGTON -- A major rewrite of corporate tax law that would end a trade dispute with Europe won congressional negotiators' backing yesterday after House Republicans beat back efforts to increase tobacco regulation. The measure would repeal a tax break for thousands of US exporters that the World Trade Organization ruled illegal. As a replacement, it offers more than \$140 billion ...


Cambodian king says he's abdicating throne

BANGKOK -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk, now 83, sick, and dismayed at political infighting in his impoverished country as it tries to recover from the Khmer Rouge era of mass killings, wants to give up his throne. Sihanouk had delayed his scheduled return from China, where he has been undergoing medical treatment for several months, and announced his desire to ...


Crude passes \$52 a barrel

Crude futures surged above \$52 a barrel yesterday as a possible strike by Nigerian oil workers loomed and petroleum output in the Gulf of Mexico continued to suffer more than two weeks after Hurricane Ivan whipped through the region.


Iran says it has produced gas for nuclear enrichment

TEHRAN -- Iran said yesterday it has processed several tons of raw  quot;yellowcake quot; uranium to prepare it for enrichment -- a key step in developing atomic weapons -- in defiance of the UN nuclear watchdog agency.


United eliminating some US routes, expanding overseas to increase profits

United Airlines, increasingly squeezed by discount carriers in the US market, is cutting back its domestic flight schedule and expanding its international presence in the push to become profitable again.


Two bombs kill at least 36 at Sunni gathering in Pakistan

MULTAN, Pakistan -- Two bombs exploded at a gathering of Sunni Muslim radicals in the central Pakistan city of Multan before dawn today, killing at least 36 people and wounding about 100, according to police, who suspect a sectarian attack.


Worcester Centrum to be renamed

Digital Federal Credit Union, a fast-growing alternative to traditional banks, said it is buying the naming rights to Worcester's Centrum Centre. The \$5.2 million, 10-year deal renames the building to DCU Center. The signs are expected to be changed by the end of the year. DCU, based in Marlborough, has been aggressively raising its profile with television, radio, and print ...


Chemistry Nobel to 2 Israelis, American

STOCKHOLM -- Israelis Aaron Ciechanover and Avram Hershko and American Irwin Rose were awarded the 2004 Nobel Prize in chemistry yesterday for discovering a key way cells destroy unwanted proteins -- starting with a chemical ''kiss of death. quot;


N.Y. woman doubts getting early release from Peruvian prison

CAJAMARCA, Peru -- Lori Berenson, the 34-year-old New Yorker jailed in Peru for collaboration with Marxist guerrillas, holds little hope that an expected international court ruling in her favor will get her out of prison before she turns 45.


Computer Associates to buy Netegrity

Corporate computing software giant Computer Associates International Inc. said yesterday it will pay \$430 million in cash to acquire Waltham data security firm Netegrity Inc. The deal marks a major expansion of Computer Associates' security business. It also comes as the company tries to move on from a major financial scandal that forced the resignation of its chief executive.


UN troops and police in Haiti try to curb pro-Aristide violence

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Enraged supporters of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide armed themselves with machetes, guns, rocks, and bottles and roamed a downtown slum, threatening to behead foreigners after UN peacekeepers and Haitian police arrested dozens yesterday.


Study: J amp;J neck stent is as effective as surgery

Johnson  amp; Johnson's neck stent is as effective as surgery in clearing blocked blood vessels to the brain that can cause strokes and death, according to a company-funded study in tomorrow's New England Journal of Medicine.


Rising fuel costs worsen outlook, airline says

US Airways Group Inc. said yesterday that sharply rising fuel costs in recent weeks have made the bankrupt airline's already dismal financial outlook even more acute.


Health insurer to halt payments

MINNEAPOLIS -- A Minnesota health insurer says it won't pay the bill when doctors make serious mistakes -- apparently the first time an insurer has taken such a hard-line stand against medical errors.


Winter heating costs expected to top \$1,000 on average

Residential heating costs are projected to soar this winter to more than \$1,000 on average because of higher fuel prices and colder weather, the government said yesterday.


Summit attracts top tech leaders

A host of high-tech big wheels, from information technology leaders to inventors and visionaries from across the region, are slated to converge for a summit in Portsmouth on Oct. 14 and 15.


Aircraft subsidies trigger trans-Atlantic trade fight

Washington state #39;s \$3.2 billion package of tax incentives for Boeing #39;s 7E7 project has become a focal point of the quickly worsening trade dispute between the US and Europe over government support for airplane makers.


Oracle/PeopleSoft: merger signs and portents

October 6, 2004 6:43 PM GMT (Datamonitor) - It is looking increasingly likely that Oracle could be victorious in its lengthy takeover battle with PeopleSoft.


A major rewrite of corporate tax law that would end a trade dispute with Europe won congressional negotiators #39; backing yesterday after House Republicans beat back efforts to increase tobacco regulation.


Henkel says will not issue bond to finance Dial buy

Henkel KGaA (HNKG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Thursday it would not need to issue a bond to finance its acquisition of US-based Dial Corp.


DNA pioneer, Nobel winner transformed medical field

Maurice Wilkins, 88, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1962 along with the two scientists credited for describing the structure of DNA, Francis Crick and James Watson, died Tuesday at a London hospital.


On world stage, no one else compares to Els

It was two years ago when Ernie Els explained how it was possible that Tiger Woods could be overtaken in the world rankings. Of course, at the time the South African


England striker Owen believes he can make it in Madrid side

MANCHESTER: Michael Owen insists he has been unaffected by the fierce criticism that has dogged his short career at Real Madrid and is desperate to use England #39;s World Cup qualifier against Wales to restore his flagging reputation.


Virginia opens ACC vs. nemesis Clemson

After bolting to a 4-0 record and its highest ranking in five years against opponents with a collective 7-13 record, Virginia begins its football season


Against OU, Texas hopes to finally hold  #39;em

Blame him, Mack Brown says. Texas hasn #39;t beaten Oklahoma in four years, hasn #39;t made the Sooners so much as sweat in a couple of those games.


Sosa #39;s costly departure

Various media outlets, including mlb.com and ESPN Radio 1000, are reporting the Cubs have docked their superstar a day #39;s pay for leaving last Sunday #39;s Cubs-Braves game well before it ended.


Ex-teammates sour on Williams

The latest news in the Ricky Williams saga - that he has instructed agent Leigh Steinberg to explore avenues for a return -as all the impact of a wet diaper with his ex-Miami Dolphins teammates.


Bradley caught way off base

The good news for the Dodgers this time is Milton Bradley did not completely lose his cool. Did not scream, take off half his uniform in public or berate the fans in a profanity-filled tirade.


Pakistan: at least 36 people died in suicide car bomb attack

Car detonated at a rally in the city of Multan when people had gathered to commemorate first anniversary of the assassination of extremist Sunni religious leader Azam Tariq.


Karzai: Vote without fear

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has told his supporters to vote without fear at a rally in a Kabul stadium the Taliban once used for beheadings.


What happened?

OTTAWACanada #39;s military is facing tough questions today after a submarine fire billed as minor and  quot;non-life-threatening quot; claimed the life of a crewman.


Blair pushes Darfur accord

KHARTOUMSudan has agreed to a joint withdrawal of government and rebel forces from Darfur and to boost the number of international ceasefire monitors in the province, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said yesterday.


Target practice

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has ordered the Israeli Defense Forces to stop the barrage of missiles from the Gaza Strip. Thus, the Israeli Army and Air Force are engaged in a major confrontation with the terrorists in Gaza.


UK music to 'sue online pirates'

The UK music industry is set to launch legal action against people who download music from the net.


EU panel urges talks with Turkey about membership

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- In a move that could extend Europe #39;s borders to the edge of the Middle East, the European Union on Wednesday recommended starting negotiations with Turkey on full membership.


Iraq cleric agrees to ceasefire... sort of

However, key members of the cleric #39;s movement insisted terms of the deal had not been finalised. The claims and counterclaims followed an announcement Tuesday by prime minister Ayad Allawi that the basis of


Backgrounder: Leading candidates in Afghan election

Following are brief profiles of the leading candidates in Afghanistan #39;s first direct presidential election to be held on Saturday.


Blair in Ethiopia to outine vision for Africa

ADDIS ABABA : British Prime Minister Tony Blair was due to outline his personal vision for the future of Africa at a meeting of the organisation he set up to spur development efforts in the region.


AP: Iran Converts Uranium Into Gas

TEHRAN, Iran Oct. 6, 2004 - Iran has converted a few tons of raw uranium into hexafluoride gas needed for enrichment, a necessary step toward producing nuclear fuel or nuclear weapons, a top nuclear official told The Associated Press on Wednesday.


Customer views from PeopleSoft Connect

At PeopleSofts European conference this week, the vendors senior executives were keen to point out the progress that the firm has made in the past year, including new services to make updates easier for customers.


News Corp soothes US move critics

Australia #39;s News Corp has adopted corporate reforms aimed at soothing critics of its planned move to the US. The media giant, owner of Fox TV in the US, and the Times and Sun newspapers in the UK, promised not to issue new shares with extra voting rights.


German Stocks Gain, Led by Henkel, Utilities; Comdirect Slides

German stocks advanced. Henkel KgaA, the maker of Persil detergent and Dial soap, gained after saying it will trade its 29 percent stake in Clorox Co.


Coors Light in the balance

MONTREAL -- A seven-year-old marketing agreement between Molson and US-based Adolph Coors Co. was not amended for the merger proposal between the two companies.


Corning sees Q3 charges of \$2.9B

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Corning said late Wednesday it will take \$2.8 billion to \$2.9 billion in third-quarter charges because of reductions in projected future global demand for its fiber-optic products used in telecommunications networks.


Noranda defends China sale

TORONTO and OTTAWA - Senior executives from Noranda Inc. are adamantly defending controversial talks to sell the company to China #39;s communist government, despite suggestions from MPs that Parliament may block the proposed sale.


Stocks shake off oil-cost worries to rally

Stocks enjoyed a late-day rally yesterday, finishing higher despite a new record price for oil and gloomy third-quarter outlooks from several companies.


Japan Officials Check on Auction of New Banknote (Reuters)

Reuters - Japanese officials were trying to confirm\Thursday whether a 1,000 yen ( #36;9) bill that was being auctioned\on an Internet site was really a prototype of a new high-tech\banknote that slipped through their fingers.


The browser wars are back, according to Netscape #39;s founder

This time, it #39;s not Andreessen #39;s former company Netscape Communications that #39;s taking on Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer; it #39;s the emerging popularity of smaller products such as Apple Computer #39;s Safari and open-source browser Firefox, Andreessen said.


Yankees short hops

com. Are you really surprised that the Yankees came back to win Game 2 over the Twins, avoiding an 0-2 deficit heading back to Minneapolis on Friday?


FOSTER WANTS SWEETENHAM TO MODERATE APPROACH

Mark Foster has called on national performance director Bill Sweetenham to moderate his approach after returning to the British team following his Olympic exile.


Sven #39;s three-striker plan

Sven-Goran Eriksson is considering playing Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney AND Jermain Defoe as part of a three-pronged attack for Saturday #39;s vital World Cup qualifer against Wales.


UPDATE 1-Clarke makes 151 on debut to lift Australia

Debutant Michael Clarke made a sparkling 151 and captain Adam Gilchrist 104 to lift Australia to 474 all out on the second day of the first test against India on Thursday.


Dodgers Notebook: Bradley engages in heated confrontation with <b>...</b>

Just over a week after vowing to get anger management help, he lashes out in interview, calling writer  #39;an Uncle Tom. #39;. By Bill Cizek.


Turkish press jubilant over green light for EU accession talks

Adorned with Turkish and EU flags, Turkey #39;s newspapers hailed Thursday an official EU report recommending the country start talks to join the bloc, while largely ignoring the stringent conditions attached to the announcement.


YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS

A car bomb exploded early Thursday during a celebration of Islamic militants in the central Pakistan city of Multan, killing at least 35 people and wounding dozens more, police and hospital sources said.


Afghan government says drug smugglers were behind political attack <b>...</b>

KABUL, Afghanistan The Afghan government is blaming drug smugglers for yesterday #39;s attack on the leading vice presidential candidate .


ASEF Dedicated to Closer Asia, Europe

Despite getting less attention than the summit talks at the ongoing Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) here, officials of the Asia Europe Fund (ASEF) are busy carrying out their duties behind the scenes.


Profile: King Norodom Sihanouk

King Norodom Sihanouk #39;s abdication announcement is not the first time the mercurial and enigmatic Cambodian has caught his nation by surprise.


Space Tourism Faces Safety Regulations (AP)

AP - Thrill seekers are plunking down six figures to ride rockets that haven't even been built yet, and a new airline called Virgin Galactic promises to be up and soaring in the next three years. Still, the budding space tourism faces a myriad of safety concerns  #151; in the sky and on the ground  #151; that must be resolved before any paying passenger takes off.


Early T-Rex Relative Had Feathers -- Study (Reuters)

Reuters - The earliest known relative of the\mighty Tyrannosaurus rex had primitive feathers, probably to\help it keep warm.


Alert Level Dropped at Mount St. Helens (AP)

AP - Geologist David Johnston wouldn't have died on Mount St. Helens today.


Virtual gamers reveal themselves

A photography exhibitions in London documents what online identities gamers create for themselves.


Online map shows risk of flooding

A 30m online map is launched telling homeowners in England and Wales what risk of flooding they face.


Talks look for new climate effort

Climate experts and politicians  will discuss policies they believe may be needed beyond the Kyoto Protocol.


Sources: EU Probes Oracle, PeopleSoft (Reuters)

Reuters - The European Commission has resumed\its probe of Oracle's  #36;7.7 billion hostile attempt to buy\PeopleSoft in a bid to complete approval before Competition\Commissioner Mario Monti leaves office, sources familiar with\the situation said on Thursday.


Concerns About Winter Push Oil to Record

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices broke into fresh record  territory above \$52 Thursday on heightened concerns that  supplies of heating fuels will prove inadequate during the  northern hemisphere winter.


Sources: EU Probes Oracle, PeopleSoft

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission has resumed  its probe of Oracle's \$7.7 billion hostile attempt to buy  PeopleSoft in a bid to complete approval before Competition  Commissioner Mario Monti leaves office, sources familiar with  the situation said on Thursday.


IMF: High Oil Price a Threat for Years

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Tight oil supplies could leave the  global economy worryingly vulnerable for years to come, a  senior International Monetary Fund official said on Thursday.


CA pays \$430M for Netegrity

Computer Associates International Inc., as promised, has returned to the acquisition game, scooping up its second computer security company in as many months with an agreement to buy Netegrity Inc.


#39;Toba outlook for GDP down

It sounds worse than it is. RBC Financial Group has downgraded Manitoba #39;s GDP prospects for 2004 to 3.1 from 4.1, blaming weaker than expected employment growth and a bad summer for farmers.


Corning Shares Drop in Europe on 3rd-Quarter Charge of \$2.9 Bln

Shares of Corning Inc., the world #39;s largest maker of glass used in flat-panel televisions, fell as much as 5.7 percent in Europe after the company said it will take a charge of as much as \$2.


Yankees rally in 12th, even series

They knew all about this haunted house in the Bronx and about the ghosts that come out around midnight in October. But until last night, the Minnesota Twins hadn #39;t lived the nightmare themselves.


Pac-10 notebook: All eyes on USC-Cal showdown

Uh, actually Rodgers was talking about the prospect of ESPN #39;s  quot;GameDay quot; coming to Los Angeles for the Cal-USC game Saturday.


Blasts kill 39 in central Pakistan

Two bombs exploded at a religious gathering in Pakistan early Thursday, killing at least 39 people and injuring over 100, police.(Xinhua/AFP Photo).


Burma clouds Asia-Europe talks

Leaders from 38 Asian and European countries are in Vietnam #39;s capital Hanoi for the fifth Asia-Europe summit. The European delegations say they will use the meeting to protest against the


Election  #39;There to Be Won #39;, Says Howard

Mr Howard has dismissed claims his party needed a miracle to seize power from Labour. And today he said the Tories could win the election.


Bolivians Vote in Municipal Elections

Bolivians voted Sunday in municipal elections that polls predicted would see indigenous and peasant organizations gaining ground on the traditional political parties that have long dominated the nation.


Study of Cell Breakdown Captures Nobel

Two Israelis and one American won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work on how a cell breaks down proteins that are damaged or have outlived their usefulness.


Critical Gene a Suspect in Lethal Epidemic

By recreating the influenza virus that killed up to 50 million people in 1918-19, researchers may have identified the gene that turned it into one of the most lethal in human history.


For Flu Shots, Smaller Supply, More Concern

With the nation facing a vaccine shortage, an uncertain allocation of prevention - who will get a shot and who will not - began in earnest.


Genetic Map Created for First Breed of Cattle

Scientists have created a genetic map of a cow, giving researchers a new tool to reduce animal disease and improve the nutrition of beef and dairy products.


Music Industry Sues 459 European Net Song-Swappers (Reuters)

Reuters - The piracy-battered music industry said\Thursday it will sue British, French and Austrian music fans\for the first time as it intensifies its legal crackdown on\Internet song-swappers.


FCC staff OKs Cingular-AT amp;T Wireless (TheDeal.com)

TheDeal.com - Agency commissioners hope to issue a final ruling on the deal by the end of the month.


Conway: Ellison's Genghis Khan (TheDeal.com)

TheDeal.com - PeopleSoft's CEO admits to starting a campaign to smear Oracle right after announcement of the deal.


Genesis Samples Arrive at Space Center (AP)

AP - Thousands of samples from the Genesis space capsule have arrived at the Johnson Space Center, where the project's curator must assemble a giant jigsaw puzzle that could hold clues to the origins of the solar system.


Face-off in gaming olympics

Computer gamers from around the planet are gathering in San Francisco for the World Cyber Games.


AP: Ex-Colombian Rebels Seen As Farmers (AP)

AP - Rebels and paramilitary fighters who have laid down their arms in Colombia could soon be slaughtering hogs and cultivating blueberries if a proposal by members of Congress succeeds.


Blair in Ethiopia to outline vision for Africa (AFP)

AFP - Prime Minister Tony Blair was due to outline his personal vision for the future of Africa at a meeting of the organisation he set up to spur development efforts in the region.


Two Koreas Discuss Road, Rail Links Across Border (Reuters)

Reuters - Military officers from Seoul and\Pyongyang met Thursday to discuss rail and road links through\the Demilitarised Zone, ending a three-month break in two-way\talks, but North Korea dodged making any clear pledge over key\issues, the South Korean defense ministry said.


Ameircan deaths

The Pentagon has released the names of the following US service members killed recently in Iraq. As of Saturday, at least 1,269 members of the military have died since the Iraq war began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.


Bush, Kerry Health Care Plans Differ (AP)

AP - Although a raucous debate over national security has dominated the presidential campaign, President Bush and Democratic rival John Kerry differ even more sharply on how to provide better health care to more Americans.


GOP Must Decide Fate of Hurricanes Bill (AP)

AP - Top congressional Republicans must decide the fate of a  #36;14 billion package for victims of hurricanes and drought, with the approach of Election Day leaving both parties in particularly generous moods.


Blair: Time for Excuses on Africa Is Over

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Reuters) - British Prime Minister  Tony Blair is to say Thursday that the time for excuses on  Africa is over as he chairs a meeting in Ethiopia he hopes will  turn the continent's problems into a global priority.


Dozens killed in Pakistan blasts

Pakistani troops patrol the city of Multan after bomb blasts at a Sunni gathering left 39 people dead.


Ivorian exile's gardener killed

An employee of Ivory Coast opposition leader Alassane Ouattara is found dead in suspicious circumstances.


Peru TV staff quit in Toledo row

Peruvian TV journalists resign after claims of electoral fraud sparked an angry outburst by President Toledo.


UK music to 'sue online pirates'

The UK music industry is set to prosecute people who swap music illegally over the internet.


Hepburn papers donated to library

Movie scripts and personal letters belonging to the late star Katharine Hepburn are to go on show.


For His Royal Playfulness, Goats, Sheep, but Nary a Toy

King Oyo of Uganda celebrated the ninth anniversary of his coronation last month. But at 12, he just wants to be a kid.


Kerry Would 'Weaken' U.S., Bush Says

The president leveled his toughest attack on John F. Kerry, warning that his Democratic challenger "would weaken America and make the world more dangerous."


Grim Picture of Gaza's Mayhem

GAZA CITY -- Jumaa Saqqa, a senior physician at Gaza's Shifa Hospital, shuffled through a thick stack of photographs like a deck of playing cards. These are cherished possessions -- pictures of friends and neighbors, babies and children, famous people, militants, elderly men and women. Occasionally his eyes lit up as if he'd found an ace, and he flipped the picture on the desk.


Israeli, American Chemists Win Nobel

Two Israelis and an American won the Nobel Prize in  Chemistry yesterday for discovering the method by which cells tag proteins that are defective or have outlived their usefulness and direct them to the cellular machinery that grinds them up into reusable parts.


Man Pleads Guilty in Passport Case

Soliman S. Biheiri, the only person convicted in a broad probe into whether Islamic charities in Northern Virginia were financing terrorist organizations, pleaded guilty yesterday to illegally possessing and using a U.S. passport to enter the United States last year.


All Options Open for OPEC Meeting - Iran

TEHRAN (Reuters) - All options, including cutting quotas,  are up for discussion when OPEC ministers meet in Cairo this  week to plan their response to a sharp fall in prices, Iran's  Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said Monday.


Stern switches to unfiltered

Saying he #39;s  #39;tired of the censorship, #39; the shock jock announces he #39;s abandoning traditional broadcasting and going over to satellite.


Crude oil prices hit all-time high in after-hours trading

Crude oil reached a new high in Asian trade Thursday, hitting \$52.38 US per barrel as the market took stock of reports of a possible strike in Nigeria and the sluggish revival of output in key Gulf of Mexico oil fields following hurricane


News Corp adopts raft of governance changes to secure move to US

SYDNEY : Global media giant News Corp caved in to investor pressure and adopted a series of corporate reforms aimed at averting a shareholder revolt over its plan to relocate from Australia to the US state of Delaware.


IMF: High Oil Price a Threat for Years

Tight oil supplies could leave the global economy worryingly vulnerable for years to come, a senior International Monetary Fund official said on Thursday.


Music Industry Sues 459 European Net Song-Swappers

The piracy-battered music industry said Thursday it will sue British, French and Austrian music fans for the first time as it intensifies its legal crackdown on Internet song-swappers.


A-Rod #39;s magical moment

YORK -- This is the night we saw beyond the dollar signs, the night Alex Rodriguez morphed from simply stylish to sublimely substantive.


Everton duo left frustrated

Scotland defender Gary Naysmith has admitted that his lack of action at Everton has added to Berti Vogts #39; list of worries. Injuries have already robbed the Scots of Jackie McNamara, Malky Mackay and Nigel


Paul Abbandonato, Western Mail

SIR BOBBY ROBSON believes Craig Bellamy can strike fear into the England camp in Saturday #39;s crunch World Cup showdown at Old Trafford.


Australia all out for 474

Bangalore, Oct. 7 (PTI): Australia were all out for 474 in their first innings after lunch on the second day of the first cricket Tests at the M Chinnaswamy stadium here today.


Drug Smugglers Blamed in Afghan Attack

KABUL, Afghanistan Oct. 7, 2004 - The Afghan government on Thursday blamed drug smugglers not Taliban or al-Qaida fighters for a bomb attack on interim leader Hamid Karzai #39;s vice presidential running mate


Car bomb kills dozens at Pakistani rally for outlawed leader

MULTAN, PAKISTAN - At least 39 people were killed and nearly 100 injured when a car bomb exploded in Pakistan #39;s central city of Multan during a celebration marking the first anniversary of the death of an outlawed Sunni Muslim leader.


Iraq Again In The Forefront as Australian Election Approaches

Australia #39;s election campaign is in its final stages, with the country #39;s role in Iraq again a major talking point. Australian Prime Minister John Howard says he does not need to apologize for joining last


Martinez Ends Losing Steak as Red Sox Beat Angels (Reuters)

Reuters - Pedro Martinez pitched seven\strong innings to end his losing streak and lead the Boston Red\Sox to an 8-3 victory over the Anaheim Angels in the second\game of an American League Division series on Wednesday.


Clijsters Doesn't Need Wrist Surgery (AP)

AP - Former No. 1 Kim Clijsters will not play again this season, but won't need surgery for her latest wrist injury.


Today's schedule

College field hockey: Fitchburg St. at Endicott, 3:30 p.m.; Regis at UMass-Dartmouth, 3:30 p.m.; Lasell at UNew England, 3:30 p.m.; Saint Anselm at Stonehill, 4 p.m.; Bentley at AIC, 4 p.m.; Gordon at Nichols, 4 p.m.; Trinity at Eastern Conn., 4 p.m.; Dartmouth at UNH, 7 p.m.; Merrimack at UMass-Lowell, 7 p.m.; Anna Maria at Clark, 7 p.m.


Olympic star Phelps right back at it

Michael Phelps will attempt a racing schedule nearly as ambitious as what he did at the Olympics. But this time he won't be swimming as far. Six weeks after winning six gold medals and two bronzes in Athens, the 19-year-old will swim six events in a 25-meter pool at the World Short Course Championships that begin today in Indianapolis. Phelps ...


OK, so Ellison is not a sociopath...

Craig Conway, the ex-boss of PeopleSoft, admitted yesterday that he may have over-reacted to the attempted takeover of his firm by Oracle.


Santander bank says trial order based on illegitimate request <b>...</b>

Spanish bank Santander Central Hispano has said a court order to open a trial against its chairman Emilio Botin and other bank executives was based on illegitimate requests.


Tax bill modified; Harkin, Grassley disagree

A key issue in the \$140 billion bill involves removing Food and Drug Administration regulation from tobacco products. Updates in tax law to help agricultural cooperatives.


Google to Sell Books Online

Google has launched a new search technology that helps publishers sell books online. The service, called Google Print, will be incorporated into Google search queries.


Genesis Samples Arrive at Space Center

Thousands of samples from the Genesis space capsule have arrived at the Johnson Space Center, where the project #39;s curator must assemble a giant jigsaw puzzle


Steamrolling Houston flattens Atlanta

ATLANTA - Major League Baseball #39;s regular season officially closed last Sunday. Somebody forgot to tell the Houston Astros. The team that came from nowhere to capture the National League wild card came from


Miller: Better to fade away than burn out

If anybody knows about burnout, it #39;s Johnny Miller. Now the straight-shooting color analyst for NBC #39;s golf coverage, Miller had 18 PGA Tour titles before his 30th birthday, including two major championships


UPDATE 2-McGrath strikes after Clarke, Gilchrist tons

Michael Clarke made a sparkling 151 on his debut and captain Adam Gilchrist 104 to put Australia in command against India in the first test on Thursday.


Is The Burden too much for Texas to handle?

Never mind cover boy Adrian Peterson, the quarterback with a Heisman at home, the stifling defense or the sideline genius of Bob Stoops.


Ernie and Sammy: Opposites, a fact

Ernie Banks was 35 when Cubs manager Leo Durocher first tried to bench him. Banks was starting to age and was struggling during spring training in 1966.


EU Gives Turkey Green Light

In addition to praising the reforms Turkey undertook in the five years since it obtained the status of candidate country in 1999, the report also gives Turkey the green light to start membership negotiations.


Hamas leader calls for fair mediation

SHTOURA, Lebanon -- A senior Hamas official expressed hope yesterday that the United States and the European Union would be fairer in mediating the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but he said his group would continue its resistance even if a Palestinian state is established.


US seeks to fine spyware makers

American lawmakers are close to outlawing the making of spyware that smuggles its way on to your PC.


'No experiments' for SpaceShipOne

Burt Rutan, the man behind X-Prize winner SpaceShipOne, says the craft will not be used for scientific space experiments.


Banks boosting mortgage rates

TORONTO -- Canada #39;s big banks raised long-term mortgage rates by more than one-tenth of a point yesterday, reflecting the higher cost of borrowing in the bond market.


A cost cutter takes over VW brand

FRANKFURT Volkswagen, plucking a fallen star from a rival carmaker, announced Wednesday that Wolfgang Bernhard, a former DaimlerChrysler executive known for his cost-cutting skills and new-product flair, would take over its ailing flagship car brand.


Angola, IMF talk to re-launch aid

A senior Angolan official has said negotiations between the Angolan government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to unblock aid are making good progress and a formal accord


Builders take a breather in August

Canada #39;s housing industry is still firmly on track for another year of record home building despite an unexpected drop in building permits during the month of August, Statistics Canada reported Wednesday.


10 soldiers, driver killed in bomb attack

SRINAGAR -- A roadside bomb killed 10 Indian soldiers and their civilian driver yesterday in Indian-controlled Kashmir in the most devastating attack by separatist guerrillas since India's government began withdrawing troops from the disputed region last month. Witnesses said the blast ripped the sport utility vehicle apart, killing everyone, including an Indian Army major. The explosion left a crater several ...


Internet file-sharers under fire

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) will announce it is taking legal action against illegal internet file-sharers for the first time today.


459 Net song-swappers sued

LONDON: The piracy-battered music industry said on Thursday it will sue British, French and Austrian music fans for the first time as it intensifies its legal crackdown on Internet song-swappers.


Grand Prix agreement close

Jackie Stewart is confident that the British Grand Prix will go ahead as normal next year. Formula Ones governing body announced last week that there would be no race in Britain in 2005 because of a cash-wrangle with the owners of Silverstone.


Els is always a bridesmaid

Despite passing Tiger Woods in the world rankings, he still is No. 2, now behind Vijay Singh. By BOB HARIG, Times Staff Writer. The pursuit has been long and exhausting and at times depressing.


Sosa #39;s home runs may have gone to his head

I never thought I #39;d say this, but I #39;m ashamed to be a Sammy Sosa fan. Sosa #39;s 2004 season was one of struggle. The 35-year-old missed 36 games with various injuries, including back spasms caused by a violent sneeze.


UK #39;s Straw Expects Turkey #39;s Talks With EU to Start in January

Britain expects the European Union to start membership talks with Turkey in January, when Luxembourg assumes the EU #39;s rotating presidency, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said.


Mbeki on Ivory Coast peace trip

BOUAKE, Ivory Coast -- President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa traveled yesterday to the rebel-held north of Ivory Coast, telling cheering crowds that his peacemaking efforts were designed to improve the life of all people in the former French colony and economic hub of West Africa.


CORRECTED - Reuters to make Bangalore biggest employment hub (Reuters)

Reuters - In BANGALORE story headlined "Reuters to make Bangalore biggest employment hub", please read in second paragraph ... its workforce of 14,700 ... instead of ... 14,900 (corrects number).


DeLay Is Again Rebuked on Ethics (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON  #8212; House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) was unanimously rebuked by the ethics committee Wednesday for involving a federal agency in a Texas partisan matter and staging a fundraiser in a way that appeared to link access to the congressman with political donations.


Prof Pursued by Mob of Bloggers

A Utah professor finds himself the target of an unexpected flood of hate mail after posting a report defending the disputed Bush National Guard memos. The incident is one of many examples of the power of bloggers acting in unison. By Staci D. Kramer.


Robotic Fish Gather Data, Prize

Naomi Ehrich Leonard trains robotic fish to swim the oceans and glean information. The fish also helped her pick up a \$500,000 'genius' prize from the MacArthur Foundation. Read the first in a series of Wired News profiles featuring MacArthur winners. By Kari Lynn Dean.


Induce Act Talks Sputter

Technology industry reps say they failed to reach consensus with the entertainment industry on language for the proposed Induce Act, which would make it illegal to encourage copyright infringement. By Katie Dean.


Hot Wheels Hit the Road

It's cute, tiny and plastic. The kids love it. It also gets 70 miles per gallon, and you can fit three in a single parking spot. Move over, Mini: The Smart microcar could be the next big thing on America's roads. By Douglas McGray from Wired magazine.


NASA Hedges Bets on Hubble

The space agency taps Lockheed Martin and MD Robotics to build robotic technology it may use to repair the ailing Hubble Space Telescope. By Amit Asaravala.


RFID Driver's Licenses Debated

Virginia legislators are weighing a plan to add biometric data and radio signal emitting chips to licenses to prevent identity theft and thwart terrorists. Critics say the plan could compromise privacy and allow new varieties of fraud to flourish. By Mark Baard.


Italy seeks Libya migrant deal

Italy's leader Berlusconi heads for Libya to discuss how to stem the flow of migrants trying to reach Italy.


France moves US plutonium south

France sends plutonium from scrapped US nuclear warheads south under heavy guard to be reprocessed.


Three children missing on moors

Three children from a care home are missing on the Lancashire moors after they are separated from a group.


Findings on Iraq by 2 UN arms inspectors

The findings released yesterday by Charles Duelfer, the chief UN arms inspector in Iraq, strengthened preliminary findings of his successor, David Kay.


Satellite radio #39;s a tough sell: There #39;s stuff to buy, fees to pay

The news that shock jock Howard Stern is jumping from free AM/FM radio to pay satellite radio has brought instant attention to the young medium.


Fannie Mae Execs Testify on Hill

Description: Top Fannie Mae executives defend the company #39;s accounting practices in Congress. CEO Franklin Raines denied allegations the company had manipulated its books, telling lawmakers the controversy


Google planning big things with Books and GMail

Google has not had anything big for us since it went public some time ago. Now, it is back with some news that could worry biggies like Amazon and Barnes and Noble.


Record industry targets 28 music up-loaders

Legal action is being taken against 28 people in the UK for illegally swapping music over the internet, the British Phonographic Industry announced today.


Remembering Gordon Cooper

NASA mourns the loss of Mercury astronaut Gordon Cooper, who rocketed into space in his Faith 7 capsule on May 15, 1963 (above, right).


World #39;s largest LCD TV developed

The Sharp Corp. of Japan has developed the world #39;s largest liquid crystal display (LCD) color television. The television has a 65-inch screen, far bigger than the 45 inches that


Clarke leaves India reeling

India #39;s batsmen made a less than ideal start to their first innings in Bangalore, losing two wickets for just 34 runs after Australia finished strongly to build a commanding lead.


Montoya fears cancelled GP qualifying

Formula Ones top stars are braced for bad weather this weekend in the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Weather forecasters predict a typhoon will hit Suzuka on Saturday in time to wreck qualifying and the


Israeli forces kill two Palestinian children in Gaza

Two Palestinian children were killed Thursday by Israeli fire in the Jabaleya refugee camp in northern Gaza as Israel #39;s bloody offensive enters its ninth day.


Second helping

Remember this about Johnny Damon dubbing his happy-go-lucky band of brothers a bunch of idiots. He never meant their baseball IQ bordered on brainless.


Ahead in the count, they know nothing's guaranteed

The temptation is overwhelming. Go ahead, admit it. You're fighting it as you read this. You are thinking this series is over.


Yankees rally in 12th, even series

They knew all about this haunted house in the Bronx and about the ghosts that come out around midnight in October. But until last night, the Minnesota Twins hadn't lived the nightmare themselves. Now, they have.


Brown will get the call for Game 3

And the Yankees' mystery pitcher for tomorrow's Game 3 is . . . Kevin Brown , who got the nod yesterday over Javier Vazquez , whose last few outings have been shaky.  quot;It took us a while, quot; conceded manager Joe Torre , who went with Brown (10-6, 4.09) based on his playoff experience (11 games) and last ...


Late show: New York does it again

They play to the last out in the Bronx, you know. The Minnesota Twins were agonizingly close to heading home with a 2-0 series lead. But funny things can happen when ballgames reach the 12th inning and pitchers are out there doing things they don't ordinarily do. And so after watching the Twins reach their tiring reliever ...


No mistaking formula

One way to compete with a team whose payroll is more than \$100 million dollars more than yours is to do all you can to make sure you're not going to beat yourself.


Fall guys are up to their old tricks

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- So, just what was it Curt Schilling said in Pedro Martinez's ear when he put an arm around him in the Sox dugout last night?


Under constant glare, Francona cool on hot seat

The job is utterly and completely thankless -- unless you win the World Series. When October rolls around, the manager of the Boston Red Sox undergoes more scrutiny than the governor, the mayor, and the cardinal combined.


Colon a load for opponents

That arm. Oh, yeah, now you're talking. Any discussion of all things Bartolo Colon centers on his powerful right arm, which he first began to whip into shape when he was a kid in Altamira, Dominican Republic, heaving sticks and stones and all available bric-a-brac to bring down coconuts.


Schilling keeps eye on ankle

The folks at  quot;Jimmy Kimmel Live quot; hoped Curt Schilling would stop by Tuesday for an appearance after he led the Red Sox past the Angels in Game 1 of the Division Series. But they ran into a couple of problems, including Schilling winding up at a local hospital to undergo a second round of X-rays on his ...


Bullpen came undone

The Angels' bullpen, a collection of arms expert in dishing out misery all season, took lead roles in their own ugly production of Les Miserables here last night in Game 2 of the American League Divison Series.


Unilever to close UK Birds Eye plant, 600 jobs lost

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Anglo-Dutch giant Unilever (UK:ULVR) said it will close its Birds Eye frozen food brand factory in Grimsby, UK with a loss of 600 jobs.


Home sales should dip

California #39;s median home price will maintain its record pace next year, reaching above \$500,000 for the first time, but appreciation will ease as sales fall to their second-highest level, according to a forecast released Wednesday.


UK record labels to sue song-swap pirates

Record companies in the UK are for the first time to sue music fans who download tracks illegally from the internet. The British Phonographic Industry, the trade body for record labels in the UK, is to announce


#39;No experiments #39; for SpaceShipOne

Burt Rutan, the man who designed and masterminded the X-Prize winning SpaceShipOne, says the craft will only be used for people, not experiments.


Monti: Courts must rule on MS anti-trust

Mario Monti, the outgoing European competition commissioner, has told Microsoft that  quot;the time for settlement has passed quot; on the anti-trust charges the company faces.


Beard, Phelps highlight short course swimming field

Olympic medalists will take another bow and several hopefuls for the 2008 Beijing Games will take out some frustrations for the next five days at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Indianapolis.


Fergie to get United seat?

Malcolm Glazer is set to offer Sir Alex Ferguson a more powerful role at Old Trafford in return for the Scots support of the American tycoons planned takeover at Manchester United.


Europeans welcome qualified yes for Turkey talks to join EU

Supporters found plenty of reasons to cheer the European Unions recommendation of yesterday for talks to begin on making Muslim-majority Turkey a member.


Cambodia #39;s King Says He Is Stepping Down

Cambodia #39;s ailing King Norodom Sihanouk has issued a statement of abdication following nearly a year of self-imposed exile. Citing previous health concerns and a  quot;new and serious ailment, quot; the long-ruling


UN Challenges Israel on UNRWA Terror Link Claims

Israel is holding 25 UN employees in the Palestinian West Bank or Gaza but has not charged any with a crime or even told the United Nations of their detention, UN officials said on Wednesday.


US eyes cut in troops in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan -- The United States could cut its forces in Afghanistan next summer if Taliban militants accept an amnesty to be drawn up by President Hamid Karzai and neighboring Pakistan, the senior US commander in Kabul said yesterday.


Google enters online bookstore market

US search engine Google.com launches a new search service, Google Print, Wednesday (Oct. 6). The service will allow users to search books and help publishers promote their books online for free.


Record industry target 28 music downloaders

the British Phonographic Industry is taking legal actionagainst 28 people in Britain for illegally swapping music over the internet.


Suse 9.2 goes mobile with Bluetooth and power management

The update includes complete manuals, 90-day installation support, both 32-bit and 64-bit versions (including Intel #39;s EMT architecture) and around 3,500 packages.


Agents search Will County office in permit probe

More than two dozen federal agents with subpoenas spent five hours Wednesday searching the Will County land use department #39;s computer records in an investigation related to building permits.


Headed for a fall? Hot tracking technology oversold, analysts say

Tracking inventory using inexpensive radio tags is one of the hottest technologies in supply chain management, with promising applications in retail and many other sectors.


India make disastrous start, lose 4 wickets

India have made a disastrous start to their reply to Australia #39;s first innings total of 474 runs on day two of the first Test against India in Bangalore.


Dueling backs get their day

Reggie Bush is the player who makes the difference for USC. Marshawn Lynch waits his turn at Cal. These two young athletes are linked by rare talent and Saturday #39;s showdown at the Los Angeles Coliseum.


Can Warriors be Memphis West? 10-man rotation a possibility

La Jolla , San Diego County -- Fittingly, a team expected to rely on its depth has plenty of backup when discussing its depth. Vice president Chris Mullin, general manager Rod Higgins and assistant coach Mario


Too much auditing, not enough auditors (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - Two weeks ago Monday was a lousy day for Julianne Biagini, chief financial officer of a Sunnyvale wireless company.


Will Howard Stern deal turn satellite into a star?

com October 7, 2004, 4:00 AM PT. Potty talk could be just what the fledgling satellite radio industry needs to become a viable, mainstream business, industry analysts said Wednesday


Airbus Attacks Washington #39;s WTO Challenge

Airbus SAS on Thursday attacked a US decision to file a World Trade Organization complaint against subsidies received by the European aircraft maker.


Cigarette Maker Agrees To Limit Hip-Hop Marketing Theme

ALBANY, NY -- The makers of Kool cigarettes have settled lawsuits claiming it was targeting black youths. RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company agreed to limit a hip-hop marketing campaign following lawsuits by attorneys


Housing prices expected to keep rising in  #39;05

The price boom that #39;s pushing home purchases beyond the reach of middle-wage households in San Diego County will continue in 2005, according to a forecast released yesterday by the California Association of Realtors.


Qualcomm loses suit over chips

After a year-and-a-half legal battle, Texas Instruments has won the right to continue using Qualcomm #39;s patented cell-phone technology without paying royalties.


Google to begin indexing books

If you want to hit the books online - you can point your Internet browser to hit the online search engine Google. The site is inviting publishers to include entire books in its index.


File-sharers face the music in crackdown

The BPI, the UK record industrys trade association, is targeting people who make their music collection available on the internet, illegally, for other web users to share.


Sony Woos The Fox

With the war on for the next-generation DVD disk format, Sony, Matsushita Electric Industrial, Sharp and other companies are considering developing 8cm (3 inch) Blu-ray discs compared with the standard 12cm discs.


Court case looms over LCD patent

In a move that could affect the future prices of many products using LCD technology, Honeywell has announced that it has filed suit against 34 companies for alleged LCD-related patent infringement.


Induce Act Talks Sputter

After four days of painstaking negotiations, technology and consumer groups said they have failed to reach a consensus with the entertainment industry on the language of the Induce Act, a proposed bill making it illegal to encourage copyright infringement


Mark Cuban prompts dot-com redux

com October 7, 2004, 4:00 AM PT. There #39;s no doubt the Internet will continue to make its mark in the world of business and technology.


MLB: Yankees Even Series with Twins

The Major League Baseball playoffs continued Wednesday, with the series opener between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves and the second games of the best-of-five series between the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox and


Silverstone date can be saved - Sir Jackie

SIR JACKIE Stewart is optimistic that Silverstone can take its place on next years Formula One calendar. Talks between Formula One chiefs and Silverstones owners are understood to be at an advanced stage


Loss from the jaws of victory painful

A year ago, the Twins lamented the day off that followed their victory against the Yankees in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.


US gives blessing #39; to road map freeze

An Israeli army tank moves into the Gaza Strip, Oct 6. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s  quot;unilateral disengagement quot; plan means  quot;the freezing of the peace process quot; with US permission, a senior Sharon aide said Wednesday.


The Conflict Over War

The United States is fighting a war in Iraq and Americans are divided over whether it #39;s right. The war is a huge issue in the 2004 presidential election.


Car Bombing Kills 40 at Pakistan Religious Rally

MULTAN, Pakistan (Reuters) - At least 40 people were killed  and more than 100 wounded when a car bomb exploded at a rally  to commemorate an assassinated militant religious leader in  central Pakistan early Thursday, police said.


Oil Sets New Highs on Winter Fuel Worries

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices broke into fresh record  territory above \$52 on Thursday on heightened concerns over  tight winter heating fuel supplies.


Stocks Seen Flat with Oil Above \$52

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks looked to open flat on  Thursday under pressure from the surge in oil prices and  lackluster September sales reports from U.S. retailers.


Europe Stocks Hug 5-Month Highs

LONDON (Reuters) - European shares notched up a fresh  five-month high on Thursday, helped by miners as base metal  prices shot to multi-year peaks and by German utility giant  E.ON  on news of an asset sale in Norway.


News Corp. Assures Investors on U.S. Move

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Buckling under investor pressure, Rupert  Murdoch's News Corp. Ltd. agreed on Thursday to stick to  Australia's tough corporate governance standards when it moves  its legal base to the United States.


Zale Sees Deeper Loss, Hurricanes Hurt

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jeweler Zale Corp. ZLC.N on Thursday  said its quarterly loss would be deeper than expected and sales  at stores open at least a year would be flat to down 1 percent,  hurt by the recent string of hurricanes in Florida, the U.S.  Southeast and Puerto Rico.


Reuters Makes Bangalore Biggest Info Hub

BANGALORE (Reuters) - Financial news and information  provider Reuters Group Plc said on Thursday it plans to make  Bangalore its biggest information-gathering hub, employing up  to 1,500 people, or 10 percent of its total workforce.


Energy Dept. Predicts Rise In Winter Bills

Most households and businesses will pay more for heating this winter as the prices of crude oil and other energy sources continue to rise.


Stocks to Open Lower Before Jobs Report

NEW YORK - U.S. stocks are seen opening lower as traders show caution in advance of Friday's key jobs report, though big retail sales news Thursday could push stocks early...


Oil prices reach new record highs past 52 dollars

World oil prices bolted up to new record summits beyond 52 dollars on markets nervous about tight global supplies with winter looming in the northern hemisphere.


UK interest rates remain at 4.75

UK interest rates have been kept on hold at 4.75 following the latest meeting of the Bank of England #39;s rate-setting committee.


Israel Holding 25 U.N. Workers

At least 25 Palestinian U.N. workers have been detained by Israel for as long as two years under charges Israel refuses to reveal, U.N. officials said Wednesday.


CA set to buy Netegrity for 241m

Computer Associates plans to buy security software firm Netegrity, in a deal valued at \$430 million (241m). The acquisition will strengthen the firm #39;s position in the IT security market and builds on last


UK Music Industry Sues File Sharers

The UK music industry has today launched a  #39;rolling program of legal action #39; against illegal downloaders, the first of its kind in the country.


Astros pound Braves

(10/07/04) The Houston Astros took game one of their NL Division Series, setting team playoff records for runs and homers in a 9-3 pounding in Atlanta.


Japan Open smiles on Hewitt and Sharapova

Top seeds Lleyton Hewitt and Maria Sharapova did their best in the second round, but could only win in three sets at the \$860,000 Japan Open.


UK bank mulls rival proposal for Man Utd

The head of a British investment bank, Seymour Pierce, is considering a financial restructuring of Manchester United as a possible rival proposal to a planned takeover by US sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer, a British newspaper reported today.


FOOTBALL: DO THE MATHS, THIS IS A TITMUSS-T WIN GAME FOR US, BOSS

WHEN Berti Vogts hands Abi Titmuss her morning muesli, I hope the old terrier has a grin from ear to ear. But I #39;d rather the Scotland boss racked up points on the table than notches on the headboard.


Some California beamin' for BC

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Everybody came here to represent. The Cali Contingent of Boston College's basketball team -- junior Craig Smith of Los Angeles, Sean Marshall of Rialto, and Jared Dudley of San Diego -- had quite a bit of incentive in last night's 74-64 victory over UCLA in the Wooden Classic before a crowd of 14,027 at Arrowhead Pond.


Web blunder boosts Bush bashers

Dick Cheney has accidentally given a boost to opponents by wrongly recalling a website address.


Monti Reflects On Evolution Of Antitrust

He was vilified in U.S. industry and government circles for blocking the merger of General Electric Co. and Honeywell International Inc. in 2001 after the Justice Department had approved it. And when the European Union directorate he heads ordered Microsoft Corp. to remove a key feature from its Windows operating system, the U.S. antitrust community convulsed again.


Urging Fact-Checking,  Cheney Got Site Wrong

Vice President Cheney dropped a dot-bomb Tuesday night when he inadvertently directed millions of viewers of the vice presidential debate to an Internet site critical of the Bush administration.


Va. Licenses Could Go High Tech

Virginia lawmakers are considering a futuristic plan to embed computer chips in driver's licenses, making the cards harder to counterfeit by criminals or terrorists and placing the state at the forefront of a national debate about trade-offs between security and privacy.


Electronic Nose

NASA researchers are developing an exquisitely sensitive artificial nose for space exploration.


IT departments turn to gateways to manage IM

Since early 2001, Media General Inc. management had been encouraging employees in its interactive division to use America Online Inc.'s AIM public instant-messaging network, but by early 2003, the company's IT department was very concerned about the unmonitored and unmanaged use of IM.


UConn crushes Crusaders

From Staff And Wire Service Reports Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma keeps a list of 14 goals he wants his young basketball team to achieve in each game, and the Huskies accomplished nine of them yesterday.


ATI Technologies 4th-Qtr Profit Doubles as Sales Rise (Update1)

ATI Technologies Inc., the world #39;s second-biggest maker of computer-graphics chips, said fourth- quarter net income more than doubled, helped by sales of graphics- enhanced cell phones and high-definition televisions.


Costco #39;s 4Q Profit Beats Outlook

Costco Wholesale Corp., the largest wholesale club operator in the United States, said Thursday that fourth-quarter earnings rose 24 percent to beat Wall Street expectations, but revenue for the period was light.


NASCAR fouled up punishment

Much of America still needs an interpreter to wade through the interviews at NASCAR races. Theyre so packed with technical talk, car numbers, jargon, good ol boyisms and corporate plugs that by the end


Arena in the swim

MANCHESTER was celebrating another huge sporting coup today after winning the right to hold the world short course swimming championships.


Myanmar, EU draw lines in the sand

The showdown between Myanmar #39;s military regime and the European Union at the upcoming Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) of Asian and European leaders has been propelled into one


Guinea-Bissau troops in barracks, talks to resume

Dissident troops who killed two army chiefs and seized key buildings in Guinea-Bissau #39;s capital told soldiers to stay in their barracks on Thursday while talks to resolve the standoff continued.


New Technology Helping Volcanologists (AP)

AP - Geologist David Johnston wouldn't have died on Mount St. Helens today. New equipment developed since the 1980 eruption of the volcano has made it possible for volcanologists to take better measurements without hiking up the volatile mountain, a requirement 24 years ago that cost Johnson his life.


Wal-Mart Same-Store Sales Up 2.4 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , the\world's largest retailer, on Thursday said sales at stores open\at least a year rose 2.4 percent in September, slightly higher\than its preliminary report but still toward the low end of its\forecast range.


Wal-Mart Same-Store Sales Up 2.4 Percent

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N, the  world's largest retailer, on Thursday said sales at stores open  at least a year rose 2.4 percent in September, slightly higher  than its preliminary report but still toward the low end of its  forecast range.


Stocks Seen Lower; Retailers, Oil Weigh

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were seen opening  lower  on Thursday as rising oil prices and lackluster September sales  reports from retailers weighed on the market.


LONDON : World oil prices bolted up to new record summits beyond 52 dollars on markets nervous about tight global supplies with winter looming in the northern hemisphere.


Marriott #39;s 3rd-quarter profits surge

Marriott International, the largest US hotel operator, Thursday said third-quarter profit rose 45 as room rates grew faster than occupancy for the first time in three years.


Volkswagen hires former Chrysler executive to head namesake brand

LONDON, October 7 (newratings.com) - Volkswagen AG (VOW.ETR) has appointed Wolfgang Bernhard, a former Chief Operating Officer at DaimlerChrysler #39;s Chrysler unit, to turn around the sales of the Volkswagen brand, which accounts for half of the company #39;s


Property tax payers get a break for now

As property tax bills hit Chicago mailboxes next week, most will deliver a lighter thud than before. Don #39;t get too excited -- that thud will gradually get heavier.


Update 1: Freeze Is Upheld on Yukos Subsidiaries

A Russian court on Thursday rejected an appeal by the Yukos oil company seeking to overturn a freeze on the accounts of the struggling oil giant #39;s core subsidiaries.


IBM Adds Downtime Safety To WebSphere

IBM has added a new feature to WebSphere Application Server designed to help safeguard Internet business applications against outages.


Pressley Out of Scotland Squad

Scotland manager Berti Vogts has suffered another setback ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova with the news that Steven Pressley has pulled out of the squad.


Russia will continue its nuclear energy cooperation with Iran

MOSCOW A senior Russian official says his country is going to continue its nuclear energy cooperation with Iran in spite of concern that Tehran could be trying to develop atomic weapons.


ASEM enlarged to 39 members

HANOI : The Asia-Europe Summit Meeting was enlarged on Thursday to include the European Union #39;s 10 new members as well as three Asian nations -- Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.


Andreessen: Microsoft to make IE more competitive

SAN FRANCISCO -- The success of alternative browsers such as Mozilla Foundation's Firefox may ultimately have an unexpected side effect, causing Microsoft Corp. to be more aggressive in leveraging its dominance of Internet client software, said Marc Andreessen, one of the founders of the browser company that Microsoft beat out in the late 1990s, Netscape Communications Corp.


European Commission restarts clock on Oracle-Peoplesoft

BRUSSELS -- The European Commission has restarted its investigation into Oracle Corp.'s hostile bid to acquire PeopleSoft Inc. and will issue its judgement by early November at the latest, it said on Thursday.


Richardson lifts Suns

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Quentin Richardson made eight 3-pointers and scored 37 points, sparking the Phoenix Suns to a 121-99 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers last night.


Here come the judge: Simon's a 'Shrek' extra (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - A guest ogre has been recruited for the Shrek 2 DVD. It's none other than that caustic Brit Simon Cowell of TV's American Idol  doing what he does best: passing judgment.


ECB, Bank of England Leave Key Rates Alone (AP)

AP - The European Central Bank left its key refinancing rate unchanged at 2 percent Thursday amid signs that the recovery in the 12-nation euro zone may be sputtering.


Blair to Address Roots of Africa Problems (AP)

AP - British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Thursday warned that poverty and instability in Africa is providing a fertile breeding ground for terror and criminal organizations.


Tokyo Stocks End Lower on Profit Taking (AP)

AP - Tokyo stocks fell Thursday as investors took profits after five straight sessions of gains. The dollar was down against the Japanese yen.


Google Offers New Book-Search Feature

Online search leader Google Inc. is becoming more bookish. Expanding a program introduced last year, Google is inviting publishers to include entire books in its index, enabling people to peak at the contents before making a decision on whether to buy.


Satire Sequel Parodies U.S. Newsmakers

From the creators of the political satire sensation "This Land" comes a sequel set to the tune of "Dixie."


On-Demand Video Game Services Vary

Internet downloads are nothing new when it comes to buying music and software online. So why does video game shopping still mostly involve either shlepping to a store or waiting for the delivery truck after you order online?


Canada defends submarine fleet

Canada defends its decision to buy second-hand submarines from Britain, after the death of a crewman.


Cricket: Aussies watch India tumble

Australia take control of the first Test, reducing India to 150-6 after posting 474.


EU threatens new Burma sanctions

The EU is set to impose new sanctions against Burma, overshadowing a summit of Asian and European leaders.


'Come and join us' urges Howard

Michael Howard brings his party's annual conference to a close with a pitch to Labour and Lib Dem voters.


\$40,000 Library Mural Misspells Names

LIVERMORE, Calif. - It didn't take a nuclear physicist to realize changes were needed after a \$40,000 ceramic mural was unveiled outside the city's new library and everyone could see the misspelled names of Einstein, Shakespeare, Vincent Van Gogh, Michelangelo and seven other historical figures...


Austrian Novelist Jelinek Wins Nobel Prize

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Austrian novelist, playwright and poet Elfriede Jelinek, 57, won the Nobel Prize in literature, the Swedish Academy said Thursday, citing her ability to reveal "the absurdity of society's cliches and their subjugating power."   The decision to award the prize to a woman - and a poet - was the first since 1996, when Polish poet Wislawa Szymborska won. Since the prize was first handed out in 1901, only nine women have won it...


House Left to Wrestle With 9/11 Bill

WASHINGTON - Senate passage of a bill to enact the Sept. 11 commission's terror-fighting recommendations now puts the focus on the House, where getting Republicans and Democrats to agree on the legislation may be more difficult...


Airbus attacks Washington #39;s WTO challenge

PARIS Aircraft maker Airbus is attacking a US decision to file a World Trade Organization complaint over subsidies Airbus. Airbus today says the US complaint shows that Washington is unwilling to negotiate


European Central Bank Leaves Rates Alone

The European Central Bank left its key refinancing rate unchanged at 2 percent Thursday amid signs that the recovery in the 12-nation euro zone may be sputtering.


Markham #39;s ATI Tech triples profit

MARKHAM (CP) - Graphics chip maker ATI Technologies Inc. says its fourth-quarter profit almost tripled to \$61.2 million US as revenue soared 50 per cent.


Marriott 3Q profit jumps 45

No .1 hotel operator earns 55 cents a share, in line with estimates, as room rates rise 4. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marriott International Inc.


Wal-Mart September Sales Up 2.4 Percent

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest retailer, on Thursday said sales at stores open at least a year rose 2.4 percent in September, slightly higher


Unilever to axe 600 jobs at frozen food factory

LONDON : Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer products giant, is to close a frozen-food plant in Grimsby, northern England, next year with the loss of 600 jobs, a spokesman said.


Home prices still soaring, Realtors say

Bee Staff Writer. A continued housing shortage will push California #39;s median home resale price up by a double-digit percentage again next year even as interest rates rise and sales slow, the


SF investment adviser penalized

A San Francisco investment adviser for mutual funds will pay \$30 million to settle charges that it secretly allowed favored clients to conduct frequent short-term trading, in violation of the funds #39; rules and in exchange for extra fees, regulators said


Kodak sues Sun for \$1 billion

Sun Microsystems, maker of the wildly popular Java programming language, got handed a stunning and potentially expensive defeat in court when a federal jury declared that Sun #39;s Java infringed upon Kodak #39;s intellectual property.


Astros, Red Sox, Yankees Win In Baseball Playoffs

Clemens, who couldn #39;t pitch the season finale for Houston because of a stomach virus, pitched seven strong innings to help the Houston Astros to a 9-3 win over Atlanta in the first game of their National League Division Series.


Scotland defender Pressley ruled out of qualifiers

Scotland defender Steven Pressley is the latest player to drop out of a depleted squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Norway and Moldova.


Seahawks Slant

Coach Mike Holmgren labels the matchup of the Seahawks #39; defensive line vs. the St. Louis Rams #39; offensive line the game within the game when the NFC West frontrunners square off Sunday at Qwest Field.


Simms Signals Start of Future

In some ways, Jon Gruden #39;s decision to replace quarterback Brad Johnson with Chris Simms is similar to a baseball manager changing pitchers after the infield has made three errors.


Turkish press eyes road to EU

Turkey #39;s press is dominated by comment on the European Commission #39;s recommendation that the EU open accession talks with Ankara.


EU threatens new Burma sanctions

The European Union is set to impose new sanctions against Burma, according to the EU #39;s Dutch presidency. The EU warned last month that it would take action against Burma unless human rights improved before


UK #39;s Blair Calls for EU Force for Africa Clashes (Update2)

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair called for the European Union to develop the capability to deploy troops to Africa within 10 days by next year, part of plans to fight poverty, disease and war in the region.


European Central Bank holds rates steady

The European Central Bank has left its key interest rate unchanged, taking more time to gauge the effect of soaring oil prices on the inflationary outlook and slow economic recovery.


Unilever to Close UK Plant With Loss of 600 Jobs (Update1)

Unilever, the world #39;s largest maker of food and soap, will close its Birds Eye plant in Grimsby, England, leading to the loss of 600 jobs at the UK #39;s biggest producer of frozen foods.


Housing sales to slow a bit

The torrid pace of home sales across the Bay Area and the state will cool next year, but prices will stay on an upward trajectory, according to a real estate trade group.


Reuters looks to make India job hub

Financial news and information provider Reuters Group PLC plans to make Bangalore its biggest worldwide employment center in order to become more competitive, executives said Thursday.


Reuters Makes Bangalore Biggest Info Hub (Reuters)

Reuters - Financial news and information\provider Reuters Group Plc said on Thursday it plans to make\Bangalore its biggest information-gathering hub, employing up\to 1,500 people, or 10 percent of its total workforce.


J.C. Penney Same-Store Sales Rise 2 Pct (Reuters)

Reuters - J.C. Penney Co. Inc. said on Thursday\its September sales at department stores open at least a year\rose 2 percent.


Jobless Claims Drop Despite Hurricane

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of people filing  first-time claims for U.S. jobless insurance fell 37,000 last  week despite continued elevated applications in Southeast  states struck by a rash of hurricanes, the government said on  Thursday.


Wal-Mart September Sales Up 2.4 Percent

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N, the  world's largest retailer, on Thursday said sales at stores open  at least a year rose 2.4 percent in September, slightly higher  than its preliminary report but still toward the low end of its  forecast range.


J.C. Penney Same-Store Sales Rise 2 Pct

NEW YORK (Reuters) - J.C. Penney Co. Inc. said on Thursday  its September sales at department stores open at least a year  rose 2 percent.


Stocks to Watch on Thursday, October 7

CLOROX CO. CLX.N:


Weekly Jobless Claims Fall Sharply

The number of new applications filed last week for unemployment benefits fell sharply, offering a hopeful sign that the recovery in the job market may be gaining some steam.


Aide criticises Putin over Yukos

The economic adviser to Russian President Putin tells a newspaper that chasing Yukos for tax bills was a "serious mistake".


Eurozone rates kept on hold

The European Central Bank keeps eurozone interest rates unchanged at 2 for the fourteenth month in a row.


UPDATE: Reuters Chooses India As Hub For Global Data Ops

NEW DELHI (Dow Jones)--Publishing Thursday joined the list of industries tapping into India #39;s outsourcing boom, with global business news provider Reuters Group PLC (RTRSY) announcing plans to turn Bangalore into a hub for its data operations.


Honeywell Sues 34 Companies Over LCD Patent

The lawsuit claims the companies use a patented Honeywell technology for brightening images and reducing interference on displays.


Open-source community cuts Netline #39;s development time

Software company Netline claims its decision to open source the latest version of its email server platform has reduced the development time for the new release by a factor of 10.


SEATTLE HOPE TO MAKE HISTORY

The Seattle Seahawks finished two games behind the St Louis Rams in the NFC West last season. But with a victory over the Rams on Sunday at Qwest Field, the Seahawks will take complete control of the division.


Bulger hurt, but Rams win

ST. LOUIS -- Steven Jackson ran for 119 yards on 26 carries, his first career 100-yard game, to help the St. Louis Rams compensate for Marc Bulger's shoulder injury in a 16-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers yesterday. Jackson, the first running back taken in this year's draft, took advantage of Marshall Faulk's bruised left knee to get his ...


Asian, European Leaders Gather in Vietnam for Annual Summit

Leaders from 38 Asian and European nations are gathering in Vietnam for a summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting, know as ASEM. One thousand delegates are to discuss global trade and regional politics during the two-day forum.


Google feature offers pages of books online (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Internet search giant Google, quiet since going public in August, introduced a feature Wednesday that lets users search through pages of books online. Google is taking aim at online retailer Amazon.com, which offers similar technology on its e-commerce site.


Details emerge in Honeywell's suit against Apple (MacCentral)

MacCentral - Honeywell on Wednesday announced that it has filed suit in federal court against Apple Computer Inc. and more than thirty other companies, alleging infringement over a 1994 patent that describes technology used to improve the quality of images shown on a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel. MacCentral has obtained a copy of the documents Honeywell filed on October 6, 2004 in U.S. District Court for the district of Delaware.


Will Microsoft Makes Its Browser Better? (PC World)

PC World - Success of alternative apps like Firefox may be putting pressure on the software giant.


Conway acknowledges slamming Oracle (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - A subdued Craig Conway admitted Wednesday that he responded to a hostile takeover bid for the company he led, PeopleSoft (PSFT), with a campaign of "vilification" aimed at Oracle (ORCL) and its chief executive, Larry Ellison.


Green, Chiefs not half bad

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Trent Green completed 14 of 15 passes after halftime for 229 of his 340 yards and hit Eddie Kennison for a tiebreaking 70-yard touchdown with 2:04 left in Kansas City's 34-27 victory over the Oakland Raiders yesterday. Kennison's game-winning catch came at the 35-yard line, then he ran out of the grasp of rookie safety Stuart Schweigert. ...


Love DRM or my family starves: why Steve Ballmer doesn't Get It

Ballmer digs pit, inserts whole MS strategy, keeps digging


Tornado kills four, injures hundreds in central Bangladesh (AFP)

AFP - Four people died and hundreds were injured when a tornado bore down on a field where a large number of Muslim devotees had gathered to pray in central Bangladesh, police said.


T-Mobile brings Wi-Fi to Borders' UK stores

Thumb through the book - then buy a clean copy from Amazon


Sadr Aide Freed as Iraq Seeks Pre-Election Calm

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military freed a top aide to  rebel Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Thursday in a gesture  that could help the interim government's efforts to calm  rebel-held strongholds before elections due in January.


A giant win for Redskins

LANDOVER, Md. -- Stop the game and have a parade. The Washington Redskins finally scored 20 points. The big moment occurred with 41 seconds left in the first half of yesterday's rout of the New York Giants, when tight end Robert Royal caught Patrick Ramsey's 9-yard pass. Royal's first career touchdown gave the Redskins a 21-0 lead on the way ...


Afghans Say Trouble Inevitable But Won't Stop Vote

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai vowed on  Thursday that a historic presidential election would go ahead  in two days' time and reflect the people's wishes despite  inevitable attempts by Taliban fighters to derail the vote.


Africa's Woes Make It Haven for Terrorists - Blair

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Poverty and conflict in Africa have  made it a refuge for terrorists, British Prime Minister Tony  Blair said on Thursday at a summit in Ethiopia he hopes will  turn the continent's problems into a global priority.


'Violence can't stop Afghan poll'

The Afghan government says it is confident that presidential elections will go ahead despite threats of violence.


Satire Sequel Parodies U.S. Newsmakers

NEW YORK - From the creators of the political satire sensation "This Land" comes a sequel set to the tune of "Dixie." The online animation "Good To Be in DC!" features the presidential and vice presidential candidates along with Attorney General John Ashcroft, CBS News anchor Dan Rather, filmmaker Michael Moore, talk show host Rush Limbaugh and Jane Fonda.   "In This Land,' you had basically (President) Bush and (John) Kerry," said Evan Spiridellis, who co-produced the cartoons with his brother, Gregg...


Jobless Claims Decline Sharply Last Week

WASHINGTON - The number of new applications filed last week for unemployment benefits fell sharply, offering a hopeful sign that the recovery in the job market may be gaining some steam.    The Labor Department reported Thursday that the number of new people signing up for unemployment insurance benefits dropped by a seasonally adjusted 37,000 to 335,000, the lowest level since the beginning of September...


Austrian Novelist Jelinek Wins Nobel Prize

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Austrian feminist writer Elfriede Jelinek won the Nobel Prize in literature, the Swedish Academy said Thursday, citing her "musical flow of voices and counter-voices in novels and plays."   The decision to award the prize to a woman, and a poet, was the first since 1996, when Wislawa Szymborska of Poland won. Since the prize first was handed out in 1901, only nine women have won it...


Epsom Salts Could Reveal History of Water on Mars

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Epsom-like salts believed to be common on Mars may be a major source of water there, say geologists at Indiana University Bloomington and Los Alamos National Laboratory...


Space Tourism Faces Governmental Safety Regulations

By JOHN ANTCZAK     LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Thrill seekers are plunking down six figures to ride rockets that haven't even been built yet, and a new airline called Virgin Galactic promises to be up and soaring in the next three years. Still, the budding space tourism industry faces a myriad of safety concerns - in the sky and on the ground - that must be resolved before any paying passenger takes off...


Genesis Mission Samples Arrive at Space Center

By PAM EASTON     HOUSTON (AP) -- Thousands of samples from the Genesis space capsule have arrived at the Johnson Space Center, where the project's curator must assemble a giant jigsaw puzzle that could hold clues to the origins of the solar system.    Wafers on five collector panels that broke into thousands of pieces when the capsule slammed into Earth last month secured samples of atoms and ions from solar wind...


NASA Software Allows Satellites to Troubleshoot in Space

Goddard Space Flight Center -- NASA scientists recently successfully radioed artificial intelligence (AI) software to a satellite. They tested the software's ability to find and analyze errors in the spacecraft's systems...


Airbus battle lands at WTO

SEATTLE -- US trade authorities, prodded by The Boeing Co., reignited a long-dormant trade war Wednesday by filing a complaint before the World Trade Organization accusing the European Union of buoying aircraft maker Airbus with \$15 billion in illegal


ECB and Britain leave rates alone despite inflation fears

The European Central Bank left its key refinancing rate unchanged at two per cent Thursday amid signs that the recovery in the 12-country euro zone may be sputtering.


Update 1: Texas Instruments May See Wireless Boost

The court ruling that ended a yearlong legal battle between Texas Instruments Inc. and Qualcomm Inc. could boost TI #39;s presence in the wireless sector, analysts say.


Stocks to Watch on Thursday, October 7

The US cleaning products maker has agreed to buy back a 29 percent stake from Germany #39;s Henkel KGaA (HNKG_p.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) .


Unisys plans to cut 1,400 workers

Unisys Corp. plans to cut 1,400 jobs, or nearly 4 percent of its work force, and consolidate some facility space, moves that will help yield annualized savings of about \$70 million a year by 2005.


Clampdown on music pirates

London - An international music industry group said on Thursday it was launching hundreds of lawsuits across Europe accusing people of piracy for illegally sharing music on the internet.


Will Microsoft Makes Its Browser Better?

The success of alternative browsers such as Mozilla Foundation #39;s Firefox may ultimately have an unexpected side effect. It may be causing Microsoft to be more aggressive in leveraging its dominance of Internet


Details emerge in Honeywell #39;s suit against Apple

Honeywell on Wednesday announced that it has filed suit in federal court against Apple Computer Inc. and more than thirty other companies, alleging infringement over a 1994 patent that describes technology


Love DRM or my family starves: why Steve Ballmer doesn #39;t Get It

Last Sunday Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer kicked off this week #39;s European tour by sitting down with a small group* of British journalists and dispensing pearls of wisdom, notably on the future of Apple in home networking (it has none, natch, says Steve).


Yahoo Tests Personal Search

Yahoo became the latest search engine to try its hand at personalized search, unveiling tools Tuesday that let searchers save and edit search results.


FAMILIAR FOE FOR MARIUCCI

Jim Mora Jr and Steve Mariucci are familiar with each other from their days with the San Francisco 49ers. Mora was defensive co-ordinator under Mariucci with the 49ers and the two will renew old acquaintances


COLTS LOOK FOR MOMENTUM

After surviving the roughest part of their schedule, the Indianapolis Colts look poised to build some momentum. The Colts aim for their fourth straight win on Sunday when they host the Oakland Raiders, who are trying to snap an 11-road-game losing streak.


Red Sox Cruise Into 2-0 Lead Over Angels (Reuters)

Reuters - Pedro Martinez pitched seven\innings and Manny Ramirez drove in the go-ahead run with a\sacrifice fly to power the Boston Red Sox to an 8-3 win over\the Anaheim Angels in the American League Divisional Series\(ALDS) Wednesday.


2 US Soldiers Killed in Iraq

US military officials in Iraq say two US soldiers were killed in separate incidents late Wednesday. One soldier was killed and two others were wounded in an attack on their convoy near the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah.


Myanmar among new Asia-Europe forum members

An Asia-Europe forum has accepted Myanmar and 12 other new members ahead of a summit strained by Yangon #39;s human rights record and detention of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.


Cambodia #39;s King to Step Down

Cambodia #39;s ailing King Norodom Sihanouk has issued a statement of abdication following nearly a year of self-imposed exile. Citing previous health concerns and a  quot;new and serious ailment, quot; the long-ruling


Bledsoe, Bills keep rumbling

MIAMI -- In a shootout worthy of Dan Marino and Jim Kelly, Drew Bledsoe threw four touchdown passes, and the Buffalo Bills forced seven Miami turnovers to maintain their late-season surge by beating A.J. Feeley and the Dolphins, 42-32, yesterday. Feeley threw three touchdown passes, all in the first 12 1/2 minutes. He also had a hand in six turnovers, ...


Adults and Kids Urged to Skip Flu Shot

By CATHERINE TSAI     DENVER (AP) -- While officials across the nation are urging healthy adults and schoolchildren to skip their annual flu shot, parents are mulling their options.     The news that British regulators have shut down a major flu-shot supplier carries particular concern in Colorado, which was the epicenter of last year's flu season with 12,885 reported cases and the deaths of 12 children...


Whole Foods Creates New Gluten-Free Product Line

By MARGARET LILLARD     MORRISVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- The scents of molasses, sugar and ginger hang in the air like an invitation to sin as Lee Tobin shows off his new bakery...


Red Sox Cruise Into 2-0 Lead Over Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Reuters) - Pedro Martinez pitched seven  innings and Manny Ramirez drove in the go-ahead run with a  sacrifice fly to power the Boston Red Sox to an 8-3 win over  the Anaheim Angels in the American League Divisional Series  (ALDS) Wednesday.


CA offers usage-based pricing for mainframe tools

Computer Associates International Inc. (CA) introduced a usage-based pricing and licensing option for its mainframe management products on Thursday, aligning its offerings with IBM Corp.'s On Demand model.


IBM promotes open source in India

BANGALORE, INDIA -- IBM Corp. has partnered with a computing and an educational institution in India to promote the development of open-source software in the region, the company said Thursday.


Dollar Up on Jobless Data

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar edged higher on Thursday  after a report showed first-time claims for U.S. unemployment  dropped steeply, but traders said its significance for Friday's  widely anticipated payrolls report was limited.


Costco Profit Up 24 Percent, Shares Rise

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Costco Wholesale Corp. COST.O  reported higher-than-expected quarterly profit and a healthy  rise in September sales on Thursday, sending its shares up 2  percent in pre-market trading.


Wal-Mart September Sales Rise 2.4 Percent

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N, the  world's largest retailer, on Thursday said sales at stores open  at least a year rose 2.4 percent in September, slightly higher  than its preliminary report but still toward the low end of its  forecast range.


Success of alternative apps like Firefox may be putting pressure on the software giant.


New Technology Helping Volcanologists Predict Eruptions

By WILLIAM McCALL     VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- Geologist David Johnston wouldn't have died on Mount St...


NASA Develops Revolutionary Cockpit Display Technology

NASA -- Imagine seeing clear skies all the time. It's not some weather fantasyland, but a revolutionary cockpit display technology being developed by NASA to make flying safer...


Retailers Report Modest Gains in September

Consumers spent frugally for a fourth straight month in September, giving major retailers modest gains during the critical back-to-school season.


Surf's up for Hutchinson

CHICAGO -- Chad Hutchinson, who was surfing in California a little more than two months ago, made his first Chicago start a memorable one yesterday, throwing three TD passes to lead the Bears past the Minnesota Vikings, 24-14. Minnesota (7-5) saw its playoff chances hurt for the second straight year by a late-season loss to the Bears.


ATI Technologies boosts outlook

MARKHAM, Ont. (CP) - Graphics chip maker ATI Technologies Inc. is boosting its outlook after fourth-quarter profit almost tripled to \$61.


Clemens Helps Astros Take 1-0 Series Lead Over Braves

Roger Clemens pitched seven innings and Carlos Beltran homered, had three hits and scored three runs to help the Houston Astros rout the Atlanta Braves 9-3 in the opening game of their National League Divisional Series Wednesday.


Sandy Lane, take a bow

My sincere congratulations to the management and staff at the Sandy Lane Hotel for making it possible for Barbados to receive such massive media coverage due to the recent wedding of Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren.


Sharapova reaches Japan semifinals

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova had little trouble overcoming France #39;s Youlia Fedossova 6-3 6-4 to claim her place in the women #39;s semifinals at the Japan Open.


Manchester United Football Club confirm bid

The Reds have announced the news following intense speculation that American sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer was ready to significantly increase his stake in the club.


Gailey: Ball still the starter

Georgia Techs Reggie Ball walks toward the sideline during Saturdays loss to Miami. ATLANTA - There is no starting quarterback controversy at Georgia Tech.


Raiders notes: Wheatley says he #39;ll miss 2 to 4 weeks

Bee Staff Writer. ALAMEDA - Raiders starting running back Tyrone Wheatley says he #39;ll be out up to a month - not that the team wants you to know.


My Yahoo Embraces RSS Feeds

My Yahoo Embraces RSS Feeds\\I started using RSS in January 2000 after Blake Carver sent me a exasperated e-mail asking why, for heaven's sake, I wasn't using it. Surely, he noted, I could see that RSS was the greatest thing since sliced soap. (He may have used slightly different words.) ...


Google Books and GMail Plans

Google Books and GMail Plans\\Google has not had anything big for us since it went public some time ago. Now, it is back with some news that could worry biggies like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It has decided to get into book selling business. The service is called Google ...


User-Guided Search Refining in Google

User-Guided Search Refining in Google\\Despite the fact that the Google API hasn't been updated in over two years, people keep doing Cool Things with it. The latest Cool Thing I've seen is the very nice MyGoogleSearch ( http://www.mygooglesearch.com ). The idea behind this hack is that you can take the ...


Update 1: Costco 4Q Earnings Up 24 Pct. to \$296.8M

Costco Wholesale Corp. #39;s earnings rose 24 percent in its latest quarter, lifted by improvement in both net sales and membership fees which more than offset a minor accounting charge.


Cognos reassigns N. America chief after indictments

Cognos Inc. has reassigned its North America operations chief after he was indicted by a grand jury in San Diego in connection with a financial scandal at Peregrine Systems Inc.


Corning Plans to Take 3Q Charges of \$2.8 Billion to \$2.9 Billion

CORNING, NY -- Corning Inc. (GLW) plans to record \$2.8 billion to \$2.9 billion in noncash charges in the third quarter to impair goodwill and investments in its struggling telecommunications segment and establish a deferred-tax valuation allowance.


Edward C. Baig: Personal Tech - Net calling service Skype: Simple, free, not perfect (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, may be geek speak for calls routed through cyberspace. But for many consumers, VoIP translates into ever-cheaper and sometimes feature-rich telephone alternatives. Consider the Skype service I've been testing. It lets members talk free from one computer to another.


Nintendo Says 12 DS Games to Debut in Japan (Reuters)

Reuters - Japan's Nintendo Co. Ltd. said on\Thursday it will make available 12 software titles for its new\"DS" handheld game console when the dual-screen machine debuts\in Japan on Dec. 2.


Google steals a page from Amazon #39;s book search

Frankfurt/London  Reuters News Service, 7 October 2004 - Google yesterday introduced a new search technology to help publishers sell books online, a fast-growing market dominated by Internet retailer Amazon.


TSMC says chip sales softening

PURE PLAY foundry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) said in a statement it had noticed a decline in wafer sales in September, compared to August.


Kodak vs Sun suit moves forward

The penalty phase of Eastman Kodak #39;s Java patent lawsuit against Sun Microsystems starts this morning, and the outcome could cast a shadow over the future of the Java programming language.


CA delivers industry #39;s first virus protection solution for <b>...</b>

Johannesburg, 7 October 2004 - Computer Associates International, Inc (NYSE: CA) today announced general availability of eTrust Antivirus for Microsoft Windows XP Embedded - the industry #39;s first virus protection solution designed specifically for


McGrath has India reeling

Glenn McGrath claimed three wickets, Michael Kasprowicz two and Shane Warne bagged the all-important scalp of VVS Laxman to reduce India to 150 for 6 wickets by the end of Day 2 in the first Test against Australia at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore


Major ankle op for Thomas

Chicago White Sos slugger Frank Thomas could miss the start of next season after undergoing surgery on his left ankle. The 36-year-old, nicknamed  quot;Big Hurt quot;, had debris removed from the joint, underwent a


Scientists Puzzled by Synchrony of Migratory Birds (Reuters)

Reuters - They rarely see each other, spend\winters in different countries and don't communicate for long\periods but pairs of a species of Icelandic migratory birds\know exactly when to return home to breed.


Nintendo Says 12 DS Games to Debut in Japan

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nintendo Co. Ltd. said on  Thursday it will make available 12 software titles for its new  "DS" handheld game console when the dual-screen machine debuts  in Japan on Dec. 2.


September Storms Left Retailers All Wet

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Top U.S. retailers, including Wal-Mart  Stores Inc. WMT.N, reported lackluster September sales on  Thursday, as warm weather and string of hurricanes that  battered the East Coast dampened buying.


Star-Power Surge for Satellite Radio

Shock jock Howard Stern's decision to jump ship from traditional radio gives a boost to the emerging technology of blasting tunes, news and other staples of AM and FM radio via satellite. \ -washingtonpost.com


Conspiracy Theories Flourish on the Internet

Darren Williams has his suspicions about 9/11 and he's attracting hordes of readers to his Web site interested in his unorthodox ideas about the attack.