Wal-Mart Holds Sales View (Reuters)

Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , the\world's largest retailer, said on Saturday it still anticipates\September U.S. sales to be up 2 percent to 4 percent at stores\open at least a year.


Wal-Mart Holds Sales View

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N, the  world's largest retailer, said on Saturday it still anticipates  September U.S. sales to be up 2 percent to 4 percent at stores  open at least a year.


Funds: Warning Signs for Fund Investors

PORTLAND, Maine (Reuters) - Of the more than 8,000 funds  available to investors, some are downright stinkers.  Fortunately, it's usually easy to identify the worst of them.


Hedge Funds Ponder New Ways to Make Money

LONDON (Reuters) - Hedge funds, faced with falling profits  and fading opportunities, are pondering fresh ways to make  money, with one new strategy involving trading a company's debt  against its equity, analysts said.


Munder's Cook Keeps Eyes on Net

NEW YORK (Reuters) - About a decade ago, Paul Cook, a  technology officer at Munder Capital, spent so many late nights  at the office studying to become a certified financial analyst  that his wife suspected he was having an affair.


Davis Cup: US lead Belarus

The USA took a 1-0 lead in their Davis Cup semi-final tie against Belarus when Andy Roddick defeated Vladimir Voltchkov 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in Charleston, South Carolina on Friday.


Kuznetsova struggles to advance to quarters in China Open

US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova overcame a strong effort by Chinese qualifier Li Na and an opposing crowd to reach the quarterfinals of the China Open with a 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-3) victory on Thursday.


Israeli Army Flattens Rows of Houses in Gaza Raid

GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli forces stormed into a Palestinian  refugee camp on Saturday, killing one man and flattening rows  of houses in a growing cycle of violence that threatens to  complicate Israel's plan to withdraw from Gaza.


N.Korea Silent as Japan Raises Missile Issue-Kyodo

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan expressed "serious concern" to  North Korea on Saturday about its reported plan to test-fire a  ballistic missile but the Koreans did not respond, the head of  Japan's delegation at talks in Beijing was quoted as saying.


Arms plan sparks Taiwan protests

Thousands take to the streets of Taiwan's capital, Taipei, in protest at plans to buy \$18bn in arms from the US.


Web Posting Claims British Hostage Killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq - An Internet posting claimed Saturday that an al-Qaida-linked group has killed British hostage Kenneth Bigley. The claim could not immediately be confirmed, and Britain's Foreign Office described the site where it appeared as "discredited."   Bigley was kidnapped Sept...


Beastie Boys Embark on Traveling 'Pageant'

LONG BEACH, Calif. - The members of Beastie Boys are flashing liquor and cash while betting on a street-level parlor game - with a Jewish twist...


Iran Tests 'Strategic Missile'

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran said Saturday it successfully tested a "strategic missile" and delivered it to its armed forces, state-run radio reported.    The report did not say whether the missile was the previously announced new version of the Shahab-3 rocket, which already was capable of reaching Israel and U.S...


Williams Advances to China Open Final (AP)

AP - Serena Williams overcame problems with her serve to defeat Russia's Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-3 Saturday, advancing to the China Open final against U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.


Green #39;s homer lifts Dodgers over Giants

SAN FRANCISCO -- Shawn Green can sit out today knowing he was a huge help to the Dodgers during their crucial series against San Francisco.


Anaheim Angels Team Report - September 25

(Sports Network) - Jarrod Washburn tries to put the brakes on a personal three-game losing streak this evening when the Anaheim Angels continue their critical three-game series with the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium.


Russia Crushes Thailand 3-0 to Stay in World Group

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Marat Safin and Mikhail Youzhny trounced  twins Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 in the  doubles to give Russia an insurmountable 3-0 lead over Thailand  in their Davis Cup World Group playoff tie on Saturday.


China Makes Debut as Villeneuve Returns

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


Pat Symonds looks at Shanghai strategy

The teams and drivers have spent two days learning the Chinese circuit, but there are still plenty of questions ahead of tomorrows race


Pascal Vasselon: Two different approaches

According to Michelins F1 chief, the two tyre manufacturers have gone for very different approaches at Shanghai. It could make the race interesting.


Sweden's H and M in talks to buy Portugal's largest retail chain (AFP)

AFP - Swedish fashion retailer Hennes and Mauritz is in talks to buy all 35 shops belonging to Macmoda, Portugal's largest clothing retail chain.


Former CA chief indicted; company reaches accord

Computer Associates International #39;s former chief executive was indicted on criminal charges related to fraudulent accounting practices, and the company on Wednesday agreed to pay \$225 million to settle with federal prosecutors.


Trescothick Ton Lifts England

Marcus Trescothick maintained his consistent form in the ICC Champions Trophy with a century as favourites England totalled 217 against West Indies in todays final at The Oval.


Sharapova comes out a winner in China Open semifinal

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova set up an intriguing semi-final showdown with fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova at the China Open after her opponent Jelena Jankovic retired hurt on Friday with an ankle injury.


Ready or not, UW gets Irish

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - This isn #39;ta good sign: Washington players have spent the week saying they #39;re not in awe of Notre Dame, while the Fighting Irish have spent the week saying they #39;re not overlooking the Huskies.


Pakistan must stop terror: PM tells Musharraf

NEW YORK: Upbeat over his meeting with President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he did raise the issue of terrorism with him and made it clear that Pakistan has to control the menace as a  quot;pre-condition quot; for moving forward on the


Turkey #39;s EU Bid Back on Course After Damaging Row

Turkey #39;s bid to join the European Union was back on course Thursday after Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan backed down in a row with the bloc over attempts to ban adultery in his Muslim nation.


Cabinet pledges anti-terror measures

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Wednesday resolved to take any measures required to eliminate militancy and terrorism in Pakistan and reiterated the governments pledge to defend the countrys sovereignty, integrity and security.


judge strikes down bootleg law

A judge has struck down a law which bans the sale of bootleg recordings of live music in the United States. Judge Harold Baer Jr, sitting in New York, dismissed charges against a Manhattan-based record dealer which had been brought under the law.


Chinese firm in talks for Noranda

Government-controlled minmetals. Exclusive talks to buy Canadian mining giant that has a market value of \$6.7 billion. Noranda CEO Derek Pannell said he is encouraged by discussions with Minmetals, although


Brookfield Buys Rosslyn, Virginia, Office Tower for \$106 Mln

Brookfield Properties Corp., which owns 48 commercial sites including the World Financial Center in New York, bought a 19-story office tower in Rosslyn, Virginia, from Deutsche Immobilien Fonds AG for \$106 million.


Web Site Takes Aim at 'Arms Race of Spin' (AP)

AP - Everywhere Duke University graduate student Brendan Nyhan and his partners in the political Web site spinsanity.com look, they see spin.


Rusedski Drags Britain Back into Davis Cup Tie

Greg Rusedski produced one of his finest clay-court performances to haul Great Britain level in their Davis Cup clash with Austria in Portschach.


Cricket: Sri Lanka success to inspire Australia in India Test <b>...</b>

BOMBAY : Stand-in captain Adam Gilchrist has said Australia will seek inspiration from their success in Sri Lanka as they attempt to win the first Test series in India in more than three decades.


New York Goes Deep, Gets Jump on Detroit

The Liberty tied a franchise playoff record with nine three-pointers Friday night in a 75-62 victory over the Detroit Shock in Game 1 of the opening round of the WNBA playoffs.


Well, this really is it for Port faithful

AS the roar of their fans swept over the Port players in yesterday #39;s Grand Final parade, the enormity of the occasion finally hit.


Nine Afghan soldiers killed in attacks

Suspected Taliban militants have launched a string of attacks on security posts in southern Afghanistan, killing nine soldiers, an official said.


Ape Learning Center Welcoming 'Students' (AP)

AP - Azy and Indah are about to go off to school, but they certainly are not ordinary students. They're orangutans, long-limbed, long-haired, bright-eyed primates who will become the first residents of the Great Ape Trust of Iowa, where Rob Shumaker and his associates will study their behavior and learning capabilities.


Tiny Quakes Reported at Mount St. Helens (AP)

AP - Hundreds of earthquakes too small to be detected by humans have been reported at Mount St. Helens, but they are probably not a prelude to an eruption, a state seismologist said Friday.


Wal-Mart Holds Sales View for September

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N, the  world's largest retailer, said on Saturday it still anticipates  September U.S. sales to be up 2 percent to 4 percent at stores  open at least a year.


Biggest cosmic collision

An international team of scientists have discovered a head-on collision of two galaxy clusters, one of the most powerful collisions ever documented, China Radio International reported Saturday.


Late Drogba strike gives Chelsea 1-0 win at Middlesbrough

Didier Drogba struck nine minutes from time to give Chelsea a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough that took them to provisional top spot in the Premier League on Saturday.


Ricky still in frame

SACHIN Tendulkar yesterday worshipped at the feet of an elephant-headed statue but does not expect his prayers to be answered in time to play Australia next week.


Germany Plans New Camp in Afghanistan

Ahead of the next general elections in Afghanistan, Germany #39;s army intends to build a military camp south of Kabul to boost security at the start of the next year, a defense ministry spokesman said Saturday.


Barrichello grabs inaugural pole in Shanghai

Shanghai, China (Sports Network) - Rubens Barrichello won the pole for Sunday #39;s Grand Prix of China Formula One race. The No.2 Ferrari driver circled the 3.387-mile, 14-turn Shanghai International Circuit in one minute, 34.


England end at 217/10

London, Sep 25. Put into bat by West Indies captain Brian Lara, England managed to score just 217 with two balls to spare in their allotted overs during their ICC clash here today.


The  #39;gentle #39; doctor of Gah

Honest, sincere and a man of integrity - the most common definition for the man whom many call an  #39;accidental politician #39;.


Iraqi PM may receive invite to Australia

Prime Minister John Howard says he would consider inviting Iraq #39;s interim Prime Minister to visit Australia. Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi is visiting America, where he has addressed a joint sitting of the United States Congress.


Hurricane Jeanne batters Bahamas

The Bahamas are lashed by howling winds and rain as a hurricane roars through the islands on its way to Florida.


Pro-hunt demo ends at Hain's home

A demonstration by pro-hunt campaigners outside Peter Hain's home in south Wales comes to a peaceful end.


Hurricane Hits Abaco Island in Bahamas

FREEPORT, Bahamas - Hurricane Jeanne lashed the Bahamas with violent winds and torrential rains Saturday, making a direct hit on Abaco island and threatening the country's second-largest city, Freeport. Hundreds of people took refuge in emergency shelters...


Iraq Strikes Kill 8; U.S. Soldier Killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. warplanes, tanks and artillery units struck the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah on Saturday, killing at least eight people and wounding 15 in a day that saw new violence across the country...


Lara the man to restore Windies pride and passion

Brian Lara, equally sledged and celebrated for the role he has played in West Indian cricket, brought the horns of Brixton to life with a stirring performance against England in the final of the Champions Trophy at the Oval.


No doubts for Mourinho

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insisted victory over Middlesbrough was never in doubt after Didier Drogba grabbed a winner 10 minutes from time at the Riverside Stadium.


Knocked Down By An Egg: TV Shows Attack On Ukrainian Premier

KIEV, (AFP) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, who was briefly hospitalized after being knocked down during an election campaign scuffle on Friday, was in fact hit by nothing more dangerous than an egg, according to TV pictures.


Serena Williams, Kuznetsova reach China Open final

Serena Williams overcame problems with her serve to defeat Russia #39;s Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-3 Saturday, advancing to the China Open final against US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.


Middlesbrough V Chelsea Player Ratings

Mark Schwarzer: A commanding presence for Boro throughout but had little chance of stopping Drogbas winning strike. 8. Stuart Parnaby: Solid performance, proved strong in the air


Port storm home for first flag

PORT Adelaide claimed its first AFL flag and stopped the Brisbane premiership juggernaut with a stunning upset Grand Final win at the MCG yesterday.


Nervous Clarke awaits Test debut

He might long have been hailed as Australian cricket #39;s next big thing, but Michael Clarke knows he will be a nervous wreck if selected to replace Ricky Ponting in Australia #39;s first Test in Bangalore, starting on Wednesday week.


Up to 30 Militants Killed by Police in Nigeria

Police say up to 30 armed militants have been killed as a result of clashes in Nigeria #39;s mountainous border region with Cameroon.


Lions put it into perspective

The Brisbane Lions #39; football manager stepped out of the changerooms just before six o #39;clock last night and handed one of the milling supporters a six-pack of beer.


New York Mets Team Report - September 25

(Sports Network) - The Mets fell 2-1 in 10 innings to the Chicago Cubs at Shea Stadium on Friday night. Mets starter Kris Benson allowed just one run on four hits, striking out seven and walking one.


Iraqi PM asks for support

United Nations - Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on Friday appealed to world leaders at the United Nations to put aside their differences over the war and help rebuild his shattered nation.


Roddick Rocks Voltchkov as US Leads Belarus 2-0

Andy Roddick and Mardy  quot;Silver quot; Fish put the US up 2-0 Friday in their Davis Cup semifinal match-up against Belarus. Roddick overwhelmed Vladimir  quot;The Vladiator quot; Voltchkov 6-1, 6-4, 6-4, followed by Fish defeating


Live: GB v Austria

All the action as Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski take on Julian Knowle and Alexander Peya in the doubles of the Davis Cup qualifier between Great Britain and Austria.


Minnesota #39;s newest star is a rookie with game

It was a smooth deflection -- as fluid as the floating, twisting, game-turning layup Nicole Ohlde had been asked about a few seconds earlier.


Without Holdsclaw, Mystics make surprising run to playoffs

The first-round draft pick cried after she played a dreadful game, then unexpectedly found help from the NBA. The first-year coach called a team meeting after a two-game skid, sternly telling his players  quot;to produce if you want to keep your minutes.


Car Explodes in Northern Gaza Town (AP)

AP - A car exploded near a Palestinian industrial zone in the town of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday, witnesses said.


India Seeks Unconditional Talks with Kashmir Panel

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India will attach no conditions to  peace talks with Kashmir's political separatists, the home  minister said on Saturday, in an attempt to resume a dialogue  stalled due to new terms set by New Delhi.


Iran approves 'strategic missile'

Iran's defence minister says a strategic missile has been successfully tested and delivered to the military.


Huygens On Target for Titan

At the beginning of next year, the descent probe, Huygens, will try to sample what lies beneath the thick atmosphere of Saturn's largest moon, Titan. Huygens passed its last in-flight checks and scientists are preparing for the perilous, one-way trip towards the surface.


Eternal Rest With the Fishes, as a Part of an Artificial Reef

A company creates artificial reefs with cremation ashes and marine-grade concrete to honor the remains of the dearly departed.


CBS Nixes '60 Minutes' Story on Iraq War

NEW YORK - CBS News has shelved a "60 Minutes" report on the rationale for war in Iraq because it would be "inappropriate" to air it so close to the presidential election, the network said on Saturday.    The report on weapons of mass destruction was set to air on Sept...


Lance is all talk

Hey, Lance Armstrong, the company that owes you \$5 million US for winning your sixth Tour de France doesn #39;t want to pay because of doping allegations.


McDowell starting to make his mark on European golf

HE was not at the Ryder Cup and he has yet to figure prominently at a major, but Graeme McDowell is starting to become a real force in European golf.


Drogba Goal Gives Chelsea 1-0 Premiership Win at Middlesbrough

Didier Drogba scored in the 81st minute as Chelsea won 1-0 at Middlesbrough in English soccer #39;s Premiership to move atop the standings.


- Game begins at 2:00 PM ET

Seattle at Minnesota 2:00 pm EDT Western Conference first round Game 1 ----- MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Seattle Storm look to build on their finest season in franchise history when they visit the


- Game begins at 12:00 PM ET

Connecticut at Washington Eastern Conference first round 12:00 pm EDT ----- WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The top-seeded Connecticut Sun attempt to continue their dominance of the Washington Mystics when


Irish And Huskies Set To Battle This Afternoon

The Washington Huskies pay a visit to Notre Dame Stadium for the first time since 1996. The Fighting Irish (2-1) will look to extend their winning streak to three games while the Huskies


Five US soldiers killed in Iraq

FALLUJAH, Iraq. Four US marines were killed in three separate incidents in the restive Al-Anbar province of western Iraq, the US military announced Saturday.


Militant Chechen Rebel Leader to Go on Trial for Masterminding <b>...</b>

Chechen separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov says his group is planning to try the mastermind of the hostage siege in southern Russia that left more than 330 people, more than half of them children, dead.


U.S. Rider Banned for Two Years

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Reuters) - U.S. rider Joseph  D'Antoni has been banned for two years after testing positive  for the prohibited substance EPO, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency  (USADA) has announced.


Schumacher spinout gives Barrichello pole position at new Chinese <b>...</b>

Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher took on the Shanghai circuit Saturday in qualifying for the first Chinese Grand Prix.


Drogba captures another victory for Chelsea

Didier Drogba hit the winner nine minutes from the end as unbeaten Chelsea broke its scoring drought with a 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough on Saturday to go top of the Premier League for at least two hours.


Prince follows family into armed services

PRINCE Harry, the third in line to the British throne, followed royal family tradition yesterday by announcing he was about to join the army.


US battles to protect Afghan election

US-led forces trying to protect landmark Afghan elections face a rising wave of violence from about 2,000 insurgents, including al-Qaida militants slipping in from Pakistan, an American general said Saturday.


Department of Homeland Security Prevents Terrorist from Entering the U.S.

As we all know, since September 11, 2001 the U.S. has been much more vigilant in defending itself against terrorist attacks.  nbsp;In addition to bombing the shit out of the Middle East, we have also established the Department of Homeland Security whose responsibility it is to defend us from terrorists. They have so far done a stellar job, as the U.S. has yet to be hit by another terrorist attack.  nbsp;But the ever-vigilant Department of Homeland Security is not resting on its laurels. Recently, they prevented the terrorist supporter Yusef Islam from entering the United States.


US Airways: Could Liquidate Without Cuts

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - US Airways UAIRQ.OB wants a  bankruptcy judge to impose temporary wage and other cost cuts  on its union workers, warning that it only has enough cash to  operate through January.


NASA Says Space Station Running Low on Oxygen

By MARCIA DUNN    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- Oxygen and food will be worrisomely low on the international space station by Christmas, and it's crucial that a Russian supply ship get there by then, a top NASA official said Friday...


Europe to Launch Satellite Full of Water

European Space Agency -- When the Ariane 5 ECA qualification flight lifts off in October, one of the passengers will be 33.5 litres of water. Onboard will be the experimental Sloshsat-FLEVO satellite, designed to help European scientists find out more about the movement of water in microgravity and its effects on satellites...


Learning to Search for Life on Mars with the Atacama Rover

Ames Research Center -- A dedicated team of scientists is spending the next four weeks in northern Chile's Atacama Desert. They are studying the scarce life that exists there and, in the process, helping NASA learn more about how primitive life forms could exist on Mars...


Teens and 'Tweens' Invade Health Clubs

By MARGARET STAFFORD     KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- At a growing number of health clubs, gyms and YMCAs across the country, the treadmills and barbells aren't just for adults anymore...


Healthy Baby Born to Infertile Woman

"It's a dream," proclaimed the beaming 32-year-old new mother Friday as she cuddled her day-old baby girl, born following a pioneering ovarian tissue transplant performed after the woman was made infertile by chemotherapy.


California OKs Toughest Auto Emissions Rules

By TIM MOLLOY     LOS ANGELES (AP) -- California has adopted the world's first rules to reduce greenhouse emissions for autos, taking what supporters see as a dramatic step toward cleaning up the environment but also ensuring higher costs for drivers.    The rules may lead to sweeping changes in vehicles nationwide, especially if other states opt to follow California's example...


Google Conforms to Censorship in China

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE    SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Google Inc. (GOOG)'s recently launched news service in China doesn't display results from Web sites blocked by that country's authorities, raising prickly questions for an online search engine that has famously promised to "do no evil."    Dynamic Internet Technology Inc., a research firm striving to defeat online censorship, conducted tests that found Google omits results from the government-banned sites if search requests are made through computers connecting to the Internet in China...


Price at Issue With New PlayStation Portable

Sony Corp. (SNE)'s PlayStation Portable, which goes on sale in Japan later this year and overseas next spring, boasts the superb image quality of its home-console counterpart. But the big question on everyone's minds is: How much will the handheld gaming machine cost?


New Web Site Takes Aim at 'Arms Race of Spin'

By STEVE HARTSOE    RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Everywhere Duke University graduate student Brendan Nyhan and his partners in the political Web site spinsanity.com look, they see spin...


Egypt to let foreign companies manage state enterprises (AFP)

AFP - Egypt is ready to let foreign companies manage state-owned businesses but will not give up control of those it sees as strategic, President Hosni Mubarak's spokesman said.


Blair's vow over British hostage

Tony Blair vows that the government "will continue to do whatever it can" for hostage Ken Bigley.


Playwright Created a Psychiatrist by Plagiarizing One, Accusers Say

A criminal psychiatrist and a writer for The New Yorker have accused playwright Bryony Lavery of plagiarizing their work in her play "Frozen."


Haiti Storm Toll Tops 1,500; 900 Missing

GONAIVES, Haiti - The staggering death toll from Tropical Storm Jeanne shot upward to an estimated 1,500 people Saturday, with 900 Haitians still missing as a thunderstorm drenched the homeless who are living on rooftops and sidewalks.    U.N...


Hurricane Postpones Steelers-Dolphins Game (AP)

AP - Hurricane Jeanne forced the postponement of Sunday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins. The game has not been rescheduled.


Mississippi St. Bulldogs

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (Ticker) -- No. 13 Louisiana State tries to return to its winning ways Saturday when it hosts Southeastern Conference Western Division rival Mississippi State.


UPATE 1-Late Drogba strike gives Chelsea 1-0 win at Boro

Didier Drogba struck nine minutes from time to give Chelsea a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday and prevent a third successive goalless Premier League draw for the Londoners.


Quick Fire Ferrero Draws Spain Level

ALICANTE, Spain (AFP) - Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero wasted no time getting down to business, brushing aside Fabrice Santoro to put the hosts level with France 1-1 in their World Group Davis Cup semi-final tie.


Tehran says force would not work against  quot;powerful quot; Iran

TEHRAN (Agencies) - Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi has called for more dialogue to resolve a standoff with the UN nuclear watchdog, warning that force would not work against the  quot;powerful quot; Islamic republic.


Germany slams Italy over UN plan

Germany has criticised Italy for opposing its campaign for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said Europe would lose out if it was the only region not to have a new representative on an enlarged council.


UN criticizes Iraq poll warning

UNITED NATIONS (BBC) -- The leader of the UN team organizing Iraq #39;s elections has criticized the US defense secretary for suggesting only a limited vote might take place.


Iran Delivers  #39;Strategic Missile #39; To Armed Forces

25 September 2004 -- The Iranian defense minister announced today that the country has successfully test-fired a strategic, long-range missile and delivered the weapon to its armed forces.


Tennis: Quick fire Ferrero draws Spain level

ALICANTE, Spain : Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero wasted no time getting down to business, brushing aside Fabrice Santoro to put the hosts level with France 1-1 in their World Group Davis Cup semi-final tie.


Tigers eager to shake bitter losses

BATON ROUGE, LA. - No. 13 LSU has two tough road games coming up, against Georgia next weekend and Florida the week after that. Tigers coach Nick Saban doesn #39;t have to worry about his players looking past Mississippi State today, however.


US forces pound Fallujah as Britain, Egypt seek to free hostages

FALLUJAH, Iraq - US aircraft pounded the insurgent enclave of Fallujah on Saturday, killing seven Iraqis in a raid the military said targeted a suspected hideout of a militant group.


New Iran missiles can reach London

Iran said today it has successfully test-fired a long-range  quot;strategic missile quot; and delivered it to its armed forces, saying it is now prepared to deal with any regional threats and even the  quot;big powers.


Candidates Vie for Wis., Iowa, Minnesota (AP)

AP - In 2000, political pundits summed up the race in three words: Florida, Florida, Florida. Here's three words to consider this fall: Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.


Bush and Kerry Begin Debate Preparation (AP)

AP - Their first debate less than a week away, President Bush and Democrat John Kerry kept their public schedules clear on Saturday and began to focus on their prime-time showdown.


Baggage handlers strike at Gatwick

About 600 Servisair baggage handlers at Gatwick International Airport in West Sussex, England, staged a 24-hour strike Saturday over a workload dispute.


Phishers Fake FDIC Web Site

Phishers spoofed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation #39;s (FDIC) Web site again Thursday and using bogus e-mails, tried to entice consumers to sign up for non-existent service that tracks


Developers squeeze Florida big cat

The Fish and Wildlife Service is under scrutiny for neglecting to protect endangered panther habitat. By Warren Richey  Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor.


Delay could be merely a matter of hours

MIAMI -- Hurricane Jeanne forced the postponement of Sunday #39;s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins. The game has not been rescheduled, but ESPN #39;s Hank Goldberg reports that the NFL is


Dostanic off to winning start at Red Star

Serbia and Montenegro champions Red Star Belgrade beat city rivals Cukaricki 1-0 on Saturday to give new manager Ratko Dostanic his first taste of success on his debut.


ALONSO IMPRESSES BENITEZ

Rafael Benitez admitted he was delighted with Liverpool #39;s performance in beating Norwich 3-0, but insisted his players  quot;still need to raise their level quot;.


Stuttgart Sends Leverkusen Spiraling

Since outclassing Real Madrid in the Champion #39;s League two weeks ago, Bayer Leverkusen has been a shadow of its former self. In a high-profile game against Stuttgart Saturday, they continued their spiral.


Terrorism forcefully raised in meeting with Musharraf: PM :

World News  gt; New York, Sept. 25 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has clarified that he forcefully raised the issue of cross border terrorism in his meeting with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf here.


Russian, Chinese leaders meet

Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sat they want to strengthen cooperation between their countries.


Iran Completes Strategic Missile #39; Test, State News Agency Says

Iran, the Middle East #39;s second- largest oil producer, has successfully completed testing of a strategic missile, #39; #39; the country #39;s official news agency reported, citing Iran #39;s defense minister.


Brit Royals at security threat from hard hats! :

World News  gt; London, Sep.25 : Days after a  #39;batman #39; succeeded in dodging the security at the Buckingham Palace, the guards at the Queen #39;s official residence in Scotland had to face yet another embarrassment, as a journalist posing as a workman managed to


Access to Drugs May Be Limited by Medicare Law

The new law has touched off a battle between insurance companies and drug companies that could determine how many medicines will be readily available to Medicare beneficiaries.


Both Parties See a Big Increase in New Voters

A sweeping voter registration campaign in heavily Democratic areas has added tens of thousands of new voters to the rolls in the swing states of Ohio and Florida.


7 Iraqi Guard Applicants, 4 U.S. Marines and a Soldier Are Killed

The military also said it had conducted an airstrike early Saturday morning in the volatile city of Falluja to kill militants holding a meeting.


Candidates Vie for Wis., Iowa, Minnesota

LA CROSSE, Wis. - In 2000, political pundits summed up the race in three words: Florida, Florida, Florida...


Dolphins/Steelers Postponed by Hurricane Jeanne

Davie, Fla. (Sports Network) - Sunday's game between the  Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers has been postponed  because of Hurricane Jeanne.


Stenson Leads Swedish Charge at the Heritage

WOBURN, England (Reuters) - Henrik Stenson led The Heritage  third round by a stroke from countryman Patrik Sjoland as  Swedes dominated the leaderboard on Saturday.


Pakistan stresses support for Kashmir cause

Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said the country will continue to provide support for Kashmiri people to achieve the right of self-determination.


Schumacher spinout gives Barrichello the pole at Chinese GP

Michael Schumacher took on the new track during qualifying Saturday for the first Chinese Grand Prix. The track won. The seven-time Formula One champion was barely five seconds into his lap and just starting


Search Engine Marketing and Trademarks

Search Engine Marketing and Trademarks\\In todays competitive markets, its a well-known fact that trademarks and well-known brand names can achieve a much higher conversion rate than with generic keywords. That statement makes a lot of sense. In fact, the direct response television (DRTV) advertising industry estimates that about 21 of ...


Dolphins game postponed due to hurricane

Top officials with the Miami Dolphins on Saturday have postponed this weekend #39;s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, due to the high winds and rain associated with Hurricane Jeanne.


Occupation forces invade Balatah camp

One Palestinian was killed by the Israeli forces and a woman settler in a Palestinian attack. News reports quoted Israeli military sources as saying that the Israeli occupation forces killed one Palestinian


Residents clear tonnes of mud as floodwaters recede in northern <b>...</b>

GONAIVES, Haiti : Residents were clearing away tonnes of mud in the northern Haitian city of Gonaives, after floods killed close to 1,200 people on the Caribbean island and left most others dependent on emergency aid.


Hacker Tools Mean JPEG Worm Coming Soon

A tool that makes it easy to craft malicious JPEG images then let them loose against vulnerable Windows PCs has appeared, security experts said Friday, leading many to believe


Stenson takes lead at The Heritage

WOBURN, England (Ticker) - Sweden #39;s Henrik Stenson fired a 5-under-par 67 Saturday to take the lead after the third round of The Heritage at Woburn Golf and Country Club.


Red Star names Dostanic new coach

Troubled Serbia-Montenegro champion Red Star Belgrade on Saturday named Ratko Dostanic its new coach, signing him on for a three-year contract, the club said.


#39;Probably not my fault #39;

Shanghai - World champion Michael Schumacher said it was too early to blame driver error for his spinning out of qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix, leaving him last on the grid for Sunday #39;s race.


ENGLAND KEY MOMENTS

11.50am: Dwayne Bravo #39;s athleticism accounts for Andrew Strauss, run out, to halt a promising stand of 41 with centurion Marcus Trescothick.


Jeanne Forces Steelers-Dolphins Postponement

MIAMI -- As Hurricane Jeanne gained speed and moved closer to Florida Saturday, the Miami Dolphins announced that their home game against the Steelers has been postponed.


Israel bars entry Palestinian trainees to Egypt

Israel on Saturday denied entry to Egypt to a first batch of 85 Palestinian security personnel due to receive training in readiness for a planned Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip, Egyptian border police told the French AFP news agency.


Report: N. Korea Dismisses Missile Reports (AP)

AP - A high North Korean official dismissed reports his government was preparing to test fire a long-range missile as "conjecture, rumor and speculation," Japanese news media said Saturday.


Boston Scientific Recalls Ear Implant

Boston Scientific Corp said on Friday it has recalled an ear implant the company acquired as part of its purchase of Advanced Bionics in June.


Austria holds Britain to 1-1 on opening day

Austria and Britain split the opening singles matches Saturday in a Davis Cup World Group playoff with Stefan Koubek and Greg Rusedski both emerging victorious.


All options open, but end terror first: PM

NEW YORK: Peace possibly has a chance, but it can only come if violence on innocents is stopped. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here on Saturday that a full stop to cross-border terrorism was a necessary precondition for peace with Pakistan.


Sudan in denial over Darfur rapes - UN official

Sudan is in denial about the extent of rape in refugee camps in its traumatised Darfur region where fear and distrust of the government is pervasive, the United Nations #39; top human rights official says.


US Economy: Orders Show Factories Boosting Growth (Update4)

Orders for durable goods including computers and communications equipment rose last month by the most since March, evidence that US manufacturing is gaining momentum less than two months before the presidential election.


Rooney counting down to Old Trafford debut

Wayne Rooney will begin his Manchester United career, ahead of schedule, on Wednesday when he is named among the substitutes for the Champions League match against Fenerbahce


England fluff their lines at the last

England were denied the climax they wanted to a memorable summer by an outrageous ninth wicket partnership of 71 between Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw.


United revelling in Ferdinand #39;s return

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said Rio Ferdinand #39;s return from suspension had lifted his entire team after their 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.


Darfur 'fear and rape' decried

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says Darfur refugees live in fear, and  that rape is widespread.


Kerry as the Boss: Always More Questions

John Kerry is a meticulous decision maker, always demanding more information, calling around for advice. But the downside to his deliberative style is a campaign that has often moved slowly.


AP: Carter Still Promoting Peace at 80

ATLANTA - As he approaches 80, Jimmy Carter could be enjoying retirement - teaching Sunday school, relaxing with family and reflecting on a life that's taken him from the peanut fields of Plains, Ga., to the White House and back. Instead, Carter continues to use his status as a former president to promote peace, health and voting initiatives across the globe at a sometimes startling pace for his age...


Advance Reported in Nonaddictive Painkiller

While the opium poppy is the source for compounds needed to make potent painkillers such as oxycodone and other medicines, it is also the source for the illegal drug heroin.


Jeanne Cancels Blue Jays-Devil Rays Game (AP)

AP - The game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Sunday has been canceled because of Hurricane Jeanne and will not be made up.


Tennis: Serena Williams Reaches Finals of China Open

Top seed Serena Williams of the United States has powered her way into the finals of the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing with a straight sets (6-2, 6-3) victory over fourth-seeded Vera Zvonareva of Russia.


Arsenal Beats Manchester City 1-0 to Top Premiership (Update1)

Arsenal remains atop English soccer #39;s Premiership after a 1-0 victory at Manchester City extended its unbeaten league record to 47 matches.


Giants Safety to Have Knee Surgery (AP)

AP - New York Giants safety Shaun Williams will have surgery on his left knee Monday to repair damaged cartilage.


Stenson Leads by a Stroke at the Heritage (AP)

AP - Henrik Stenson shot a 5-under-par 67 Saturday for a one-stroke lead over Swedish countryman Patrik Sjoland after three rounds at The Heritage.


Spain Edge Closer to Davis Cup Final

LONDON (Reuters) - Spain stepped closer to their second  consecutive Davis Cup final appearance on Saturday after Tommy  Robredo and Rafael Nadal claimed a tense doubles victory over  France.


Rejuvenated Safin Vows to Bring Davis Cup Back to Russia

MOSCOW (Reuters) - A rejuvenated Marat Safin has vowed to  help Russia win back the Davis Cup next year after leading the  2002 champions to an easy 3-0 victory over Thailand in a World  Group playoff tie at the weekend.


Away on Business: Hold the Phone

CHICAGO (Reuters) - At first glance, paying \$13 or \$14 for  a hard-wired Internet laptop connection in a hotel room might  seem expensive.


Southwest Hospital and Medical Center fights for life

After caring for patients for 40 years, an Atlanta hospital now is tending to its own wounds. Southwest Hospital and Medical Center, which this month filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeks a financial


Choose a topic from the pull-down menu:

Swedens Henrik Stenson returned to the fray in The Heritage at Woburn Golf and Country Club taking the third round lead with a five under par 67.


Big Apple sweet to Lee, Cubs

The ghost of Tommie Agee hovered over the Cubs #39; house of horrors known as Shea Stadium. The Cubs will never exorcise the demons of 1969, when they saw their seemingly


UK Muslims in Iraq on mercy mission

A delegation from the Muslim Council of Britain has travelled to Baghdad to make a plea for the release of British captive Ken Bigley.


Calif. Sets Weeding Ban to Save Workers #39; Backs

California regulators on Thursday ordered farmers to stop employing field hands to weed commercial crops by hand, becoming the first state in the nation to limit such back-wrenching work.


West Indies beat England in dramatic finale

The West Indies beat England by two wickets to win the Champions Trophy one-day cricket tournament with seven balls to spare on Saturday thanks to a record 71-run ninth-wicket partnership between Ian Bradshaw and Courtney Browne.


Leader Heras pegged back

Tour of Spain favourite Roberto Heras lost ground as Spanish compatriot Jose Gutierrez came home alone to win the penultimate stage, a 178-km stretch ending at the summit of Puerto de Navacerrada.


US Airways asks court to cut workers #39; pay to stave off bankruptcy

ARLINGTON, Va. US Airways has asked a bankruptcy judge to impose temporary pay cuts on union workers to conserve cash flow during the slow fall travel season.


Schools admit E-rate slip-ups, defends actions

Atlanta Public Schools officials Friday admitted a few missteps but denied major failings in their spending of \$60 million of federal technology subsidies.


No. 16 Florida 20, Kentucky 3

With Hurricane Jeanne approaching, Florida squeezed in its game against Kentucky and beat the Wildcats 20-3 Saturday behind Ciatrick Fason #39;s career-high 210 yards rushing and two touchdowns.


WILLIAMS TO UNDERGO KNEE OP

Williams injured the knee in practice Friday, and an MRI revealed that he had a tear to the lateral meniscus. A timetable for Williams #39; return will not be determined until after he has the surgery to repair the damaged cartilage.


Stenson leads Swedish charge at The Heritage

Henrik Stenson led The Heritage third round by a stroke from countryman Patrik Sjoland as Swedes dominated the leaderboard on Saturday.


Ten-man Monaco hold on to keep top spot in France

French league leaders Monaco held on for a 0-0 draw against Lyon in their top-of-the-table clash at the Gerland stadium although they were down to 10 men for the final half hour.


Germany Says Italy #39;s UN Stance Will Hurt Europe

Germany said on Saturday that Italy #39;s opposition to its campaign for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council could mean Europe loses out.


Supporting Musharraf was greatest blunder: Imran

LAHORE: Acknowledging probably for the first time that he had  quot;committed a great mistake quot; by extending support to General Pervez Musharraf during a presidential referendum, former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan has warned that if not stopped in his


No. 13 LSU Crushes Mississipi State 51-0 (AP)

AP - Alley Broussard ran for a career-high three touchdowns in the first 17 minutes and No. 13 LSU held Mississippi State to seven first downs and 130 yards in a 51-0 victory Saturday.


No. 23 Maryland Blows Away Duke 55-21 (AP)

AP - Joel Statham threw four touchdown passes to offset a host of mistakes Saturday, and No. 23 Maryland piled up 685 yards in total offense to beat winless Duke 55-21.


Redskins' Brunell to Start Vs. Cowboys (AP)

AP - Quarterback Mark Brunell will start for the Washington Redskins on Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys, having recovered sufficiently from a strained hamstring.


EU seeks to improve maximum workweek rules, leave hard-won UK opt <b>...</b>

The European Union head office this week proposed redefining how working hours are counted under the bloc #39;s maximum 48-hour workweek law and stopping companies in Britain from abusing an  quot;opt-out quot; to the law.


HLRadzinski scores for Fulham; Cole strikes for Arsenal in Premier <b>...</b>

LONDON (CP) - Canadian Tomasz Radzinski scored his first goal for Fulham and Arsenal stayed atop the English Premier League with a 1-0 win at Manchester City on Saturday.


Col Ftbl T25: (16) Florida/Kentucky

_ With Hurricane Jeanne moving in on the Sunshine State, 16th-ranked Florida beat Kentucky 20-to-3 in a game whose start time was moved up six and a-half hours due to concerns over the approaching storm.


Voeller resigns as AS Roma coach

Rudi Voeller resigned as coach of AS Roma on Saturday following a 3-1 loss to nine-man Bologna in an early fourth round match. Franco Baldini, sport director of the Roman team, told


Mystics stifle Sun for easy win in playoff opener

Four players scored in double figures for the Washington Mystics, whose defense stymied the Connecticut Sun for a 67-59 victory Saturday in game one of their opening-round WNBA Eastern Conference playoff series.


NC State 17, Virginia Tech 16

TA McLendon ran for 93 yards and a touchdown for North Carolina State and Virginia Tech kicker Brandon Pace missed a 43-yard field goal attempt as time expired as the Wolfpack beat the Hokies 17-16 Saturday.


Egypt calls for release of hostages in Iraq

Egypt on Saturday called for the immediate release of Egyptians and other nationals taken hostage in violence-ravaged Iraq.  quot;Egypt is against the practice of hostage-taking to


Chile #39;s Pinochet Questioned by Investigative Judge

An investigative judge questioned former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet for half an hour on Saturday to decide whether to indict him in one of hundreds


Iraq War Film Scoops Spanish Festival Prize

MADRID (Reuters) - An Iranian-Iraqi film set in the run-up  to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and starring an amateur cast  of war-scarred children won the top "Golden Shell" award at  Spain's prestigious San Sebastian film festival Saturday.


Florida Downs Kentucky As Jeanne Nears

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - With Hurricane Jeanne approaching, Florida squeezed in its game against Kentucky and beat the Wildcats 20-3 Saturday behind Ciatrick Fason's career-high 210 yards rushing and two touchdowns...


Former Fox Studios Owner Marvin Davis Dies

LOS ANGELES - Billionaire Marvin Davis, a former oilman who sold his 20th Century Fox studios to Rupert Murdoch in the 1980s, died Saturday at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 79...


U.S. Strikes Zarqawi Network, Killing 15

BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. warplanes, tanks and artillery repeatedly hit at Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's terror network in the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah on Saturday, while two British Muslim leaders came to Baghdad to try to convince his followers to release a British hostage...


Jeremy Warner #39;s Outlook: No hurricane yet as IMF warns on house <b>...</b>

The International Monetary Fund is worrying about the UK housing market again. It #39;s been doing this for an awfully long time now, yet so far none of its doom laden warnings have come to pass.


Premiership: New boys can #39;t buy a win

All three of the newly promoted sides are still searching for a first win of the season after a day of predictable results gave the Premiership table an all too familiar look.


Kashmir  the ball is back in Musharrafs court

Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs gentle query to General Musharraf to spell out the options to resolve the Kashmir issue and the Generals low key reply I will think and get back to you mark a new chapter in Indo-Pak relations.


Nuclear non-proliferation dominates IAEA conference

The 48th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded Friday evening with a call for the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass


They Are Sleuths Who Weigh Prose

HE firestorm over the memos that figured in the CBS News report on President Bush #39;s National Guard record featured a parade of expert document examiners who weighed in on font types, proportional spacing and superscripts.


Ralf looks fitter than before, says Williams

Ralf Schumacher drew plaudits from team boss Frank Williams on Saturday after qualifying fifth for Sunday #39;s inaugural Chinese Grand Prix despite a three-month absence from Formula One.


Truex Jr. wins at Dover

Dover, DE (Sports Network) - Series points leader Martin Truex Jr. earned the win in Saturday afternoon #39;s Stacker 200 Busch race at the Dover International Speedway.


BASEBALL ROUNDUP Solid Start Lifts Expos and Cools the Phillies

un Woo-Kim came within an out of his first career complete game and shutout and also hit a two-run double in Montreal #39;s 8-1 victory over visiting Philadelphia last night.


Israeli strike leaves 5 wounded

GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP - An early morning missile attack by Israel on a refugee camp has left one Palestinian dead and five wounded.


Al-Qaeda targets Afghan poll

FOREIGN fighters from the al-Qaeda terror network were infiltrating Afghanistan to disrupt upcoming elections, the commander of US forces in the country said today.


LA billionaire Marvin Davis dead at 79

LOS ANGELES Billionaire Marvin Davis, former owner of 20th Century Fox studios, the Pebble Beach Company and the Beverly Hills Hotel, died today at his home in Beverly Hills.


IMF Says Antigua Needs Aggressive Strategy

Antigua needs to implement an aggressive reform program to break years of fiscal mismanagement and lift itself out of deep debt, the International Monetary Fund said Friday.


HP drops Itanium workstations

HP has stopped selling workstations based on Intel #39;s Itanium 2 microprocessor, a company spokeswoman confirmed Friday. Citing market conditions, the company ceased selling workstations based on the 64-bit processors on Sept.


Spain confident ahead of Davis Cup tie

Spain needs only to beat an under-strength French team to secure its place in the Davis Cup tennis final, while Britain looks to the experience of Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski in its World Group play-off with Austria this weekend.


Voller throws in the towel

RUDI Voller had quit as coach of Roma after a 3-1 defeat away to Bologna, the Serie A club said today. Under the former Germany coach, Roma had taken just four league points from a possible 12.


NCAA Top 25 Game Summary - Purdue at Illinois

Champaign, IL (Sports Network) - Taylor Stubblefield #39;s third touchdown catch of the day early in the fourth quarter sealed 15th-ranked Purdue #39;s 38-30 win over Illinois in the Big Ten opener for both schools at Memorial Stadium.


Melvin Has Rediscovered Her Game

The Cleveland Rockers were reeling from something more disheartening than a gut-wrenching loss, or elimination from the playoffs. They had just been informed that they no longer existed.


Insurers Use Satellite Data to Study Risk (AP)

AP - Insurance companies are using satellites to identify homes at high risk of fire damage because of their proximity to brush  #151; a development that alarms some state regulators and privacy advocates.


Hurricane Jeanne washes out Rays/Jays game for Sunday

St. Petersburg, FL (Sports Network) - The threat of Hurricane Jeanne has forced the cancellation of Sunday #39;s game between the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field.


IN THE NEWS - Indonesia #39;s Presidential Election

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to become the next president of Indonesia. With most ballots counted, the former military chief and security minister has a wide lead over President Megawati Sukarnoputri.


Men, Women More Different Than Thought (AP)

AP - Beyond the tired cliches and sperm-and-egg basics taught in grade school science class, researchers are discovering that men and women are even more different than anyone realized.


Cricket: W. Indies Wins Champions Trophy Over England

The West Indies has won the Champions Trophy one-day cricket tournament in London by two wickets over England. The visitors scored 218 for eight in 48.


Green picks Tar Heels

Danny Green Jr. stood anxiously on the steps of St. Mary #39;s Friday night, watching a game that would not end. A festival atmosphere filled the Manhasset night as the 6-6, 205-pound basketball


DOLPHINS POSTPONE SUNDAY GAME

For the second time in three weeks, a tropical disturbance has forced the Miami Dolphins from participating in an NFL Sunday. With Hurricane Jeanne - a Category 2 storm - threatening the east coast of Florida


No. 24 Louisville 34, North Carolina 0

Eric Shelton ran for three touchdowns and No. 24 Louisville earned its second shutout of the season with a 34-0 victory over North Carolina on Saturday.


US Again Attacks Zarqawi Insurgents in Iraq

US forces are reported to have launched a second round of targeted bombing Saturday against Abu Musab al-Zarqawi #39;s terror network in the Iraqi city of Fallujah.


Muslim Council joins fight for hostage #39;s life

A delegation from the Muslim Council of Britain is travelling to Baghdad in an attempt to secure the release of hostage Kenneth Bigley.


US Airways seeks union cuts

US Airways wants a bankruptcy judge to impose temporary wage and other cost cuts on its union workers, warning that it only has enough cash to operate through January.


Shriver Opens Campaign HQ

Bobby Shriver kicked off his campaign for a seat on the Santa Monica City Council Sunday at the opening of his campaign headquarters at 3004 Santa Monica Boulevard.


Storm 70, Lynx 58

Lauren Jackson scored 14 points to lead the Seattle Storm past the Minnesota Lynx 70-58 Saturday in the first game of their WNBA Western Conference semifinal series.


Hurricane Jeanne Pelts Bahamas on Way to Florida (Reuters)

Reuters - Deadly Hurricane Jeanne strengthened\rapidly as it strafed the northern Bahamas on Saturday on its\way to deliver a record fourth hurricane strike in one season\to densely populated Florida.


Germany Says Italy's UN Stance Will Hurt Europe (Reuters)

Reuters - Germany said on Saturday that Italy's\opposition to its campaign for a permanent seat on the U.N.\Security Council could mean Europe loses out.


Christians Use Gay Marriage to Seek Voters (AP)

AP - Christian conservatives are casting a wider net this year in their search for likely voters  #151; especially conservative ones  #151; by asking people on the phone how they feel about same-sex marriage as well as their views on abortion, a standard question in previous election cycles.


Upper Midwest Crucial to Kerry's Hopes

LA CROSSE, Wis. - In 2000, political pundits summed up the race in three words: Florida, Florida, Florida...


Iran Says It Tested 'Strategic Missile'

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran added a "strategic missile" to its military arsenal after a successful test, and the defense minister said Saturday his country was ready to confront any external threat.    The report by state-run radio did not say whether the test involved the previously announced new version of the Shahab-3 rocket, capable of reaching Israel and U.S...


Jeanne Tears Across Bahamas Toward Fla.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Hurricane Jeanne got stronger, bigger and faster as it battered the Bahamas and bore down on Florida Saturday, forcing hundreds of thousands more residents to hurriedly shutter their homes ahead of its anticipated devastating punch...


Al-Qaida Aims to Disrupt Afghan Elections

KABUL, Afghanistan - U.S.-led forces trying to protect landmark Afghan elections face a rising wave of violence from about 2,000 insurgents, including al-Qaida militants slipping in from Pakistan, an American general said Saturday.    In the latest bloodshed, Afghan police said suspected Taliban gunmen killed nine militia soldiers in two attacks on checkpoints in a troubled southern province...


Spanish Police Disarm Explosive Device After ETA Warning

Police in northern Spain have disarmed an explosive device after an unknown caller, claiming to represent the Basque separatist group ETA, warned that it had placed explosives at electricity pylons in the area.


Florida State Quarterback Injures Ankle (AP)

AP - Florida State quarterback Chris Rix left Saturday's game against Clemson late in the first quarter with an injured right ankle.


Bryans Lead U.S. Into Final, Spain Leads France

LONDON (Reuters) - The United States swept past Belarus  Saturday to clinch their first Davis Cup final appearance since  1997.


Giants Suffer Another Blow in Secondary

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Sports Network) - The New York  Giants will be without Shaun Williams for some time after the  strong safety suffered a tear in his left knee during Friday's  practice.


Hurricane Jeanne Washes Out Rays/Jays Game for Sunday

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Sports Network) - The threat of  Hurricane Jeanne has forced the cancellation of Sunday's game  between the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays at  Tropicana Field.


Giants Face Quarterback Who Broke Their Hearts

Part of the reason anybody believes in quarterback Jeff Garcia's ability to revive the Cleveland Browns stems from a game 21 long months ago.


Testaverde Is Hearing It All Again From Parcells

Vinny Testaverde heard that grumble growing to a growl, always a warning of yet another Bill Parcells tirade in which the words become sledgehammers.


Insurers Use Satellite Data to Study Risk

Insurance companies are using satellites to identify homes at high risk of fire damage because of their proximity to brush--a development that alarms some state regulators and privacy advocates.


Martha Stewart Living renews contract with founder

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (MSO.N: Quote, Profile, Research) renewed an employment contract for five years with its soon-to-be jailed founder, but she will not be paid


Juventus held to 1-1 draw, nine-man Bologna stuns AS Roma 3-1

Serie A leader Juventus was held to a 1-1 draw by newcomer Palermo on Saturday, losing its perfect record in the fourth round. The Sicilian team, which has been off to an impressive start


Nobody #39;s out of Chase, yet

You can bury them in the standings but you can #39;t break their spirit. Tony Stewart and Jeremy Mayfield, both victimized by Robby Gordon #39;s retaliatory strike directed at Greg Biffle


Camara double is enough for Celtic

GLASGOW, Scotland -- Celtic striker Henri Camara scored twice to give the Scottish champions a 3-0 win over Dunfermline Athletic in the Premier League.


Three and easy for slick Celts

Much has been made of the extent to which domestic matches such as this one prepare Celtic for the rigours of the Champions League, with the verdict rarely particularly flattering to Scotlands less glamorous clubs.


Editorial Roundup

LONDON - ... The lack of progress within the six-nation forum discussing North Korea and the heightened confrontation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), indicate that the two


ETA Warns of Bombs on Spanish Power Pylons

Spanish explosives experts blew up a suspicious object found on an electricity pylon near the French border on Saturday after Basque separatist guerrillas ETA warned they had planted two bombs, police said.


Four terror suspects arrested in London

British police said Saturday they have arrested four terror suspects in London who were reportedly on suspicion of plotting to explode a dirty bomb on the streets of Britain.


Behind the lines in battle for F1

Three banks are on the verge of winning a High Court case that could have profound implications for the future of Formula One. The banks appear to have successfully challenged the right of


Soldier Blogs Detail Life in Iraq (AP)

AP - Iraq war blogs are as varied as the soldiers who write them. Some sites feature practical news, war pictures and advice. Some are overtly political, with more slanting to the right than to the left. Some question the war, some cheer it. While some military bloggers (or milbloggers) say their commanders have encouraged their online literary ventures, a few say their commanders have shut them down.


US through to Davis final

THE United States advanced to the final of the 2004 Davis Cup today, taking an unbeatable 3-0 lead over Belarus with a victory in the doubles.


Mets 4, Cubs 3, 11 innings

Victor Diaz hit a tying, three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning, and Craig Brazell #39;s first major league home run in the 11th gave the New York Mets a stunning 4-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.


Four terror suspects held in London amid 'dirty bomb' report (AFP)

AFP - Police arrested four men in London under Britain's anti-terrorist law, as a Sunday newspaper claimed it had infiltrated a gang trying to buy radioactive material for a  quot;dirty bomb quot;.


G.I. Sentenced for Murder of Iraqi Soldier (AP)

AP - A U.S. soldier was sentenced to a 25-year term Saturday after a court martial convicted him in the death of an Iraqi National Guard member in May, the military said.


US launches new Falluja strikes

At least seven people are killed in fresh US air strikes on the volatile Iraqi city of Falluja, local medics say.


Mets Stun Cubs 4-3 on Walk-Off HR in 11th

NEW YORK - Victor Diaz hit a tying, three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning, and Craig Brazell's first major league home run in the 11th gave the New York Mets a stunning 4-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.    The Cubs had much on the line...


S amp;P 500 rises on news of more factory orders

THE Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 Index rose as a government report showed factory orders for items such as computers and electronics climbed last month, suggesting strength in manufacturing.


US expansion could hurt if savings rise

NEW YORK: For years, profligate American consumers have been chided for putting aside nothing for a rainy day. Now, with the Federal Reserve raising interest rates, the prospect that households could start


Ralf favoured, moans Montoya

JUAN Pablo Montoya has complained that Williams are showing favouritism to his team-mate Ralf Schumacher, who makes his return following a near-fatal crash at the United States Grand Prix in June.


Bryan twins put US in Davis Cup final

Charleston, SC (Sports Network) - Bob and Mike Bryan teamed-up for a doubles win over Belarus on Saturday to clinch a spot in the Davis Cup final for the United States for the first time in seven years.


A wife #39;s desperate plea

THE saga of a Thai wife getting caught in the quagmire of Iraq played out for a second time after British hostage Kenneth Bigley #39;s spouse begged his abductors for mercy from the grounds of the British Embassy here.


Hostage negotiators #39; worst nightmare

A NEW breed of kidnappers, described as  #39;strategic terrorists #39;, in Iraq has led experts with experience of negotiating hostage releases to admit that lessons from the past may no longer apply.


REGION: Taliban stepping up plans to disrupt elections: US

KABUL: The Taliban and their Al Qaeda allies were stepping up plans to disrupt Afghanistans first direct presidential election on Oct 9, the head of the US-led coalition said on Saturday.


World Front

MOSCOW - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao left Moscow yesterday for Beijing after a two-day visit, during which China officially backed Russia #39;s bid to join the World Trade Organisation.


Four held by anti-terror police

Four men have been arrested by police in London on suspicion of commissioning, preparing or instigating acts of terrorism. Three men were held after officers from the Metropolitan Police #39;s anti-terrorist branch


Chilean Judge Questions Pinochet

A Chilean judge has questioned former dictator Augusto Pinochet about political opponents who were abducted and presumably murdered during his 17-year rule.


Palestinian killed, 35 houses razed in Gaza

GAZA CITY: The Israeli army killed one Palestinian in an air raid and demolished at least 35 houses in the Gaza Strip on Saturday as Israel shut down for Judaisms most solemn day of Yom Kippur.


US soldier gets 25 years in death of Iraqi

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A US soldier was sentenced to a 25-year term Saturday after a court martial convicted him in the death of an Iraqi National Guard member in May, the military said.


Ninth-Ranked Auburn Outguns Citadel 33-3 (AP)

AP - Jason Campbell passed for 194 yards in the first half and No. 9 Auburn beat The Citadel 33-3 Saturday, coasting in its sandwich game between a pair of high-stakes contests.


Stadler Leads SAS Championship by Four (AP)

AP - Craig Stadler already is atop the Champions Tour money list, and now he's poised to become the first tour player in more than six years to win three consecutive tournaments.


Mets Win in Dramatic Fashion

Victor Diaz hit a tying, three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning, and Craig Brazell's first major league home run in the 11th gave the Mets a stunning victory.


Brown to Start for Yanks on Sunday

Kevin Brown will return to the New York Yankees' rotation Sunday to start the series finale against the Boston Red Sox.


Storm Sinks Lynx

Lauren Jackson scores 14 points to lead the Seattle Storm past the Minnesota Lynx 70-58 Saturday in the first game of their Western Conference semifinal series.


Singh stays in front

Vijay Singh remained on course for a fifth victory in six events with a second-round 68 to lead the 84 Lumber Classic tournament in Pennsylvania.


Civilians die as US forces attack  #39;al-Zarqawi #39;s bases #39; in Fallujah

US aircraft, tanks and artillery have pounded the resistance stronghold of Fallujah, killing at least eight people and wounding 15, while rebels struck back in Baghdad by killing six police recruits.


Schumacher crashes out

Ferrari #39;s Rubens Barrichello expects team-mate Michael Schumacher to challenge him for victory in the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix, even though the world champion will start from the back of the grid.


GNOME, KDE Aim at Windows

KDE and GNOME, the open-source software projects that together form the face of most Linux installations, have undergone revisions that boost their usability and enterprise readinessadvances that build the case for Linux as a viable alternative to


Hurricane Jeanne moves Steelers-Dolphins game into prime time

Hurricane Jeanne forced the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers to move their game to prime time Sunday. The teams and the league agreed to move the starting time from 1 pm EDT to 8:30 pm EDT because the


quot;Sudan coup plotters planned to kill 38 officials quot;

: Sudanese authorities accused an opposition party Saturday of plotting to abduct and kill more than three dozen senior government officials and blow up key sites in the capital, where the army was out in force.


Engineers Use Hurricanes to Study Houses (AP)

AP - When a hurricane makes landfall in the continental United States, Dave Prevatt and his colleagues in the Florida Coastal Monitoring Program are out evaluating which construction methods best protect homes from the tremendous wind forces the storms deliver.


Program Combines Archaeology, Oceanography (AP)

AP - The University of Rhode Island has designed a voyage to the bottom of the sea for students in an emerging field of scientific exploration  #151; archaeological oceanography.


Human Remains Used in Artificial Reefs (AP)

AP - As if shooting a loved one's ashes into space or pressing them into artificial diamonds were not sufficiently offbeat, relatives of the deceased now can have their ashes mixed into concrete to help form ocean habitats.


Fijian holds firm in Lumber

Vijay Singh will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the 84 Lumber Classic as he eyes a third straight win this month. The world number one carded a level-par 72 to stay ahead of American Ryder Cup star Chris DiMarco (71).


Celtic 3-0 Dunfermline

OPINION was divided about the merit of this game as preparation for Wednesday nights glamour tie against AC Milan in the Italian capital of fashion, but in many respects Celtic could not have asked for better.


India PM spoke terror with Pakistani Pres.

India #39;s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Saturday he raised the issue of terrorism with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.


Storm Death Toll Tops 1,500 in Haiti

Tropical Storm Jeannes death toll in Haiti rose to more than 1,500 and UN peacekeepers were sending reinforcements to help keep order among desperate survivors who have been looting aid trucks and mobbing food distribution centres.


Singh won #39;t sit still at No. 1

The Golf Expert is here with answers to your questions. Since slow play is not encouraged, let #39;s quickly move to the first tee, er, question and get started.


Iowa, Michigan remember rare rout in Ann Arbor

Michigan Stadium was mostly filled with empty seats. The only cheers were coming from near one end zone -he Iowa section. By Carlos Osorio, AP.


Iran Says It Has Tested Strategic Missile

Iran added a strategic missile #39; #39; to its military arsenal after a successful test, and the defense minister said Saturday his country was ready to confront any external threat.


Egypt's Mufti Approves Synchronized Call to Prayer

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's highest authority on Islamic law  endorsed Saturday a controversial government plan to  synchronize the call to prayer in Cairo's mosques and put an  end to the present haphazard system based on the timekeeping of  each individual establishment.


UK anti-terror police hold four

Anti-terrorist branch police investigating claims a group was trying to buy radioactive material arrest four men.


Spanish laureate 'was informer'

Prize-winning Spanish writer  Camilo Jose Cela informed for General Franco's regime, a historian says.


After Admitting Flaw, Kryptonite Faces Lawsuits

Lock maker Kryptonite and parent Ingersoll-Rand face at least five proposed class-action lawsuits in the United States and Canada after admitting this week that popular


West Antarctic Glaciers Are Increasinly Thinning

The ice loss from the measured glaciers corresponds to an annual sea-level rise of .008 inches (.2 millimeters) or more than 10 percent of the total global increase of about .


Wolfsburg remains top

Martin Petrov put the home side ahead early, but Kaiserslautern #39;s Carsten Jancker made it 1-1 with just eight minutes remaining.


Tail-enders finish off England

England #39;s long wait for a major one-day international tournament continues after a thrilling fightback by the West Indies at the Oval yesterday to win the final of the ICC Champions Trophy by two wickets.


NCAA Top 25 Game Summary - Iowa At Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI -- Chad Henne threw for one touchdown and ran for another to lead No. 18 Michigan to a 30-17 win over Iowa in the Big Ten opener for both teams at Michigan Stadium.


Angels 5, Athletics 3

Garret Anderson hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth inning, Darin Erstad had a three-run homer and the Anaheim Angels beat Oakland 5-3 Saturday to move back within two games of the AL West-leading Athletics.


Darfur refugees fear returning home: UN

Many refugees in Sudan #39;s wartorn Darfur region still live in a climate of fear and are reluctant to return home as they do not trust the government to protect them, according to the United Nation #39;s (UN) human rights chief.


Iran delivers  #39;strategic missile #39;

TEHERAN - Iran added one more missile to its military arsenal and the defence minister said on Saturday his country was ready to confront any external threat.


Four held after  #39;sting #39; uncovers alleged dirty bomb conspiracy

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorist offences following a sting operation organised by a Sunday newspaper, police said last night.


Egypt #39;s Mufti Approves Synchronized Call to Prayer

Egypt #39;s highest authority on Islamic law endorsed Saturday a controversial government plan to synchronize the call to prayer in Cairo #39;s mosques and put an end to the present haphazard system based on the timekeeping of each individual


Africans With HIV Seek Herbal Remedies (AP)

AP - Jonathan Mwanza was once a powerful man in this rural town  #151; a county councilor and lifetime member of Kenya's former ruling party. His hefty build spoke of wealth and authority. That was before he contracted HIV. Without access to anti-AIDS drugs, he wasted away  #151; stripped of his weight, his job, his community standing.


Flights to weightlessness make playgrounds of the sky

I have been to zero gravity and flown like Superman. This is something that only astronauts and the stars of Apollo 13 have done before.


Leaders say all of Iraq may not vote

Iraq #39;s vice president conceded Saturday that voting might not be possible in all parts of the country when elections are held in in January.


Four held as raid uncovers  #39;plot to buy dirty bomb #39;

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorist offences as part of a planned operation by the Metropolitan Police. The men are suspected of attempting to buy radioactive material for


AL Capsules


Scorpion queen takes the sting out of world record

KUANTAN: Having already set a world record on Tuesday, Scorpion Queen Nur Malena Hassan put more sting into her feat by staying on for four more days.


India enters low-budget film for Oscars (AFP)

AFP - A film on a boy losing his vision to cancer has been chosen as India's entry for an Oscar nomination, beating big-budget Bollywood productions, the director said.


Analysis: Iraq Dominates Policy Debate (AP)

AP - President Bush and Democrat John Kerry are concentrating on Iraq and relegating other international issues to the sidelines. Their preoccupation is not lost on other world leaders.


Last major airline matches fare boost

Airlines apparently pushed through a fare increase yesterday after months of unsuccessful attempts to raise prices, helping to offset record-high jet-fuel costs.


Hagans Throws for 283 Yards in Va. Win (AP)

AP - Marques Hagans had 283 total yards with two touchdown runs and a TD pass to lead No. 12 Virginia to a 31-10 victory over Syracuse on Saturday.


Michigan Forces Turnovers for 30-17 Win (AP)

AP - Braylon Edwards caught six passes for 150 yards and a touchdown and No. 18 Michigan turned four turnovers into 27 points in a 30-17 win over Iowa on Saturday.


Oil rises on Jeddah, Nigeria attacks

Oil prices headed higher after Nigerian locals seized oil pumping stations, with news of an attack on the US consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, also pushing prices higher, dealers said.


Notes: Francona defends decision

Terry Francona is drawing comparisons to former Red Sox manager Grady Little for a decision that he made in Friday #39;s series-opening loss to the Yankees.


Angels Nip A's 5-3, Stay in AL West Race (AP)

AP - Garret Anderson hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth inning, Darin Erstad had a three-run homer and the Anaheim Angels beat Oakland 5-3 Saturday to move back within two games of the AL West-leading Athletics.


Muslim leaders fly to Iraq to plead for Bigley #39;s life

A delegation of prominent British Muslims was expected in Baghdad today as frantic last-ditch efforts to save the life of Ken Bigley, the 62-year-old engineer seized by Islamic militants in the city 10 days ago, reached a climax.


Brown to Start Sunday Against Red Sox (AP)

AP - Kevin Brown will return to the New York Yankees' rotation Sunday to start the series finale against the Boston Red Sox.


Singh Maintains Lead at 84 Lumber Classic (AP)

AP - Vijay Singh is making it look easy by winning tournament after tournament, and millions upon millions of dollars, while chasing Tiger Woods' single-season money record. Singh's ability to turn bad lies into good shots helped him to an even-par 72 that kept him in the 84 Lumber Classic lead Saturday.


Young Mets Hurt Cubs in a Game They Needed

Mets rookie Victor Diaz stroked a tying three-run home run with two out in the ninth and Craig Brazell won it in the 11th with his first major-league homer.


UK economy to feel the ripple effect of slow boat from China

FOR the past two years, Asian stock markets have been high on the favoured list for Britains pension and life assurance funds. Asia, particularly China, has offered the double attraction of strong current


Video-to-go challenges iPod mastery

The race is on to create a gadget to outgun the iPod - playing not only music but movies - and usurp it as the ultimate icon for Christmas shoppers.


Vibrant Villeneuve eyes podium in vital end game for Renault

IN A Renault, the twin tasks of collecting at least a point and motivating the team should not be too onerous for a man who is a former world champion and considered one of the best racers of his generation, especially when Jacques Villeneuve has tended


GIANTS 9, DODGERS 5 Grand Slam by Feliz Lifts Giants #39; Postseason <b>...</b>

The Giants showed on Saturday that they can win even the biggest games without Barry Bonds #39;s bat. Pedro Feliz hit a tie-breaking grand slam with two outs


n the home clubhouse before the game, Art Howe, the Mets #39; lame-duck manager, spoke about his off-season plans, his aspirations and whether he might work in baseball again.


Fallujah strikes leave eight dead

US warplanes, tanks and artillery units struck the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah yesterday, killing at least eight people and wounding 15 in a day that saw new violence across the country.


STRIKERS  #39;FAILED TO HOLD UP FLIGHTS #39;

A STRIKE by workers who refuel aircraft at Heathrow failed to disrupt flights, airport chiefs said last night. About 40 members of the Transport and General Workers Union walked out at 4.30am yesterday, after


Kirkland #39;s Tallies Hurricane Losses

Home decor retailer Kirkland #39;s Inc. on Thursday said the hurricanes that wreaked havoc throughout the southeastern United States will cause it to lose \$1.


Late strike keeps Wolfsburg on top

BERLIN, Germany -- A last-minute goal from Argentine striker Diego Klimowicz gave Wolfsburg a 2-1 home win over Kaiserslautern on Saturday to keep them top of the Bundesliga.


Enter a Category

Red Sox fans never had the chance to boo Grady Little for letting Pedro Martinez start the eighth inning against the Yankees in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS.


Big Ten openers haven #39;t treated Illini well

It doesn #39;t take a doctorate in football to recognize the differences between Joe Tiller #39;s tenure at Purdue and Ron Turner #39;s equally long stay at Illinois.


Taliban vow to disrupt Karzai inauguration

KABUL (AFP) - Afghanistan #39;s ousted Taliban militia vowed to disrupt President Hamid Karzai #39;s swearing-in ceremony, but the US-led military said watertight security on the ground and in the air would stop any attack.


UN chief promises more staff to Iraq when possible

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan assured the Iraqis that the world body will provide assistance to their elections next year, including more staff  quot;as circumstances permit.


Frenchman shot dead in Saudi Arabia

A French national was shot and killed in the Saudi Arabian city of Jiddah early Sunday, the Interior Ministry said. The man was shot at 1 am in the Red Sea port city.


Egypt proposes unified call to prayer

The Egyptian government says it wants to unify the calls to prayer that air separately from thousands of mosque loudspeakers in the capital Cairo.


Under the shadow of Iraq

Tony Blair will address his party - and Britain - this week against a backdrop of war and barbarity. But his hopes for Labour #39;s re-election rely on what his government has achieved on the home front.


Frenchman shot dead in Saudi Arabia in latest attack on foreigners (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - A French national was shot and killed in the Saudi Arabian city Jiddah early Sunday, the Saudi Interior Ministry said.


The New Silicon Valley: A Dog-Eat-Dog World

Oracle's attempted takeover of PeopleSoft can be seen as a harbinger of many more in a mature industry.


Fear and Laptops on the Campaign Trail

The bloggers covering the presidential race are maverick, funny, mostly partisan and always hypercaffeinated. Are they ruining political journalism or recharging it?


Putin lashes West over Ukraine

RUSSIA #39;S President Vladimir Putin fired another blast at the West today, warning efforts to push its own interests in parts of the former Soviet Union, ostensibly in the name of promoting democracy, were discriminatory and destabilising.


Download, Peel and Stick, and All the World's a Gallery

Inspired by graffiti, posters and the communal culture of the Web, stickers are gaining wide attention as an artistic phenomenon.


Why We Fear the Digital Ballot

While most experts appear to agree that electronic voting has real problems, few argue that they could completely undermine the November election.


Indian Web Sales of Taxless Tobacco Face New Pressure

Online sales of untaxed cigarettes are provoking a stampede of protests from a disparate collection of antitobacco groups, cash-strapped state governments and local retailers.


Iraq War Tale Wins at Spanish Film Fest

MADRID, Spain - A film about Iraqi villagers desperate for a satellite dish as they await the U.S. invasion won the top prize Saturday at Spain's leading film festival...


Jeanne Batters Bahamas, Heads Toward Fla.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Hurricane Jeanne got stronger, bigger and faster as it battered the Bahamas and bore down on Florida Saturday, sending huge waves crashing onto beaches and forcing thousands into shelters just weeks after Frances ravaged this area...


What you may have missed

Florida #39;s passing offense didn #39;t perform exceptionally well. And the defensive secondary could use plenty of work, too. But the Gators still managed to defeat Kentucky 21-3 with the help of TB Ciatrick Fason #39;s


Lindley Leads LPGA Longs Drugs Challenge (AP)

AP - Leta Lindley birdied seven holes Saturday to shoot a 6-under 65 and take a one-shot lead over two-time champion Juli Inkster after three rounds at the LPGA Longs Drugs Challenge.


Sanders Still Out

Ravens cornerback Deion Sanders is still listed as questionable for today's game in Cincinnati because of an injured left hamstring.


A Canceled Trip Leads to an Easy Victory

Carmen Douma-Hussar thought she would be enjoying a vacation in Florida yesterday, not running a race.


Campbell set to sign new Arsenal deal

Sol Campbell today revealed that he has agreed to sign a new long-term contract at Arsenal. The England defender is expecting to tie up a few loose ends over the next couple of weeks before making an official announcement.


The Neutral Fed Funds Rate

The level at which the Federal Reserve #39;s federal funds rate, the overnight rate charged between banks, neither stimulates nor slows economic growth.


Hot Hand, Cold Hand

Martha Stewart, the queen of homemaking, who was granted her wish to start her prison sentence next month, causing stock in her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.


Widely Used Bike Lock Can Be Picked With Pen

SAN DIEGO -- You don #39;t have to be the Man of Steel to open a Kryptonite bike lock. A video circulating on the Internet shows how to pick a Kryptonite lock with a ballpoint pen.


Tilting at an Immovable Code

Okay, let #39;s all agree: Nobody likes to pay taxes. That #39;s why the major candidates for president and many other politicians standing for election this year favor tax cuts or something they call tax reform.


No WinFall jackpot winner; prize now at \$2.9 million

No tickets matched all six numbers in the latest WinFall drawing, raising the jackpot for Saturday #39;s game to \$2.9 million. Saturday #39;s \$2.


Kansas #39; defense key to loss against Texas Tech

Kansas offense may not have been able to post a whole lot of yards, but they were able to take advantage of several opportunities created by the defense.


Taiwan people protest Chen #39;s arms purchase

Taipei - Tens of thousands of protesters marched through Taipei Saturday afternoon, urging the local government to scrap a historical high US weapons package, which the protesters complained would trigger a bitter arms race with the Chinese mainland and


Giants Blast Dodgers to Aid Playoff Hopes (AP)

AP - Pedro Feliz hit a tiebreaking grand slam with two outs in the eighth inning for his fourth hit of the day, and the Giants helped their playoff chances with a 9-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday.


Benson Leads No. 5 Texas Over Rice 35-13 (AP)

AP - Cedric Benson and the Texas running machine keep rolling along. Benson rushed for 189 yards and a touchdown and Vince Young passed for three scores to his tight ends as No. 5 Texas beat Rice 35-13 Saturday night.


AskJeeves #39;s Butler Trying To Do It Better

The search engine (www.ask.com) made its fame toward the end of the last millennium by encouraging Web surfers to enter  quot;natural language quot; questions, rather than search terms -- instead of


Reserve infielder likely out for season

The Braves likely lost reserve infielder Mark DeRosa for the rest of the season after he injured his right knee trying to make a throw in Atlanta #39;s 1-0 win over Florida on Saturday night.


Wilson Gets 10th Win As Reds Drop Pirates (AP)

AP - Paul Wilson became Cincinnati's second 10-game winner in as many nights, and the Reds used a five-run first inning to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4 on Saturday night.


Paterno's Son-In-Law in Bicycle Accident (AP)

AP - Penn State coach Joe Paterno flew home without his team after the Nittany Lions' loss to Wisconsin on Saturday night when he learned his son-in-law had been involved in a serious bicycle accident.


Oil prices ease in Asian trade

Oil prices eased from near-record highs in Asian trade today after the US government said it may draw from its strategic reserves to make up for supply shortages, dealers said.


Bell Tolls for Bowe

Former heavyweight champ Riddick Bowe is attempting a comeback, starting over after a troubling eight years away from the ring.


Brown to Start

Kevin Brown will return to the New York Yankees' rotation Sunday to start the series finale against the Boston Red Sox.


DeRosa injures his right leg

Shortstop Mark DeRosa suffered what appeared to be a significant injury to his right leg during the sixth inning of Saturday night #39;s game against the Marlins at Turner Field.


KU Falls to Texas Tech 31-30

LAWRENCE, Kan. - It was a tale of two halves for the University of Kansas football team which dropped a 31-30 decision to Texas Tech, in the Big 12 opener Saturday at Memorial Stadium.


Mayfield Looking to Move Up in Dover

Jeremy Mayfield needs more than a victory at Dover International Speedway in Delaware to get back in the thick of the Nextel Cup championship race.


Beleaguered Blair faces attacks on all fronts at party conference

TONY Blair is today preparing to fight the most potentially damaging threat to his leadership as Labour Party conference begins in Brighton.


Soldier Blogs Detail Life in Iraq

Iraq war blogs are as varied as the soldiers who write them. Some sites feature practical news, war pictures and advice...


Jeanne Bears Down on Fla.; Thousands Flee

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Hurricane Jeanne got stronger, bigger and faster as it battered the Bahamas and bore down on Florida Saturday, sending huge waves crashing onto beaches and forcing thousands into shelters just weeks after Frances ravaged this area...


Friends Remember American Slain in Iraq

MARIETTA, Ga. - About 800 friends and family members gathered Saturday to remember Jack Hensley, who was executed by terrorists in Iraq after his Sept...


You Only Sell Thrice

Alex Yemenidjian, chairman of MGM and Kirk Kerkorian's right-hand man, ponders life after MGM, which was recently sold for \$5 billion.


Quiet, Please! Suddenly, the S.E.C. Is Listening

Like so much in the post-Enron world, the quiet period - which begins when a company files paperwork to go public - has been redefined.


Europeans Streamline. Will the Market Notice?

Corporate executives in Europe have taken steps to streamline operations to attract investors put off by delayed overhauls in economic policy that governments have yet to enact.


MLB: Atlanta 1, Florida 0

Dewayne Wise #39;s seventh-inning homer provided the lone score Saturday as Mike Hampton outdueled Carl Pavano to lead Atlanta to a 1-0 win over Florida.


Cisco, Others Expand 10 Gigabit Ethernet Switches

DECEMBER 06, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - Cisco Systems Inc. last week added two supervisor engines with 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports to its midrange and high-end switch lines, and Alcatel and Hewlett-Packard Co.


Trend Micro releases Antivirus for Mobiles

Skulls program proved that PDA and Mobile viruses are finally becoming a reality and it is no longer safe to just download anything from the Internet on your mobile handset.


Inkster 1 back after Lindley fires 65

AUBURN, Calif. -- Leta Lindley #39;s Florida home remains in the eye of the hurricane. She has an infant son to coddle and the death of her longtime coach to mourn.


Pavano #39;s gem goes for naught

One night after being outslugged, the Marlins came up on the short end of a splendid pitchers #39; duel. Carl Pavano was as efficient as he #39;s been all season, limiting the Braves


Orton Engineers Purdue Victory Over Illinois

The Illinois rushing offense and the Purdue passing offense dueled in the Big Ten opener for both schools on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.


Frenchman shot dead in Saudi Arabia

A Frenchman has been shot dead in the Saudi city of Jeddah, in a killing which mirrored recent attacks by al Qaeda militants trying to destabilise the world #39;s largest oil exporter.


PINOCHET QUESTIONED

An investigative judge has questioned former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet for half an hour to decide whether to indict him in one of hundreds of human rights cases stemming from his 1973-1990 rule.


The super rich vs the wretched

FOR many people, more so those who believe that unfettered-capitalism is the way forward for the world, the latest listing of billionaires (millionaires excluded, and we speak here in US dollars


Cable  amp; Wireless sets up US\$1m relief fund

THE LEADING communications provider in the Caribbean, Cable  amp; Wireless, has announced the establishment of a US\$1 million relief fund to assist victims of Hurricane Ivan.


US through to Davis Cup final

The United States have cemented their berth in the 2004 Davis Cup final after a doubles victory against Belarus on Saturday gave them an unbeatable 3-0 lead.


Tough loss for Pavano, Marlins

ATLANTA -- All-Star pitcher Carl Pavano won #39;t be a 20-game winner this year. After his tough-luck loss Saturday night, he might wonder if he #39;ll even win 18.


Epic Victory

The West Indies cricket team began their 2004 ICC Champions Trophy campaign, ten days ago, as potential also-rans and ended up dancing around London #39;s Brit Oval with the trophy.


No. 1 USC 31, Stanford 28

USC had another harrowing trip to the Bay Area. Thanks to their defense and their unstoppable tailback tandem, this one had a much happier ending.


US Soldier Gets 25 Years In Murder of Iraqi Guard

A US soldier was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of an Iraqi National Guardsman in May, the US military said Saturday.


Lindley takes the lead at Longs Drugs

Auburn, CA (Sports Network) - Leta Lindley fired a six-under 65 on Saturday to take the lead through 54 holes of the Longs Drugs Challenge.


Swedes fire into top two spots

SWEDEN #39;S Henrik Stenson opened up a one-shot lead over compatriot Patrik Sjoland after the third round of The Heritage tournament today, as he continued his attempts to resurrect his game.


Storm #39;s Toll Rises To 1,500 in Haiti

GONAIVES, Haiti, Sept. 25 -- The death toll from Tropical Storm Jeanne reached 1,500 Saturday, with 900 people still missing, Haitian officials said, as a thunderstorm drenched survivors living on rooftops and sidewalks.


Price at Issue With PlayStation Portable (AP)

AP - Sony Corp.'s PlayStation Portable, which goes on sale in Japan later this year and overseas next spring, boasts the superb image quality of its home-console counterpart. But the big question on everyone's minds is: How much will the handheld gaming machine cost?


Fujitsu and Cisco form router alliance

December 6, 2004 San Jose, CA and Tokyo, Japan -- Fujitsu Ltd. and Cisco Systems Inc. have reached a fundamental agreement to enter into a strategic alliance focusing on routers and switches that will enable


Cataract, Hormone Discoveries Win Awards (AP)

AP - A researcher who turned cataract surgery into a brief outpatient procedure and three scientists who illuminated how some hormones and vitamins act on the body's cells have won prestigious medical awards.


Iran Says It Tested 'Strategic Missile' (AP)

AP - Iran added a "strategic missile" to its military arsenal after a successful test, and the defense minister said Saturday his country was ready to confront any external threat.


Top-Ranked USC Holds Back Stanford 31-28

STANFORD, Calif. - In another harrowing trip to the Bay Area, Matt Leinart passed for 308 yards and LenDale White scored on a 2-yard run with 6:15 left, capping the Trojans' comeback from an 11-point deficit for a 31-28 victory over Stanford on Saturday night...


Tense Silence Envelops Afghan Campaign

Voters and analysts fear that ballot-box clash of Karzai and rival candidate from different ethnic group could bring disaster.


Sudan Says Opposition Was Plotting Coup Attacks

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Sept. 25 -- Sudanese authorities accused an opposition party Saturday of plotting to kill more than three dozen senior government officials and blow up key sites in the capital, where heavily armed troops were out in force for a second day.


Storm's Toll Rises To 1,500 in Haiti

GONAIVES, Haiti, Sept. 25 -- The death toll from Tropical Storm Jeanne reached 1,500 Saturday, with 900 people still missing, Haitian officials said, as a thunderstorm drenched  survivors living on rooftops and sidewalks.


The Dispirited Descent Of Turkish Rebel Kurds

QANDIL MOUNTAIN RANGE, Iraq -- Sunrise came to the women's camp in shafts of white light through woven roofs, but Aristan Manzur slept past 10. She had a fever again, and fluid blocked the air in her lungs.


Top-Ranked USC Holds Back Stanford 31-28 (AP)

AP - In another harrowing trip to the Bay Area, Matt Leinart passed for 308 yards and LenDale White scored on a 2-yard run with 6:15 left, capping the Trojans' comeback from an 11-point deficit for a 31-28 victory over Stanford on Saturday night.


Rangers Edge Mariners 5-4 on 2-Run Rally (AP)

AP - Michael Young's tying triple sparked a two-run rally in the seventh inning, and the Texas Rangers again pulled within two games of the AL West lead with a 5-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night.


BoSox Rip N.Y. 12-5, Protect AL East Hope (AP)

AP - The Boston Red Sox blew out the Yankees and made sure New York can't clinch the AL East in Fenway Park. Manny Ramirez doubled in the tiebreaking run during a seven-run eighth on Saturday night and the Red Sox beat New York 12-5 to preserve their chances of an AL East title. Jason Varitek and Doug Mirabelli each doubled in two runs in the inning.


WWF Calls for Ban in Trade of Great White Sharks

A leading environmental group called Friday for protection for the great white shark and humphead wrasse coral fish, whose numbers have plunged because of overfishing and China #39;s growing appetite for exotic foods.


Chilean judge halts his questioning of ailing ex-dictator

SANTIAGO, Chile A Chilean judge questioned Gen. Augusto Pinochet yesterday about the disappearance of leftist political opponents during his 1973-90 dictatorship, but cut the interrogation short because of the former leader #39;s poor health.


Tense Silence Envelops Afghan Campaign

With two weeks remaining before national elections and 18 candidates running for president, Afghanistan #39;s capital should be a frenzy of competing campaign


No. 11 Tennessee Mows Down La. Tech 42-17 (AP)

AP - Erik Ainge threw three touchdown passes and Cedric Houston ran for 160 yards and two more scores, leading No. 11 Tennessee to a 42-17 win over Louisiana Tech on Saturday night.


Relievers Are Lucky the Yankees Didn't Need This Game

Determined to give his best setup man, Tom Gordon, the night off, Manager Joe Torre watched as the Yankees disintegrated in the eighth inning Saturday.


Poverty Up as Welfare Enrollment Declines

Though the number of welfare recipients continues to decline, poverty rates -- particularly for single mothers and children -- have surged in recent years.


Miracle Infomercials

Last year, people sitting at home watching television spent \$91 billion on products they saw on infomercials, more than the gross domestic product of New Zealand.


Less Painful Conversion

Increasingly, consumers are finding that their checks are being electronically converted by banks, retailers, credit card companies and other businesses paid by check.


Vazquez Is an Ace Buried In a Hole

Javier Vazquez walked behind the mound during a miserable fifth inning Saturday night, a sign that he knew what was coming. Manager Joe Torre was a few seconds from taking the


AL Wrap: Angels Keep West Title Hopes Alive

Darin Erstad stroked a three-run homer to help the Anaheim Angels stay alive in the American League West Division title race with a 5-3 triumph over the Oakland Athletics Saturday.


Courtesy counts, but drivers outside the Chase won #39;t be giving any <b>...</b>

It was evident when their 10 cars were herded away from their less fortunate brethren by scurrying officials immediately after the cutoff race at Richmond International Raceway two weeks ago.


No Place is Safe

Bricks and plaster blew inward from the wall, as the windows all shattered and I fell to the floorwhether from the shock wave, or just fright, it wasn #39;t clear.


Gaddafi #39;s son in brawl with French police

The youngest son of Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, was involved in a high-speed police chase through central Paris that ended in fisticuffs, according to French officials.


Space station crew to search for AIDS vaccine

The next crew of the International Space Station (ISS) is to contribute to the Russian search for a vaccine against AIDS, Russian cosmonaut Salijan Sharipov said on Friday.


Steelers Notebook: Game on -- same time, same place

The Steelers-Dolphins game is still scheduled for 1 pm tomorrow at Pro Player Stadium in Miami as team and league officials monitor the progress of Hurricane Jeanne.


Hurricane Jeanne Slams Into Florida's East Coast (Reuters)

Reuters - Hurricane Jeanne slammed into\Florida with 115 mph winds and blinding rain on Saturday,\punching a coastal region still scarred from Hurricane Frances\three weeks ago.