US Team #39;s  #39;91ers Get One More Kickaround

AMERICA #39;S original soccer mamas put off the next stage to their lives last night because it wasn #39;t time for Mary Tyler Moore #39;s hat to fall from the sky just yet.


Day 10 roundup: Ryu denies China 3rd clean sweep

But this time in Athens, they have to accept the bitter fact that South Korean Ryu Seung Min was a better player in the pulsating men #39;s singles final against Chinese Wang Hao.


SI.com

TORONTO (Ticker) -- Ted Lilly responded to the challenge of facing Pedro Martinez with a powerful performance. Lilly struck out a career-high 13 in a dominant three-hitter to outduel Martinez and lift the


Overwhelming Militiamen, Troops Push Closer to Shrine

American forces sharply intensified fighting here early on Tuesday morning, as troops attacked rebels loyal to Moktada al-Sadr from three


Guantnamo hearings begin

Osama bin Laden #39;s Yemeni driver will today become the first Guantnamo Bay prisoner to stand before a US military commission to face war crimes charges, in proceedings that have been denounced as unfair by human rights groups and American military lawyers


Padres Rough Up Mets 9-5 (AP)

AP - Phil Nevin homered, doubled and drove in five runs and the San Diego Padres built a big lead for Jake Peavy in beating the New York Mets 9-4 Monday night.


Diversity Defines Bryant Case Jury Pool (AP)

AP - Residents of Eagle County are a diverse lot  #151; 23 percent Hispanic, 0.3 percent black. Forty-three percent of them are college graduates. And attorneys in the Kobe Bryant rape case would love to know what they are thinking right now.


Expos Keep Dodgers at Bay With 8-7 Win (AP)

AP - Giovanni Carrara walked Juan Rivera with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning Monday night, spoiling Los Angeles' six-run comeback and handing the Montreal Expos an 8-7 victory over the Dodgers.


Hamm Ruling Stands, but Ire at Judges Rises

The results of the Olympic gymnastics all-around final will not change, leaving Paul Hamm of the United States with the sole gold medal.


Rouse Malls Boost Buyer's Portfolio

General Growth, the nation's second-largest mall operator, last week offered to buy Rouse for \$7.2 billion, a 33 percent premium over Rouse's stock price before the deal was announced. A big reason: Rouse has invested heavily in upscale malls.


U.S. Looking for Reason to Act Against Iran -Kharrazi (Reuters)

Reuters - The United States is looking for a\reason to act against Iran amid accusations Tehran is secretly\developing atomic weapons, Iran's Foreign Minister Kamal\Kharrazi said in remarks published on Tuesday.


RCN Outlines Bankruptcy (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - RCN Inc., co-owner of Starpower Communications LLC, the Washington area television, telephone and Internet provider, filed a plan of reorganization yesterday that it said puts the company on track to emerge from bankruptcy by the end of the year.


Burundi rebel group ready to appear before international tribunal (AFP)

AFP - The Hutu rebel movement which has claimed responsibility for last week's massacre of about 160 Congolese Tutsis at a refugee camp in Burundi said it was ready to appear before an international tribunal.


Cassini Fires Engine to Raise Orbit (AP)

AP - The Cassini spacecraft successfully fired its engine for 51 minutes Monday to raise its orbit so it will not pass through Saturn's rings on its next close approach to the planet and to set itself on course for another flyby of the big moon Titan on Oct. 26, NASA said.


Profit growth fuels change

WOOLWORTHS Ltd chief executive Mr Roger Corbett yesterday signalled a shift in the supermarket battlefront away from petrol discounting as the retail group tipped 10-15 per cent profit growth in 2004-2005.


Shrinking the Universe

If the idea of eating unlimited amounts of food without counting calories or grams of anything sounds appealing, listen up. Carefully.


RCN Outlines Bankruptcy

RCN Inc., co-owner of Starpower Communications LLC, the Washington area television, telephone and Internet provider, filed a plan of reorganization yesterday that it said puts the company


Use script to block Windows XP SP2 updates: Microsoft

Microsoft has offered yet another way for businesses to block the Automatic Update of Windows XP to the big-deal SP2 upgrade. The developer posted a copy-and-paste script to


The virtual girlfriend is here

Hong Kong citizens famously told a survey last year they were too busy with work for relationships; now a new technology will enable them to go dating using their famous passion for mobile phones.


Special to ESPN.com

ATHENS, Greece -- For a brief moment Monday night, the Olympic Stadium, sounded the chant so often heard when American #39;s take the field in international competition:  quot;USA -- USA -- USA.


Russian tycoon denies a bid for Everton club

Russian timber tycoon Boris Zingarevich #39;s company denied reports that he or his 23-year-old son was bidding for English Premier League club Everton.


STRAW TO SEE DARFUR CAMP

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is to come face to face with the misery of refugees in the Darfur region of Sudan. Mr Straw will fly from the Sudanese capital Khartoum to El Fasher in northern Darfur to visit the Abu Shouk refugee camp.


Defense Leaders Faulted by Panel in Prison Abuse

Leadership failures at the highest levels contributed to an environment in which detainees were abused, a panel concluded.


Sheffield Powers Yankees Past Indians 6-4 (AP)

AP - Gary Sheffield hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the ninth inning and the New York Yankees sent the fading Cleveland Indians to their eighth straight loss, 6-4 Monday night.


Security Flaws Found in SP2

Worries about how well SP2 will work with existing software, combined with concerns about possible security vulnerabilities, have led many corporates to hold back from installing the security update.


Japan #39;s Women Wrestlers Win 2 Golds; Medal Count Sets Record

Japan #39;s women wrestlers added four medals, including two golds, to lead the country to a record Olympic performance and be within one gold medal of its biggest haul of championships.


Arson against Jews in France condemned

French police are investigating an arson-caused fire at a Jewish Social Center that might have killed dozens without the quick response of firefighters.


'Marathon mouse' doubles stamina

Scientists find genetically-modified mice can run twice as far, in a development that could help human stamina.


Gold Fields Welcomes Decision by South African High Court

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, December 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:GFI)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:JSE:)(NYSE:GFI) welcomes today #39;s decision by the High Court of South Africa in respect of its ability to vote ordinary


Mortars Hit Central Najaf After U.S. Attacks (Reuters)

Reuters - Several mortar bombs were heard\landing in the southern Iraqi city of Najaf on Tuesday after\Shi'ite rebels came under fierce U.S. bombardment overnight.


Chargers Sign Rookie Quarterback Rivers (AP)

AP - Rookie quarterback Phillip Rivers ended his lengthy holdout, signing a six-year contract with the San Diego Chargers on Monday night.


Russia: Estonia WWII Monument Disgraceful (AP)

AP - Russia on Monday called the unveiling of a monument commemorating Estonians who fought in the German army during World War II a "disgraceful act" and urged NATO and the European Union to take notice.


Delegate: OPEC unlikely to cut quotas

Oil cartel expected to call for tighter compliance with official quota levels at Cairo meeting. CAIRO (Reuters) - The OPEC oil cartel is unlikely to lower its official production ceiling when ministers meet


"Phir Milenge" tackles HIV stigma in India (Reuters)

Reuters - In a movie-mad country where people are shy about discussing sex, a Bollywood film-maker hopes to shed some light on India's potentially disastrous HIV problem.


RP will never default on debts, Arroyo vows (10:30 am)

MANILA -- Philippine President Arroyo vowed Tuesday the country will never default on its debt repayments, as she found herself embroiled in a public row with key economic advisers following her declaration that Manila was in a  quot;fiscal crisis quot;.


US Accepts Venezuela Vote Audit, Calls For Reconciliation

WASHINGTON, Aug 23 (AFP) - US officials on Monday accepted results of a referendum that failed to recall Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, and called on the government and opposition to reconcile their differences.


Google #39;s Corporate Governance Score Is  quot;Pretty Darn Awful quot;

Google has one of the worst corporate governance of any company in the S amp;P 500 index according to a highly respected advisory group.


iPass partners with Connexion by Boeing

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif.Wi-Fi access provider iPass Inc. has tightened its grip on the business traveler market with a newly announced partnership with Connexion by Boeing that will give iPass enterprise


Girlfriend On Your Phone

Artificial Life, a brazen Hong King Company has invented a new (and I use the next term very loosely) game. For those men without a girl, and who have exhausted every other method of finding companionship, comes the Virtual Girlfriend.


Athens Olympics 2004 / Noguchi #39;s golden run

Noguchi tamed a grueling course and ran away with the gold medal in the women #39;s marathon at the Athens Olympics on Sunday. Noguchi, pulling away at the 25-kilometer mark, held off a late charge from Kenya #39;s


Ethiopia takes gold, bronze in women #39;s 5,000

Ethiopia #39;s Meseret Defar pulled away from Kenya #39;s Isabella Ochichi in the final half-lap to win the Olympic 5,000 meters in 14 minutes, 45.


Russian tycoon #39;s son is Everton bidder - paper

A fund co-founded by Russian timber magnate Boris Zingarevich #39;s 23-year-old son is bidding for Premier League club Everton, the Moscow Times says.


No Picnic, but Yanks Are Far From Panic

HEN Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz hit consecutive home runs Sunday night in Chicago to put the Red Sox ahead, there was dancing in the streets in Boston.


Holmes double?up gamble pays off

Kelly Holmes #39; lastminute gamble was rewarded with a glorious gold medal tonight as she stormed to the Olympic 800 metres title in Athens.


Typhoon Aere Headed for Northern Taiwan

Taiwan #39;s schools, businesses and financial markets are closed as typhoon Aere continues moving towards Taipei, the capital. Forecasters say Typhoon Aere is packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers


Karzai visits Pakistan for terror talks

On Monday Afghan President Hamid Karzai visited Pakistan to discuss cooperation in the battle against al Qaeda before his October re-election bid.


Deaths from bird flu

THERE have been three new deaths from bird flu in Vietnam, the World Health Organisation says, raising fears of a fresh outbreak of the disease in South East Asia.


Pakistan blocks militant escape routes

Pakistan said Monday it has deployed hundreds of additional troops along the Afghan border to prevent militants from fleeing a major US military operation.


Now watch security solutions outsourcing

Houston: After HR, Finance and Accounting and supply chain Management, large corporations and government agencies are turning to outside contractors for security.


Iran Again Warns Israel Against Attack (AP)

AP - Insisting that Tehran's nuclear program is peaceful, Iran's foreign minister reiterated Tuesday that Iran would retaliate to any Israeli strike against its nuclear facilities.


Typhoon Aere Sweeps Toward Taiwan (AP)

AP - Typhoon Aere churned toward crowded northern Taiwan on Tuesday with 99 mph wind gusts, closing schools and financial markets and dumping heavy rains that threatened to trigger flash floods and landslides. Rough seas killed five fishermen in Taiwan and two children in Japan, officials said.


QB Strength Needed

Virginia Tech quarterback Bryan Randall's experience on the Hokies basketball team featured the kind of leadership that the football team desperately needs this season.


Hokies-USC Sold Out

The last Black Coaches Association Football Classic, matching defending co-national champion Southern California and Virginia Tech on Saturday at FedEx Field, is sold out.


Ramsey Still in Fight

Patrick Ramsey's last chance to win the starting quarterback job may be Friday in St. Louis, but head coach Joe Gibbs is not tipping his hand.


Stanley Cup Vanishes

The Stanley Cup must start to watch its weight. Due to restrictions on weight of luggage, the championship trophy went missing in baggage claim in Vancouver for a while on Sunday.


Bonderman K's 14 in Win

Jeremy Bonderman strikes out a career-high 14 and pitches his first career shutout, leading the Tigers to a 7-0 victory over the White Sox.


Lilly Shuts Down Red Sox

Ted Lilly strikes out a career-high 13 in a three-hit shutout, stopping Boston's six-game winning streak and leading the Blue Jays past Pedro Martinez and the Red Sox 3-0.


Egypt's Walls Come Tumbling Down

CAIRO -- Two outer walls are cracked and crumbling, the bathroom walls have fallen down in a heap of brick, the steps to the second floor wiggle like loose teeth. Groundwater seeps into a little courtyard to form an unwanted wading pool. The whole two-story structure sags in the middle, as if suspended from a rope attached to the buildings next door.


Iraqi Teens Abused at Abu Ghraib, Report Finds

The investigation also acknowledges that military intelligence soldiers kept multiple detainees off the record books and hid them from international humanitarian organizations, officials said.


Men #39;s 400 a sweep for the US

ATHENS, Greece - As Bruce Springsteen #39;s  quot;Born in the USA quot; blared over the Olympic Stadium loudspeaker Monday night, three athletes in red, white and blue began a slow victory lap.


Palestinians denounce latest US policy shift

A fresh diplomatic crisis loomed after US officials indicated they would not object to continued construction in Israeli West Bank settlements, and Palestinians warned such a policy shift would wreck Mideast peace efforts.


The bane of Bangladesh

by our Internet desk, 23 August 2004. Tension remains high in Bangladesh following Saturday #39;s grenade attack on a political rally addressed by the leader of the opposition Awami League, former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina Wajed.


MOFA says cross-strait issue misinterpreted

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark Chen () yesterday blamed the uneven levels of democratization in Singapore and Taiwan for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong #39;s () refusal on Sunday to support Taiwan if it provoked cross-strait conflict over


Microsoft Quits a U.N. Standards Group

Microsoft withdrew from a United Nations software standards group for commerce, citing "business reasons."


Latest Freeze-Frame Technology Lets the Viewer Blink During Split-Second Events

NBC is using technology that breaks down a dive into multiple still images and also superimposes one diver against the other as they perform the same dive.


2 Companies to Make Gear for Phoning Over Internet

Linksys and Netgear, providers of home networking equipment, are expected to announce that they are entering the business of making gear used to place telephone calls over the Internet.


Musicland Looks to the Internet

Musicland is trying to embrace the Internet and emulate the atmosphere of retail chains like Starbucks.


Asia Stocks Drop; Focus on Oil, Growth (Reuters)

Reuters - Asian stocks edged down on Tuesday as\a reduced sales forecast by the world's biggest retailer,\Wal-Mart, stoked concerns of slower economic growth and offset\relief from lower oil prices.


NL Wrap: Lucky 13 for Clemens as Astros Defeat Phillies

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Roger Clemens pitched seven strong  innings to earn his 13th victory of the season and 323rd of his  career as the Houston Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-4  in the National League Monday.


After Some Minor Success, Heilman Has Major Failure

Aaron Heilman's start was over by the fourth inning on Monday night as the San Diego Padres rattled him and then rolled to a victory at Shea Stadium.


Users Applaud Idea of Oracle BI as Center of the Universe

The message was, characteristically, all-Oracle: Consolidate, ditch the special-purpose data warehouses, and move to a version of Oracle Corp.


Older Investors More Jittery as U.S. Markets Disappoint

Older investors are facing tough economic realities as a result of the disappointing United States stock market this year.


Once Elusive, Orchids Flourish on Taiwanese Production Line

Taiwan is seeking to dominate the world's orchid industry, and its government plans to bring heavy public spending into the effort.


Pilots Could Control Fate of US Airways

The US Airways Group will look to the leaders of the pilots' union to accept the airline's demand for \$295 million in pay and benefit cuts.


Businesses Plan Attack on Edwards

The United States Chamber of Commerce plans to spend roughly \$10 million attacking trial lawyers, including Senator John Edwards, with television and mail advertisements.


FedEx Hikes Profit Forecast and Cites Demand

Federal Express raised its earnings forecast, citing strong demand for its international express, ground and less-than-truckload services.


Inflation Inches Way Back Into Hong Kong's Economy

China's consumer price index crept up by 0.9 percent in July compared with a year earlier, ending 68 consecutive months of decline.


Clemens Gets 323rd Victory As Astros Win (AP)

AP - Roger Clemens won for the first time in almost a month  #151; the 323rd victory of his career  #151; and Carlos Beltran hit a three-run homer to lead the Houston Astros over the Philadelphia Phillies 8-4 Monday night.


World Chip Plants Run at Fastest Rate in 4 Years (Reuters)

Reuters - The world's chip factories operated at\their fastest rate in almost four years in the April-June\period, boosted by demand for chips for cellphones and digital\appliances such as flat-panel TVs, an industry group said on\Tuesday.


IPO #39;s Success Doesn #39;t Justify Google #39;s Price

One of the tongue-in-cheek rules that we column-writers have is,  quot;Often wrong, never in doubt. quot; Take a stand, don #39;t duck and weave too much.


Also from this section

HBOS has yet to enter the bidding for Abbey National, yet it is already fighting its corner as if in the full intensity of battle.


Tax gain helps Toy  #39;R #39; Us Inc. post profit

Toys  quot;R quot; Us Inc., the world #39;s largest toy-store chain, posted a second-quarter profit because of a tax gain. Sales dropped at the company, which said this month that it is considering leaving the toy business.


Airline talks nose dive

Pilots at US Airways blamed the company for a breakdown in concession negotiations over the weekend, as time runs down on efforts to avoid a second bankruptcy filing in two years.


inksys and Netgear, two competing providers of home networking equipment, plan to announce today that they are entering the business of making equipment used to place telephone calls over the Internet, according to industry executives.


Colleges Fear XP Downloads Will Cause Jam

Microsoft Corp. #39;s decision to release a major upgrade for its flagship operating system in the same month that hundreds of thousands of students are reporting to college campuses across the


IN BRIEF

Northrop Grumman #39;s Information Technology unit, based in Herndon, won a 10-year, \$408 million contract from the Army for planning and support of war-fighter exercise training that the company said simulates command and control decision-making under


Red, white and . . . gold

Team USA concluded its domination at the Olympics by defeating Australia 5-1 at Helliniko Stadium on Monday, giving coach Mike Candrea a gold medal five weeks after his wife, Sue, died of a brain aneurysm.


American men run away from field in 400 meters

To the list of things intrinsically American -o jazz and baseball, apple pie and muscle cars  -dly add the quarter mile. The 400 meters is run internationally, but


Roger Clemens pitched seven strong innings to earn his 13th victory of the season and 323rd of his career as the Houston Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-4 in the National League Monday.


Taiwan Markets, Businesses Close for Typhoon Aere (Update4)

Taiwan #39;s financial markets and most businesses in the capital Taipei are closed for the day as Typhoon Aere approaches with torrential rain and winds of up to 165 kilometers (102 miles) an hour.


Pakistan, Afghanistan to tighten boarder security

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to increase cooperation against Islamic militants operating along their border. The agreement was reached at talks in Islamabad between Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Afghanistan #39;s President Hamid Karzai.


LA terrified by tornado alert

PEOPLE in Los Angeles were left terrified that they were about to be hit by a monster storm. The California governor #39;s Office of Emergency Services mistakenly issued a tornado alert for LA on Saturday, and


Pilots Could Control Fate of US Airways

ith time running out and its future on the line, the US Airways Group will look to the leaders of the pilots #39; union to do tomorrow what the union #39;s negotiators refused to do over the weekend


Red Roof Inns to get Wi-Fi hotspots

CARROLLTON, Texas -- Accor North America has reached an agreement with T-Mobile USA Inc. to install wireless Internet access throughout all of its Red Roof Inns over the next year, officials said.


Linksys, Vonage connect on VoIP

Vonage teams with Wi-Fi equipment maker Linksys on voice over Internet Protocol.


* Access granted to rival #39;s financial information

HBOS has been granted access to sensitive financial information about Abbey National, indicating the seriousness of the UK bank #39;s intentions towards its rival.


Crude Oil Futures Fall a 3rd Day as Iraq Increases Shipments

Crude oil futures fell for a third day as Iraq, the sixth-largest supplier to the US, increased shipments to tankers for the first time in two weeks.


Philippines may face Argentine-style crisis

Manila - The Philippines was in the midst of a fiscal crisis and the public should be prepared to make sacrifices, President Gloria Arroyo said yesterday.


Gene tweaking creates a mighty mouse

Altering a single gene can turn ordinary mice into marathon racers that can run for hours and eat huge amounts of food without getting fat, researchers say.


US softball team enjoys dominant Olympic run

When Australia scored a token run in the fifth inning of the gold medal game Monday at the Olympic Softball Stadium, it was the first scored here against the US - in the ninth and final game


Feds #39; new OT rules quietly take effect in Valley offices

New overtime regulations for white-collar workers went into effect Monday with little hoopla at offices in the Valley. But in Washington, DC, several hundred union members protested the Fair Labor Standards


Technical ruling doesn #39;t deal with Web free speech issue

Yahoo lost its challenge of a French ban on the online sale of Nazi paraphernalia in a technical ruling Monday that kept alive the core issues of Internet free speech


Feds: Anger drove Varian hacker: Disgruntled #39; ex-programmer <b>...</b>

A vindictive software programmer upset about his cancelled contract snuck into Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates Inc. #39;s computer system and zapped out e-commerce coding he and others


Phone passion: dating with virtual girlfriend

A Hong Kong company develops a  quot;virtual girlfriend quot; for new cell phones with video capability. Artificial Life, Inc. #39;s electronic love interest will appear as an animated figure on a telephone screen.


Fastest man rises from obscurity

Justin Gatlin shoveled the snow off his track in North Carolina, braving the cold to keep practicing, keep working, keep chasing Olympic gold.


Oil Slips Below  #36;46, Supply Woes Persist (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. oil prices slid below  #36;46 on\Tuesday, marking the third successive session of falls as Iraqi\exports returned to near normal, although supply uncertainties\kept the market close to historic levels.


Zambrano Leads Cubs Past Brewers 8-3 (AP)

AP - Carlos Zambrano took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning and struck out nine to lead the Chicago Cubs over the Milwaukee Brewers 8-3 Monday night.


Two soldiers in northern military exercise missing on barren Nunavut tundra (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - PANGNIRTUNG, Nunavut (CP) - Bad weather forced helicopters and ground searchers to call off efforts Monday night to locate two soldiers missing in the rugged, mountainous tundra of Baffin Island.


Blast in Baghdad, Could Be Car Bomb-Police

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A loud blast was heard in the Iraqi  capital Baghdad on Tuesday and could have been caused by a car  bomb, a police source said.


Chiefs Club Rams

The Kansas City Chiefs tuned up their high-octane offense and ran over the St. Louis Rams, 24-7, on Monday night.


Toys  #39;R #39; Us gains after Q2 profit swing

CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- Toys  quot;R quot; Us said Monday it made money in the fiscal second quarter, in contrast to the prior year #39;s loss, thanks in part to a \$200 million income-tax reversal.


Pricey oil worrying economy exper

High oil prices are slowing the economy, two members of the Federal Reserve warned yesterday. There #39;s going to be a little bit of a slowdown effect, #39; #39; admitted Fed board member Ben Bernanke.


Golden lining greets softball

This gold medal comes with a broken heart. This victory - as dominant as the Olympic Games have seen in years from any sport, any team, any nation - comes with a searing sense of loss.


NEW SCHOOL Baylor #39;s Wariner leads US sweep in 400

Athens -- In winning the gold medal in the 400 meters and leading the United States to its first sweep in an Olympic track and field event since 1988, Jeremy Wariner did something else of great significance.


Defending champ Mutola finds 800 is not toll free

Athens -- While the men #39;s 400 meters received most of the attention from the American media Monday night, the best race on the program was the women #39;s 800.


US may back gym blunder gold

THE US Olympic Committee will consider supporting South Korea #39;s bid to claim a duplicate gold medal for one of its gymnasts to make up for the scoring error which gave American Paul Hamm the all-around title.


Rams starting CB Fisher breaks arm

Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - St. Louis Rams starting cornerback Travis Fisher suffered a broken arm during the first half of the team #39;s 24-7 preseason loss to the Kansas City Chiefs Monday night.


Crude Oil Futures Fall a Third Day as Iraq Increases Shipments

Crude oil futures fell for a third day as Iraq, the sixth-largest supplier to the US, increased shipments to tankers for the first time in two weeks.


Experts in corporate governance score Google at bottom of scale

CHICAGO _ Google Inc. #39;s initial public offering may have captured investors #39; fancy, but a leading proxy voting advisory service says its corporate governance leaves a lot to be desired.


Chargers agree to contract terms with rookie QB Rivers

It #39;s better late than never for Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers - who finally reached terms Monday night on a six-year contract believed to be worth \$50.


Lilly inspires Blue Jays

Ted Lilly struck out a career-high 13 batters to help hosts Toronto Blue Jays blank the Boston Red Sox 3-0. Lilly #39;s performance was a club record for most strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher and helped end


European press review

Today #39;s mixed bag of a press review covers, among other topics, the acquittal of a terror suspect by a German court, the Russian shot-putter stripped of her gold medal in Athens and a Georgian disco.


RealNetworks to Offer Discounted Music (AP)

AP - RealNetworks Inc. will begin offering some university students its digital music subscription service at a steep discount in an effort to stem illegal downloads and attract long-term customers.


Car Bomb in Baghdad Targets Minister, Two Killed

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A car bomb targeting Iraq's education  minister exploded in Baghdad early on Tuesday, killing two  people and wounding three others, a bodyguard and witnesses at  the scene said.


Car bomb explodes in Iraq capital

A car bomb goes off in the south of Baghdad, killing two people, in an apparent attack on a minister.


Race Remains a Difficult Issue for Many Workers at Kodak

Craig A. Young, an African-American human resources manager, says that in 22 years at Eastman Kodak he has never faced discrimination.


Ballet Flats? Walking Shoes? Nah. It's Round Toes and High Heels.

A noticeable trend this fall is the full-fledged arrival of round-toed, high-heeled shoes like the ones Ginger Rogers wore when she danced with Fred Astaire - only higher.


Update 1: Philippines Able to Service Its Debt

The Philippines is able to service its debt, the government said Tuesday, as officials scrambled to reassure jittery investors a day after the president rattled the markets by saying the country was in the throes of a fiscal crisis.


US Airways, pilots at impasse

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Talks between US Airways Group and the union representing pilots have broken down, the Air Line Pilots Association said Monday.


Investors buy up Woolies

INVESTORS stocked up on Woolworths shares today on renewed faith that the supermarket leader could withstand heavy competition from rival Coles Myer.


Accounting fix aids Toys R Us

Toys R Us Inc. swung to a profit in its second fiscal quarter from a loss a year ago, buoyed by a reversal of \$200 million in income tax reserves.


Tech shares close higher

LOS ANGELES (CBS.MW) -- Technology shares closed mostly higher Monday, with semiconductor-related stocks extending the gains made last week as Artisan Components soared on word that UK-based ARM Holdings agreed to buy the chip-design company.


Writer Admits Plagiarism

The Seattle Times said a business columnist and associate editor, Stephen H. Dunphy, had resigned after admitting he plagiarized the work of others.


Wal-Mart, Target pull sector into red

CHICAGO (CBS.MW) - Retail stocks fell Monday after Wal-Mart cut its August sales forecast, casting a pall over expectations for consumer spending during the back-to-school season.


Cisco to pay \$200 million for P-Cube

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Cisco Systems agreed Monday to acquire closely held Internet protocol service provider P-Cube for \$200 million in cash and options.


Abu Ghraib: Guilty plea expected

US soldier Staff Sgt. Ivan Frederick will plead guilty at a pretrial hearing to one or two of the charges against him arising from the abuse of detainees at Iraq #39;s Abu Ghraib prison, military sources say.


China insists bird flu in pigs does not threaten epidemic

BEIJING : China Tuesday insisted that although a highly lethal strain of the bird flu virus had been found in pigs, it did not constitute an epidemic.


Holmes hunts golden double

Newly-crowned Olympic 800m champion Kelly Holmes sets her sights on a historic Olympic double.


Oil price slides as Iraqi crude flows

World oil prices skidded on Monday as Iraq pumped oil through its southern pipelines and Russia vowed to step up exports, but analysts said the days of high prices were not yet over.


Staying power of Google Inc.? Time will tell

Investors who got in on the ground floor of Google Inc. #39;s public stock offering might be tempted to pop some champagne corks right about now.


LABOR REGULATIONS: Employers review overtime policies

As the nation #39;s new overtime regulations take effect, metro Detroit companies are looking at their overtime policies to make sure they comply, while some employers have determined that most of their employees won #39;t be affected.


Oil Won #39;t Derail US Expansion -Bernanke

Rising oil prices will weigh on US economic growth but the increases seen so far will not derail the expansion, Federal Reserve Board Governor Ben Bernanke said on Monday.


RealNetworks music service cuts fee for students

RealNetworks Inc. will begin offering some university students its digital music subscription service at a steep discount in an effort to stem illegal downloads and attract long-term customers.


Linksys, Vonage connect on VoIP

Vonage and Linksys are teaming up to make voice over Internet Protocol service available through Wi-Fi equipment made by Linksys. Vonage will announce the Linksys partnership Tuesday.


ALL AMERICAN

ATHENS - Gold, silver and bronze are the only colors that should matter in these Olympics, but too many see the world in black and white.


The Baron was right

AUSTRALIAN rower Sally Robbins and British marathon runner Paula Radcliffe can take comfort from the philosophy of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics.


Olympics: Yao lifts China into Olympic quarter-finals with miracle <b>...</b>

ATHENS : Yao Ming scored 27 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to lead China past world champion Serbia and Montenegro 67-66 here, advancing China into the Olympic men #39;s basketball quarter-finals.


Andre Agassi steals the show at Legg Mason Tennis Classic

WHILE ONE-HALF of ten- nis #39;s greatest rivalry has retired (Pete Sampras), the other half is still going strong. Andre Agassi and the rest of his professional tennis crew rolled into Washington, DC, this past week for the annual Legg Mason Tennis Classic.


Olympics: Beach party-ball

The Olympic beach volleyball venue is out in the coastal village of Faliro, on the far end of the green line of the metro station, far from central Athens and the Olympic Stadium.


AL roundup: Hudson beats Tejada, O #39;s for second time in week

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Jermaine Dye hit a tying two-run single in the sixth and Adam Melhuse followed with a go-ahead single, leading the Oakland Athletics over former teammate Miguel Tejada and the Baltimore Orioles 4-3 on Monday night.


Prosecutors say mercenaries were hired to overthrow the ruler of <b>...</b>

Financiers in Europe and Africa were behind a plot to overthrow the government of Africa #39;s No. 3 oil producer, an accused ringleader testified Monday at the


Athletics Edge Orioles 4-3 (AP)

AP - Jermaine Dye hit a tying two-run single in the sixth and Adam Melhuse followed with a go-ahead single, leading the Oakland Athletics over former teammate Miguel Tejada and the Baltimore Orioles 4-3 on Monday night.


Vonage in Deal with Cisco in Subscriber Push (Reuters)

Reuters - Internet phone service Vonage on\Tuesday said it has struck a deal with Cisco Systems Inc.\(CSCO.O) to sell Vonage-ready equipment at hundreds of retail\stores in a bid to boost new subscriptions.


Fed officials ease crude concerns

A recovery in the world's largest economy is likely to continue, despite oil prices surging to record levels, US Federal Reserve officials say.


Jimmy Carter Defends Venezuela Election Result in Letter to WSJ

Former US President Jimmy Carter said an election that defeated an effort to recall Venezuela President Hugo Chavez was free and fair, #39; #39; according to a letter published in the Wall Street Journal.


RealNetworks to offer discounted music

SEATTLE -- RealNetworks Inc. will begin offering some university students its digital music subscription service at a steep discount in an effort to stem illegal downloads and attract long-term customers.


Niagara Falls survivor seeks work, new life path

The only person known to have survived an unprotected plunge over Niagara Falls has returned to the scene of his stunt. Kirk Jones, 40, went over the 167-foot Horse Shoe Falls on Oct. 20, 2003.


Vonage in Deal with Cisco in Subscriber Push

Internet phone service Vonage on Tuesday said it has struck a deal with Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO.O: Quote, Profile, Research) to sell Vonage-ready equipment at hundreds of retail stores in a bid to boost new subscriptions.


#39;Millionaire #39; Interacts with AOL Buddies

quot;Who Wants to Be a Millionaire quot; will soon be the only syndicated TV series to add a real-time interactive element during production tapings.


SI.com

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- The Oakland Athletics made sure that Miguel Tejada  #39;s return was an unhappy one. Oakland rallied for three runs in the sixth inning and Tim Hudson allowed one earned run in


GAME DAY RECAP Monday, August 23

Scott Kazmir won his major league debut with five impressive innings, and Jose Cruz Jr. hit a three-run homer to lead the Tampa Bay Devil Rays past the Seattle Mariners 9-0 Monday night.


Roundup: Darfur peace talks resume with deep division

groups, but the two sides agreed to study an agenda drawn up by the African Union (AU) for the peace talks. The Sudanese authorities has come to make its case that it is along the way towards implementing


Kmart to sell 18 stores to Home Depot

NEW YORK - Retailer Kmart Holdings Corp. on Monday said it finalized a deal to sell 18 of its stores to Home Depot Inc. for \$271 million.


Marathon mice lose weight without exercise

Ordinary mice can be turned into marathon racers that run for hours and eat huge amounts of food without getting fat by altering a single gene, according to US and Korean scientists.


US Army Awards Northrop Grumman \$408 Million Contract

quot;We offer a world-class opposing force for these battlefield exercises that enhances training realism, quot; said Gregg Donley, president of the IT sector #39;s technical service business unit at Northrop Grumman.


Mars Odyssey to prolong stay in space

Scientists of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration say its spacecraft Mars Odyssey will prolong its stay in space until at least September 2006.


Softball gold takes Candrea, US from tragedy to triumph

To the rest of the world, they were the  quot;In Your Dreams quot; Team. But for their coach, Mike Candrea, it was about another dream.


Lilly outduels Pedro

Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Ted Lilly threw a three-hit shutout with a career-high 13 strikeouts to lead the Toronto Blue Jays to a 3-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox at SkyDome.


This week, 4 Guantanamo detainees to be arraigned

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba -- The first Guantanamo detainees to be arraigned on terrorism charges are an alleged Al Qaeda accountant, a poet accused of crafting terrorist propaganda, a man accused of being a driver for Osama bin Laden and an


Karzai vows to fight against terrorism

President Pervez Musharraf and his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai tonight vowed to enhance their capability to fight terrorism, while Musharraf assured the Afghan leader that Pakistan would not allow its territory to be used by Taliban to destabilise


Iraqi Environment Minister Survives Suicide Attack (Reuters)

Reuters - Iraqi environment minister Mishkat\Moumin said she survived a suicide car bomb attack in Baghdad\on Tuesday that killed four of her bodyguards.


Karzai Cancels Pakistan Speech, But Risk Fears Denied (Reuters)

Reuters - Afghan President Hamid Karzai\abruptly canceled a speech to a state-run think tank in\Pakistan on Tuesday, but officials denied security was a\reason.


Athletics Edge Orioles 4-3

OAKLAND, Calif. - Jermaine Dye hit a tying two-run single in the sixth and Adam Melhuse followed with a go-ahead single, leading the Oakland Athletics over former teammate Miguel Tejada and the Baltimore Orioles 4-3 on Monday night...


Wariner Leads U.S. Sweep in 400

ATHENS, Greece - Jerremy Wariner is just 20 years old. He just led a U.S...


NO REST FOR GOLDEN GIRL HOLMES

Kelly Holmes was due back in the Olympic stadium this evening less than 24 hours after becoming the first British woman to win gold in the 800metres for 40 years.


Ryder Cup Captain Sutton: Don #39;t Expect Mr. Nice Guy

s captain of the United States Ryder Cup team, Hal Sutton will be more dictator than diplomat. Europe has won six of the last nine Ryder Cups heading into the biennial competition next month (Sept.


Anti-government strike cripples Bangladesh

Shops and schools were closed across Bangladesh on Tuesday after the country #39;s main opposition party called a general strike to protest a weekend grenade attack that killed 20 people and wounded more than 300.


Philippines will never default on debts, Arroyo vows (AFP)

AFP - Philippine President Gloria Arroyo vowed the country will never default on its debt repayments, as she found herself embroiled in a public row with key economic advisers following her declaration that Manila was in a "fiscal crisis".


Govt committed to 7-8 pct GDP growth - PM (Reuters)

Reuters - The government is committed to economic growth of 7-8 percent each year over the next decade on the back higher industrial and agricultural growth, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Tuesday.


Blasts in Baghdad Target Two Ministerial Convoys

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A suicide car bomb attack targeting  Iraq's environment minister killed four of her bodyguards on  Tuesday, while a separate blast near the education minister's  convoy killed one bodyguard, police and government officials  said.


Police Say Bashir Set to Face Terror Charges (Reuters)

Reuters - Militant Muslim preacher Abu Bakar\Bashir is set to face charges of involvement in terror crimes,\including last year's bombing of a luxury hotel in the\Indonesian capital, police said on Tuesday.


Thousands of passengers stranded by cancelled British Airways flights (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - LONDON (AP) - Thousands of British Airways passengers have been stranded by cancelled flights and lengthy delays at Heathrow Airport because of staff shortages and technical problems at the airline.


Conservative Muslim Indian district embraces e-literacy (AFP)

AFP - A 21-year-old Muslim woman is a proving a trailblazer in more ways than one as she takes part in an ambitious drive to bring the Internet to a conservative part of southern India.


GOP, Democrats Seek to Pull Campaign Ads (AP)

AP - When a Republican-funded group of Vietnam veterans sought to run a blistering television ad accusing John Kerry of lying about his decorated war record, Democrats quickly fired off a letter to broadcasters imploring them not to air the "inflammatory, outrageous lie."


Dollar at 2-Wk High Vs Euro, Data Awaited

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar rose to its highest level  against the euro in two and a half weeks on Tuesday, extending  the previous day's gains before pulling back as investors grew  skittish ahead of U.S. economic data.


Shake-up folds CSFB into parent

ZURICH Credit Suisse Group, Switzerland #39;s second-biggest bank by assets after UBS, said on Tuesday that it would integrate its investment bank Credit Suisse First Boston with its private bank and that it would sell shares in its insurance arm, Winterthur.


Militant cleared of Bali bombings

Indonesian militant Idris is jailed for a hotel bombing in Jakarta, but cleared of the Bali attacks because of a new law.


Macey falls back

Britain's Dean Macey slips to seventh after Tuesday's first event of the decathlon.


Philippines vows no default on debt payments

The Philippine presidential palace vowed Tuesday there would be no default on debt payments although President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo admitted the country was in the midst of a  quot;fiscal crisis.


Crude Oil Rises in New York as Iraq Fighting May Limit Exports

Crude oil futures rose in New York, after falling from a record on Friday, as fighting in Iraq #39;s holy city of Najaf damped expectations the country would restore oil exports to full capacity.


Foster #39;s shares down following poor earnings results, US wine <b>...</b>

SYDNEY : Shares in Australian brewer and winemaker Foster #39;s fell sharply in early trade amid disappointment over the poor performance of its US wine operations after the group reported year-to-June results.


#39;Marathon #39; mice engineered for extra endurance

Researchers on Monday unveiled genetically engineered mice that can run farther and longer than their naturally bred brethren, bringing the  quot;genetic doping quot; of elite athletes a small step closer to reality.


Stanley Miller II

Microsoft finished a major update to Windows XP earlier this month, with much fanfare and many promises that it will make the operating system more secure.


Now, security solutions being outsourced

After human resources, finance and accounting and supply chain management, large corporations and government agencies are turning to outside contractors for security.


Intel slashes chipset prices by 35

Intel has cut the prices on a range of Pentium 4 processors by 35 percent, but maintains that the price moves do not reflect efforts to reduce inventory and are part of its normal business.


Digestion troubles get more attention

By Michael Lasalandra, Globe Correspondent  August 24, 2004. Brynna Mathews began having intestinal problems in her early 20s. The onset was gradual, but eventually the bloating, cramping, intestinal pain


Cisco offers IP connector for Microsoft CRM

Cisco Systems this week said it had co-developed with Microsoft an application that helps small and medium-sized businesses connect Microsoft #39;s customer relation management


Teen boosts women #39;s soccer squad

The  quot;Win One for Mia and the Gang quot; speech US women #39;s soccer coach April Heinrichs delivered before Monday #39;s Olympic semifinal match got the job done.


China topple world champions

Yao Ming led China to one of the biggest upsets in men #39;s Olympic basketball on Tuesday, netting 27 points as his team beat Serbia and Montenegro 67-66 to knock the world champions out of the tournament.


Straw Arrives in Crisis-Hit Darfur

By John Deane, Chief Political Correspondent, PA News, in Darfur. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrived in the violence-plagued Darfur region of Sudan today to experience at first hand the plight of refugees driven from their homes by marauding militiamen.


Karzai Cancels Pakistan Speech, But Risk Fears Denied

Afghan President Hamid Karzai abruptly canceled a speech to a state-run think tank in Pakistan on Tuesday, but officials denied security was a reason.


Iraqi Minister Escapes Assassination Attack

A roadside bomb aimed at the Iraqi education ministers convoy exploded in western Baghdad today, killing one person and injuring two others, police said.


Labor Conflict Looms at VW

Carmaker Volkswagen could become the next venue for strikes after personnel chief Peter Hartz called for a two-year wage freeze Monday.


Santander says referral no cause to drop Abbey bid

Spanish bank Santander Central Hispano says the referral of any competing offer for Abbey National to regulators need not mean Santander would pull out of the fray.


Cisco picks up P-Cube for \$200 million

quot;Application and subscriber-aware technology solutions like P-Cube #39;s provide the ability to differentiate and control new content-based data services.


US softball team snares gold

The losing team made the news Monday in Olympic softball #39;s gold medal game. It scored a run. With Crystl Bustos hitting two shots that would have dented the outfield fence had


US men graceful in sweep of 400

In just under 45 seconds, three largely unknown Americans brought respect back to the United States in the 400 meters, dominating exactly as expected.


A suicide car bomb attack targeting Iraq #39;s environment minister killed four of her bodyguards on Tuesday, while a separate blast near the education minister #39;s convoy killed one bodyguard, police and government officials said.


Can a Robot Save Hubble? More Scientists Think So

NASA is becoming increasingly optimistic that the failing Hubble Space Telescope can be revived and rejuvenated at the hands of a robot rescuer.


As a Hormone Substitute, Soy Is Ever More Popular, but Is It Safe?

The effectiveness of soy in relieving the symptoms of menopause, or in improving health in any way, is unproven.


Ice Age Floodwaters Leave a Walkable Trail Across the Northwest

For years, geologists and devoted amateurs have lobbied for a regional trail dedicated to ice-age floods. At last, their efforts may pay off.


After a Multitude of Tests, an Answer From Grandmother's Memory

While the pediatrician worried that Beth might have a childhood muscular disorder, a grandmother made a diagnosis.


AT amp;T, AT amp;T Wireless end dispute, change brand pact

AT amp;T Wireless and AT amp;T Corp. have resolved a dispute over branding and reached a new agreement ahead of Cingular Wireless #39; planned purchase of AT amp;T Wireless, the three companies said Monday.


State found to pay extra for school projects

Because of its lax oversight, the state overpaid cities and towns by as much as \$20.5 million for school construction and renovation projects that came


Bulgarian #39;s big lift heavy as pure gold

ATHENS, GREECE - Bulgaria #39;s Milen Dobrev lived up to his top seeding and took the gold medal in the 207-pound (94 kg) division of the Olympic weightlifting tournament.


Chargers, QB Rivers make deal nfl roundup

The San Diego Chargers and rookie quarterback Philip Rivers agreed to terms on a six-year contract, ending the first-round draft pick #39;s three-week holdout.


Adelphia Says Rigas Family Owes  #36;3.23 Bln (Reuters)

Reuters - Adelphia Communications Corp.\(ADELQ.PK) asked a U.S. bankruptcy court to order its founding\Rigas family to pay back  #36;3.23 billion it says the family owes\the company, court papers show.


Adelphia Says Rigas Family Owes \$3.23 Bln

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Adelphia Communications Corp.  ADELQ.PK asked a U.S. bankruptcy court to order its founding  Rigas family to pay back \$3.23 billion it says the family owes  the company, court papers show.


Stocks wane on weak Wal-Mart forecast

A disappointing sales forecast from Wal-Mart sent stocks mostly lower yesterday as investors worried that oil prices, which stabilized after last week #39;s highs, would curb


Iraq supply helps steady oil price

SINGAPORE -- The restoring of oil exports from Iraq helped keep prices steady in Asia Tuesday but concerns over supply stability continues to keep the market near historic highs.


President Bush delivers anti-Labor Day message

TOM HARKIN. To understand what the Bush administration is really up to, it pays to watch what it does, not what it says. Monday, as the new Bush rule governing eligibility for overtime pay went into


Incentives on domestic cars tarnish image, customers say

The cash rebates and financing deals that Detroit #39;s three automakers have used to drive business in recent years are diminishing the value of their vehicles in consumers #39; eyes, a quarterly survey of customer satisfaction indicates.


Air Canada plan gets nod

TORONTO -- An Ontario court approved Air Canada #39;s restructuring plan yesterday, while one of Canada #39;s major banks sold off its debt in the airline.


Adelphia says Rigas family owes it \$3.23 bln

Adelphia Communications Corp. (ADELQ.PK: Quote, Profile, Research) asked a US bankruptcy court to order its founding Rigas family to pay back \$3.


Novartis: FDA OKs Expanded Zelnorm Use

Swiss drug maker Novartis Pharma AG said Monday that the Food and Drug Administration approved another use for the company #39;s Zelnorm irritable bowel drug, clearing Novartis to market the medicine as a treatment for chronic constipation in male and female


Gateway PCs Available at Micro Center Stores

quot;Gateway #39;s newly-established relationship with Micro Center is a very exciting one, quot; said Bob Davidson, senior vice president of retail at Gateway.


Stem-cell limit wasn #39;t tough enough

On Aug. 9, 2001, President Bush announced he would fund research only on those stem-cell lines taken from human embryos before that date.


Controversy boo-ils over

For 10 minutes, the crowd booed and whistled. American Paul Hamm waited to start. A week #39;s worth of controversy in gymnastics boiled over into the crowd last night during an evening in which


Ryu remain modest and hard-working after Olympic victory

Newly crowned men #39;s table tennis champion Ryu Seung Min never expected he became the man who created history at the Olympic Games.


Israel #39;s plans for West Bank grow

Israel yesterday announced plans for 500 new housing units in the West Bank, just days after announcing plans to build another 1,000.


Let the Political Gamesmanship Begin

President Bush has joined the list of those who would bend the Olympics to political ends. You might wonder at the company he keeps, since the list includes Jimmy Carter.


Lily shuts down Red Sox

The last the Red Sox had seen of Ted Lilly, he was serving up tape-measure home runs and hitting Sox sluggers with pitches in a Blue Jay loss at Fenway Park.


50 May, Walsh heading in right direction

It wasn #39;t easy for Misty May to look across the net at Holly McPeak, who teamed with her for a fifth-place finish at the 2000 Sydney Games.


AL notebook: NY rescued by Sheffield once again

Gary Sheffield hit another clutch homer and Derek Jeter learned his elbow is just bruised. Not a bad night for the struggling New York Yankees.


Escape hatch: French Jews visit Israel as anti-Semitism rises at <b>...</b>

French is one of the common languages spoken around the sparkling blue pool at the David Intercontinental in Tel Aviv, along the sandy beaches of Netanya and Eilat and the hotel lobbies of Jerusalem this summer.


Renewed battles erupt in Najaf

Explosions and gunfire shook Najaf #39;s Old City on Sunday in a fierce battle between US forces and Shiite militants, as negotiations dragged on for the handover


Binge drinking, the weekend activity of choice for many young Britons (AFP)

AFP - Britain might currently be struggling for Olympic medals in Athens, but if drinking to excess were a competitive sport, there seems little doubt its nationals could beat all-comers.


The Myth and the Magic of Enterprise Information Integration (TechWeb)

TechWeb - Those that know what they're talking about see EII as extending the data warehouse -- not replacing it.


US softball team earns just reward

ATHENS -- The coach of the United States softball team had a dream the other night. As Mike Candrea explained yesterday, it has been hard enough sleeping for the last month, let alone dreaming. The dream had nothing to do with these Olympics -- and everything to do with these Olympics.


Eldred not penned in

ST. LOUIS -- Over time, Cal Eldred has learned to embrace the bullpen. The righthander came to the St. Louis Cardinals in the spring of 2003 looking to compete for a spot in the rotation. Before undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery, he had been a productive starter for the Brewers, and won 10 games for the White Sox in 2000.


Wine glut hits profit at Foster's

Profits at Foster's, Australia's biggest wine and beer company, tumble after a wine glut in the US led to lower prices.


On standby, set to fly

TORONTO -- Last week of August, the playoff race is heating up, and a Red Sox player's thoughts turn to . . . football? In some ways, these guys are no different from the typical sports fan on the cusp of an NFL season. Sure, they're focused on the business at hand, winning a spot in their own postseason tournament ...


Strained left wrist sidelines Garciaparra

CHICAGO -- Cubs shortstop Nomar Garciaparra missed yesterday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers because of a strained left wrist and his status is day to day.


Man Sentenced in Tax Schemes Also Releases Data on Lawyers

Jerome Schneider, the nation's most prominent seller of offshore banks in tax evasion schemes, said the Justice Department and the I.R.S. broke a promise to ask that he spend no time behind bars in return for his cooperation.


Red Sox lulled by Lilly

TORONTO -- The powerful Red Sox offense, which last week had the Nation checking Yankee box scores for the first time in weeks, was rendered all but powerless last night by the artistry of Blue Jays lefthander Ted Lilly.


On this night, his promise was fulfilled

TORONTO -- Doc Halladay and Justin Miller were waiting in the dugout tunnel for fellow Toronto pitcher Ted Lilly to finish his postgame TV interviews last night.  quot;They said to him, Hey, Hollywood, you can smile now,'  quot; said Gil Patterson, the Blue Jays pitching coach.  quot;He said, Don't worry, I'm smiling on the inside.'  quot;


Rivers's holdout is over

Rookie quarterback Philip Rivers ended his lengthy holdout, agreeing to terms on a six-year contract with the San Diego Chargers last night.


Some friendly' fire

Last week's international soccer schedule produced the usual club-vs.-country conflicts, inconvenience, and some surprising but deceptive results. Three of the great star players of the 1980s and '90s made their coaching debuts: Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) won, and Hristo Stoitchkov (Bulgaria) and Marco van Basten (the Netherlands) tied. Marcello Lippi lost in his first game as Italy's coach, a 2-0 decision ...


Peterson takes reins for Eagles

Boston College football coach Tom O'Brien cast his die yesterday by selecting senior Paul Peterson as the starting quarterback for the Eagles' swan song season in the Big East, one that could have huge implications before their departure to the Atlantic Coast Conference next July.


RCN looks to exit Chapter 11

RCN Corp. , the upstart telecommunications provider that has sought to battle giants like Comcast Corp. and Verizon Communications Inc. in Greater Boston and other markets, unveiled plans yesterday to exit bankruptcy protection by December and shed more than two-thirds of its \$1.8 billion debt load.


Losing pace?

Like a runner who slows down before the finish line, the US economy may be losing momentum as it approaches the November election.


Gifford puts stock proceeds to work

Bank of America Corp. chairman Chad Gifford has sold about \$17 million worth of stock in the bank and used the proceeds to buy even more stock in the North Carolina company, executives said.


Analysts see OK grade for back-to-school sales

Amid reports yesterday of sluggish back-to-school sales from the nation's largest retailer, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , analysts maintained forecasts for a decent retail season.


Mbango breaks Greek hearts

Cameroon's Francoise Mbango Etone pips Greece's Hrysopiyi Devetzi to triple jump gold.


Fireworks in space

NASA released this image of an exploded star to celebrate the fifth birthday of a little known, but extremely important space telescope, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Chandra, designed to examine high-energy areas of the universe, has taken the most detailed picture ever of the remains of an exploded star, revealing a far more complex event than astronomers first believed. Cassiopeia ...


L.A. port complex to extend hours to ease congestion

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Cargo operations at the nation's largest port complex will be extended to nights and weekends in an effort to reduce traffic jams and air pollution, terminal operators said yesterday.


Iraq output rises; oil futures fall

Oil futures fell yesterday after Iraq, the sixth-largest supplier to the United States, boosted shipments to tankers to normal rates for the first time in two weeks.


Fed official downplays rising prices

WASHINGTON --Rising oil prices will weigh on economic growth, but the increases so far will not derail the expansion and need not fuel troubling inflation, Federal Reserve Board Governor Ben Bernanke said yesterday.


Yukos cuts its production forecast

MOSCOW -- Beleaguered Russian oil company Yukos said yesterday that it had reduced its crude output forecast for the year as bailiffs continued to collect cash against the company's crushing back taxes bill from its frozen bank accounts.


El Paso plans to write down \$3.7 billion in restatements

HOUSTON -- El Paso Corp. , the nation's largest natural gas pipeline company, said yesterday it will write down the value of its oil and gas properties by \$2.67 billion and reduce the value of its shareholder equity by \$1 billion to reflect accounting revisions for natural gas hedges.


Late credit-card bills hit 4-year low in June

NEW YORK -- Americans paid their credit card bills on time at a record high level in June, sending credit card delinquencies to their lowest level in four years, Moody's Investors Service said yesterday.


US Airways, pilots union break off talks

WASHINGTON -- US Airways Group Inc. and its pilots union broke off talks on reduced pay and benefits the airline is seeking to avoid a bankruptcy filing, with the union agreeing to take the latest company proposal to its leaders this week.


Group encourages whistleblowing

WASHINGTON -- The corporate oversight board created amid the accounting scandals is encouraging people to come forward with information by making it easier for company employees and others to report tips and complaints.


FDA questions Ill. plan to buy drugs from UK

WASHINGTON -- The Illinois governor's ambitious plan to help that state's residents buy prescription drugs from Britain also may permit drug imports from Europe's developing nations, the Food and Drug Administration fears.


RealNetworks offers discounts to students

SEATTLE -- RealNetworks Inc. will begin offering some university students its digital music subscription service at a steep discount in an effort to stem illegal downloads and attract long-term customers.


T-bill rates hit 2-year high

WASHINGTON -- Interest rates on short-term Treasury securities rose in yesterday's auction. The Treasury Department sold \$19 billion in three-month bills at a discount rate of 1.515 percent, up from 1.470 percent last week. An additional \$17 billion was sold in six-month bills at a rate of 1.750 percent, up from 1.725 percent.


Suit advances against investor in automaker

Billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian must face a DaimlerChrysler AG shareholder's claims that the businessman wrongfully sold shares in the automaker after obtaining insider information, a judge ruled.


Once-prosperous Sudanese scavenge to survive

FURAWIYAH, Sudan -- Rummaging through the ashy debris of this abandoned village in a dingy gray suit, Moussa Safi is like a ghost in a ghost town.


Standing firm, Arafat seen to counter his critics

JERUSALEM -- Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat appears to have faced down the biggest challenge to his leadership in years without giving ground on demands to overhaul his administration, while Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel struggles to chart a new political course amid rising dissent in his party, officials and analysts say.


Officials reject peacekeeping role for African Union

KHARTOUM, Sudan -- The Sudanese government faced intense Western and African Union pressure to accept additional observers and soldiers in the Darfur region, as Foreign Secretary Jack Straw of Britain flew to Sudan yesterday to urge the country to do more to disarm marauding militias.


Alleged vigilantes show videos of US, UN contacts

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Three Americans accused of torturing prisoners at a private jail played videos at their trial yesterday showing a top Afghan official pledging his full support to the alleged vigilantes, then sending his security force on a raid with them.


Reservist to plead guilty on Abu Ghraib charges

MANNHEIM, Germany -- An Army reservist charged with abusing Iraqi detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison said yesterday he will plead guilty to some offenses, acknowledging he broke the law and saying he accepts responsibility for his actions.


Trial of Saudis proposing democracy postponed amid protest

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- A Saudi judge postponed the trial of three advocates seeking democratic overhauls yesterday after their supporters, in a rare show of public dissent, demonstrated for access and then protested loudly once allowed into court.


Yukos cuts its production forecast

Beleaguered Russian oil company Yukos said yesterday that it had reduced its crude output forecast for the year as bailiffs continued to collect cash against


Unions protest as overtime rules take effect

Hundreds of workers rallied on the steps of the Labor Department yesterday to protest the implementation of new rules they say


RCN looks to exit Chapter 11

RCN Corp., the upstart telecommunications provider that has sought to battle giants like Comcast Corp. and Verizon Communications Inc.


#39;Seattle Times #39; writer admits plagiarism

A business columnist at the Seattle Times in the United States has resigned after admitting he copied the work of other journalists.


RealNetworks Inc. will begin offering some university students its digital music subscription service at a steep discount in an effort to stem illegal downloads and attract long-term customers.


Business in brief

The Red Roof Inn hotel and motel chain plans to offer high-speed wireless Internet service in all rooms and public areas at its 359 US locations in coming months.


On this night, his promise was fulfilled

Doc Halladay and Justin Miller were waiting in the dugout tunnel for fellow Toronto pitcher Ted Lilly to finish his postgame TV interviews last night.


Lou is still saying  #39;no #39; to New York

With a slew of reporters from New York at Monday #39;s game to watch former Mets prospect Scott Kazmir make his pitching debut with the Rays, the questions about Piniella someday going to the Mets could not help but surface.


As US troops edge closer, Iraqi cleric eases demands

With fighting raging, Shiite Muslims loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr appeared yesterday to renew their interest in a negotiated end to the siege of one of Islam #39;s holiest shrines.


Iraq Aid Convoy Attacked on Way to Najaf, Two Dead (Reuters)

Reuters - Insurgents attacked a truck and an\ambulance taking aid to the besieged Iraqi city of Najaf on\Tuesday, killing two people and setting the vehicles on fire, a\Reuters witness said.


British foreign minister arrives in troubled Darfur (AFP)

AFP - British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrived in Sudan's violence-plagued western region of Darfur to see the plight of refugees driven from their homes by state-sponsored militias.


Glenmorangie in Takeover Talks

Whisky distiller Glenmorangie said today it was in talks with a number of potential suitors about a takeover. The firm, one of the largest remaining independent companies


Swatch First-Half Profit Rises on US, Asian Demand (Update4)

Swatch Group AG, the world #39;s largest watchmaker, said first-half profit advanced 17 percent as a recovery in US and Asian spending on luxury goods boosted demand for brands including Omega and Breguet.


Mice flex muscles in genetic studies

Genetically engineered mice developed by Salk Institute and UCSD scientists in separate studies have greater performance abilities when running and swimming.


Virus Snoops via Webcam

A new computer virus, which is capable of switching on webcams, allowing the author to peep into people #39;s lives, is doing the rounds.


Wariner leads 400 sweep while destroying stereotypes

ATHENS - It #39;s a quirky statistic, one that makes you do a double-take until you check the record books. In the last 40 years only one White American, Dave Wottle, had won an Olympic gold medal in an event on the track.


Grief gives way to gold

Yet Lisa Fernandez desperately longed to give up her gold-medal moment to US softball coach Mike Candrea.  quot;He truly deserved to be on that podium, quot; said Fernandez, the winning pitcher for the United States


No rest as Holmes returns for heats

Kelly Holmes was due back in the Olympic stadium on Tuesday evening less than 24 hours after becoming the first British woman to win gold in the 800metres for 40 years.


Ryu on Top of the World

In the sixth game of the mens singles table tennis final Ryu Seung-min earned his second gold-medal point at 10-9. The 22-year-old had already missed out on his first chance in the fifth


Sorry Sonia trails in last

The Cobh athlete recorded a time of 16 minutes and 20.90 seconds - over one and half minutes slower than her run in Australia - to finish in 14th position.


AL: Jays LHP subdues Red Sox

Ted Lilly thoroughly enjoyed ending Boston #39;s six-game winning streak with a record performance. Lilly struck out a career-high 13 in a three-hitter, pitching the Blue Jays past Pedro Martinez and the Red Sox 3-0 Monday night.


Yankees strike back

Gary Sheffield hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the ninth inning and the Yankees sent the fading Indians to their eighth straight loss, 6-4, last night in Cleveland.


Zambrano helps Cubs get ahead

Moises Alou went 3 for 5 with two RBIs and two doubles for Chicago, which has won five of six. Every starter for the Cubs had at least one hit.


AL notables

Johan Santana has 200 strikeouts, the most for a Twins pitcher since Bert Blyleven #39;s 215 in 1986. Mike Jackson of the White Sox made his 1,002d appearance, tying Goose Gossage for eighth on the career list.


Prison violation #39; admitted

MANNHEIM, GermanyThe highest-ranking reservist in the US Army, charged with abusing Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison, said yesterday he will plead guilty to some offences, acknowledging he broke the law and saying he accepts responsibility for his


Hicks to be reunited with father

ELEANOR HALL: After close to three years in US detention, Australian Guantanamo Bay detainee, David Hicks, will shortly be reunited with his father, Terry, whos on his way to Cuba to attend his son #39;s trial before a US military commission.


Daiei shares jump almost 10 pct on reported Wal-Wart rescue plan (AFP)

AFP - Shares in Daiei rallied, backed by a report that the world's biggest retailer Wal-Mart Stores is ready to rescue the ailing supermarket chain without the help of a Japanese government-backed body.


UK gamers aim to take Korea

Members of the leading British Four-Kings clan are moving to Korea to live the life of pro gamers.


Going for green

Federal agencies have new hints to guide them to green ovals in the e-government column on their quarterly Office of Management and Budget scorecards.


Protesting fans stop gym final

Angry fans stopped the final of the men #39;s gymnastics high bar for 10 minutes as they booed judges for a poor score that destroyed Russian Alexei Nemov #39;s chance of a 13th Olympic medal.


Spanish Bank  #39;Won #39;t Be Put off by Rival Abbey Bid #39;

The Spanish bank bidding to buy Abbey National insisted today that a rival offer from UK group HBOS would not necessarily derail its interest.


Why we must watch Chavez

A discussion of Venezuela #39;s political crisis should not begin or end with a cautionary parable about Herbert Mathews, but his image is hard to shake.


UPDATE: US Wine Unit Bruises Foster #39;s Annual Earnings

MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Australian drinks company Foster #39;s Group Ltd. (FGL.AU) said Tuesday that annual net profit rose 73 as gains from the sale of its local pub assets


Don #39;t Get Burned Paying for a Hotspot

Okay, no more excuses. Don #39;t even try telling your boss that your report is late because you couldn #39;t find an Internet connection.


Time Warner, Sony Still Courting MGM

Industry talk over the potential sale of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer might have subsided in recent weeks. But despite summer vacation season, Time Warner Inc.


Businesslike Crawford, two US teammates, advance in 200

No preening or chest bumping. No backward baseball cap. No high stepping as he approached the finish line. Shawn Crawford was all business Tuesday, speeding to victory in 20.


German public deficit balloons in first half (AFP)

AFP - Germany's public deficit amounted to 4.0 percent of gross domestic product in the first six months of the current year, well above the EU limit of 3.0 percent, official data showed.


Indonesian militant gets 10 years for hotel attack, cleared of Bali blast (AFP)

AFP - An Indonesian court jailed an alleged member of the Jemaah Islamiyah terror group for 10 years for his role in the deadly bombing of a Jakarta hotel but cleared him of involvement in the Bali bombings.


Oil Slips Below \$46 as Iraq Flow Rises

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices dipped below \$46 on Tuesday,  making a third day of falls as a more optimistic Iraq export  picture unwound some of the supply worries that have lifted the  market to historic levels.


Third straight loss leaves US all wet

ATHENS -- The United States fell out of medal contention in Olympic water polo yesterday as Aleksander Sapic scored three goals to lead Serbia-Montenegro to a 9-4 win over the Americans.


Soccer handoff sign of success

HERAKLIO, Crete -- You hang around long enough, you see a kid who had your picture up on the wall, and who thought you were some kind of a goddess, take your pass and score the goal that gives you one last chance at a gold medal.


US routs Angola and now aims for Spain

ATHENS -- Well, they're entitled to least one blowout, aren't they? The US men's basketball team, which had played four tough games entering yesterday's preliminary round closer, got a much-needed lift with the arrival of Angola on the schedule. The result was a predictable thumping, 89-53, even if we've seen that nothing is predictable with this team or in this ...


Zambrano helps Cubs get ahead

Carlos Zambrano took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning and struck out nine to lead the Cubs over the Milwaukee Brewers, 8-3, last night in Chicago


Hitting Finch a cinch?

The Olympics have produced many terrific showdowns through the years. Nancy Kerrigan vs. Tonya Harding . Rulon Gardner vs. Alexander Karelin . Michael Phelps vs. Ian Thorpe . Now comes one that will knock the glasses right off the top of Bud Greenspan's head.


Wariner Leads U.S. Sweep in 400

ATHENS, Greece - Jeremy Wariner is just 20 years old. He just led a U.S...


Samoa plans internet for all

The Pacific island nation of Samoa is looking to the internet as a way of developing its economy.


LATEST FUTURES NEWS

Oil prices dipped below \$46 on Tuesday, making a third day of falls as a more optimistic Iraq export picture unwound some of the supply worries that have lifted the market to historic levels.


Glenmorangie in takeover talks

Whisky distiller Glenmorangie said it was in talks with a number of potential suitors about a takeover. The firm, one of the largest remaining independent companies in the Scotch whisky industry, said it was


IT managers plan imminent move to XP SP2

Nearly three-quarters of IT managers are planning to deploy the Windows XP Service Pack 2 update to their systems, research shows.


Fans rush to create mods for long-awaited  #39;Doom 3 #39;

Activision #39;s Doom 3, which launched earlier this month, wasn #39;t on store shelves for three days before players started creating their own modifications - known as mods -o the game.


Invincible but in tears

For five weeks, they put a clamp on their feelings. They wanted to grieve, knew the time would come when they would be able to grieve, but also understood the time was not yet at hand.


One more to gold

HERAKLION, Greece - Heather O #39;Reilly had posters of Mia Hamm on her New Jersey bedroom wall for years and years and years and years.


Kazmirs in The Show

The Mets didn #39;t consider Scott Kazmir untouchable, trading him away to the Devil Rays, but at times he certainly looked that way last night against Seattle at Safeco Field in his major-league debut.


Standing firm, Arafat seen to counter his critics

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat appears to have faced down the biggest challenge to his leadership in years without giving ground on demands


Russian Military: 12 Killed in Chechnya (AP)

AP - Russian artillery strikes killed 12 rebels Tuesday outside Chechnya's capital Grozny, the Interfax news agency said, citing a military spokesman.


Madonna.com Calls Shots on Ring Tone Offer (Reuters)

Reuters - Madonna and m-Qube have\made it possible for the star's North American fans to download\polyphonic ring tones and other licensed mobile content from\her official Web site, across most major carriers and without\the need for a credit card.


Iraq output rises; oil futures fall

Oil futures fell yesterday after Iraq, the sixth-largest supplier to the United States, boosted shipments to tankers to normal rates for the first time in two weeks.


Philippines economy faces crisis

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has called on the public to make personal sacrifices amid warnings of an impending economic crisis.


World #39;s first virtual girlfriend to launch in November

You know how it is guys. Work, mates, sports, work, sleep - there just isn #39;t enough time to meet members of the opposite sex. Now technology has come to the rescue with the launch of the world #39;s first virtual girlfriend game.


PRO GOLF NOTEBOOK Top spot seems hollow for Woods

Tiger Woods is still the No. 1 golfer in the world, just as sure Generalisimo Francisco Franco is still dead. The difference these days is, Woods is No.


Jeter #39;s OK after being hit in elbow in Yankees #39; win

Derek Jeter bruised his left elbow when he was hit by a pitch Monday night in the New York Yankees #39; 6-4 victory against the host Cleveland Indians.


Kazmir dazzles in D-Rays debut

Scott Kazmir #39;s big league debut was everything Mets fans had dreamed about since the day he was drafted in the first round two years ago.


Israel OKs more settlements

Israel announced plans yesterday to build 533 new homes in the West Bank, increasing the number of permits to three times those allowed in the previous three years combined.


Two Iraqi Ministers Survive Attacks

24 August 2004 -- Iraq #39;s environment and education ministers were both unharmed in two separate attacks on their respective convoys in Baghdad today, as fighting continues in the holy city of Al-Najaf.


Oil Slips Below \$46 as Iraq Flow Rises

Oil prices dipped below \$46 on Tuesday, making a third day of falls as a more optimistic Iraq export picture unwound some of the supply worries that have lifted the market to historic levels.


SCH still expects to close Abbey takeover by year end (AFP)

AFP - The Spanish bank Santander Central Hispano said it still expects to complete its acquisition of British home-loan specialist Abbey National by the end of this year.


Wanted Italian leftist on the run

Radical 1970s leftist Cesare Battisti - wanted in Italy for murder - goes missing in France.


U.S. Denies Claim It Damaged Najaf Shrine

NAJAF, Iraq - Plumes of black smoke rose above the embattled city of Najaf Tuesday after American warplanes bombed insurgent positions overnight and supporters of a radical cleric charged that shrapnel from a U.S. attack had hit parts of the Imam Ali Shrine...


Cisco to buy P-Cube for about \$200 m

The company #39;s sixth buy this year is meant to aid service providers in controlling and managing Internet-based networks, such as VoIP and interactive gaming.


Intel Pentium 4 prices slashed by 35

The price of the Pentium 4 560 is now priced at \$417 from \$637, while prices of other desktop Pentium 4 chips are cut by 18 percent to 33 percent.


SAP wins SW deal for gigantic US Postal staff

According to the deal worth \$35 million, it will supply and install human resources software to help the US Postal Service manage its staff of about 700,000.


America again takes the fight out of Angola

The US Olympics basketball team took a trip back to its former days of dominance Monday, and it was only appropriate the opponent was Angola.


#39;We are here to kill and we have enough stamina #39;

When shrapnel lands in Najaf #39;s Imam Ali Shrine, Shia militants holed up inside the sacred complex casually inspect the hot metal and then return to prayers or chanting defiant slogans.


Typhoon Aere Lashes Taiwan #39;s Capital

TAIPEI, Taiwan Aug. 24, 2004 - Typhoon Aere lashed northern Taiwan on Tuesday, closing schools, grounding flights to northeast Asia and dumping rain that threatened to cause deadly flash floods and landslides.


SCH still expects to close Abbey takeover by year end

The Spanish bank Santander Central Hispano said it still expects to complete its acquisition of British home-loan specialist Abbey National by the end of this year.


Overtime pay will now be protected for millions

Overtime pay matters to American workers and their families, and this week millions more of them gained overtime rights. Until now, outdated regulations left millions of workers without the guaranteed overtime protections they deserve.


Distiller Glenmorangie in takeover talks

Scotch malt whisky distiller Glenmorangie GMGa.L is in talks with a number of parties regarding a possible offer for the company, the firm has said, as the news pushed its shares up almost 20 percent.


SMFG puts forward \$29bn takeover bid for UFJ

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. (SMFG) on Tuesday put in a 3.2 trillion yen (\$29.13 billion) bid for smaller rival bank UFJ Holdings Inc.


Swatch H1 profit rises on luxury sales ZURICH (Reuters) - Aug 24 <b>...</b>

Recovering demand for luxury goods helped Swatch post an in-line 17 percent rise in first-half net profit to 217 million Swiss francs (\$172.


Beagle team probes its own loss

The UK-led Beagle 2 team which tried to put a lander on the surface of Mars last year has published the findings of its own inquiry into what went wrong.


Webcam worm spies on victims

The latest version of the Rbot worm contains features that allow malicious hackers to easily turn on the webcam and microphone of infected Windows computers, effectively allowing them to spy on their victims, according to an anti-virus firm.


In stem cell debate, truth lies between the slogans

For Republicans trying to hold the White House four more years, it didn #39;t look good: The son of the late President Ronald Reagan, the party #39;s modern savior, addressing


Solution Technology is acquired

Michigan-based Logicalis paying \$15.7 million for Indianapolis IT firm; MindGent spinoff not included in deal. By Norm Heikens. Solution Technology Inc.


Concept virus works on AMD64

Virus writers have created a proof-of-concept file infector specifically for machines that run Advanced Micro Devices Inc. #39;s AMD64 64-bit processors, antivirus companies said yesterday.


The skinny on Wariner: He #39;s fast

ATHENS, Greece -- He was leading the race, but for some reason, you just had the feeling he might slow down. I don #39;t know what it was about American Jeremy Wariner, his technique or thin muscles or something


From pain to big gain

Joe Torre held a closed-door meeting before last night #39;s game to discuss his team #39;s recent struggles, but there was no talk of losses after the game.


Padres stay in the hunt

Phil Nevin homered, doubled and drove in five runs, and the visiting San Diego Padres built an early lead Monday en route to trouncing the New York Mets 9-4.


Abu Ghraib Hearing Underway in Germany

Charles Graner, the suspected ringleader in the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal and three others are facing pre-trial hearings in Germany, marked by warnings by the judge for the US to speed up investigations.


Typhoon Aere menaces Taiwan

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- A strong typhoon lashed northern Taiwan on Tuesday, dumping heavy rain, grounding some flights and closing financial markets, schools and businesses across parts of the island.


Israeli FM minister heads to Paris to discuss Jewish attacks

JERUSALEM, Aug 24 (AFP) - An Israeli cabinet minister hailed the French government #39;s stance on anti-Semitism Tuesday as Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom headed to Paris for talks on a growing spate of attacks on Europe #39;s largest Jewish community.


Death demand for self-confessed plotter

SOUTH African alleged mercenary leader Nick du Toit admitted yesterday that he had recruited personnel and taken charge of logistics for a coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea.


Bird flu spreads to pigs

24/08/2004 - Authorities in China are trying to calm fears over the spread of the deadly avian influenza strain H5N1 to pigs by stating that recent tests carried out on pig farms in the country have shown that the animals are now clear of the disease.


Logicalis buys Solution Technology

Datatec International, the global arm of information technology group Datatec (DTC), has announced that its subsidiary Logicalis has acquired Solution Technology Inc (STI) - a privately-held IBM solution provider and one of IBM #39;s top 10 business partners


Stem-cell policy moderately wrong

Why didn #39;t Bush outright prohibit the research, if he truly believed destroying embryos is killing? BY RAMESH PONNURU. Ramesh Ponnuru is a senior editor at the National Review.


Beagle team probes its own loss

The UK-led Beagle 2 team maintains its Mars lander was probably lost because of unexpected atmospheric conditions during entry.


Olympics: Party, Party, Party - Greece's Parting Gift

ATHENS (Reuters) - They will be dancing in the aisles at  the Olympic closing ceremony when Greece throws a giant  Bacchanalian bash for athletes and fans.


GGP to use CMBSs for Rouse buy (TheDeal.com)

TheDeal.com - The REIT's commercial mortgage-backed securities may be tied to Rouse's prestigious mall portfolio.


Oil Eases; Dollar Slips, Stocks Flat

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices eased again on Tuesday with  the re-opening of two Iraqi pipelines, but most financial  markets traded in narrow ranges after sharp reactions in  previous sessions.


Whisky distiller put up for sale

The company that makes the UK's best-selling malt whisky is being put up for sale by its family owners.


Survey: Incentives dim US cars' image

DETROIT -- The cash rebates and financing deals that Detroit's Big Three automakers have used to drive business in recent years are diminishing the value of their vehicles in the eyes of consumers, a new quarterly survey of customer satisfaction indicates.


Boring Game? Outsource It

It's not just work that's being outsourced from wealthy nations to poorer ones. These days, online gamers in developing countries are being paid to earn virtual goods that wealthier players are too lazy or unskilled to win on their own. By Laila Weir.


Site Is Mac Daddy of Apple Deals

A site for cut-rate Apple products has amassed a loyal following by taking the unusual approach of relying on readers for bargain-hunting tips. By Leander Kahney.


Update 1: Sumitomo Mitsui Tries to Woo UFJ

Japan #39;s Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. said Tuesday it proposed to UFJ Holdings Inc. that the two banks merge on an equal basis in its latest attempt to woo UFJ away from a rival suitor.


Tears of joy as Holmes runs the race of her life

FOR the second night running there were tears for British athletics. But this time, in stark contrast to the shock and bewilderment of Paula Radcliffe, they were tears of utter


Olympic roundup

ATHENS, Greece - For one game, the United States was its former Olympic basketball self on Monday afternoon. Considering the opponent, winless Angola, that shouldn #39;t be viewed as a strong foundation for optimism as medal play approaches.


Psychologist cutback to blame: claim

Rowing Australia, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and women #39;s coach Harold Jahrling had to take some responsibility for Sally Robbins #39; failure to keep going in the women #39;s eight final, sports psychologist Jeff Bond said.


Typhoon Aere Bearing Down on Taiwan

Typhoon Aere is reported to be on a collision course towards Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, after pelting the northern portion of the island with high winds and rain.


Group Frees US Journalist Hostage in Iraq-TV

US journalist Micah Garen was on Sunday freed by an Iraqi group who had held him hostage in the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya.  quot;I am very grateful to everyone who worked to protect me


Crisis Alert in Critical State

While TV viewers and radio listeners have long suffered through ear-piercing emergency-alert tests, the system has had a spotty record in actual crises. That's why critics are leery of plans to expand the system to cell phones and PCs. By Randy Dotinga.


Riders Segway Through the Zoo

Fans of the Segway -- the gyroscopically controlled scooter that has been banned on many sidewalks -- are taking solace in the company of other enthusiasts. In San Francisco, this extends to the animal kingdom, as Segway users commandeer a zoo. By Rachel Metz.


Games People Played

Atari addicts young and old attend the seventh annual Classic Gaming Expo, getting a rare chance to mingle with their favorite game designers and stock up on rare collectibles. Chris Kohler reports from San Jose, California.


BugMeNot Gets Booted, Restored

The site that helps people evade registration roadblocks on websites couldn't evade trouble itself. Its server host, perhaps bowing to pressure, pulled the plug last week. But a new host is found and BugMeNot is back up. By Rachel Metz.


Japan to Deport Ex-Chess Champion Bobby Fischer (Reuters)

Reuters - Japan has decided to deport former world\chess champion Bobby Fischer, who is wanted in the United\States for defying sanctions on Yugoslavia, an immigration\official said on Tuesday.


Japan Rejects Bobby Fischer's Appeal (AP)

AP - Japan's Justice Ministry on Tuesday rejected former chess champion Bobby Fischer's demand for protection as a political refugee, issuing an order to deport him.


Olympics: Rowers Reprimanded Over 'Lay Down Sally'

ATHENS (Reuters) - In one of the most bizarre episodes to  erupt at the Athens Olympics, the Australian women's eight  rowing crew were reprimanded on Tuesday for laying in to "Lay  Down Sally."


Japan to Deport Ex-Chess Champion Bobby Fischer

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan has decided to deport former world  chess champion Bobby Fischer, who is wanted in the United  States for defying sanctions on Yugoslavia, an immigration  official said on Tuesday.


CIA break-up plan draws criticism

A Republican plan to break up the CIA as a result of  9/11 is attacked by top Democrats and agency's chief.


Thieves asked to save The Scream

The head of Oslo's Munch museum appeals to thieves who stole The Scream not to destroy it.


Dali centenary show full of fakes

\Hundreds of Dali paintings seized from an exhibition in Finland are forged, Helsinki Police confirm.


Israel announces West Bank housing plan; barrier delayed

JERUSALEM -- Israel announced plans yesterday for 500 new housing units in the West Bank, after an apparent US policy shift that has infuriated the Palestinians. The Palestinians oppose all Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where they hope to establish an independent state.


Study: 1 in 3 Adults Has Hypertension

DALLAS - Nearly a third of American adults have high blood pressure, putting them at greater risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and other problems, according to a new government analysis.    The obesity epidemic and an aging population are to blame, experts say...


Iraqi Guardsman Ring Najaf Shrine

NAJAF, Iraq - U.S. and Iraqi forces battled militants in Najaf on Tuesday and Iraqi National Guardsmen surrounded the holy city's Imam Ali Shrine, where insurgents loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have been holed up for weeks...


The Return of Abu Sayyaf

A Philippine group that was once known for brutal kidnapping has graduated to genuine terror \


Turning Up the Heat

A growing U.S. focus on North Korea's human-rights record will complicate the six-nation talks


US tops league of e-mail spammers

The US is responsible for most of the spam e-mails that fill up computer inboxes, says a report.


SCH still expects to close Abbey takeover by year end

LONDON : The Spanish bank Santander Central Hispano said it still expects to complete its acquisition of British home-loan specialist Abbey National by the end of this year.


Arm hands over \$910m for US chip firm

Arm is to pay \$910m (504m) in cash and shares for Artisan, the US-based transistor-level designer for systems-on-a-chip. Arm chairman Sir Robin Saxby said in a conference call:  quot;This will be a combination


Cisco to acquire P-Cube for \$200m

Cisco Systems has agreed to buy software developer P-Cube in a cash-and-options deal Cisco valued at \$200m (110m). P-Cube makes software to help service providers analyse and control network traffic.


Tuesday 24th August 2004

Could integrating antivirus software into Windows be the key to solving Microsoft #39;s security woes or could the technology create more problems than it solves?


Worm turns on webcams

A VIRUS WRITER has decided that the wants to see the look on your face when you discover your computer is infected by his handiwork.


Mississippian captures silver

ATHENS, Greece - The Mississippian few thought would make the US Olympic team nearly won gold Monday in the 400 meters. Otis Harris of Edwards had the lead rounding the final turn of the one-lap sprint but


Greek athlete dies after fall

A Greek judoka, who 17 days ago jumped off a balcony after a row with her boyfriend hours before she was due to go into the athletes #39; Olympic village for the Athens Games, has died in hospital.


Arroyo vows Philippines will not default

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo said the country would not default on its debt repayments even if the country were in the midst of a fiscal crisis.


Google #39;s weak governance rating

Institutional Shareholder Services has given Google a lower corporate governance rating than any company in the Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 index.


New XP upgrades fall Micro-short

Users of Microsoft #39;s Windows XP computer operating system should be on the lookout for the latest round of updates and patches, which fix several security problems but lack any real security advancements.


Peeping Tom webcam worm on the prowl

Virus writers have developed a  #39;Peeping Tom #39; worm that can use webcams to spy on computer users in their home or workplace, internet security watchers have warned.


New virus targets 64-bit version of Windows

The virus, dubbed W64.Shruggle by Symantec, seems mainly to be an experiment to test the concept of a 64-bit infecter and is not actively spread, said Alfred Huger, senior director of security at Symantec.


Spurs complete Carrick deal

The England international moved to White Hart Lane in a 3.5million deal after coming through a medical unscathed. The Hammers decided to cash in on the player in the last year of his contract, with the likes


Dollar Steadies After Rally on Fed Talk

LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar paused on Tuesday after a  steep rally in the previous session as investors waited to see  if forthcoming data would reinforce the Federal Reserve's  optimism in the U.S. recovery.


Iraq Gives Rebels Hours to Give Up, Battle Rages

NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq warned Shi'ite rebels besieged  in a holy shrine in the city of Najaf to surrender or face an  attack later on Tuesday that would "wipe them out," as  government forces entered the battle zone for the first time.


US tops league of spammers


IPO's Success Doesn't Justify Google's Price

One of the tongue-in-cheek rules that we column-writers have is, "Often wrong, never in doubt." Take a stand, don't duck and weave too much. But someone as opinionated as I am should not only have no doubt, but shouldn't be wrong too often. No one's perfect, though. As witness the column I wrote three weeks ago as I headed for vacation, warning you not to buy Google at its initial public offering price.


Santander stands firm on takeover bid for Abbey National

LONDON, August 24 (New Ratings) - The Spanish banking giant, Banco Santander Central Hispano (BSD2.FSE), has expressed its commitment to its 8.


COASTAL BUSINESS

US Airways and its pilots union broke off talks on reduced pay and benefits, the Bloomberg news service reported Monday. US Airways, Myrtle Beach International Airport #39;s busiest carrier, is seeking concessions to avoid a bankruptcy filing.


Foster #39;s Counts Cost of Poor Wine Market

Brewing giant Fosters today said that higher annual profits from sales of beer overseas had been eroded by a sharp drop in US wine trade.


Texan leads American sweep of 400 medals

He was supposed to uphold the tradition of Michael Johnson and Baylor University. He was to break cultural barriers. He was to restore the 400 meters.


Canadians join in on criticism of FIG

The rules seem to be the problem. The South Koreans are upset that the rules are too strict. The Americans are upset that the rules are being broken.


Golden dream still alive for Fab Five

Deep into overtime, the breaks were going against the US women #39;s soccer team. First came a last-gasp goal that stole victory in regulation, then came a wide-open shot that bounced off the goalpost.


Going the entire distance Kantor #39;s marathon bronze was true team <b>...</b>

Athens -- When Deena Kastor rode the bus to the start of Sunday #39;s women #39;s Olympic marathon race, she was jolted by the reality of the time and the place.


Straw sees Darfur #39;s pain

The foreign secretary, Jack Straw, arrived in Sudan #39;s troubled Darfur region this morning to witness the devastating results of Arab militia attacks on the indigenous black African population.


First Guantanamo detainees to face trial

GUANTANAMO BAY US NAVAL BASE, CUBA - The alleged driver and bodyguard of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is among four men due to face military court proceedings on Tuesday morning, as the Unites States begins trying some of the suspected terrorists it is


Two Iraqi Ministers Targeted in Separate Attacks

Iraqi officials say assailants targeted the convoys of two Iraqi government ministers in separate attacks in Baghdad Tuesday. Neither official was hurt, but five other people were killed in the attacks.


Bush commercial angers Iraq #39;s soccer Olympians

THESSALONIKI, GreeceSaying their  quot;occupied quot; country should not be held up as a symbol of freedom, the coach and several players of Iraq #39;s celebrated soccer team are furious over a campaign commercial for US President George W. Bush.


Japan Rejects Bobby Fischer #39;s Appeal

TOKYO Aug. 24, 2004 - Japan #39;s Justice Ministry on Tuesday rejected former chess champion Bobby Fischer #39;s demand for protection as a political refugee, issuing an order to deport him.


Colleges Fear XP Downloads Will Cause Jam (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Microsoft Corp.'s decision to release a major upgrade for its flagship operating system in the same month that hundreds of thousands of students are reporting to college campuses across the nation is causing a major headache for some universities.


Zambrano Takes No-Hitter Into Seventh (AP)

AP - Carlos Zambrano felt so comfortable on the mound, he was convinced he was unhittable.


U.S. Softball Team Wins Third Gold Medal (AP)

AP - They are America's newest golden girls  #151; powerful and just a shade from perfection. The U.S. softball team won its third straight gold medal with an unprecedented and nearly unblemished romp through the Olympics, capped by a 5-1 victory Monday over an Australian team that, like the rest of softball's elite, never had a chance.