Goldman, Lehman profits rise

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. said fiscal third-quarter earnings rose more than expected, led by gains in bond and commodities trading and higher fees from mergers and acquisitions advice.


BBVA to buy Texas bank Laredo National for \$850 million

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Spanish bank BBVA (BBV) on Tuesday said it has agreed to buy privately-held Laredo National Bancshares of Texas for \$850 million.


Sony Computer To Launch Worldwide Sales of New PS2

Sony Computer Entertainment, the game unit of Sony, will roll out worldwide a new, smaller version of the PlayStation 2 game console from the start of November, company President Ken Kutaragi said.


Sun foresees global pool of computing power

com September 21, 2004, 5:30 PM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half.


Antarctic Glacier Flows Accelerating

NASA, Canadian, and European satellites have observed worrying increases in the flow of glaciers into the open ocean, following the breakup of ice shelves in Antarctica.


Microsoft JPEG Flaw Exploited

September 20, 2004 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- According to a report published Friday by Internet research firm Netcraft (netcraft.


Beckham boots Real to victory

David Beckham scored a free-kick as Real Madrid beat Osasuna 1-0 in its first match under new coach Mariano Garcia Remon to go to the top of Spanish soccer #39;s Primera Liga.


Never in doubt

After taking a haymaker that deprived them of victory when they were one strike away, the Boston Red Sox refused to stay down. They bounced right back in the last of the ninth, pulling


Ichiro hits stride - again

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Ichiro Suzuki has had a great season, but it had to be said - the major league single-season hits record was sliding away.


Bush gives hell to UN

NEW YORK -- US President George W. Bush yesterday scolded the United Nations for failing to join his crackdown on  quot;murderers.


Tehran defiant

Defying a key demand set by 35 countries, Iran announced yesterday it has started converting raw uranium into the gas needed for enrichment, a process that can be used to make nuclear bombs.


US giving Israel 5,000 bombs

JERUSALEMIsrael #39;s military arsenal is poised to receive a windfall of 5,000  quot;smart bombs quot; from the United States in a new package of military aid, according to Pentagon documents.


Crude Steady Near 1-Month High on Concern About Russian Supply

Crude oil futures were little changed close to a one-month high on concern Russian exports will be disrupted after utilities cut some power supplies to OAO Yukos Oil Co.


Shell unveils \$4B in plans

Shell Canada outlined \$4 billion worth of expansions and de-bottlenecking at its Athabasca Oil Sands Project yesterday. The work will eventually bring the project to 500,000 barrels per day in production.


Ball Notes

- Red Sox 3, Orioles 2: At Boston, Mark Bellhorn singled in two runs in the bottom of the ninth as the Red Sox snapped a three-game losing streak after nearly blowing the game in the top of the inning.


Phillies end Florida frustration

At Miami, Cory Lidle took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, Ryan Madson escaped a jam, and the Philadelphia Phillies ended two years of frustration in Florida by beating the Marlins.


Farewell Sir Brian

Legends are everywhere these days if you believe the media. We journalists are so fond of hyperbole that we elevate everyone who is anyone up to the level of genius.


Twins #39; formula is No. 1

CHICAGO -- Nothing fazes the Minnesota Twins. Threatened with contraction three years ago, they ran away with the AL Central title.


Time magazines #39; report on J amp;K draws ire

Officials in New Delhi are cross about a Time magazine story that says that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will offer territorial concessions on Kashmir to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf when they meet in New York Friday.


Philly Plans to Become One Big Hot Spot (PC World)

PC World - City will build the world's largest mesh Wi-Fi network to spread Internet access.


U.S. Treasuries Drift Lower

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices drifted lower on  Wednesday but trade was subdued as the market pondered the  scale of interest rate hikes a day after the Federal Reserve  delivered its third straight rate increase.


Sharapova Eases Through in Beijing

BEIJING (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova  demolished fellow Russian Tatiana Panova 6-1, 6-1 to advance to  the quarter-finals of the China Open on Wednesday.


U.S. Frees 11 Afghan Prisoners at Karzai's Request

KABUL (Reuters) - The United States has released 11 Afghans  held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba on suspicion of Taliban links  after a request from President Hamid Karzai, an Afghan official  said on Wednesday.


S.Korea's Roh Says No Need to Rush North Atom Talks

MOSCOW (Reuters) - South Korea sees no need to rush into a  further round of talks on the North's nuclear weapons  ambitions, President Roh Moo-hyun said on Wednesday.


Nigeria's 'Taleban' attack police

The government in Nigeria's north-eastern Borno state holds an emergency meeting after raids by the "Taleban" militia leave four dead.


U.S. Seeks Cuts in Housing Aid to Urban Poor

The Bush administration has proposed reducing the value of subsidized-housing vouchers in New York City and some urban areas of New England.


Italy Detects Latest Case of Mad Cow (AP)

AP - A cow in southern Italy has tested positive for mad cow disease, raising to 124 the number of cases detected in the country since testing began in 2001, the Health Ministry said Monday.


Iran's protest blogger numbers grow

The number of Iranian bloggers passes 10,000 as internet users seek to protest against media censorship.


U.S. Frees 11 Afghan Prisoners at Karzai's Request (Reuters)

Reuters - The United States has released 11 Afghans\held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba on suspicion of Taliban links\after a request from President Hamid Karzai, an Afghan official\said on Wednesday.


Zarqawi group renews threat to kill British hostage (AFP)

AFP - An Al-Qaeda linked group in Iraq holding Briton Kenneth Bigley has renewed a threat to kill him unless London meets the kidnappers' demands.


Reports: Prosecutors, CA Reach Accord

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department has agreed  to defer prosecution of Computer Associates International Inc.  CA.N in its long-running investigation of accounting fraud at  the software maker, several publications reported on Wednesday,  citing unnamed sources.


Merrill Exec to Testify in Sex Bias Case

LONDON (Reuters) - A top Merrill Lynch official is due to  testify on Wednesday over a 7.5 million pound (\$13.4 million)  sex discrimination lawsuit brought against the U.S.-based  investment bank by former executive Stephanie Villalba.


Transactions

BASEBALL Arizona (NL): Signed a two-year player development agreement with Tennessee (Southern).


Magazine's award to Klitschko rings hollow

Vitali Klitschko stood at a podium in Las Vegas Friday holding a clone of the belt that Jack Dempsey once wore. It was one of the Ring magazine belts that the publication awards to its recognized champions.


Disney begins new CEO hunt

Bowing to pressure from investors, Disney #39;s board of directors said yesterday that it expects to name a successor to embattled Disney chief Michael Eisner by next June.


AMD and IBM to share chip technology for three more years

AMD and IBM have extended their chip-manufacturing technology agreement for another three years according to investors.com. The previous deal, signed in 2002, was due to run out next year.


Microsoft #39;s government head to jump ship

The executive who leads Microsoft #39;s government sales effort is leaving to become CEO of a telecommunications company, the software maker said on Tuesday.


Nvidia rolls wireless media processor

Aimed at enabling new levels of interactive content not previously possible on mobile phones, PDAs and other handheld devices, Nvidia has unveiled its GoForce 3D 4500 3D wireless media processor (WMP), which allows mobile content developers to create 3D


NSF Announces Two Cybersecurity Centers To Study Internet <b>...</b>

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced 33 new projects from its \$30 million Cyber Trust program, including two new cybersecurity research centers that will focus on eliminating plagues of Internet worms and viruses and on building better


It #39;s the Me Generation

In this, the Summer of Vince Carter #39;s Discontent, Raptors GM Rob Babcock finds himself in a difficult, but not unique position, dealing with a recalcitrant star who wants nothing less than a change of venue to kick-start a career that #39;s gone dormant and a


Bettman blames union

That summed up NHL commissioner Gary Bettman #39;s appearance on a special segment of CBC #39;s The National with Peter Mansbridge last night.


Car bomb targets Iraqi police

A car bomb attack Wednesday in Baghdad targeting Iraqi police recruits has killed at least five people and wounded at least 47 others, Iraqi police said.


South Korea says troops successfully deployed to northern Iraq

About 2,800 South Korean troops have completed deployment to northern Iraq to become the third largest coalition partner after the United States and Britain, officials said Wednesday.


Sharon renews threat to Arafat

quot;We acted against the heads of Hamas ... in a way we found right at the right time when it was convenient for us, quot;. Sharon said on Wednesday.


Third US Soldier Killed in Afghan Clashes

A US soldier was killed while on patrol in Afghanistan #39;s eastern Paktia province this week on the same day two servicemen died in neighboring Paktika, the US military said on Wednesday.


Dial 4-1-1 for Cell Phone Numbers? (PC World)

PC World - A proposal for a wireless phone directory raises concerns in Congress.


PeopleSoft CEO rallies support (TheDeal.com)

TheDeal.com - Craig Conway said at PeopleSoft's annual users conference that his company will not surrender to Oracle.


Plan Would Turn Restore Wash. Estuary (AP)

AP - A 15-year plan would restore salt marshes and mudflats for migrating salmon at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, more than 100 years after the farmland was drained and diked.


'Fake marriages network' smashed

A major criminal network arranging fake marriages in Britain is smashed by the Immigration Service.


Smallest 'guitar string' to weigh atoms

Scientists are hoping that "playing" a tiny guitar string will be able to help weigh molecules to discover more about them.


Iraq Promises to Release Woman Prisoner

Iraq promised today to release one of two high-profile women prisoners, but officials denied the decision was linked to demands by militants.


ADB upgrades RP #39;s GDP growth forecast

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) upgraded its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines from 5 to 5.5, it was learned Wednesday.


Retailers predict modest rise in holiday spending

Christmas can #39;t come soon enough for the nation #39;s retailers, but this year, it also might not come strong enough. High energy costs, rising interest rates, and consumer unease about threats


Dial 4-1-1 for Cell Phone Numbers?

WASHINGTON--You soon may be able to dial 411 to find a cell phone numbers as well as traditional land-line phone information. Six of the seven largest wireless carriers


Total Signs Draft Agreement for Novatek

Oil major Total SA has signed a draft agreement to purchase a 25 percent stake, plus one share, in the privately held Russian gas producer Novatek, the French company announced Wednesday.


In Our View: Sanctions not enough for Sudan

While most of the country #39;s attention has been focused on Iraq, a human-rights crisis has been unfolding in north Africa. In Darfur, Sudan, more than 50,000 people have been killed and 1.2 million displaced


Car Bomb in Baghdad Kills at Least 11

A car bomb exploded outside a restaurant in a busy commercial area of Baghdad on Wednesday, killing at least 11 people and wounding 40, police and hospital officials said.


Smallest 'guitar string' to weigh atoms

Scientists are hoping that "playing" a tiny guitar string will be able to help weigh molecules to find out what they are.


Flying cars swoop to the rescue

As motorways become more and more clogged up with traffic, a new generation of flying cars will be needed to ferry people along skyways.


Dial 4-1-1 for Cell Phone Numbers?

A proposal for a wireless phone directory raises concerns in Congress.


Shell to boost production

Royal Dutch/Shell will invest \$15 billion (8 billion pounds) a year in 2004/06 to boost reserves and production, as it tries to draw a line under a reserves scandal that rocked the group.


West Indies v Pakistan

Pakistan won the toss and unsurprisingly chose to bowl first as they and West Indies did battle at the Rose Bowl today for a place in the ICC Champions Trophy final against hosts England.


Glock in at Jordan, Pantano out

Jordan have confirmed that Timo Glock will replace Giorgio Pantano for this weekend #39;s Chinese GP as the team has terminated its contract with Pantano.


Belgium #39;s Verhofstadt to Resume DHL Talks Following Car Crash

Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt will resume discussions today on a plan to allow DHL Worldwide Express to add night flights from Brussels after suffering minor injuries in a car accident, his spokesman said.


Pardon request draws Chechens #39; ire

MOSCOW - Amid rising ethnic tensions in the North Caucasus, thousands on Tuesday took to the streets of Grozny, the Chechen capital, to protest the proposed pardon of a Russian army colonel who murdered a young Chechen woman.


Activists Find More E-Vote Flaws

More weaknesses appear in the Diebold electronic voting system that activists say could be used to rig the November election. The company says auditing procedures would catch any vote fraud. By Kim Zetter.


Uncle Sam Wants Your Airwaves

Lawmakers believe the analog TV spectrum can be put to much better use and can generate billions in auctions to telecom companies. So Congress is considering paying Americans to ditch over-the-air analog TV and switch to digital. Michael Grebb reports from Washington.


Airlines Told to Cough Up Data

The Department of Homeland Security is looking for some live data to feed its new Secure Flight watch-list system, so it will order airlines to fork over a months' worth of passenger itineraries. By Ryan Singel.


Refreshing Drinks of Fresh Air

An army needs water to operate, but it's a pain to tote the stuff around. So Darpa is looking at ways to pull it out of thin air. By Noah Shachtman.


Blogging the Story Alive

Bloggers force CBS News to admit to a serious mistake, and journalists recoil from the thought of so much scrutiny of their work. But isn't this exactly what we need to get better-quality news? Commentary by Adam L. Penenberg.


Remixing to Protest Sample Ruling

Music fans are miffed about a court decision that says musicians must get permission to sample tunes even if the remix bears no resemblance to the original. An activist group is sponsoring a remix project based upon the clip in question. By Katie Dean.


Hack Attack Gums Up Authorize.Net

A leading internet credit card processor is under siege by a denial-of-service attack, slowing its servers and leaving many customers high and dry. By Noah Shachtman.


Reports: Prosecutors, CA Reach Accord (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. Justice Department has agreed\to defer prosecution of Computer Associates International Inc.\ in its long-running investigation of accounting fraud at\the software maker, several publications reported on Wednesday,\citing unnamed sources.


Canada offers up to 500 observers for Ukraine election (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Canada is offering to send up to 500 observers to Ukraine for that country's re-run election Dec. 26.


U.S. Treasuries Drift Lower (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. Treasury prices drifted lower on\Wednesday but trade was subdued as the market pondered the\scale of interest rate hikes a day after the Federal Reserve\delivered its third straight rate increase.


Bush, Annan Spar Over Iraq War at U.N. (AP)

AP - After two years, the United States and the United Nations had hoped to take the spotlight off the bitterly divisive war in Iraq. It didn't happen. At the opening of the U.N. General Assembly, President Bush and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan sparred over the war that can't escape the headlines.


Norwich Union moves jobs to Asia

UK insurer Norwich Union announces plans to move 950 jobs to India and Sri Lanka  over the coming year.


General Mills posts loss but Wall St. firms fare well

Higher ingredient prices and restructuring costs pushed General Mills #39; first-quarter earnings down 19 percent, the cereal giant reported Tuesday.


Aviva to move 950 jobs to Asia

Britain #39;s largest insurer Aviva says it will move 950 jobs to low cost centres in India and Sri Lanka in 2005 and it plans to have up to 7,000 people working in offshore centres by the end of 2007.


Speed of glaciers #39; flow spurs concern

Some Antarctic glaciers are flowing seaward five times faster than they did just two years ago, increasing concerns about rises in sea levels resulting from the warming of Earth #39;s polar caps.


Egyptians wanted pets to join them in paradise

If you think Americans are pet-crazy, consider new research that finds ancient Egyptians embalmed their animals with as much care as they did humans.


Nvidia #39;s GoForce 3D 4500 for Phones

Additionally, mobile devices powered by the new 3D WMP will be able to synthesize realistic environments with objects that behave according to complex physics and intelligent characters with true-to-life personalities.


Fire in hot pursuit of US Open title

The Chicago Fire has won the US Open tournament three times in its first six seasons, and Jesse Marsch has been involved in all those titles.


Kerry says Bush trying to shift topic

Democrat John Kerry said Tuesday that President Bush  #39; #39;didn #39;t talk reality at the United Nations #39; #39; and pressed him to answer questions about policies that Kerry said have made Iraq a violent mess.


Some 600 killed, 1,000 missing and presumed dead in Haiti: premier

PARIS : Floods in Haiti have killed 600 people and left 1,000 others missing and presumed dead, Prime Minister Gerard Latortue told French radio.


Harvest time in Indonesia

by our Internet desk, 22 September 2004. Former Indonesian security minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his advisers are moving ahead with preparations to assume the presidency, discussing policy plans and


Belgium row over night flights

Crisis talks to keep the European hub of international shipper DHL and thousands of jobs in Belgium have been thrown into chaos after Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt suffered injuries in a car crash.


Iran Calls on World to Recognize Its Atomic Rights (Reuters)

Reuters - The world must recognize Iran's right to\enrich uranium for fueling power stations, Iranian President\Mohammad Khatami said on Wednesday, responding to a U.N. call\for Iran to suspend enrichment-related activities.


Lebanon Says Suspects Linked to Extremists (AP)

AP - Terror suspects arrested for allegedly planning simultaneous bombings of the Italian Embassy and other targets in Beirut received funding from extremist cells in Europe, Lebanon's Interior Ministry said Wednesday.


Six family members hanged in Egypt over killing spree (AFP)

AFP - Six members of the same family were hanged in Egypt after being convicted for the revenge-killing of 22 members of a rival family two years ago.


Pakistan win toss and bat against West Indies (AFP)

AFP - Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq won the toss and elected to bat in their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against West Indies at the Rose Bowl here.


Cowboys, Seahawks Look for Winning Edge (AP)

AP - Who are the real Seattle Seahawks? The team that flattened opponents in the opening weeks of the season? Or the team that fell flat in last weekend's 38-9 loss to Buffalo? Coach Mike Holmgren can't say, but he knows it's time to get serious.


Wall St Set to Dip, Bank Results Dominate

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. shares were seen opening a touch  weaker on Wednesday as markets mull the Federal Reserve's  cautious assessment of the economy and await third-quarter  results Morgan Stanley MWD.N and Bear Stearns BSC.N.


Iran Calls on World to Recognize Its Atomic Rights

TEHRAN (Reuters) - The world must recognize Iran's right to  enrich uranium for fueling power stations, Iranian President  Mohammad Khatami said on Wednesday, responding to a U.N. call  for Iran to suspend enrichment-related activities.


Insurer Aviva to Create 950 Jobs in India

Aviva PLC, Britain #39;s biggest insurance company, said Wednesday it will create about 950 offshore jobs in India and Sri Lanka next year to service its UK operations.


PeopleSoft goes a bundle on IBM

PeopleSoft will include free copies of IBM #39;s WebSphere middleware products with every set of its applications sold. Both companies will market the joint products and will collaborate to improve future interoperability.


Oil major eyes buybacks, \$10 billion in divestments

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Outlining an expectation for higher oil prices and increasing demand, Royal Dutch/Shell on Wednesday said it #39;s lifting project spending to \$45 billion over the next three years.


Disney board goes shopping for a CEO

Los Angeles - Walt Disney #39;s board of directors on Tuesday said it will consider both external and internal candidates to replace outgoing chief executive Michael Eisner, and that it plans to find a successor by June 2005.


UPDATE: Investors Favor James Hardie Despite Findings

SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Just one day after an Australian government inquiry handed down a damning report on James Hardie Industries NV #39;s (JHX) inadequate funding for victims


Can Cybertrust BeTrusted to keep your networks TruSecure?

Following the announcement earlier this week that Betrusted and TruSecure are to merge, John Becker, chief executive of the resultant security services company, Cybertrust, talked to Jaikumar Vijayan.


Dozens killed in Baghdad car bomb

More than twenty five people have died after a car bomb exploded in a busy commercial area outside a restaurant in west Baghdad. Husayn al-Shammari, an Iraqi journalist, told Aljazeera:  quot;A car bomb detonated


San extensions are top network priority, claims Cisco

Cisco has lifted the lid on two remote backup and disaster recovery products targeted at the growing number of companies building long-distance links between datacentres.


Hamilton fails doping test

Olympic cycling champion Tyler Hamilton, whose name has become synonymous with resilience and grit, could lose his gold medal and be banned for two years after blood tests showed evidence of banned transfusions.


2-run single by Bellhorn lifts Boston

BOSTON - Mark Bellhorn singled in two runs in the bottom of the ninth Tuesday night as the Boston Red Sox rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, snapping a three-game losing streak.


South Korea completes deployment of 2,800 troops in Iraq

SEOUL : South Korea #39;s defense ministry said it had completed the deployment of around 2,800 troops on a relief and rehabilitation mission to northern Iraq.


Report: Marlon Brando's Ashes Scattered

LOS ANGELES - The ashes of legendary actor Marlon Brando were spread in Tahiti and Death Valley, according to a newspaper report.    A memorial service for Brando, who died of lung failure at age 80 on July 1, was held at the home of Hollywood producer Mike Medavoy and was attended by Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson and Sean Penn, the Los Angeles Times reported in Wednesday editions...


Wall St Set to Dip, Bank Results Dominate (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. shares were seen opening a touch\weaker on Wednesday as markets mull the Federal Reserve's\cautious assessment of the economy and await third-quarter\results Morgan Stanley  and Bear Stearns .


Giants commit to Bonds for  #39;06

Barry Bonds will have two more seasons to break Hank Aaron #39;s career home-run record with the San Francisco Giants, who decided Tuesday to drop their right to void the final year of his contract.


Kim Back on Red Sox #39; Roster

Kim Byung-hyun officially rejoined the Boston Red Sox for the stretch run on Tuesday and has a shot at making the teams post-season roster if he impresses on the mound over the final two weeks of the MLB season.


A bit of history

The oldest annual US team sports competition that includes professionals is not in baseball, or football or basketball or hockey. It #39;s in soccer.


Shell to boost investment to replace missing barrels (AFP)

AFP - Royal Dutch/Shell announced plans to boost investment in exploration and production, making the replacement of its reserves a top priority as it seeks to restore battered investor confidence.


Sharon Insists Gaza Pullout Will Go Ahead (AP)

AP - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he will submit his Gaza withdrawal plan for parliamentary approval by early November, despite mounting opposition to his proposal to uproot thousands of Jewish settlers from their homes.


Takeover bid clouds PeopleSoft meeting (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - As PeopleSoft Chief Executive Craig Conway tried to rally customer support Tuesday, even he had to admit that Oracle's  #36;7.7 billion hostile takeover bid is haunting his company.


US Treasuries Up, Long-End Leads the Way

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices crept higher on  Wednesday, with long-dated bonds benefiting from the view that  higher U.S. interest rates will help keep inflation under  control.


Dollar Struggles Up After Stumble

LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar struggled up from a one-month  low against the euro on Wednesday after the U.S. central bank  raised interest rates, as expected, but indicated little rush  for more aggressive hikes in the coming months.


Federal Reserve raises rate again

The Federal Reserve raised a key interest rate another quarter- percentage point Tuesday, continuing its campaign to gradually remove the cheap money stimulus that it used to help jump-start the recovery from the 2001 recession.


Shell seeks to reassure investors

Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell will attempt to restore investors #39; faith in its strategy at a briefing for oil analysts on Wednesday.


Bob Carr takes aim at Hardie #39;s

Bob Carr may be forced to appear at the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption this afternoon hoping he will be let off with a black mark and a spank over some intemperate


Plan for refuge would turn farmland back to marshes and mudflats

NISQUALLY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Wash. -- Farmland that was drained and diked more than 100 years ago would turn back into salt marshes and mudflats for migrating salmon under a 15-year plan for the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.


A #39;S NOTEBOOK Security makes its presence known

Arlington, Texas -- The A #39;s didn #39;t request any additional security at Ameriquest Field on Tuesday, but there appeared to be extra security in place, anyway, a precaution after last week #39;s incident at the Coliseum in which Rangers reliever Frank Francisco


Govt defends visa checks

The federal government has defended its visa checking processes after it was revealed that September 11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed was granted a tourist visa in 2001.


Google Ad Policies To Be Expanded Publicly

Google's planning to greatly expand the editorial guidelines it publishes online, providing everyone a better idea of what it accepts on the advertising front.


Norwich Union moves 950 jobs to Far East

Insurance giant Norwich Union has announced plans to move its business to India in a move which will lead to compulsory redundancies in Britain.


BBVA to Keep Laredo Chairman Jacobs and Back Expansion Plans

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA, which agreed to buy Laredo National Bancshares Inc. for \$850 million, plans to keep Chairman Gary Jacobs in place at the Texas- based lender and to back his expansion strategy.


GIANTS NOTEBOOK Bonds receives guarantee for  #39;06 Reworked contract <b>...</b>

With one stroke of a white-out brush, Barry Bonds got the security he sought and the Giants ensured their marquee attraction will be around two more years.


S.Korea's Roh Says No Need to Rush North Atom Talks (Reuters)

Reuters - South Korea sees no need to rush into a\further round of talks on the North's nuclear weapons\ambitions, President Roh Moo-hyun said on Wednesday.


Under security cover, trucks move into Manipur (Reuters)

Reuters - Truckers drove into Manipur on Wednesday under troop protection, despite fears of attacks by protesters trying to impose a 16-day blockade, police said.


Kodak Reiterates Outlook

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Eastman Kodak Co. EK.N on Wednesday  backed its near and long-term profit forecasts, saying sales of  digital products are growing faster than expected and helping  to offset rapidly declining sales of its traditional film  business.


US Stocks Set for Lower Open, Oil Weighs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. shares were seen opening slightly  weaker on Wednesday as oil prices held near the \$47 a barrel  level, while investors cooled to the Federal Reserve's   assessment of the economy.


Mortgage Applications Rise in Week

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New applications for U.S. home loans  rose last week as 30-year mortgage rates eased to their lowest  level since early April, an industry group said on Wednesday.


Strike May Be Last Chance to Save Japanese Baseball

TOKYO (Reuters) - The story leads the TV news, and everyone  from schoolchildren to the prime minister is talking about it.


Iraqi Officials Say Prisoner Will Be Freed

An Iraqi official today said the government will release one of two women scientists being held prisoner for working on Saddam Husseins chemical weapons program.


Interstate Bakeries files bankruptcy

Interstate Bakeries Corp. (IBC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday filed for bankruptcy after struggling with more than \$1.3 billion in debt and weak demand for bread products


Aviva to move 7,000 jobs to Asia

Britain #39;s largest insurer Aviva says it plans to have moved up to 7,000 UK jobs to low-cost centres in Asia by the end of 2007, the final figure in its controversial programme to shift jobs offshore.


Tech Briefs

Chicago-based Braun Consulting #39;s shares soared Tuesday after news that the professional services firm will be acquired by Minneapolis-based Fair Isaac for \$30 million.


Total to take 25 stake in Russian gas producer Novatek

PARIS : French oil group Total said it had signed an agreement to acquire a 25 percent stake plus one additional share in Russian natural gas producer Novatek, without disclosing the financial terms of the deal.


DOORNBOS HANDED JORDAN CHANCE

Dutchman Robert Doornbos will drive Jordans third car in Friday testing for the rest of the season. He takes over from Timo Glock, who has replaced the axed Giorgio Pantano in one of the teams race seats (see separate story).


At Least Someone Wants to Play Here

It #39;s not all bitterness and resentment in Raptorland these days. While Vince Carter has demanded to be traded, Rafer Alston was expressing his joy yesterday at being back in Toronto.


Turkish Opposition Party: Penal Code should be Ready by October 6

Turkey #39;s main opposition Republican People #39;s Party (CHP) called for the Turkish Parliament (TBMM) to convene for an emergency meeting on Septembers 28th to ready the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) by October 6th.


Brother sees 'glimmer of hope' for Briton held in Iraq (AFP)

AFP - The brother of a British engineer held hostage in Iraq said there was a  quot;glimmer of hope quot; after the Iraqi justice ministry pledged to release a female Iraqi scientist, one of two women whose freedom had been demanded by the kidnappers.


Senate Panel Adds NASA Money to Spending Bill (Reuters)

Reuters - A U.S. Senate panel on Tuesday\backed a  #36;94 billion 2005 spending bill which included an extra\ #36;800 million to fund space projects next year.


French budget to control deficit

French finance minister Nicolas Sarkozy unveils a budget with a promise to bring the deficit under control and high-profile tax breaks.


Mobile users 'want cheaper calls'

Price and coverage are the key issues affecting mobile users, a survey of European consumers finds.


Vodafone launches ten 3G sets

Mobile phone giant Vodafone says it will introduce 10 new 3G handsets, many of which will be useable in both Europe and Japan.


Oil hits \$47 as supply worries

LONDON - Oil prices hit \$47 a barrel yesterday, the highest level in a month, as China showed no let-up in its strong import growth and US Gulf producers reported damage to offshore rigs from Hurricane Ivan.


ADB downgrades India #39;s growth forecast to 6.5 percent

NEW DELHI: Hit by high crude oil prices and poor monsoon, India #39;s economic growth is expected to slow down to 6.5 percent in 2004-05 fiscal, an Asian Development Bank (ADB) report said on Wednesday.


Lucent eyes retiree benefit cuts

Lucent Technologies Inc., one of the world #39;s biggest telecommunications equipment makers, is planning additional cuts in retiree health-care benefits, according to a published report Wednesday.


Slimmed-Down Playstation Launched

Electronics giant Sony launched a slimmed-down version of its best-selling PlayStation 2 computer games console today. The new PS2 is half the weight


Cisco fabric switches optimized for SAN extension

Cisco Systems has added two products to its award-winning Cisco MDS 9000 Family of Multilayer Intelligent directors and fabric switches optimized for transporting storage area network (SAN) traffic outside of the data center, which make them ideally


AMD, IBM extend chip-development deal

Advanced Micro Devices and IBM will work together to devise chip-manufacturing technology for three additional years, a deal that will bring about a quarter of a billion to IBM over four years and give AMD access to cutting-edge chip inventions.


Nvidia launches graphics processor for mobile apps

LONDON - Fabless graphics chip company Nvidia Corp. has launched a graphics processor intended for mobile applications. The  #39;GoForce 3D 4500 #39; performs geometry processing, has a 40-bit color processing pipeline


Jeanne kills nearly 700 in Haiti

Tropical Storm Jeanne claimed at least 556 lives in Haiti over the weekend.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo). HAVANA, Sept. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- With the death toll in Haiti by Tropical Storm Jeanne rising to nearly 700


Syrian Troop Redeployment Said Meaningless

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reacted skeptically on Wednesday to a redeployment of Syrian troops in Lebanon, saying that the move did not mean any real change in Syrian policy.


Patriotic Provocation

An initiative from the former top military commander in the Northern Caucasus, Ulyanovsks regional governor Vladimir Shamanov, to pardon Yuri Budanov, the convicted of murderer of a Chechen woman, has driven President Putin into an ideological and


Interest rates may rise in November

The Bank of England #39;s Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to keep interest rates steady at 4.75 percent earlier this month, but analysts say another


Wireless data gamble

Kent Thexton  took a gamble when he crossed the Atlantic to become co-CEO of Seven. But the notion of the cell phone as gateway to the Internet  isn't the easy sell it was on the other side of the pond.


Yukos #39;s Theede Says Putin May Agree to Save Yugansk (Update5)

OAO Yukos Oil Co., battling to avert bankruptcy, said the Russian government may be considering ways to settle a \$7.5 billion tax bill without taking over the company #39;s biggest oil-producing unit.


Kodak Reiterates Outlook

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Eastman Kodak Co. EK.N on Wednesday  backed its near and long-term profit forecasts, saying sales of  digital products, such as cameras and medical imaging, are  growing faster than expected and helping to offset rapidly  declining sales of its traditional film business.


Mortgage Applications Rise in Week

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New applications for U.S. home loans  rose, spurred by a rise in mortgage refinancings last week as  30-year mortgage rates eased to their lowest level since early  April, an industry group said on Wednesday.


Stocks to Watch on Sept. 22

The brokerage firm and investment bank will report its  third-quarter earnings before the market opens. The stock  closed at \$ 90.09 on Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange.


Africa 'better in colonial times'

The average African is worse off now than during the colonial era, says the brother of South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki.


Italy launches anti-mafia raids

Police make about 100 arrests in a major operation against mafia gangs in Italy.


Enron Side Deal With Merrill Lynch Was A Sham, Prosecutors Allege

_ An alleged side deal between Enron Corp. and Merrill Lynch  amp; Co. in 1999 shows how Enron was willing to employ suspect financial practices to meet lofty earnings targets, prosecutors said.


Kodak Reaffirms Earnings Outlook

Eastman Kodak Co., the world #39;s largest maker of photographic film, said Wednesday it expects sales of digital products and services to grow at an annual rate of 36 percent between 2003 and 2007, above prior growth rate estimates of 26 percent between 2002


PeopleSoft reveals alliance with IBM

PeopleSoft Inc., which is fighting a hostile takeover bid from Oracle Corp., on Tuesday announced an alliance with IBM that may help ease the worries of potential customers.


Mitsubishi Motors bids to revive financing unit

TOKYO Mitsubishi Motors, Japan #39;s only unprofitable automaker, is seeking a partner to revive a finance unit that was responsible for more than half of a record operating loss in North America in the year to last March.


First Islamic Bank Opens for UK Muslims

The Islamic Bank of Britain, which will give the UKs 1.8 million Muslims access to a British bank which is operated in accordance with the principles


Interstate Bakeries Files for Bankruptcy (Reuters)

Reuters - Interstate Bakeries Corp.  on\Wednesday filed for bankruptcy after struggling with more than\ #36;1.3 billion in debt and weak demand for bread products,\brought on by the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets.


Kodak Reiterates Outlook (Reuters)

Reuters - Eastman Kodak Co.  on Wednesday\backed its near and long-term profit forecasts, saying sales of\digital products, such as cameras and medical imaging, are\growing faster than expected and helping to offset rapidly\declining sales of its traditional film business.


Israel's Sharon: Arafat Will 'Get What He Deserves' (Reuters)

Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon\on Wednesday renewed his threat to remove Yasser Arafat, saying\the Palestinian president would "get what he deserves."


FedEx Quarterly Earnings More Than Double (Reuters)

Reuters - FedEx Corp., the world's top\air-express shipper, on Wednesday said quarterly earnings more\than doubled on strong revenue growth in its international,\ground and freight services.


Can IM morph into  #39;instant music #39;?

As Internet giants step into the crowded online music arena, some are banking on a new weapon to help attack market leader Apple Computer: instant messaging.


Sun has its head in the clouds

Sun has a laudable vision of the future of utility computing, where organisations with extra processing power can sell it back to a computing grid in the same manner that homes with solar panels can sell power back to the electrical power grid.


Russia Plans Space Station Launch on Oct. 11

Russia will launch a three-man crew to the International Space Station on Oct. 11, two days later than initially scheduled due to problems with the docking system, Itar-Tass news agency reported on Wednesday.


NASA pumps \$400m into nuclear space probe

NASA has awarded Northrop Grumman a \$400m contract to co-design the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (Jimo) space probe - slated for a rendevouz with Jovian moons Callisto, Europa and Ganymede some time after 2012.


Button hearing adjourned to October 16

Jenson Button #39;s Formula One future looks likely to be decided by a meeting in Milan on October 16, the Williams team said on Wednesday.


Giants closing in on Dodgers

Forget this wacky, complicated wild-card puzzle. The Giants ought to go for the whole kit and caboodle now and make things simple.


US rosters set for swimming world meet

INDIANAPOLIS - Olympic gold medalists Michael Phelps, Aaron Peirsol, Natalie Coughlin and Amanda Beard head US rosters released Tuesday for next months short course world championships.


Dollar Recovers Footing After Fed (Reuters)

Reuters - The dollar fought back from one-month\lows against the euro and Swiss franc on Wednesday as investors\viewed its sell-off in the wake of the Federal Reserve's\verdict on interest rates as overdone.


Haiti Storm Death Toll Soars as Bodies Pile-Up

Bodies remained in the streets and in growing piles outside morgues in a Haitian city that has been devastated by floods that have torn apart families and left hungry crowds mobbing truckloads of aid.


Sharon: Syria trying to deflect US pressure

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Wednesday dismissed Syrian moves towards redeployment in Lebanon.  quot;We are not seeing any significant change in the Syrian position, quot; he told Israel Radio.


US ignoring root causes of terror

So began an interview of Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, who took time out to speak to ABC #39;s Peter Jennings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last night.


Car Bomb Rocks Western Baghdad

Iraqi authorities say at least six people were killed and more than 50 others wounded in a car bomb explosion in a commercial district in western Baghdad Wednesday.


PM faces tough nut to crack in Brussels

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and EU executives, when they meet in Brussels tomorrow, will test each other #39;s limits in a row over Turkey #39;s delay in reforming its penal code prompted by the premier #39;s insistence on criminalizing adultery.


EU tentatively agrees to lift embargo on Libya (AFP)

AFP - European Union (EU) officials agreed in principle to lift an arms embargo on Libya after pressure from Italy.


Zee takes cricket TV rights fight to Supreme Court (Reuters)

Reuters - A row over Indian TV rights, which threatens a test series next month with world champion Australia, is heading back to court after jilted broadcaster Zee Telefilms filed a petition in the Supreme Court on Wednesday.


SingTel poised to launch first 3G service in Southeast Asia (AFP)

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


FedEx Quarterly Earnings More Than Double

NEW YORK (Reuters) - FedEx Corp., the world's top  air-express shipper, on Wednesday said quarterly earnings more  than doubled on strong revenue growth in its international,  ground and freight services.


Texas grand jury indicts fundraisers with DeLay ties (Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune - A Texas grand jury on Tuesday indicted three political fundraisers with ties to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) for allegedly funneling illegal corporate campaign donations to Republican candidates for state office.


Dollar Recovers Footing After Fed

LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar fought back from one-month  lows against the euro and Swiss franc on Wednesday as investors  viewed its sell-off in the wake of the Federal Reserve's  verdict on interest rates as overdone.


ConAgra Profit Falls as Prices Rise

CHICAGO (Reuters) - ConAgra Foods Inc. CAG.N on Wednesday  posted lower quarterly profit due to higher ingredient costs  and the sale of its chicken and agricultural products  businesses.


Morgan Stanley Quarterly Earnings Fall

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. investment bank Morgan Stanley on  Wednesday said quarterly profit fell amid reduced trading  revenue, reflecting the impact of sluggish markets this summer.


Oil Holds Near \$47

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices hovered below \$47 a barrel on  Wednesday, awaiting U.S. data that was expected to show a big  drop in fuel stocks after Hurricane Ivan disrupted operations.


Israel's Sharon: Arafat Will 'Get What He Deserves'

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  on Wednesday renewed his threat to remove Yasser Arafat, saying  the Palestinian president would "get what he deserves."


U.S. Orders Airlines to Release Fliers' Data

TSA will collect domestic passenger records for June 2004; data will be used to test program aiming to hunt for terrorists. -The Washington Post


Tax credit compensation nears 1m

The Inland Revenue pays out nearly 1m compensation to people who have suffered because of tax credit errors or delays.


US Steel Returns to Homestead Works

United States Steel Corp. will return to the former site of the historic Homestead Works steel plant, once the epicenter of labor-management relations that exploded more than a century ago when Pinkerton agents


Murder charges in Gujarat trial

Sixteen Hindus are charged with the murder of 12 Muslims in one of the most notorious incidents in riots in India two years ago.


Giants Beat Astros to Keep Wild Card Lead

Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants can reach the playoffs two ways. They certainly boosted both chances Tuesday night...


Minn. Trooper Writes 205 Mph Ticket

WABASHA, Minn. - With a State Patrol airplane overhead, a motorcyclist hit the throttle and possibly set the informal record for the fastest speeding ticket in Minnesota history: 205 mph...


Rate Hike May Push Stock Market Lower

NEW YORK - Stocks are seen moving lower at the open Wednesday as investors come to grips with the Federal Reserve hiking its key rates by a quarter point to 1.75 percent.    Dow Jones futures fell 14 points recently, while Nasdaq futures were down 2.50 points and S P futures dropped 1.80 points...


Iraq Turns Over Decapitated Corpse to U.S.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi officials recovered a decapitated corpse in western Baghdad on Wednesday and turned it over to the United States, which was investigating if it was the body of kidnapped American Jack Hensley - purportedly slain the day before by al-Qaida-linked militants.    The discovery came as Iraq's Justice Ministry promised to release one of two high-profile women prisoners...


Iraq Officials to Free Woman Prisoner

The Iraqi government said it would release one of the female prisoners whose freedom is being demanded by Islamic militant kidnappers who are threatening to kill a third Western hostage.


10 Afghans Released From Guatanamo Bay

At least 10 Afghans, including a nomad leader who fought with the Taliban, have been released from a U.S. prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, officials said Wednesday.


Regional Bank Forecasts Stronger Growth for Developing Asian <b>...</b>

A new report says developing Asian economies are expected to enjoy stronger growth despite high oil prices. However, the report warns, a slowdown in China could hurt its neighbors.


FedEx Meets 1Q Wall Street Estimates

Express shipping giant FedEx Corp. on Wednesday reported that first-quarter earnings more than doubled on sharply higher revenue and average daily package volumes to meet Wall Street expectations.


Norwich Union axes 950 jobs

Norwich Union is to offshore 950 jobs to India and Sri Lanka next year, with the loss of work in Norwich and York. The insurance giant said it will do all it can to minimise compulsory redundancies by redeploying staff to alternative jobs.


Shell sets \$45B investment program

But stock of major oil company falls on disappointment it did not extend stock buyback program. LONDON (Reuters) - Scandal-hit oil company Royal Dutch/Shell said Wednesday it will invest \$15 billion a year


Vodafone #39;s New Handsets To Beat Rivals

Vodafone has increased the competition ahead of Christmas with plans to launch 10 handsets before the festive season. The Newbury-based group said it will begin selling the phones in November.


Total to buy 25 stake in Novatek for about \$1 bn

LONDON, September 22 (newratings.com) - Total SA (PFP.PSE) is planning to acquire a 25 stake plus one share in the largest privately held Russian gas company, Novatek, in a deal expected to be valued at about \$1 billion.


AMD and IBM spread the love

AMD and IBM are extending a deal which has seen them co-operating on chip-making technology since 2002. The deal was due to end next year it will now run until December 2008.


Telecast rights: Zee files writ petition in SC

Zee TV today filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court seeking quashing of BCCI #39;s decision to set aside the cricket telecast rights given to it.


Musharraf May Remain as Pakistan #39;s Military Chief

Pakistan #39;s President Pervez Musharraf, who took power in a bloodless coup in 1999 on the grounds he could provide stable democracy, is strongly hinting he will not step down as army chief at the end of this year as promised.


Modem fraud forces Irish call ban

Direct dial telephone calls from Ireland to 13 other countries are to be blocked because of an internet fraud.


PeopleSoft Defies Oracle Bid, Pursues IBM

\

 By Spencer Swartz

 SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - PeopleSoft Inc. will push ahead\with a new marketing alliance with IBM and other initiatives\despite a recent court ruling that bolstered Oracle Corp.'s\\$7.7-billion hostile bid to acquire the company, PeopleSoft's\CEO said on Tuesday.


Lucent Cutting Retiree Benefits Again

For the second time in a year, telecommunications equipment maker Lucent Technologies Inc. is reducing benefits promised to thousands of its retirees.


Jabil Posts Profit on Stronger Demand

\

 SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Contract electronics manufacturer\Jabil Circuit Inc. <JBL.N> on Tuesday posted a quarterly profit\that more than doubled on stronger demand for computers,\cellphones and other electronic products.


Adelphia Plans to Sell Assets in Clusters

Adelphia Communications Corp., the nation's fifth-largest cable television operator, plans to sell its assets in seven geographic clusters as it emerges from bankruptcy.


Revamped EMusic Targets Indie Market

Nearly a year since it was sold by Vivendi Universal to private investors, online retailer eMusic has undergone a facelift that includes a panel of music critics to help users comb its trove of independent music.


Space Technology Creates New Era in Cosmetics

European Space Agency -- Cool your product from 22 C to 2 C in just two minutes with no electricity, simply by 100 natural evaporation, using an advanced simulation technique from Europe's Ariane launcher.     "We have managed to develop a controlled fast cooling system, without the use of outside energy, where the temperature drops 70 times faster than in a standard refrigerator," says Fadi Khairallah, founder of Thermagen, the company behind this innovation...


Coping with Contamination in the Search for Life

Drilling is a messy business. Drilling fluid is anything but sterile. For most drilling applications, that's no problem. But when astronauts drill for life on Mars, they need to be sure that the bacteria they find really do come from underground.


Companies Expand Services for Working Mothers

General Mills is among a host of companies that have expanded services for working mothers beyond just maternity leave and flexible hours, according to Working Mother magazine, which released its 19th annual list Tuesday of the 100 best companies for working mothers.


Reports: CA may escape charges in DOJ deal

Computer Associates International Inc. (CA) has reached a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice under which the company will pay compensation to shareholders and open its accounts to monitoring by an independent third party, in return for the DOJ deferring prosecution in its investigation of accounting fraud at the company, U.S. newspaper reports said Wednesday.


Electronic Payments Surpass Checks

Americans made more payments electronically than with checks in 2003, making it the first year electronic transactions surpassed paper payments, according to studies released Monday by the Federal Reserve #39;s financial services policy committee.


Microsoft tests online radio station

People have been listening to music on their computers for a long time now - but not quite like this. Microsoft is test-marketing a new Web-based radio service that sounds almost like a local radio station - except without all the interruptions.


Sun Microsystems Sets Sights on Low-End Market

By MATTHEW FORDAHL    SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- After years of battling Microsoft Corp...


Gold Fields to Shrug Off Harmony #39;s Voting Bid

HARMONY has voted its 10,8 of Gold Fields shares against a planned reverse-listing of Gold Fields assets outside southern Africa into IAMGOLD of Canada, Harmony director Ferdi Dippenaar said yesterday.


Sun Sets Sights on Low-End Market (AP)

AP - After years of battling Microsoft Corp., Sun Microsystems Inc. has set its sights on Linux vendors, seeking to jump into a low-end but high-volume market it's been accused of ignoring.


Software Co. PeopleSoft Tightens IBM Ties (AP)

AP - Business software maker PeopleSoft Inc. strengthened its ties with technology giant IBM Corp. on Tuesday, hoping to boost its recently sagging sales as it continues to fight Oracle Corp.'s  #36;7.7 billion hostile takeover bid.


Stocks Seen Lower as Oil, Cisco Weigh

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. shares were seen opening weaker  on Wednesday as oil prices held near \$47 a barrel, while a  brokerage downgrade on technology bellwether Cisco Systems Inc.  CSCO.O could hurt technology shares.


Iranian MPs back investment veto

Iran's conservative-dominated parliament votes to give itself a veto over foreign deals struck by reformist President Mohammad Khatami.


Haiti floods spark disease fears

There are warnings of a serious outbreak of disease in Haiti following the recent devastating floods.


Human Cells Make Morphine

By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay Reporter    HealthDayNews -- Morphine, a potent painkiller typically derived from the opium poppy plant, appears to be made by the human body as well.    Small amounts of morphine have been found in animal tissue before, but researchers had assumed these traces came from environmental contamination, such as a diet...


Nintendo aims high with low-cost console

Nintendo hopes to hold its advantage over Sony in the handheld game console market, by selling its DS model for half the price of the new PlayStation Portable.


Aviva to hire 3,300 in India, Lanka for offshoring biz

Aviva Plc, the fifth largest insurer globally, will hire about 3,300 more people in India and Sri Lanka by 2007, as part of its strategy to outsource some of its life and non-life services.


Ireland bars South Pacific in rogue dialler crackdown

Ireland is to block direct dialling to 13 countries, mostly in the South Pacific, to combat the growing menace of rogue autdiallers.


Mars rovers given six more months

NASAs Mars rovers have had their missions extended by a further six months after weathering the Martian winter solstice, NASA announced on Tuesday.


Strong sales forecast for digital audio players

Sales of portable digital audio players like Apple Computer Inc. #39;s trendy iPod are booming and are expected to generate \$58 billion in revenue worldwide by 2008, according to a research report released Tuesday.


AT amp;T forms VoIP interop program

BEDMINSTER, NJ - In a move its IP voice services forward, AT amp;T announced Tuesday (Sept. 21) that is has formed an Innovation and Interoperability Program to foster development of applications and systems for its voice-over-IP (VoIP) network.


Windies skittle Pakistan

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq gambled and lost as his team were routed by West Indies for 131 from 38.2 overs in the second Champions Trophy semi-final.


Roma punished for ref incident

AS Roma was punished on Tuesday for last week #39;s incident in which referee Anders Frisk was hit on the head by an object thrown from the crowd during a match against Dynamo Kiev, local newspapers reported Wednesday.


EU officials back Libya arms embargo end

European Union officials have agreed to recommend lifting the bloc #39;s arms embargo on Libya following pressure from Italy, which wants to help the North African country tackle illegal migrants, an EU diplomatic source says.


Canadian woman missing for 2 weeks rescued in northern Iraq by U.S. forces (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - A Chicago-based National Guard unit ferried a Canadian woman to freedom Tuesday after she said she was missing for 16 days in northern Iraq, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Wednesday.


Interstate Bakeries Files for Bankruptcy

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Interstate Bakeries Corp. filed for  bankruptcy on Wednesday after struggling with more than \$1.3  billion in debt and weak demand for bread products amid the  popularity of low-carbohydrate diets.


Kodak: Digital Imaging Growing Faster

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Photography company Eastman Kodak Co.  EK.N on Wednesday raised its growth forecast on digital  products and services, such as cameras and medical imaging, key  areas it is depending on to offset rapidly declining sales in  its traditional film business.


Stocks Set for Lower Open, Earnings Weigh

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks were seen opening lower on  Wednesday after investment bank Morgan Stanley MWD.N said  quarterly profit fell, while a brokerage downgrade on  bellwether Cisco Systems Inc. CSCO.O could hurt technology  stocks.


Lebanon 'thwarts al-Qaeda plot'

The Lebanese government says it has arrested an al-Qaeda cell planning to bomb Italy's embassy in Beirut.


Ice collapse speeds up glaciers

The collapse of an Antarctic ice shelf two years ago has accelerated the flow of glaciers into the nearby Weddell Sea.


Fed puts up US interest rates again

THE US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the third time this year in spite of a renewed surge in oil prices. The widely expected move took the funds rate up a quarter-point to 1.75 per cent, following similar moves in August and June.


Oil prices rise again over Yukos fears

Crude oil futures rose in New York to trade near a one-month high on concern that Russian exports will be disrupted after utilities cut some power supplies to OAO Yukos Oil Co.


Update 1: FedEx Meets 1Q Wall Street Estimates

FedEx Corp. said Tuesday that its first-quarter earnings more than doubled, helped by a strengthening worldwide economy and expansion of its international express and ground shipping businesses.


Kodak: Digital Imaging Growing Faster

Photography company Eastman Kodak Co. (EK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday raised its growth forecast on digital products and services, such as cameras and medical imaging, key


Shell to boost investment to replace missing oil reserves

LONDON : Royal Dutch/Shell announced plans to boost investment in exploration and production, making the replacement of its reserves a top priority as it seeks to restore battered investor confidence.


Phone fraud crackdown cuts off 13 countries

In an effort to stop internet dialler scams - where unwitting surfers are put onto premium rate connections - Ireland is going to block calls to 13 countries.


House takes aim at identity thieves

Most IT Managers won #39;t question the importance of security, but this priority has been sliding between the third and fourth most important focus for companies.


Two Powerlifters Test Positive For Banned Substances

_ Two powerlifters from Azerbaijan have tested positive for banned substances in initial doping tests and are banned for life from the Paralympics, officials said Wednesday.


Suicide attacker detonates car bomb in central Baghdad

A suicide attacker detonated a car bomb in a commercial district in western Baghdad today, killing at least six people and injuring more than 50, authorities said.


3 firms here are best for mothers

Working Mother magazine has named three Cincinnati-based companies among its 100 best to work for in 2004. Health care provider TriHealth made the list for the first time, joining Procter


Helicopter Carrying Politicians Crashes in East India (Reuters)

Reuters - A helicopter carrying eight\people, including a government minister and two lawmakers,\crashed in mountainous northeast India on Wednesday, a police\officer said.


FedEx Earnings More Than Double

NEW YORK (Reuters) - FedEx Corp. FDX.N, the world's top  air-express shipper, on Wednesday said quarterly earnings more  than doubled on strong growth in its international, ground and  freight services.


Splenda Is Splendid

The world's sole manufacturer of sucralose reports that demand far outstrips supply.


Crime detection figures on slide

The Home Office reveals fewer crimes were solved by police in England and Wales last year.


UPDATE 3-Morgan Stanley profit falls 34 pct, shares drop

US investment bank Morgan Stanley (MWD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday said quarterly profit dropped 34 percent amid reduced trading revenue, falling well short of Wall Street #39;s already-lowered expectations after a


Top 10 Portfolio Pitfalls

Whatever problems you encounter in your own portfolio, you #39;re not alone. Plenty of other investors trip over the same stumbling blocks.


Ice collapse speeds up glaciers

The Larsen B ice shelf probably blocked the glaciers #39; progress before its collapse in 2002, but now they are able to deposit their loads more freely.


Becks and co get the grief as Real boo boys vent frustrations

The freekick was majestic, but the performance was not and if Real Madrid thought their bumpy start to the season was over with the slender win over Osasuna the supporters #39; verdict rang in their ears via regular bursts of booing.


Sharon hints at Arafat assassination

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Wednesday hinted at a possible assassination of Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat.


US Frees 11 Afghan Prisoners at Karzai #39;s Request

The United States has released 11 Afghans held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba on suspicion of Taliban links after a request from President Hamid Karzai, an Afghan official said on Wednesday.


Disappointing Earnings Send Stocks Lower

Disappointing earnings from Morgan Stanley and a new spike in oil prices sent stocks lower in early trading Wednesday as investors #39; worries over third-quarter earnings increased.


Aviva to shift 950 jobs to India, Sri Lanka

London, September 22: Britain #39;s leading insurance company Aviva on Wednesday announced plans to shift another 760 jobs to India, in addition to the 3,700 jobs already created in the country.


Computer Associates Set for Criminal Arraignment (Update3)

Computer Associates International Inc., the software maker under investigation for a \$2.2 billion accounting fraud, is scheduled to be arraigned in US criminal court today, and former


Rovers Get Six More Months To Explore Mars

As communications with Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity improves because the planet has emerged from behind the sun (from Earth #39;s view), NASA has extended the robots #39; mission.


Voda plays Santa with 3G bonanza

Vodafone is putting its substantial weight behind a 3G push by offering ten handsets in the run up to Christmas. From November the firm will sell handsets from manufacturers including Samsung, Sharp, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, NEC and Nokia.


Serena edges out Safina

Beijing - Top seed Serena Williams advanced to the China Open quarter-finals on Wednesday, edging past Russia #39;s Dinara Safina for a thrilling 6-4 3-6 6-3 win.


Button contract squabble delayed

Jenson Button should learn his Formula One fate prior to the final race of the season in Brazil. The Contracts Recognition Board has adjourned its hearing into the messy contract affair between BMW-Williams


US, Iraqi troops clash with insurgents in Sadr City

US aircraft and tanks attacked Shiite militia positions in fierce fighting early Wednesday in Baghdad #39;s Sadr City slum, killing 10 people and injuring 92 others, hospital officials said.


Norwich Union to move thousands of jobs abroad

The insurance giant Norwich Union today announced plans to move 7,000 jobs abroad by 2007. Aviva, which owns Norwich Union, announced the transfer of the jobs - servicing its UK businesses - to an angry response from unions.


China economy seen growing 8.8 in 2004: ADB

China #39;s economy will expand 8.8 per cent in 2004 and eight per cent in 2005, but growth next year may slow to 7.2 per cent if oil prices stay at around \$40 a barrel, the Asian Development Bank said on Wednesday.


Insurer Aviva to move 950 more jobs to India, Sri Lanka

LONDON : British insurance giant Aviva announced plans to export 950 more jobs to India and Sri Lanka next year, with a total of 7,000 staff expected to be offshored by the end of 2007.


US Airways reaches giveback deal with dispatchers

Bankrupt US Airways (UAIRQ.OQ: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday reached a tentative agreement on concessions with the union representing dispatchers, the company said.


NASA funds extension of Mars rovers mission

NASA has funded another extension of their mission -- an additional six months, if they last. Word from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is that NASA has regained reliable contact with the rovers Spirit and Opportunity


Sun intros pay-per-use grid computing

Sun Microsystems yesterday introduced what it claims to be the industry #39;s first pay-per-use pricing model for grid computing architectures.


ESPN-Star threatens legal action against Zee #39;s Chandra

New Delhi, Sept. 22 (PTI): Threatening legal action, ESPN-Star Sports today demanded a  quot;public apology quot; from Zee Telefilms chief Subhash Chandra, for his remarks alleging collusion between the BCCI and the sports broadcaster.


West Indies set 132 to win

Pakistan were skittled out for a paltry 131 in 38.2 overs in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday.


Tennis: Sharapova slams Panova in Beijing

BEIJING : Wimbledon winner Maria Sharapova scorched Russian compatriot Tatiana Panova 6-1, 6-1 to kick-start her campaign at the China Open and book a place in the quarter-finals.


Soccer: Beckham gives Real a slender victory

MADRID David Beckham struck with a free kick to win back some support from a furious Bernabu crowd and give Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over Osasuna in its first match since its coach, Jose Antonio Camacho resigned.


GERRARD ALLAYS FEARS

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has played down fears that he could be sidelined for up to three months after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his left foot.


Globetrotters wave \$1 mil at Argentina

The Trotters have challenged Argentina, which defeated the United States en route to winning the gold medal, to a \$1 million winner-take-all game that would be shown on pay-per-view TV, Bloomberg news service reports.


Iran atom stance firm

TEHRAN As the European Union warned that it would not tolerate an Iran with nuclear weapons, its president, Mohammad Khatami, said Wednesday that the world must recognize its right to enrich uranium for power stations.


Sharon Again Threatens Action Against Arafat

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has again threatened to take action against Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. In an hour-long interview with Israel Radio he also expressed doubts about Syria #39;s planned troop redeployment in Lebanon.


EU to end Libya arms embargo

The European Union has agreed to lift an arms embargo on Libya after pressure from Italy, which said the North African country needed better equipment to tackle illegal migrants.


Terror mastermind #39;s  #39;Australian plans #39;

SEPTEMBER 11 terror mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed - who got a visa to Australia the month before the 2001 attacks - was planning to visit alleged terror sympathisers here.


JOE FACES TOUGH CALLS ON JASON, ESTEBAN

Yankee manager Joe Torre has some tough decisions upcoming, starting with whether to use Jason Giambi against Toronto left-hander Ted Lilly tonight.


Morgan Stanley Profit Falls 34 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. investment bank Morgan Stanley\ on Wednesday said quarterly profit dropped 34 percent\amid reduced trading revenue, falling well short of Wall\Street's already-lowered expectations and pushing the company's\shares down more than 8 percent.


Bear Stearns Profit Falls (Reuters)

Reuters - Brokerage Bear Stearns Companies\ on Wednesday said quarterly profit fell 10 percent hurt\by lower investment banking revenue and higher expenses.


U.S. Questions Fannie Mae Accounting (Reuters)

Reuters - A U.S. government review into the\nation's No. 1 mortgage finance company, Fannie Mae ,\charges it with inappropriate accounting practices and called\into doubt past financial results, the company's board said on\Wednesday.


France Probes Radicals Fighting in Iraq (AP)

AP - Prosecutors have opened an investigation into suspicions that French Islamic radicals have gone to Iraq to fight alongside militants there, judicial officials said Wednesday.


EU set to lift arms embargo on Libya (AFP)

AFP - The European Union (EU) agreed in principle to lift an arms embargo on Libya after pressure from Italy.


Cambodia, US to take first steps towards FTA: commerce minister (AFP)

AFP - Cambodia and the United States have agreed to start negotiations that could lead to a free trade agreement after US elections this year, Commerce Minister Cham Prasidh said.


Dow, Nasdaq, S P 500 Drop 1 Percent

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks extended their losses on  Wednesday after investment bank Morgan Stanley said quarterly  profit fell, casting doubt on corporate earnings growth, while  a brokerage downgrade on Cisco Systems Inc. hurt tech stocks.


Interstate Bakeries Runs Low on Dough

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Interstate Bakeries Corp. IBC.N,  maker of Hostess Twinkies and Wonder Bread, filed for  bankruptcy on Wednesday after struggling with more than \$1.3  billion in debt, high costs and weak demand for bread products  amid the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets.


3 DeLay Workers Indicted in Texas (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - AUSTIN, Sept. 21 -- Three top political aides to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) were indicted Tuesday on charges of illegally raising political funds from corporations in 2002, much of which was funneled into the Republican takeover of the Texas legislature.


U.S. Questions Fannie Mae Accounting

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. government review into the  nation's No. 1 mortgage finance company, Fannie Mae FNM.N,  charges it with inappropriate accounting practices and called  into doubt past financial results, the company's board said on  Wednesday.


Bear Stearns Profit Falls

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Brokerage Bear Stearns Companies  BSC.N on Wednesday said quarterly profit fell 10 percent hurt  by lower investment banking revenue and higher expenses.


ConAgra Profit Falls

CHICAGO (Reuters) - ConAgra Foods Inc. CAG.N on Wednesday  posted lower quarterly profits due to higher ingredient costs  and the sale of its chicken and agricultural products  businesses.


Shell Plan Disappoints Investors

LONDON (Reuters) - Scandal-hit oil giant Royal Dutch/Shell  will invest \$45 billion over three years to boost reserves and  production but its shares fell on disappointment it did not  extend a stock buyback program.


Financial Warning Sounded on Fannie Mae

A long running regulatory examination of Fannie Mae has found accounting and other problems at the giant government-chartered mortgage company that raise doubts about "the quality of its management supervision" and the company's "overall safety and soundness," Fannie Mae reported this morning.


Losses continue for Thomas Cook

Tour operator Thomas Cook makes a         196m (286.7m euro) loss in the first nine months of the year but says its overall financial position has improved.


Suicide bomber strikes Jerusalem

A Palestinian suicide bomber blows herself up in Jerusalem, killing at least one other person.


Inquiry into card interest rates

The Competition Commission's inquiry into store cards, will investigate interest rates, the body announces.


Regulators Question Fannie Mae's Accounting

A government review into the nation's No. 1 mortgage finance company charges it with inappropriate accounting practices, the company's board said today.


Bridging Hip-Hop Consumers and Suits

Music entrepreneur Steve Stoute has emerged as one of Madison Avenue's surest guides to the world of young consumer spending, hip-hop style.


FactSet Knows Cash Flow

As long as you keep customers happy, the subscription business can be a cash cow.


Iraq Turns Over Decapitated Corpse to U.S.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi officials recovered a decapitated corpse in western Baghdad on Wednesday and turned it over to the United States, which was investigating if it was the body of kidnapped American Jack Hensley - purportedly slain the day before by al-Qaida-linked militants.    The discovery came as the U.S...


Suicide Bomber Kills 1, Wounds 3 in Jerusalem

A female Palestinian suicide bomber blew herself up at a bus stop in Jerusalem on Wednesday, killing one person and seriously wounding at least three others, Israeli authorities said.


Get a PALight Workman for just  #163;9

Cash'n'Carrion Budget LED torch with no compromise on quality


Fannie Mae Financial Reports Questioned

Home mortgage lender Fannie Mae on Wednesday said the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight uncovered accounting inaccuracies that raise doubts about the company #39;s previous financial reports.


Browsing at Google

Now that Google #39;s (Nasdaq: GOOG) IPO has come and gone, with differing opinions of the relative success of the Dutch auction model, it #39;s been relatively quiet over at the search engine #39;s Mountain View, Calif.


NEWSMAKER-Cycling- #39;Other American #39; risks losing Olympic gold

Waking up on the morning after he won Olympic gold in Athens, Tyler Hamilton leaped out of bed to check no one had stolen the medal from his suitcase.


Doornbos is Jordans third driver in remaining 2004 Grand Prix

Jordan Ford announces that Robert Doornbos will be the teams third driver and will drive the teams third car (39) at the Grands Prix of China, Japan and Brazil 2004.


Gerrard: I #39;m back soon

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has rejected newspaper reports that he will be ruled out until Christmas. Gerrard broke a bone in his foot during Monday night #39;s defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford


India await beaten Aussies

AUSTRALIA will arrive in Mumbai tomorrow night for their pivotal Test showdown with India jarred by the disappointment of their heaviest one-day loss for two years.


Briefly: Hello, halitosis

roundup Plus: House takes on piracy, 'video voyeurism'...Verizon sets up Iobi Home...Sun makes financial pitch...PeopleSoft-Oracle trial delayed.


Ireland blocks calls to 13 countries to thwart Net scam

Ireland's telecom regulator said this week that is taking "extraordinary" measures to protect Internet users from rogue autodialer programs that hijack their modems and run up long-distance phone charges by suspending direct dialing to 13 countries, most of which are South Pacific islands.


Shell unveils \$15bn recovery plan

The Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell today sought to draw a line under its reserves scandal by announcing plans to spend \$15bn (8.4bn) a year to replenish reserves and develop production in its oil and gas business.


Video game giants roll out products

Nintendo Co. and Sony Corp. made separate product announcements Tuesday that the video game giants hope will attract more customers ahead of the highly competitive holiday shopping season.


Twinkies maker files for US bankruptcy protection

KANSAS CITY, MO. - Interstate Bakeries, the maker of Twinkies and Wonder Bread in the United States, filed for bankruptcy protection early Wednesday.


New Issue - Fannie Mae sells \$10.5 billion in bills

Fannie Mae (FNM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the No. 1 US home funding company, said on Wednesday it sold \$8 billion of three-month benchmark bills due Dec. 22, 2004


US Airways off the Nasdaq, has 1 labor agreement

Less than a year after US Airways Group Inc. listed its stock on the Nasdaq National Market, the airline #39;s shares have been delisted, a result of its second bankruptcy filing.


Judge grants Stewart request

NEW YORK - A federal judge Tuesday granted Martha Stewart #39;s request to go to prison as soon as possible, ordering her to report by 2 pm Oct. 8. In an order signed Tuesday, US District Court Judge Miriam Cedarbaum


Sun to rent CPU time on server farm

Sun #39;s COO Jonathan Schwartz has outlined a new direction for his company in the form of a cycle farm. Such a farm would rent out CPU time by the hour for a nominal charge - 99 cents for the use of a dual CPU


No channel for series

INDIA #39;S cricket chiefs began a frenetic search today for a broadcaster to show next month #39;s home series against world champion Australia after cancelling a controversial \$US308 million (\$440 million) television deal.


Williams, Sharapova win opening Beijing matches

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


West Indies, Pakistan to clash

WEST Indies may just have what it takes to make it to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy. Going into the second semi-final of the Championship, the West Indies have played with a quiet assurance which has been lacking for a long time.


CRB Button hearing adjourned

Motorsport.com. The Contract Recognition Board (CRB) hearing of the Jenson Button/BAR/Williams case has been adjourned until October 16th.


EU officials back Italy and Malta to lift sanctions on Libya

1540CET-- The European Union ambassadors have agreed to recommend lifting the EU bloc #39;s arms embargo on Libya following pressure from Italy and


Korean troops arrive safely in north Iraq

The Ministry of National Defense said yesterday 2,800 South Korean troops sent to aid the US-led occupation of Iraq have arrived safely in the Kurdish north of the country.


Fagoogle - Search Engine Supports Gay Community

A new search engine tool has been released this week which is based on the Google search engine - but with a twist. Fagoogle.com supports homosexuality and actively sponsors programs aimed at educating people about the gay lifestyle. Released this week, Fagoogle.com aims to generate well needed money for the ...


Get or Give Gmail Invites With GMailOMatic\\I heard about this last week, but when I tried to send it a couple invitations, it didn't work. It worked yesterday so I'll mention it. GmailOMatic allows people to submit Gmail invitations and request Gmail invitations.\\So if you've got a couple invites left ...


Dow, Nasdaq, S P 500 Drop 1 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. stocks extended their losses on\Wednesday after investment bank Morgan Stanley said quarterly\profit fell, casting doubt on corporate earnings growth, while\a brokerage downgrade on Cisco Systems Inc. hurt tech stocks.


Palestinian Suicide Bomber Hits Jerusalem (AP)

AP - A Palestinian suicide bomber blew herself up near a crowded bus stop in Jerusalem on Wednesday, killing one other person and wounding at least 14 others, Israeli authorities said.


New Substances Added to WADA's Banned Drugs List

LONDON (Reuters) - A medical product used to treat both  male hair loss and prostate problems has been added to the list  of banned drugs for athletes.


UK rate hold move was 'unanimous'

Members of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously against a sixth rate rise in nine months.


Twinkies Maker Seeking Ch. 11 Protection

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Interstate Bakeries Corp., the nation's largest wholesaler baker whose products include Twinkies and Wonder Bread, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection early Wednesday...


Sun Sets Sights on Low-End Market

After years of battling Microsoft Corp., Sun Microsystems Inc. has set its sights on Linux vendors, seeking to jump into a low-end but high-volume market it's been accused of ignoring.


CA to face arraignment in probe

update Computers Associates International is facing arraignment in federal court Wednesday on criminal charges stemming from a two-year investigation into the software company #39;s accounting practices.


Morgan Stanley, Bear Stearns Say Fiscal 3rd-Qtr Profit Declined

Morgan Stanley and Bear Stearns Cos. said fiscal third-quarter earnings fell, their first declines in more than a year. The results sparked concern that Wall Street profits are slowing, and shares of many securities firms dropped.


Retailers expect moderate 2004 holiday sales growth

That #39;s the early forecast from the National Retail Federation, which sees sales escalating at a  quot;moderate quot; 4.5 percent clip over last year #39;s robust results.


Hello, halitosis

ZDNet #39;s survey of IT professionals in August kept Wired  amp; Wireless on top for the 18th month in a row. Siemens Mobile is developing the first mobile phone that will alert people when their breath stinks, the company said Tuesday.


Mozilla could form base of a Google browser

Analysts agree that it would be of little benefit for Google to create a browser from scratch, but it could add value by adding components onto the open-source browser Mozilla.


Hostage #39;s Family Confirms Body Was His

The family of American hostage Jack Hensley has received confirmation that the headless body handed over to US officials in Iraq is his, a family spokesman said Wednesday.


Addressing UN Assembly, Annan urges nations to restore respect for <b>...</b>

Decrying what he described as  quot;shameless quot; disregard for the rule of law around the globe, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday urged world leaders gathered at the General Assembly to do everything within their power to restore respect for


Suicide bombing in Jerusalem kills 1

A female suicide bomber set off a blast Wednesday in the French Hill section of Jerusalem killing one person, police and emergency services said.


Is US Rhetoric Fuelling Iran #39;s Nuclear Program?

As Iran announces it is resuming its nuclear program, we speak with Iranian-born author and former diplomat Mansour Farhang about the increasing tensions in the United States towards Tehran.


Floods kill more than 600 people in Haiti, hundreds left homeless

Rescuers dug through mud and ruined homes for bodies Tuesday, expecting the death toll of more than 600 from tropical storm Jeanne to rise even further as flood waters receded in this crowded northern city after devastating winds


Paralympics a TV success story in Europe and Asia, but not in US (AFP)

AFP - More and more broadcasters across the world, especially in Europe and Asia, are putting the Paralympics into the spotlight, but the major sporting tournament for people with disabilities remains off screen in the world's biggest television market -- the United States.


Charlotte Bobcats Pick Up Option on Ely (AP)

AP - The Charlotte Bobcats picked up the option on center Melvin Ely for the 2005-06 season.


Gerrard promises speedy comeback from broken foot (AFP)

AFP - Steven Gerrard has moved to allay Liverpool fans' fears that he could be out until Christmas after breaking a metatarsal bone in his left foot.


You Can Pay for College (The Motley Fool)

The Motley Fool - Did you know that September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month? Well, it is. It's also National Head Lice Prevention Month. But perhaps of most interest to us financially minded Fools, it's College Savings Month -- so says the College Savings Plan Network (CSPN) of the National Association of State Treasurers.


Zimbabwe Denies Reports of Food Shortage (AP)

AP - Zimbabwe's government on Wednesday dismissed reports of dozens of deaths linked to malnutrition as lies peddled by detractors and insisted the nation has more food than it needs.


BCCI plans own telecast of Australia series (Reuters)

Reuters - The Indian cricket board said on Wednesday it was making arrangements on its own to broadcast next month's test series against Australia, which is under threat because of a raging TV rights dispute.


Oil Holds Firm After Big Fuel Stocks Draw

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices held firm, close to \$47 a  barrel on Wednesday after U.S. data showed the disruption  caused by Hurricane Ivan had eaten into fuel stocks.


Election is turning into a duel of the manly men (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Political analysts say they've never seen anything quite like the tough-guy competition between President Bush and Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry. They point to two reasons: millions of hunters and fishermen live in the battleground states each candidate needs to win, and voters everywhere are haunted by 9/11.


Politicans Killed in Indian Chopper Crash

GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Ten people, including a state  government minister and two lawmakers, were killed in a  helicopter crash in India's mountainous northeast on Wednesday,  officials said.


MP3 Player Sales To Hit \$58 billion By 2008

SAN FRANCISCO - In one of those good news, bad news stories, think tank IDC said sales will explode for Apple Computers extremely popular iPod music player this decade, but the huge market is attracting several portable jukeboxes based on 1-inch or


Olympic champion Hamilton fails test

Tyler Hamilton, the American who won the time trial gold in Athens last month, faces being stripped of his medal after testing positive for blood doping.


Captain Thomas Muster hopes for Austrian win

Austria hopes to capitalize on its home-court advantage and tough preparations to defeat Britain in this week #39;s Davis Cup World Group playoffs captain Thomas Muster said Wednesday.


EU agrees to lift Libya arms embargo

BRUSSELS - The European Union agreed on Wednesday to lift its arms embargo on Libya after pressure from Italy, which wants to help the North African country tackle illegal migrants, an EU diplomatic source said.


IBC files for bankruptcy early today

Financially struggling Interstate Bakeries Corp. early today filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in the US Bankruptcy Court in Kansas City.


Plexus to close Seattle-area plant; will cut 160 jobs

Neenah-based Plexus Corp. plans to close a Seattle-area plant, resulting in the layoff of about 160 employees, in an effort to save about \$2 million a year, the company said Wednesday.


Senate Panel Recommends Funding Boost for NASA

WASHINGTON -- NASAs vision for space exploration received a boost in the Senate Sept. 22 when a budget panel approved \$16.38 billion for the agency for next year, \$200 million more than the White House requested.


Teenage worm whiz gets IT security job

A young German man believed to be responsible for writing 70 per cent of all computer viruses received in the first half of this year has been given a job in IT security.


Security Watch: Bots March In

Last week, Microsoft released a security bulletin reporting vulnerability in the graphics subsystem in Windows and a wide range of Microsoft products.


Zero G Flights Could Bolster Space Tourism, Research Industries

Floating free above Earth and carrying out an experiment in space has long been the preserve of orbiting travelers, but at taxpayers expense.


SportsNetwork Game Preview

(Sports Network) - The New York Yankees can clinch a playoff berth tonight, and they can do it with a pitcher who is still unbeaten this year.


Arafat #39;s  #39;demise #39; up to us: Israel PM

ARIEL Sharon warned yesterday he would bring about the demise of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat  quot;when the time is ripe quot;.


US, Japan Apart on Need for Beef Study-Koizumi (Reuters)

Reuters - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro\Koizumi said on Wednesday that he and U.S. President George W.\Bush "see eye to eye" on the need for a quick resumption of\their bilateral beef trade, but Japan wants more mad cow safety\studies.


PeopleSoft's Knightly Quest (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Oracle may be breathing fire down its neck with an ongoing hostile takeover effort, but PeopleSoft is trying to withstand the siege and stay independent. The business software company has struck a pact with IBM to woo customers and bolster its business, although there's plenty of debate over whether Big Blue will pull off a dramatic rescue.


Morgan Stanley Profit Drops by a Third

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. investment bank Morgan Stanley  MWD.N on Wednesday said quarterly profit dropped by a third  on sharply lower bond trading revenue and higher expenses,  falling well short of Wall Street's low expectations and  pushing the company's shares down as much as 8 percent.


U.S. Faults Fannie Mae Accounting

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. government review of the  nation's No. 1 mortgage finance company, Fannie Mae FNM.N,  charges it with using improper "cookie jar" accounting to  smooth earnings and calls into doubt past financial results,  the company's board said on Wednesday.


GM Likely to Cut Jobs in Europe

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. GM.N, in the  midst of reassessing its unprofitable European operations, is  not ruling out closing a plant there and is likely to cut some  jobs, a GM spokesman said on Wednesday.


Quattrone Seeks Bail Until Appeal Ruling

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Former investment banker Frank  Quattrone on Wednesday requested a court order that would allow  him to remain free on bail while he appeals his obstruction of  justice conviction.


EU Agrees to Lift All Sanctions on Libya

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union has agreed to  implement last year's U.N. decision to lift economic sanctions  on Libya as well as ending its arms embargo on the North  African country, diplomats said on Wednesday.


D.C. Close at the Plate

Yes, we've been down this road before, but it looks as though the economic and political factors are now aligned in favor of baseball in the District -- although precariously.


Former Belgium coach Goethals dies at 83

Former Belgium coach Raymond Goethals, who took his country to third place at the European Championship in 1972, died on Monday aged 83.


Olympic Champion Hamilton Suspended by Phonak Team

ZURICH (Reuters) - Olympic time trial champion Tyler  Hamilton has been suspended by his Phonak team after they were  informed he had failed dope tests.


UPDATE 5-Morgan Stanley profit tumbles, shares drop

US investment bank Morgan Stanley (MWD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday said quarterly profit dropped by a third on sharply lower bond trading revenue


Japanese PSP Price Rele

Manfred Gerdes, SCEE German Managing Director, may have made a blunder. He recently confirmed that Sony #39;s Playstation Portable (PSP) will launch in Japan with a price tag of 33,000 yen.


PeopleSoft #39;s Knightly Quest

Oracle may be breathing fire down its neck with an ongoing hostile takeover effort, but PeopleSoft is trying to withstand the siege and stay independent.


Former investment banker Frank Quattrone on Wednesday requested a court order that would allow him to remain free on bail while he appeals his obstruction of justice conviction.


\$616m for Coles will silence the doubters

JOHN Fletcher yesterday claimed Coles Myer #39;s \$616.5 million profit was  quot;the kind of result every CEO actually dreams about quot;.


NASA extends Mars rover mission for another six months

PASADENA, Calif. NASA thinks its Mars rovers just might keep going and going and going. The space agency has funded another extension of their mission, for an additional six months, if they last.


Sun Offers Pay-for-Use Grid Computing

Sun Microsystems has introduced a pay-for-use pricing model for grid computing, enabling customers to gain access to computing cycles on an on-demand basis.


Input predicts growth in knowledge management

A new report predicts that the federal market for knowledge management solutions will grow by almost one-third in the next five years to more than \$1.


IDC Sees Pressure on Apple #39;s iPod Dominance; Flash Player From <b>...</b>

Market research firm IDC is forecasting Apple Computers dominance in the portable jukebox market of MP3 players with the iPod and iPod mini will see increased


BCCI blames Zee, ESPN-Star sports; will arrange telecast

The Cricket Board today said it was trying its  quot;level best quot; to arrange for live telecast of the India-Australia series, while blaming both ESPN-Star Sports and Zee Telefilms for creating an impasse which forced the board to cancel the entire tendering


Purdue, Minnesota can be Rose runners

If this humble voter were filling out his ballot today, though, it would look like this: 1. Purdue 2. Minnesota 3. Ohio State, 4. Michigan 5. Iowa 6. Wisconsin 7. Michigan State 8. Northwestern 9. Penn State 10.


Killer B #39;s

The Indians got just what the doctor ordered Tuesday night -- an updated version of the 1960s TV show  quot;Ben Casey quot;. Ben Broussard hit a three-run homer to get Cleveland back in the game and Casey Blake singled


No release for Iraq women, says US

Two high-profile women prisoners in American custody will not be released immediately, the US embassy said in Baghdad, despite an earlier announcement by Iraqi authorities.


Press caution over Syria Lebanon move

Newspapers in the Arab world and Israel have reacted with caution to Syria #39;s decision to redeploy some of its troops in Lebanon away from the capital Beirut.


Fighting Blocks Aid Workers In Darfur From Reaching 100,000 <b>...</b>

The United Nations says fighting and other strife is preventing aid workers from reaching 100-thousand people in Darfur who need help.


But what about the economy?

Latham needs to realise he can #39;t implement dramatic social reform without dramatic economic reform, writes Kenneth Davidson. Arguably, Mark Latham has won the substantive election debates on national security, taxation, health and education.


Update 1: Kodak Sees Digital Expansion in Future

Eastman Kodak Co., in the midst of its strengthening its position in digital imaging, Wednesday said it now expects sales of digital products and services to increase by about 36 percent between 2003 and 2007.


Britain #39;s first wholly Sharia #39;a bank opens in London

The first branch of Britain #39;s only wholly Islamic bank - which will operate strictly in accordance with Shariaa principles -as been opened in London today.


Jobs Fears as Insurer Offshores Operations to Asia

Britains biggest insurance company sparked a fresh row today over work being lost to India when it unveiled plans to create almost 1,000 jobs in Asia.


Blow for ALH as hopes of rival Coles bid recede

Shares in the pub and bottle shop owner Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality Group slipped yesterday after Coles Myer chief executive John Fletcher gave his strongest indication yet that the retailer #39;s


Cingular, AT amp;T and Triton to exchange certain operations

Cingular Wireless, AT amp;T Wireless and Triton PCS have an agreement that would give Cingular expanded wireless service in Virginia and Triton PCS added coverage in North Carolina as well as entry into the Puerto Rico MTA.


Mars Rovers #39; Break Time Over

NASA #39;s robotic explorers are back at work on Mars following an extended siesta that had left mission managers with only hope and optimism that the rovers


Despatches from the frontline of the war against PC viruses

The IT industry #39;s war against virus writers has seen battles won on both sides this year. Sven Jaschan, the 18-year-old German responsible for spreading 70 per cent of viruses in the first six months of 2004


Betrusted and TruSecure merge

The merged company CyberTrust will service 4,000 clients worldwide and says it expects to have annual revenues of USD160 million. The firm will also employ 1,000 people globally, including 49 in Dublin in its identity management division.


EMC Unveils E-mail Storage For Microsoft Exchange

EMC Corp. has unveiled a Microsoft Exchange server-based e-mail storage product called EMC Express Solution for E-Mail. EMC said the automated policy management software enables mid-sized organizations


Detroit Tigers Team Report - September 22

(Sports Network) - The Detroit Tigers continue their three-game series with the Cleveland Indians in tonight #39;s rubber match at Comerica Park.


Quelling the fire

Close your eyes. Imagine that Byrd Stadium is filled with people. Only these are not regular Terps fans. These are mainly men and boys uprooted from their villages - and they #39;re dead.


Zarqawi Cleric Ally Killed in U.S. Strike -Family

AMMAN (Reuters) - The spiritual mentor of al Qaeda ally Abu  Musab al-Zarqawi, a Muslim cleric who justified Zarqawi's  beheading of hostages in Iraq, has been killed in a U.S. air  strike, associates and relatives said on Wednesday.


EU agrees to lift Libya sanctions

The European Union agrees to lift its embargo on the sale of arms to Libya.


Unions end Israeli general strike

Unions in Israel end a damaging two-day general strike, which saw public services brought to a standstill in a row over unpaid wages.


This phone blooms into a flower

Toss that old cell phone into the dirt and you may return a few weeks later to find a flower. Scientists say they have come up with a phone cover that will grow into a sunflower when thrown away.


Brazil School Bus Accident Kills 16 (AP)

AP - A school bus swerved off a narrow road and plunged into a reservoir early Wednesday, killing at least 16 children in southern Brazil, a firefighter said.


U.S. Soldier Killed in Afghanistan (AP)

AP - An attack on a patrol killed an American soldier, the third U.S. fatality this week in Afghanistan, the military said Wednesday, amid a flurry of attacks that wounded over a dozen Americans in the run-up to the Oct. 9 presidential election.


Oil Tops \$48 After U.S. Inventories Dive

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices jumped more than a dollar,  climbing above \$48 a barrel Wednesday after U.S. data showed  the disruption caused by Hurricane Ivan had eaten into fuel  stocks.


Error of Judgment

The FBI alleges that a veteran U.S. diplomat met with agents from Taiwan. What were they up to? \


Mobile brain help claim dismissed

Experts have dismissed a suggestion that mobile phone radio waves could help children think more clearly.


Survey: Artists Embrace Internet for Ideas

Nearly all of the 2,755 musicians who participated in a recent survey reported using the Internet for ideas and inspiration, with nine out of 10 going online to promote, advertise and post their music.