Global Crossing Announces Restructuring

Global Crossing Ltd. shares plummeted Monday after the once bankrupt telecommunications company announced it will cut about 600 jobs and scale down operations to free enough cash to stay fiscally afloat.


Lockheed to Run Post Office Networks

Lockheed Martin Corp. won a contract potentially worth \$3 billion to provide managed network services to the U.S. Postal Service.


ThoughtLink's Exercise in Collaboration

Communicating can be tricky when a company or a government agency has workers in different locations and even different time zones.


Comcast's Perks to Montgomery Criticized

The cable television company has taken an aggressive and, critics say, sometimes heavy-handed, approach to protecting its interests in the Maryland county.


Americans Win Gold at World Cyber Games

Amid fanfare fit for actual world-class athletes, five Americans with really quick fingers took home the gold medal in the popular "Counter Strike" competition of the World Cyber Games championships, capping five days of intense gaming by the world's elite.


Painless but Pricey Backups

For a lot of people these days, the data they create and store on their computers is worth more than the hardware itself -- especially if you factor in the sentimental value of years of collected e-mail and photos.
-The Washington Post


Mortal Kombat: Deception; Silent Hill 4: The Room; Spinrite 6.0

The sixth title in the seemingly endless Mortal Kombat franchise -- 12 years and counting -- is about much more than blood-soaked, hand-to-hand fighting.


Nigerian Strike to Continue But Oil Exports Flow

LAGOS (Reuters) - Unions vowed to extend a general strike  over fuel prices in Nigeria to a second day on Tuesday, helping  drive world oil prices to record highs even though shipments  from Africa's top producer were unaffected.


UN: Iraqi Nuclear-Related Materials Have Vanished

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Equipment and materials that  could be used to make nuclear weapons are disappearing from  Iraq but neither Baghdad nor Washington appears to have  noticed, the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency reported on Monday.


Cisco, Fujitsu Ally on Routers to Spur Asia Sales (Update1)

Cisco Systems Inc., the world #39;s largest maker of computer-networking equipment, formed an alliance with Fujitsu Ltd. to increase sales to Japanese telephone carriers.


Oracle May Drop Its PeopleSoft Bid Lower

Oracle co-president Safra Catz said today Oracle's hostile \$7.7 billion bid for PeopleSoft could drop by one-third to one-fourth.


Lone Star Boom and Bust

The steel tubing company reports sharply higher earnings, but the stock is falling.


Senate Approves Bill Worth \$140 Billion in Corporate Tax Breaks

The bill aims to raise the same amount of money by closing tax shelters, raising customs fees and dropping a tax benefit.


Al-Sadr Loyalists Turning in Weapons

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Followers of radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr trickled in to police stations in Baghdad's Sadr City district to hand in weapons Monday in a first step toward bringing peace to the Shiite militant stronghold after weeks of fighting with U.S. forces...


Bush, Kerry Court Voters in New Mexico

President Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry were both campaigning in New Mexico Monday in tandem swings through the Southwest on their way to Wednesday night's final debate in Arizona. Bush shifted his harsh rhetoric to focus on Kerry's record on domestic issues, while Kerry promised to work for the middle class and energy independence...


Candidate Drops Boycott of Afghan Election

KABUL, Afghanistan - The main opposition candidate in Afghanistan's first-ever presidential election backed off a boycott of the vote, saying Monday that he would accept the findings of an independent commission to look into alleged cheating.    Ethnic Tajik candidate Yunus Qanooni, considered the likely runner-up to interim President Hamid Karzai, made the announcement at his Kabul home on Monday, a day after two other candidates also peeled away from the boycott...


Hamdi Returned to Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Yaser Esam Hamdi, a Saudi-American citizen who was captured on the Afghanistan battlefield and held without charges for nearly three years, has been freed and returned Monday to Saudi Arabia.    Interior Ministry spokesman Brig...


Stocks Open Up After Poor Jobs Report

NEW YORK - Stocks bobbed higher at Monday's open after two sessions of heavy selling driven by surging oil prices and a disappointing employment report.    The Dow Jones industrial average was up 27.36, or 0.3 percent, at 10,082.56...


Bush Rhetoric Becoming More Aggressive

CRAWFORD, Texas - President Bush is launching a focus on Western battlegrounds with no sign that the biting rhetoric he has aimed at Democratic challenger John Kerry in recent days is as aggressive as it's going to get.    Bush spent one day off the campaign trail, relaxing on Sunday at his central Texas ranch and engaging in informal preparations for the final debate before Election Day - Wednesday in Tempe, Ariz...


Ballots Pour Into Afghan Counting Centers

KABUL, Afghanistan - Ballot boxes poured into counting centers Monday for a tally of the troubled presidential election in Afghanistan amid signs an opposition boycott was wavering after at least two candidates agreed to accept the ruling of an independent panel's inquiry.    Election organizers hope their decision, announced late Sunday, to establish a panel of about three foreign election experts to investigate the balloting will end the boycott, which many fear could seriously undermine the winner's ability to rule this war-ravaged nation...


Office Depot hears call for VoIP

The office equipment supplier jumps into the growing market of placing cheap calls over the Net.


Venezuelan President Increases Taxes on Foreign Oil Companies

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is ordering foreign oil companies to pay much higher taxes, in a move to tighten state control over his country #39;s vast petroleum resources.


Fines Against Yukos Stand

A Russian court has ruled that embattled oil firm Yukos must pay nearly all the fines and penalties connected to its 2001 tax bill.


US Senate passes corporate tax bill

The US Senate on Monday passed a corporate tax bill that would dole out 136 billion dollars in new tax breaks to a wide array of US companies.


Senate passes corporate tax bill

The bill was approved by a 69-37 vote. It cuts taxes for businesses ranging from film companies to bow-and-arrow makers. It also closes tax loopholes and brings US exporters in line with international trade rules.


Sierra Pacific #39;s Enron Ruling Vacated

Electric and natural gas utility Sierra Pacific Resources Co. on Monday said the US District Court for Southern New York vacated a prior summary judgment that called for the company #39;s electric utilities to pay Enron Power Marketing Inc.


Slick Vick struggles

The legend of Michael Vick appeared to be on the verge of ballooning yet again as he dropped back to pass in the game #39;s waning moments.


Williams is day-to-day after ankle injury

The team said that an ultrasound at Henry Ford Hospital revealed that Williams indeed had suffered a sprained ankle, but not the more severe high ankle sprain.


Arroyo orders arrest of Abu leaders linked in ferry blast

MANILA -- President Arroyo ordered Monday the police and the military to intensify the manhunt for two Abu Sayyaf leaders, Khaddafy Janjalani and Abu Soliman, being the masterminds in the Superferry 14 bombing last February.


Opposition Party Heads for Win in Lithuanian Election

An opposition party led by an ethnic Russian businessman appears headed for victory in Sunday #39;s Lithuanian parliamentary election.


Motorola sinks TV dreams

The firm scraps an alliance with Moxell to bring Motorola-branded plasma TVs, LCD TVs and monitors to North America and China.


Nevada utilities win a chance to shed \$336 million Enron bill

LAS VEGAS - The parent company of Nevada #39;s two major electric utilities has won a rehearing of a federal bankruptcy court ruling that said it owed more than \$300 million to energy trader Enron Power Marketing.


Procter  amp; Gamble #39;s On Demand

Procter  amp; Gamble (NYSE: PG) is the latest company to experiment with new-age advertising techniques to lure the consumer dollar.


EAS changing hands

Founded in 1990 by Bill Phillips and then sold in 1999 to a North Castle Partners, EAS is being acquired by Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT).


Saudi Women Won #39;t Vote in Elections

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz speaks during the GCC Interior Ministers meeting in Kuwait, Sunday Oct. 10, 2004.


The Disparate Consensus on Health Care for All

Among health care experts there is a surprising consensus that the U.S. must inevitably adopt some kind of universal coverage.


In Eastern Europe, Skepticism Over the Euro

Skeptics wonder how the 10 newest members of the European Union will ever meet the economic conditions for adopting the euro.


FTC Goes After Spyware Operations (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - The Federal Trade Committee has filed a complaint in federal court asking that two Internet advertising and software firms be shut down. The FTC made the filing last Thursday and will hold a press conference on the matter tomorrow.


PalmOne in Microsoft E-Mail Pact (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - Long-time rivals PalmOne (Nasdaq: PALM) and Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) have announced a licensing agreement that will enable the next generation of PalmOne's Treo smartphones to work directly with Microsoft's Exchange 2003 e-mail system.


Web Servers Lead Top 20 Security Problems List (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - The SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security) Institute has issued its latest list of 20 most critical Internet security vulnerabilities. Web servers top the list of ten vulnerabilities for Windows-based systems, and they fall second on the list for those that are Unix- or Linux-based.


Microsoft Upgrades Windows XP Media Center (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - Bill Gates is about to announce a new step in Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT) home-entertainment strategy.


IBM Fashions New Blades (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - IBM (NYSE: IBM) is upgrading its blade \server line, taking the wraps off six new products in addition to rolling out features designed to improve the performance of BladeCenter systems.


Israeli MPs Reject Sharon Speech on Gaza Pullout (Reuters)

Reuters - Israel's parliament on Monday voted\to reject a session-opening speech by Prime Minister Ariel\Sharon, dealing a symbolic setback to his disputed plan to\withdraw from some occupied territory.


PeopleSoft touts new tools

As its battle with Oracle continues, the software maker attempts to offer some good news by unveiling tools designed for manufacturers.


Moscow court upholds fines against Yukos

The Moscow Arbitration Court on Monday upheld the tax authorities #39; demand that the embattled oil giant Yukos must pay nearly 1.34 billion US dollars in fines as part of a 4.1-billion-dollar claim for 2001.


Dolphins May Turn to Third-String QB (AP)

AP - Jay Fiedler has a cracked rib and A.J. Feeley has a concussion. So the Miami Dolphins may have to turn to third-string quarterback Sage Rosenfels when they play the Buffalo Bills this weekend in a matchup of the NFL's last two winless teams.


Kwan to Skip Grand Prix Season Again

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Oct. 11, 2004 - Michelle Kwan is taking a pass on figure skating #39;s Grand Prix series again. Kwan skipped the Grand Prix series the past two seasons, and said Monday she #39;ll do the same thing this year.


UPDATE 1-Trezeguet ruled out for three months

Juventus #39;s French international striker David Trezeguet will be out of action for three months after a scheduled shoulder operation, the Serie A club said on Monday.


Jackson-sparked Storm set for title showdown (AFP)

AFP - Australian basketball star Lauren Jackson is hoping she can raise a Storm that can block out the Sun one more time.


Torre Unsure of Rivera's Availability for Tuesday (Reuters)

Reuters - New York Yankees manager Joe\Torre said Monday he was unsure if closer Mariano Rivera would\be available for Tuesday's opener of the American League\Championship Series against Boston after a tragic accident at\the reliever's home in Panama over the weekend.


NHL's Hall, Connolly Head to Europe (AP)

AP - Nashville Predators right wing Adam Hall and Buffalo Sabres center Tim Connolly signed with European teams, making it 200 NHL players who have headed overseas during the lockout.


Al-Sadr Loyalists Turning in Weapons

Soldiers from the Iraqi National Guard show off mortars after militia members delivered sacks of the rounds to Iraqi security forces in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Oct. 11, 2004.


New compromise on ivory trade reached

afrol News, 11 October - Two proposals regarding the international ivory trade today failed to secure a two-thirds majority at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) conference in Bangkok.


The Successor to Greenspan Has a Very Tough Act to Follow

Nominating a successor to Fed chairman Alan Greenspan could be President Bush's biggest economic decision next year.


Torre Unsure of Rivera's Availability for Tuesday

NEW YORK (Sports Network) - New York Yankees manager Joe  Torre said Monday he was unsure if closer Mariano Rivera would  be available for Tuesday's opener of the American League  Championship Series against Boston after a tragic accident at  the reliever's home in Panama over the weekend.


Simms Doubtful; Griese to Start for Bucs

TAMPA, Fla. (Sports Network) - Tampa Bay quarterback Brian  Griese will start next Monday's game against St Louis. Chris  Simms is doubtful with a sprained left shoulder.


Euro creation fails to spark growth due to rigid labor market: Almunia (AFP)

AFP - The creation of the euro has brought economic stability to Europe but has yet to spark growth, as eurozone governments have failed to implement reforms, EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said.


Stocks Rise Before Earnings Blitz

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks advanced on Monday as  investors showed optimism that corporate earnings reports may  come in better than expected, but crude oil prices at a fresh  record near \$54 a barrel curbed gains.


Global Crossing Stock Down 25 Percent

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Global Crossing Ltd.  GLBCE.O fell as much as 25 percent on Monday on concerns it  could face a second bankruptcy after it said it is cutting 600  jobs as it negotiates with lenders for much-needed financing.


Boeing Willing to Negotiate on Tax Breaks

WASHINGTON/LONDON (Reuters) - Boeing BA.N is prepared to  discuss the elimination of billions of dollars in tax breaks it  receives from Washington state as part of a deal to end  European government loans for its competitor Airbus, the  company's chief executive said on Monday.


Israeli MPs Reject Sharon Speech on Gaza Pullout

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's parliament voted on Monday  to reject a session-opening speech by Prime Minister Ariel  Sharon, dealing a symbolic setback to his disputed plan to  withdraw from some occupied territory.


Germany Cuts Deutsche Telekom Stake

FRANKFURT/LONDON (Reuters) - Germany sold 6.3 percent in  phone operator Deutsche Telekom on Monday, raising up to 4.4  billion euros (\$5.5 billion) as part of a privatization drive  to help it tackle a burgeoning budget deficit.


Here's a Hot Tip...

Perhaps the most important question you can ask when receiving a hot tip: "Why are you telling me this?"


Procter   Gamble's On Demand

The company has come up with some on-demand advertising. Will it woo viewers?


Abbott agrees to buy nutrition firm EAS for \$320mn

NEW YORK, October 11 (newratings.com) - Abbott Laboratories (ABT.NYS) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire a leading US-based nutrition products company, EAS, in a cash and stock deal valued at about \$320 million.


We Pledge Allegiance to the Mall

Heavy consumer spending in the United States strains the global economy and also sustains it.


Venezuela jacks up oil royalties

Venezuela announced a dramatic increase in royalties for foreign oil companies operating in the petroleum-rich country, El Nacional reported Monday.


US Stocks Ahead as Earnings Awaited

US stocks were higher on Monday, as investors were optimistic that corporate earnings reports may come in better than expected, but relentlessly high crude oil prices reined in advances.


PeopleSoft Announces PeopleSoft Demand Flow Manufacturing and <b>...</b>

SAN DIEGO --(Business Wire)-- Oct. 11, 2004 -- Breakthrough PeopleSoft EnterpriseOne 8.11 Applications Enable Manufacturers to Become Demand-Driven.


Almost a million Dell notebook adapters to be recalled

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, have announced the voluntary recall of the following consumer product.


Sun shells out US\$92 million to settle Eastman Kodak litigation

Without admitting or denying allegations, Sun Microsystems has entered into a formal settlement agreement with the Eastman Kodak Company to settle all claims in pending litigation between the parties.


Tennis: Olympic Champ Justine Henin-Hardenne Takes Year Off

Former women #39;s world No. 1 and Olympic tennis champion Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium says she will not play any more this year because of the continuing effects of an energy-sapping virus.


Truth  amp; Rumors: Oct. 11, 2004

Baltimore #39;s Deion Sanders, recovered from his hamstring injury, made his first interception in four years in last night #39;s 17-10 win over Washington.


Tragedy strikes at World Cup qualifier in Togo

Zurich, Switzerland (Sports Network) - Four spectators died at Sunday #39;s World Cup qualifying match between Togo and Mali. Eight fans were also injured, three seriously, at Kegue Stadium in Togo after a power failure led to a wild rush to the exits.


Formula One: Schumacher blows away foes

SUZUKA, Japan It #39;s an ill typhoon that does no one any good. After the sellout crowd of 160,000 had been cheated of all of the action the previous day when qualifying was canceled, the capacity crowd at Suzuka


Car bomb attack on US convoy in Mosul: police

MOSUL, Iraq - A car bomb struck a US military convoy on Monday in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, an Iraqi police officer told AFP.


Chirac tour falls flat for French

President Jacques Chirac has been busy talking up the advantages of trade with France on his current Asian tour - but back home the newspapers have been lukewarm on his performance.


EU agrees to lift sanctions on Libya

The European Union has agreed to lift its long standing sanctions against trade with Libya. The move was taken today by foreign ministers of the 25 member union.


SuperFerry 14 bombing solved, says Arroyo

Editor #39;s Note: Published on page A1 of the Oct. 12, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. POLICE yesterday filed multiple murder charges against six suspected


UN: Iraqi Nuclear-Related Materials Have Vanished (Reuters)

Reuters - Equipment and materials that\could be used to make nuclear weapons are disappearing from\Iraq but neither Baghdad nor Washington appears to have\noticed, the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency reported on Monday.


Slain Police Officers Buried in Haiti (AP)

AP - Hundreds of wailing mourners gathered to bury five slain police officers Monday as gunfire crackled around the capital where clashes between supporters of the U.S.-backed government and ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide have plagued peacekeepers.


Commander of sub tells of ordeal; says Saunders was overcome with smoke (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - GLASGOW (CP) - The weary captain and crew of the stricken HMCS Chicoutimi told tales of heroism, fear and survival Monday in their first public recounting of the fire aboard their sub, with some expressing wonderment that they lived to tell of their ordeal.


Oil Extends Record Run, Brent Over \$50

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices rose to record highs on  Monday, pushing crude in London above \$50 for the first time  and extending a relentless rise that has added around 65  percent to the cost of crude this year.


Israel's Sharon Survives Two No-Confidence Votes

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon survived  two no-confidence votes in Israel's parliament on Monday,  clinging to power as he seeks to push through a disputed plan  for withdrawal from some occupied territory.


Marchers Attack French, U.N. Troops in Ivory Coast

BOUAKE, Ivory Coast (Reuters) - U.N. peacekeepers in Ivory  Coast fired into the air and French soldiers blasted teargas to  disperse stone-throwing demonstrators in the rebel-held town of  Bouake on Monday, peacekeepers said.


McCain Calls for Tougher Testing Policy

Senator John McCain plans to introduce legislation requiring Major League Baseball players to be tested for steroids.


Stocks post gains

The Dow Jones industrial average is up 21 points at ten-thousand-75. Gainers on the New York Stock Exchange hold a narrow lead over losers.


Update 1: Defense Begins Case in Enron Barge Trial

Unwritten assurances from Enron Corp. to keep trying to sell Merrill Lynch  amp; Co. #39;s \$7 million interest in three power-generating barges wasn #39;ta  quot;legal impediment quot; to making that investment, an in-house lawyer for the brokerage testified Monday.


FTC Files Complaint Against Alleged Spyware Distributor

The FTC said it believes the companies induced computer users to buy its spyware-eradication software, sold for US\$30 and bearing names such as Spy Wiper and Spy Deleter, after first infecting


Nintendo DS Readies for Portable Gaming Competition

quot;DS provides the road map to the future of video games, quot; Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America #39;s executive vice president of sales and marketing said.


Tragedy strikes Rivera #39;s family

Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera traveled from New York to his home in Puerto Caimito, Panama yesterday morning after two of his wife #39;s relatives died in an electrical accident there on Saturday.


World oil prices hit record highs

NEW YORK, Oct 11 (AFP) - World oil prices scaled record peaks Monday, rising on concern over disruptions to supply from strike-hit producers Nigeria and Norway.


Oracle may cut its offer for PeopleSoft as much as one-third

Oracle Corp. is thinking about cutting its offer for PeopleSoft by one-third to a one-fourth. Oracle Co-president Safra Catz made the statement Monday, citing PeopleSoft #39;s 2004 performance as the chief reason


House Approves \$477 Billion Defense Bill

Congress on Saturday approved a \$477 billion defense bill with a military pay raise and new money for Iraq and Afghanistan. Underscoring the bill #39;s lack of controversy, the House approved


Microsoft Wires XP to TV with Media Center

quot;Consumers are telling us that they don #39;t want to be tied to the room where their PC lives to look at their digital pictures or view a program recorded on their Media Center PC, quot; Joe Belfiore


Sub blaze survivors relive terror

Survivors of a fatal fire on a submarine have spoken of their experience as Canada #39;s defence minister said he could not rule out suing the British Government.


NASA worker pleads innocent to faking inspections

A former NASA safety inspector accused of falsifying examinations of crucial parts on the space shuttle Discovery pleaded not guilty Friday in federal court, and his attorney called him  quot;meticulous in his work.


Sun, Kodak Look to Future Following Patent Suit Settlement

In lieu of facing a court judgment of possibly more than US\$1 billion, Sun Microsystems has agreed to pay \$92 million to settle a long-running patent infringement case with Eastman Kodak.


Giants #39; Carter fractures hip

East Rutherford, NJ (Sports Network) - New York Giants wide receiver Tim Carter is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a fractured hip during this past Sunday #39;s game against Dallas.


Injuries, frustration continue to mount in Miami

Davie, FL (Sports Network) - The Miami Dolphins learned Monday that they could be without quarterbacks Jay Fiedler and AJ Feeley for this Sunday #39;s game against the Buffalo Bills.


In the air over there

(Oct. 11, 2004) -- It is only Oct. 11, but for all practical purposes, the loser of this game faces a mountain too big to climb to make the playoffs.


Yanks closer due back for ALCS

PANAMA CITY, Panama Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera will return to the club in time for game one of the American League Championship Series against Boston Tuesday night.


Prefontaine boots Argos past Lions

TORONTO (CP) - Noel Prefontaine kicked six field goals to lead the Toronto Argonauts to a 22-16 home win over the BC Lions on Monday afternoon.


Gadhafi Prize to Chavez

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Libya on Sunday awarded its annual Moammar Gadhafi human rights prize to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for resisting  quot;imperialism quot; and being a champion of the poor.


Update 1: Global Crossing Plummets on Restructure

Global Crossing Ltd. shares plummeted Monday after the once-bankrupt telecommunications company announced it will cut about 600 jobs and scale down operations to free enough cash to stay fiscally afloat.


Intel, Microsoft Attempt To Integrate PC and TV

An offensive against one of the last pockets of resistance to the proliferation of the personal computer into every corner of our lives will be launched this week by two high-tech giants, Microsoft and Intel.


Canas Wins on Opening Day at CA Trophy

Sixth-seeded Guillermo Canas of Argentina beat wild card Julian Knowle of Austria 6-2, 6-4 Monday on the first day of the CA Trophy.


OIL PRICES SCALE RECORD HEIGHTS

World oil prices are continuing to scale record heights, rising on concerns over disruptions to supply from strike-hit producers Nigeria and Norway.


\$5Bln Telekom Stake for Sale

State-owned development bank KfW is selling up to 4 billion euros (\$4.9 billion) worth of shares in Deutsche Telekom, the latest step in the privatization of the former German phone monopoly.


YUKOS ordered to pay part of tax claim

The Moscow Arbitration Court ruled on Monday that the YUKOS oil company must pay RUR 39.113bn (about \$1.34bn) as part of its back tax claim for 2001.


International Conference Focuses on Spam

Officials from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the British Office of Fair Trading (OFT) hosted the first international meeting of spam enforcement agencies today in London.


FTC Filing Targets Malicious Spyware

Spyware has come under target of the Federal Trade Commission with a new complaint filed in federal court which is requesting that two Internet based advertising and software firms be closed.


Tim Carter out for season

Tim Carter, the Giants #39; speedy but injury-bedeviled wide receiver, fractured his hip in Sunday #39;s victory over the Cowboys and is expected to miss the rest of the season.


Glazer Getting Serious Despite Fans Opposition

American multi-millionaire Malcolm Glazer is set to intensify his campaign to gain control of Manchester United. The sports club tycoon could be about to launch a formal takeover bid this week, despite staunch opposition from United fans.


Yankees-Red Sox Set to Renew Rivalry in ALCS

It is a series that fills Boston Red Sox fans with dread, New York Yankee supporters with giddy confidence and has left Major League Baseball and television executives smiling from ear-to-ear.


Maquoketa #39;s Rosenfels could make first career start for Dolphins

_ Third-string quarterback Sage Rosenfels, a Maquoketa native and Iowa State grad, could be pressed into service when the Miami Dolphins play the Buffalo Bills this weekend.


Lions are suddenly road warriors

Coming into the season, the Detroit Lions were well-known for their futility in foreign stadiums. The unlucky number was 24, as the Lions hadn #39;t won on the road since 2000.


Chirac Means Business in China

BEIJING -- French President Jacques Chirac hailed business deals worth 4 billion euros Sunday as a sign that a state visit to China intended to improve economic ties had been a success.


Saudi vows to create 'pro-business environment', foster investment (AFP)

AFP - Saudi Arabia will seek to create a  quot;pro-business environment quot; and foster investment opportunities in energy and other sectors, the oil-rich kingdom's investment chief said.


Stocks End Higher Before Earnings Blitz

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks advanced slightly on  Monday as investors were optimistic that corporate earnings  reports may exceed expectations, but oil at a fresh record near  \$54 a barrel curbed gains.


Congress Approves Lewis and Clark Park (AP)

AP - Congress has passed and sent to the president a bill that would establish the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Oregon and Washington state.


Advo Names Harding CEO

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Advo Inc. AD.N, which publishes  shopping ad circulars and provides other direct-mail marketing  services, on Monday said its board of directors had elected  Scott Harding chief executive, effective Oct. 15.


Dell Recalls Notebook Adapters

Dell has issued a recall notice for more than 4 million AC power adapters used with many of its notebook computers. The company says the adapters sometimes overheat, which could lead to a fire or electrical shock.


Hanson chasing number six

Australian swimmer Brooke Hanson will be chasing her sixth gold medal at the World Short Course Championships in Indianapolis later this morning.


Oil Rises to Record on Reduced Gulf of Mexico Output, Imports

Crude oil in New York rose to a record \$53.80 a barrel after the US said some production shutdowns in the Gulf of Mexico caused by Hurricane Ivan may last as long as six months.


India set to get more British jobs

London, Oct. 11: Britains second-largest general insurance group, Royal  amp; Sun Alliance, is to save 10 million a year by outsourcing 1,100 jobs in call centres, administration and processing to India over the next two years.


Ex-NASA Worker Charged for Faking Exams

ORLANDO, Fla. Oct. 8, 2004 - A former NASA safety inspector accused of falsifying examinations of crucial parts on the space shuttle Discovery pleaded not guilty Friday in federal court, and his attorney called him  quot;meticulous in his work.


Sri Lanka reach final after Zimbabwe match called off

Sri Lanka qualified for the final of a three-nation one-day tournament today after their match with Zimbabwe was called off due to overnight rain.


Atapattu: No complacency vs. Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka cricket captain Marvan Atapattu wants to finish off Zimbabwe in  quot;good fashion quot; Monday when the two teams meet in a limited-overs international of triangular series.


U.S. Funds Chat-Room Surveillance Study (AP)

AP - Amid the torrent of jabber in Internet chat rooms  #151; flirting by QTpie and BoogieBoy, arguments about politics and horror flicks  #151; are terrorists plotting their next move?


AdWatch: Kerry Attacks Bush's Tax Cuts (AP)

AP - Details of a new television ad from Democrat John Kerry to begin airing Wednesday:


Senate Leaders Hope to Act on 9/11 Bill (AP)

AP - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said Monday he will decide in the next two days whether there is a realistic chance Congress can get the Sept. 11 intelligence reorganization bill completed before Election Day.


A new event in programming?

A Caltech spinoff's new programming language could make it easier for software to digest RFID data and look for security breaches.


Tech services jobs increase

New Labor Dept. report shows continued growth in computer-related services jobs, while tech manufacturing positions fell.


Schmidt to take greater role in U.S. cybersecurity

The nation's former cybersecurity czar agrees to advise the government's incident response team.


Comcast CEO offers olive branch to Bells

Comcast head Brian Roberts says he and archrivals should work in concert to fight government intervention. Verizon CEO rolls his eyes.


Former CA chief Kumar appears at Cannes tech conference

Sanjay Kumar, the former Computer Associates chairman and CEO who was recently indicted for securities fraud,  talked about what he's been doing since leaving CA in June.


Oil Futures End at Record High for Fifth Session

Benchmark light, sweet crude futures for November rose 33 cents to settle at a new record high of \$53.64 a barrel, after reaching an intraday high of \$53.


Ascension Health Awards Computer Sciences 10-Year IT Support <b>...</b>

Under the \$1.35 billion deal, CSC will provide help-desk, network, security, and telecommunications services at more than 80 Ascension facilities across the country.


Yukos fined \$1.34bn for failure to pay tax

LONDON, October 11 (newratings.com) - Embattled Russian oil giant, Yukos Oil (YUSA.FSE), has been ordered to pay \$1.34 billion in fines and penalties for failing to pay its tax liabilities for 2001 on time.


Cerro Verde Expansion To Up Peru Copper Output By 20

LIMA (Dow Jones)--Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde SAA #39;s (CVERDEC1.VL) planned \$850 million expansion will increase Peru #39;s overall copper production by about 20 a year, National


IBM upgrades blade servers

Enhancements include a SCSI option that will double the number of SCSI blades that users can fit into a single chassis, and software designed to make them cooler and easier to manage.


Massachusetts settles its first antispam case

A Florida man and his company will pay a \$25,000 fine to settle a spam lawsuit brought in Massachusetts in the first use by a state of the federal CAN-SPAM Act.


Walker Becoming Favre's Favorite Target (AP)

AP - Green Bay Packers receiver Javon Walker is technically Green Bay's third receiver. Really, though, Walker is becoming Brett Favre's favorite target as they head into their Monday night matchup with the Tennessee Titans.


Blair told to double overseas aid

Tony Blair is being urged to use all his negotiating powers to end poor countries #39; debt and double aid. Some 45m children will die needlessly before 2015 and aid budgets are half their 1960 levels, charity Oxfam says in a new report, Paying the Price.


LAS VEGAS--Sticking out like a sore thumb, Brian Roberts, CEO of the nation #39;s largest cable company, Comcast, on Monday asked a room full of phone industry skeptics to join him in the fight against bad government regulations.


FTC Acts Against Spyware Distributor

The Federal Trade Commission has filed suit against two companies owned by New Hampshire resident Sanford Wallace. The firms allegedly infected users #39; computer with spyware -- and also sold anti-spyware software.


Divers find Blackbeard #39;s cannon

BEAUFORT, NC -- Underwater archeologists have found another cannon from the wreckage of what they believe was the flagship of the notorious pirate Blackbeard.


Robin Ventura Announces Retirement (AP)

AP - Robin Ventura retired in a fashion fitting for the way he played and behaved during a fine 16-year career  #151; quietly, with dignity and little fanfare.


IBM supersizes storage arrays

IBM is expected to debut its highest-capacity storage arrays, pitting them against high-end offerings from competitors including EMC and Hitachi.


Nigerian unions launch strike, oil exports flow

LAGOS - Nigerian unions began a four-day strike on Monday, helping drive world oil prices to record highs although shipments from Africa #39;s top producer were unaffected.


Shaik: Nixon gets a mention

Durban - Deputy president Jacob Zuma is not the only controversial politician to have been dragged into the Schabir Shaik trial. On Monday disgraced former US president Richard Nixon also received a mention


Authorities shut down U.K.-based news Web sites

U.S. authorities working in an international investigation have shut down 20 independent news Web sites run by the Independent Media Center by seizing two U.K.-based Web servers, the group said.


Welke, Marsh Picked As Crew Chiefs for LCS (AP)

AP - Umpires Tim Welke and Randy Marsh were picked as crew chiefs for the league championship series and will start out Game 1 behind the plate.


'Laughingstock' Portugal Hopes to Rebound (AP)

AP - A headline in a Lisbon newspaper called Portugal's soccer team "Europe's Laughingstock." Italy, France and the Netherlands also came in for stinging criticism after embarrassing weekend results in qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup.


Global Crossing cuts 600 jobs, announces Q1, Q2 results

Telecommunications network vendor Global Crossing cut its workforce by 600 workers, or about 15 of its global employees, as it continues to right itself about a year after emerging from bankruptcy.


Diebold cuts forecast

Diebold Inc. today reduced its third-quarter and full-year earnings forecasts as it absorbs costs for recertifying its electronic voting machines in California and for expenses related to a pending civil action in that state.


3Com launches set of products for IP telephony

3Com announced IP telephony products, including modules that help connect features such as e-mail alerts and caller ID to IP systems based on Session Initiation Protocol.


Microsoft still hopes to settle with EC, exec says

Microsoft's CEO in Europe said the company still hopes to settle with the European Commission over the sanctions imposed against it to correct its anticompetitive behavior.


Yankees-Red Sox Set to Renew Rivalry in ALCS

NEW YORK (Reuters) - It is a series that fills Boston Red  Sox fans with dread, New York Yankee supporters with giddy  confidence and has left Major League Baseball and television  executives smiling from ear-to-ear.


TELECOM '04 - Verizon, Comcast execs slam regulation

LAS VEGAS - Cable met telecommunications Monday at the Telecom '04 trade show in Las Vegas as the top executives of Verizon Communications Inc. and Comcast Corp. both urged decreased regulation of communications in a joint keynote appearance.


Microsoft Still Hopes to Settle With EU

Even though its appeal is ongoing, the software giant hopes to make a deal.


Dolphins May Turn to Third-String QB

Jay Fiedler has a cracked rib and A.J. Feeley has a concussion. So the Miami Dolphins may have to turn to third-string quarterback Sage Rosenfels when they play the Buffalo Bills this weekend in a matchup of the NFL's last two winless teams.


FTC Filing Targets Malicious Spyware

FTC Filing Targets Malicious Spyware\\Spyware has come under target of the Federal Trade Commission with a new complaint filed in federal court which is requesting that two Internet based advertising and software firms be closed. The FTC filing was made last week with a press conference to be scheduled for ...


Newsview: Flawed Candidates Neck and Neck (AP)

AP - After two debates, voters have seen President Bush look peevish and heard him pass the buck. They've watched Sen. John Kerry deny he's a flip-flopper and then argue that Saddam Hussein was a threat  #151; and wasn't. It's no wonder so few minds have changed.


Sadr fighters disarm, again

The cleric's followers began handing in weapons Monday, but some plan to continue fighting US forces in Baghdad.


Attacks in Egypt: homegrown or part of global jihad?

Several obscure Islamist groups have claimed credit for Thursday's suicide attacks.


\$50-plus Oil Drags on Economy

Oil prices above \$50 a barrel -nd rising  - now starting to adversely affect the economy and consumers in ways that had not been happening only a few months ago.


Global Crossing Shares Plummet

Global Crossing plans to eliminate 600 jobs, roughly 15 percent of its workforce, by March 2005 as part of a restructuring plan. The company needs an additional \$40 million in financing to fund


Parker Hannifin completes purchase of Sporlan Valve Co.

CLEVELAND - Parker Hannifin Corp. has completed its acquisition of Sporlan Valve Co., a provider of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, the companies said Monday.


Stocks drift higher as investors await earnings

Stocks drifted higher Monday, brushing aside another record high for oil prices amid hopes the impending tide of third-quarter profit reports will override worries about a struggling economic recovery.


TELECOM  #39;04: Verizon, Comcast execs slam regulation

Cable met telecommunications Monday at the Telecom  #39;04 trade show in Las Vegas as the top executives of Verizon Communications Inc.


Tribute to an unsung space hero

Visiting my neighbor Max Faget at his home on the banks of Dickinson Bayou here in rural Galveston County, Texas, was like a trip into a space museum.


GeForce 6200 Announced

October 11, 2004 - NVIDIA today has announced the newest card in its GeForce 6 line, the entry-level GeForce 6200. Rounding out the GeForce 6 family, the GF6200 contains the same feature set as its 6800 and


MPAA Revives P-to-P Lawsuit

Group is asking the Supreme Court to overturn decision in favor of file-swapping networks. Representatives for the music and movie industries have filed a petition asking the US Supreme Court to overturn an


Media Center introduction

One of the challenges Microsoft and computer makers face in marketing Media Center PCs is persuading consumers that it #39;s worth putting them in their living room, supplanting the normal setup of TV, VCR, DVD player and/or personal video recorder.


Novell shortens release date for open enterprise server

Novell last Friday said the release of Open Enterprise Server, a combination of open source and commercial networking platforms, is 10 months ahead of schedule.


Schilling wants to quiet Yankee Stadium crowd

(Sports Network) - The Boston Red Sox acquired pitcher Curt Schilling in the offseason so they would be able to experience the jubilation of finally winning a World Series for the first time since 1918.


Somebodys Going Home 1-4

The Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans will try to keep from falling to 1-4 Monday night. But after the nationally televised game in Green Bay, Wisconsin, one of them will be.


Injuries leave Panthers with no tailbacks

DeShaun Foster suffered a broken clavicle during the second quarter of Sunday #39;s 20-17 loss against the Denver Broncos, forcing coach John Fox to play the rest of the game with fullbacks Brad Hoover and Nick Goings in his backfield.


An Afghan  #39;hanging chad #39; dispute

An independent inquiry is helping to defuse a controversy over ink used in Saturday #39;s election. By Scott Baldauf  Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor.


Dell Recalls 1 Million Laptop Power Adapters

If you have an Inspiron, Latitude, or Precision notebook, then a recall is in effect for your power supply.  quot;Dell on Friday announced that it #39;s recalling almost a million faulty power adapters sold with its


IBM Introduces New Blade Servers

IBM has introduced six new models in its BladeCenter server line, including five new HS20 models and a new JS20 blade server. The Intel-based HS20 systems now are equipped with two new, compact


New ISS crew prepare for lift-off

With just a week to go before their launch, the new crew of the International Space Station are preparing for blast-off, CCTV reported Friday.


Croc attack to be investigated

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service says it will investigate the circumstances surrounding a crocodile attack in the state #39;s far north.


After the Bell -- CommScope Slides

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of communications cable maker  CommScope Inc CTV.N fell 22 percent in after-hours trade on  Monday after it warned on its sales outlook for the fourth  quarter.


MySQL to make use of Microsoft code

This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been enterprise directories as organizations spawn projects around identity infrastructure.


Novell #39;s Open Enterprise Server To Ship Early

Novell plans to co-ordinate the release of Open Enterprise Server with the availability of the first service pack for SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9. Customers will be able to deploy OES knowing


China Eastern Airbus order worth \$3.4 billion

China Eastern Airlines said yesterday it valued its new order of 20 Airbus jets at \$3.4 billion. The A330-300s will be delivered to China #39;s third-largest airline between 2006 and 2008.


Autopsy performed on Caminiti, results may not be known for 10 <b>...</b>

An autopsy was performed on Ken Caminiti on Monday, though the cause of the 1996 National League MVP #39;s death may not be known for 10 days.


Defence minister sees damage to Chicoutimi, meets with British

LONDON - Defence Minister Bill Graham was tight-lipped after meeting with his British counterpart to discuss last week #39;s fire on board HMCS Chicoutimi.


Congress Passes \$145 Bln Tax Cut, Ends Export Subsidy (Update2)

The US Congress approved a \$145 billion bill providing new corporate tax breaks and a buyout for tobacco farmers as part of legislation that eliminates an export tax credit ruled illegal by the World Trade Organization.


US Stocks Drop in Week on Economic Reports; Merck Declines

US stocks fell this week after a government report showing slower job growth, coupled with an unexpected drop in an index of service industries and record oil prices, fueled concern that economic expansion will stall.


Congress Sends Bush Corporate Tax Bill

The US Senate easily gave final congressional approval on Monday to a huge corporate tax bill that aims to end a trade fight with the European Union by repealing US export


Citigroup seeks to block Parmalat plan

LONDON Parmalat, the Italian dairy giant, has shown  quot;stark and illegitimate discrimination quot; against non-Italian banks in formulating a plan that is crucial to its bankruptcy reorganization, Citigroup has said.


Microsoft II: Browser battles

NEW YORK At the moment, at least eight different Web browsers reside in my computer. There #39;s no earthly reason to have so many except for the slightly obsessive fun of it.


CHELA DUMPED OUT IN AUSTRIA

Fourth-seeded Argentinian Juan Ignacio Chela #39;s second encounter with Florian Mayer this year didn #39;t go nearly as well as the first.


Oracle may cut PeopleSoft bid

Oracle may lower its tender offer for PeopleSoft by as much as a third, a top company executive said on Monday during courtroom testimony.


Senate OKs \$137 billion in corporate, special interest tax breaks

The Senate on Monday approved \$137 billion in tax breaks for corporations and special interests over 10 years, including a \$10 billion buyout for tobacco farmers.


Stocks: Stocks rise as investors bet on profit reports

NEW YORK Stocks rose modestly in light trading on Monday as investors awaited the impending tide of third-quarter profit reports, hopeful the news would override worries about record oil prices and a sputtering US economic recovery.


Boeing willing to bend on tax breaks

Boeing is prepared to discuss the elimination of billions of dollars in tax breaks it receives from Washington state as part of a deal to end European government loans for its competitor Airbus, the company #39;s chief executive said


Sainsbury profit drops two-thirds

J Sainsbury, the third-largest supermarket chain in Britain, said Monday that first-half profit fell by about 66 percent as the company lost business to companies including Tesco and Wal-Mart Stores #39; ASDA.


Oil strikes another new high

NEW YORK - Oil prices continued their rise on Monday, as a general strike shut down Nigeria and a Moscow court upheld a billion dollar back tax demand on Yukos, Russia #39;s largest oil producer.


Blair delays pensions move until after poll

Tony Blair promised yesterday to seek a national consensus on radical reform to tackle Britain #39;s pensions crisis but shelved the crucial decisions until after the general election.


Global Crossing struggling to stay afloat

MANHASSET, NY - The weak telecom market continues to wreak havoc on telecom company Global Crossing Ltd., which is cutting jobs and trying to restructure its finances in an attempt to continue operating.


Microsoft Renews Push for Living Room PC

Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O is making a renewed push this week to get its software into living rooms with the launch of a new version of its Windows XP Media Center, a personal


ABC Notches Another  #39;Desperate #39; Win Sunday

quot;Desperate Housewives quot; was hot-to-trot in its second outing for ABC on Sunday, leading the network to a commanding nightly victory with assistance from


Comcast CEO Calls for Telecom Truce

Brian Roberts, CEO of cable giant Comcast, told executives at the United States Telecom Association #39;s annual convention that cable providers and traditional telephone companies should work together


Davenport wins in Germany

Lindsay Davenport, 28, won her tour high seventh title of the year Sunday at the Porsche Grand Prix in Filderstadt, Germany. Davenport won when top ranked Amelie Mauresmo was forced to retire from the final because of an injured left thigh.


Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe tri-series match called off due to rain

ISLAMABAD: Asian Champions Sri Lanka advanced to the final of triangular one-day international series after their match against Zimbabwe was called off due to heavy overnight rain at the Pindi Cricket Stadium here on Monday.


With Jamal out, focus turns squarely on Boller

The Baltimore Ravens have proven they can win in spite of Kyle Boller. Now they #39;re going to find out if they can win without Jamal Lewis.


Sport #39;s hottest property, a collapsed trial, and the seedy world <b>...</b>

When the football agent Paul Stretford hid a camera behind a hotel coffee-machine before a business meeting last year, he planned to reveal a campaign of bullying and blackmail


Carbon dioxide spike renews global warming fears

The amount of carbon dioxide in the Earth #39;s atmosphere has increased faster than expected in the last two years, renewing concern that global warming may accelerate.


Violence will worsen ahead of Iraq polls, Rumsfeld warns

BAGHDAD - US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, on a surprise visit to Iraq, has predicted that violence will increase ahead of January #39;s election.


Grandmother wrestles crocodile

A 60-year-old grandmother jumped on the back of a crocodile as it dragged a man from his tent in northern Australia, but was then attacked by the 350-kilogram beast.


Kidnappers #39; double-headed strategy in Iraq

The city of Liverpool spent the weekend in mourning for one of its residents, Mr Ken Bigley, the British hostage who was beheaded in Iraq.


SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O is making a  renewed push this week to get its software into living rooms  with the launch of a new version of its Windows XP Media  Center, a personal computer designed for viewing movies,  listening to music and scrolling through digital pictures.


Ravens find another way to win

For years, the Baltimore Ravens have done things the hard way. With a lack of offensive firepower, Baltimore has been forced to look towards its defense and special teams to pick up the slack.


Rosenfels might start against Bills

FOXBORO, Mass. - Sage Rosenfels didn #39;t get a chance to be the backup kicker Sunday, but he might get a chance to play quarterback next week.


Siebel moves toward self-repairing software

Siebel Systems wants to cut the costs of tending its software by teaching the programs to manage themselves.


Gizmos, graphics get open source options

MySQL developers turn to an unlikely source for database tool: Microsoft. Patch readies Linux for cell phones, DVD players. Also: SGI visualizes Linux.


Oracle may cut PeopleSoft bid

Tender offer could be trimmed by a third, given PeopleSoft's business prospects, top Oracle exec Safra Catz tells a court.


A new direction for Linux for gadgets

MontaVista proposes a modification that could help boost the operating system for cell phones and GPS receivers.


MSN fighting Messenger difficulties, virus

Outages continue to plague Microsoft's online service since the weekend, possibly due to a virus using the service to spread.


VeriSign nears new Net phone deals

Ten Internet phone providers are set to use its behemoth signaling network. Does the move take away business from the Bells?


Hot servers not so cool for data center managers

ATLANTA -- Low-end server technology is racing ahead of the ability of many data centers to keep the increasingly dense and fast systems cool, a problem that's stopping some IT managers from using the new machines.


Caymas introduces company and products

Caymas Systems made its formal debut Monday, releasing three identity-driven access gateways designed for control of internal and external access to enterprise data and applications.


Storage vendors push decentralization

Storage vendors StorageTek and Adaptec this week will boost their offerings with products that further decentralize data and storage for branch and remote offices.


IBM supersizes storage arrays

IBM this week is expected to debut its highest-capacity storage arrays, although the products' real differentiator is a mix of management technologies designed to help customers get a better handle on where to store growing volumes of data.


Alitalia secures 400m euro loan

Alitalia has reached agreement with the Italian government on a 400m euro (275m) loan to aid the restructuring of the struggling airline.


Comcast CEO offers olive branch to Bells

Wired  amp; Wireless continues its reign at the top spot among IT priorities due to widespread IP telephony and wireless deployment.


Rovers resume search for life on Mars

AGEING but still on the go, climbing in and around craters, tapping into the mysteries of strangely cracked rocks, the two roving vehicles, Spirit and Opportunity, have explored Mars about three times as long as originally scheduled and keep finding


Wireless Networking FCC Gives Nod to Cingular-AT amp;T Wireless Merger

The FCC #39;s wireless telecommunications bureau has recommended clearing Cingular #39;s buyout of AT amp;T Wireless with only minimal divestitures from the two companies.


MR FIXIT: GO FOR LOW SCORE BORE

but surely that term no longer exists if we are the opposition. After dismal displays against Slovenia and Norway at Hampden, we simply must win or face World Cup heartache.


Redskins Safety Bowen Out for Season

The Ravens score 14 points without their struggling offense taking the field Sunday night to rally past the punchless Redskins.


Dolphins may have to turn to third-string QB

Jay Fiedler has a cracked rib and AJ Feeley a concussion. So the Miami Dolphins might be forced to turn to third-string quarterback Sage Rosenfels when they play the Buffalo Bills next Sunday


Three UNC players suspended for marijuana

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (Ticker) - University of North Carolina football players Adarius Bowman, Fred Sparkman and Isaiah Thomas have been suspended indefinitely from all team activities after being cited for marijuana possession, the school announced


Sub #39;s crew recall fight with  #39;brutal #39; fire

Survivors of a fatal fire on a Canadian submarine that was left drifting in the north Atlantic described yesterday how they thought they would suffocate in the choking fumes.


Catz: Oracle Exec Says May Drop PeopleSoft Bid By One-Third

Ellison #39;s revenge. Redux. After waging acquisition war on takeover target PeopleSoft for 16 months, software giant Oracle (nasdaq: ORCL - news - people ) may add insult to what some perceive as injury, again.


Report to warn of 57bn pensions shortfall

Britons are saving 57 billion a year too little to pay for the costs of retirement, a government-commissioned report is expected to warn today.


Kewell calm and collected for long-awaited Socceroos return

The Socceroos #39; chief crowd-puller Harry Kewell has been given the green light to play his first international on home soil in three years tonight.


Courage of our favourite Aussie

A friend called and said Keith Miller had died peacefully. It was one of the few times he did anything quietly. He was a vigorous and mettlesome man who loved a yarn.


Briefly: Siebel moves toward self-repairing software

roundup Plus: Monster says it could enter Japan by mid-2005...Novell to release Open Enterprise Server...Blizzard wins online game suit...CA adds utility-like mainframe pricing, expects.


Bombed Turkish synagogue reopens

Istanbul's largest synagogue reopens amid tight security, 11 months after being  damaged in a suicide bomb attack.


US Stocks Gain; Shares of Citigroup, Bank of America Advance

US stocks gained on optimism that third-quarter earnings this week from companies including Citigroup Inc. and Bank of America Corp.


Global Crossing Falls as It Seeks New Financing (Update2)

Shares of Global Crossing Ltd., 10 months out of bankruptcy, plunged 19 percent after the fiber- optic network operator said it needs as much as \$40 million in new loans to avoid running out of money this year.


SunTrust Banks to restate 1Q, 2Q profit

ATLANTA -- SunTrust Banks Inc. said Monday that it expects to restate earnings higher for the first and second quarters of 2004 due to changes in loan loss allowances, and plans to delay its third-quarter


US stocks gained on optimism that third-quarter earnings this week from companies including Citigroup Inc. and Intel Corp. will top analysts #39; estimates.


New signs of water on the Red Planet

A cracked rock called Escher is helping NASA scientists reconstruct the history of water on Mars. They say that the crater currently being explored by the Opportunity rover may have been shaped by a second


MS, Intel Shepherd New Web Services Spec

A host of companies led by Microsoft and Intel has revised and released a specification for making sure computer systems have a common way to communicate.


SquawkBack Poll: Will the Red Sox or Yankees win?

The contest many baseball fans wanted to see is about to begin. The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees begin playing for the American League Championship Tuesday.


Tennis: Argentina #39;s Guillermo Canas Wins in Opening Day Play of CA <b>...</b>

Sixth-seeded Argentine tennis player Guillermo Canas scored a 6-2, 6-4 win over Austrian wild card Julian Knowle to highlight the opening day of play at the CA Trophy tournament in Vienna.


Playboy who irked the Don

DELIVERING the Sir Donald Bradman Oration in Brisbane last year, the celebrity interviewer Michael Parkinson compared the personal style of the Don with that of his great contemporary Keith Miller.


Baseball: Win for the Yankees

Alex Rodriguez scored from third base on a wild pitch by Kyle Lohse in the top of the 11th innings, giving the New York Yankees a 6-5 win over the Minnesota Twins in their American League Divisional Series in Minneapolis.


Kim not retained as Cubs make coaching changes

Third-base coach Wendell Kim, often criticized for being too aggressive in sending runners home, won #39;t be back next year. Also, Gene Clines is replacing Gary Matthews as hitting coach, with Matthews taking Clines #39; old spot at first base.


Scientist finds huge jump in gas that causes global warming <b>...</b>

LONDON, Oct 11 (AFP) - Climate experts cautioned Monday that a reported consecutive annual jump in the quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere might be an anomaly, without ruling out it was a sign of rapid global warming.


Alitalia secures 400m euro loan

Alitalia reaches agreement with the Italian government about a 400m euro loan needed to fund a major restructuring of the business and to ensure its survival.


Yukos Ordered To Pay \$1.3 Billion in Tax Debt

The Russian government is demanding a total of \$4.09 billion for 2001 from Yukos. Apart from the fines, more than \$3 billion in back taxes are being docked from the oil giant #39;s frozen accounts.


CSC Wins \$1.35 billion Contract

Computer Sciences Corporation has won a ten-year, \$1.35 billion contract to manage telephone and computer networks for Ascension Health, the largest nonprofit health care system in the US


Trio in ALCS spotlight

I #39;m one of those people who believe there is an aura around this Red Sox team that will enable Boston to prevail over the Yankees in the latest postseason showdown between these two bitter rivals.


One reported dead after at least three rockets slam into Kabul <b>...</b>

KABUL, Afghanistan One person is reported dead after at least three rockets slammed into an area of the Afghan capital of Kabul near the US Embassy.


Alitalia Signs Agreement With Dresdner

Alitalia SpA has signed an agreement for a euro400 million (US\$496 million) bridge loan, the struggling Italian airline said Monday.


Phelps Dodge Plans Mine Expansion

Phelps Dodge Corp., one of the world #39;s largest copper producers, said Monday its board approved an \$850 million expansion to triple production at the Cerro Verde mine in Peru, with the company ceding some of its stake in the mine in the process.


FTC sues alleged spyware distributors

The US Federal Trade Commission filed a legal complaint last week against two companies that are believed to have infected computers with spyware and pop-up advertising and then attempted to sell their owners anti-spyware software.


Vodafone Software Enables SMS from Desktop

Vodafone UK has introduced a service that will allow businesses to send and receive text messages from their desktops. The Vodafone Text Center is interoperable with MS Outlook and IBM Lotus Notes.


Vendors announce new Web Services Specification

AMD, Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corp. and Sun Microsystems have announced the publication of Web Services Management (WS-Management), a Web services specification that addresses the cost and complexity of


Henin calls a halt to exhausting year

Belgium #39;s Justine Henin-Hardenne will not play for the rest of the year in an attempt to recover from exhaustion. The former world No1 has not competed since losing in the fourth round of the US Open to Nadia


Vick struggling in new offensive scheme

Michael Vick can do some amazing things with a football. But first, he #39;s got to hang on to it. Vick had three turnovers in the Atlanta Falcons #39; first loss of the season -- all of them having a crucial impact on the game.


Dettori back on top of the pile

Though the fall suffered by Kieren Fallon in a nondescript race at Leicester yesterday may not have brought his challenge for the jockeys #39; title to an end, it may yet prove to have brought a brilliant contest to a brutal conclusion.


CommScope Says Costs Rise, Sales to Fall

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Communications cable maker CommScope  Inc. CTV.N on Monday projected higher fourth-quarter costs  and lower sales at an Omaha manufacturing subsidiary, losing  nearly a quarter of its stock market value in after-market  trading.


Tractor Supply 3rd-Quarter Earnings Drop

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Farming supply retailer Tractor Supply  Co. TSCO.O on Monday reported that its earnings fell in the  third quarter because of higher freight costs, higher costs for  steel and other commodities and a shift in sales to lower  margin hurricane-related items.


Nuclear assets 'vanish' in Iraq

Technology which could help produce a nuclear bomb has gone missing in Iraq since the invasion, the UN warns.


Millions facing pensions 'misery'

Millions of Britons face retirement poverty unless they work longer or save more to plug a 57bn shortfall, a government-inspired report is due to say.


Westfield and Multiplex team up to bid for Chelsfield

MELBOURNE: Global shopping mall owner Westfield Group will team up with Australian developer Multiplex Group to bid 585mil (US\$1.


CORRECTED: Stocks Rise Before Earnings Blitz

US stocks advanced on Monday as investors showed optimism that corporate earnings reports may come in better than expected, but crude oil prices at a fresh record near \$54 a barrel curbed gains.


Stocks End Higher Before Earnings Blitz

US stocks advanced slightly on Monday as investors were optimistic that corporate earnings reports may exceed expectations, but oil at a fresh record near \$54 a barrel curbed gains.


MDM Delivers Directions on-the-Go

MDM today announced a new mobile travel solution application for Palm OS and other platform handhelds. Directions on-the-Go offers navigational assistance without the need for a GPS or wireless connection.


Becks #39; absence is both good and bad news

BAKU (Azerbaijan) - David Beckham is so popular in Azerbaijan that the country #39;s coach, Carlos Alberto, is slightly disappointed that the England skipper will be missing when their teams meet in their World Cup qualifying match here tomorrow.


Giants #39; Tim Carter done with hip injury

Wide receiver Tim Carter of the New York Giants will miss the remainder of the season because of a hip injury. Carter suffered a fractured hip socket during the third quarter


MEPs:  #39;Homophobic #39; justice chief must quit

Italy #39;s European commissioner-designate, Rocco Buttiglione, faced a formal call from MEPs for his resignation yesterday over his description of homosexuality as a  quot;sin quot;.


Mrs Crocodile Dundee, 60, wrestles with reptile to save camper

quot;The crocodile walked into the tent and dragged the man out. A 60-year-old woman in an adjacent tent heard the commotion and jumped on the crocodile quot; - Stephen Pemberthy, Royal Flying Doctor Service.


Thin trading keeps renewed optimism in slight check

OPTIMISM that corporate earnings reports may come in better than expected gave US shares a fillip yesterday. But trade was thin as some markets including the bond market were closed for the Columbus Day holiday.


Screen glut cuts net 15 at LG.Philips

SEOUL LG.Philips LCD said Monday that third-quarter net profit fell 15 percent as prices for flat screens for televisions and computers declined.


Glitch Disrupts EBay's PayPal Service (AP)

AP - Repairs were underway Monday at PayPal as the widely used online payment service struggled to get customers back on track after several days of "intermittent" outages.


'Doonesbury' Strip Crashes 'Union Leader' Web Site (Editor and Publisher)

Editor and Publisher - NEW YORK The Union Leader's Web site crashed this morning after Garry Trudeau put its URL in today's "Doonesbury."


Microsoft Renews Push for Living Room PC (Reuters)

Reuters - Microsoft Corp.  is making a\renewed push this week to get its software into living rooms\with the launch of a new version of its Windows XP Media\Center, a personal computer designed for viewing movies,\listening to music and scrolling through digital pictures.


Caymas introduces company and products (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Caymas Systems made its formal debut Monday, releasing three identity-driven access gateways designed for control of internal and external access to enterprise data and applications.


New Effort to Target Illegal Ivory Sales (AP)

AP - The African elephant got a new line of defense against poachers Monday after a global wildlife conference approved measures aimed at wiping out the continent's illegal ivory trade.


Flu Shot Disaster Shows Communications Gap-FDA (Reuters)

Reuters - The decision by British authorities\to suspend the license of a major influenza vaccine\manufacturer just before the vaccine was to be shipped shows a\need for better communication, acting FDA chief Dr. Lester\Crawford said on Monday.


Russia Plans 500-Day Mock Mars Mission (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - Russian space researchers will lock six men in a metal tube for more than year in an effort to mimic the stresses and challenges of a manned mission to Mars.


Comet Crashing Mission Prepped For Launch (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - BOULDER, COLORADO -- Engineers here at Ball Aerospace  amp; Technologies Corporation are readying NASA's Deep Impact mission for shipping this month to Cape Canaveral, Florida.


Crisis Over, Afghanistan Heads for Vote Count (Reuters)

Reuters - With a threatened boycott its historic\presidential election firmly relegated to the background,\Afghanistan took first steps on Tuesday to begin counting\votes.


Outspoken British envoy may lose job for denouncing Uzbek torture (AFP)

AFP - The British ambassador to Uzbekistan, Craig Murray, could be facing the sack for his outspoken criticism of the regime in Tashkent which he accuses of widespread torture of opponents, a British newspaper said.


Some Iraqi Insurgents Turning in Weapons (AP)

AP - Shiite fighters in tracksuits and sneakers unloaded cars full of machine guns, mortars and land mines Monday as a five-day, weapons-for-cash disarmament program kicked off in Baghdad's Sadr City district  #151; a sign of progress in the center of Shiite resistance in Iraq.


Bush, Kerry Campaign in West Before Debate (AP)

AP - Bracing for their final debate, John Kerry accused President Bush of favoring "friends in the oil industry" over consumers strapped with rising fuel bills on Monday while Bush said his challenger so misunderstood the war on terror that he thought it could be reduced to "a nuisance" akin to prostitution or illegal gambling.


Congress OKs  #36;136B Corporate Tax-Cut Bill (AP)

AP - The Senate shipped President Bush a wide-ranging  #36;136 billion corporate tax-cut bill and a disaster aid package on Monday, letting lawmakers head home for the finale of the presidential and congressional campaigns.


Update 2: Tokyo Stocks Lower on Profit-Taking

Tokyo stocks fell Monday morning as investors took profits from recent gains. The US dollar was weaker against the Japanese yen and the euro.


U.S. Raps Cuba on Its Presence Abroad (AP)

AP - The State Department is accusing Cuba of training Colombian rebels and says it is troubled by a large presence of Cuban personnel in Venezuela, whose president, Hugo Chavez, is a close ally of Cuban President Fidel Castro.


Oracle sees PeopleSoft profit declining

PeopleSoft's profit may drop "significantly" this year, according to testimony by an Oracle executive.


Founder set to quit Chelsfield

Elliott Bernerd has agreed to walk away from the property empire he built over two decades for about 65m cash after falling out with his billionaire business partners.


No more peanuts

Hugo Chavez, the president of Venezuela caricatured in the mask above, is raising taxes on oil companies in the Orinoco Belt from 1pc to 16.


Australian authorities OK Qantas merger

SYDNEY, Australia -- Australian authorities Tuesday approved a proposed alliance between Qantas and Air New Zealand - but the decision came too late for the airlines as the New Zealand High Court last month rejected the tie-up.


Glitch disrupts eBay #39;s PayPal service

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Repairs were underway Monday at PayPal as the widely used online payment service struggled to get customers back on track after several days of  quot;intermittent quot; outages.


Oracle sees PeopleSoft profit declining

PeopleSoft #39;s profit may drop  quot;significantly quot; this year and may have trouble surviving on its own, according to testimony Monday by an Oracle executive.


Sainsbury #39;s forced to issue third profits warning

J Sainsbury bowed to pressure from the City watchdog yesterday and admitted that interim profits were likely to plunge - the third time it has issued a profits warning in the past seven months.


Murdochs men do media mambo

News Corporation (NCP) and The DIRECTV Group, Inc. today announced a number of transactions within the Latin America media market that will see DIRECTV Group paying \$579 million in cash for the equity stakes in other News Corp controlled companies.


Government  #39;must take bold decisions #39; over pensioners

BRITAIN cannot wait any longer for the government to take radical action to resolve the countrys growing pensions crisis, ministers were warned last night.


CommScope Shares Plunge 3Q on Sales View

Shares of CommScope Inc. fell more than 20 percent in the extended session Monday after the maker of coaxial and fiber-optic cables revised its sales outlook and announced plans for cost reductions and price increases.


Microsoft plans to announce new media center

Microsoft Corp., world #39;s largest software company, is planning to launch 2005 version of their Media Center software program on Oct. 12.


Apple Fan Sites Buzz with Talk of Photo-Ready iPod

Is Apple Computer Inc. AAPL.O fine-tuning an enhanced iPod with roughly 50 percent more storage and a color screen to display photos?


Sans list warns of Unix version control risk

New threats to Unix users include a widely used software development aid known as concurrent version control, according to the latest annual Sans Top 20 vulnerability report.


New Worm Attacks MSN Messenger As Service Falters

Another candidate in the growing list of exploits on instant messaging clients and servers arrived in the wild. Called W32.Funner, the worm on Monday circulated to attack on the Windows Messenger platform.


Sri Lanka reach final

RAWALPINDI (Pakistan): Sri Lanka qualified for the final of a three-nation one-day tournament yesterday after their match with Zimbabwe was called off due to overnight rain.


Despite injuries, McNair and Favre to start Monday

Green Bay, WI (Sports Network) - Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair and Green Bay Packers signal-caller Brett Favre are expected to start Monday night #39;s game at Lambeau Field.


No beating about the bush, Miller was Australian in excelsis

The office of Australia #39;s longest-serving prime minister Sir Robert Menzies was famously decorated by two framed images. One was a painting by Tom Roberts, capturing the austere, sun-blasted beauty of a bush


Americans Win Gold at World Cyber Games (AP)

AP - Amid fanfare fit for actual world-class athletes, five Americans with really quick fingers took home the gold medal in the popular "Counter Strike" competition of the World Cyber Games championships, capping five days of intense gaming by the world's elite.


France May Allow Jamming of Mobile Phones (AP)

AP - Watch a movie or make a mobile phone call. Soon, in France, you might not be able to do both at once.


Apple Fan Sites Buzz with Talk of Photo-Ready iPod (Reuters)

Reuters - Is Apple Computer Inc. \fine-tuning an enhanced iPod with roughly 50 percent more\storage and a color screen to display photos?


Oracle May Drop PeopleSoft Bid (AP)

AP - Oracle Corp.'s hostile  #36;7.7 billion bid for rival software maker PeopleSoft Inc. could drop by one-third to one-fourth, Oracle co-president Safra Catz said Monday.


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Is Apple Computer Inc. AAPL.O  fine-tuning an enhanced iPod with roughly 50 percent more  storage and a color screen to display photos?


Tokyo Stocks Open Lower; Dollar Slips (AP)

AP - Tokyo stocks opened lower Tuesday on concerns about higher oil prices. The dollar was down against the Japanese yen.


Tractor Supply 3rd-Quarter Earnings Drop (Reuters)

Reuters - Farming supply retailer Tractor Supply\Co.  on Monday reported that its earnings fell in the\third quarter because of higher freight costs, higher costs for\steel and other commodities and a shift in sales to lower\margin hurricane-related items.


Japan Stocks Open Lower

TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei average fell 0.39 percent  at the opening on Tuesday after a rise in crude oil to another  record high put a damper on the appetites of investors  returning from a three-day weekend.


Newsview: Flawed Candidates Neck and Neck (AP)

AP - After two debates, voters have seen President Bush look peevish and heard him pass the buck. They've watched Sen. John Kerry deny he's a flip-flopper and then argue that Saddam Hussein was a threat  #151; and wasn't.


Bird nest thefts at record UK low

Thefts of British birds' eggs reached a record low in 2003, according to a report from the RSPB.


God Has 4,000 Loudspeakers; the State Holds Its Ears

The Egyptian minister of religion decided that one official call to prayer would be broadcast live and carried by all of Cairo's mosques. Many of the faithful objected.


IBM to refresh storage lineup

Big Blue is set to announce new disk storage products Tuesday, as it fights to regain market share in data storage gear.


Wi-Fi not a slam dunk for basketball Maverick

NBA franchise owner Mark Cuban nixes plans to let Dallas Mavericks ticket-holders get Wi-Fi access from their seats.


Qantas-Air NZ merger backed

AN Australian tribunal today gave the green light to a proposed alliance between Qantas Airways Ltd and Air New Zealand Ltd, even though the airlines are no longer able to pursue the tie-up the way they had planned.


Sainsbury warning  #39;could be followed by another #39;

J Sainsbury, the deeply troubled supermarket group, yesterday gave its third profits warning since March, and some analysts fear that a fourth could arrive as early as next Tuesday.


Britons fear poverty

Nationwide, the UK #39;s largest building society, yesterday warned that more than 40pc of Britons believe they face a retirement of financial hardship, while the Consumers


Verizon Wireless to Add 16 Cities to Broadband

Verizon Wireless, the largest US wireless company, will expand its high-speed data service to 16 markets by the end of the year, the chairman of Verizon Communications Inc.


Rooney  #39;blackmail #39; trio are cleared

LONDON: A judge threw out all charges yesterday against three men accused of blackmailing teenage soccer star Wayne Rooney #39;s agent.


Peirsol breaks own world record in 200 backstroke

Aaron Peirsol of the United States lowered his own world record in the 200-meter backstroke at the Short Course World Championships on Monday night.


Acquaintances hope drugs aren #39;t cause

HOUSTON -- Former National League MVP Ken Caminiti #39;s death came as a shock to those who believed the former slugger was turning his life around after being released from jail last week on a 2001 drug charge.


Leicester in shock as Adams quits

in a move which astonished his employers - as he believed that his own anxiety was spreading through the dressing room during the team #39;s poor start to the season.


Crew Reounts  #39;Nightmare #39; on the Atlantic

After five days at sea in the dark and aboard a dead submarine, the crew of the HMCS Chicoutimi is telling tales of heroism and fear.


NIGERIA: New fuel strike shuts down key cities

LAGOS, 11 Oct 2004 (IRIN) - Several of Nigeria #39;s biggest cities were paralysed on Monday as labour unions began a four-day general strike to protest at the latest fuel price increases under President Olusegun Obasanjos deregulation programme.


Chirac calls for closer ties

Visiting French President Jacques Chirac yesterday pushed for stronger economic and political ties with China, emphasizing mutual respect and equality in foreign relations in his speech at Tongji University in Shanghai.


China, Annan agree on UN reform

Beijing, Oct 12. (PTI): Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing today held in-depth exchange of views with visiting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on global hotspot issues, including Iraq, and reached  quot;consensus quot; on the reform of the United Nations.


TELECOM '04 - Changing telecom industry meets in Vegas

LAS VEGAS - U.S. carriers and infrastructure providers are gathering this week at the Telecom '04 trade show in Las Vegas amid rapid changes in the telecommunications industry, including cable companies roaring into the voice business and phone companies switching on TV services.


Indians, Independents Dominate Bolivia Election

LA PAZ, Bolivia (Reuters) - Indigenous groups and  independent candidates were poised to win local elections in  Bolivia on Sunday, while support for traditional parties sank  further after a popular revolt last year toppled former  president Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada.


New Media Center OS Unveiled

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 supports DVD burning, HDTV, and improved support for mobile devices.


Pensions - your views

Britons are set to face some stark choices over their pensions with the publication of a new report on Tuesday. The Pension Commission #39;s independent report is expected to warn that the UK population needs


Notes: Mendoza added to roster

The Red Sox will make one roster change for the start of the American League Championship Series, adding a veteran reliever in Ramiro Mendoza who is no stranger to postseason


Agent of Man Utd #39;s Rooney has blackmail case thrown out

The agent of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been accused of misleading a court as charges were dropped against three men accused of blackmailing him.


Peirsol sets 200 back world record

American swimmer Aaron Peirsol set a world record of one minute and 50.52 seconds in the men #39;s 200-meter backstroke final here Monday at the World Short Course Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana.


Amnesty defied as militants hang on to their arms

Militants loyal to Moqtada al-Sadr failed to hand over substantial quantities of heavy weapons on the first day of a disarmament plan yesterday, bringing threats from the US


Corruption case casts shadow on Mbeki  #39;heir #39;

The probity of the man tipped as South Africa #39;s next leader was on trial yesterday when a businessman appeared in court accused of paying more than 110,000 in bribes.


Federal employees get special treatment on car usage, say documents (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - Nearly 460,000 Canadians on the federal payroll are eligible to be reimbursed tax-free for using their cars on government business, according to documents obtained by The Canadian Press.


Cheney: Kerry's View of Terrorism 'Naive' (AP)

AP - Vice President Dick Cheney, pursuing Republican votes in a reliably Democratic state, said Monday that Sen. John Kerry's view of terrorism reflects a naivete and an inability to recognize the seriousness of the threat.


Edwards Calls for Crackdown on Meth Labs (AP)

AP - Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards called Monday for tighter restrictions on the sale of nonprescription cold medicines that could be used to make methamphetamine.


Radical pension reforms to be urged

Millions face poverty in old age without radical reforms, analysts expect a politically sensitive report on Britain #39;s creaking pensions system to say today.


Software glitch disrupts eBay #39;s PayPal online payment service

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The operators of the online payment service PayPal say efforts are underway to fix  quot;intermittent #39; #39; outages that have bugged the service for several days.


Merck seeking new CEO

The Wall Street Journal reports Merck  amp; Co. of Whitehouse Station, NJ, has begun hunting for a new chief executive officer. The move comes amid a string of bad news at the drug maker, including its recent


Astros Lead Braves 3-0 After Three Innings (AP)

AP - Carlos Beltran belted a solo home run to right field, his second of the series off Atlanta starter Jaret Wright, to put the Houston Astros ahead of the Braves 3-0 after three innings in the decisive Game 5 of their NL Division Series on Monday night.


Rivera Says He Plans to Return for Game 1 (AP)

AP - Yankees closer Mariano Rivera said he plans to return from a family funeral in Panama on Tuesday in time for Game 1 of the AL championship series against Boston. Rivera flew home to comfort relatives after two members of his wife's family were electrocuted in his pool. The ALCS begins Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.


Microsoft to Announce Media Center OS Update

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 supports DVD burning, HDTV, and improved support for mobile devices. Microsoft will unveil the latest version of its media-oriented operating system tomorrow, positioning


Beckham - foul  #39;was deliberate #39;

David Beckham has admitted the foul on Ben Thatcher which earned him a yellow card in England #39;s World Cup qualifying win over Wales was premeditated.


FEATURE-Splendid disregard for convention marked Miller

Deep in thought, almost certainly unrelated to the task in hand, Keith Miller once led 12 men on to the field for New South Wales.


John Madden

I think we are going to see two chippy teams and the start of the game in particular may be a little different, both teams want their players to come out and be passionate, fired up and ready to play and I think maybe we will see both teams come out just


A-Rod Right in the Middle of Rivalry (AP)

AP - Alex Rodriguez is just glad he ended up on this side of the rivalry. Third base, shortstop, doesn't matter  #151; as long as he's a Yankee.


Tar Heels Suspend 3 Players Indefinitely (AP)

AP - North Carolina suspended wide receiver Adarius Bowman, linebacker Fred Sparkman and defensive tackle Isaiah Thomas indefinitely after they were cited for possession of marijuana by campus police, the school said Monday.


Caminiti Dead at 41 of Possible Heart Attack

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Former National League Most Valuable  Player Ken Caminiti, who in 2002 admitted he used steroids,  died of an apparent heart attack in New York on Sunday, Major  League Baseball said on Monday.


Autopsy Performed on Ken Caminiti

An autopsy was performed on Ken Caminiti on Monday, though the cause of the 1996 National League M.V.P.'s death may not be known for 10 days.


Dollar Hovers Near 1-Month Low Vs Yen

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar hovered near a one-month low  against the yen on Tuesday after disappointing U.S. hiring  figures last week fueled speculation the Federal Reserve could  press "pause" on its current tightening cycle.


Higher Fuel Costs Starting to Hit Consumers

As the price of energy resumes its upward march, ordinary Americans are getting in their pocketbooks.


Royal  amp; Sun Alliance offshores 1100 jobs to India

ROYAL  amp; Sun Alliance, the number two general insurer in the UK, will ship 1100 British jobs to India over the next two years in an attempt to cut costs.


Minister hints at pension switch

The government will today face intense pressure to signal a shift away from means-tested pensions in the face of the independent Turner commission report #39;s startling finding that Britain faces a 57bn annual pensions gap.


Stonecipher: Boeing Will Win US Air-Tanker Deal In The End

Boeing (nyse: BA - news - people ) Chief Executive Harry Stonecipher is keeping the faith. On Monday, the head of the aerospace and military contractor insists he #39;s confident his firm will ultimately win out


Horse tested positive for banned drugs

DUBLIN, Ireland -- An equestrian doping scandal could cost Ireland its only gold medal from the Athens Olympics. Cian O #39;Connor won the individual show jumping gold aboard Waterford Crystal, but the horse was


EU ends 11-year sanctions against Libya

The EU has ended 11 years of sanctions against Libya and eased an arms embargo to reward the country for giving up plans to develop weapons of mass destruction.


MEPs reject candidate who called gays sinful

Jos Manuel Barroso, the incoming European commission president, was under strong pressure last night to dump Rocco Buttiglione, a professed opponent of women #39;s and gay rights, as the next commissioner for justice and security, after the European


UN wants \$97 mln for security after Iraq blast

The United Nations has proposed a major \$97 million (54 million pound) overhaul of its security system with 778 new posts, a response to devastating safety reports after the 2003 bombing of its offices in Iraq.


Challenges Likely As Ohio Certifies Vote (AP)

AP - Two major challenges are expected to unfold Monday when Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell certifies the state's final presidential election results, declaring President Bush the winner by about 119,000 votes.


Australia #39;s Tasmania State Rating Raised to AA, S amp;P Says

The Australian state of Tasmania #39;s long- term local and foreign currency credit ratings have been raised one level to AA because the state government is reducing debt, Standard  amp; Poor #39;s Corp.


Gates to unveil Media Center PCs

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates on Tuesday will take center stage at Los Angeles #39; Shrine Auditorium, home of the Emmy Awards, to herald his vision for the next big thing in computing.


Ex-NASA Worker Charged for Faking Exams

A former NASA safety inspector accused of falsifying examinations of crucial parts on the space shuttle Discovery pleaded not guilty Friday in federal court, and his attorney called him  quot;meticulous in his work.


McCulloch deserves his call-up, says Davies

Billy Davies believes Lee McCulloch is mature enough to handle his Scotland call-up in the midst of an international crisis. The Preston North End manager nurtured the powerful striker during his spell in


Team to talk with at least 3 more about managerial job

PHOENIX -- Bob Melvin spoke to the Arizona Diamondbacks about becoming the team #39;s manager on Monday, joining Mark Grace and Al Pedrique as candidates to be interviewed for the job.


Schottenheimer fumes over perceived cheap shot

The San Diego Chargers coach went off during his weekly news conference when he was asked what he thought about nose tackle Jamal Williams punching Jacksonville center Brad Meester at the end of a play in the second quarter of the Chargers #39; 34-21 win on


Blair pledges welfare reforms in third term

LONDON: Britain #39;s Tony Blair yesterday set out his vision for a third term in office in a bid to shift the spotlight onto domestic policies that win or lose elections and off the divisive war in Iraq.


Mount St. Helens Releases More Steam (AP)

AP - Mount St. Helens vented more steam Monday as new thermal images revealed that parts of the lava dome in its crater are piping hot, a sign that magma continues to rise within the volcano.


Officials Say Sea Turtles Declining (AP)

AP - Despite a federal rule changing the type of hooks that longline fishermen may use, the sea turtle population is declining, officials say.


Robot Helps Police Arrest Murder Suspect (AP)

AP - A robot helped police nab a murder suspect who had eluded Westomoreland County authorities for three months.


Corporate Tax Measure Approved

After nearly three years of jockeying by legions of business groups, the Senate passed a \$137 billion corporate tax bill on Monday that gave something to almost everyone.


Oil Prices Top \$53 a Barrel, Set Record

Oil futures prices advanced to a new high Monday as a strike began in Africa's largest exporter of crude, exacerbating global supply concerns at a time of strong demand and reduced output in the hurricane-ravaged Gulf of Mexico.    Worries about Russian oil supplies also persist as oil giant Yukos, already struggling to repay a multibillion-dollar back-tax bill, got hit Monday with \$1.34 billion in fines...


Rivera Comforts Relatives in Panama

NEW YORK - Amid the bustle of the New York clubhouse, Mariano Rivera's untouched locker stood out as a reminder that the New York Yankees might be without their best pitcher in the opener of the American League championship series.    Rivera flew home to Puerto Caimito, Panama, after two family members were electrocuted in his pool, leaving the possibility that he might not be available for Game 1 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday...


Some Iraqi Insurgents Turning in Weapons

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Shiite fighters in tracksuits and sneakers unloaded cars full of machine guns, mortars and land mines Monday as a five-day, weapons-for-cash disarmament program kicked off in Baghdad's Sadr City district - a sign of progress in the center of Shiite resistance in Iraq.    A lasting peace in the sprawling slum would allow U.S...


Bush, Kerry Court Voters in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. - Bracing for their final debate, John Kerry accused President Bush of favoring "friends in the oil industry" over consumers strapped with rising fuel bills on Monday while Bush said his challenger so misunderstood the war on terror that he thought it could be reduced to "a nuisance" akin to prostitution or illegal gambling...


DirecTV Reorganizes Latin American Satellite Business (Update4)

Rupert Murdoch #39;s DirecTV Group Inc. will pay \$579 million to consolidate its Latin American operations with other Murdoch-controlled satellite-television businesses in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Chile.


Aristocrat gets credit tick

SIGNS of a  quot;turnaround and improved performance quot; at pokies maker Aristocrat Leisure have prompted a credit upgrade from ratings agency Standard  amp; Poor #39;s.


Automakers look to rev up sales with fun new ads

Tired of the heavy political ads, the ones that weigh you down with negativity, blame for national problems and division? Now there #39;s less reason to fret the breaks in your TV shows.


MSN fighting Messenger difficulties, virus

People using Microsoft instant messaging software, MSN Messenger, may have been a mite lonely this weekend, with only a virus to keep them company.


Melvin, Grace Candidates for D-Backs Job

PHOENIX - Bob Melvin spoke to the Arizona Diamondbacks about becoming the team #39;s manager on Monday, joining Mark Grace and Al Pedrique as candidates interviewed for the job.


Peirsol Breaks Own World Mark in 200 Back

INDIANAPOLIS - Aaron Peirsol of the United States lowered his own world record in the 200-meter backstroke at the Short Course World Championships on Monday night.


Mitsubishi starts ad campaign in US to improve image

NEW YORK - Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc launched a television ad campaign on Monday to improve its brand image that has been tarnished by a series of recall-related scandals over the past year.


Action Urged over Soaring Greenhouse Gas Levels

The Governments chief scientist will today highlight the need for action in combating global warning amid reports the main greenhouse gas is rising sharply.


Oil futures rise toward \$US54

Crude oil futures in New York rose to a record-high settlement overnight for the fifth straight session, closing just below \$US54 a barrel, reflecting real and perceived threats to global oil supply.


Advo Names Harding CEO

Advo Inc. (AD), which publishes shopping ad circulars and provides other direct-mail marketing services, on Monday said its board of directors had elected Scott Harding chief executive, effective Oct. 15.


BACS looks to conquer Europe

BACS, the UK clearing house and operator of the direct debit system, will today announce it is changing its name to Voca and planning to muscle in on the continental European market for automated payments.


CommScope Says Costs Rise, Sales to Fall

Communications cable maker CommScope Inc. (CTV.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday projected higher fourth-quarter costs and lower sales at an Omaha manufacturing subsidiary, losing


Microsoft #39;s latest plan for TV

Television has been something of a great white whale for Microsoft. The company has tried to sell WebTV and build software for TVs and cable boxes.


NASA Space Station Status Report 11 October 2004

The 10th crew of the International Space Station is scheduled to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Oct. 13 at 11:06 pm EDT for a six-month stay aboard the orbiting laboratory.


Kookaburras defend Pakistan pull-out

Australian hockey officials have defended their decision to withdraw the Kookaburras from December #39;s prestigious Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan.


Real play down Beckham injury

Spanish giants Real Madrid on Monday played down the seriousness of midfielder David Beckham #39;s rib injury and said that the England skipper could play this weekend.


Caminiti struggled off the field

SAN DIEGO -- Ken Caminiti was fearless on a baseball field, where he made incredible stops at third base, swatted home runs from both sides of the plate and played through pain that would wither most anyone else.


Melvin interviews for Arizona job

Bob Melvin spoke to the Arizona Diamondbacks about becoming the team #39;s manager on Monday, joining Mark Grace and Al Pedrique as candidates interviewed for the job.


Offense at fault in Skins #39; skid

The good news for coach Joe Gibbs and the Washington Redskins is that despite scoring just 10 points Sunday night against Baltimore and 13 against Cleveland the previous Sunday, the Redskins are not last in the NFL in points scored.


#39;Sudden jump #39; in greenhouse gases

LONDON, England -- A US scientist is reported to have observed a surprising jump in the amount of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas.


US exit poll gives Karzai victory

Afghanistan #39;s election crisis seemed to be over yesterday when the main opposition challenger, Yunus Qanooni, withdrew his threat to boycott the result.


Congressman Want to Tax Federal Gov't (AP)

AP - Two congressional Republicans who blame the federal government for meager education funding in the West said Monday they want to tax the federal government's vast landholdings across 12 Western states.


Nikkei Falls on Higher Oil Price

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average fell 1 percent by  midsession on Tuesday as auto makers declined following a rise  in crude oil to another record high, and as the yen's rise  against the dollar stoked concern over exporters' earnings.


SEC:  Rules on Executive Pay Could Change

In the flood of corporate reform unleashed by recent business scandals, one issue has been largely ignored, shareholder activists say: the stratospheric level of executive pay and the nearly impossible task investors face in trying to figure out who is getting how much.


Security Tight for Anniversary of Bali Bombings

KUTA BEACH, Indonesia (Reuters) - Security was tight in  this tourist center on the island of Bali as ceremonies began  on Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of bomb blasts that  killed 202 people, mostly foreigners.


Senate Approves \$143B Corporate Tax Measure

The move sends President Bush a 650-page measure that reduces taxes for domestic manufacturers, builders and even Hollywood studios and doles out scores of tax breaks for interests groups.


Boeing Expects Air Force Contract

Boeing Co. still expects to receive a contract to build 100 refueling planes for the Air Force, chief executive Harry C. Stonecipher said Monday.


Oil Firms Say Iraqi Purchases Were Legal

Two large American oil companies that received profitable vouchers to buy Iraqi oil under the United Nations' oil-for-food program said yesterday that the purchases complied with U.S. law.


SunTrust to Restate Earnings

SunTrust Banks Inc. will restate its earnings for the first two quarters of the year after discovering errors in how it sets aside money to cover problem loans.


'Enron of Kansas' Trial Begins

In the recent annals of corporate fraud, the names Enron, Tyco and WorldCom ring the loudest.


Pension Promise No Guarantee of Security

With just eight years to go, Steve Derebey had been eyeing his mandatory retirement age with something close to relief.


US tackled on al-Qaeda suspects

A human rights group accuses the US of holding al-Qaeda suspects at secret locations in violation of legal norms.


Techno tricks used to ring roulette winnings

London - Three gamblers who have used a James Bond-style laser device to win more than 1-million (R11,24-million) at the Ritz in March did nothing illegal, police have concluded.


Selling Prescription Drugs to the Consumer

The issue of drug advertising directly aimed at consumers is becoming political.