Feds reportedly look at mob ties to Franco

The baseball commissioner #39;s office will wait until after a government investigation to examine whether there has been a relationship between New York Mets reliever John Franco and alleged mobsters.


Thailand: Muslim detainees to be freed

Thai authorities will start on Saturday releasing most of the 1200 Muslim men detained last week after a protest which left 85 dead and outraged Muslims worldwide, the country #39;s prime minister has said.


USA unhappy with presidential campaign in Ukraine

The US administration believes that the pre-election campaign in Ukraine has several serious flaws, as an official spokesman for the US State Department Richard Boucher put it.


Economy improved, but not as much as expected

The economy expanded at an annual rate of 3.7 percent in the summer as a big rebound in auto sales offset weakness from an exploding trade deficit, soaring oil prices and


Proposition 72 would be bad for education

Proposition 72 is a \$7 billion employer-mandated health-care tax to create a massive government run health-care system aimed at helping the uninsured.


NASA Sets New Space Shuttle Launch Date

The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) Report has provided NASA with a roadmap to resume our journey into space. The recommendations reflect the Boards strong support for return to flight at the earliest date consistent with the


Boston Decides To Keep Mueller For 2005

The Boston Red Sox exercised their option Friday on third baseman Bill Mueller, a former batting champion who had the season-saving single against the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.


Eagles #39; offense is too talented

Because, while the Eagles are certain to stumble at some point during the regular season, it seems inconceivable that they will falter against a team with as many offensive problems as Baltimore has right now.


Cambodia set to crown new king

King Norodom Sihamoni, a former dancer, was chosen to succeed his father Norodom Sihanouk after he announced his abdication earlier this month.


UN chief condemns violence in Monrovia

United Nations - United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Friday condemned riots in Liberia #39;s capital that left at least five people dead, and urged Liberian and West African leaders to support UN efforts to restore calm.


Afghan Group Says Foreign Hostages Safe

A militant group that has claimed responsibility for kidnapping three foreigners in Afghanistan said on Saturday the hostages were safe for now but would be killed unless all Taliban prisoners were released.


Princess Alice dies at 102

The aunt of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Alice, died on Friday at the age of 102, Buckingham Palace say. She had been the longest living member of the Royal Family.


US growth steady in quarter

The nation #39;s economy grew at a moderately strong pace in the three months ending Sept. 30, driven by solid gains in consumer spending, the Commerce Department reported Friday.


Black to quit Hollinger Inc. positions

TORONTO - Lord Black of Crossharbour will step down as chairman and chief executive of Hollinger Inc.  quot;in a matter of days, quot; his lawyer said yesterday after a hearing in Ontario court into the matter.


Airline #39;s seats still a rush job

The sit-wherever-you-want-to, provided-you- can-find-it philosophy that has long been associated with Southwest Airlines #39; culture of folksy informality isn #39;t going away anytime soon, despite a flurry of media reports earlier this week that implied it might


Sofia Breaks Through Cyber Gang Firewall

The Bulgarian counterfeit master of Bill Gates-card has played a crucial role in the international cyber gang busted in seven countries earlier this week.


Now, contact lenses that deliver drugs:

Health India: London, Oct. 30 : Nano-engineers at Singapore #39;s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have developed contact lenses that release controlled doses of drugs to treat eye diseases such as glaucoma.


AROUND THE HORN: Marlins OK Lowell #39;s deal through 2007

Lowell, who could have opted out of his contract because the team hasn #39;t secured new stadium financing, agreed Friday to a revised deal in which the team guarantees the remaining \$25.


Racing family unites in sorrow

Grieving Hendrick Motorsports employees returned to the racetrack Friday determined to honor those killed in a plane crash last weekend by continuing the team #39;s legacy of winning races and championships.


Palace defends Abaya appointment to BCDA

Malacaang defended Saturday the appointment of newly-retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Narciso Abaya as president of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), saying critics should give the former military chief a


Nasa shuttle launch hope

NASA has said it is aiming for a mid-May launch of the first shuttle flight since the Columbia tragedy in February 2003. The launch date was the latest of several set by the space agency, and just as subject to change.


At Their Fingertips

The small jet taxied up to the door of the private air terminal, with only two passengers and its crew on board. Brian Vickers and Ricky Hendrick were returning from a vacation at some exotic location after clinching the 2003 Busch Series championship.


Sources: Doctors suspect Arafat has leukemia

Palestinian sources tell the Associated Press that doctors who specialize in the blood disease are examining Arafat. The 75-year-old Palestinian leader has been sick for the past two weeks.


Wrong body inspected in Japanese hostage crisis

A body inspected Saturday to determined whether it is that of the Japanese hostage was not the one found early, a senior Japanese official said.


Thousands Lining Sox Parade Route

BOSTON -- Red Sox Nation is converging on Boston Saturday to celebrate their team #39;s first World Series win in 86 years. The  quot;rolling rally quot; begins near Fenway Park at 10 am It will continue down Boylston Street


Arafat off to Paris, Middle East Discuss  #39;New Period #39;

Palestine #39;s legendary leader, Yasser Arafat, was taken to France for treatment yesterday. Arafat, who was reported to have leukemia, arrived yesterday at Percy Military Hospital near Paris via Jordan on a plane belonging to France.


Afghan Group Says Foreign Hostages Safe; Offers Proof


Oil Up on Supply Woes, Election Jitters

Oil prices bounced back on Friday, ending this week #39;s 8 percent slide on renewed winter supply fears and jitters ahead of next week #39;s US presidential election.


Southwest Airlines thinks assigned seating might fly

quot;I know that sounds like heresy coming from my lips, quot; said Southwest President Colleen Barrett, at the Dallas carrier #39;s annual media day yesterday.


Times newspaper to be printed in tabloid size only

The Times newspaper announced Saturday it will be printed in the tabloid form only from Monday after more than 200 years as a broadsheet.


Secret Service Busts Internet Organized Crime Ring

In what it called an  quot;Information Age undercover investigation, quot; the US Secret Service announced the arrest of 28 people from eight states and six countries allegedly involved in a global organized cybercrime ring.


Google Desktop Search for Mac under development?

Google started a new sensation with its launch of Desktop Search tool for windows platform. It has its share of bugs and limitations at this moment, but analysts around the world have praised it and have high hopes for the future.


Azeri #39;s got no chance in Breeders #39; Cup: Zero, zilch, nada

BOBBY Frankel is wrong when he says Azeri maybe should be Horse of the Year if she finishes in the money in today #39;s Breeders #39; Cup Classic at Lone Star Park.


Red Sox Victory Prompts  #39;Fever #39;ish Script Rewrite

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - The curse is over, and now Hollywood is reaping the rewards of the Boston Red Sox #39;s World Series victory.


Google plans desktop search tool for Apple PCs

Los Angeles, October 30: Google Inc plans to release a version of its desktop search tool for computers running on the Mac operating system from Apple Computer Inc, Google chief executive Eric Schmidt said on Friday.


#39;Horse of the Year #39; could be on the line

Throw together eight premier races featuring many of the top thoroughbred race horses in the world, and it would seem that no single theme could dominate an event such as today #39;s 21st Breeders #39; Cup.


Southwest Mulls Ending Unique Seating

Southwest Airlines, the discount carrier that has long stuck to its policy of seating passengers on a first-come, first-served basis, is seriously considering assigning seats, officials said.


UC settles one Enron suit

Bee Staff Writer. The University of California, negotiating on behalf of Enron Corp. investors, reached a \$222.5 million settlement Friday with the Lehman Brothers brokerage firm over its part in the multibillion-dollar Enron debacle.


MG Rover tanks up with Shanghai cash

Loss-making MG Rover has already received millions of pounds from Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, the Chinese carmaker with which it is negotiating a strategic alliance.


Loeb won #39;t take it easy despite lead

WORLD champion Sebastien Loeb will not be taking it easy on the Rally Catalunya after taking the lead on the first day of the event.


Gibernau on home turf

The Honda pilot snatched provisional pole in first qualifying Friday. Today, he hopes to confirm, adding a little spice to the end of a season that saw him lose the 2004 title to Yamaha rider Rossi by a frustrating 35 points.


Schilling cancels scheduled appearance wih Bush

_ Newly minted World Series hero Curt Schilling canceled a scheduled campaign appearance with President Bush on Friday, saying his doctors advised him not to travel because of his injured ankle.


Yasser Arafat #39;s unrelenting journey

The world watches the unfolding drama as the man who has become the symbol for Palestinian nationalism seems to hover between life and death.


Sony sets price for PSP

Sony has confirmed that its PSP handheld console, due to go on sale in Japan on December 12, will cost only 19,800 yen (100), a lot cheaper than most analysts predicted.


OPEN SOURCE Software Battle Pits Microsoft Against the Open <b>...</b>

I have no problem with Microsoft operating in a market environment. Given a choice, I am sure many of us would gladly pay for Windows and Office rather than use Linux and Open Office.


Palestinian leaders meet without Arafat

Leaders of the Palestine Liberation Organisation have met for the first time in decades without Yasser Arafat. The executive committee meeting was held in Mr Arafat #39;s battered headquarters in the West Bank


CLARKE RESUMES REPAIR JOB

There was a lot of damage to be repaired, but Darren Clarke did as good a job as he could reasonably have been expected to when he resumed the Volvo Masters at Valderrama today.


Arafat May Be Suffering From Leukemia

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat greets wellwishers prior to his departure from the West Bank town of Ramallah in this picture released by the Palestinian Authority Friday Oct. 29, 2004.


Death of the broadsheet?

The Times took many by surprise with its announcement that it was abandoning its broadsheet format after 216 years. Few thought it would risk alienating so many of its loyal readers, such


Agassi battles through to final

Top seed Andre Agassi won a hard-fought battle against Germany #39;s Tommy Haas in the semi-finals of the Stockholm Open on Saturday.


Analyzing the Breeders #39; Cup

Racing #39;s greatest card of the year has arrived with today #39;s 21st Breeders #39; Cup -ight championship races where the smallest field has eight horses and where classic winners might go off at double-digit odds.


India ; Martyn #39;s 114 gives Australia control on Day 1

India News, Nagpur,Damien Martyn Tuesday cracked his career #39;s ninth Test century to put Australia in a strong position against India on the first day of the third Test at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) ground here.


Thailand frees Muslims detained in protest

NARATHIWAT, Thailand - Hundreds of Muslim men were freed in southern Thailand on Saturday after being detained last week in the wake of protests that left 85 dead and outraged Muslims worldwide.


EU constitution nearer to reality

DEAR readers, the formal signing of EUs first constitution is a major step forward in the dream to put in place a unified Europe, but the main task before the leaders now is how


Security tightened in Madhya Pradesh #39;s Chambal belt

Security has been tightened and alert sounded in entire Chambal belt of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday following massacre of 13 villagers by the dreaded Gadaria dacoit gang, while authorities were discussing new strategies to check the gang #39;s activities.


Wal-Mart Says October US Sales Rise 2.8, Within Its Forecast

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world #39;s largest retailer, estimated that October sales at US stores open at least a year rose 2.8 percent, at the lower end of its forecast range, as shoppers bought more bedding and boys #39; and girls #39; wear.


Saturn moon Titan remains  quot;very alien quot; to researchers

LOS ANGELES Saturn #39;s moon Titan has some familiar-looking features, but scientists say most of it looks  quot;very alien. quot;.


Times of London goes tabloid after 216 years

The venerable Times of London published its final edition as a broadsheet newspaper on Saturday. On Monday, it relaunches as a tabloid.


SPORTS BRIEFS

Top-seeded Andre Agassi beat Spain #39;s Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (4), 6-2 yesterday to reach the Stockholm Open semifinals for the first time.


Wenger has  #39;mental problem #39;: Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has blasted rival Arsene Wenger, accusing him of having a  quot;mental problem quot; with striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.


Jayasuriya hits back for Sri Lanka

KARACHI, Pakistan -- Sri Lanka staged a spirited fightback to finish the third day of the second test against Pakistan in Karachi trailing by 136 runs with nine second-innings wickets standing.


No love for Owens

Here #39;s an intriguing Halloween idea for yappy Philadelphia Eagles enigma Terrell Owens. How about dressing up as a humble introverted wide receiver who lets his outstanding skills do all his talking for him


25 nations sign first constitution for EU

In a splendorous ceremony atop a hill that was once the center of the Roman empire, 25 European heads of government signed the European Union #39;s first constitution Friday, but for


ElBaradei dismisses revenge claim

UN nuclear watchdog head Mohamed ElBaradei has dismissed claims he timed news of missing explosives in Iraq to affect the outcome of the US election.


14 die as villagers battle bandits in India

BHOPAL (India): At least 14 people were killed on Friday in a fierce gunbattle between bandits and villagers in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, officials here said.


Wal-Mart Preliminary Same-Store Sales Up

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Saturday said US sales at stores open at least a year rose 2.8 percent in October with help from sales of bedding and children #39;s clothing, according to its preliminary tally,.


AirTran clears jobs hurdle

AirTran Airways has agreed to retain 3,200 Chicago-based employees when it acquires bankrupt ATA Airlines #39; local assets, Mayor Daley said Friday, paving the way for City Hall to approve the transfer of ATA #39;s 14 gates at Midway Airport.


Cassini Sending Back Data on Saturn Moon

A radar image of the surface of Saturn #39;s moon Titan, taken Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004, by the spacecraft Cassini, is seen in this photo courtesy of NASA.


UPDATE 2-Jayasuriya leads Sri Lanka fightback in Karachi

Sanath Jayasuriya struck a cavalier 96 not out to lead Sri Lanka #39;s fightback against Pakistan after a century by Inzamam-ul-Haq on the third day of the second test on Saturday.


Afghan Kidnap Group #39;s Claims True, Say Diplomats

A militant Islamic group claiming responsibility for kidnapping three foreigners working for the United Nations in Afghanistan has provided proof it has the hostages, diplomatic and security sources said on Saturday.


Explosion rocks central Baghdad, hits al-Arabiya network offices

A car bomb exploded outside the offices of the Al-Arabiya television station in central Baghdad on Saturday, injuring 16 people, police said.


Abductors threaten to kill UN trio unless troops leave Afghanistan

KABUL - A breakaway Taleban group claiming to hold three UN workers threatened Saturday to execute them unless foreign troops withdrew from Afghanistan and condemned its invasion by US-led forces.


How to Make The Right Call On Cell Plans

Wireless phone service is one of the great bargains of the modern age. When The Post began its annual comparison of cellular calling plans in 1998, \$40 bought a lousy 100 minutes of talk time a month.


Beck outs Llodra to secure final

St Petersburg - Slovakia #39;s Karol Beck has grabbed a pass into the final of the one-million-dollar Saint Petersburg Open ATP tournament by beating French seventh seed Michael Llodra on Saturday.


MOTOGP NEWS Tamada takes final pole of 2004.

Double race winner Makoto Tamada has taken the final pole position of the 2004 MotoGP season after leading a Camel Honda one-two in today #39;s tightly contested second qualifying session for the Valencia Grand Prix.


Newman nabs Atlanta pole

Ryan Newman will start Sunday #39;s NASCAR race from a familiar spot -he pole. By Ric Feld, AP. Newman captured his third straight pole and eighth of


Vladimir Putin comes out for dual citizenship between Russia and <b>...</b>

Russian President Vladimir Putin asked State Duma and Federation Council Speakers Boris Gryzlov and Sergei Mironov to begin consultations with Ukrainian parliamentarians on the introduction of dual citizenship between Russia and Ukraine.


Explosion Hits al-Arabiya TV Station

October 30, 2004 - Police in Iraq say 16 people have been injured after a car bomb exploded outside the offices of the Al-Arabiya television station in central Baghdad.


World ; IAEA Head Seen Unswayed by US Hostility to New Term

World News, VIENNA - The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency is unlikely to drop plans for a new term despite US anger after pre-election revelations of missing Iraq explosives, a diplomat close to the agency said Saturday.


Bangladeshi hostage in Iraq identified, government appeals for <b>...</b>

The Bangladesh government confirmed Saturday the identity of one of its nationals taken hostage by militants in Iraq, officials said.


Sudan translator  #39;seized in Iraq #39;

Arab television has shown a video tape of a Sudanese interpreter in Iraq who said he had been kidnapped and called on his US employer to leave Iraq.


Science ; Nasa to resume shuttle missions

Three of the four hurricanes to come ashore in the state swept over or near the Kennedy Space Center on Florida #39;s eastern coast.


Clashes in Ramadi as militant group executes 11 Iraqi guards

At least two Iraqis were killed in clashes today between US troops and insurgents in the restive city of Ramadi, as a militant group claimed it had executed 11 members of the Iraqi National Guard.


Agassi reaches final in Stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden (Sports Network) - Top-seeded Andre Agassi earned a grueling victory against fourth-seeded Tommy Haas in Saturday #39;s semifinals at the Stockholm Open.


The old stagers take centre stage

What Inzamam-ul-Haq #39;s captaincy means to Pakistan is still the subject of much debate, but there #39;s no doubt about the importance of his batting.


Straw:  #39;No constitution vote until 2006 #39;

Tony Blair has signed the new EU constitution as Foreign Secretary Jack Straw indicated any referendum on the treaty will not be held until 2006.


Eight US Marines Killed, Nine Wounded in Iraq

Eight US marines were killed and nine wounded in action west of Baghdad Saturday, the US military said. It gave no details on the circumstances of the deaths, which it said occurred in


1st lawsuit filed against instant-message spam

WASHINGTON, Washington, United States of America -- The first known lawsuit against instant-message spam, sometimes called spim, was announced by America Online as part of a campaign to stem unwanted computer messages.


VMware aims for four-processor abilities

VMware, the EMC subsidiary whose software lets a computer run multiple operating systems simultaneously in separate  quot;virtual machines, quot; has grown a step more ambitious.


Home series defeats for India

Australia, by winning the third Test at Nagpur on Friday, also won the four-match series 2-0 with one match to go. Australia had last won a Test series in India way back in December 1969 when Bill Lawry #39;s team beat Nawab Pataudi #39;s Indian team 3-1.


Kuwaiti Paper: Laden Lives in a Safe Place in NE of Kabul

It is claimed that Al-Qaeda terrorist network leader Osama Bin Laden lives in a northeastern part of the Afghani capital Kabul in a safe place under the protection of a tribe.


Hoping to be home by Christmas

Camp Dogwood is the less than exotic name for the Black Watch battlegroup #39;s new home, south west of Baghdad. It is a sprawling old Iraqi factory complex, with a 26 mile perimeter.


Tamada Makes his Mark

Makoto Tamada took his third pole position of the season with a blistering lap late in final qualifying at Valencia today. The Camel Honda rider, who


Johnson strike earns Palace 1-0 win at Birmingham

Crystal Palace continued their hot streak on Saturday when a breakaway goal by striker Andrew Johnson against his former club gave them a 1-0 victory at Birmingham City.


Grace acknowledges workers at center of federal probe

WR Grace  amp; Co. and several of its senior-level employees are the targets of a federal grand jury investigation relating to possible violations of environmental laws in Montana, the company announced Friday.


Sony ready to join music file-sharing

The world #39;s largest music company is discussing ways to distribute its songs through Grokster and other Internet file-swapping services, a deal that would embrace a technology long under legal assault by the recording industry.


Explosion rocks central Baghdad

A car bomb attack Saturday at the al-Arabiya network offices in Baghdad killed seven people and injured 19, police said. Police Lt.


Wal-Mart #39;s October Sales Rise 2.8, Within Forecast (Update1)

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world #39;s largest retailer, estimated that October sales at US stores open at least a year rose 2.8 percent, near the lower end of its forecast range, as shoppers


Breeders Cup day in Texas

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (Ticker) - Richard Mandella is confident that Pleasantly Perfect again will be cashing in on horse racing #39;s richest day.


Pak hold lead despite Jayasuriya #39;s fight back

Karachi: Pakistan plundered Sri Lanka #39;s bowling line-up on Saturday to secure a commanding 270-run lead after the first innings of their second Test, before Sanath Jayasuriya led a blistering counter-attack.


Mallett gives Waugh Indian curry

FORMER Test off-spinner Ashley Mallett has claimed Australia #39;s historic series win in India was due to the fact Steve Waugh was no longer captain of the team.


Black Watch regroups after first soldier dies

THE bulk of an 850-strong group of British troops was today gathering near their new base in a United States- controlled area of Iraq.


US Airways posts wider 3rd-qtr loss

US Airways Group Inc. (UAIRQ.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday reported a wider third-quarter net loss as storms and high fuel prices penalized results.


Who #39;s going to win (World Series, election)?

I am expecting the Red Sox to beat the Cardinals. The Red Sox are an unbelievable team determined to achieve their goal of winning the World Series.


Physicians in France checking Arafat for leukemia, Palestinian <b>...</b>

Leukemia specialists examined ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at a French military hospital to determine whether he suffers from the blood cancer, Palestinian officials said Saturday.


Eight US marines are killed in Iraq

US military officials say eight American marines were killed and nine others injured Saturday in al-Anbar, west of Baghdad. Also Saturday, seven people died and 16 others were


Japanese quake boy recalls ordeal

A TWO-year-old boy who was miraculously rescued from a crushed car after a major earthquake in Japan has recounted his ordeal and is asking about his mother - who died in the debris.


UC wins \$222.5M in Enron lawsuit

\$222.5 million -- in an ongoing securities class action lawsuit against Enron Corp. The settlement, announced Friday and


Google Plans Desktop Search Tool for Apple PCs

Google Inc. GOOG.O plans to release a version of its desktop search tool for computers running on the Mac operating system from Apple Computer Inc.


Andy Johnson Scores Again, Crystal Palace Beats Birmingham 1-0

Andy Johnson scored his eighth Premiership goal of the season, tying him for the league lead, as Crystal Palace beat Birmingham 1-0 away for its third straight victory.


Thailand Releases 1,100 Muslim Detainees

More than 1,100 Muslims detained after a riot were freed Saturday, as the government tried to ease anger in Thailand #39;s restive south over the deaths of dozens of accused rioters - including 78 who perished in military custody.


Ukraine braces for presidential vote

Tension was high in Ukraine Saturday as the nation prepared to vote for a new president in an election that pits West against East.


Botswana goes to polls

People in Botswana, where more than a third of the population is HIV positive, go to the polls today in elections that were expected to be dominated by the ruling party - like every other vote since the southern African country gained independence


Gadget of the week: Catch and hold radio programs

For those who would like more control over when and how they listen to radio shows, whether classical music in the afternoon or a soccer game at midnight, there is a new option from Griffin Technology: the RadioShark.


Beck, Youzhny gain St. Petersburg final

Russia #39;s Mikhail Youzhny and Slovakia #39;s Karol Beck won three-set semifinals Saturday and will play for the St. Petersburg Open title.


Agassi reaches first Stockholm final

STOCKHOLM - Andre Agassi did just enough to beat Germany #39;s Tommy Haas 7-6, 7-6 and reach his first Stockholm Open final on Saturday.


Northwest Airlines Recalls 600 Attendants

The Professional Flight Attendants Association said in a message to union members Friday that the flight attendants would  quot;fill vacancies quot; in the Detroit and Twin Cities bases.


Buttiglione withdraws from Barroso Commission

The Italian nominee had been heavily criticised for his alleged comments on gays, single parents and the role of men and women, and these led Commission president-designate Jose Manuel Barroso


Psst, Sony #39;s handheld game goes on sale in Japan on Dec 12

IF YOU are heading for Japan in December, here #39;s something that you may want to include in your shopping list. Sony #39;s PlayStation Portable, which will mark the Japanese electronics and entertainment giant #39;s


Apple: Upgrade or else!

p2pnet.net News Opinion:- Music fans with a particular interest in the pomp-rock experimentation of U2, one of those bands who formed the background to my early adulthood without ever persuading me that I wanted to purchase any of their albums, are


Eight Marines die, while car bomb strikes TV centre

Eight US Marines have been killed in fighting west of Baghdad, while a car bomb outside a television centre in the Iraqi capital has left at least seven dead.


Update 2: Volkswagen, Workers Renew Wage Talks

Wage negotiations between Volkswagen AG and Germany #39;s biggest industrial union broke up without agreement Thursday, but the two sides agreed to hold more talks next week even as the union presses ahead with plans for a flurry of short work stoppages.


Nalbandian Completes Basel Final Hat Trick

Argentine fourth seed David Nalbandian reached the final of the Swiss Indoors for the third consecutive year Saturday with a 6-3, 6-4 win over struggling Chilean Nicolas Massu.


Bomb Explodes at Al Arabiya TV Office in Baghdad

A bomb exploded outside the office of Dubai-based Al Arabiya television in western Baghdad Saturday, wounding half a dozen employees.


Russia approves electoral reform

Russia #39;s lower house of parliament gave tentative backing Friday to a key electoral reform proposed by President Vladimir Putin following a series of recent terror attacks that have killed hundreds and stunned Russians.


Van Persie Saves Arsenal; Man Utd Loses 2-0

An injury-time goal by Dutch substitute Robin van Persie saved Arsenal from a second successive defeat on Saturday, earning the champions a 2-2 home draw with Southampton.


Taiwan to continue beef imports

WASHINGTON - Taiwan has agreed in principle to resume imports of US beef and beef products, US officials announced Tuesday. In 2003, Taiwan #39;s purchases of beef and products amounted to some \$325 million.


NASA To Send Space Shuttle Discovery and Seven Astronauts on STS <b>...</b>

NASA, the American space agency responsible for putting a man on the moon but who also lost seven astronauts in its 2003 Columbia Shuttle voyage and seven astronauts in its 1986 Challenger take-off, says the first space shuttle mission since the disaster


VMware Introduces 4-Way Virtual SMP

VMware, Inc., the global leader in virtual infrastructure software for industry-standard systems, announced 4-Way VMware Virtual SMP (symmetric multiprocessing).


RP backs hunt for Filipino #39;s abductors despite threat

Editor #39;s Note: Published on page A2 of the Oct. 31, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. DESPITE the threat by a splinter Taliban group to kill a Filipino diplomat and two other hostages unless security


Chelsea gets closer to Arsenal atop the table

London, England (Sports Network) - Chelsea #39;s 4-1 win over West Bromwich on Saturday afternoon allowed the Blues to move even on points with Arsenal atop the Premiership table.


Crude oil prices rise on concerns over labor unrest in Nigeria

Crude oil futures gained Friday as traders worried that labor unrest in Nigeria might cause fresh supply disruptions. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude oil for December


Family  #39;Devastated #39; by Death of Black Watch Soldier

Relatives of the Black Watch soldier killed during the controversial military deployment from Basra spoke tonight of their devastation at his death.


Ashado in Winning Breeders #39; Cup Start

Ashado, ridden by John Velazquez, won the \$2 million Distaff Race at Lone Star Park Saturday, the first event on the \$14 million eight-race Breeders #39; Cup card.


Eight US Marines dead as Baghdad car blast kills at least seven

Eight US Marines were killed and nine others injured Saturday west of Baghdad, the US military stated. Meanwhile, a car bomb went off outside the offices of the Al-Arabiya television station in central Baghdad


Ashado wins Distaff in opening Breeders #39; Cup race

Ashado grabbed the lead in the stretch and got the Breeders #39; Cup off to a rousing start for trainer Todd Pletcher by winning the \$2 million Distaff at Lone Star Park on Saturday.


Wolfsburg stays on top in Germany with 4-3 win; Bayern, Stuttgart <b>...</b>

Bulgarian striker Martin Petrov scored all four goals and Wolfsburg rallied from a two-goal deficit to stay atop the Bundesliga with a 4-3 victory over newcomer Mainz, while Stuttgart and Bayern both lost Saturday.


Liberia curfew lifted temporarily

Liberia #39;s interim leader announced on Saturday a temporary lifting of a curfew imposed after religious riots gripped the capital Monrovia to allow residents to venture out to buy food.


Boy rescued from earthquake rubble wants mom

The 2-year-old boy rescued after being under rubble for four days after an earthquake in Japan, keeps asking about his mother.  quot;When will my mom come?


Recording Industry Files 750 More File-Sharing Lawsuits

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has revived its long-running crackdown on file-swapping through legal action, suing 750 alleged filing copyright infrigement suits again


Forsyth grabs lead in Spain

Cadiz, Spain (Sports Network) - Alastair Forsyth shot a four-under 67 on Saturday to grab the lead after the third round of the Volvo Masters Andalucia.


Martin in strong position to win Catalunya Rally

com staff writers. Markko Martin still has a full day and six special stages to go, but he is now the clear favorite to win Catalunya Rally and follow up his win in the last round of the World Rally Championship, in Corsica a fortnight ago.


Anti-China protester at Cambodian king #39;s address

A man waving a placard denouncing  #39; #39;Evil China #39; #39; protested today in front of Cambodia #39;s new king, who is expected to maintain his father #39;s warm personal and diplomatic ties with Beijing.


8 US marines killed in Iraq

NEW YORK - Eight US marines have been killed west of Baghdad in a region that has become a flashpoint of anger over the US occupation of Iraq.


The Times of London to becone a tabloid

Beginning Monday all editions of the venerable Times of London will be printed in tabloid format, just as the Sun and other not-quite-so-venerable newspapers.


ATP chief says players to blame for burnout

Men #39;s tennis chief Mark Miles says players have only themselves to blame for the fitness problems that have led to a wave of withdrawals from recent tournaments.


Eight Marines killed in fighting

A car bomb killed eight US Marines outside Fallujah on Saturday, the deadliest attack against the US military in nearly six months.


Liberians Venture Back Onto Streets After Riots

Liberians ventured back onto the streets of Monrovia on Saturday during a temporary lifting of a round-the-clock curfew imposed after at least seven people were killed in religious riots.


Flexibility needed to resolve Kashmir issue: Musharraf

Islamabad, Oct 30 (UNI) Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf today said Pakistan and India would have to move beyond their stated positions to find out a solution to the Kashmir issue.


The papers consider a future without the Palestinian leader

quot;With uncertainty surrounding the health of Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian president, the question ... being asked in the Middle East, and probably the corridors of the White House is: what of the future?


Forsyth takes over at Valderrama

VALDERRAMA, Spain (Ticker) - Alastair Forsyth may be 120 places lower in the world rankings, but the Scot clearly won his duel Saturday with local favorite Sergio Garcia at the Volvo Masters.


NALBANDIAN FACES NOVAK SHOWDOWN

Argentina #39;s David Nalbandian booked his place in the final of the Swiss Open for the third successive year on Saturday. The fourth-seed saw off Olympic gold medal winner Nicolas Massu of Chile 6-3 6-4 in the semi-final.


Sweet Catomine takes BC Juvenile Fillies

Sweet Catomine overcame traffic problems on the turn for home and posted a 3-length victory in the \$1 million Breeders #39; Cup Juvenile Fillies on Saturday.


Lehman Brothers settles Enron shareholder lawsuit

HOUSTON Wall Street brokerage Lehman Brothers has agreed to pay 222-and-a-half (M) million dollars to settle an Enron-related class-action lawsuit.


Tom Online Cuts Revenue Guidance

Tom Online (TOMO:Nasdaq - news - research) sank Friday after slashing its third-quarter revenue guidance. The company warned that it expects sales for the third quarter ended Sept.


RIAA targets students in new file-swapping suits

The Recording Industry Association of America filed on Thursday another round of lawsuits against alleged file-swappers, including students on 13 university campuses.


Forsyth leads the way at Volvo Masters

Alastair Forsyth will take a three-stroke lead into the Volvo Masters final round on Sunday after overshadowing tournament favourite and playing-partner Sergio Garcia.


Body found in Iraq

Iraqi officials said the decapitated body of what appears to be a young Asian male has been found in northwestern Baghdad. Civil defense officials said they retrieved the body Saturday in the fields of a Baghdad


US forces launch airstrikes in Fallujah

The American military launched new airstrikes against suspected militant bases in Falljuah Saturday. They also carried out probing attacks on the city #39;s outskirts, as they prepare for a major operation here.


Thai probe announced in deaths of detainees

Facing new violence and harsh criticism, the prime minister yesterday said he would set up an independent commission to investigate the


Ukraine Steps Up Security On Eve Of Election

30 October -- Ukraine #39;s Interior Minister warned police will use force if needed to uphold security in tomorrow #39;s presidential elections.


Ashado wins Breeders #39; Distaff

Ashado bulled her way into contention on the turn for home and went on to win Saturday #39;s \$2 million Breeders #39; Cup Distaff by 1 1/4 lengths in track-record time.


Democrats Favored in Botswana Election

Botswana chose a parliament Saturday, with the ruling Democratic Party favored to keep the lock on power it has had for 38 years. Soome voters said they feared the party #39;s loss would undermine AIDS treatment


The secret world of marsh mac

When Jeffrey W Greenberg took the helm of notoriously secretive Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos., a \$12 billion financial-services company, on Nov. 18, 1999, analysts were happily buzzing that Greenberg was a gregarious, outgoing executive.


Singletary surprise winner of Breeders #39; Cup Mile

Singletary, a 4-year-old colt named for former Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary, broke away from the back at the top of the stretch and won the Breeders #39; Cup Mile on Saturday, setting off a boisterous celebration.


United give FA food for thought

Manchester United are to report Mr Arsene Wenger to the Football Association for his verbal abuse of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Sir Alex Ferguson in the bitter aftermath of Arsenals 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford last Sunday.


Tennis: Nalbandian to meet Novak in Basel final

BASEL, Switzerland : Former champion David Nalbandian of Argentina will bid to claim his second Basel ATP title here on Sunday when he faces Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic for the first time in his career.


Ouija Board surges to Filly and Mare Turf win

English and Irish classic winner Ouija Board (GB) more than justified the hype surrounding her presence in the \$1-million Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1), surging past Grade 1 winner Film Maker in the lane to capture the 1 3/8-mile contest at


Illinois Fighting Illini

Tate connected with Ed Hinkel on a pair of 19-yard touchdowns and scored on a five-yard run as 24th-ranked Iowa handed Illinois its 14th consecutive Big Ten Conference loss, 23-13.


Peterson Gains 249 Yards as No. 2 Oklahoma Tops Oklahoma St.

STILLWATER, Oklahoma (Sports Network) - Jason White threw three first-half touchdown passes to Mark Bradley and Adrian Peterson ran for a career-high 249 yards with a score, as second-ranked Oklahoma held on for a 38-35 victory over 20th- ranked Oklahoma


I did it, Ill do it again: Osama

DOHA, Oct. 30. - Claiming responsibility for 9/11, Osama bin Laden has threatened the USA with more such attacks. The Al-Qaida chief also accused President George W Bush of misleading his people, in


Mauresmo, Bovina advance to Linz final

Top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo rallied past Jelena Jankovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 Saturday to advance to the Generali Ladies Open final against Elena Bovina.


Singletary Wins Breeders #39; Cup Mile

Jockey David Flores, right, celebrates his win aboard Singletary in the Net Jets Breeders #39; Cup Mile turf race over jockey Jamie Spencer and Antonius Pius (7) in Grand Prairie, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004.


Wildcats offense will give Boilers a good challenge

Northwestern characterizes its offense as a spread formation, but dont expect to see too many familiarities with the kind of spread offense Purdue uses.


No. 15 West Virginia 35, Rutgers 30

Chris Henry caught a 39-yard scoring pass and set up another touchdown with a long catch before being kicked out of the game, leading No.


First steps toward peace

Any Israeli withdrawal from land that may one day be a Palestinian homeland is long overdue. For that reason, we should all applaud Prime Minister Ariel Sharons recent victory in the Knesset that will close Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip.


Rain expected across much of nation

Rain was expected to dampen much of the nation on Saturday, with snow falling in mountainous areas of the West. Widespread showers were forecast for the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and the central Tennessee Valley.


SUPER SINGLETARY HOLDS EUROPEANS AT BAY

Antonius Pius #39;s waywardness and a troubled passage for Six Perfections cost the European team dear as Singletary hung on grimly to land a dramatic NetJets Breeders #39; Cup Mile at Lone Star Park today.


British judge OKs lawsuit by TV host who says Schwarzenegger <b>...</b>

A British television host who saids she was groped by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger four years ago and then libelled by his aides can take legal action in a British court, a judge ruled.


Kenseth holds off Kyle Busch to win Aaron #39;s 312

Nextel Cup regular Matt Kenseth held off an emotional Kyle Busch in a two-lap sprint to the finish, winning the Busch race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday.


Polish hostage in Iraq calls for troop pullout

The Qatar-based Al-Jazeera TV channel on Saturday aired footage of a Polish woman held hostage by a militant group in Iraq calling for the withdrawal of Polish troops from the


Iraqi president on landmark visit to Kuwait

KUWAIT CITY : Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar was received by Kuwait #39;s ruler after arriving in the oil-rich emirate on the first ever official visit by an Iraqi head of state.


#39;Hobbit #39; Skeleton Could Rewrite Prehistory

The tiny humans may have been hunted by large lizards -- bigger versions of the Komodo dragons that still roam the island and which have been known to eat people.


Ouija Board lives up to hype in Fillies  amp; Mare Turf

GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS -- After answering questions to where she would run on Breeders #39; Cup day, Ouija Board left no doubt about her performance.


Costly win for Lyon

Lyon, France (Sports Network) - Olympique Lyon #39;s start to the season could not have been much better, until it came to a screeching halt Saturday in a French Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg.


Tiny cousins

The discovery of the skeletal remains of hobbit-size humans on a remote island in Indonesia has set anthropologists atwitter. The bones appear to belong to a new and unexpected species of humans, little more


Taliban group claims hostages and vows: We will chop them up <b>...</b>

PARTIES were cancelled and the restaurants were deserted in Kabul this weekend. The Delhi Durbar, usually heaving on a Friday night with aid workers, United Nations staff, diplomats, and inter national consultants


Poulter reins back to rise

Ian Poulter might just have to reassess his year if he wins the Volvo Masters in southern Spain today. The flamboyant Englishman might have to raise his previous mark of self-estimation from one out of 10


Youzhny too hot for Greg

Greg Rusedski missed out on reaching consecutive Russian finals when he lost 3-6 6-3 6-4 to Mikhail Youzhny in their semi-final at the St Petersburg Open.


Valencia lets opportunity slip away

Valencia, Spain (Sports Network) - Valencia missed a chance to gain ground on La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday night. The struggling Valencia squad did not take advantage, as they finished in a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla.


Matt Kenseth Busch Aaron #39;s 312

Kenseth finished 0.119 seconds ahead of runner-up Kyle Busch for his third victory of the season and 17th of his Busch career. At the 100-lap mark, Atlanta area native Reed Sorenson


Michigan State #39;s Stanton out with shoulder injury

Michigan State quarterback Drew Stanton left the Michigan game Saturday with a strained shoulder, cutting short a strong performance.


Al-Arabiya tv bombed in Baghdad

A car bomb has destroyed the Baghdad offices of Arabic, Al-Arabiya television station leaving at least seven people dead and scores wounded.


Ghostzapper dominates field in \$4 million Classic

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas -- Ghostzapper made the rest of the field in North America #39;s richest horse race disappear. In resounding fashion, front-running Ghostzapper romped to a three-length victory in Saturday #39;s


Newman earns fourth straight pole at Atlanta

HAMPTON, Ga. -- Ryan Newman won his fourth straight pole position at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday during Georgia-Pacific Qualifying Night.


Kutaragi comments on PSP pricing, prospects

SCE #39;s outspoken president speaks out on the PSP for the first time since the price announcement this week. TOKYO--Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi revealed a great deal of additional information


Sooners respond to Cowboys #39; challenge

For those who think Saturday #39;s narrow victory over Oklahoma State proves that No. 2 Oklahoma isn #39;ta championship-caliber team, Sooners coach Bob Stoops has a message for you.


Bagle Is Still Biting

New versions of the Bagle worm are rolling onto the Internet, prompting antivirus companies to warn customers about the threat and to push out software updates to spot the new worms.


Fair Play

Once a cult among geeks, it has now sold 32 million copies and provoked global debates on violence, but has Grand Theft Auto elevated video games to art?


What next for Mutu? Romanian press ponder sacked strikers <b>...</b>

BUCHAREST: The sacking of Romanian striker Adrian Mutu by English Premiership giants Chelsea for a failed drugs test made the front page of all national newspapers here Saturday, as the press pondered the future of their fallen idol.


Pacers veteran Miller breaks hand

INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana shooting guard Reggie Miller broke a bone in his left hand Friday in the first quarter of Fridays National Basketball Association pre-season finale against Denver.


Arafat aides say initial tests have ruled out leukemia as cause of <b>...</b>

Initial results from a battery of tests on Palestinian President Yasser Arafat found no signs Saturday of leukemia, Palestinian officials said, but blood doctors are still trying to find the cause of the leader #39;s dramatic


Buttiglione resigns to ease EU crisis

ROME: Calling himself an innocent victim, Italys Rocco Buttiglione withdrew as a candidate for the incoming European Commission on Saturday to help ease an unprecedented crisis for the executive.


Taliban threat to kill Briton

A HARDLINE faction of the Taliban that claims to be holding Annetta Flanigan, a hostage from Northern Ireland, has threatened to kill her and two other captives if British troops do not pull out of Afghanistan, writes Tom Coghlan in Kabul.


Princess Alice, the oldest royal of all, dies at 102

PRINCESS Alice, the Queens aunt who once described herself as a pre-beatnik, has died at the age of 102. She was the oldest member of the British royal family in history.


US to seek ouster of IAEA chief

WASHINGTON: The Bush administration, unhappy with what it sees as his interference in the US election on the Iraqi explosives issue, would actively seek to oust the UN nuclear watchdog chief if the president is re-elected, a senior official said on Friday


Lord Black keeps the e-mails flying in adversity

To hear Lord Black tell it, from a business perspective at least, all was proceeding according to the master plan. We exchanged e-mails in late August as I was toiling


Disney pay-off case sets a precedent for US firms

THERE was room for only 50 people in the tiny Georgetown, Delaware, courtroom last week to hear Walt Disneys former president describe bitterly how his 14-month tenure ended.


This Kansan Made Good, Maybe Too Good, Some Say

David Wittig #39;s spoils from his tenure as chief executive of Kansas #39; largest electric utility, a company once brash enough to be called the Enron of the Midwest, are the talk of Topeka.


European Commission crisis averted as Buttiglione dumped

Italy #39;s Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has bowed to the inevitable, abandoning his push to make Rocco Buttiglione a European Commissioner and opening the way for a solution to an unprecedented EU crisis.


Musharraf could be a bridge to democracy, says Jugnu Mohsin

WASHINGTON: If General Pervez Pervez Musharraf succeeds in his declared intention of rolling back political Islam and normalising relations with India, he could prove to be a bridge to democracy


Last man standing

And lo, the hawk begat the dove. At least that is how one imagines Private Eye might soon be recording the remarkable events unfolding in Gaza in The Book of Sharon, its inimitable account of the travails of the modern Holy Land.


Report Sounds Alarm on Pace of Arctic Climate Change

The most comprehensive international assessment of Arctic climate change has concluded that Earth #39;s upper latitudes are experiencing unprecedented increases in temperature


Ecosse: Big game hunter

It started with optimism, even innocence. One minute we were guiding cute suicidal lemmings down the path to nemesis. The next, thanks to hurtling technological advances, we were cruising the  #39;hood in a stolen


Rossi out to end on a high

The Spaniard has been on the receiving end of some harsh treatment from Rossi, who began a well-publicised spat after he was penalised for an indiscretion by his team during the recent Qatar round


No. 2 Oklahoma 38, No. 20 Oklahoma St. 35

Adrian Peterson rushed for 249 yards and Cowboys kicker Jason Ricks missed a 49-yard field goal with 11 seconds left, giving the second-ranked Sooners a 38-35 victory over their pesky instate rivals on Saturday.


Mile: Singletary sacks field

Singletary stormed to the lead at the top of the stretch and won Saturday #39;s \$1.5 million Breeders #39; Cup Mile at Lone Star Park.


Northwestern 13 (17) Purdue 10

EVANSTON, Ill. Noah Herron #39;s three-yard touchdown run with 38 seconds left pushed Northwestern past 17th-ranked Purdue 13-to-10.


US Military in Afghanistan Dismisses Bin Laden Tape

The US military in Afghanistan dismissed a new videotape featuring Osama bin Laden as  quot;propaganda, quot; and insisted that bin Laden would be caught, but it acknowledged having no fix on the Al-Qaeda leader #39;s whereabouts.


The Times Moves to Compact Format Monday Through to Saturday

LONDON, October 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Times has today announced that from Monday November 1 2004 it will be compact-only six days a week.


Golden, Park share lead at Nine Bridges Classic

Kate Golden rolled in a long eagle putt on 18 to cap a bogey-free 8-under 64 Saturday and move into a tie for the lead with Grace Park after two rounds of the CJ Nine Bridges Classic.


Maryland 20 (5) Florida State 17

COLLEGE PARK, Md. The Red Sox won a World Series, so why can #39;t Maryland beat Florida State. The Terrapins got their first victory over FSU, holding off the fifth-ranked Terrapins 20-to-17.


Another week, another lead for Singh

Palm Harbor, FL (Sports Network) - Vijay Singh, the top-ranked player in the world, moved a step closer to his ninth victory of the season on Saturday as he posted a four-under 67 to take the 54-hole lead of the Chrysler Championship.


Britons Prefer Kerry to Bush for World Safety

A large majority of Britons think a US election victory for John Kerry is the best outcome for global security, according to a poll in a Sunday newspaper.


Circulation drops will pull down ad revenue, analyst says

NEW YORK (CBS.MW) - Goldman Sachs downgraded Tribune Co. Friday, saying the media company #39;s circulation woes will soon translate into lower advertising revenue.


#39;Yukos saga just the start of the battle #39;

MOSCOW - A top Kremlin official said Thursday that the Yukos affair was  quot;just the beginning quot; of the state #39;s battle against tax offenders, but should not inhibit foreigners from investing in Russia.


Strange world of island species

On one island visited by Sinbad during his travels, he found a giant bird with the wingspan of a whale, while Odysseus, according to Homer, discovered an island race of one-eyed giants who ate humans.


LondonTimes goes tabloid after 216 years

The venerable Times of London published its final edition as a broadsheet newspaper yesterday. Tomorrow, it relaunches as a tabloid.


Forsyth holds on as season reaches a thunderous end

Scotland #39;s Alastair Forsyth will take a three-stroke lead over Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter into the final round of the Volvo Masters today.


Michigan St. Spartans

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (Ticker) -- The longest game in Michigan history had many heroes. None was bigger than Braylon Edwards. Edwards caught two touchdowns late in the fourth quarter, then added another in triple


As Fans Await Spurrier, Gators Fall Again

Their successful siege of Ron Zook over with his firing earlier this week, the glum Florida fans sat in the descending darkness Saturday as Georgia ran out the clock on a 31-24 victory.


Trainer Enjoys Breakthrough Day

Wherever he has gone, the trainer Todd Pletcher has had no problem winning races or earning money. He has established records for the most victories at meets at


Maryland 20, No. 5 Florida State 17

Fifth-ranked Florida State was in the process of completing another comeback on the road, and Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen could think of only one course of action.


WEST VIRGINIA 35, RUTGERS 30 Mountaineers Embarrassed but <b>...</b>

As he was ushered off the field Saturday, West Virginia receiver Chris Henry gestured belligerently toward the stands until he reached the tunnel.


Ukraine poll marred by fraud and unrest

Ukrainians vote for a new president today against a backdrop of explosions, predictions of massive ballot-rigging and fears of widespread violence.


Princess Alice, oldest ever royal, dies

Princess Alice, the Royal aunt who lived through the abdication crisis, two world wars and the turn of the millennium has died at the age of 102, the oldest member of the British royal family in history.


Black Watch soldier #39;s death mourned

Relatives of the Black Watch soldier killed during the deployment from Basra to an area near Baghdad said last night they were devastated at the news of his death.


Good riddance to tarnished paradise island of Pitcairn

It was the closest that Pitcairn had ever come to civil insurrection. The spark was the Clipper Odyssey, an American cruise ship that anchored offshore so that passengers could tour the island immortalised by the Bounty mutineers.


Police terror sweeps across Haiti

The bodies had been whisked away but the dried pool of blood covering the dirt-floor dead end of a twisting alley was a chilling sign of what happened here last week.


12th-Ranked Michigan Beats Michigan St. in 3rd OT

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (Sports Network) - Braylon Edwards caught a 24-yard touchdown pass in the third overtime to lead 12th-ranked Michigan to a 45-37 win over Michigan State in Big Ten action at Michigan Stadium.


Better Talk Now beats Kitten #39;s Joy in Turf

Better Talk Now got the best of a rough race to win Saturday #39;s \$2 million Breeders #39; Cup Turf by 1 3/4 lengths over the favorite, Kitten #39;s Joy.


Singh Turns Chrysler in His Direction

Vijay Singh made a 30-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole that changed everything yesterday at the Chrysler Championship in Palm Harbor, Fla.


Spanish leader Barcelona draws 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao on <b>...</b>

Samuel Eto #39;o took his scoring total to eight this season as FC Barcelona drew 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league on Saturday.


Rusedski happy to be back

It is almost the end of term and the report cards are due. With only a couple of weeks to go before the season #39;s end, some (Tim Henman) are still busting their buttons to earn their gold star


Economic growth rate falls short

The economy grew at an annual rate of 3.7 percent in the summer as a big rebound in auto sales offset weakness from an exploding trade deficit, soaring oil prices and the


Northwest Airlines to recall 600 flight attendants

EAGAN, Minn. -- Northwest Airlines plans to recall about 600 flight attendants who have been furloughed. The Professional Flight Attendants Association said in a message to union members Friday that the flight


China closes 1,600 Internet cafes in campaign to stamp out online <b>...</b>

China has closed 1,600 Internet cafes and fined operators a total of 100 million yuan (US\$12 million) for letting children play violent games and for other violations, the government said Saturday.


Ashado Wins Opening Breeders #39; Cup Race

Ashado grabbed the lead in the stretch and got the Breeders #39; Cup off to a rousing start for trainer Todd Pletcher by winning the \$2 million Distaff at Lone Star Park on Saturday.


COL FB: Maryland 20, Florida State 17

Joel Statham passed for for 333 yards Saturday as Maryland posted a 20-17 upset of No. 5 Florida State -- its first victory over the Seminoles.


79 Haiti Deaths Tallied in Violent Month

The executions of four young men in a slum stronghold of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide brought to at least 79 the number killed in a month of violence in Haiti #39;s capital.


Fuel prices likely to be hiked

The Government, which has already secured a line of confirmation on increasing prices from its key allies - the Left parties - is likely to moderate the hike in petrol and diesel prices that has become necessary due to a surge in crude oil prices.


Ferguson urges Henry punishment

Sir Alex Ferguson has called on the Football Association to punish Arsenal #39;s Thierry Henry for an incident involving Gabriel Heinze.


Botswana elections to hand victory to party in power since <b>...</b>

GABORONE (AFP) - Queues of voters in diamond-rich Botswana waited patiently to cast their ballots in elections that are expected to hand victory to the party in power since independence in 1966 in one of Africa #39;s most stable countries.


Happy Halloween: Ghostzapper scares up a Classic win

Undaunted by the presence of eight millionaires in the field, Ghostzapper blazed to a wire-to-wire win in yesterday #39;s \$4 million Breeders #39; Cup Classic at Lone Star


Not a Huge Game, but a Huge Catch

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Fred Gibson promised Georgia fans a really big game. He didn #39;t deliver. The Bulldogs will have to settle for the biggest catch of Saturday #39;s 31-24 win over Florida.


FSU notebook: Bowden: No decision on QB

Bowden replaced starting quarterback Wyatt Sexton with Chris Rix at the beginning of the fourth quarter, with FSU trailing 20-10.  quot;I definitely wasn #39;t expecting it, quot; Sexton said,  quot;but I understood


Wolverines win triple-OT thriller, 45-37

Michigan State often complains that Michigan doesnt respect the rivalry -- especially when the games are played in Ann Arbor. Well, the Spartans finally might have won the Wolverines respect.


Boy, 12, is shot dead by Israelis

JERUSALEM: Israeli soldiers shot dead a 12-year-old Palestinian boy yesterday during confrontations with protesters in a refugee camp in the West Bank town of Jenin, medics said.


NASA Picks May 2005 Shuttle Launch Date

NASA (news - web sites) is aiming for a mid-May launch of the first shuttle flight since the Columbia tragedy almost two years ago.


The Pods Just Keep on Coming

Steve Jobs is feeling rather vindicated these days.  quot;The iPod is three years old, quot; says the Apple CEO.  quot;When we started this, nobody knew what it was, or they didn #39;t believe it


North Carolina 31, No. 4 Miami 28

Conner Barth booted a 42-yard field goal on the final play of the game, giving North Carolina a shocking 31-28 upset of the fourth-ranked Hurricanes on Saturday night.


Army Tactics Anger Thai Muslims

Razee Dorloh, 22, left his house built on stilts near the riverbank on Monday morning without a word, his family recounted. He headed for the district police station


Ukraine #39;s Crucial Election

THIS IS NOT a good weekend to hold a presidential election if you are not American and would like to have the attention of the United States and its major allies.


US Stocks Advance in Week, Lifting S amp;P 500 for 1st Week in 4

US stocks gained this week as a plunge in oil prices allayed concern that higher fuel costs will slow earnings and economic growth.


Petrol price hike: Decision tomorrow

New Delhi: The Government on Saturday deferred a decision on the issue of raising the retail prices of petrol and diesel prices. A decision is likely to be taken tomorrow.


Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas; Virtual PC for Mac Version 7

The year is 1992, and life stinks for Carl Johnson. His mom #39;s been murdered, his family is in disarray, his childhood friends have turned against him, and corrupt cops are framing him for a murder somebody else committed.


USC can #39;t afford to relax in upcoming football contests

Better come focused, not drift. Remember the last visit here and recognize exactly what could be at stake. It #39;s the new USC theme -- win or else.


North Carolina Stuns No. 4 Miami 31-28

Barth #39;s 42-Yard Field Goal on Final Play of Game Gives North Carolina 31-28 Upset of No. 4 Miami. North Carolina #39;s Scott Brumett (87) runs past Miami players Greg Threat (5) and Tavares Gooden (52) for a 18


For Statham, Sweet Vindication

By the time Joel Statham walked into the Gossett Team House cafeteria around 8 pm last night, the delirious crowd had dispersed from the Byrd Stadium field.


Japan Vows to Stay in Iraq After Hostage Beheaded

A Japanese hostage has been beheaded in Iraq, Japanese officials said on Sunday, but Tokyo vowed it would keep its troops in the country on their reconstruction mission.


Taliban Faction Threatens to Kill 3 UN Workers

A breakaway faction of the Taliban movement on Saturday provided the first direct proof that it was holding three UN workers who were abducted last Thursday at gunpoint.


Poisonous gas gush kills 15 miners

A miner survived is examined at a hospital in Fushun, city of northeast China #39;s Liangning Province, Oct. 30, 2004. A sudden poisonous gas gushed at an operation platform of the Xilutian Mine of Fushun Coal Industry Corp.


Communists in India oppose fuel price increase

NEW DELHI: A key communist ally of Indias Congress party-led coalition urged the government on Friday not to raise retail prices of petroleum products if possible despite soaring global oil prices.


Apple shares show no signs of falling

Apple Computer #39;s stock has continued to soar along with sales of its iPod digital music player, topping \$50 a share for the first time in four years.


Liga Sat. Wrap: Barca Draw As Valencia Crisis Continues

Barcelona were unable to completely rebound from their midweek Copa del Rey fiasco as they were held to a 1-1 draw in Bilbao. Sameul Etoo had given the Catalans the lead on 11 minutes with a nicely taken shot that hammered in the net at the far post.


No Going-Away Party

JACKSONVILLE - University of Florida football players went to Alltel Stadium on Saturday to win one for their coach. Florida #39;s 31-24 loss to 10th- ranked Georgia featured everything the Gators #39; frustrated


Nalbandian vs. Novak in Swiss final

David Nalbandian of Argentina reached his third straight Swiss Indoors final, setting up a title match against Jiri Novak and keeping alive his chance for a spot in the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Houston.


Terps Catch Seminoles By Surprise

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Florida State coach Bobby Bowden had seen enough trouble the previous two times his Seminoles strayed from home this season to know they weren #39;t invincible.


US Airways Watch

US Airways Chief Executive Officer Bruce Lakefield acknowledged in a message to employees yesterday that there is  quot;anger, quot;  quot;fear quot; and  quot;a lot of sadness quot; among workers forced to take a 21 percent pay cut over the next four months.


Study Finds Warming Trend in Arctic Linked to Emissions

The first thorough assessment of a decadeslong Arctic warming trend shows the region is undergoing profound changes, including sharp retreats of glaciers and sea ice, thawing of permafrost


Moon puts on total spectacle

BALTIMORE - Astronomy buffs and amateur skywatchers turned out to watch a total lunar eclipse Wednesday night -he last one Earth will get for nearly 2 1/2 years.


Yankees sort through wreckage

Three things all Yankees baseball people were on the same page about at their Tampa meeting with George Steinbrenner: 1) Going for Carlos Beltran.


Nine Marines dead, deadly explosion rips Baghdad

NEAR FALLUJAH, Iraq - Nine Marines killed in Iraq Saturday, eight of them in a car-bombing near Fallujah. That #39;s the heaviest toll on American fighters in about six months.


Rwanda sends reinforcements to African Union mission in Darfur

EL FASHER, Sudan, Oct 30 (AFP) -- Sixty-five Rwandan troops arrived in the the Darfur town of El Fasher as part of a growing African Union (AU) military mission charged with monitoring a shaky ceasefire in the troubled region of western Sudan, an AFP


Funeral held for mother, daughter killed in landslide

NIIGATA - About 200 mourners attended the funeral Saturday for a mother and daughter killed in a landslide following powerful earthquakes Oct 23 in Niigata Prefecture.


Japan Confirms Japanese Hostage in Iraq Beheaded

Japan #39;s government on Sunday said it is now certain that a 24-year-old Japanese backpacker taken hostage in Iraq has been killed.


Anwar supporters defy police ban to welcome him home to Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR : Hundreds of supporters defied a police ban to welcome former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim at the airport on his arrival home after back surgery in Germany.


Checking system going all-electronic

Changes are bringing Americans closer to a checkless society -- changes that could be costly if you aren #39;t careful. The first checks in the United States were


Paterno second-guessing field goal

COLUMBUS - Penn State coach Joe Paterno has had his share of second-guessers of late. And after a 21-10 loss to Ohio State, he added his name to the list.


Schilling makes pitch on behalf of president

Apparently Curt Schilling doesn #39;t regret his endorsement of President Bush related, bio after all: The Sox hero has recorded automated phone calls backing Bush that will be made until Election Day.


Third quarter was good

Do you want to see healthy economic growth, with low inflation and low unemployment rates? Then look outside your window. According to the scorekeepers at the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the


Wall Street:  #39;Cheap oil age #39; may be at end

The world #39;s oil supply is expected to be stretched thin for another two to three years, even as demand tapers off and the industry gears up for an exploration and production spending spree in 2005.


China cracks down on Net

CHINA has closed 1,600 internet cafes and fined operators a total of 100 million yuan (6.5m) for letting children play violent games and for other violations, the government revealed yesterday.


North Carolina stuns unbeaten Miami 31-28 on last-second field <b>...</b>

When it mattered most, when Miami needed one defensive stand to force overtime, the Hurricanes simply couldn #39;t do it. That fact, perhaps as much as a loss that might have taken them


Mauresmo, Bovina set to meet in Generali final

Generali Ladies Open: Top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo rallied past Jelena Jankovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 yesterday to advance to the final in Linz, Austria, against Elena Bovina.


Los Angeles Advances to MLS Western Final

Los Angeles Galaxy #39;s Cobi Jones, top, and Colorado Rapids #39; Ricky Lewis watch Jones #39; shot on goal during the first half of a playoff match Saturday night, Oct. 30, 2004, in Carson, Calif.


Beheaded Japanese hostage found

Japan #39;s Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura has confirmed a headless body found Saturday in Baghdad is that of Japanese hostage Shosei Koda.


In Uruguay, leftists hope for historic presidential election win

MONTEVIDEO : Uruguay #39;s leftist parties for the first time are heavily favored to end a 179-year conservative lock on the presidency in Sunday #39;s elections in this South American nation plagued by growing poverty.


Riding China #39;s Rising Boat

Brad Kinkelaar, whose mutual fund ranks among the top 15 percent in the United States this year, is depending on dividends from shipping port operators in China to help propel his investment returns.


Wal-Mart same-store sales up 2.8

Wal-Mart Stores said Saturday that shopping traffic dropped in the past week as it estimated October same-store sales growth at 2.8 percent.


Berkshire Hathaway plans to write \$1 billion in premiums

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Warren Buffett, the world #39;s second-richest man, is targeting California workers #39; compensation insurance; betting recent reforms will make the ailing market more profitable.


No decision on price hike of fuels: Aiyar:

Business India: New Delhi, Oct 30 : The government Saturday deferred a decision on the issue of hiking prices of petroleum products.


Private pension firms find Asia a draw, with risks

Insurers and fund managers are set to cash in on Asia #39;s private pension industry, which is expected to grow nearly four-fold in 10 years as the world #39;s most populous region grows older.


Courses to help teach you

BOSTON (CBS.MW) -- Total assets of the 143 US-listed exchange-traded funds were \$180.8 billion in September, the Investment Company Institute reported on Friday.


5th China air show to open next week

Thirty-two countries and regions will participate the Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, opening Nov. 1 in Zhuhai, a city in south China #39;s Guangdong Province.


Football: Barcelona held 1-1 at Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona were held to a one-all draw at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, but the result still increases their lead at the top of the Spanish Primera Liga to six points - for a day at least.


Canes blow into Chapel Hill

Teams around the Atlantic Coast Conference are getting to know about first-place Miami in a hurry. This week, the Hurricanes take their act to North Carolina, returning to the Triangle a week after defeating North Carolina State.


Buttiglione bows out from EU commission line-up

ROME (AFP) - Rocco Buttiglione, who brought EU affairs to a halt with his views that homosexuality is a sin and that women should stay home looking after children, said that he was stepping down as candidate to become the new European commissioner for


Joy and tragedy of oldest ever royal

THE oldest British Royal in history, Princess Alice, the Duchess of Gloucester, has died at the age of 102 after a life that mixed both adventure and personal tragedy.


Botswana election results delayed

Results from Botswana #39;s parliamentary election on Saturday will emerge later than expected, officials said on Sunday, but the poll is still expected to return President Festus Mogae #39;s party to power.


Union urges OK of accord

Delta Air Lines can shift more flying to regional jets but also will have to give furloughed pilots first crack at any new jobs that result, under the tentative agreement union members begin voting on Monday.


Petrol, diesel prices likely to be raised

Public sector oil companies have in the first seven months of the current fiscal lost Rs 3,646 crore on selling petrol and diesel below the imported cost.


Money Funds Fell in Latest Week

Assets of the nation #39;s retail money market mutual funds fell by \$4.03 billion in the latest week to \$828.98 billion, the Investment Company Institute said Thursday.


China May Need More Rate Increases to Contain Economy

Economists say China may need to raise interest rates again in the coming months as it struggles to cool its economy and move toward free-market banking reforms.


China to showcase military might in air show

China will showcase a range of advanced military hardware, including missiles and satellites, at a major air show and exhibition in southern China next week, state media reported Saturday.


Golf: Vijay Singh leads Chrysler Championship

Vijay Singh, in his quest to surpass ten million dollars in winnings this year, leads the Chrysler Championship by one stroke over Tommy Armour III after three rounds.


Mauresmo and Bovina advance to Generali final

Top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo of France came back from a set down to beat Serb Jelena Jankovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 Saturday and reach the final of the \$585,000 Generali Ladies Open at the Intersport Arena.


Heels shock Miami

CHAPEL HILL - It took less than three minutes for the goalposts to come down and on the eve of Halloween, the Tar Heels served a special brew to the Miami Hurricanes.


No. 2 Sooners survive scare, top Oklahoma St.

Bob Stoops grinned. Because that #39;s what you do when you #39;re holding all the aces. His No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners survived a gripping 38-35 decision over Oklahoma State on Saturday


Bombs Hit Marines, Iraq TV Office

Description: Separate car bombs kill eight Marines near Fallujah and at least seven people at the Al Arabiya television office in Baghdad.


Cambodia Crowns Former Dancer New King

King Norodom Sihamoni, right, prays to Buddhist monks after the bathing ceremony at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh Friday, Oct. 29, 2004.


Pakistan, India must step back on Kashmir: Musharraf:

World News: Islamabad, Oct 30 : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf Saturday said a solution to the dragging Kashmir dispute could be found only if India and Pakistan agreed to move beyond their stated positions on the issue.


UN sends nuclear inspectors to S. Korea

SEOUL, South Korea -- The United Nations nuclear watchdog will send a group of inspectors to South Korea this week to help it complete a report in November on Seoul #39;s secret past nuclear experiments, a South Korean official said Sunday.


Canada foresees record drilling

CALGARY, ALBERTA - The number of oil and gas wells to be drilled in Canada next year could climb 8 percent to a record because of a surge in coal-bed methane activity, the oil-field service industry predicted last week.


Eight Marines killed in bombing in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq - In the bloodiest day for the US military in Iraq since May, eight Marines were killed and nine more were wounded yesterday outside Fallujah, where a major US assault on the rebel city seemed imminent.


Rebels threaten to kill kidnapped election workers

A militant group claiming to have kidnapped three foreign election workers in Afghanistan told news agencies Saturday that the hostages would be killed unless all Taliban


Shell is doing things by halves in going Dutch

ROYAL Dutch Shells dual structure has been blamed for troubles ranging from poor management to dodgy oil reserve accountancy. So its decision to meet shareholder criticisms by unifying its two holding companies


Titan #39;s complex and strange world revealed

Two days after Cassini #39;s close encounter with Titan captured the first ever close-up images, it is becoming clear that Saturn #39;s giant moon is a complex and strange world.


New tech tricks caller ID

New technology can trick a caller ID box into displaying the name and phone number of an entirely different person or company than the one actually calling.


Parade of idiots

I hate parades. Hate em. I guess I never really got the point. On the excitement scale theyre right up there with walking through your average suburban mall.


Instant Analysis: Upsets  amp; more

When a huge upset happens, the easy tendency is to assume that the game was a fluke, that if repeated several times, the result would be drastically different.


Expect a Classic shootout

The \$14 million Breeders #39; Cup at Lone Star Park today shapes up like a  quot;Texas shootout, quot; according to the Daily Racing Form.


After decades of longing, generations can rejoice

At 11:33 am yesterday, in a mist of rain and confetti, a boy and his father watched history being made. The boy was 45 years old, his dad 77.


Fly me to the moon  Titan that is

Trina Ray admitted she was kind of a science geek back at Corvallis High School. But now, at 37, she #39;s getting the payoff for spending much of her teenage years in the lab.


Bush #39;s bold space policy

The election on Nov. 2 will have many far-reaching implications, not the least of which is mankind #39;s fledgling reach into space.


Galloping  #39;Ghost #39; brightens Frankel #39;s view of Breeders #39;

For Bobby Frankel, the melancholy prince of New York adrift in a strange place called Texas, the day was neither sunny nor gray. Bobby was neither in heaven nor hell, but in something akin to purgatory.


Statham finally comes through

Joel Statham #39;s midseason woes were forgotten yesterday after he led Maryland to a 20-17 victory over Florida State. By becoming the first Terrapins quarterback to beat the Seminoles in 15 meetings


#39;He Believed He Was Everything #39;

During most of last Thursday Yasir Arafat wouldn #39;t hear of leaving his West Bank headquarters for medical treatment abroad. Though he #39;d lost consciousness the day before and couldn


Anwar kicks off political comeback with vow to fight for democracy <b>...</b>

Malaysia #39;s most charismatic opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim _ released two months ago from jail _ kicked off his political comeback effort Sunday by vowing to restart a campaign for democratic reforms.


NYSE seat not what it used to be

A New York Stock Exchange membership was sold at the lowest price in nine years and a one-year lease on a seat dropped to a 13-year low, reflecting the decline in income on the floor.


NASA to relaunch space mission

The United States is to resume its space shuttle program next year after the Columbia shuttle tragedy in 2003. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, announced


ASHADO WINS FOR PLETCHER

Horseplayers started the Breeders #39; Cup with a bang heard round the nation #39;s betting parlors when Ashado, the unwavering favorite, trounced a smart field to win the \$1 million Distaff.


NCAA Game Summary - Arizona State At California

Berkeley, CA -- JJ Arrington ran for 188 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries to lead seventh-ranked California over 20th-ranked Arizona State, 27-0, at Memorial Stadium.


Ukraine faces milestone election

It was a carefully scripted moment when Russian President Vladimir Putin began quoting Taras Shevchenko, this country #39;s 19th-century bard, during a live television


NOT PLAYING GAMES

IT #39;S that time of year for beautiful autumn foliage, crisp air and violent carjackings. Don #39;t adjust your PS2 or Xbox for the next few months, because video games are giving a whole new meaning to the word  quot;fall.


Greene hooks up with Pope for big plays

When Leonard Popes 6-foot-7, 250-pound frame is running down the field, Georgia quarterback David Greene cant resist. Thatsa big weapon, Greene a South Gwinnett said.


UPSET WIN IS  #39;TALK #39; OF TRACK

In one of the biggest upsets -nd most controversial finishes  -the year, a 27-1 betting orphan named Better Talk Now won the \$2 million Breeders #39; Cup Turf


Indira Gandhi remembered

New Delhi - Indians from all walks of life led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and ruling Congress party president Sonia Gandhi Sunday paid tribute to former premier Indira Gandhi on the 20th anniversary of her assassination.


ISS positive on Harmony and Gold Fields merger

Harmony Gold Mining Co. (HMY.N: Quote, Profile, Research) (HARJ.J: Quote, Profile, Research) on Friday said Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.


AMD Introduces Low-Cost Net Access Device in India

US chip maker Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) has introduced a low-cost Internet access device that could cost just a few hundred dollars, aimed at first-time technology users in the developing world.


Google Buys Digital Mapping Company

Google Inc. has bought digital map maker Keyhole Corp., extending the search engine leader #39;s bid to fend off rivals with a toolbox that can catalog almost anything in the world.


ASU offense is a no-show vs. Cal

BERKELEY, Calif. - Arizona State rediscovered its defense Saturday night only for the offense to go AWOL. Losing four fumbles, after coughing up none in its first seven games, the 20th-ranked Sun Devils lost 27-0 to No.


DETTORI-LED WILKO RUNS PAST YOUNG FIELD AT 28-1

Roger, wilco and out went enough Breeders #39; Cup Pick 6 tickets to burn down Lone Star Park yesterday when Euro-invader Wilko, dismissed at 28-1 in a field of eight, rolled


Koda #39;s wrapped in US flag

BAGHDAD - The decapitated body of 24-year-old Japanese backpacker Shosei Koda was left discarded in a field near what is known as a stronghold of anti-American insurgent forces in central Baghdad Saturday night, according to local police.


Caller ID spoof masks real callers

New technology can trick US caller-ID services into displaying someone else #39;s name and telephone number, the Washington Post reported Saturday.


China air show to begin

Thirty-two countries and regions are scheduled to participate in the Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition Monday in Zhuhai, China.


Saturn #39;s moon Titan may offer huge clues to Earth #39;s evolution

With a whole universe to explore and dozens of potential targets in the solar system to examine in closer detail, spending \$3.3 billion on an 11-year


PSP price drops

Sony had some welcome news for consumers this week, announcing the Japanese price for its new PlayStation Portable system will be a lower-than-expected 19,800 yen (\$228 Cdn).


VSNL And AMD Launch The Personal Internet Communicator

VSNL, Indias largest telecommunications service provider, a member of TATA group of companies and AMD (NYSE: AMD) today launched the Personal Internet Communicator (PIC), a high-quality, affordable, and easy-to-use, consumer device that will help


Roundup: Singh overcomes bogeys, takes lead

The final full-field event of the PGA Tour season is supposed to be all about money. It is fitting that the player with the most of it -ijay Singh  -in control at the Chrysler Championship.


Agassi advances to final of Stockholm Open

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Ticker) - Top seed Andre Agassi advanced to the final of the Stockholm Open on Saturday. Seeking his second title of the year, Agassi edged No.


South Korea #39;s Grace Park wins CJ Nine Bridges Classic

Grace Park shot a 7-under 65 Sunday to win the CJ Nine Bridges Classic, beating top-ranked Annika Sorenstam by five strokes. Park, the South Korean star coming off a final-round collapse two weeks ago in the


California Blackout

Sure, California quarterback Aaron Rodgers and running back JJ Arrington get the lion share of the publicity for the Golden Bears.


9 MARINES SLAIN

Nine Marines were killed yesterday and nine injured when their convoy was hit by a car bomber in the deadliest attack on US troops in Iraq since May.


Ukraine #39;s presidential election begins

Ukrainians began casting their ballot Sunday in the presidential election to choose a successor to President Leonid Kuchma. A total of 24 candidates were on the ballot to succeed


Terps snap Seminole hex

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Joel Statham threw for 333 yards and ran for a score, and Maryland held on to beat fifth-ranked Florida State, 20-17, yesterday.


Eight Marines dead in suicide car bombing

A suicide attacker detonated a car bomb yesterday next to a US military convoy west of Baghdad, killing eight Marines and wounding nine.


Relatives, Muslim groups appeal for release of Sri Lankan hostage <b>...</b>

COLOMBO : Relatives of Sri Lankan truck driver Dinesh Dharmendran Rajaratnam appealed to his captors in Iraq to free him, saying he had been forced to work there by his Kuwaiti employer.


Insurance probe doesn #39;t frighten Century Shares

Lanny Thorndike, whose Century Shares Trust mutual fund has about one-third of its assets in insurance stocks, is keeping his investments in Marsh  amp; McLennan and American International Group


Judge OKs settlement in AT amp;T Wireless case

A judge has approved a \$3.75 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit challenging billing practices at AT amp;T Wireless Services, the Redmond-based company that was acquired last week by Cingular Wireless of Atlanta.


Tough lessons shape Ford #39;s  #39;green #39; vision

Ford Motor Co. #39;s push to polish its blue oval green amounts to more than launching the nation #39;s first hybrid SUV and planting grass on an assembly plant roof.


MSU med school plan to move has flaws, study says

MSU #39;s plan to move its medical school to west Michigan is impractical and too costly, according to a report that lays out an alternative arrangement.


Fuel Prices Likely To Go Up From Tomorrow

New Delhi, Oct. 31(NNN): As international oil prices continued to soar, petrol and diesel prices are likely to be hiked from Monday (November 1).


Good Times, bad Times? We #39;ll soon find out

Tomorrow, in a sudden sweep of decision-making, the Times waves goodbye to broadsheet life forever. No more two-version publication, no more broadsheets on Saturday.


Broussard gives LSU leg up

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Alley Broussard ran for 80 yards and a touchdown, spearheading a strong game by No. 19 Louisiana State in a 24-7 victory over Vanderbilt last night.


Yanukovych votes  quot;for Ukraine #39;s future quot;

KYIV. Oct 31 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Ukrainian presidential candidate, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych said he has  quot;cast his ballot for the future of Ukraine.


Polish hostage in Iraq pleads for life-Video

The Polish woman held hostage in Iraq appeared in a new video, aired on Al-Jazeera satellite channel, pleading her nation to withdraw troops from the country and the release of women prisoners to save her life.


Pilots #39; pact may benefit Comair

If Delta Air Lines #39; pilots approve contract concessions, they will be letting the company #39;s regional subsidiaries and affiliates operate almost three times as many 70-seat regional jets as before.


Presidential election effect on stocks is stuff of legends

Throughout history, who moves in and who moves out of the White House has moved stocks on Wall Street. With the neck-and-neck presidential race between President Bush and John Kerry nearing the


For ATA, it all boils down to cash

While the entire airline industry #39;s finances are under water, ATA Airlines will have to hold its breath longer than its competitors to keep from going belly up.


Dow Industrial Stocks Fall in Europe; Exxon Slips (Correct)

(Corrects to show two-day gain was most in more than a year in first paragraph.). By Margo Towie. Oct. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks fell in Europe after the index #39;s biggest two-day gain in almost a year and a half.


GOING OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT

PULLMAN - Last week, in studying USC game film, Cougar coaches thought they found a chink in the national champions armor. And not just any chink - one with the potential, right from the get go, to


Three and out

JACKSONVILLE - The players pinned buttons to their Gator blue wind suits that read:  quot;Another level. quot;. They wore gray T-shirts with the words  quot;Pride Out quot; on the front and  quot;Coaches, Team, Family, quot; on the back.


MARYLAND 20, NO.5 FLORIDA STATE 17

UM - Nick Novak 43-yard field goal, 5:39. Maryland 3, Florida State 0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:37. Key play: Joel Statham connected on consecutive passes to Josh Allen for 29 yards and Danny Melendez for 39 yards.


Edwards catches MSU

Twelfth-ranked Michigan, trailing 27-10 with a little less than nine minutes left in the game, stormed back to win in thrilling, edge-of-your-seat fashion, 45-37 in triple overtime Saturday at Michigan Stadium.


Japan vows troops will stay in Iraq after 24-year-old hostage <b>...</b>

TOKYO - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi vowed on Sunday that Japanese troops would continue their domestically unpopular mission in Iraq after Islamic militants demanding a pullout killed a 24-year-old Japanese tourist.


Eight US marines killed in Iraq

Eight US marines are reported to have been killed and at least nine are said to be injured during an attack west of Baghdad. The US military gave no details on the deaths, which it said occurred in the western


Agassi on track for 60

Local favourite Thomas Johansson is the last man standing between Andre Agassi and the 60th title of his career as the pair head into the final of the Stockholm Open.


Mental miscues hurt the Gators

Flinching in the trenches, holding around quarterback Chris Leak and even a late hit by punter Eric Wilbur plagued Florida throughout the game.


Ashado stakes claim as top 3-year-old filly

Ashado for 3-year-old filly champion. No doubt about it, after her winning the Breeders #39; Cup Distaff here yesterday. The Kentucky Oaks heroine had gone through a summer


The masters of spin win again with point system

Given the proper amount of time, NASCAR would not only have convinced the emperor of the fineness of his new clothes but also have sold him a matching handbag and a pair of six-inch heels.


Palestinians meet, show solidarity

Senior Palestinian figures gathered at Yasser Arafat #39;s battered West Bank compound on Saturday to show that the Palestinian leadership was still functioning.


Anwar thanks Malaysian PM for release

The former deputy prime minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, has addressed hundreds of supporters who gathered outside his home after he returned from surgery in Germany.


Philippine envoy in Kabul to seek release of hostage

The Philippine government said on Sunday that the Philippine envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Jorge Arizabal, is now in Kabul to coordinate with UN officials and Afghan authorities


New law: Check 21 speeds up check processing

It is two days before payday and you are almost out of gas. To pay for it, you write a check. You hope it takes two or three days before it hits your bank, and by then, your paycheck will be deposited.


Park takes victory in South Korea

South Korea #39;s Grace Park shot a seven-under-par 65 to triumph at the CJ Nine Bridges Classic on Sunday. Park #39;s victory made up her final-round collapse at the Samsung World Championship two weeks ago.


Buttiglione bows out to resolve EU crisis

Rocco Buttiglione, the Italian nominee to the European Commission whose views on homosexuality resulted in an impasse with MEPs, yesterday decided to step aside.


Pitcairn Island mayor sacked

PITCAIRN Island mayor Steve Christian has been sacked after being sentenced to three years #39; jail for sex abuse crimes, British High Commission spokesman Bryan Nicolson said in Wellington today.


China opposes US import limits on cotton trousers

Beijing, Oct. 31. (PTI): China has asked the US not to  quot;sabotage quot; booming bilateral trade ties by limiting imports of cotton trousers made by manufacturers of the Communist nation.


Singh poised for history

The No. 1 player takes the Chrysler lead and is in position to tie Tiger Woods for victories in a season. By BOB HARIG, Times Staff Writer.


Job is gone, but pride isn #39;t

Battered and beaten, Ron Zook jogged away from another disappointment Saturday evening. Once again, the ache was chiseled into the lines across his face, from the tightness


QB controversy? Give Bowden few minutes

Florida State coach Bobby Bowden didn #39;t play along when asked after Saturday #39;s game if there is a quarterback controversy brewing in Tallahassee.


Stargazers Enjoy Total Lunar Eclipse

The full moon turns red and orange as it passes the Space Needle in Seattle during a total lunar eclipse Wednesday evening, Oct. 27, 2004.


Thai officials placate south with release of prisoners

Thailand #39;s prime minister announced yesterday that hundreds of Muslims detained after a riot in the country #39;s restive south would be freed, in a bid to ease tensions over the deaths of 85 accused rioters - including 78 who died in military custody.


CPM asks govt to delay fuel price hike

The CPM has reportedly told the government to delay the decision to hike petrol and diesel prices till after the US elections. However, the Left has already indicated that it is not averse to a hike since there is no real alternative.


China closes 1,600 Internet cafes

China closed down 1,600 Internet cafes between February and August and imposed 100 million yuan, or 12 million US dollars, worth of fines for allowing children to play violent or adult-only games and other violations.


Park wins CJ Nine Bridges in a rout

Jeju Island, South Korea (Sports Network) - Local favorite Grace Park birdied three of her final four holes Sunday to pull away and win the CJ Nine Bridges Classic by five strokes.


Zook #39;s Gators didn #39;t give up

This will go down as another tough loss for Ron Zook, the beleaguered Florida head coach who was fired on Monday. Another punch in the gut.


Jayasuriya gets his ton as Lankans battle on

Karachi - Sanath Jayasuriya hit his 14th Test hundred as Sri Lanka reached 234 for two at lunch on the fourth day of the second Test against Pakistan on Sunday.


French doctors check Arafat for virus

French doctors are checking Yasser Arafat for viral infection after tests ruled out leukaemia and any other life-threatening illness, aides to the Palestinian leader said today.


Parents of beheaded man in shock

NOGATA, Fukuoka -- The elder brother of the Japanese man found murdered in Baghdad said his parents were unable to respond when a city official visited on Sunday due to shock.


Polish Hostage in Iraq Pleads for Her Life, Al-Jazeera Reports

A Polish hostage kidnapped in Iraq this week pleaded the Polish government comply with her captors #39; demands to withdraw its troops from Iraq to save her life, al- Jazeera reported, citing a videotape.


15 People Wounded in Chechen Car Bombing

Fifteen people were wounded early Sunday outside a hospital in the Chechen capital in a car bombing that apparently targeted the security service headed by the


Iranian parliament passes bill backing uranium enrichment

TEHERAN - The Iranian parliament on Sunday passed a bill backing the resumption of uranium enrichment, just as the international community is pushing Tehran to end the practice permanently.


Humans are getting taller, but we still weigh too much

How interesting it is that scientists have discovered another species of human - an 18,000-year-old skeleton named Homo floresiensis that has been described as  quot;hobbit-sized.


Japan mourning the death of Iraq hostage

Japan on Sunday denounced the beheading of a Japanese hostage in Iraq after a day that saw the heaviest United States casualties for six months and the bloodiest attack on a media organisation since the start of the war.


Kidnapped Briton gets Afghan deadline

Militants holding a Briton and two other foreign UN workers in Afghanistan have threatened to kill them unless all Taliban and al Qaeda prisoners are released from US


Blair launches ad blitz for early polls

British Prime Minister Tony Blair is planning to call general elections in February, ahead of schedule, to maximise his present opinion poll advantage over his opponents.


New Net domains near approval

com October 29, 2004, 10:41 AM PT. This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web Services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.


Voting opens in Ukraine election (12:20 PST)

KIEV: Voting began Sunday in Ukraine #39;s presidential elections, seen as a critical test for the future of democratic development in the former Soviet state, a foreign news agency reported.


Video Shows UN Hostages in Afghanistan

Three people believed to be the UN hostages seized by militants in Afghanistan have appeared in a video shown by Arabic TV Al-Jazeera.


It #39;s never too early to be thinking about retirement -- just ask <b>...</b>

Banks can destroy checks: The new law, known as Check 21, allows banks to destroy original paper checks and to convert them into digitized equivalents.


Aon sees profit dip in 3Q

Aon Corp. said Thursday its third-quarter earnings fell because of  quot;softening market conditions quot; that, along with the halt of contingent commissions, led it withdraw its guidance for the full year.


China #39;s rate rise not enough: expert

An economist has warned that China did not raise its interest rates enough to curb inflation, the China Daily reported. Tang Min, chief economist with the resident mission


China Closes 1,600 Internet Cafes In Crackdown

China shut 1,600 Internet cafes between February and August and imposed \$12.1 million worth of fines for allowing children to play violent or adult-only games and other violations, state media said.


Nano-Engineers in Singapore Create Drug-Delivery Contact Lenses To <b>...</b>

Thanks to a group of nano-engineers in Singapore who have created contact lenses that release controlled doses of drugs, you may be able to treat your glaucoma or other eye diseases simply by wearing their lenses.


Chelsea have destroyed me complains Mutu

Disgraced Romanian striker Adrian Mutu on Sunday blasted Premiership side Chelsea for their haste in sacking him after testing positive for a banned substance.


NEXTEL CUPCHASE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP

HAMPTON, Ga. - With an eye toward a tight championship battle and hopes for added interest as the racing season wound down, NASCAR introduced a new points format to decide its Nextel Cup title this year.


Peacekeepers airlifted into Darfur

The first Rwandan peacekeeping troops have been airlifted into the Sudanese region of Darfur aboard two US transport planes. Sixty-five Rwandan officers and soldiers arrived with their supplies.


Pakistan has not given up stand on Kashmir: Musharraf

Islamabad, October 31: In the face of strong domestic criticism over his new formula to resolve Kashmir problem with India, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said that Pakistan has not given up its principled stand on the issue and a solution could be


AROUND THE HORN

This season on the PGA Tour, there #39;s Vijay Singh and everyone else. Singh-who shot a 4-under 67 yesterday for a 201 total and leads Tommy Armour III by one shot at the Chrysler Championship- already has won


Owners turn Singletary into party animal

Singletary #39;s owners didn #39;t wear their Chicago Bears jerseys to Lone Star Park to watch the colt run in the \$1.5 million Breeders #39; Cup Mile on Saturday, trainer Don Chatlos


Japanese troops to stay in Iraq

The Japanese government says it is undeterred in its fight against terrorism, following the killing of a Japanese hostage in Iraq.