Server Market Share

Research has lately shown that enterprises are going to spend a lot of money on IT hardware and infrastructure during the rest of the year, and both Gartner and IDC have new numbers tracking ongoing growth in the server market.


Athletics: Rare distance doubles for El Guerrouj and Holmes

ATHENS Hicham El Guerrouj became the first man in 80 years to win the 1,500 and the 5,000 races at the same Olympics, joining Finnish great Paavo Nurmi in the history books Saturday.


Joe Davidson: Access to Info in Kobe Bryant Trial

Description: Jury selection got underway Friday in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault trial in Eagle, Colo. News organizations have argued that limits on media access inside the courtroom does not let them fully cover the story.


US NBA stars beat Lithuania to win Olympic men's basketball bronze (AFP)

AFP - The United States defeated Lithuania 104-96 here to win the Olympic men's basketball bronze medal game.


Protesters at Home of Swift Boat Backer (AP)

AP - Nearly 40 protesters gathered Saturday at the home of the chief financial backer of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, whose ads criticize Democrat John Kerry's military record.


El Guerrouj Completes Rare Distance Double

Hicham El Guerrouj became the first man in 80 years to win the 1,500 and 5,000 meters at one Olympics, holding up two fingers in triumph Saturday after outsprinting the world


Holmes completes double by winning 1,500

Kelly Holmes of Britain completed a rare double when she captured the Olympic gold medal in the 1,500-meter race Saturday to go with her win in the 800.


Bovina captures Pilot Pen title

New Haven, CT (Sports Network) - Seventh-seeded Elena Bovina defeated eighth- seeded Nathalie Dechy of France in three sets Saturday to win the championship at the \$585,000 Pilot Pen Tennis event -- a final US Open tune-up.


Analysis: Can Shaukat Aziz deliver?

The reins of power have once again been handed over in Pakistan. And once again, it #39;s a man hand-picked by the country #39;s military ruler, Gen Pervez Musharraf.


American Men Salvage Bronze in Basketball (AP)

AP - The U.S. men's basketball team can console itself with two things: third place and the highest point total of the Olympic tournament. The Americans took the bronze-medal game seriously Saturday night and earned some revenge in a 104-96 victory over Lithuania. But that wasn't what they came to Athens for.


Traces of explosive found on 2nd plane in Russian aviation disaster (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - MOSCOW (AP) - Russian investigators found explosive residue on the wreckage of the second of two airliners that crashed minutes apart, a security spokesman said Saturday, adding to evidence that terrorists breached security at one of the country's most up-to-date airports.


Hawaii's Chang Eyes Career Passing Mark (AP)

AP - Hawaii football coach June Jones knew something special was in store four years ago when a lanky, baby-faced teenager stepped onto the practice field and completed eight straight passes.


Commercials Return to Masters Telecast (AP)

AP - Television advertising is back at the Masters. Martha Burk and her campaign against the all-male membership at Augusta National might not be too far behind.


United States Retains Both 4x400 Titles

ATHENS (Reuters) - The United States retained both Olympic  4x400 meters relay titles Saturday with individual champion  Jeremy Wariner running the third leg for the men's team.


Cael Sanderson Wins Freestyle Wrestling Gold Medal

ATHENS (Reuters) - Cael Sanderson turned into the United  States' new wrestling hero Saturday after he won the Olympics  84kg freestyle gold medal on an evening where four countries  shared the honors.


U.S. Men's Basketball Team Takes Bronze Medal

ATHENS (Reuters) - The U.S. men's basketball team salvaged  some pride Saturday, beating Lithuania 104-96 to take the  Olympic bronze medal.


Hewitt in Long Island Final After Tursunov Injury

COMMACK, New York (Reuters) - Second seed Lleyton Hewitt  enjoyed a comfortable passage into the final of the Long Island  Cup Saturday when Russian Dmitry Tursunov retired from their  semi-final match because of a back injury.


Impressive Russian Bovina Clinches New Haven Title

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Elena Bovina added her name to the  list of Russians to watch at next week's U.S. Open when she  beat Nathalie Dechy to win the New Haven Open Saturday.


UPDATE 1-Bush touts tax cuts, aide acknowledges  #39;soft patch #39;

US President George W. Bush said on Saturday his tax cuts were working to lift growth but a senior aide acknowledged that the economy hit a  quot;soft patch quot; over the last six or eight weeks.


City manager says she #39;ll meet with opponents

SAN ANTONIO - City Manager Terry Brechtel shunned demands for her resignation Thursday and vowed to fight for her job by meeting with the elected officials who want to oust her.


Arsenal extends record unbeaten run

Arsenal extended its record league unbeaten streak to 44 games with a 4-1 victory Saturday at Norwich, and 18-year-old American defender Jonathan Spector made his Premier


The other November elections

In November 2004, Lebanese President Emil Lahoud will complete his six-year term. Parliament, according to the constitution, has to elect the new president (from the Maronite Christian community).


Bush Defends Record as Protesters Hit NY Streets (Reuters)

Reuters - President Bush, on the road to next\week's Republican convention, defended his economic record in\hard-hit Ohio on Saturday as abortion-rights activists marched\through New York City on the front edge of a wave of anti-Bush\protests.


End Headscarf Ban, Iraq Hostage Takers Warn France

DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iraqi militant group has kidnapped two  Frenchmen and given the French government 48 hours to end a ban  on Muslim headscarves, Arabic television station Al Jazeera  said Saturday.


Dream Team Puts U.S. at Goal of 100 Medals

ATHENS, Greece - While the U.S. men's basketball team fell short of its gold-medal goal, the bronze it won Saturday night helped the American delegation reach a bigger goal - it was the 100th U.S...


Gunners roll; United struggles to tie

LONDON -- Arsenal extended its record unbeaten run with a 4-1 win at Norwich City and Chelsea topped Southampton 2-1 Saturday, but Manchester United needed a stoppage-time equalizer to draw 1-1 with 10-man Blackburn Rovers.


Canadian Despatie leads heading into 10-metre tower final at <b>...</b>

ATHENS (CP) - Canadian diver Alexandre Despatie lost his bid for a second medal in Athens after finishing fourth Saturday in the men #39;s 10-metre tower.


British Stun US in Sprint Relay

Britain took a shock gold in the men #39;s Olympic 4x100 meters relay Saturday, pipping favorites the United States by one hundredth of a second.


US Welcomes End of Najaf Standoff, Criticizes Syria #39;s Role in <b>...</b>

US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage is welcoming Friday #39;s end of the three-week occupation of the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf by Shi #39;ite militiamen as a great victory for Iraq #39;s interim government.


Hu Jia crowned in men #39;s 10m platform in Athens

Hu Jia, Sydney silver medallist from China, was crowned in the men #39;s 10m platform final here on Saturday, finishing the competition with 748.


After 3 Weeks of Fighting in Najaf, 1 Riddle: Who Won?

In a single moment last week, all the mystery and contradiction surrounding Moktada al-Sadr, Iraq #39;s rebel cleric, came into focus.


Rebels boycott Sudan peace talks

Rebel groups walked away from peace talks with the Sudanese government in the Nigerian capital of Abuja on Saturday in protest of alleged attacks by the government-supported Janjaweed militia in the embattled Darfur region, a


Yemen sentences 15 militants on terror charges

SANAA, YEMEN - A court in Yemen has sentenced one man to death and 14 others to prison terms of up to 10 years for a series of attacks on foreign targets.


Iraq group captures French journalists

Aljazeera has aired a video tape showing two French journalists captured in Iraq by an armed group. The video on Saturday showed the two men standing in front of a banner bearing the name of the  quot;Islamic Army in Iraq quot;.


Yankees Remove Loaiza From Rotation (AP)

AP - After five mediocre starts, Esteban Loaiza lost his job in the New York Yankees' rotation on Saturday and was sent to the bullpen. Loaiza failed to make it out of the fifth inning in Friday's 8-7 victory over Toronto.


Bush Readies Second-Term Proposals for RNC (AP)

AP - Abortion-rights protesters and the first Republican delegates descended on President Bush's heavily fortified convention city Saturday as campaign officials said their boss would use the nomination spotlight to defend his hawkish foreign polices and offer a second-term agenda for health care, education and job training.


Smarter Mobile Java Framework on Tap for 2005

A new push is on for a smarter, less finicky Java mobile architecture -- with the goal of making it easier for Java/J2ME architects and devs to design, deploy, develop and manage mobile apps.


China wins eighth and ninth diving medals

Athens, Greece (Sports Network) - The Olympic diving competition came to a close Saturday night with the men #39;s 10-meter platform final, and China increased its medal take to nine with a gold and bronze medal.


El Guerrouj Completes Rare Distance Double

ATHENS, Greece - Hicham El Guerrouj became the first man in 80 years to sweep the 1,500 and 5,000 meters at an Olympics, holding up two fingers in triumph after winning the 5,000 Saturday night in an all-out sprint down the final straightaway.


Azeri Protest Spoils US, China Taekwondo Gold

The taekwondo Olympic competition degenerated into chaos Saturday when irate Azerbaijan coaching staff stormed the fighting area in ugly scenes which overshadowed US and Chinese gold medals.


CVN Fog of War Glance (AP)

AP - Claims and counter-claims by Vietnam veterans about John Kerry's military record:


DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iraqi militant group has kidnapped two  French journalists and given the French government 48 hours to  end its ban on Muslim headscarves in school, Arabic television  station Al Jazeera said Saturday.


Row over 'political' Cash tribute

Fans plan to protest at a tribute to Johnny Cash at next week's Republican convention in New York.


Angry Kick Puts Cubs' Farnsworth on DL (AP)

AP - Chicago Cubs reliever Kyle Farnsworth took out his frustrations by kicking an electric fan. Now he's expected to miss at least three weeks. Farnsworth was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained and bruised right knee Saturday, one day after he gave up six runs in the ninth inning to the Houston Astros.


With 9/11 as G.O.P. Backdrop, Families Express Raw Emotions

A survey by The New York Times shows that those who lost a loved one in the 9/11 attacks differ from the public at large on some political and national issues.


U.S. Men Salvage Some Pride with Basketball Bronze

ATHENS (Reuters) - It is not the color they bargained on,  but the U.S. men's basketball team were happy on Saturday to  take any medal they could get their hands on.


U.S. Salvages Bronze

Defeating one of three teams that beat them earlier in the tournament, the U.S. men's basketball team tops Lithuania, 104-96.


US basketball loses to Argentina

It didn #39;t need any dramatic comeback. No amazing flurry of three-pointers. No tough defensive stand. No bogus referee #39;s call in the closing seconds.


Guerrouj Captures Gold in the 5,000

Hicham el-Guerrouj of Morocco and Kelly Holmes of Britain completed Olympic doubles on Saturday, the last day of track and field competition.


Russians Find Explosives on 2nd Plane

Investigators found traces of explosives on the second of two passenger airliners that crashed simultaneously in Russia, security officials announced Saturday, confirming


2 Arrested in Alleged NYC Subway Bomb Plot

NEW YORK - A U.S. citizen and a Pakistani national were arrested in an alleged plot to bomb a subway station in midtown Manhattan and possibly other locations around the city, police said Saturday...


U.S.  Lose 400 Relay

A sloppy handoff contributes to the United States losing to Britain by a hundredth of a second Saturday in the 400-meter relay. The U.S. men and women sweep the 1,600 relay.


Bush Readies Second-Term Proposals for RNC

NEW YORK - Abortion-rights protesters and the first Republican delegates descended on President Bush's heavily fortified convention city Saturday as campaign officials said their boss would use the nomination spotlight to defend his hawkish foreign polices and offer a second-term agenda for health care, education and job training.   "He believes it's important for a candidate to talk about what he's done and, most important, where he wants to lead," said adviser Karen Hughes, aboard Bush's campaign bus in Ohio...


Israel Denies U.S. Official Gave Secrets

WASHINGTON - The FBI is investigating whether a Pentagon analyst fed to Israel secret materials about White House deliberations on Iran. The investigation could strain U.S.-Israeli relations and muddy the Bush administration's Middle East policy...


US NBA stars beat Lithuania to win Olympic men #39;s basketball bronze

ATHENS : The United States defeated Lithuania 104-96 here to win the Olympic men #39;s basketball bronze medal game. The US team of National Basketball Association stars had been seeking a fourth consecutive gold


Trulli upsets M. Schumacher for F1 pole

Jarno Trulli took the pole Saturday for Sunday #39;s Belgium Grand Prix after fighting off the rain as well as the other 19 drivers.


Olympic Wrap: Momentous Doubles for El Guerrouj, Holmes

Morocco #39;s Hicham El Guerrouj and Briton Kelly Holmes completed historic doubles on the Olympic athletics track on Saturday as the penultimate day of the Athens Games brought two of its greatest moments.


Manmohan pays tributes to RN Goenka

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described media baron Ram Nath Goenka as  quot;one of the pillars of the freedom movement quot;.


Titans' Brown Ready for George Comparisons (AP)

AP - Chris Brown has resigned himself to the thought that comparisons to Eddie George will never end. That's OK with the Tennessee Titans' new starting running back.


Kerry Debate Shows Fickleness of Memories (AP)

AP - Past presidential candidates and their critics have been known to shade the truth for political purposes. But to memory researchers, it doesn't take intentional falsifying to understand the discrepancies in the retelling of Sen. John Kerry's war experiences.


Bush Record Suggests Two Presidencies (AP)

AP - When he steps up to accept his party's nomination for a second time, President Bush will present the record of not one but two presidencies: one before and another after Sept. 11, 2001.


Men's Basketball: Argentina Beats Italy, Takes Gold

ATHENS (Reuters) - Argentina beat Italy 84-69 to win the  men's Olympic basketball gold Saturday, the country's first  medal in the sport.


With Drug-Tainted Past, Few Track Records Fall

Suspicion of performance-enhancing drug use circles the sport now, but the evidence of past doping remains in black and white.


A Family of Coaches Has Followed Its Leader

Nearly 16 years after Ron Stoops's death, his four football-coaching sons have seen to it that his legacy reverberates throughout Youngstown and college football.


As Rosters Expand, Yanks Look for Pitching

General Manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees' front office was considering recalling the pitchers Juan Padilla, Bret Prinz and Felix Heredia.


BA launches inquiry

The chief executive of British Airways, Rod Eddington, says he will carry out an investigation into the staff shortages that caused flight cancellations this week.


Kidnappers give French 48 hours

MILITANTS have reportedly set a 48-hour deadline after taking two French journalists hostage in Iraq and demanding the rescinding of a ban on the Islamic headscarf in French schools.


Bangladesh gripped by third strike after deadly grenade attack

DHAKA : Bangladesh was brought to a standstill by the third general strike in a week called by the main opposition Awami League to protest against a deadly attack on a rally, police and witnesses said.


Election waiting game continues

Opposition Leader Mark Latham says he is ready for an election campaign if the Prime Minister calls one. Mr Howard flew into Canberra from Launceston yesterday and reportedly spent the afternoon locked in talks with senior advisers.


Bomb in Spain after ETA warning

A small bomb exploded Saturday in northwestern Spain, causing no injuries, after a warning call was made in the name of the Basque separatist group


Bleak outlook for Cambodian gem diggers as mining firms move in (AFP)

AFP - In the search for riches beyond the dreams of most Cambodians, hundreds of gem diggers plunge daily down dangerous hand-built shafts hunting for amethysts and zircons.


Will It Be Trash or Tribute? Bottle Stands on the Edge

Tillie, the clown face that graced the front of Palace Amusements in Asbury Park for nearly 50 years, was preserved in June before the rest of the building was torn down.


Hu wins China #39;s record sixth Olympic diving gold medal

Chinese divers dominated again at these Olympics, winning a record six gold medals, so it was fitting that in the last event they were left to compete against themselves.


Slesarenko Strikes Gold

Yelena Slesarenko upset red-hot favourite Hestrie Cloete in the high jump as the Russian added Olympic gold to her World Indoor title.


Losing run is becoming a  quot;nightmare quot; - Smith

South Africa captain Graeme Smith says his team #39;s losing run is reaching  quot;nightmare quot; proportions following their ninth successive defeat.


US Women's NBA stars solve Aussie test to win third gold in a row (AFP)

AFP - Veterans Lisa Leslie and Dawn Staley refused to let the United States Olympic women's basketball dynasty suffer the same ignoble fate as that of the American men.


Surging oil prices lighten already-meagre African pocketbooks (AFP)

AFP - While the surge in world oil prices has been a godsend for African exporters, it has placed an extra burden on other economies on the world's poorest continent, whose governments have passed on the cost increase to petrol pump users.


Philippines' Little Vietnam dwindles as refugees move out (AFP)

AFP - For years, Viet-Ville, a small community of Vietnamese refugees in the western Philippine island of Palawan, has stood as a symbol of local hospitality and tolerance.


Medal mania: Canada picks up gold, silver and bronze on the water at the Games (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - ATHENS (CP) - Canada had its biggest one-day medal haul at the Athens Olympics on Saturday, picking up a medal of every colour on the eve of the Games finale.


American Men Salvage Bronze in Basketball

The U.S. men's basketball team can console itself with two things: third place and the highest point total of the Olympic tournament.


Delegates, Protesters Descend on New York

NEW YORK - Abortion-rights protesters and the first Republican delegates descended on President Bush's heavily fortified convention city Saturday as campaign officials said their boss would use the nomination spotlight to defend his hawkish foreign polices and offer a second-term agenda for health care, education and job training.   "He believes it's important for a candidate to talk about what he's done and, most important, where he wants to lead," said adviser Karen Hughes, aboard Bush's campaign bus in Ohio...


Alleged Leak to Israel Probed for a Year

WASHINGTON - The FBI has spent more than a year covertly investigating, including with the use of electronic surveillance, whether a Pentagon analyst funneled highly classified material to Israel, officials said Saturday. Prosecutors were still weighing whether to bring the most serious charge of espionage...


U.S., Shiites Fight in Baghdad; 5 Killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Shiite militants and U.S. forces battled throughout the Baghdad slum of Sadr City, and a mortar barrage slammed into a busy neighborhood in the capital in a new wave of violence Saturday that killed at least five people and wounded dozens of others...


New MOM to ease Microsoft management

Microsoft in the fall will launch the latest version of its performance management product, offering it up as a key link in its ambitious DSI (Dynamic Systems Initiative) plan to reduce IT complexity by improving software and hardware manageability.


Asian-angrez Khan is  #39;Best of British #39;

If Amir Khan gets an Olympic boxing gold on Sunday, will our Britain-based Indian cousins be willing to call themselves Asian once again?


FRIEDEL: SAHA HANDLED FOR GOAL

Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel criticised referee Alan Wiley after he granted Manchester United a controversial late Alan Smith equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park.


Slesarenko wins high jump

Slesarenko cleared 2.04m at the first attempt which none of her rivals could match and she went on to set a new Olympic record of 2.06.


GOVERNANCE: A momentous change in Islamabad Ravian

The challenge is clear and the opportunity is there. It is now up to our new prime minister to show that the modern corporate mind can deliver on the national public policy objectives of a poor country.


Bangladeshi leaders under pressure

DHAKA: Bangladeshs prime minister and her main rival are under pressure to set aside years of bitter feuding after a grenade attack on an opposition rally killed 20 people and triggered a week of violent protests nationwide.


Elephants, bulls and bears, oh my!

Elephants on parade, bulls on the beach, bears on the bench. It #39;s going to be quite a week on Wall Street. Although how many Wall Streeters will be around is up in the air.


Fleet #39;s turn

Back in the days when Fleet Financial was riding high, rolling up the New England banking industry, Michael Zucchini was the man CEO Terry Murray turned to right after he was done with his latest press conference regarding his latest acquisition.


Can US salvage a bronze?

The game was concocted by a physical education instructor in Massachusetts and dominated by the United States at the Olympics for most of the 20th century.


DNA evidence in Kobe Bryant case may have been contaminated

The prosecution said it had found contamination in DNA  quot;control quot; samples intended to guarantee that testing was accurate.


Indian PM to convene APC ahead of Kasuris visit

NEW DELHI: Despite the standoff with the opposition, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh plans to convene an all-party meeting ahead of Ambassador at Large Khurshid Kasuris visit to New Delhi next week.


Credit Suisse to integrate CSFB

The Swiss banking giant announces it is to integrate its private investment unit CSFB and float its Winterthur insurance wing.


Nokia launches enterprise security initiatives

Setting its sights on the Microsoft mobile camp, Nokia has kicked off two standards initiatives intended to strengthen its appeal to enterprise IT.


Athletics: El Guerrouj wins historic double over Bekele

ATHENS - Hicham El Guerrouj completed the first Olympic 1500-5000 double since Finn Paavo Nurmi 80 years ago on the penultimate day of the Athens Games on Saturday.


Everton has rejected three bids already

LONDON -- Manchester United has made a second bid for England striker Wayne Rooney in excess of 23.5 million pounds (\$42.23 million), the teenager #39;s club, Everton, said Saturday.


Hewitt reaches final on Long Island

Second-seeded Lleyton Hewitt reached Sunday #39;s final at the Waterhouse Cup where he will play either Paradorn Srichaphan or Peruvian Luis Horna.


Annus to appear at IOC disciplinary hearing Sunday

ATHENS - Adrian Annus of Hungary, the Athens Olympic men #39;s hammer throw champion embroiled in a doping scandal, will appear at a hearing of the International Olympic Committee #39;s disciplinary commission on Sunday to explain his case, IOC officials said


Saved at the death

JUST like ESPN Star Sports v StarHub, Manchester United left it until the very last moment to appease their followers last night. As thousands of Singapore fans waited right up to programme time for the live


Rain plays into Trulli #39;s hands

JARNO Trulli claimed his second career pole position yesterday after a gamble on the weather kept him ahead of Michael Schumacher in qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix.


US, Afghan Soldiers Arrest 10 Suspects

US and Afghan troops detained 22 suspected Taliban fighters during a major search operation after a gunbattle in a southern Afghan mountain range, officials said Saturday.


Phillies' Wade Says Bowa to Finish Season (AP)

AP - Larry Bowa will retain his job through the end of the season, but Philadelphia general manager Ed Wade wouldn't address whether the Phillies manager will return in 2005.


Damaged Wire Delays Trains En Route to RNC (AP)

AP - Train service to Penn Station in New York halted Saturday afternoon, creating delays and forcing NJ Transit customers to take PATH trains into the city, officials said.


El Guerrouj, Holmes Stride Into Olympic History

ATHENS (Reuters) - Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj and Briton  Kelly Holmes gave the Athens Games two of its greatest moments  Saturday by surging to victory on the athletics track and claim  historic Olympic doubles.


Funk Takes One Shot Lead at Buick Championship

CROMWELL, Connecticut (Reuters) - Fred Funk shot a  one-under-par 69 Saturday to take a one-shot lead after the  third round of the Buick Championship.


US commercial property loans rise in 2nd quarter

Lenders issued \$33.2 billion in new loans for commercial properties in the second quarter, up 17.4 percent from the same quarter in 2003, the Mortgage Bankers Association said on Friday.


Also from this section

A question. Is putting an inveterate gambler in charge of the world #39;s biggest bookmaker not dissimilar to handing Wayne Rooney the keys to the brothel?


United back in for Rooney with 25m bid

Manchester United last night appeared to move a step closer to successfully completing the signing of Wayne Rooney when they lodged an increased 25 million bid for the England striker.


Rebel groups boycott Dardur talks

Rebel groups walked out of peace talks with the Sudanese government in Abuja, Nigeria, Saturday in protest of alleged attacks in the Darfur region.


Militants Claim Kidnapping Of French Journalists; Demand France <b>...</b>

_ Islamic militants released a brief tape showing two French journalists kidnapped recently in Iraq and said they were holding the men to protest a French law banning headscarves in schools, according to footage aired Saturday by an Arab


Manning's Performance Raises Questions for Giants

Everyone knew what Eli Manning could do. But what happens when this prized quarterback is not playing well? Can he recover?


7 airlines to sell tickets on new electronic system

Seven big US airlines have signed up to sell tickets through a new low-cost electronic distribution network. The announcement Wednesday of the network, Trueconnect, is the latest in the big airlines #39; assault on high ticketing costs.


Truckers call off week-long strike  Joint panel to look into <b>...</b>

THE All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) on Saturday called off its seven-day strike after finalising an agreement with the Government on the contentious issue of service tax and the various demands including tax deducted at source (TDS), scrapping


No rescue for Alitalia warns Italy

Italy #39;s government renewed its threat to let Alitalia die unless unions agree to a cost-cutting deal by September 15, saying the days of bailing out the loss-making airline were over.


The day #39;s milestones

MOROCCO #39;s Hicham El Guerrouj completes an historic 1500-5000m double, emulating the achievement of Paavo Nurmi in 1924. BRITAIN #39;s Kelly Holmes becomes only the third woman in Olympic history to complete the 800m-1500m double.


NO REGRETS FOR RADCLIFFE

Paula Radcliffe will be awaiting the results of fresh tests on her battered body on Saturday - but the reality is that she already knows the answer.


A Very African Coup

The plot: Sir Mark Thatcher had it all; cars, cash, kudos and a Cape Town paradise to call home. Today hes under house arrest and the outcome could yet be a tragic one.


Jacobsen Leads Mariners Past Royals 9-7 (AP)

AP - Bucky Jacobsen drove in three runs with a home run and a double to lead the Seattle Mariners past the Kansas City Royals 9-7 Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader.


Bush barnstorms battleground state ahead of party convention (AFP)

AFP - US President George W. Bush rolled across this battleground state, rallying supporters ahead of next week's Republican National Convention, where he will formally be nominated for another four-year term.


NL Wrap: 5-Hit Beltre Leads Dodgers to Win Over Mets

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Adrian Beltre pounded out five hits,  including his major league-leading 42nd home run of the season,  to guide the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-2 win over the host New  York Mets in the National League Saturday.


Dyke accuses Blair over Iraq war

Former BBC boss Greg Dyke attacks the prime minister over the Iraq war and his treatment of the BBC.


Olympians in pursuit of marketing gold

NEW YORK -- For millions of Americans, gymnast Paul Hamm #39;s fame began only when the broad-shouldered Olympian shrugged off a fall in the vaulting competition last week and made an inspired comeback to win gold.


Powell calls off Athens visit after protests

Colin Powell, the US Secretary of State, cancelled a weekend visit to attend the closing ceremony of the Olympics, prompting Greek Communists to claim it as a victory for anti-American protests.


Borzakovskiy snatches 800 metres gold

Mulaudzi out-dipped Kipketer to win silver in 1:44.61 to add to the world indoor title he won in March. Kipketer, the world record-holder and a three-time former world champion, had to be content with bronze in 1:44.


Hunger Striking  quot;Palestinian quot; Prisoners Get No Special Treatment

Hunger-striking Arab  quot;Palestinian quot; prisoners who fall ill will not be treated in Israel #39;s hospitals.  quot;I am not prepared for the lives of patients and medical teams in our hospitals to be endangered by admitting


Astros Hang on to Beat Cubs 7-6 (AP)

AP - Roger Clemens pitched six innings for his 324th victory and the Houston Astros made the most of three Chicago errors Saturday, hanging on to beat the Cubs 7-6.


Eurostar traffic not affected by workers' strike (AFP)

AFP - Eurostar operations were unaffected by a 24-hour strike over pay by members of the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, a company spokesman said.


Multicar Teams Could Gang Up on Others (AP)

AP - The race for the Nextel Cup championship is down to the wire and the points leader is running away from the field. Suddenly, a slower car gets in his way, holding him up until the other contenders catch up. It just so happens, the slower car is a teammate of one of the contenders. Impossible? Think again.


BBC shake-up to mean job losses

Thousands of jobs will go as BBC boss Mark Thompson announces a radical shake-up of the corporation.


Russia Finds Trace Explosives on 2nd Plane

MOSCOW - Russian investigators found explosive residue on the wreckage of the second of two airliners that crashed minutes apart, a security spokesman said Saturday, adding to evidence that terrorists breached security at one of the country's most up-to-date airports.    The high explosive hexogen was found on the Tu-134 airliner that went down Tuesday south of Moscow, said Sergei Ignatchenko, spokesman for the Federal Security Service, or FSB, Russia's domestic security agency...


Plug and Play

The Montreal Expos look to be a nicely stocked expansion package, choked full of appealing players both in the majors and minors with little club debt baggage.


Google, Shmoogle. The Biggest I.P.O.'s Went Unnoticed.

The media frenzy over the Google I.P.O. is a perfect example of the disproportionate amount of attention the technology sector receives.


Acceptance Letters

Type design was once the province of skilled artisans. With the help of new computer programs, neophytes have flooded the Internet with their creations.


Building a Better Soundtrap

After centuries of guesswork, architects have a high-tech way to hear the acoustics of buildings they haven't yet built.


Debate opens on 'honour killings'

International delegates meet in Sweden to explore ways of combating so-called "honour killings".


Ferguson: it #39;s Monday at Earliest for Rooney Deal

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated that he does not expect any movement on the Wayne Rooney transfer saga before tomorrow.


Testing Positive

Olympics: Despite doubts and fears that the facilities would not be ready in time and drugs scandals before the Games had even started, we have witnessed a memorable Olympics for all the right reasons.


Khan unfazed by mind games

An old-timer is trying to play mind games with the 17-year-old who has gone from Bolton Lads #39; and Girls #39; Club to today #39;s lightweight Olympic boxing final.


Monty could get nod despite loss of form

Colin Montgomerie has been walking around like a man who has already received the nod over his selection for the Ryder Cup team. The players all say that they want him in the team.


Park uses late rally to take lead at Wachovia Classic

Grace Park closed with an eagle and two birdies for a 7-under-par 65 and a two-stroke lead after three rounds of the Wachovia LPGA Classic on Saturday.


Moroccan bus crash kills 29

At least 29 people have been killed and 30 injured, when a bus crashed into a truck and a taxi cab on a highway linking two of Morocco #39;s popular tourist destinations.


Clark Homers 3 Times in Yankees' Rout (AP)

AP - With the New York Yankees' starting rotation struggling, the team's offense matched its biggest performance of the season. Tony Clark homered three times, Ruben Sierra hit his 300th career homer, and Gary Sheffield and Alex Rodriguez also connected to lead the Yankees over the Toronto Blue Jays 18-6 Sunday.


Martin Is Determined to Remain Competitive

Mark Martin, who with 533 consecutive starts trails only two active drivers, is proud to say he is not just sticking around to pick up lucrative checks with lackluster performances.


Is the Food Industry the Problem or the Solution?

Diet trends aren't just for adults anymore. A new obsession of America's food, beverage and restaurant companies is thwarting childhood obesity.


Don't Run From That Portfolio. Tweak It.

If 2003 was the year for investors to live dangerously, 2004 is fast becoming the year to duck and cover.


Jimenez leads the pack as Ryder Cup race hots up

MUNICH: Spain #39;s 40-year-old Miguel Angel Jimenez was leading the BMW InternationalOpen following Friday #39;s second round as Europe #39;s elite were chasing points to get on the Ryder Cup team.


Park opens up one shot lead

A seven-under-par third round of 65 saw Korea #39;s Grace Park open up a one-shot lead going into the final round of the Wachovia Classic in Berkleigh.


Trulli claims pole at Spa

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS (Belgium): Renault #39;s Jarno Trulli claimed pole position for today #39;s Belgian Grand Prix as weather conditions played into his hands in qualifying yesterday.


#39;She won #39;t give up on him as long as she draws breath #39;

It was a  quot;distressed quot; Baroness Thatcher who spoke to her troubled son on Friday. Anticipating the media scrum outside her Belgravia home, the former prime minister was surrounded by no fewer


Parliament should sit if election not called: Latham

Opposition Leader Mark Latham today urged Prime Minister John Howard to either call an election and dissolve parliament or allow this week #39;s parliament sitting to proceed.


Aluminum Beer Bottles May Render Koozies Obsolete

PITTSBURGH -- A Pennsylvania brewery is betting beer drinkers are willing to pay an extra dollar to keep their drinks cold nearly an hour longer.


Argentina wins first basketball gold

com. Hours after its men #39;s soccer team beat Paraguay for the country #39;s first Olympic gold medal in any sport since 1952, the Argentine men #39;s basketball team made it a double


No hitches for hero Hicham

HICHAM El Guerrouj wrote his name large in the annals of Olympic history last night when he bestrode athletics middle and long-distance disciplines by completing a 1500m and 5,000m double gold.


The awesome foursome

THROUGHOUT these Olympics it was feared that the only thing British sprinters would live up to was the negative predictions of those who said they would never mount a challenge to the all-conquering USA representatives.


Radcliffe #39;s shot at redemption backfires

WHEN history repeats itself, no-one minds if the experience was enjoyable in the first instance, but watching Paula Radcliffe on Friday night was as harrowing as being made to sit through your least favourite movie, this time without the popcorn and only


Coy Howard in call to arms

ON the eve of possibly calling a federal election, Prime Minister John Howard chose his words carefully when delivering the key speech at the Tasmanian Liberal State Council yesterday.


Dream Team Salvages Bronze, Dignity (AP)

AP - Bronze is better than nothing. That's one Olympic lesson the U.S. men's basketball team was able to understand. The Americans took the third-place game seriously Saturday night, earning some revenge and salvaging some self-respect in a 104-96 victory over Lithuania. Although they didn't get what they wanted in Athens, they didn't embarrass themselves in their finale, either.


Another Bad Handoff Dooms U.S. Relay Team (AP)

AP - Maurice Greene grabbed the baton and accelerated toward the finish, blowing past a Nigerian and reeling in Britain's Mark Lewis-Francis. But even the self-proclaimed greatest sprinter of all time could not make up for a sloppy handoff earlier in the race Saturday, and his chest crossed the line just a hair behind the Brit's. The Americans were forced to settle for silver by an excruciating hundredth of a second.


Grace Park Takes Lead at Wachovia Classic (AP)

AP - Grace Park closed with an eagle and two birdies for a 7-under-par 65 and a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the Wachovia LPGA Classic on Saturday.


Ex-BBC Journalist Blasts Government Over Hutton

EDINBURGH (Reuters) - Former BBC journalist Andrew Gilligan  had harsh words for Tony Blair's government and the BBC's board  of governors Saturday in his first public appearance since  resigning in the wake of the Hutton report.


Pope Returns  quot;rare icon quot; to Russia #39;s Orthodox Church

MOSCOW, RUSSIA (ANS/BosNewsLife) -- A Vatican cardinal has handed a rare icon back to the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow as a personal gift from Pope John Paul II, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported Saturday, August 28.


Dutch Arrest Saddam's Suspected Nerve Gas Supplier

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Police have arrested a Dutch national  suspected of supplying thousands of tons of ingredients for  mustard gas and nerve gas to Iraq under toppled leader Saddam  Hussein, prosecutors said Tuesday.


Iran Ready to Provide Nuke 'Guarantees' (AP)

AP - Iran said Saturday it would continue its nuclear program but provide "guarantees" not to build atomic weapons, and warned Washington it cannot stabilize neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan without Tehran's help.


Fox fires police chief over mob attacks

In addition to relieving Mexico City #39;s top cop Marcelo Ebrard of his duties, the president also let go Jos Luis Figueroa, director of the Federal Preventative Police.


Mrs A could mean far more to London than Mrs B

Many said these Games would be a shambles, but they turned out to be sensational. Sensational not just because of the virtual dope-of-the-day revelations but in their ancient concept and their modern execution.


Radcliffe #39;s real test goes far beyond the pain

It was the morning after the night before, and Paula Radcliffe was pondering the big decision -  quot;probably the biggest decision she will have to make in her running life quot;, the Independent on Sunday described it at the time.


Portugal bars abortion ship

Portugal has warned that a floating Dutch abortion clinic will not be allowed to enter its waters. The clinic offers the abortion pill in international waters to women in countries where it is illegal or restricted.


NL Wrap: 5-Hit Beltre Leads Dodgers to Win Over Mets (Reuters)

Reuters - Adrian Beltre pounded out five hits,\including his major league-leading 42nd home run of the season,\to guide the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-2 win over the host New\York Mets in the National League Saturday.


Brown Struggles Early, but Yankees End It Fast

Kevin Brown flirted with danger in the early innings, allowing the Blue Jays to take a 4-0 edge before the Yankees finally solved the Toronto lefthander Ted Lilly.


Soldier, Militant Die in Resurgence of Gaza Fighting

An Israeli soldier and a Palestinian militant were killed in Gaza Tuesday in a resurgence of violence that could threaten efforts to instil calm for a Palestinian election for a successor to Yasser Arafat.


Siew Ai fails to make the cut

KUTZTOWN (Pennsylvania): Lim Siew Ai failed to make the cut for the US\$1mil Wachovia Classic when she shot a one-over 73 on the second day of competition at the Berkleigh Country Club on Friday.


Schumacher stays on course

Jarno Trulli benefited from changeable weather conditions to take pole position for today #39;s Belgian Grand Prix after an inspired tyre choice gave him the edge.


Regions and territories: Chechnya

The southern Russian Republic of Chechnya is surrounded on nearly all sides by Russian territory but also shares with neighbouring Georgia a remote border high in the Caucasus mountains.


quot;Lion of Herat quot; offered way out of west Afghan crisis

Afghanistan #39;s government has asked the country #39;s most powerful mujahideen commander to give up rule over the western province of Herat in order to escape attacks


Twins Snap Angels' Winning Streak, 7-1 (AP)

AP - Johan Santana won his eighth straight decision, Jacque Jones and Augie Ojeda homered and the Minnesota Twins ended the Anaheim Angels' nine-game winning streak, 7-1 Saturday.


Kerry Says He's in a 'Fighting Mood' (AP)

AP - Democratic Sen. John Kerry said Saturday he's in a "fighting mood" with two months to go to the presidential election as his allies defended him from questions about his valor in Vietnam.


Birdstone Shows Belmont Was No Fluke

Birdstone won the Travers Stakes on Saturday and solidified his credentials as the top 3-year-old in training.


Does a NY Supreme Court judge say that the Central Park lawn is more important than free speech?

Here is the coverage in The New York Times and the New York Law Journal about the denial of United for Peace and Justice's Sunday rally in Central Park (United for Peace and Justice v. Bloomberg, 111893/04), and here is what NY Supreme Court1 Justice Silbermann said:      ... the evidence established that the department's determination was based on entirely content-neutral factors, to wit: that the Great Lawn2 was not an appropriate venue for a demonstration of this magnitude.     ...  The Parks Department appropriately applied content-neutral regulations while leaving plaintiff with a reasonable alternate site.


Maligned Team USA settles for Bronze

For much of the bronze-medal game against Lithuania, several of the younger players on Team USA were having themselves a good time.


AL Wrap: Blue Jays Blitzed by 6 Homers from Yankees

Tony Clark whacked three consecutive home runs as the New York Yankees reeled off six homers and nine ninth-inning runs to bulldoze their way past the Toronto Blue Jays 18-6 in the American League Saturday.


Yemeni Militants Convicted of Terrorism (AP)

AP - A chaotic three-month trial ended Saturday with 15 militants convicted for roles in terror attacks on a French oil tanker and a helicopter carrying U.S. oil workers, as well as plots to kill the American ambassador and Yemeni security officials.


Australian PM to Call Oct. 9 Election - Media (Reuters)

Reuters - Conservative Australian Prime Minister\John Howard is about to call an Oct. 9 election to seek a\fourth consecutive term in office, local media said on Sunday.


Kerry Debate May Show Fickleness of Memory (AP)

AP - Past presidential candidates and their critics have been known to shade the truth for political purposes. But to memory researchers, it doesn't take intentional falsifying to understand the discrepancies in the retelling of Sen. John Kerry's war experiences.


Explorer Overshadowed by Lewis and Clark (AP)

AP - Two centuries ago, before Lewis and Clark went in search of a passage to the Pacific Ocean, David Thompson paddled the Columbia River, worked to establish a trading alliance with Mandan Indians and made maps of North America that ultimately became the guide for explorers who followed him.


Alaska Brown Bears Gather for Salmon Feast (AP)

AP - Each summer, the falls at McNeil River turn into a mosh pit of bears. Instead of thumping music, it's the sound of salmon slapping their way up the falls at the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary that sends the bears into a fishing frenzy.


Aggression Pays Off for Buick Leader Funk

CROMWELL, Connecticut (Reuters) - PGA Tour veteran Fred  Funk's positive approach paid dividends when he carded a  one-under-par 69 to move one stroke clear of the field after  the third round of the \$4.2 million Buick Championship  Saturday.


No Lie, the Moment of Truth Grows Near

We're down to what seems like weekly visits from Major League Baseball's Relocation Committee, dueling polls in Washington and sniping news conferences between competing D.C. and Virginia agencies. All for the privilege of obtaining the Montreal Expos, 55-73 through Friday, and to give them a place to play next year, a new stadium in the near future and a community to love them.


China offended by Nike advertisement

China has voiced its anger over a Nike advertisement in which a US basketball star fights off a series of ancient Chinese characters.


Wolves appoint Hoddle

Former England boss Glenn Hoddle has been appointed manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club says. Hoddle, who has been out of management since being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in September


Rivers Hot, Then Cold

San Diego Chargers quarterback began the night with three straight completions. Unfortunately, after seven more attempts, he still had only three, plus two interceptions vs. Seattle on Friday.


PARK #39;S STRONG FINISH

Korean Grace Park shot five under par over her final five holes to set a course record and snatch the third-round lead away from Jill McGill at the Wachovia LPGA Classic.


Trulli and Alonso profit from Renault #39;s compromise

Racing at Spa is tricky enough in the dry but every conceivable obstacle was put in the way of the teams yesterday as drizzle and the occasional bout of rain visited this corner of the Ardennes during qualifying for today #39;s Belgian Grand Prix.


Vatican returns artifact to Russian church

A Vatican cardinal returned Saturday a precious icon to the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow as a gift from Pope John Paul II. The Virgin of Kazan icon is an 18th-Century


US Says Over 100 Arrested in Internet Crime Sweep

More than 100 people have been arrested in the largest global crackdown to date on identity theft, hacking and other Internet-based crimes, US Attorney General John Ashcroft said on Thursday.


Encarnacion Leads Marlins Over Rockies 4-3 (AP)

AP - Juan Encarnacion hit a two-run single in the first inning and a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth, leading the Marlins over Colorado 4-3 Saturday night and extending the Rockies' losing streak to six.


Funk Regains Buick Lead With Late Rally (AP)

AP - Fred Funk needed a late rally on a sticky, steamy Saturday to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Buick Championship.


Sides talk drug tests

Bud Selig might get his wish, and last week #39;s ugly public disclosures might produce an upside. Gene Orza, chief operating officer of the major league baseball players #39; union, said yesterday


There are pledges and then there are real pledges

Like introductory credit card rates and superior customer service, some promises just aren #39;t built to last. And so it is that Bank of America - mere months after its pledge to preserve


Klezmer #39;s Final Frontier

ON a hill a few miles outside this historic city, the Ettersburg Palace sits in ramshackle splendor, thickly enshrouded by the German past.


Microsoft sets 2006 target for next Windows version

Microsoft Corp will ship the next version of Windows in 2006. To get  #39;Longhorn #39; shipped on time, Microsoft had to sacrifice a key component of the system, called WinFS, reported China Radio International Saturday.


For Duncan, No Fun In Games

Tim Duncan wore a haggard look as he emerged from a locker room of bronze medalists. Hardly an emotional guy, he mumbled that his international basketball career is  quot;95 percent quot; over and that, oh yeah,  quot;FIBA stinks.


Chechnya to hold presidential election

Russia #39;s restive republic of Chechnya will elect a president to replace Akhmad Kadyrov, the pro-Moscow leader killed last May, the BBC reported Sunday.


Iran vows to develop peaceful nuclear technology

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami reiterated on Saturday that Iran would never seek nuclear weapons but was determined to develop peaceful nuclear technology, the official IRNA news agency reported.


Chechens to Elect New Leader in Shadow of Violence (Reuters)

Reuters - Chechens elect a new\president Sunday, but few expect peace to follow from a\Kremlin-sponsored contest overshadowed by fighting and twin\plane crashes some have linked to rebels in the region.


Iraqi Militants Hold 2 French Journalists (AP)

AP - Islamic militants released a brief tape showing two French journalists kidnapped recently in Iraq and said they were holding the men to protest a French law banning headscarves in schools, according to footage aired Saturday by an Arab TV station.


Horna Ends Paradorn Bid for Long Island History

COMMACK, New York (Reuters) - Paradorn Srichaphan's bid to  become only the second man to win the \$380,000 Long Island Cup  in three successive years ended when he lost 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 to  Luis Horna of Peru in a dramatic semifinal Saturday.


Chechens to Elect New Leader in Shadow of Violence

PROKHLADNY, Russia (Reuters) - Chechens elect a new  president Sunday, but few expect peace to follow from a  Kremlin-sponsored contest overshadowed by fighting and twin  plane crashes some have linked to rebels in the region.


Chinese, Indian Troops Hold Mountain Exercise

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese and Indian border troops have  held their first-ever joint mountaineering exercise as part of  a program to improve understanding along the historically tense  border between the world's two most populous countries.


In Visits, Janey Charts Reforms

More than two weeks remain before Clifford B. Janey takes over the District #39;s public schools, but there he was on a recent evening, sitting before a group of residents who were complaining about


Hostage takers say end headscarf ban

Jazeera identified the hostages as reporters George Malbrunot and Christian Chesnot. Last week, the French Foreign Ministry. said the two men had gone missing in Iraq.


Taiwan Rescuers Dig Out 7 Bodies Buried in Landslide

Taiwan rescue workers dug out seven bodies from mud and rock in a mountain village that was hit by a devastating landslide triggered by Typhoon Aere, but eight still remained buried, officials said on Friday.


Buccaneers Defeat Dolphins 17-10 (AP)

AP - Chris Simms tightened his grip on Tampa Bay's backup quarterback job, and Ryan Nece returned a fourth-quarter interception 55 yards for a touchdown to give the Buccaneers a 17-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Saturday night.


Nevin Drives in Three As Padres Beat Expos (AP)

AP - Jake Peavy won his sixth straight decision, and Phil Nevin homered and drove in three runs in the San Diego Padres' 5-2 victory over the Montreal Expos on Saturday night.


Likhovtseva Wins Forest Hills Title (AP)

AP - Top-seeded Elena Likhovtseva of Russia won the Forest Hills Classic on Saturday, defeating fourth-seeded Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-2.


Indian, Chinese troops hold mountain exercise (Reuters)

Reuters - Chinese and Indian border troops have held their first-ever joint mountaineering exercise as part of a programme to improve understanding along the historically tense border between the world's two most populous countries.


'Gloria' Singer Laura Branigan Dies at 47

EAST QUOGUE, N.Y. - Laura Branigan, a Grammy-nominated pop singer best known for her 1982 platinum hit "Gloria," has died...


The Bush-Kerry Tax Duel

It may be of great interest to voters whether Sen. John F. Kerry was or was not a war hero. That certainly seems to be the issue of the day.


Guerrouj makes history in middle-distance running in second-last <b>...</b>

ATHENS (CP) - Hicham El Guerrouj passed Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia with about 50 metres remaining in the 5,000-metre race Saturday, making the Morocco runner the first man in eight decades to sweep the middle-distance races at the Summer Olympics.


Day 15: China totals 31 after volleyball gold

Zhang Yuehong #39;s winner spike capped China #39;s brilliant comeback in the women #39;s volleyball final on Saturday, winning the country #39;s first Olympic volleyball gold medal in 20 years.


Yemeni court convicts 15

SAN #39;A, Yemen - A chaotic three-month trial ended yesterday with 15 militants convicted for roles in terror attacks on a French oil tanker and a helicopter carrying US oil workers.


Hearings Open With Challenge to Tribunals

The historic opening last week of US military commissions that have not been used since World War II was marked by twists and turns and a carefully crafted defense strategy


State treasurer threatens to withdraw some funds from Bank of <b>...</b>

The state treasurer of Massachusetts has threatened to withdraw some state funds from Bank of America because of job cuts and other moves following its acquisition of Fleet Boston Financial Corp.


Bovina stuns Dementieva in semis

Second seed Elena Dementieva #39;s hopes of a first title in 2004 ended in double-quick time when she was hammered 6-1 6-1 by fellow Russian Elena Bovina in the semifinals of the WTA New Haven Open.


Rooney #39;s private life no concern to Sven

Sven-Goran Eriksson insists the off-field distractions in Wayne Rooney #39;s private life will not hinder his England career. And while he was unwilling to enter the debate over Rooney #39;s future on the pitch amid


China emulate  #39;84 success

TWENTY years after China won their only women #39;s volleyball gold, the team did it again today, winning a hard-fought battle with Russia today.


France wins 1st cycling gold at Athens Olympics

France won the first cycling gold in the last-day cycling match at the Athens Olympics on Saturday as Olympic debutant Julien Absalon clocked 2:15:02 in the mountain bike cross country.


Militants kidnap two Frenchmen

CAIRO: Iraqi militants last night kidnapped two Frenchmen to protest France #39;s ban on students wearing Islamic head scarves in schools, according to a tape aired by Al Jazeera TV.


Sikh millions gather for historic jubilee

Sikhs from all over the world have begun arriving in the holy city of Amritsar, northern India, to commemorate the 400th year of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, on 1 September.


Phillies Rally to Beat Brewers 4-3 (AP)

AP - Placido Polanco homered off Mike Adams with one out in the ninth inning, giving the Philadelphia Phillies a 4-3 win Saturday night that extended the Milwaukee Brewers' losing streak to 10.


Canada Ties Slovakia in Hockey World Cup (AP)

AP - Jarome Iginla scored midway through the third period to give Canada a 2-2 tie with Slovakia in a World Cup of Hockey exhibition game Saturday night.


Cutdown Day Arrives

The Redskins blowout loss to the Rams will add a poignant sting to the first round of roster cuts in which 14 players must be jettisoned Sunday.


Santana Keeps Cruising

Twins starter Johan Santana won his eighth straight decision Saturday to lead the AL Central front-runners to a 7-1 triumph, ending the Anaheim Angels' nine-game winning streak.


Jones should  quot;lose all medals if guilty quot;

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chief Dick Pound says that if US sprinter Marion Jones has taken banned substances she should be stripped of all her medals regardless of when she won them.


Next Windows Is Losing Data-Storage Tool (AP)

AP - Microsoft Corp. will drop a much-touted new technology for organizing and storing data when it releases the next version of its Windows operating system as expected in 2006.


Duke Welcomes Freshmen With New iPods (AP)

AP - Newly arrived Duke University freshmen got something considerably snazzier than the usual Blue Devils T-shirts and ball caps: Their goodie bags included a free iPod digital music player engraved with the school's crest and the words "Class of 2008."


Bills Backup QB Carted Off With Hurt Knee (AP)

AP - Buffalo lost backup quarterback Travis Brown late in the third quarter with what appeared to be a left knee injury.


Johnson Has Two Goals, Burn Beat Fire 4-1 (AP)

AP - Eddie Johnson had two goals and Ronnie O'Brien added a goal and two assists to lead the Dallas Burn to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday night.


Earnhardt Ends Slump With Bristol Win (AP)

AP - Dale Earnhardt Jr. found the perfect cure for his struggling team's ills: Winning. Earnhardt broke out of a six-week slump Saturday night with a convincing victory in the Sharpie 500, giving him a weekend sweep at Bristol Motor Speedway that will certainly give him momentum for the upcoming championship chase.


NL Wrap: Baseball-Five-Hit Beltre Leads Dodgers to Win

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Adrian Beltre pounded out five hits,  including his major league-leading 42nd home run of the season,  to guide the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-2 win over the host New  York Mets in the National League Saturday.


Analysts: Putin Has Squandered Influence (AP)

AP - Russian President Vladimir Putin has dented his prestige and squandered influence by backing the wrong side in political clashes in Ukraine and in the breakaway Georgian province of Abkhazia, analysts say.


Illegal immigrants avoid Charley relief

Angel Lopez examined a blue flier that read in English and Spanish,  quot;Disaster Assistance is Available Now, quot; but discarded it as soon as FEMA workers moved on to another house in this neighborhood of migrant farmworkers.


Argentina takes basketball gold, US settles for bronze

ATHENS--Argentina was crowned Olympic men #39;s basketball king Saturday night as it eased to a 84-69 victory over Italy in the gold medal game at Olympic Indoor Hall.


Rooney on his way to Old Trafford as United raise bid

Wayne Rooney looks set to become a Manchester United player this week after Everton confirmed they had received a second improved bid for the England striker from Old Trafford.


France scrambles to free kidnapped journalists

France says it has stepped up its efforts to free two French journalists being held hostage by Iraqi militants who are demanding an end to a ban on Islamic headscarves in French schools.


Taylor Scores 2 TDs As Ravens Beat Lions (AP)

AP - Chester Taylor ran for 117 yards and two touchdowns, and the Baltimore Ravens got a solid performance from their depleted defense in a 17-6 preseason victory over the Detroit Lions on Saturday night.


Blair's office like Nixon White House: ousted BBC chief (AFP)

AFP - Greg Dyke, the former BBC director general ousted over the broadcaster's coverage of the Iraq conflict, unleashed a scorching attack on the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair, blaming it for trying to bully the BBC into submission.


Security software targets Windows-based phones and PDAs

Trend Micro is offering free trials of its new security software for mobile phones and PDAs. Trend Micro #39;s Mobile Security suite offers antivirus and anti-spam defence for the more sophisticated phones and


PGA Changes Dates of Grand Slam of Golf (AP)

AP - The Grand Slam of Golf, which brings together the PGA Tour's four major champions, has been switched to Thanksgiving week.


Protesters March Across Brooklyn Bridge (AP)

AP - Thousands of abortion-rights activists marched across the Brooklyn Bridge and demonstrators rang handbells at the World Trade Center site Saturday, the latest in a growing procession of protests leading up to the Republican National Convention.


Australians to vote on 9 October

Australian leader John Howard calls a general election for 9 October, seeking a fourth term.


USOC sends International Gymnastics Greetings

Thursday night, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) received a letter from Mr. Bruno Grandi, President of the Federation Internationale De Gymnastique (FIG).


Plane Crashes Won #39;t Hurt Putin In Chechen Vote

His government had just suffered one of Russia #39;s worst terrorist attacks, apparently stemming from a war he has neither won nor ended.


Khatami says IAEA must accept Iran #39;s right to enrich uranium

The UN atomic watchdog must accept Iran #39;s right to enrich uranium, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said Saturday in a fresh rebuttal of efforts to limit the Islamic republic #39;s nuclear programme.


Era of Dream Team terminated in Athens

Twelve years after Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird led the American senior basketball team to conquer the world, the era of the US Dream Team was terminated in the summer of 2004 at Athens.


United raise stakes for Rooney

Everton has confirmed it has received an improved bid for Wayne Rooney, understood to be worth 25 million (A\$63.7 million). Newcastle has also been chasing the England striker, but is yet to counter the offer.


China wins first women #39;s volleyball Olympic gold in 20 years

China embraced its first volleyball Olympic title in 20 years, beating Russia 3-2 in the women #39;s final in Athens on Saturday. After trailing two sets down, China came from behind to trounce Russia 28-30, 25-27, 25-20, 25-23 and 15-12 to claim the title.


Australian PM Howard calls general election on October 9 (AFP)

AFP - Australian Prime Minister John Howard called a general election for October 9 with his conservative government trailing well behind the opposition Labor Party in opinion polls.


Dutch Arrest Saddam's Suspected Nerve Gas Supplier (Reuters)

Reuters - Police have arrested a Dutch national\suspected of supplying thousands of tons of ingredients for\mustard gas and nerve gas to Iraq under toppled leader Saddam\Hussein, prosecutors said Tuesday.


USC Edges Va. Tech

The Matt Leinart-to-Reggie Bush connection accounts for all three Trojan touchdowns as No. 1 USC escapes with a 24-13 win over Va. Tech at FedEx Field on Saturday.


From War-Torn to Wonderland

Honduras and other Central American countries once embroiled in war have become hot markets for affordable beachfront property.


Rebels in Sudan Region Say No Letup in Attacks

EL FASHER, Sudan, Aug. 28 -- Rebels in the Darfur region of Sudan said Saturday that government forces and Arab militiamen have continued to bomb and torch villages and kill civilians -- with attacks on six villages in the past three days, including one that killed 64 people.


Plane Crashes Won't Hurt Putin In Chechen Vote

MOSCOW, Aug. 28 -- His government had just suffered one of Russia's worst terrorist attacks, apparently stemming from a war he has  neither won nor ended. Then he attempted what critics considered a clumsy coverup  before a key election.


At Last, Microsoft Starts the Music

Never shy about entering a market late, Microsoft Corp. is planning to open the virtual doors of its long-planned Internet music store next week. -Leslie Walker


Consultants Deliver Politics To Voters' Inboxes, at a Price

Millions of Americans who are already trying to fight off unwanted electronic mail from direct marketers are about to get deluged by another source: politicians and lobbying groups.


Ceasefire in Najaf helps to steady global oil prices

World oil prices firmed on Friday after a five-session drop amid renewed concerns over unrest in Iraq despite a ceasefire in its holy city of Najaf.


Marion Jones bombs out of Athens

Winner of five medals and arguably the biggest star of the Sydney Games four years ago, the American finished fifth in Friday #39;s long jump and -- barely one hour later -- went out with the US 4x100m relay team.


Moscow faithful hail return of cherished icon

The religious faithful in Moscow are flocking to a Kremlin cathedral for a homecoming of sorts -- the return of a beloved icon, or holy picture.


Manmohan hopes peace process to continue: New PM greeted

NEW DELHI, Aug 28: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday greeted Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on his taking office and said he sincerely hoped that the peace dialogue between the two countries would succeed.


ECB to intervene in euro market

The European Central Bank and European finance ministers are unhappy with the Euro #39;s surge. To this end, they vowed to closely monitoring exchange rate swings.


Nigerian troops to leave for AU mission in Darfur on Monday

A 150-strong company of Nigerian troops will set off for the western Sudanese region of Darfur on Monday to join an African Union force protecting ceasefire monitors, Nigerian and AU officials said Saturday.


New version of Windows planned for 2006

Microsoft Corp., world #39;s largest software maker, announced yesterday that it will release the next version of Windows operating system, code-named Longhorn, in the second half of 2006.


Rooney unhappy with Everton

Everton striker Wayne Rooney says he is  quot;disappointed quot; with the way the club have handled his transfer request. Newcastle and Manchester United want to sign the 18-year-old who requested a transfer on Friday


Yemeni sentenced to death, others jailed over Limburg bombing

SANAA Aug 28 - A Yemeni was sentenced to death and 14 others to jail on Saturday over the 2002 bombing of the French supertanker Limburg and for other attacks, an AFP correspondent said.


Powerful Typhoon Poised to Strike Southern Japan (Reuters)

Reuters - A powerful typhoon loomed off\southwestern Japan Sunday, threatening large areas of the\country with fierce wind and rain.


AL Wrap: Blue Jays Blitzed by Six Homers from Yankees

TORONTO (Reuters) - Tony Clark whacked three consecutive  home runs as the New York Yankees reeled off six homers and  nine ninth-inning runs to bulldoze their way past the Toronto  Blue Jays 18-6 in the American League Saturday.


Give Teachers a Break

Our government can give tax breaks to revenue-rich corporations, but seems to have a hard time giving a puny \$250 tax break for teachers who spend their own money to buy classroom supplies.


A Glut of New and Used Cars

The dramatic rise in leasing in the past decade, along with the alluring financing plans available, has made getting in a new car every two or four years easier and more tempting.


Earnhardt Jr. Snags Win

More than a month after sustaining burns in a wreck, Dale Earnhardt Jr. broke out of a six-week slump with a win in the Sharpie 500 in Bristol.


Science sidelined

ONCE AGAIN a Bush administration scientific report blames emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases for global warming, and once again the reaction of the Bush White House is to say the evidence does not warrant action.


Crisis in Darfur

Those who organized and attended a vigil in downtown Winston-Salem Wednesday were right to try to raise awareness of the atrocities that continue in the Darfur region of Sudan.


French journalists kidnapped in Iraq over headscarf ban

An Iraqi militant group has kidnapped two Frenchmen and given the French government 48 hours to end a ban on Muslim headscarves. Arabic television station Al Jazeera has shown a brief video showing two men


Mariners Sweep Royals in Doubleheader (AP)

AP - Randy Winn hit a two-run homer in the 12th inning to lead the Seattle Mariners to a 5-3 victory Saturday night, completing a doubleheader sweep of the Kansas City Royals.


U.S.C. Finds Its Footing, and a Star, Just in Time

The speedy sophomore tailback Reggie Bush spearheaded U.S.C.'s victory over unranked Virginia Tech, catching three touchdown passes.


The problem with M. Night Shyamalan

Since his breakthrough film 'The Sixth Sense', director M. Night Shyamalan has made three more films culminating in the recently released 'The Village'. This is a look at what keeps the director from greatness via a discussion of the twists and plot devices he has become known for. Be warned, in discussing them, I pretty much give away every twist he's ever done. **SPOILERS ABOUND**


Clashes Break Out in Baghdad

For one commander in the militia loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, the trip home to Baghdad after a cease-fire was reached in Najaf was just a pit stop.


Izenberg: American style of basketball can #39;t cut it on foreign <b>...</b>

They were lucky to get the bronze. They came with one of the finest big men in all of basketball -- but with nobody to back him up.


Powerful Typhoon Poised to Strike Southern Japan

A powerful typhoon loomed off southwestern Japan Sunday, threatening large areas of the country with fierce wind and rain. The storm, which is expected to hit Kyushu island early on Monday


Rapids Play Earthquakes to 0-0 Tie (AP)

AP - Joe Cannon made two key saves on shots by former teammate Landon Donovan to help the Colorado Rapids tie the San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 Saturday night.


Samford Tops West Alabama 34-20 in Opener (AP)

AP - Ray Nelson threw for 321 yards and five touchdowns and Samford defeated West Alabama 34-20 on Saturday night in the season opener for both teams.


Mahatma Gandhi inspires new Canadian rights museum (AFP)

AFP - Mahatma Gandhi's long walk through history has paused in an unlikely spot -- the central Canadian prairie city of Winnipeg.


Google options lure heavy volume

CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- The highly anticipated launch of Google options drew more volume on the inaugural trading day Friday than traders had anticipated, a nod to the fanfare given the high-profile IPO and stock listing.


Those who have are spending it

CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- At least for now, the slowdown in consumer spending is a bottoms-up affair. Free! Sign up here to receive our Before the Bell e-Newsletter!


Rock-Tenn to Close Minn. Plant

Rock-Tenn Co. on Friday said it will shutter its St. Paul, Minn., folding carton plant in December, which will eliminate jobs and result in financial charges.


City Dining Is Still Expensive but It Has a Different Accent

A CARAVELLE, La Cte Basque and Lutce are gone, as are any last lingering traces of the belief that fine dining really should be French and formal.


Scott Simon Essay: Paul Hamm #39;s Medal

Description: NPR #39;s Scott Simon offers his thoughts on Paul Hamm, the US Olympic gymnast plagued by scoring scandals. Hamm has been asked -- indirectly -- to give up his gold medal in the men #39;s all-around competition.


Iran ready to guarantee it wont make nukes: Khatami

TEHRAN: Iran said on Saturday it will continue its nuclear program but provide  quot;guarantees quot; not to seek atomic weapons, and warned Washington it cant stabilise Iraq and Afghanistan without Tehrans help.


Administration Shifts On Global Warming

A Bush administration report suggests that evidence of global warming has begun to affect animal and plant populations in visible ways, and that rising temperatures in North America are due in part to human activity.


New world, more on horizon

European astronomers reported Thursday the discovery of a rocky  quot;super Earth-like object quot; orbiting a nearby star much like our own sun.


29 killed in Moroccan bus collision

Twenty-nine people were killed and 30 others injured when a bus crashed into a truck and a taxi in Morocco on Saturday, the state news agency MAP reported.


Australians to Go to the Polls on Oct. 9

CANBERRA, Australia (Reuters) - Australians will vote on  Oct. 9 in a cliff-hanger election pitting the conservative  government against center-left Labor, with national security  and the economy key issues, Prime Minister John Howard said  Sunday.


Bush says Kerry was 'more heroic'

George W Bush says his rival for the presidency, John Kerry, was the "more heroic" for having served in Vietnam.


Birdstone Proves Worth

Belmont Stakes winner Birdstone established himself as the nation's leader among 3-year-olds Saturday with a victory in the Travers Stakes.


Peete Completes Rally

Rodney Peete found Walter Young for an 18-yard touchdown pass with 1:48 to play, rallying the Panthers past the Patriots, 20-17, Saturday.


Khan sets sights on gold

Britain's Amir Khan will bid to become boxing's youngest Olympic gold medallist since 1952 on Sunday.


India Steps Away from the Old Song and Dance

The Indian film represents a milestone of sorts. By all accounts, the mostly (but not entirely) songless "Phir Milenge," which opened across the country Friday, is the first mainstream Bollywood offering that deals directly with HIV and the stigma surrounding the virus as major themes.


Drug labels to reflect suicide link

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration plans to update antidepressant labels to reflect studies that suggest a link between the drugs and suicide in youths.


When home means vulnerability

Joan Marie Gilbert and her 15-year-old daughter moved into a mobile home because they couldn #39;t afford anything else. James and Jean Burns bought one because it was the


How an accountant made poker a draw again

A few years ago, casinos across the United States were closing their poker rooms to make space for more popular and lucrative slot machines.


Microsoft timing is late for schools

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


Explosive traces found in 2nd Russian wreckage

Residue of the same type of explosive found in the wreckage of one of two Russian airliners that crashed last week has been found in the second, authorities said Saturday.


Disgusted voters say decision was made in Moscow

The woman in the market hurriedly packed away the shampoo and perfume she usually sells. The stalls were almost abandoned. She was in a rush to escape the capital #39;s brooding air.


Yemen sentences one to death, 14 to jail on terror charges

A Yemeni court on Saturday sentenced one militant to death and 14 others to prison terms of three to 10 years on terror charges, according to local reports.


Iran will provide nuke guarantees, declares Khatami

Iran said yesterday it is ready to provide  quot;guarantees quot; it won #39;t seek nuclear weapons, and warned the United States that success in stabilizing Iraq and Afghanistan was impossible without Iranian support.


Chechens Vote to Replace President (AP)

AP - Against a backdrop of war and squalor, Chechens voted Sunday for a replacement for their assassinated president, in a vote the Kremlin hopes will bring some stability to a region wracked by a decade of violence.


Agriculture minister argues case for opening US border to live <b>...</b>

NEW YORK (CP) - Agriculture Minister Andy Mitchell came away empty-handed Saturday after arguing the case for reopening the Canada-US border to live cattle exports in a meeting with his American counterpart.


Russia Finds Trace Explosives on 2nd Plane (AP)

AP - Russian investigators found explosive residue on the wreckage of the second of two airliners that crashed minutes apart, a security spokesman said Saturday, adding to evidence that terrorists breached security at one of the country's most up-to-date airports.


U.S. Men Salvage Some Pride with Basketball Bronze

ATHENS (Reuters) - Their character questioned and  commitment belittled, the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team  responded to their critics by taking the bronze with a gold  medal effort.


Clark Homers 3 Times in Yankees' Rout

TORONTO - Tony Clark homered three times for the first time in his career, Ruben Sierra hit a grand slam for his 300th homer, and Gary Sheffield and Alex Rodriguez also connected to lead the New York Yankees over the Toronto Blue Jays 18-6 on Saturday.    New York, which overcame a 4-0 deficit for the second time in the series, had nine runs and 10 hits in the ninth inning, both season highs...


Hitting the wall

Last week, Wal-Mart sent tremors through the US economy when it slashed its August sales forecast, predicting only flat to 2 per cent growth for the period.


Teenage Khan goes for gold

Teenage boxing sensation Amir Khan believes he can go all the way to gold, even if it takes a knockout, in today #39;s Olympic lightweight final.


Iran to continue nuclear program

TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran said Saturday that it would continue its nuclear program but provide  quot;guarantees quot; not to build atomic weapons, and warned Washington that the United States cannot stabilize neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan without Tehran #39;s help.


Despatie least likely disappointment

Another notch on the Canadian medal chart of expectations ended with the least likely of fourth place finishes at the Olympic Games.


Gambro Sells U.S. Kidney Clinics Unit

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Swedish kidney-care company Gambro AB  said on Tuesday it signed a \$3.05 billion deal to sell its U.S.  clinics business, making buyer DaVita the biggest dialysis  services firm in the United States.


Service pack installation could be confusing

The long awaited Service Pack 2 for Windows XP has finally been released, not without problems though. If youve got a good bit of computer experience, then installing


Few easy Ryders on European squad

Today we #39;ll find out just who the powerful Yanks will meet in the Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills in three weeks. As the golf world gears up for what is sure to be a great spectacle, the


Dhaka to announce reward for disclosing grenade attacker #39;s <b>...</b>

The Bangladeshi government may announce a reward of 10 million taka (166,000 US dollars) to anyone disclosing the names of the persons or groups responsible for the Aug.


Typhoon pounds southern Japan

Typhoon Chaba pounded the southern Japanese island of Amami-Oshima on Sunday with heavy rain and strong winds, cutting off electricity to some 5,800 households, officials said.


One country, two systems #39; model a barrier to democracy, speakers <b>...</b>

Political reforms have been sacrificed in China as leaders in Beijing trumpet their  quot;stability above all quot; policy, President Chen Shui-bian () said in a statement yesterday.


A Greener Globe, Maybe

With all the hand-wringing about the economic perils of falling populations, there could be one beneficiary: the environment.


When Bats and Humans Were One and the Same

Scientists have used computer analysis to read evolution backward and reconstruct a large part of the genome of an 80-million-year-old mammal.


Siberian cubs get radio collars

A third generation of Siberian tigers are the youngest to be tracked with transmitters by conservationists.


Chechens Look to Election With Fear and Resignation

The date of Chechnya's elections has assumed a local significance the Kremlin would no doubt prefer to avoid: a masquerade of democracy, and a dangerous one.


FACTBOX-How the Australian election process works

Australia will go to the polls on October 9, Prime Minister John Howard has announced. Prime Minister John Howard #39;s conservative government, which was elected in 1996, is seeking a fourth


Here's the Nobel. Now Explain It to Your Grandmother.

Life, and how it functions, is at the center of Dr. Gnter Blobel's research.


JB Oxford sued for improper trading

The Securities and Exchange Commission has sued JB Oxford Holdings Inc., a small brokerage and clearing company, and three of its executives for allegedly


White House cites human role in global warming

Warmer temperatures in North America since 1950 were probably caused in part by human activity, the Bush administration said in a report that appeared to contradict the White House position there was no clear scientific proof on


Aussie will face Srichaphan or Horna

COMMACK, NY -- Second-seeded Lleyton Hewitt reached the final of TD Waterhouse Cup sooner than expected Saturday when Russian Dmitry Tursunov retired from their semifinal match because of injury.


War crimes hearings may take years

The United States will need years to finish the war crimes tribunals of al-Qaeda and Taliban detainees it started this week, according to US officials.


Macau's leader wins second term

Macau's Edmund Ho wins approval from the Chinese enclave's elite to rule for a second term.


Shootout Kills 2 Ariz. Officers, Wounds 1

PHOENIX - Two Phoenix police officers were killed and a third wounded Saturday night during a shootout at an apartment complex, authorities said.    The man believed to have shot the officers was found dead following a two-hour stand off with police...


New Remedies for a Frustrating Illness. But Do They Work?

Two drugs approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome may or may not work for the 45 million Americans who suffer from I.B.S.


America #39;s divide on stark display

When Americans go to the polls on Nov. 2, Osama bin Laden may still be plotting new 9/11 terror attacks, mocking President George W. Bush #39;s pledge - now three years old -o bring him to justice.


Venture Capitalists Studying Google IPO for Ideas

While Google Inc. #39;s auction-based initial public offering may not spur a wave of copycats, venture capitalists are sorting through the IPO to see what can be learned for future deals.


The Gas Misers

Richard Pearce has turned out his old love, a 1989 Dodge pickup truck. In 2002 the 50-year-old retired soldier and his wife decided to bring a Toyota Prius hybrid back to their Virginia home.


All Business: Corporate pension crisis still looming

NEW YORK - The corporate pension crisis seems to be going from bad to worse. First, companies struggled to come up with the money to cover their benefit obligations, and now they want to ditch their plans altogether.


Judge not, lest ye be judged

Athens, Greece - In response to two scoring controversies that overshadowed the best US gymnastics performance in Olympic history, an official with the sport #39;s international governing body says it will review judging procedures and the rule book that


Federer aims to put out New York #39;s Bush fires

For once, when the US Open kicks off in New York tomorrow it won #39;t be the biggest show in town. The Republican convention, with its threatened attendant demonstrations


Explosives residue found in wreckage of other Russian jet; new <b>...</b>

Russian investigators found residue of an explosive substance on the wreckage of the second of two airliners that crashed minutes apart Tuesday night, a security spokesman said yesterday


Macau #39;s leader wins second term

Macau #39;s leader Edmund Ho has won the approval of the Chinese enclave #39;s elite to rule for a second five-year term. Mr Ho won 296 out of 300 possible votes from the Beijing-approved committee of politicians and businessmen.


Philippine Floods and Landslides Killed 32 People, AFP Says

Philippine floods and landslides killed 32 people and left more than 100 towns under water or buried, Agence France-Presse reported, citing civil defense officials.


Joys of summer

Signs of a fun-loving team on a rapturous roll: Derek Lowe paying a goofy tribute to Red Sox starter Pedro Martinez by donning a Dominican flag do-rag, wrapping David Ortiz's long chain around his neck, and waving Martinez's toy red bat as the substitute cheerleader; Johnny Damon mimicking the injured Manny Ramirez by triumphantly pointing both index fingers to celebrate ...


US finishes on right side of track

ATHENS -- When the last on-track event of the XXVIII Olympiad ended last night with an American rout in the men's 4 x 400-meter relay, the symbolism seemed appropriate. There was 20-year-old Jeremy Wariner, already a gold medal winner here, handing off to anchor Darold Williamson, Wariner's 21-year-old teammate from Baylor University.


Manager's image is sharper

He was the dumbest guy in New England. Terry Fran-coma. Gomer Pyle in the dugout. Chewing that giant wad of stuff, making it look like he had a golf ball in his cheek. Not bunting. Not playing smallball. And taking the blame for every mistake his players made.


Beijing ahead of Games for '08

ATHENS -- The countdown clock for 2008 will be installed in Tiananmen Square next month. Not that Beijing has been lollygagging since the Lords of the Rings awarded the Summer Games to the city three years ago. Beijing is bristling with cranes and steamshovels and jackhammers providing a staccato beat, with 30 sports venues in various stages of construction, including ...


Transactions

BASEBALL Chicago (NL): Placed P Kyle Farnsworth on 15-day disabled list; recalled P Todd Wellemeyer from Iowa (PCL). Houston (NL): Designated P David Weathers for assignment. Milwaukee (NL): Activated INF Keith Ginter from the 15-day DL; optioned INF Trent Durrington to Indianapolis (IL). New York (NL): Recalled P Jae Seo from Norfolk (IL). St. Louis (NL): Placed P Steve Kline ...


Table hockey is too limited

Of all the great things about being a hockey fan, reading stories about NHL management-labor strife is not one of them. But, rest assured, there is worse. To wit: reporting and writing stories about NHL management-labor strife (you can send notes of sympathy to the e-mail posted at the bottom of this report).


Pointing out alternatives

It sounds as if Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge has been listening to one of those self-improvement tapes that repeat positive mantras. The message?  quot;I am happy with my roster. I am happy with my roster. quot; It's clear he will go to great lengths (or is that great pains?) to convince fans and reporters that he is comfortable ...


Trojans pull rank on Virginia Tech -- barely

LANDOVER, Md. -- It was a test of character not many people expected top-ranked Southern California would face so early in the season.


Woods is still the one -- but Singh is closing

NORTON -- When things were going so well and the major championships were piling up and the records were falling into his possession, Tiger Woods was as close to invincible as golf has ever seen. He was so far and away the No. 1 player in the world that he couldn't see No. 2 with a telescope.


Leading role for Hamm

ATHENS -- Mia Hamm will carry the flag for the US in tonight's closing ceremonies after being chosen in a vote of team members.


Emergency talks on Iraq hostages

The French Prime Minister calls a crisis meeting to discuss the kidnapping of two French journalists in Iraq.


Resignation and fear pervade today #39;s elections in Chechnya

Among the insurgents fighting in Chechnya #39;s long-running war for independence, Musost Khutiyev is known as a  quot;national traitor.


22 held after Afghan gun battle; renegade clan leader seized

US and Afghan soldiers detained 22 suspected Taliban members in a major search operation after a gun-fight in a southern Afghan mountain range, officials said yesterday.


Sometimes, Doctors Find Answers Far Off the Charts

Sometimes, it is only when the patient is halfway out the door that important information spills out.


High-risk danger for Commerce

Early in 2002, Commerce Insurance of Webster placed a nearly \$23,000 bet on the gubernatorial candidacy of Democrat Shannon O'Brien.


With ads easier to dodge, companies eye new ways to get out the message

It's a brave new world for advertisers. With digital recorders like TiVo , video-on-demand services from cable providers, and the nation's biggest cable company, Comcast , introducing cable boxes with built-in TiVo-style recorders, people can watch whatever they want whenever they want, gleefully fast-forwarding through every commercial break.


Locking in the price of heating oil is no safe bet

Heating oil prices are unusually high right now, so high that some analysts are wondering whether it's worthwhile for homeowners to try to lock in a price at these levels for the winter.


Comcast to market new video recorder

Starting tomorrow, Comcast Corp. will begin marketing an enhanced cable box to New Englanders that will accelerate a revolution that is changing television-watching habits, and the television industry itself. The Motorola box, which includes a TiVo -style digital video recorder, will allow millions of subscribers to watch shows on their own schedule and skip through the advertisements.


In one man's view, leaders shortchange strategy

In the 1990s, as their European rival Airbus Industrie gobbled up market share, senior executives at aircraft builder Boeing Co. -- aviation engineers, financial analysts, retired military brass -- spent hours at team meetings reviewing the Boeing advertising campaign.


An insider's take on revamping US health policy

Dr. Jerry Avorn brings convincing data and sharp analysis to ''Powerful Medicines, quot; his timely, challenging appraisal of health policy.


Banks didn't merge to create more jobs

To all who have been fired or laid off: This is life. Get over it (''Hundreds laid off at Fleet offices, quot; Aug. 19). Free markets allow for such things and when this merger happened, not a soul outside of the public relations people for the bank thought that this merger would take place without the loss of many positions. After ...


Users hope eBay's stake won't ruin Craigslist

WASHINGTON -- Ernie Miller, 38, offers a telling clue as to how www.craigslist.org became the Internet's go-to place to solve life's vexing problems.


Fund newsletter parts Fool and his money

In the late 1990s, Tom and David Gardner -- the brothers behind The Motley Fool online investment community -- regularly ridiculed mutual funds and the people who bought them.


Wineries in South Africa give a boost to blacks

ELGIN VALLEY, South Africa -- When South Africa held its first fully democratic elections in 1994, Patrick Kraukamp, a day laborer, was just starting a job as a forklift driver at the Paul Cluver wine estate in this lush mountain valley.


Damage at Shi #146;ite cemetery stirs up complex feelings in Najaf

NAJAF, Iraq -- Throughout the battle that smashed crypts, splintered memorial plaques, and scattered unexploded bombs across the Valley of Peace cemetery in Najaf, US troops painted the decision of the Mahdi Army rebels to fight among the graves as a sign of disrespect for the religion they say they defend.


Lawmaker says he #146;s been barred

A top Hong Kong opposition lawmaker said he was barred from entering China yesterday, an incident that may fuel anti-Beijing sentiment in upcoming legislative elections. Law Chi-kwong of the Democratic Party said the mainland government assured him he could visit for six days, in what seemed to be a conciliatory gesture by the authorities, who have branded pro-democracy figures here ...


Distrust hurts effort to end polio in India

GAYA, India -- Gearing up for the final push to wipe out polio, India has run into a hurdle in an eastern state, where poor, conservative communities are refusing to give polio drops to children because they distrust the medicine and its distributors.


Once-sacred spaces go condo in Montreal

MONTREAL -- On a recent night, the Trimarchi men stood outside their favorite Italian restaurant, at the edge of this city's Little Italy section, and gazed disapprovingly at the cathedral-like structure across the street.


End to N. Korean crisis sought

BEIJING -- China renewed a diplomatic push to try to solve the North Korean nuclear crisis with top-level visits yesterday Pyongyang and Seoul.


Dark chocolate found to aid blood flow

MUNICH -- Good news for chocoholics: Eating dark chocolate improves healthy blood flow, according to research published today.


Holmes given Olympic honour

Double gold medallist Kelly Holmes will carry GB flag at Athens closing ceremony.


WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

Furious Wayne Rooney has begged Everton not to wreck his dream move to Old Trafford after Manchester United increased their offer for the wonderkid.


Format Helps Top Teams Stay on Top

en teams spend more than \$1 billion every season to compete in Formula One, but only one has won the championship in half a decade.


Nokia and Vodafone Team Up on Mobile Java Standards

The Java language is an object-oriented programming language created by James Gosling and other engineers at Sun Microsystems. It was developed in 1991, as part of the Green Project, and officially announced


Russian captures Pilot Pen for her third WTA title

If one had any doubts about the invasion of teenage Russian tennis players impacting the WTA Tour, doubt no more. Anna Kournikova might be on an extended tennis hiatus but there #39;s


UA graduate places 19th on mountain bike

ATHENS - Todd Wells, a graduate from the University of Arizona who still trains in Tucson during the winter, equaled the best performance by an American man in Olympic mountain biking Saturday.


Funk shakes off slow start

Fred Funk needed a late rally yesterday on a sticky, steamy day to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Buick Championship.


Source: Colombian Cyclist Fails Drug Test (AP)

AP - Colombian cyclist Maria Luisa Calle Williams has tested positive for a stimulant and could lose her bronze medal, Olympic officials said on Sunday.


Raw Eggs? Hair of the Dog? New Options for the Besotted

Despite a barrage of new ideas, the hangover itself is imperfectly understood and a true cure remains elusive.


String Theory, at 20, Explains It All (or Not)

String theorists agree that it has been a long, strange trip, but they still have faith that they will complete the journey.


Jobs of British Airways Directors Under Threat, Telegraph Says

Three senior directors at British Airways Plc face pressure as Chief Executive Rod Eddington starts an investigation into last week #39;s flight delays, the Sunday Telegraph said, citing an unidentified executive at the airline.


Now this is fantastic

The journey had ended. All the years, all the games, all the moments were complete. They were girls again, Lisa and Dawn, and for a moment, everything else faded into the background.


McGill tames nerves, Berkleigh

Jill McGill has dragged a knotted stomach around the LPGA Tour for nine years, turning every double bogey into reason for self-immolation.


Tape Shows Missing French Journalists

CAIRO, Aug. 28 -- Islamic militants released a brief videotape showing two French journalists kidnapped recently in Iraq, saying they were holding the men to protest a French law banning head scarves in schools


Opposition groups boycott Prime Minister confidence vote

ISLAMABAD: Opposition groups on Saturday boycotted the parliament session, convened for the vote of confidence of the new Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.


Dream in the tank

ATHENSIt was like a funeral. One by one they came to pay their respects to Alexandre Despatie, widower of an Olympic dream to which he #39;d been married since childhood.


Silver lining navigated on high seas

ATHENS -- US sailors needed a big day to bring home gold and bronze medals from the sailing finale here yesterday. But rolling the dice on windshifts and starting tactics backfired both in Star and Tornado classes, and the Americans had to settle for a single silver medal.


Focal point

Mary Joe Fernandez was always known as a thoughtful, deliberate tennis player. And one of her most intelligent moves, she'll agree, came in 1999, toward the end of her decade-long career, when she was training at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida and was asked to play a practice set against a 12-year-old upstart Russian named Maria Sharapova.  quot;I ...


Lopez adds to trophy chest with ease

ATHENS -- In the 2000 Games, the US taekwondo team brought four athletes to Sydney and won one medal, Steve Lopez taking the gold in the 150-pound division.


Earnhardt takes Sharpie 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr. broke out of a six-week slump last night with a convincing victory in the Sharpie 500, giving him a weekend sweep at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway and momentum for the upcoming championship chase.


Beltre, Dodgers belt Mets

Adrian Beltre went 5 for 5 with his major league-leading 42d home run, and the Los Angeles Dodgers got a pair of big pinch hits yesterday in a 4-2 victory over the Mets in New York.


Legendary double for El Guerrouj

ATHENS -- In a historic 5,000-meter race, Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco, who won gold at 1,500 meters last week, outkicked Ken enisa Bekele of Ethiopia in the final straightaway to record the first such double victory since the great Paavo Nurmi of Finland, El Guerrouj's hero, accomplished the feat 80 years ago at the 1924 Paris Olympics.


Dashing performances

ATHENS -- We'll have to wait until the lab reports come back. This is the modern era of track and field after all, when it can take four years for Olympic results to become final (right, Jerome Young?). But when the last baton crossed the line here last night, the US team had turned in a heck of a meet, ...


Cuban influence benefits Thai

ATHENS -- Yudel Johnson lost the gold medal to a shadow last night. The Cuban light welterweight was slickly outpointed by Thailand's Manus Boonjumnong at Peristeri Boxing Hall, 17-11, but what really beat him was Cuba's exporting of its coaches to a host of other countries.


Yankees destroy Jays

With the New York Yankees' starting rotation struggling, the team's offense matched its biggest performance of the season.


Birdstone reigns during storm at the Travers

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Birdstone did it once, winning the Belmont Stakes, but he had to do it again to prove his class, and he accomplished the mission by capturing the 135th running of the \$1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga yesterday. Now, the retired Smarty Jones, defeated by Birdstone in the Belmont, has company atop the 3-year-old division.


Ramirez sits as injuries continue to bug

The way Manny Ramirez knelt and grimaced in agony Friday night after he drilled a pitch off his knee, the possibility of him returning soon to the Red Sox lineup seemed remote. The contusion of Ramirez's left knee was serious enough to force him out of action last night, though the Sox hoped he could return today for the series ...


Notables

The Yankees have won 10 of 12 this year against Toronto, which has lost five straight and 18 of 24.