IOC tells Beijing not to complete Olympic venues too late

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday said 2008 Games host Beijing should take care not to complete its venues too late, two months after it advised the city not to finish them too early.


Fast bowlers revel in strangely conducive conditions

BY any measure, this was an extraordinary spectacle. On a warm winter #39;s day in the geographical centre of India, elite batsmen on the most verdant of grounds had cause to duck, sway and weave against the rising ball.


WVU hoops ninth in preseason poll

NEW YORK -- Two wins in last season #39;s NIT and five returning starters apparently get you just one thing in Big East Conference basketball.


Kerry slams Cheney as "Minister of Disinformation" over weapons drama (AFP)

AFP - John Kerry slammed Vice President Dick Cheney as  quot;Minister of Disinformation, quot; and accused the White House of  quot;dodging and bobbing and weaving quot; to evade blame over missing explosives in Iraq.


U.S. Official: Lebanese Govt. 'Made in Damascus'

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's new government was "made in  Damascus" in defiance of a U.N. resolution calling for an end  to Syria's interference in Lebanese affairs, a senior U.S.  official was quoted on Wednesday as saying.


Attack of the Killer Fees

Lenders have concocted a frightening brew of fees. Are there fang marks on your wallet?


Number of NHL Players in Europe Hits 231 (AP)

AP - Toronto's Nik Antropov, Philadelphia's Michal Handzus and Pittsburgh's Steve McKenna became the latest NHL players to head to Europe during the lockout.


He Shoots, You Score

The season hasn't even begun and the Wizards are already giving us these nuggets: their hot new dating service, a brawl with the Bulls and Kwame just being Kwame.


Big East Picks Syracuse Hoops in Preseason

Syracuse was the runaway preseason pick of Big East coaches Wednesday on the strength of a team that has all its starters back after reaching the round of 16 last season.


Number of NHL Players in Europe Hits 231

Toronto's Nik Antropov, Philadelphia's Michal Handzus and Pittsburgh's Steve McKenna became the latest NHL players to head to Europe during the lockout.


IATA: World Air Travel Continues Recovery (AP)

AP - Global air passenger traffic continued a steady rise in the first nine months of this year, rising 17.7 percent from the same period in 2003, the International Air Transport Association said Wednesday.


World Cup Refs to Get More Training (AP)

AP - Referees at the 2006 World Cup will begin a training program next year in what FIFA hopes will assure top officiating during the showcase event in Germany.


Priest Who Disrupted Olympics in Abuse Trial

LONDON (Reuters) - A former Irish priest famous for stunts  that disrupted the marathon at the Athens Olympics and  Britain's Grand Prix denied charges on Wednesday of indecency  with a schoolgirl.


News: Big.biz struggles against security threats

Most large companies are struggling to protect themselves against security threats, a survey from security consultancy NetSec published today reveals.\


Nortel Restatements Delayed to November

Nortel Networks Corp. (NT.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) , one of the world #39;s largest makers of telecoms equipment, said on Wednesday it would miss by about two weeks its end of October deadline


Apple Launches U2 iPod

Apple Inc. announced that it has signed a deal with U2 and Universal Music Group to sell a  quot;special quot; iPod that will include U2 #39;s new album.


Cassini unveils mysterious Saturn moon Titan

NASA scientists are poring over the latest pictures unveiling Saturn #39;s mysterious moon Titan. The images show distinct dark and bright surface areas.


Apple Extends iTunes to Europe

The EU iTunes Music Store retains the same features and per-song price of 99 euro cents, established in June for customers in UK, Germany and France.


Video game release prompts warning

TORONTO -- Ontario #39;s consumer minister is putting parents on notice about the newest video game sensation to hit store shelves.


Dizzy spell dazzles India

THE improbable dream is almost reality. Glenn McGrath, brilliantly leading the charge in his 100th Test, yesterday joined pace partner Jason Gillespie in choking the life out of India #39;s underachieving top order in the third Test.


Westbrook Injury Leaves Eagles Thin at RB

Tailback Brian Westbrook joined quarterback Donovan McNabb and wide receiver Terrell Owens on the list of the Philadelphia Eagles #39; seemingly irreplaceable offensive players when the club lost


Thai PM Defiant Amid Anger Over Deaths

Thai-Muslim citizens check for names their relatives who died after the Monday #39;s riot erected outside a military camp in Pattani province, southern Thailand Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004.


Black Watch Head for  #39;Triangle of Death #39;

The Black Watch were tonight heading for the so-called Triangle of Death outside Baghdad to free US Marines for an expected all-out assault on Fallujah.


Karzai set for election win, mandate to tackle Afghan warlords <b>...</b>

His election to a five-year presidential term all but official, Afghan leader Hamid Karzai was already under pressure Wednesday to put the squeeze on the country #39;s powerful warlords and tackle a narcotics industry threatening to overwhelm one


British troops in Iraq head north on risky mission (AFP)

AFP - A battle group of British troops rolled out of southern Iraq on a US-requested mission to deadlier areas near Baghdad, in a major political gamble for British Prime Minister Tony Blair.


Minister from Dhaka to call

New Delhi, Dec. 4: Bangladesh finance minister S. Saifur Rahman will arrive in India late tonight for a five-day visit and interaction with Indias top political leadership.


Kerry says Bush dodging and weaving with truth on Iraq (AFP)

AFP - Democratic presidential contender John Kerry accused President George W. Bush's administration of abandoning its responsibilities in Iraq as the two rivals intensified attacks ahead of the US election.


Tied Presidential Election Could Be Mother of All Messes (Reuters)

Reuters - A freak tie result in the\presidential election could mean the House of Representatives\would choose the next president, a scenario that would favor\Republican incumbent George W. Bush.


Oil prices fall as supply fears fade

World oil prices plummeted to a near three-month low on Thursday, capping a two-day, 12-percent plunge as fear of a global energy supply crunch evaporated.


Nortel Postpones Restatement Filing to Mid-November (Update2)

Nortel Networks Corp. said it will miss a self-imposed October deadline for filing restated results, the second time the telephone equipment maker has delayed the release of its financial statements.


Boeing profit up 78 percent in quarter, upbeat on 2005

CHICAGO, Oct 27 (AFP) - Aviation and defense giant Boeing said Wednesday its third-quarter profit shot up 78 percent from a year ago to 456 million dollars and gave an upbeat forecast for the rest of 2004 and into 2005.


Spacecraft Cassini Zooms in on Saturn #39;s Big Moon

The spacecraft passed within 746 miles of Titan #39;s surface and should send back pictures 100 times sharper than past views. Those images are to be released beginning today.


A pregnable fortress

The National Stadium in Karachi suddenly seems a less impregnable fortress. Sri Lanka won a Test in Faisalabad after starts of 9 for 3 and 0 for 1, to continue their unbeaten series run in Pakistan.


McDonald #39;s adapts jet for ailing ex-boss

AILING former McDonald #39;s chief executive Charlie Bell will fly home to Australia in a company plane specially fitted with medical equipment.


Transatlantic Live Brain Surgery to Be Beamed to UK (Reuters)

Reuters - It's not for the squeamish but Britons\with a strong constitution will get a rare opportunity to view\brain surgery as it happens, in an operating room 4,000 miles\away in the United States.


Verizon picks Motorola for video on fiber

Verizon Communications is stepping further into video as a way to compete against cable companies.


Java integration spec pushed

Sun Microsystems and several other vendors on Wednesday will release an early draft of a specification intended to ease integration of Java-based systems, but IBM and BEA Systems have dropped out of participation in the effort.


IT firms call for patent protection in EU

BRUSSELS -- A group of some of the world's leading IT and telecommunications companies have warned that Europe could become a "haven for plagiarism" if the European Parliament fails to agree to allow patent protection for inventions implemented by computer.


Suse warns of hole in Linux kernel

Linux distributor Suse has warned of one of the most serious security holes to date in Version 2.6 of the Linux kernel, which could allow attackers to shut down a system running 2.6-based software.


Oil tumbles back below \$54

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Oil prices tumbled Wednesday after a report showing a bigger jump in crude oil inventories than traders and analysts had been expecting.


BEFORE THE BELL: Boeing Up On Strong 3Q,Boosted Outlook -2

NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Shares of Boeing Co. (BA) rose 3 in the premarket trading session Wednesday, after the aerospace and defense giant reported better-than-expected third


Cassini beams back close-ups of Titan

PASADENA, CALIF. - Scientists are examining the first close-up pictures of the surface of Saturn #39;s mysterious moon, Titan. The Cassini spacecraft has sent several high-resolution images of Titan #39;s dark and


SGI Wins Supercomputer Crown for the Moment

A new supercomputer named Columbia has claimed the title of world #39;s fastest. The computer, built by Silicon Graphics for NASA at the Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, includes 10,240 Itanium


EA developing tie-in game for Batman Begins

Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment has signed a deal with Electronic Arts which will see the giant publisher taking on the creation of videogames based on the forthcoming Batman Begins, which is tipped to be one of the biggest movies of next summer.


Akhtar to miss second Test against Sri Lanka

Karachi: Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar was ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka starting Thursday after suffering a shoulder injury during training.


US Official: Lebanese Govt.  #39;Made in Damascus #39;

Lebanon #39;s new government was  quot;made in Damascus quot; in defiance of a UN resolution calling for an end to Syria #39;s interference in Lebanese affairs, a senior US official was quoted on Wednesday as saying.


Vienna nuclear talks "very constructive": Iran (AFP)

AFP - Iran said its talks with European officials in Vienna on were  quot;very constructive quot;, while insisting on its right to nuclear technology, state television reported.


Extravagant weddings to land Kashmiris in jail (AFP)

AFP - Residents in Indian Kashmir will face up to three years in jail for hosting extravagant weddings under new government regulations, officials said.


Java integration spec pushed (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Sun Microsystems and several other vendors on Wednesday will release an early draft of a specification intended to ease integration of Java-based systems, but IBM and BEA Systems have dropped out of participation in the effort.


US Stocks Rebound as Oil Prices Fall

US stocks rebounded on Wednesday morning as oil prices fell sharply after a higher-than-expected rise in crude stocks trumped a drop in distillate inventories.


US new home sales race to third-highest on record

New home sales in the United States rose by 3.5 percent in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.21 million units, registering the third highest level on record, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.


Boeing Posts 78 Percent Higher Profit

CHICAGO -- Aerospace giant Boeing Co. reported a 78 percent jump in third-quarter earnings, buoyed by a strong defense business, and raised its estimate for full-year profits due to a favorable tax outlook.


BHP to sell US venture

BHP Billiton said yesterday it had agreed with joint venture partner Alcoa to sell their 100 per cent stake in Integris Metals to Ryerson Tull of Chicago.


Northrop Third-Quarter Profit Rises

Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) reported higher third-quarter earnings on Wednesday and an 11 percent increase in sales on strength in its mission systems, integrated


Sirius posts wider loss amid rising costs

NEW YORK (Dow Jones/AP) -- Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. on Wednesday said it posted a wider loss for the third quarter from a year earlier, as higher expenses -- particularly for National Football League programming -- more than offset a surge in revenue.


Apple launches EU iTunes

p2pnet.net News:- With news that the real-world p2p file-sharing networks are thriving comes other news that Apple has invaded the European Union with a version of its iTunes corporate music store.


Dell pushes Linux into the data centre

Dell is to certify and pre-install Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 on select Dell PowerEdge servers worldwide, the system vendor announced today.


New Game Releases Could Herald  #39;Holiday of Megagames #39;

With next-generation game systems not expected until 2006, the video game industry needs blockbuster games to keep business flowing.


Center of the Universe

Buschwhacked: Martinez holds listless Cardinals to three hits over seven innings in front of booing St. Louis fans; Red Sox move to within one win of World Series.


Gov't to request higher emissions trading allowance (AFP)

AFP - Britain said it planned to ask the European Commission for a somewhat larger share of the greenhouse gas emissions allowances that are to begin trading on an EU carbon market next year.


Al-Zarqawi group kidnaps one Japanese

The organization of  quot;Qaida al-Jihad in the Mesopotamia quot; which is led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi said it had kidnapped one member of the Japanese forces in Iraq and threatened to execute him if Tokyo will not withdraw its forces from Iraq within 48 hours.


Newmont Strikes Gold, Profit and Costs Up

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The world's largest gold producer,  Newmont Mining Corp. NEM.N, on Wednesday said higher gold  prices drove up quarterly profit by 12.5 percent, even though  it sold less of the precious metal.


Martinez the  Magnificent

A baserunning gaffe turns Pedro Martinez into Pedro the magnificent, and now it's simply a matter of when the Red Sox end their eons of pain.


Kerry Wins Fans Abroad with Global Warming Plan (Reuters)

Reuters - Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry\has won plaudits abroad for his promises to fight global\warming but could find his hands tied at home if he wins next\week's U.S. elections.


The Envelope, Please...

RedEnvelope is still in the red. Do investors have something to cheer about?


Oil Tumbles 3 Pct as U.S. Stocks Build

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell heavily from near record  peaks on Wednesday after a sharp build in U.S. crude stocks  spurred traders to take profits from a fierce rally.


Chrysler to Build Sedans in Austria

DETROIT (Reuters) - DaimlerChrysler AG's DCX.N DCXGn.DE  Chrysler division on Wednesday said it will start building its  hot-selling 300C sedan at a plant operated by Magna Steyr in  Graz, Austria, early next year.


Offshoring: An issue that defies easy answers

The shipment of jobs overseas is one of the most pressing economic issues of the presidential campaign. Here are 10 key facts of the matter.\


Armitage praises Russia's anti-terror efforts in Moscow visit (AFP)

AFP - US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage praised Russia's anti-terror efforts as he laid a wreath at a site of a recent Moscow metro suicide bombing.


Envoy Chides Darfur Negotiators for Lack of Urgency

ABUJA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Warring parties in Sudan's  western Darfur region are showing no urgency in the search for  a political solution to a conflict that has caused a  humanitarian catastrophe, the top U.N. envoy in Sudan said  Wednesday.


Durable Goods Orders, Home Sales Rise

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. durable goods orders rose, with  key components gaining strongly, and single-family homes sales  soared in September, reinforcing views the Federal Reserve will  raise interest rates further this year.


U.S. Stocks Rise as Oil Prices Tumble

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Wednesday on  investor relief that oil prices fell sharply after a  higher-than-expected rise in crude stocks last week.


Shuttle Enterprise Takes Center Stage, at Last (Reuters)

Reuters - Space shuttle Enterprise was\born to be an astronautical bridesmaid, never a bride.


Boeing Posts Higher Profit, Raises Estimate

Aerospace giant Boeing Co. reported a 78 percent jump in third-quarter earnings, buoyed by a strong defense business, and raised its estimate for full-year profits due to a favorable tax outlook.


Price drop prompts oil quota call

Opec members call for a cut in rampant over-production as prices oil prices plummet amid warmer US weather.


Cricket: Zimbabwe tour go-ahead

English cricket authorities give the national team the go-ahead to tour Zimbabwe.


'Hobbit' joins human family tree

The discovery of remains belonging to a tiny species of ancient human has been hailed as one of the most sensational finds of its type in decades.


Oil price hits record high of \$55.45

New York #39;s main crude oil contract shot to a record high of \$55.45 a barrel on Friday amid deepening concern over US stocks of winter heating fuel.


Nortel delays reporting, again

OTTAWA - Nortel Networks has announced that it #39;s once again delaying the release of financial reports. The company is currently reviewing its accounting for the past four years.


Real Estate Boom Continues

A surprisingly large number of Americans took advantage of low mortgage rates to buy new homes in September, signaling continued strength in the real estate market.


Planes pull US durable orders lower

Orders for  #39;big-ticket #39; goods in the US crept up by a smaller than expected margin in September, hit by a sharp fall in demand for planes, government figures showed today.


Earth to see total eclipse of the moon

Trick-or-treaters can expect an early Halloween treat on Wednesday night, when a total lunar eclipse makes the moon look like a glowing pumpkin.


Novell To Offer SuSE On Dell Servers

Novell plans to make its SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 software available direct from Dell on factory-loaded Dell servers. The companies said Wednesday that beginning in 2005, customers buying Dell #39;s PowerEdge


Puretunes.com settles Record Companies #39; Copyright Infringement <b>...</b>

LOS ANGELES (IFPI) - The company and operators behind the Puretunes.com website, an online service which formerly sold unauthorized unlimited music downloads, have agreed to an out-of-court settlement of a copyright infringement lawsuit brought last year


Bush voted "Movie Villain of the Year" (Reuters)

Reuters - President George W. Bush may see himself as defender of democracy and compassionate\conservatism but film fans have voted him "Movie Villain of the Year".


Your Verdict: OT aftermath

It might not have been a classic in straight footballing terms, but as a spectacle it certainly lived up to the hype, and the fallout from that match at Old Trafford last Sunday has kept the inmates here at Soccernet Towers thoroughly entertained.


FIFA hands out suspensions to Belgium players Goor and Deflandre

World soccer #39;s governing body has handed out suspensions to Belgian internationals Bart Goor and Erik Deflandre after they were sent off in a recent World Cup qualifier against Spain, FIFA said Wednesday.


Biancone Says Azeri Will Win Classic

There are at least two trainers who think the correct move with Azeri is to run in the Breeders #39; Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr.


Chirac says Turkey #39;s EU bid  #39;not a done deal #39;

PARIS, Oct 27 (AFP) - French President Jacques Chirac said Wednesday that Turkey #39;s EU membership bid was  quot;not a done deal, quot; although he believed it was in Europe #39;s best interests, a government spokesman reported after a cabinet meeting.


Real, KDE Patch Security Flaws (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Holes in KOffice and RealPlayer allow attackers to take over a user's system.


Scientists Find Prehistoric Dwarf Skeleton (AP)

AP - In a breathtaking discovery, scientists working on a remote Indonesian island say they have uncovered the bones of a human dwarf species marooned for eons while modern man rapidly colonized the rest of the planet.


British Troops Head North for Mission Near Baghdad

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - British troops rolled north from Basra  Wednesday to take over a deadly area near Baghdad and free up  U.S. troops for a widely expected attack on the rebel-held city  of Falluja.


EDS offers early retirement to U.S. staffers

MIAMI - Electronic Data Systems Corp. (EDS) offered voluntary early retirement options to about 9,200, or 17 percent, of its U.S. employees, as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce costs, the company said Tuesday.


Midway losing ATA to bankruptcy

Tribune staff reporters Geoff Daugherty, Susan Chandler and Gary Washburn contributed to this story. Its financial situation steadily deteriorating, the parent of ATA


Comcast Q3 profits about what analysts expected

Comcast Corp. posted strong growth in high-speed Internet and digital cable customers during the third quarter. The Philadelphia-based cable TV and programming company #39;s profit was slightly below estimates and its revenue was slightly above them.


Sirius Losses Adding Up

For its third quarter ended Sept. 30, the New York satellite radio broadcaster lost \$169 million, or 14 cents a share. That compares with a year-ago loss of \$107 million, or 11 cents a share.


Oil Prices Boost Profit at ConocoPhillips (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil prices at record highs sent\quarterly profits up at ConocoPhillips  and two other\top U.S. producers on Wednesday.


Dell moves closer to Linux with SuSE deal

Dell and Novell have reached an agreement that will see Novell SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 receive certification on a selection of Dell PowerEdge servers.


Roundup: Penn State QB Mills may miss OSU game

Penn State starting quarterback Zack Mills may not play Saturday against Ohio State because of the lingering effects of a concussion.


Catch me if you can

By Will Lloyd. The college football season is two-thirds complete, yet it #39;s the last third of it that is sure to bring excitement and surprises, especially in the race to win the Heisman Trophy.


Officers Called Negligent on School Plot (AP)

AP - Prosecutors have charged three police officers with criminal negligence in the seizure last month of more than 1,000 hostages in a school in Beslan, officials said Wednesday.


Edwards: Bush Leads by 'Fear and Failure' (AP)

AP - Sen. John Edwards scolded President Bush on Wednesday for invoking the names of Democratic presidents and accused Bush of leading by "fear and failure."


9-Term Mayor in East Chicago, Ind., Loses (AP)

AP - Mayor Robert Pastrick will not finish his ninth term in office after conceding defeat in a court-mandated special Democratic primary ordered because of corruption allegations.


Study: Few corporations use anti-spyware tools

A third of respondents said that spyware has been on the rise in the past six months.


Prince Charles views reconstruction of Al-Aqsa pulpit in Jordan (AFP)

AFP - Britain's Prince Charles got a first-hand glimpse of the recreation of a pulpit for Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque on the second day of a visit to Jordan.


Oil Stumbles Over \$2 as U.S. Stocks Build

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell from near record peaks  on Wednesday after a sharp build in U.S. crude stocks spurred  traders to take profits.


Protesters Weld Shut Entrance to Brazil Nuclear HQ (Reuters)

Reuters - Greenpeace activists\welded shut the entrance to the headquarters of Brazil's state\nuclear power company on Tuesday and chained themselves\together in front of the building.


Summary: Human Ancestor Discovered (AP)

AP - THE DISCOVERY: The bones of a human dwarf species marooned on the remote Indonesian island of Flores between 95,000 and 12,000 years ago while modern humans rapidly developed elsewhere.


US rolls out most expensive jet

The US brings into service the first FA-22 Raptor, a stealth fighter rated as the most expensive jet in military history.


Ravens' Ogden to Miss Three to Four Weeks (AP)

AP - Baltimore Ravens tackle Jonathan Ogden is expected to miss three to four weeks with a pulled left hamstring, although the 2003 All-Pro player intends to shorten his absence by adhering to a rigorous rehabilitation program.


Bush Says Kerry Exploits Uncertainty on Lost Explosives

The president addressed the issue for the first time today, signaling that he saw its potential to hurt him on Nov. 2.


Boeing #39;s quarterly profits increase 78 per cent, raises 2004 <b>...</b>

US aerospace giant Boeing Co. reported a 78 per cent jump in third-quarter profits, buoyed by a strong defence business, as the company raised its estimate for full-year profits because of a favourable tax outlook.


Apple iTunes Rocks Europe

quot;We #39;re excited to bring the iTunes Music Store to even more music fans across Europe, and with this expansion we now reach customers in almost 70 percent of the global music market, quot; Apple #39;s Vice President of Applications Eddy Cue said.


quot;Hobbit quot; Discovered: Tiny Human Ancestor Found in Asia

The skeleton was found in the same sediment deposits on Flores that have also been found to contain stone tools and the bones of dwarf elephants, giant rodents, and Komodo dragons.


Could eclipse bring something spooky?

IR Feature Writer - 10/27/04. How superstitious are you? A little? Not at all? When the Earth #39;s shadow overtakes the moon tonight starting at 6:06 pm, superstition, in all its mystery, may be lurking just around the corner.


Google to back Microsoft browser foe?

The Web is filling up with rumors about an alliance between search giant and browser maker Firefox. LONDON (Reuters) - The Firefox browser is looking for allies in its quest to challenge Microsoft #39;s dominant


AOL Returns to Sender ID Support

October 27, 2004 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- According to a report by Internetnews.com, America Online (aol.com) has reversed course and returned to the Microsoft-backed (microsoft.


Expedition 9 Lands Safely

Summary - (Oct 24, 2004) The ninth crew to man the International Space Station safely returned to Earth on Saturday. Commander Gennady Padalka and NASA Science Officer Mike Fincke landed in the steppes of


Owen Beaming From Real Big Week

Real Madrid forward Michael Owen was in the mood to celebrate after his midweek goal against Leganes completed a rare seven day hat trick of scoring La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey winners.


Argos rule weekly CFL awards

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Led by linebacker Mike O #39;Shea and kick return specialist Bashir Levingston, the Toronto Argonauts dominated voting for this week #39;s CFL player of the week awards.


Packers #39; Green highlights NFC Players of the Week

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and Arizona Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers were named the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for Week 7 of


Gators ready to  #39;circle the wagons #39;

Motivating college athletes to maintain a similar level of intensity during each and every game is one of biggest challenges for a college football coach.


The China Post

The Asian Wall Street Journal yesterday described US Secretary of State Colin Powell #39;s support of Taiwan #39;s eventual reunification with China as a  quot;slip-up, quot; when most Taiwanese have rejected it.


Blockbuster Posts Loss. Shares Plunge

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Blockbuster Inc. BBI.N on Wednesday  posted a quarterly operating profit well below analysts'  estimates even before \$1.5 billion in one-time charges, as it  faced falling movie rental demand and higher costs to counter  competition.


10 facts you should know about outsourcing

The shipment of jobs overseas is one of the most pressing economic issues of the presidential campaign. Here are 10 key facts of the matter.\


Inside Dell's manufacturing mecca

For manufacturing fanatics, a tour of Dell's facility is sort of like visiting Stonehenge. Here's where direct fulfillment took flight.


Egypt authorizes new party for only third time in 27 years (AFP)

AFP - The government approved the creation of a political party headed by a young ambitious lawyer, in only the third time that a new party was authorized in Egypt in almost three decades.


Georgia makes secret wealth offer

Georgia's new president is offering a tax amnesty for people who hid earnings under the previous regime in an effort to boost the country's crumbling economy.


Flying Finn Given Two Years for Aggravated Assault

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Former Finnish ski jumping star Matti  Nykanen was sentenced to 2 years in jail after a court found  him guilty of aggravated assault on Wednesday, the chief  prosecutor said.


Google snaps up digital mapping company

Search enabler Google Inc. said Wednesday it acquired digital mapping company Keyhole Corp. for an undisclosed sum.


Google buys map provider Keyhole

Internet search company Google Inc. has acquired Keyhole Corp., a supplier of online satellite maps that allow users to zoom down to street level to specific locations, Google said Wednesday.


Sony #39;s new handheld video game system PSP to enter market in Dec.

TOKYO, Oct 27, 2004 (Kyodo via COMTEX) -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. said Wednesday it will release its new handheld video game system PlayStation Portable on Dec. 12 for the Japanese market.


Ballmer Confronts Linux Head-On

Microsoft CEO tells customers that Windows carries lower total costs and is more secure than the open-source operating system. By John Foley.


Spencer arrested while police try to serve warrant on son

NASCAR driver Jimmy Spencer was arrested and accused of interfering with police officers as they attempted to serve a warrant on his son.


VIRGINIA TECH NOTES

ADIBI IS EAGER: Xavier Adibi, the redshirt freshman linebacker who will return to the Virginia Tech lineup tomorrow night (7:45) when the 22nd-ranked Hokies play at Georgia Tech, said he #39;s confident that his injured right arm won #39;t give him further


Broncos' Griffin Done for the Season (Reuters)

Reuters - Denver Broncos\running back Quentin Griffin will miss the remainder of the\season after being placed on injured reserve Wednesday with a\knee injury.


AU Optronics Reports Lower Profit in 3Q (AP)

AP - AU Optronics Corp., which makes liquid crystal display panels used for computer and TV screens, on Wednesday reported lower third-quarter earnings and cut its forecast for the full year as prices fall for the display panels.


Nets Waive Damone Brown, Darius Rice (AP)

AP - Free agent forwards Damone Brown and Darius Rice were waived by the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday.


ZIMBABWE: ZCTU condemns deportation of COSATU delegation

HARARE, 27 October (IRIN) - The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) on Wednesday condemned the deportation of a 14-member South African labour delegation that had arrived in the country on a fact-finding mission.


Broncos' Griffin Done for the Season

ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (Sports Network) - Denver Broncos  running back Quentin Griffin will miss the remainder of the  season after being placed on injured reserve Wednesday with a  knee injury.


US rolls out most expensive jet

The US brings into service the first FA-22 Raptor, a stealth fighter rated as the most expensive jet in history.


Golf: Donald Sets Sights on 3rd European Title

SOTOGRANDE, Spain (Reuters) - Britain's Luke Donald, twice  a winner on this year's European Tour, can break into Europe's  top 10 for 2004 if he can triumph in the season-ending Volvo  Masters at Valderrama this week.


America West Posts Loss, More Losses Loom

CHICAGO (Reuters) - America West Holdings Corp. AWA.N on  Wednesday posted a third-quarter loss and forecast losses going  forward as soaring fuel prices, weak revenue and excess  industry capacity broke a stream of profits at the parent of  America West Airlines.


Will Bad News Be Bad for Bush in Election? (Reuters)

Reuters - President Bush has been dogged by a\spate of bad news in the final days of the presidential\campaign but it is unclear whether that will sway enough voters\to affect the election outcome.


Japan to Keep Troops in Iraq Despite Hostage Case

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi  said Wednesday he would not withdraw troops from Iraq despite a  threat by a militant group to behead a Japanese hostage within  48 hours unless Tokyo pulled its forces out.


Wikinews And The Growing Wikimedia Empire

After almost two months of deliberation and voting, the Wikimedia Foundation has now officially launched the Wikinews project in English and German editions. More languages will follow soon. Wikinews aims to be to news media what Wikipedia is to encyclopedias: a free, comprehensive and, eventually, reliable source of information, collaboratively created by volunteers around the planet.  Wikinews explicitly allows original reporting, making it somewhat similar to Indymedia, while adhering to a strict Neutral Point of View policy.    Read on to find out what the Wikimedia community has accomplished so far, what challenges it faces, and how Wikinews can become successful.


Injury Sidelines Broncos' Griffin for Year

Denver running back Quentin Griffin is out for the year. The team placed Griffin on injured reserve Wednesday, two days after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a 23-10 loss at Cincinnati.


European Tour Investigating Ballesteros

The European tour is investigating Seve Ballesteros, who is accused of assaulting another Spanish golfer off the course during an amateur tournament last month.


Merger fanfare short-lived with downgrades

WASHINGTON-The fanfare surrounding final government approval of Cingular Wireless LLC #39;s \$41 billion acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc.


Oil prices decline on rise in US crude inventories

NEW YORK, October 27 (newratings.com) - Crude oil prices declined sharply today after the US weekly inventory data revealed a higher-than-expected increase in crude oil inventories last week.


Black  amp; Decker Q3 earns leap 51

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) - Black  amp; Decker on Wednesday reported a 51 percent surge in third-quarter earnings reflecting strong demand in Dewalt and Price Pfister brands despite a slide in the company #39;s namesake product line.


New-home sales up surprise 3.5 in Sept.

New-home sales surged unexpectedly in September, climbing 3.5, as low mortgage rates attracted buyers, a government report showed Wednesday.


Major Water Main Break Floods Street

Oct. 27 (BCN) - Fremont Boulevard was reopened at approximately 4:30 am after a water main break flooded an estimated ten million gallons of water over Fremont #39;s Centerville District Tuesday night, according to the Alameda County Water District.


Google Unfolds 3D Mapping Acquisition

Augmenting its technology assets and pushing into subscription services, Google (Quote, Chart) announced today that it has acquired digital mapping specialist Keyhole for an undisclosed sum.


Dell to Offer SuSE Linux-Based PowerEdge Servers

Dell Inc. and Novell Inc. announced Wednesday an agreement between the two companies to distribute Novell #39;s SuSE Linux distribution preinstalled on single- and dual-processor Dell PowerEdge servers.


Ont. puts parents on notice about new video game

TORONTO -- Attention, Ontario parents: there may be a skull-cracking, car-stealing thug in your living room. Jim Watson, the province #39;s consumer and business services minister, put parents on notice Wednesday


Jonathan #39;s Space Report No. 537 - October 27, 2004

Soyuz TMA-5 docked with the Pirs module on Oct 16 at 0416 UTC. Sharipov, Chiao, Shargin, Padalka and Fincke spent a week aboard the Station and at 1814 UTC on Oct 23 Padalka, Fincke and Shargin entered Soyuz


McGrath puts Australia in command; India 146/5

NAGPUR: On his first real day at the office in his 100th Test match, Glenn McGrath showed why he ranks among cricket #39;s all-time greats.


Top officials to assess preparations

A delegation of top Olympic officials arrived in Beijing on Wednesday with a clear message for its hosts: Preparation is the key to successfully hosting the 2008 Games.


Hungry Bayern now second

BAYERN Munich moved to within one point of the summit of the German league Bundesliga with a 2-0 win over leaders Wolfsburg. Claudio Pizarro opened his account for the season with a brace on 24 and 45 minutes


FIFA launch plan to ensure top refereeing

FIFA, determined that the refereeing at the 2006 World Cup finals will be the best ever, are launching an 18-month campaign to ensure the world #39;s top referees are fully prepared for the finals in Germany.


The Kashmir flashpoint

The current mindset in Pakistan appears to be flexible on the Kashmir issue. Similarly, flexibility is needed from the Indian side.


Nigerian Woman Appeals Stoning Sentence

Eighteen year-old Hajara Ibrahim waits at the court waiting room while a police officers stands guard in Dass, 40 km (25 miles) south of the state capital Bauchi Nigeria, Wednesday Oct. 27, 2004.


Livewire: Today's Pop Stars in It for the URLs (Reuters)

Reuters - British rock band Marillion has gone a step further. Since\striking off on its own in 2000, the band has used its online\site, http://marillion.com, to raise over 500,000 pounds\( #36;913,200) from fans to finance its last two albums and support\its first North American tour since 1995.


Police: Driver Tried to Run Over Florida Rep. Harris (Reuters)

Reuters - A Florida motorist was arrested Wednesday\on charges of trying to run down U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris at\an intersection where the controversial former state elections\chief was campaigning for re-election to Congress.


Arm collaborates with Philips on low-power processor

LONDON - U.K. semiconductor design company Arm Ltd. is teaming with a division of Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV to develop a self-timed processor that promises low-power consumption and easy integration for use in smart cards and consumer electronics.


Cingular is US #39;s Largest Carrier Now

Cingular Wireless said it has completed its previously announced merger with AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc., creating the US #39;s biggest wireless carrier with the largest digital voice and data network in the country.


Confidence index hits 7-month low

Consumers worried about job prospects. Raises questions about whether Americans will be in spending mood during holidays. Worries about job prospects sent consumer confidence in the United States to a seven


Sales of Handheld Devices Dip for Third Straight Quarter

The report blames a drop in shipments from market leader palmOne and market consolidation highlighted by a near complete exit of top vendors Sony and Toshiba from international competition.


Thousands of Volkswagen workers walk out as company might have to <b>...</b>

Volkswagen and its union traded threats Wednesday ahead of renewed wage talks, with several thousand workers staging short work stoppages and the German carmaker #39;s personnel chief warning of dramatic job cuts if the company doesn #39;t get cost


Renault determined to quit F1

quot;We have not reached an agreement with Bernie Ecclestone, and we are absolutely not ready to accept that there is not a better redistribution among the teams of the money generated by F1, quot; Faure said.


Injury Sidelines Broncos #39; Griffin for Year

DENVER - Denver running back Quentin Griffin is out for the year. The team placed Griffin on injured reserve Wednesday, two days after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a 23-10 loss at Cincinnati.


Ryder Cup reunion at Valderrama

Europe #39;s Ryder Cup team is having a reunion this week at Valderrama. All 12 members of the team which beat the United States at Oakland Hills last month are playing in the European tour #39;s season-ending Volvo Masters.


China Rejects Powell Call for Dialogue with Taiwan

China rejected on Wednesday Secretary of State Colin Powell #39;s call to resume dialogue with Taipei, saying Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian #39;s overtures


City, local biz on hook for ATA failure

Chicago and its business community may take a harder hit from Tuesdays bankruptcy filing by ATA Holdings Corp. than the troubled airlines hometown of Indianapolis, a court document shows.


Labor market haunts consumer confidence

Consumer confidence tumbled for the third consecutive month in October, private research group The Conference Board reported Tuesday.


US commercial oil inventories up last week

The commercial stocks of crude oil in the United States surged by 4.0 million barrels to 283.4 million barrels in the week ending on October 22, near the lower end of average


Georgia makes secret wealth offer

Georgia is offering a one-off  #39;tax amnesty #39; to people who hid their earnings under the regime of former president Eduard Shevardnadze.


Workers of Germany #39;s VW hold major protests ahead of wage talks

Thousands of workers of German car giant Volkswagen on Wednesday held demonstrations ahead of a crucial round of wage talks. The company #39;s works council said Wednesday that about


Scientists Pore Over Pictures Of Saturns Mysterious Moon

NASAs Cassini spacecraft pierced some of the thick veil of haze that hides Saturns giant moon at 8:25 pm CDT Tuesday as it passed within 750 miles of Titan.


Scientists Discover Ancient  #39;Little People #39;

Scientists have discovered a tiny species of ancient human that lived 18,000 years ago on an isolated island east of the Java Sea -- a prehistoric hunter in a  quot;lost world quot; of giant lizards and miniature elephants.


Finland fires national hockey coach

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Raimo Summanen, who signed a three-year deal through 2006 to coach Finland #39;s national hockey team, has been relieved of his duties.


Mikelsons: ATA Founder Has Grim Duty In Bankruptcy Filing

As Delta Air Lines (nyse: DAL - news - people ) agonizes over whether to seek the shelter of Chapter 11, ATA Holdings (nasdaq: ATAH - news - people ) beat them to the punch.


Boeing Profit Up 78 Pct., Raises Forecast

Boeing Co. on Wednesday topped Wall Street expectations with a 78 percent jump in quarterly profit on strength in its defense operations, and raised its earnings forecast for 2004.


Sony #39;s October surprise

NEW YORK (CNN/Money ) - In recent weeks, analysts and pundits have filled the air with speculation that Sony would be forced to delay its entry in the handheld gaming market.


Azeri in a Breeders #39; Cup Classic Gamble

Azeri, Horse of the Year in 2002 and a near certainty for the Distaff Race in the Breeders #39; Cup at Lone Star Park Saturday, is to run instead in the tougher but much more prestigious \$4 million Classic.


Thai Prime Minister admits army made mistakes

PATTANI - Thailand #39;s Government faced withering criticism after nearly 80 Muslims suffocated to death while in Army custody, with one newspaper blaming the tragedy on the Prime Minister #39;s  quot;flawed quot; leadership.


Azeri in a Breeders' Cup Classic Gamble

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (Reuters) - Azeri, Horse of the Year  in 2002 and a near certainty for the Distaff Race in the  Breeders' Cup at Lone Star Park Saturday, is to run instead in  the tougher but much more prestigious \$4 million Classic.


Anger at greenhouse 'climbdown'

A cap on industrial carbon dioxide emissions is to be cut back by the government, angering green groups.


At wireless show, it's Yahoo vs. Google

Yahoo adds a search feature for cell phones, following a similar move by Google. Also:  Start-up Seven gets addicted to Java.


Dot-Com Business Plan Archive

David Kirsch will be online to talk about research at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business to preserve records from the dot-com era of the late 1990s.


Medical Journal to Be Available Online (AP)

AP - A new online medical journal will make its research articles available to the public free of charge and accessible through the Internet.


Bush's Campaign Site Reported Blocking (AP)

AP - U.S. President George W. Bush's official campaign Web site has blocked access to foreign Web surfers since Monday, an Internet monitoring company said Wednesday.


Hungary Bans Paprika; National Dish a Health Risk (Reuters)

Reuters - Hungary on Wednesday ordered food\retailers to withdraw all products containing paprika, the\fiery red spice that is an essential ingredient in the\Hungarian national dish, goulash.


Samsung Electronics develops world's highest-capacity SRAM chip (AFP)

AFP - South Korea's Samsung Electronics said it has developed the world's highest-capacity SRAM (static random access memory) chip for high-performance networking systems.


Newmont Strikes Gold, Profits, Costs Up

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The world's largest gold producer,  Newmont Mining Corp. NEM.N, said on Wednesday that higher  gold prices drove up quarterly profit by 12.5 percent, even  though it sold less of the precious metal.


Hungary Bans Paprika; National Dish a Health Risk

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary on Wednesday ordered food  retailers to withdraw all products containing paprika, the  fiery red spice that is an essential ingredient in the  Hungarian national dish, goulash.


Fed: High oil constrains spending

Reports from Federal Reserve districts say economy is growing but energy prices have cut spending. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The US economy kept on growing in September and early October, even as higher prices


New home sales rise

The US Commerce Department said Wednesday sales of new homes rose 3.5 percent in September to a 1.206 million annual rate, the third-highest pace on record.


A Saturn moon with echoes of Earth

The Cassini spacecraft, in a dramatic flyby of the Saturn moon Titan, has sent back images of an alien expanse that has many of the hallmarks of a young Earth before the rise of organic life some 3 billion years ago.


Google buys digital mapping company

Search enabler Google Inc. said Wednesday it acquired digital mapping company Keyhole Corp. for an undisclosed sum. Keyhole maintains a multiterabyte database of digital images of geographic locations, culled from satellite and aerial snapshots.


SanDisk intros higher capacity Memory Sticks, more

SanDisk Corp. on Tuesday introduced new high-end capacities of 4GB, 1GB and 2GB for its Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Pro Duo and SD storage cards, respectively, as well as an increase to 512MB for its miniSD and RS-MMC media for cell phones.


Spanish MP3 site owner to pay RIAA \$10m

Four men who attempted to use what they believed was a loophole in Spanish law to allow them to sell MP3s online legally, along with the company behind the site they ran, have agreed to pay music labels \$10.


Ferguson comes to Vogts #39;s aid

Scotland #39;s run of poor results could not be blamed solely on manager Berti Vogts, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claimed.


Germany to kick off 2006 World Cup

Host Germany will kick off the 2006 World Cup, even though its coach didn #39;t want the honor. FIFA said Wednesday that Germany will play the opening match June 9, 2006, in Munich.


Green, Rackers, Rogers earn NFC honors

(Oct. 27, 2004) -- Running back Ahman Green of the Green Bay Packers, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers of the Detroit Lions and kicker Neil Rackers of the Arizona Cardinals are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and


Three police officials charged over Beslan hostage taking

MOSCOW - Russian prosecutors have charged three senior police officials with negligence over the Beslan school hostage taking, the Interfax news agency reported Wednesday.


Darfur talks falter over security

Talks to find a solution to the Darfur crisis in Sudan are abruptly postponed, as the security situation worsens.


Gonzaga Coach Leaving

Gonzaga's Don Smith, one of the area's most successful area soccer coaches over the past two decades, will retire at the end of the season.


Yahoo Unveils Mobile Search, Google Rivalry Rages

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Internet media company Yahoo Inc.  YHOO.O on Wednesday launched its Web search service aimed at  mobile phone users in the United States, opening a new front in  its rivalry with Internet search leader Google Inc. GOOG.O


NCAA Places Mississippi State on Probation (AP)

AP - Mississippi State was placed on probation by the NCAA for four years, stripped of eight scholarships over the next two seasons and banned from postseason play this season because of recruiting violations.


Yahoo Unveils Mobile Search, Google Rivalry Rages (Reuters)

Reuters - Internet media company Yahoo Inc.\ on Wednesday launched its Web search service aimed at\mobile phone users in the United States, opening a new front in\its rivalry with Internet search leader Google Inc.


Survivor recognises accused in Best Bakery case (Reuters)

Reuters - A survivor of a massacre during Hindu-Muslim riots in Gujarat in 2002 told a court on Wednesday he recognised seven men from the night of the attack accused of killing 14 people by hacking or burning them to death.


US economy 'continued to expand'

The US economy has continued to grow in September and early October, but was hampered by record oil prices, a report from the Federal Reserve shows.


Musharraf arrives in UK for talks

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf arrives in London to hold talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.


Wireless Utopia

\\In light of the new Treo release  from yesterday I've been thinking a lot\about wireless, bluetooth, and mobile devices.\\Its obvious to many that the future involves persistent connection.  Why would\you ever want to be off the Internet?  I want my cell phone to support IP and\the ability to connect to my laptop.\\Bluetooth gives me this now but VOIP will give it to me in the future.  Why do I\need cell phone with service from Sprint when I can use Skype or SIP?\\Thers no reason I couldn't have both my laptop and cell permanently connected to\the Net.  When my laptop isn't within range of a decent WiFi signal it can\revert to using my cell phone.\\You could then IM me or VOIP me at any time ...\\


Local effect of ATA woes unknown

Key to bankruptcy filing is ATAs plan to sell most of its Chicago Midway operations to AirTran. By Linda Lipp. After months of speculation, ATA Holdings, parent of ATA Airlines, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday.


Beige Book shows growth, despite energy tab

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- The economy grew in most regions of the United States in September and early October, despite signs that higher energy costs are beginning to bite, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday.


Fed: High Energy Costs Curbed Spending (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. economy kept growing in\September and early October, even as higher prices for energy\put a crimp in consumer and business spending, the Federal\Reserve said on Wednesday.


Small relatives may add layer to human history

Detailing  quot;a new and surprising twig quot; on the human family tree, scientists report Thursday they #39;ve discovered the remains of a clan of tiny human relatives, standing about 30 inches tall, that


SanDisk Bumps Up SD and MS Pro Capacities

SanDisk at CTIA introduced the world #39;s largest capacities of Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD cards with 4-gigabyte (GB), 1GB and 2GB capacities respectively.


Pak, Sri Lanka lock horns in Karachi Test today

KARACHI, October 28 (Online): Bruised and battered Pakistan Cricket team will take on Sri Lanka to avenge the defeat of first test in final and decisive test of two match series here at National Cricket Stadium today (Thursday).


Broncos will lose Griffin for year

Denver Broncos running back Quentin Griffin #39;s strange season came to an end Tuesday when the team #39;s worst concerns were realized.


FIFA to boost referee training for 2006 World Cup

International soccer #39;s governing body said Wednesday it plans to boost training for the referees who will handle matches at the 2006 World Cup.


Fed's Beige Book says oil price curbs spending (AFP)

AFP - The US economy is expanding but the performance is patchy as roaring energy prices begin to stifle spending, the Federal Reserve's Beige Book survey showed.


Does Your Car Have a Spy in the Engine?

An event data recorder is the automotive equivalent of the black boxes used to reconstruct plane crashes.


When the Car Beside You Is an XXX Theater

While many drivers entertain back-seat passengers with DVD's like "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," a surprising number choose racier fare.


Yahoo search goes mobile

Yahoo Inc. for the first time is letting mobile phone users query its search engine, giving them access to conventional Web results, local business listings and related information, as well as images, such as pictures and maps, the company said Wednesday.


Cingular/AT T Wireless: Now for Integration (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - The US #36;41 billion merger of Cingular Wireless and AT T Wireless Services (NYSE: AWE) is the largest so far in the U.S. wireless telecom industry.


Open Source Makes Do-It-Yourself CRM Possible (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - For years, companies large and small have been convinced that if they want the sophisticated functionality of enterprise-class software like ERP and CRM systems, they must buy pre-packaged applications. And, to a large extent, that remains true.


Symantec Unveils Security Strategy (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - Symantec (Nasdaq: SYMC) has launched a new strategy for enterprise I.T. security that is designed to help businesses manage and protect the massive\amounts of digital information on their networks.


iTunes Music Store Blankets EU (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - Apple Computer (Nasdaq: AAPL) announced Tuesday the expansion of its well-received iTunes Music Store to nine additional European Union countries. The European version of the online store has been available in the UK, France and Germany since June.


\

 SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Internet media company Yahoo Inc.\<YHOO.O> on Wednesday launched its Web search service aimed at\mobile phone users in the United States, opening a new front in\its rivalry with Internet search leader Google Inc. <GOOG.O>


Anheuser-Busch: World's Drinking More Bud

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. BUD.N, the  largest U.S. brewer, said on Wednesday quarterly profit rose  due to price increases on brands such as Bud Light and strong  growth in its international business, which benefited from the  acquisition of Harbin Brewery in China.


Eli Lilly Acquires Rights to Sleep Drug

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Eli Lilly and Co. said on Wednesday it  has acquired exclusive worldwide rights to an insomnia drug  being developed by Germany's Merck KGaA.


ATP Plans 'Safe Supplements'

LONDON (Reuters) - Tennis chiefs will next year offer  professional players on the men's tour a range of "safe  supplements," the BBC reported Wednesday.


Light-Based Net May Mean Blazing Connections (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - If -- as Einstein proclaimed -- nothing can travel faster than the speed of light, then a supercharged Internet based entirely on light might be a great way to move mounting reams of digital data.


XM, Delphi Deliver Handheld Satellite Radio (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - Satellite radio provider XM Radio has hooked up with hardware\manufacturer Delphi (NYSE: DPH) on a portable device that moves the emerging\entertainment service out of the car and into the hands of users.


Signs Point to Imminent Showdown in Iraq (AP)

AP - An uptick in airstrikes and other military moves point to an imminent showdown between U.S. forces and Sunni Muslim insurgents west of Baghdad  #151; a decisive battle that could determine whether the campaign to bring democracy and stability to Iraq can succeed.


Japan Shocked, Perplexed Over Iraq Hostage (AP)

AP - Shosei Koda did not go to Iraq to distribute aid, reconstruct the country or strike it rich in the oil business. He was not connected with Japan's government or its armed forces.


Europe OKs OracleSoft

A favorable ruling and an uneventful civil trial could mean Oracle and PeopleSoft begin bargaining.


Prosecutor: Merrill Lynch, Enron Execs Conspired

Four former Merrill Lynch and Co. executives and two former midlevel Enron executives conspired to push through a sham sale of barges in 1999 because they didn't think they'd get caught, a prosecutor said Wednesday.


Google Buys Digital Mapping Company

Search company cuts price of Keyhole LT mapping software by more than half.


Hungary Bans Sale of Paprika (AP)

AP - Hungary banned the sale of its signature spice, paprika, on Wednesday and told people not to use whatever supplies they had at home after more than a pinch of moldy toxin was found in products sold by three companies.


Al-Qaida Magazine Appeals to Iraq Fighters (AP)

AP - An online al-Qaida magazine is urging Sunni Muslim fighters in Iraq to join hands with Osama bin Laden to defeat its enemies.


Bush campaign website inaccessible from outside US (AFP)

AFP - President George W. Bush's campaign website was inaccessible from outside the United States.


ATA Airlines files for bankruptcy protection

Indianapolis-based ATA Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection today. The airline has one of its major hubs at Chicago #39;s Midway Airport.


Oil prices curb spending - Beige Book

The US economy is expanding but the performance appears patchy as soaring energy prices stifle spending in many regions, the Federal Reserve #39;s Beige Book survey showed tonight.


Affiliated Managers 3Q Profit Edges Up

Investment management company Affiliated Managers Group Inc. said Wednesday that third-quarter profit rose 3 percent as expenses and challenges with high-cap funds offset sharp revenue growth.


Durable goods up slightly

Overall demand for long-lasting goods below estimates, but ex-transportation orders show solid gain. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Orders for long-lasting goods rose in September, the government reported Wednesday


Google Buys Digital Mapping Firm Keyhole

According to Google, current Keyhole users will benefit from the expanded resources and operational scale made possible by the company #39;s integration into Google.


Yahoo battles Google for the cell phone

SAN FRANCISCO--Yahoo added a search feature for cell phones Tuesday, just a few weeks after rival Google launched one of its own. While Google SMS (Short Message Service) uses text-only messages to deliver


Sandisk Doubles Capacity Of Small Form Factor Memory Cards

SanDisk Corp. has doubled the maximum capacities of its SanDisk miniSD and SanDisk RS-MMC memory cards to 512 megabytes. The popular cards are used in a variety of electronic


Microsoft Previews Vision of  #39;Software Factories #39;

The tools are aimed at giving developers succinct representations of various Web applications, using detailed graphics that represent software components and helping developers to build better


Bonds #39; 700th homer ball draws bid topping \$800,000

Barry Bonds #39; 700th home run ball brought a top bid of \$804,129 Wednesday after a 10-day online auction. The ball had received 240 offers by the time Overstock.


Goor will fight five-game FIFA ban

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- Belgium captain Bart Goor plans to appeal against a five game ban imposed on Wednesday after he was sent off for spitting at Spain #39;s Xavi earlier this month.


2-Year-Old Boy Rescued After Japan Quake

TOKYO Oct 27, 2004 - In a dramatic rescue shown on live TV, a 2-year-old boy was pulled out alive Tuesday after four days trapped inside his family #39;s minivan, buried by an earthquake-induced landslide.


US Soldier Killed, Japan Threatened to Leave Iraq, British Troops <b>...</b>

. British troops moved north from Basra Wednesday to take over a deadly area near Baghdad and free up US troops for a possible attack on Falluja.


EU Trio, Iran Fail to Reach Nuke Deal

VIENNA (Reuters) - France, Britain and Germany on Wednesday  failed to persuade Iran to scrap a program that could give it  the capacity to build nuclear weapons but both sides agreed to  meet again soon.


Wall Street Jumps as Oil Prices Fall

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks surged on Wednesday as  steep oil prices, which have held investor enthusiasm for  stocks in check for months, eased almost 5 percent after a  higher-than-expected rise in crude inventories last week.  NYMEX December crude CLZ4, which on Monday hit an all-time  high of \$55.67, settled \$2.71 lower at \$52.46 a barrel after  falling as low as \$52.10 -- more than a \$3 drop. Stock market  investors dislike high oil prices because they cut into  consumer spending and corporate profits.


Dollar Springs Higher as Oil Prices Slump

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar rallied sharply on  Wednesday, erasing earlier losses, after oil prices plunged \$3  per barrel on news of a bigger-than-expected build in U.S.  crude oil supplies.


Update 2: Prosecutor: Execs Conspired on Sham Sale

Four former Merrill Lynch and Co. executives and two former midlevel Enron executives conspired to push through a sham sale of barges in 1999 because they didn #39;t think they #39;d get caught, a prosecutor said Wednesday.


Growing plans: AC #39;s newest casino plans big addition

A winner with gamblers, Borgata Hotel Casino  amp; Spa wants to make room to accommodate more of them. The 2,010-room casino hotel, which is to break ground on a \$200 million


Treasuries Dive as Oil Drops Below \$53

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices slid on Wednesday  as a major retreat in oil markets removed a key impetus for the  recent rally in bonds.


Photo: XM's portable satellite radio

XM Satellite Radio Holdings  introduced a handheld portable version of its satellite radio.


A Small Jewel of a Company

Blue Nile dominates its niche and offers growth and a clean balance sheet.


Activision Nails Second Quarter

The video game publisher blows away expectations and ups the ante for fiscal 2005.


Sonoco: Which Side Is Up?

The packaging firm's P/E looks reasonable, but free cash flow has dried up.


Compuware looks to cut risks in apps deployment

Compuware this week is upgrading its Vantage application service management software to highlight predictive analysis and performance assessment.


Bulldogs Get Punished

The NCAA places Mississippi State on probation for four years because of recruiting violations and bans them from postseason play this year.


Compuware looks to cut risks in apps deployment (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Compuware this week is upgrading its Vantage application service management software to highlight predictive analysis and performance assessment.


Israeli TV Says Arafat Health Has Worsened

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli television said on Wednesday  that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's health had  deteriorated.


Israeli TV Says Arafat Health Has Worsened (Reuters)

Reuters - Israeli television said on Wednesday\that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's health had\deteriorated.


Low-Fare Airline, ATA, Seeks Bankruptcy Protection

OCTOBER 27, 2004 -- Indianapolis, Ind. -- ATA Airlines yesterday filed for bankruptcy protection, the first domestic, low-fare airline to go the way of several traditional air carriers.


S amp;P raises rating on AT amp;T Wireless Services

Standard  amp; Poor #39;s on Wednesday raised its ratings on AT amp;T Wireless Services following its acquisition by Cingular Wireless, a joint venture of SBC Communications Inc.


JoCo consumer confidence rises again

Johnson County consumers were more confident in October than last month and October 2003, County Economic Research Institute Inc. said.


US economy  #39;continued to expand #39;

The US economy has continued to grow in September and early October, but was hampered by record oil prices, a report from the Federal Reserve has shown.


Google Buys Digital Mapping Company

Search enabler Google says it has acquired digital mapping company Keyhole for an undisclosed sum. Keyhole maintains a multiterabyte database of digital images of geographic locations, culled from satellite and aerial snapshots.


John Snow concedes  #39;deficits matter #39;

US Treasury Secretary John Snow conceded Wednesday that government  quot;deficits matter, quot; but said an improving economy already is beginning to reduce red ink in the federal budget.


Boyd Reaps Its Winnings

The chips are stacked so high that it #39;s becoming difficult to see the dealer. Boyd Gaming (NYSE: BYD) is on a roll. Its stock has doubled since February, and its most recent earnings have exceeded expectations.


Socks, Photos, and Rock n Roll

Last week, I received an e-mail that read Steve Jobs, Bono and The Edge invite you to attend a special event. (Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton were indifferent about my attendance, I guess


New find raises questions about earliest humans

LONDON - Modern humans began dominating the world far earlier than thought, according to anthropologists who say they #39;ve discovered fossils of a new human dwarf species.


Lunar Eclipse Expected Tonight

Forecasts for mostly cloudy skies in the Washington area this evening could thwart hopes of seeing tonight #39;s lunar eclipse. But Elizabeth Warner, director of the University of Maryland Observatory


Energised Henman downs Dupuis

Basel - Two-time Swiss Indoors champion Tim Henman bounced back from his disappointing Madrid Masters performance last week to ease through his first round match at the ATP event here on Wednesday, overwhelming Frenchman Antony Dupuis 6-3, 6-4.


Lukas emphasizes his past success with females against males

In rationalizing the decision to enter Azeri in the \$4-million Breeders Cup Classic (G1), trainer D. Wayne Lukas emphasized his past success in starting females against males.


Darfur situation "unbelievably horrible": UN goodwill ambassador Jolie (AFP)

AFP - Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie said the situation in Darfur was  quot;unbelievably horrible quot; and that security remained a major problem, after a tour of Sudan's war-torn region.


Boeing Quarterly Profit Up 78 Percent

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Boeing Co. BA.N on Wednesday posted  a 78 percent jump in quarterly earnings that beat Wall Street  forecasts as stronger demand for its military networking and  weapons systems helped offset a decline in commercial airplane  revenue.


From SANs to SATAs, storage vendors continue product march (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Storage companies continued to demonstrate a wealth of new products and technologies Wednesday at the Storage Networking World in Orlando.


O'Connor Extols Role of International Law (AP)

AP - Justice Sandra Day O'Connor extolled Wednesday the growing role of international law in U.S. courts, saying judges would be negligent if they disregarded its importance in a post-Sept. 11 world of heightened tensions.


British Troops Head North for Mission Near Baghdad

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - British troops and armor rolled north  from Basra on Wednesday to take over a deadly area near Baghdad  and free up U.S. troops for a widely expected attack on the  Iraqi rebel-held city of Falluja.


Gallagher's Mixed Bag

The insurance brokerage reports good earnings, but a subpoena sinks its stock.


Update 5: Boeing #39;s 3Q Profit Up on Military Sales

Burgeoning military sales lifted Boeing Co. to a 78 percent increase in third-quarter profits, its bottom line thriving despite the ethics scandals that have roiled the aerospace giant for the past year.


Engram's Ankle Injury Is Slow to Heal (AP)

AP - Receiver Bobby Engram's left ankle sprain is worse than initially believed, Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday.


Ballmer: Windows Safer than Linux

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer on Wednesday plunged headfirst into the controversial waters of comparing the benefits and advantages of the Windows platform with Unix and Linux in an executive e-mail he sent to customers, partners and subscribers.


Boston's Epstein on Verge of First Title (AP)

AP - In the tumult of the visitors' clubhouse at Yankee Stadium, champagne pouring all around him, Theo Epstein held a beer. "I came in and there was no champagne left," he said this week. "I said, 'I'll have champagne if we win it all.'" Get ready to pour a glass of bubbly for Epstein. No I.D. necessary.


80 Thai Muslims suffocate after arrest at protest

Almost 80 Muslim demonstrators arrested in southern Thailand suffocated after being crammed into army lorries, the Thai authorities admitted yesterday.


US downplays Allawi charge after massacre of recruits in Iraq

WASHINGTON, Oct 27 (AFP) - The United States downplayed Wednesday interim Iraqi prime minister Iyad Allawi #39;s charge of  quot;negligence quot; by members of the multinational force in Iraq after 49 recruits for Iraq #39;s new army were massacred.


Milosevic #39;s Lawyers Ask to Be Taken Off War Crimes Case

The lawyers who are defending Slobodan Milosevic have asked to be relieved of their duties, creating new hurdles for the troubled and drawn-out war crimes trial in The Hague.


Nepal ranks low in media freedom index

According to the Third Annual Worldwide Index of Press Freedom released in Paris yesterday by the Reporters Sans Frontiers, Nepal is 160th out of 167 countries, with Denmark at top and North Korea at the bottom.


Ryder Cup Holding Reunion at Valderrama (AP)

AP - Europe's Ryder Cup team is holding a reunion this week at Valderrama.


Oil Prices Fall Sharply on U.S. Inventories

Crude oil futures prices plummeted today, falling by nearly \$3 a barrel, as traders shelved concerns about tight winter-fuel supplies.


iPod chipmaker edges toward stock market

In a new filing, PortalPlayer says it expects to sell its stock for between \$11 and \$13 per share.


Sony sets price, date for PSP's Japan debut

The handheld game player's surprising pricing in Japan may indicate what the U.S. market can expect.


From SANs to SATAs, storage vendors continue product march

Storage companies continued to demonstrate a wealth of new products and technologies Wednesday at the Storage Networking World in Orlando.


Hedman - admitted he was lucky. (Getty Images)

Magnus Hedman admitted he was lucky not to hand Hibs a point on a day when nerves got the better of the Celtic goalkeeper. In the end he had two-goal hero John Hartson to thank for putting Celtic back on top


Newfoundland premier invokes historic grievance amid fight with Ottawa (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - ST. JOHN'S, Nfld. (CP) - Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams raised the spectre of the bungled Churchill Falls hydroelectric deal Wednesday as he tried to explain what is at stake in his province's battle with Ottawa over offshore energy revenues.


Caddie: Woods to Return to Top of Game (AP)

AP - A swing change, not romance, caused Tiger Woods to drop to No. 3 in the world rankings. That's the opinion of Woods' caddie, Steve Williams, who predicts a revival next year.


Study: Viagra Promising in Hypertension

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Viagra, Pfizer Inc's PFE.N famous  impotence treatment, demonstrated great promise in a late-stage  clinical trial for use in treating the often fatal disease  pulmonary arterial hypertension, researchers said.


Chile 'violates Indians' rights'

Chile is violating the rights of indigenous people by resorting to an outdated anti-terrorism law, a leading rights group says.


"Hobbit" Discovered: Tiny Human Ancestor Found in Asia

Scientists have found fossil skeletons of a human species that grew no larger than a three-year-old modern child. The species lived with pygmy elephants and Komodo dragons on a remote island in Indonesia.


Puffins Return to Scottish Island Famous for Curling Stones

For the first time in nearly a half-century, puffins are returning to Ailsa Craig. The Scottish island is already well-known in the sport of curling as world's the best source of curling stones.


Prairie Dogs Poisoned by U.S. in South Dakota

A politically charged program to poison prairie dogs has begun in South Dakota. Mixed in with the controversy is an endangered ferret and the rights of cattle ranchers.


Rare, "Weird" Snake Survives in Louisiana

One of the rarest snakes in the U.S., the Louisiana pine snake is relatively abundant on a tract of commercial forest in the state. Scientists hope to learn why.


Birding Column: Robins at a Pyracantha Party

Birder Mathew Tekulsky recalls how American robins and other species visited his California yard for a few weeks in January, when a pyracantha bush produced its ripe berries.


Yahoo follows Google; launches web search service for mobiles

NEW YORK, October 27 (newratings.com) - Global Internet media giant Yahoo! Inc (YHOO.NAS) has introduced specialized web search services targeted at the mobile phone users in the US, within weeks of the


Movie studios take sides in fight over DVD formats (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - Maybe you were out of town last week, or maybe you just weren't paying attention. That's OK. Here's a quick rundown of what you missed, culled from reports by our staff and wire services.


Saturn Moon #39;s Mysteries Deepen

Oct. 27, 2004 Humanity #39;s first look at the largest piece of unexplored real estate in the solar system raised more questions than answers among scientists on the Cassini Saturn project.


NASA-SGI Supercomputer Tops in Speed and Research

quot;It #39;s one hell of a system, quot; said Columbia project manager Bill Thigpen, who told TechNewsWorld the system is being submitted for a top spot on the upcoming Top500 Supercomputer list due next month.


CTIA Buzzers

The first two days at the CTIA Wireless IT  amp; Entertainment Show in San Francisco this week resonated with exciting industry announcements that some attendees say hasnt been seen in previous years.


Henman dispatches Dupuis

Tim Henman made light of his magnesium deficiency today to maul Antony Dupuis in straight sets in the first round of the Davidoff Swiss Masters.


Griffin Blows Knee---Out for the Season

In his second year with the Denver Broncos, former OU running back Quentin Griffin has suffered a season ending blown right knee. Out for the season----former OU running back Quentin Griffin who #39;s now in his second season with the Denver Broncos.


UPDATE 1-FIFA orders Germany to play World Cup opener

FIFA has ordered 2006 World Cup hosts Germany to play in the tournament #39;s opening match, dashing the hopes of their coach Juergen Klinsmann who wanted to delay his team #39;s first game to keep the pressure off his players.


Orders, House Data Shows Economy on Track

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. economic growth stayed on track  in September, with stronger durable goods orders and positive  news from the housing sector on Wednesday bolstering views the  Federal Reserve will raise interest rates again.


Tape: Hassan Urges British to Leave Iraq

Margaret Hassan, the kidnapped British director of CARE International, is seen in this image made from an undated video aired on Al-Jazeera television Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004.


US Federal Reserve #39;s Beige Book says oil price curbs spending

WASHINGTON : The US economy is expanding but the performance is patchy as roaring energy prices begin to stifle spending, the Federal Reserve #39;s Beige Book survey showed.


Nortel Delays Release of Financial Reports

Nortel Networks says it will again delay the release of its restated financial results. The Canadian telecom vendor originally promised to release the restated results in September.


Edwards Rips Into Perceived Moral Victor (AP)

AP - Earlier this week, Jets coach Herman Edwards said his team could take something positive from playing a close game with New England despite losing. But Edwards took a different tack Wednesday, railing against the perception the Jets took a moral victory from the 13-7 loss.


Agassi Makes Short Work of Vliegen

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Andre Agassi made short work of  Kristof Vliegen in his opening Stockholm Open match on  Wednesday, beating the Belgian 6-2, 6-4 in just over an hour.


Florida authorities searching 58,000 missing ballots (AFP)

AFP - Authorities in Florida were looking for 58,000 absentee ballots whose disappearance stirred renewed controversy in the state that held up the 2000 presidential election for five weeks.


Eagles' Westbrook Questionable Vs. the Ravens

PHILADELPHIA (Sports Network) - Philadelphia Eagles running  back Brian Westbrook is listed as questionable for Sunday's  game against Baltimore because of a rib fracture.


Arafat's Health Crisis Prompts Questions (AP)

AP - Yasser Arafat's latest health crisis  #151; a severe flu, gallstones, a battery of cancer tests  #151; has exposed how unprepared the Palestinians are for their leader's death, making a chaotic transition period all but inevitable.


House Race Turns Ugly in Colorado (AP)

AP - The race in Colorado's newest congressional district has turned ugly in the homestretch, with swastikas scrawled on the signs of Republican Rep. Bob Beauprez and deer entrails left on the doorstep of a Democrat.


Sony sets price, date for PlayStation Portable

In Japan, that is. The game player's surprising pricing there may indicate what the U.S. market can expect.


Economy growing despite energy costs, Fed says

The US economy continued to grow in September and early October despite rising energy costs and increased uncertainty caused by the presidential campaign, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday, in its last snapshot of business conditions


Update 1: Anheuser-Busch Earnings Rise, Meet Views

Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. reported a slight rise in third-quarter earnings Wednesday, despite a general slowdown in its beer business.


Wall Street crash barriers stay put

YESTERDAY - October 24 - was the 75th anniversary of the first day of the 1929 Wall Street Crash. As Professor JK Galbraith noted:  #39;That day 12,894,650 shares changed hands, many of them at prices which shattered


Will Tellabs Push Its Luck?

Investors might be willing to forgive Tellabs (Nasdaq: TLAB) for missing expectations on its latest Q3 earnings. These things happen, especially when there are extenuating circumstances.


Cassini-Huygens Sends Ghostly Images from Titan

The Cassini-Huygens spacecraft on Tuesday returned the first close-up glimpses of Titan, one of Saturn #39;s moons. Mission controllers at NASA #39;s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena unveiled ghostly images from the flyby Tuesday night.


Apple Computer  quot;buy, quot; target price raised

NEW YORK, October 27 (newratings.com) - Analysts at First Albany reiterate their  quot;buy quot; rating on Apple Computer (AAPL.NAS).


Ancient, Tiny Humans Shed New Light on Evolution

The skull of Homo floresiensis, a newly discovered species of human, next to a modern human skull (right). Fully adult, H. floresiensis was barely three-feet-tall and had a skull the size of a grapefruit.


Sony sets price, date for PSP

Sony upped the ante Wednesday in the looming handheld gaming war, giving its PlayStation Portable device a price and on-sale date likely to inspire fierce competition with Nintendo #39;s DS.


Microsoft #39;s Ballmer steps up attack on Linux

Microsoft has renewed its attack on Linux, its primary rival in the business software market, with Chief Executive Steve Ballmer telling customers in a letter sent the


Mississippi St. placed on four years #39; probation

Mississippi State #39;s football program was placed on four years probation, stripped of four scholarships during each of the next two seasons and banned from postseason play this year by


Tiger #39;s #39; caddie: Woods will return to top of his game

A swing change, not romance, caused Tiger Woods to drop to No. 3 in the world rankings. That #39;s the opinion of Woods #39; caddie, Steve Williams, who predicts a revival next year.


Kodak Closing Labs in Europe, Cuts Jobs (AP)

AP - Eastman Kodak Co. is shutting three photofinishing labs in Spain and Norway, shrinking a fourth lab in Switzerland and eliminating about 300 jobs as the world's biggest film manufacturer bets its future on digital photography.


Justice minister set to announce long-awaited Truscott decision (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - On a warm June evening in 1959, two kids rode a bicycle down a lonesome county road in southwestern Ontario.


No, broadband's doing fine, thanks

Yesterday consumer groups released a study saying broadband policy in the U.S. was failing. Here's a counterpoint from the conservative Heritage Foundation. Broadband blog


Poll: Kerry Gaining Among Swing Voters (AP)

AP - Democratic Sen. John Kerry gained some ground on President Bush among swing voters in the last month, with several citing the presidential debates as a factor in their shift, according to a poll released Wednesday.


Caroline Kennedy tells Bush to stop invoking JFK (AFP)

AFP - Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, daughter of the late Democratic president John Kennedy, urged Republican President George W. Bush not to invoke her father's name in his campaigning against Democratic rival John Kerry.


Dollar Rebounds as Crude Oil Prices Drop

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar rallied sharply on  Wednesday, erasing early losses, after oil prices plunged \$3  per barrel on news of a bigger-than-expected build in U.S.  crude oil supplies.


Palestinian Official Denies Arafat Lost Consciousness

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - An official from the  Palestine Liberation Organization told Reuters on Wednesday  that Yasser Arafat had not lost consciousness, denying media  reports.


British Ex-Guantanamo Detainees Sue Rumsfeld

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Four British former inmates of the  U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay sued Defense Secretary  Donald Rumsfeld and others Wednesday saying they were tortured  in violation of U.S. and international law.


Bush Web Site Bars Overseas Visitors

The Bush-Cheney reelection campaign has barred people outside the United States from viewing its Web site following an electronic attack that took down the campaign's Internet address for six hours last week, according\to computer security experts. -washingtonpost.com


Oil Prices Tumble Nearly 5 Percent

Oil prices fell sharply from near record peaks on Wednesday after a larger-than-expected build in US crude stocks spurred traders to take profits from a fierce rally.


Anheuser-Busch Profit Jumps

Anheuser-Busch (BUD:NYSE - news - research) guzzled higher third-quarter profits thanks to a foreign acquisition and some price increases.


UPDATE 4-Nortel restatements now delayed to November

Nortel Networks Corp. (NT.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) , one of the world #39;s biggest telecom equipment makers, again delayed the release of its long-awaited restated


Yahoo Takes Search Mobile

SAN FRANCISCOMobile search gained another convert as Yahoo Inc. on Wednesday extended Web, local and image search to wireless devices.


Hedge fund advisers have to register with SEC now

WASHINGTON: Hedge fund advisers will have to register with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and submit to examinations under a new rule approved on Tuesday in a 3-2 vote by the market-policing agency.


Smartphones Put Handhelds on Hold

The incredible shrinking handheld market continued its decline in the third quarter, with market leader palmOne (PLMO:Nasdaq - news - research) continuing to lose its stature, according to a report issued Wednesday.


HP iPod Photo?

So now that Apple has officially rolled out the new iPod Photo, we still have one nagging question: will HP follow suit and come out with an HP iPod Photo?


Microsoft Previews Developer Tools

Microsoft has previewed  quot;Whitehorse, quot; a set of visual design tools intended to support the design and validation of Web services-based applications.


West Brom play down Robson appraoch

West Bromwich Albion are refusing to comment on reports they have approached Bobby Robson to take over at The Hawthorns from sacked Gary Megson.


Henman progresses at Swiss Indoors

AP - Second-seeded Tim Henman of Britain overcame fatigue to beat Anthony Dupuis of France 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round of the \$US1.


Text of NCAA statement

INDIANAPOLIS - The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions has placed Mississippi State University on probation for four years and instituted several other penalties for numerous violations in the institution #39;s football program.


SERENA STUNNED BY RUSSIAN

The Russian revolution in women #39;s tennis appears to be expanding further after Alina Jidkova saw off former world number one Serena Williams in the second round of the Generali Ladies Linz in Austria.


Team of doctors flown to Ramallah to treat Arafat

There are reports from the Palestinian territories that the health of leader Yasser Arafat is deteriorating. There has been concern in recent weeks about the Palestinian Authority head #39;s health was worsening


Digital Agenda: 10 facts you should know about outsourcing

The shipment of jobs overseas is one of the most pressing economic issues of the presidential campaign. Here are 10 key facts of the matter.\


Review: A Flat Panel That's Also Deep (AP)

AP - Three-dimensional movies at home, without the silly glasses, have been a science-fiction dream for at least as long as Dick Tracy's wristwatch cell phone and the household robot.


Earthquake Hits Romania; Strength Unknown (Reuters)

Reuters - An earthquake shook the Romanian\capital Bucharest on Wednesday night, Reuters witnesses said.


Apple posts Security Update 2004-10-27 (MacCentral)

MacCentral - Apple on Wednesday posted Security Update 2004-10-27. Also available for download through the Software Update system preference pane, the update "delivers a number of security enhancements and is recommended for all Macintosh users," according to Apple. The release includes an updated version of Apple Remote Desktop v1.2.4 running on Mac OS X v10.3.


Schwarzenegger Says He Won't Travel More for Bush (Reuters)

Reuters - Popular California Gov. Arnold\Schwarzenegger said on Wednesday he spurned White House\invitations to campaign more widely for President Bush and has\agreed to just one joint appearance.


Israel to Permit Arafat to Go to Ramallah Hospital

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel has agreed to let Palestinian  President Yasser Arafat go to a hospital in the West Bank city  of Ramallah if necessary and allow Jordanian doctors to come  and examine him, Israel Radio reported on Wednesday.


Jail deaths 'disaster for Kenya'

A Kenyan human rights group says the death of 56 inmates at a prison this year amounts to a "national disaster".


Bonds 700th Homer Ball Gets \$804,000 at Auction

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Baseball slugger Barry Bonds's  700th career home run ball drew a winning bid of \$804,129 in an  online auction that closed Wednesday.


Board OKs New Internet Domain Names (AP)

AP - Two new Internet domain names  #151; ".post" and ".travel"  #151; could appear online as early as next year as the Internet's key oversight board announced preliminary approval on Wednesday.


Stocks Rise, Dow Over 10,000 as Oil Falls

US stocks surged on Wednesday with the Dow back above 10,000 after oil prices fell almost 5 percent, alleviating worry that high energy costs will eat into corporate profits and consumers #39; wallets.


Anticipation builds for DreamWorks IPO

DreamWorks Animation #39;s initial public offering scheduled Thursday may benefit from the company #39;s recent box-office success.


UPDATE 2-S amp;P says may upgrade Nextel to investment grade

Standard  amp; Poor #39;s on Wednesday said it may upgrade Nextel Communications Inc. #39;s (NXTL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) corporate credit rating to investment-grade status, citing earnings and revenue growth and debt reductions.


Apple Unveils iPod Photo

October 26, 2004 - Apple has announced the newest model in its iPod series of portable music players, the iPod Photo. The biggest improvement with the new model is its color screen, capable of displaying 65,536 colors on its 220x176 pixel display.


Lunar Eclipse

Weather permitting, Marylanders will be able to witness a rare lunar eclipse tonight. What makes this eclipse so rare is it #39;s length.


Fatigued Henman wins in straight sets

Tim Henman shook off a recent bout of fatigue to beat Antony Dupuis of France 6-3, 6-4 Wednesday in the opening round of the Swiss Indoors.


Mardy Fish Upset at St. Petersburg Open

Marat Safin of Russia returns a shot during second round tennis match against Alexander Peya of Austria at the St. Petersburg Open tennis tournament in St.


Bonds #39; 700th Home Run Ball Draws Bid Topping \$800,000

SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds #39; 700th home run ball brought a top bid of \$804,129 Wednesday after a 10-day online auction. The ball had received 240 offers by the time Overstock.


FIFA to boost referee training for 2006 World Cup

FIFA plans to boost training for the referees who will handle matches at the 2006 World Cup. FIFA said Wednesday it had decided to launch an 18-month program at the start of 2005, when it will


Ailton breaks goal drought

Stuttgart suffered a surprise defeat at struggling neighbour Freiburg in the Bundesliga while Schalke won again, this time over Mainz.


Captors urged to set Japanese free

Japan #39;s Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura has urged the captors of Shosei Koda in Iraq to set him free. In an interview to Aljazeera #39;s correspondent in Tokyo on Wednesday, he said,  quot;Koda is a civilian who


A So-So Debut For Microsoft's Blog Service (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Microsoft Corp. made a belated entrance into the "blogosphere" Thursday, unveiling a free Web-log publishing service one day after Merriam-Webster Inc. proclaimed "blog" the word of the year.


Giants Fail to Follow Through After Bye (AP)

AP - When it comes to winning after the bye week, the New York Giants are on the five-year plan. Every five years, they win a game after a bye week: 1990, 1995, 2000.


Yahoo Search Goes Mobile (PC World)

PC World - Users can now access search engine from their cell phones.


O's Ink Veteran Palmeiro for 2005 Season (Reuters)

Reuters - The Baltimore Orioles have\agreed to terms with veteran first baseman/designated hitter\Rafael Palmeiro Wednesday to a one-year contract. Financial\terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Hubris, Caution in Boston as Red Sox Eye Victory

BOSTON (Reuters) - Giddiness. Paranoia. Arrogance. Caution.  All were on display on Wednesday in Boston as the supposedly  cursed Red Sox moved within one victory of a baseball  championship that has eluded them for 86 years.


Wireless pioneer reflects on roots, looks to WiMax

Craig McCaw discusses Cingular's acquisition of AT #38;T Wireless and looks toward his new WiMax venture.


Ramseys Have 2 Favorites in Breeders' Cup

Kitten's Joy was made the even-money favorite Wednesday for the \$2 million Turf, and Nothing to Lose was the morning-line choice in the Mile, giving owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey two favorites in the Breeders' Cup.


Milosevic's Lawyers Seek to Quit Case (AP)

AP - AMSTERDAM, Netherlands AP)  #151; Slobodan Milosevic's court-appointed lawyers have asked to quit because they cannot properly defend an unwilling client, leaving the U.N. tribunal in a dilemma over how to conclude the most important war crimes trial in half a century in a way history will judge as fair.


Ballmer: Windows TCO the way to go (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - In the face of growing competition from Linux, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer delivered a four-page memo to customers on Wednesday outlining the economic and security advantages Windows has over Linux, the potential dangers of open source involving indemnification, and the intent to aggressively convince Unix shops to migrate to Windows.


Boeing Quarterly Profit Up 78 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - Boeing Co.  on Wednesday posted\a 78 percent jump in quarterly earnings that beat Wall Street\forecasts as stronger demand for its military networking and\weapons systems helped offset a decline in commercial airplane\revenue.


Oil prices below \$54 a barrel

Crude futures prices fell sharply Wednesday, falling below \$54 a barrel, as traders shelved concerns about tight winter-fuel supplies and focused on government data showing faster-than-expected growth in US oil inventories.


Bush Web Site Bars Overseas Visitors

The Bush-Cheney reelection campaign has barred people outside the United States from viewing its Web site following an electronic attack that took down the campaign #39;s Internet address for six


Is US Wireless Industry Catching Up on 3G?

SAN FRANCISCOWireless software developers and content producers attending the CTIA Wireless show here say the United States is on the verge of catching up with Europe and Japan in the deployment of the latest wireless technology and content.


Cricket: Spotlight back on Fleming as Black Caps take charge

Chittagong - The Black Caps 2004 cricket tour of Bangladesh is quickly turning into a benefit gala for Stephen Fleming. Through some significant statistics and some classy batting, Fleming has again been thrust


Shoaib ruled out of 2nd Test

Karachi: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka starting on Thursday because of a shoulder injury.


O #39;s ink veteran Palmeiro for 2005 season

Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to terms with veteran first baseman/designated hitter Rafael Palmeiro Wednesday to a one-year contract.


Sun Devils Tailback Reinstated (AP)

AP - Arizona State tailback and leading rusher Hakim Hill will be available Saturday when the 20th-ranked Sun Devils face No. 7 California on the road, after being benched last week.


Jubilation greets boy #39;s miracle rescue

ALMOST four days after being engulfed by a collapsing hill, two-year-old Yuta Minagawa was lifted alive yesterday afternoon from the wreckage of his mother #39;s car.


Anheuser Profit Up on Price Hikes, Growth

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. BUD.N, the  largest U.S. brewer, said on Wednesday quarterly profit rose on  price increases for brands such as Bud Light and strong growth  in its international business, which benefited from the  acquisition of Harbin Brewery in China.


OutKast Tops First Digital-Music Sales Awards (Reuters)

Reuters - Hip-hip duo OutKast took top honors\on Wednesday as the recording industry handed out its first\awards for music sold through Internet-music services like\Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes.


Players Have Different Goals for Chrysler (AP)

AP - It seems that the players in the Chrysler Championship all have different goals.


Ads Make Closing Arguments in Campaign (AP)

AP - President Bush promises to do "whatever it takes" to keep the country safe. Democrat John Kerry says Bush has failed and calls for "a fresh start."


Ballmer: Windows TCO the way to go

In the face of growing competition from Linux, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer delivered a four-page memo to customers on Wednesday outlining the economic and security advantages Windows has over Linux, the potential dangers of open source involving indemnification, and the intent to aggressively convince Unix shops to migrate to Windows.


Experts Warn of Net Flu Vaccine Scam

Vaccines for sale online can be dangerous, and sellers could be perpetrating credit card fraud.


JC Penney Picks Questrom Successor

JC Penney (JCP:NYSE - news - research) said Wednesday it hired a new chairman and chief executive, Myron Ullman. Ullman, a former executive at LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH:Nasdaq - news - research), will succeed Allen Questrom.


Federal Reserve #39;s Eighth District economy mixed

While some manufacturers in the Federal Reserve #39;s Eighth District planned to expand and add jobs in the last few months, about the same number planned to close plants and cut jobs, according to the Fed #39;s Beige Book report.


JDS Uniphase Posts Deeper 1Q Loss

JDS Uniphase Corp., a maker of fiber-optic equipment, on Wednesday posted a deeper loss for the first quarter despite sharply higher revenue.


Boeing Quarterly Profit Up 78 Percent

Boeing Co. (BA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday posted a 78 percent jump in quarterly earnings that beat Wall Street forecasts as stronger demand for its military


Titan Surface Still a Mystery

NASA #39;s Cassini spacecraft successfully photographed one of the most mysterious objects in our solar system on Tuesday in a flyby that brought it within 745 miles of Saturn #39;s hazy moon Titan.


Seattle Suspends Use of Controversial Gun

At least one big-city police department has suspended use of pepper-spray pellet guns blamed for the death of a 21-year-old college student who was shot by police trying to break up a rowdy crowd of Red Sox fans last week.


Child found after Japan earthquake

RESCUERS sifting through the devastation of the Niigata-Chuetsu earthquake have found a two-year-old boy who survived for four days buried under a landslide.


Boston's Pierce fined 15,000 dollars for spitting (AFP)

AFP - Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce was fined 15,000 dollars for spitting during a National Basketball Association pre-season game.


J.C. Penney Taps Former Macy's, LVMH Head (AP)

AP - J.C. Penney Co. Inc. named a former chairman and chief executive of both Macy's and luxury retailer LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, to lead the department store company, replacing Allen Questrom.


Internet Broadens U.S. Political Debate, Survey Says (Reuters)

Reuters - The Internet serves more as a town\hall in the United States than an echo chamber as users are\more likely to be exposed to a wide range of political views,\according to a survey released on Wednesday.


UN envoy blames Darfur rebels for deaths of aid officials (AFP)

AFP - The United Nations special envoy to Sudan blamed ethnic minority rebels in Darfur for the deaths earlier this month of two humanitarian aid workers in the war-torn region.


Man threatens to run over Katherine Harris, of 2000 Florida fiasco fame (AFP)

AFP - Police arrested a man who threatened to run over US Representative Katherine Harris, the former Florida Secretary of State blamed by critics for much of the 2000 presidential election debacle.


Arafat 'Very Sick,' Palestinian Leaders Summoned

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian President  Yasser Arafat's health worsened sharply on Wednesday and he was  slipping in and out of consciousness at his besieged West Bank  headquarters, officials and medics said.


Ireland Battered by Year's Worst Storm (AP)

AP - The city of Cork and several towns were severely flooded Wednesday as the year's strongest Atlantic storm arrived with heavy rain and wind gusts of more than 70 mph. No deaths or injuries were reported.