Mirant to Cut Emissions, Pay Civil Fine

The owner of four power plants in the Washington region agreed to reduce air-polluting emissions substantially in the next six years and to pay a \$500,000 fine, according to a settlement


WASHINGTON IN BRIEF

Leaders of three campaign finance groups urged the Federal Election Commission yesterday to disqualify the agency #39;s chairman, Bradley A. Smith, from helping to decide whether a veterans group critical of Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kerry #39;s war


Jeremy Warner #39;s Outlook: The pensions blot on Chancellor #39;s <b>...</b>

Gordon Brown was at it again at the Labour Party conference in Brighton yesterday, boasting of the fiscal and monetary stability he and his policies have introduced into the UK economy.


Audit Finds Large FBI Translation Backlog

The FBI (website) has a backlog of hundreds of thousands of hours of untranslated audio recordings from terrorism and espionage investigations, despite large increases in money and personnel for translations since the 2001 terror attacks


Virgin Group licenses MS co-founder #39;s spaceship concept

If you #39;ve always wanted to send someone to the moon, you might just get your chance. Free! Sign up here to receive our Before the Bell e-Newsletter!


Enter your e-mail:

Thus read the opening line of the letter accompanying a cheerful, multicolored, striped package the size of a shoe box for a small child #39;s shoe.


Enter your e-mail:

Windows may be (almost) everywhere in the US, but for many folks in much of the world, spending \$100 or more on an operating system is simply impossible--which means that Windows either gets pirated or it doesn #39;t get used at all.


Rainout for Rivalry That Has Gone Dry

The rain blew sideways across the landscape of Turner Field as the remnants of Hurricane Jeanne drenched the city. The deluge still could not obscure the chest-thumping on the


Career-threatening injury ejects Mashburn

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - Jamal Mashburn, a former All-Star forward whose National Basketball Association career has been dimmed by injuries, will miss all of the upcoming season with a right knee injury.


Pirates end Phillies #39; postseason hopes

Ty Wigginton hit a two-run homer and Oliver Perez pitched 6 2-3 strong innings, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates stop a seven-game road losing streak with a 6-1 victory over


Gibbs, Parcells renew  #39;80s rivalry

WASHINGTON When Joe Gibbs announced his return to the Washington Redskins, Bill Parcells sent a congratulatory fax. Gibbs says it said something like  quot;Does this mean we can #39;t talk for the next five years?


A #39;s stagger home up by one

It was the most difficult pitching change Ken Macha has ever made in his life. Giving a quick hook to Mark Mulder, whose baffling slump is showing no signs of ending


Taking on Sadr City in a Pickup Truck

The convoy stopped in a single-file line: a half-dozen US armored military vehicles and one gray Nissan pickup truck, all of them idling in a dirt lot in the insurgent-controlled slum called Sadr City.


PM Koizumi creates cabinet post, taps former FSA head

TOKYO (CBS.MW) - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Monday reshuffled his Cabinet with the hope of drastically reforming Japan #39;s massive postal savings system the way some credit his administration with turning around banks #39; bad loan problem.


Afghan warlords  #39;threaten poll #39;

The power of Afghan armed factions means elections there will go ahead in an environment of fear and repression, US-based Human Rights Watch says.


Virginia, Fairfax Commit Funds To Help Lure New IBM Jobs (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - The state of Virginia and Fairfax County each pledged  #36;600,000 to entice International Business Machines Corp. to bring 1,250 high-paying new government contracting jobs to Fairfax.


Microsoft's  Backup Plan

Microsoft Corp. officials said Monday that the company has spent millions of dollars preparing a version of its Windows operating system without a program for playing digital music and videos, in the event it loses its bid to postpone antitrust sanctions ordered by European authorities.
-The Washington Post


Virginia Commits Funds To  Lure New IBM Jobs

The state of Virginia and Fairfax County each pledged \$600,000 to entice International Business Machines Corp. to bring 1,250 high-paying new government contracting jobs to Fairfax.
-The Washington Post


For Metro, a Case of Too-Free Speech

Arrest of pregnant woman for talking loudly is latest incident in which Transit Police are accused of overzealous enforcement.


Fannie Mae Agrees to Accounting Changes

Fannie Mae, the giant mortgage finance company, Monday agreed to stop using accounting methods that its regulator criticized last week and to raise billions of dollars of additional capital as a cushion against potential losses.


Bay Bridge Paving Flaw a Puzzler

Maryland officials said yesterday that they are baffled about why a special type of concrete used on other bridge projects failed on a recently repaved section of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, a problem that could cost \$7 million to fix and promises to delay traffic for months.


Union, D.C. Hotels Recess Negotiations

Negotiations over a new contract for D.C. hotel workers broke off early Monday as the union and representatives of 14 major hotels reported little progress in resolving the impasse between them.


The Scam After the Storm?

After remnants of Hurricane Gaston hit Richmond, Michael Wright's 1999 Honda CR-V sat under water just blocks from his office for three days before a towing company hauled it away.


Mirant to Cut Emissions, Pay Civil Fine

The owner of four power plants in the Washington region agreed to reduce air-polluting emissions substantially in the next six years and to pay a \$500,000 fine, according to a settlement announced yesterday by environmental and company officials.


Higher Costs, Less Care

In the past four years, Americans have spent a growing portion of their paychecks on health care and for the most part gotten less for their money, according to government figures and several independent studies.


Major Changes Set for Backer of Mortgages

Fannie Mae, the nation's largest mortgage buyer, agreed to major changes in its accounting and management practices.


President Bush #39;s Money For Space Cometh

citanon writes  quot; The Washington Post reports that House Majority Leader Tom Delay has delivered, via the omnibus spending bill passed Nov. 20, the President #39;s full budgetary request of \$16.2 billion dollars


Japan's Leader Shuffles Cabinet to Push Economic Reforms

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi shifted his economic repairman to Japan's next gargantuan task: privatizing the world's largest bank.


Time Warner And Comcast Discuss Bid for Adelphia

Comcast said it was in talks with Time Warner to make a joint bid for Adelphia, which has been operating under bankruptcy protection.


Rises Seen in Florida Insurance Premiums

As Florida was cleaning up yesterday from its fourth hurricane in six weeks, insurance executives and analysts said they expected the cost of coverage to rise sharply for millions of homes and businesses in the state.


Toll of dead and missing from Philippine storms tops 1,400 (AFP)

AFP - Relief agencies battled bad weather to deliver supplies into storm-ravaged areas of the Philippines as the toll of dead and missing from two storms in one week exceeded 1,400, officials said.


AL Capsules

The Boston Red Sox clinched their second straight trip to the playoffs, rallying past the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 7-3 Monday night behind Manny Ramirez #39;s AL-leading 43rd home run.


BASEBALL ROUNDUP Wigginton #39;s Homer Helps the Pirates Win

Ty Wigginton, a former Met, hit a two-run homer and Oliver Perez pitched six and two-thirds strong innings, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates stop a seven-game road losing streak with


American League Game Summary - Toronto at Baltimore

Tejada finished 0-for-4 and had a 13-game hit streak broken...Zaun #39;s 34 RBI in 2004 ties his career-high set with Kansas City in 2000...Toronto has won six of the seven meetings between the clubs at Camden Yards this season.


Red Sox lock up playoff spot


D. Miller, C

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- The Oakland Athletics limp home and try to keep their hold on first place in the American League West Division when they begin a four-game set with the Seattle Mariners on Monday.


ANALYSIS:Koizumi puts post reformers in key LDP executive posts

They lack solid political bases and support from ruling party elders. One felt the wrath of voters just four years ago when he lost his Diet seat.


N. Korea evades missile test claim

A senior North Korean official has called reports that North Korea is preparing to launch a ballistic missile test  quot;only rumor and guess.


Yen Weighed Down as Oil Prices Hit Highs

TOKYO (Reuters) - The yen was feeling the heat on Tuesday  as oil prices scaled new record highs, underlining concerns  about Japan's dependence on imported oil.


IATA: Airlines to lose \$3B-\$4B in 2004

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) - Higher fuel prices will help cause the domestic and international airline industry to lose \$3 billion to \$4 billion in 2004, the International Air Transport Association forecast Monday.


Equitable takes 75m hit as it makes progress on compensation

TROUBLED UK life assurer Equitable Life yesterday said it had taken a 75 million hit as it moved in line with the rest of the sector and set aside more reserves to address the fact that people are living longer.


Picking Sides in the Battle for Adelphia

Comcast and Time Warner are exploring an alliance to buy the bankrupt cable outfit. If their bid wins, then they divide the spoils.


Indians 6, Royals 1

Casey Blake drove in three runs and Jake Westbrook pitched seven strong innings to lead the Cleveland Indians over the Kansas City Royals 6-1 Monday night.


Red Sox Perk Up After Ejections

The Red Sox clinched another playoff berth Monday night, but this time their reaction was much more subdued.


Higher oil prices byproduct of storms

The price of oil jumped to another high on Monday, in part because of dramatic disruptions caused by hurricanes whipping through the Gulf of Mexico.


Fannie Mae Goes Along to Get Along

By agreeing to its regulator #39;s demands, the mortgage titan has largely defanged its critics and distanced itself from scandal.


Sports: Angels 5 Rangers 3

ARLINGTON, Texas The Anaheim Angels continued their chase for the American League West division crown with a 5-to-3 win over the Texas Rangers.


Rustu Prepared for United

Fenerbahce are adamant they can blunt Manchester Uniteds attacking threat in the Champions League clash tonight. Wayne Rooney is likely to link up with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Alan


Blue Jays End O's Streak

Gregg Zaun homers and Orlando Hudson has three hits to lead the Toronto Blue Jays past the Baltimore Orioles, 4-1, on Monday night, snapping the O's four-game win streak.


O's Oust Head Scout

The Orioles announce Monday that they will not bring scouting director Tony DeMacio back after this season, signaling a possible front-office shakeup.


Battle Continues

The fan who caught Barry Bonds' 700th homer is being sued by another man who says he was the rightful owner of the prized ball.


Pirates Eliminate Phillies

The Pirates stop a seven-game road losing streak with a 6-1 win over Philadelphia that eliminates the Phillies from playoff contention.


Astros Stay Close

Roy Oswalt became the NL's first 19-game winner as the Astros stay close in the wild-card race with a 10-3 victory over St. Louis.


Oil prices breach US\$50, setting new mark in Asian trading

Crude oil prices pushed past the psychologically important US\$50-per-barrel mark Tuesday to an all-time high of US\$50.01 as the market reacted to the slow recovery of US oil production in the Gulf of Mexico following Hurricane Ivan.


Manchester United profits slip to 28m

MANCHESTER United yesterday reported lower annual profits of 27.9m as it warned future results would be affected by a drop in media revenues.


Astros ace willing to start on short rest this weekend

Whether the Houston Astros are still in contention for the Wild Card spot when the Colorado Rockies roll into town this weekend is anyone #39;s guess, as is which starting


NFL backups quick to step up

Several starting spots may have been usurped or at least threatened after relatively solid understudy showings Sunday, but few players welcome the kind of shot delivered to Oakland


Cubs 12, Reds 5

Todd Walker homered and drove in four runs, Carlos Zambrano won his fourth straight decision and the Chicago Cubs extended their lead in the NL wild-card race with a 12-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.


Napster founder gets musical with Snocap

Shawn Fanning, the founder of the original Napster peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network, is set to unveil his new music download-related service called SNOCAP this week.


MLB: Boston 7, Tampa Bay 3

Johnny Damon hit a three-run homer and Manny Ramirez a two-run homer Monday to lead the Boston Red Sox to a 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.


CNN Producer Seized by Armed Men in Gaza

Armed Palestinians kidnapped an Israeli Arab producer for the CNN television network from a car in Gaza City on Monday after asking for him by name.


N. Korea Sees  #39;Snowballing #39; War Danger, Slams US

North Korea said Monday the danger of war on the Korean peninsula is  quot;snowballing quot; and accused the United States of destroying the basis for negotiations on Pyongyang #39;s nuclear program.


IBM forms new government consulting group

NORFOLK, Va.Gov. Mark Warner today announced that IBM Corp. will spend about \$10 million to set up a high-level consultancy in Northern Virginia to focus on issues such as homeland security and intergovernmental interactions.


David Jones Posts 2nd-Half Profit on Clothing Sales (Update1)

David Jones Ltd., Australia #39;s second- largest department store, posted a second-half profit after increasing earnings at its credit card unit, selling more clothes and opening a store in Sydney #39;s Bondi Junction.


New Technology Could Yield Terabyte Optical Disks

British researchers have developed a scheme to store as much as a terabyte of data on a single video disk -- equivalent to 472 hours of video.


AL Wrap: Red Sox Down Devil Rays to Clinch Playoff Spot

Manny Ramirez belted his league-leading 43rd homer and Johnny Damon hit a three-run shot as the Boston Red Sox clinched a playoff spot with a 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in St Petersburg on Monday.


West Indies read the conditions well

Of all the ICC Champions Trophies, this year #39;s at England was the worst in terms of timing. The weather was cold and with rain interrupting the flow of the game, it didn #39;t make for the excitement that a one-day game has.


No decision after gymnastics hearing

The hearing over the men #39;s gymnastics gold medal from the Athens Olympics adjourned today without a decision. The general secretary of the Court of Arbitration for Sport said he hopes there will be a decision within two weeks.


American League Game Summary - Cleveland At Kansas City

Kansas City, MO -- Casey Blake delivered a two-run single in the seventh inning and Jake Westbrook tossed seven solid frames to lead Cleveland to a 6-1 win over Kansas City in the first of a three-game series at Kauffman Stadium.


comment: Fallouts from Farooqis killing

Nawabshah, the hometown of the incarcerated spouse of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Asif Zardari has now become an international focal point following Sundays incident in which


Bird flu virus unlikely to be eradicated soon, warn global bodies

ROME : The bird flu epidemic in Asia is a  quot;crisis of global importance quot; and the virus is unlikely to be eradicated soon, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) warned.


Time Warner and Comcast Discuss Bid for Adelphia

Comcast said it was in talks with Time Warner to make a joint bid for Adelphia, which has been operating under bankruptcy protection.


Conan O'Brien to Succeed Jay Leno in 2009, NBC Announces

Conan O'Brien will succeed Jay Leno as host of the "Tonight" show at the end of Mr. Leno's current five-year contract.


Equitable Life makes  #39;steady and sustained #39; progress

TROUBLED mutual Equitable Life yesterday said it had continued to make  quot;steady and sustained progress quot; in improving its financial position during the first half of the year.


#39;Farooqi #39;s killing a blow to Al Qaeda #39;: Osama is alive - Musharraf

THE HAGUE, Sept 27: President Pervez Musharraf has said the killing of top Al Qaeda militant Amjad Farooqi is a serious blow to the terrorist network.


Equitable makes  #39;steady progress #39;

Troubled mutual insurer Equitable Life says it is making  quot;steady and sustained progress quot; to restore its finances. Publishing its half-yearly results, the society said there had been  quot;no material change quot; in its capital reserve, now standing at 532m.


Genetic map to help curb ivory poaching

Scientists have unveiled a new hi-tech weapon to help combat the illegal trade of ivory in Africa: a map. The map describes how the genetic profiles of African elephants vary across the continent, from the


Key Al Qaeda suspect killed in shootout in Pakistan

Pakistani Security Forces say they have killed a major al-Qaeda millitant on Monday, September 27. Amjad Farooqi was killed after a shootout with Pakistani Security Forces.


Uncensored News For Real People

A group of armed men abducted CNN producer Riad Ali in Gaza City on Monday. There has been no claim of responsibility for the abduction, and the militant group Hamas condemned it.


U.S. to Keep 10 Guantanamo Detainees (AP)

AP - A U.S. military review panel issued decisions Monday on 10 detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, ordering them to remain in custody as "enemy combatants," an official said.


India probes mad cow blood samples report (Reuters)

Reuters - The Indian government is investigating reports that blood samples that could be contaminated with the human form of mad cow disease had entered the country from Britain, a top official said on Tuesday.


Kennedy: Bush Makes U.S. More Vulnerable (AP)

AP - An arrogant rush to war in Iraq has made the country more vulnerable to nuclear attack while the Bush administration has misled the public with "happy talk" about prospects for peace, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy said Monday.


Users See Slow Progress on Microsoft-Sun Alliance

DECEMBER 06, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - The progress report that Microsoft Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. issued last week on their joint initiatives left some IT managers and analysts wondering when or if the


Iranian Diplomat Freed in Iraq, Hopes Raised for Other

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - An Iranian diplomat taken hostage in  Iraq last month has been released by his captors but the fate  of at least 11 other foreigners, including a Briton threatened  with beheading, remained unclear on Tuesday.


Afghan warlords 'threaten poll'

Afghan warlords are involved in intimidation which could threaten October's elections, Human Rights Watch says.


Drug ruled out in cancer battle

A drug used to treat breast cancer would not be good for preventing the tumours occurring in the first place, say researchers.


Security is just a mouse click away

Next time an e-card with a jolly message drops into your computer #39;s inbox, think before you click it open - it could be a virus which will implant itself in your machine and spread before you even realise it.


Fla. Residents Wait on Half-Mile Food Line

VERO BEACH, Fla. - People lined up for more than a half-mile for food and water, while others searched in vain for generators in the sweltering heat Monday as Florida residents began cleaning up all over again, demoralized by the fourth hurricane in six weeks to batter the state...


Taking on Sadr City in a Nissan Pickup

Monday's blast demonstrated the uneven vulnerability of U.S. forces, who are equipped with sophisticated weaponry and armor, and their Iraqi allies, who fight the same battles using inferior equipment.


Koizumi Replaces Key Ministers

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi reshuffled his cabinet on Monday, replacing several top ministers in an effort to boost his popularity, consolidate political support and quicken the pace of reforms in the world's second-largest economy.


Intuit digs deeper into small businesses

A simplified version of the QuickBooks application will target sole proprietors and other small firms that use basic accounting methods.


Higher Oil Prices Send Dow Below 10,000

US stocks fell as oil prices reached a new high, spurring concern that rising energy costs will hamper earnings growth. The Dow Jones industrial average closed below 10,000 for the first time in six weeks.


Cash America expands to California

Fort Worth-based Cash America International Inc. (NYSE: PWN) said Monday that it bought the operations of 32 cash advance locations in Southern California.


Technology Secretary For Virginia Steps Down

Virginia #39;s secretary of technology, George C. Newstrom, said yesterday that he is stepping down from the post after more than two years on the job.


Cubs Extend Lead in NL Wild-Card Race (AP)

AP - Todd Walker homered and drove in four runs, Carlos Zambrano won his fourth straight decision and the Chicago Cubs extended their lead in the NL wild-card race with a 12-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.


Cook: Angels make right decision

On Sunday, the Anaheim Angels took time out from their playoff chase with the Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers to suspend left fielder Jose Guillen without pay for the


New group plans to protest, push NASCAR toward diversity

NASCAR officials are bracing to defend themselves from the negative publicity that might result from a planned protest at the races in Talladega, Ala.


Oswalt Wins 19th As Astros Beat Cardinals (AP)

AP - Roy Oswalt became the NL's first 19-game winner, and the Houston Astros stayed close in the wild-card race with a 10-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.


AMD Adds Power Management to Opteron

originally offered on notebook PCs -- to its Opteron 32- and 64-bit x86 processors for server applications. The technology will help servers to run


Cisco inks another big VoIP deal

Bank of America signs a deal to deploy 180,000 Cisco IP telephones nationwide over the next three years.


NL Wrap: Cubs Pound Reds to Retain Wild Card Lead

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Todd Walker homered, had three hits  and drove in four runs to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 12-5 win  over the Cincinnati Reds in National League play at Wrigley  Field on Monday.


Switches Drive Down Prices For 10-Gbps Ethernet

Falling prices for 10-Gbps Ethernet switches may spur a new round of network upgrades by businesses looking to provide more speed for bandwidth-hungry applications.


Angels Taking High Road in Pennant Race

In the midst of a stretch against division rivals Texas and Oakland, the Angels suspended Jose Guillen without pay.


Big Lead for Washington as Angelos Blocks Home

The Montreal Expos appear to be heading to a new home in Washington, but the most pressing concern is the negotiation to compensate Orioles' owner Peter Angelos.


Yen Weighed Down as Oil Prices Hit Highs (Reuters)

Reuters - The yen was feeling the heat on Tuesday\as oil prices scaled new record highs, underlining concerns\about Japan's dependence on imported oil.


Senior James Hardie executives stand down in Australia

In Australia, the chief executive and chief finance officer of the James Hardie building materials company have stood aside. The move is the company #39;s first response to a damning report on the way it failed


Karachi police guard against killing backlash

Police were on red alert in the southern city of Karachi yesterday, fearing a militant backlash after a top Pakistani al-Qaeda suspect wanted for two assassination attempts against President General Pervez Musharraf was killed in a paramilitary raid.


Ingram Micro moves in on Asia Pacific market

Technology distributor Ingram Micro has announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase Australian based company Tech Pacific for AU\$700 million, in a move designed to strengthen its Asia Pacific presence.


Airline loss projections revised

The International Air Transport Association is forecasting  quot;significantly quot; narrower losses for the global airline industry this year as reduced costs and rising demand for air travel help counter higher fuel prices.


Slippery eel that #39;s feeding on economy

The Government Accountability Office (what you and I remember as the General Accounting Office) last week issued a long-awaited report (which was supposed to be out last spring) on the nettlesome issue of offshoring/outsourcing.


AL Roundup: Red Sox clinch spot

The Boston Red Sox clinched their second consecutive trip to the playoffs, rallying past the host Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 7-3, last night behind Manny Ramirez #39;s AL-leading 43rd home run.


Figgins does it all at the end

The last time the Angels played the Texas Rangers, they dropped two consecutive shutouts at home in their most agonizing lost weekend of the season.


What kind of friendship?

I am not an Irish Friend of Israel. Official. Indeed, I am so unfit for that title that those bestowing membership to the group don #39;t reply to my letters.


Just Migrate to Linux

\\"And there I stood: alone in the dark, unknown terrors approaching, armed only\with a bucket of water."\\"Which is, curiously enough, almost exactly the position that Windows users find\themselves in today: alone in the dark, unknown terrors approaching, but in\their case, having a bucket of water would be an improvement."\\"MS04-028 is, perhaps, the epitome of bad technical writing - the literary\equivalent of spaghetti code. I've read through it far too many times, and I\still understand far too little."\\And who is at fault here?  You or Microsoft?  Microsoft has for years\demonstrated that they hate their customers.\\Yet its people like Tom Liston that keep coming back for more abuse.\\T ...\\


Oil breaks \$US50 barrier

CRUDE oil prices pushed past the psychologically important \$US50-per-barrel mark today and hit an all-time high as the market reacted to the slow recovery of US production in the Gulf of Mexico following Hurricane Ivan as well as unrest in key oil


Gun battle in Indonesia's Aceh kills six alleged rebels: military (AFP)

AFP - Indonesian soldiers have killed six suspected rebels during two separate gunbattles in the troubled province of Aceh, the military said.


Trend Micro Hopes To Spread Mobile Antivirus

The spam-blocking feature of Trend Micro #39;s package may be more immediately useful, because bandwidth is money. Software that can prevent unwanted messages from coming through will save users cash.


Chinese steel mills still buying

China #39;s appetite for raw materials shows no sign of abating, with four Chinese steel mills agreeing to buy an extra \$3.2 billion of Australian iron ore over the next 10 years, global miner BHP Billiton said Tuesday.


DC hotel workers #39; union halts talks; will review terms

The union for employees at 14 of Washington #39;s biggest hotels said they want a week to review new proposals made yesterday by management negotiators.


Tata Motors listed on NYSE

Mumbai, Sep 28. (PTI): Tata Motors on Thursday listed its securities on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to become the country #39;s first Indian engineering and motor entity to do so and the second Tata company after VSNL.


Tracking Tusks #39; Poachers

he African elephant population was cut in half by poaching in the 1980 #39;s, and most conservationists agree that only a 1989 ban on the ivory trade saved the animal from extinction.


Hotmail becomes even less a free

In order to stop the spread of spam, Microsoft will start charging users who use Outlook or Outlook Express to access e-mail. It will stop being free in April of 2005.


Time runs out on Redskins

A record crowd of 90.367 entered FedEx Field Monday night hoping to witness a new chapter in what has become a lopsided rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins.


Expos likely to come to District

Major League Baseball is expected to announce tomorrow that the Montreal Expos will move to the District, and anticipation yesterday surged in Washington that the city #39;s 33-year baseball drought is finally at an end.


St. Louis Cardinals News

With the National League #39;s best record sewn up, the Cardinals would just as soon start the playoffs immediately. Yesterday, if possible.


Offense turns to Pittman

Jon Gruden isn #39;t happy, and he admitted as much Monday morning. But at least the Bucs coach can look forward to something. Running back Michael


Cavaliers lose Canty for the season

Defensive end Chris Canty, who returned for a fifth year at Virginia only after careful deliberation, has been lost for the season with a knee injury.


Cards Second Baseman Tony Womack Injured (AP)

AP - St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Tony Womack left Monday night's game against Houston in the seventh inning after getting hit on the left hand with a pitch.


Glenn Touchdown Gives Dallas Victory Over Washington

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Terry Glenn scored the winning  touchdown early in the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys  continued their domination of the Washington Redskins with a  21-18 win in Landover, Maryland on Monday.


Tiger still burns the brightest

LONDON - The dog might be man #39;s best friend, but the world #39;s favourite animal is the tiger, says an international survey. The great Asian cat, threatened with extinction in much of its range, beat the dog


Rivalry Lives Up to Hype

While not quite a return to glory, Monday represents the Redskins' return to the national consciousness.


Banks' Role Eyed in Parmalat Scandal -WSJ (Reuters)

Reuters - Investigators are closely scrutinizing\the role of major international banks in the meltdown of\Parmalat, the scandal-ridden dairy group based in Italy, the\Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.


Oil Charges to \$50.35 on Supply Threats

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices soared to a new record  above \$50 on Tuesday as uncertainties over Nigerian output  heightened worries of a severe supply disruption ahead of  winter.


Banks' Role Eyed in Parmalat Scandal -WSJ

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Investigators are closely scrutinizing  the role of major international banks in the meltdown of  Parmalat, the scandal-ridden dairy group based in Italy, the  Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.


Crude oil breaches \$50 a barrel

Crude oil prices set fresh records as  US light crude tops \$50 a barrel in Asian trade and Brent sticks close to \$46.


Former Executive Testifies, Offering Insider's Look at Enron's Deal Making

Michael Kopper, who participated in the wrongdoing that helped cripple Enron, provided a glimpse of the deals orchestrated by Andrew S. Fastow.


Microsoft Weighs Resuming Negotiations With Europe

Microsoft said that it might restart settlement talks with European Union regulators after Europe's second-highest court ruled on whether penalties should be suspended.


U.S. Senate to Weigh Bill Targeting Web Song Swaps

The Senate could take action this week on a bill that would make it easier to sue "peer-to-peer" networks like Kazaa and LimeWire.


Yahoo Gives Web Site a Facelift

Internet powerhouse Yahoo has given its popular Web site a facelift to highlight some of the features that the company has been improving during the past year.


Ready mixed fortunes

RMC Group was founded by Danish engineer Kjeld Ammentorp in 1930 and made a 399 trading loss in its first year. In 1952, Ready Mixed Concrete of Australia reversed into its UK rival and began to expand.


Microsoft is ready to remove media player for EU

Microsoft Corp. will be ready to comply with the European Commission #39;s demands for changes to its Windows operating systems if a European court rejects its request for the measures to be suspended, a spokesman for the company said Monday.


Hardie chief stands aside

JAMES Hardie chief executive Peter Macdonald will stand aside from his position in the wake of the findings of a special inquiry into the embattled building products company #39;s asbestos liabilities.


Branson Announces He #39;s Taking Virgin Craft to Outer Space

quot;Virgin has been in talks with Paul Allen and Burt Rutan throughout this year and in the early hours of Saturday signed a historical deal to license SpaceShipOne #39;s technology to build the world #39;s


Adobe creates new digital photo format

Adobe, one of the top manufacturers of image editing software, has created a new format for digital images that will save the data in raw file formats to allow professionals more freedom to control the various aspects and key details of raw image files.


Toshiba Readies 60GB Gigabeat

Toshiba will launch three new versions of its Gigabeat hard drive-based portable music player starting in late November, the company says.


Tiger: Not Out of the Woods Yet

Oct. 4 issue - On a lovely afternoon in Manhattan last week, two black SUVs pulled up in front of a Starbucks on Fifth Avenue. As bodyguards in both cars debated whose turn it was to make a coffee run, Tiger


This story ran on nwitimes.com on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 12 <b>...</b>

* Turning point: The Cubs scored five runs, including back-to-back homers by Corey Patterson and Derrek Lee, in the fourth. * Up next: Cincinnati (Josh Hancock 4-2) at Cubs (Greg Maddux 15-10), 7:05 pm today.


60-Story Building Is Proposed Near Nassau Coliseum

he co-owner of the New York Islanders hockey team is proposing a 60-story tower in the center of Nassau County - more than triple the height of the tallest existing building on Long Island.


Womack hit by pitch on left hand

HOUSTON - St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Tony Womack left Monday night #39;s game against Houston in the seventh inning after getting hit on the left hand with a pitch.


Armed men seize CNN employee in Gaza

Armed men grabbed an Arab-Israeli employee of the CNN news network in Gaza City on Monday, the network says. It was unclear whether the CNN producer, identified as Riyad Ali, was taken away by militants or members of the Palestinian security forces.


SC Puts Spoke In Taj Mahals 350th Celebrations

Agra/New Delhi, Sept. 27 (NNN): The celebrations for the 350th anniversary of the historic Taj Mahal ran into a snag on Monday with the Supreme Court declining to give permission to hold any such event near the 17th century monument during the night.


Lycos Yanks Anti-Spammer Screen Saver

Lycos has withdrawn its  quot;Make love not spam quot; application after a string of negative criticism. Visitors to the Web site were presented Friday with a graphic urging them to  quot;stay tuned.


Purchase may weigh down Cemex

Lorenzo Zambrano gained a reputation as a savvy deal-maker as he led Mexico #39;s Cemex on a spending spree that turned it into the world #39;s third largest cement maker with 15 acquisitions in a dozen years.


\$10 jump in airfares falls apart

A proposed \$10 round-trip airfare increase that initially looked like it might stick fell apart over the weekend. The increase was proposed by American Airlines late last week and matched


Adobe adds new Elements

ADOBE Systems, maker of the world-renowned Photoshop picture-editing software, has announced two new products for digital video and still-photography hobbyists.


Cowboys corral Redskins

Only three things in life are certain in the nation #39;s capital: death, taxes and the Cowboys #39; domination of the Redskins. Washington brought back Joe Gibbs to revitalize the Redskins


Claussen roughed up by Cubs

com. The Cincinnati southpaw suffered his fifth straight loss Monday, a 12-5 thrashing at the hands of the Cubs, in the opener of a four-game series with Chicago before a crowd of 38,984 at Wrigley Field.


Rangers drop a heartbreaker

The waning moments against the Angels on Monday had all the elements of another memorable night in what has proved to be an unforgettable season for the Rangers.


Collins to replace Gannon against Texans

The 2002 NFL MVP has a broken vertebra in his neck that will sideline him at least eight weeks, starting Sunday when the Oakland Raiders play the Texans in Houston.


Astros place playoff tickets on sale today

The Astros will put individual game tickets for the Division Series on sale today at 8 am on astros.com and over the phone toll free at 877-927-8767.


Storm sweeps past Lynx

Even before tipoff last Friday in Game 1 of its opening-round playoff series with Minnesota, the Seattle Storm held a 2-0 lead in perhaps the most critical statistic of all -- superstars.


Israel threatens pre-emptive strikes on militants in Syria

While it declined to say whether it was responsible for the death of a Hamas leader in Damascus Sunday, Israel accused Syria yesterday of  quot;directing terrorism quot; and warned of possible


Nikkei Poised to Fall for 8th Day

TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei average fell 0.46 percent  by late Tuesday, setting the stage for an eighth straight day  of losses after oil prices topped \$50 a barrel, fanning  concerns about Japan Inc's prospects.


Airlines want end to airport control

Ottawa should end the monopoly the airports hold over the airlines to reduce the price of landing at Canadian airports - especially at Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, says the head of the International Air Transport Association.


China targets more overseas acquisitions

SINGAPOREChina #39;s plan to buy Canadian mining giant Noranda Inc. is just the beginning of an overseas acquisition march fuelled by swollen foreign exchange reserves and a need to secure natural resources.


RISE SALLIE, RISE

Sallie Krawcheck #39;s star got brighter yesterday when she was named chief financial officer and head of strategy at mammoth Citigroup, making her by far the most powerful woman on Wall Street.


Union, DC Hotels Recess Negotiations

Negotiations over a new contract for DC hotel workers broke off early yesterday as the union and representatives of 14 major hotels reported little progress in resolving the impasse between them.


Gun battle in Indonesia #39;s Aceh kills six alleged rebels: military

BANDA ACEH, Aceh (AFP): Indonesian soldiers have killed six suspected rebels during two separate gunbattles in the troubled province of Aceh, the military said on Tuesday.


Cisco, Fujitsu Target Japanese Market

Cisco (Quote, Chart) and Fujitsu will collaborate on high-end routers and other products for Japanese carriers and corporations moving to Internet Protocol (define) systems, the companies announced.


Mexicans cement 2.3bn RMC bid

RMC, the troubled UK building materials group, was swallowed up for 2.3bn yesterday by the world #39;s third-biggest cement producer, Cemex of Mexico.


Sci/Tech ; Battle to control Internet songs heats up

Sci/Tech News, New York - British tycoon Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Group said on Monday it was jumping into the market for online music, with a  quot;Digital Megastore quot; offering US customers song downloads for 99 cents.


IBM to announce launch of new radio tag business unit

IBM planned to announce yesterday that it will invest US\$250 million over the next five years and employ 1,000 people in a new business unit to support products and services related to sensor networks.


A #39;s top M #39;s, maintain lead over Angels

OAKLAND, Calif. - Bobby Crosbys sacrifice fly with one out in the ninth scored Erubiel Durazo with the winning run in the Oakland Athletics 6-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Monday night.


Protective goal posts come into play at Clemson, W. Virginia

This season Clemson and West Virginia installed goal posts that can be lowered to the ground in a matter of seconds, thus preventing injuries to fans who storm the field after big football victories.


Airline warns judge that liquidation is ahead without union pay <b>...</b>

ALEXANDRIA, Va. US Airways is warning a bankruptcy judge that it may have to liquidate as soon as February unless the judge imposes temporary pay cuts of 23 percent on the airline #39;s union workers.


BHP Wins Extra \$3.2 Bln of Chinese Iron Ore Sales (Update3)

BHP Billiton, the world #39;s biggest mining company, agreed to sell an extra \$3.2 billion of iron ore to four Chinese steelmakers, helping underpin expansion of its mines in Western Australia.


Citigroup #39;s Curious Exec Exchange

The giant #39;s CFO and Smith Barney #39;s chief swap jobs -- a regular rotation for managers on the rise or damage control in advance?


Nikkei Poised to Fall for 8th Day

Tokyo #39;s Nikkei average fell 0.46 percent by late Tuesday, setting the stage for an eighth straight day of losses after oil prices topped \$50 a barrel, fanning concerns about Japan Inc #39;s prospects.


Mass. builders behind rest of country

The sale of new single-family homes across the country rose by 9.4 percent in August, ending a two-month dip, the US Commerce Department reported yesterday.


Passenger service to space in two years?

The world #39;s first passenger service to space will start carrying fee-paying astronauts from 2007, say two entrepreneurs, although some are not so convinced with their ambitious time-frame.


Quarterback is a question mark

Yes, it #39;s only three games but some things are obvious early on. The Redskins are in serious trouble at quarterback. And trouble at quarterback might as well be a computer virus; it ruins everything, even the defense.


Sports: Dodgers 8 Rockies 7

LOS ANGELES Milton Bradley singled home the game-winning run with one out in the bottom of the ninth as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 8-to-7.


American League Game Summary - Seattle at Oakland

Ichiro, with 914 hits since his rookie year in 2001, is currently on pace to set the record for most hits over any four-year span in the majors.


Seattle Sweeps Series

SEATTLE, Sept. 27 (Ticker) -- With their floor leader sidelined early in the game, the Seattle Storm rallied to win their first playoff series.


Astros tee off on Williams

HOUSTON - Nine days had passed since the Cardinals mathematically clinched their division title. Monday night, their playoff express took a wrong turn smack into the middle of a wild-card street fight.


Harrington takes offense

Lions quarterback Joey Harrington was shot down by the Eagles pass rush Sunday, but on Monday he fired back at the Goose -ormer NFL defensive lineman Tony Siragusa.


Around the world

Three US soldiers were wounded, one of them critically, when Afghan guerrillas attacked their vehicle with rockets and guns, the US military said Monday.


US pressures Indonesian over mine pollution arrests

The United States has stepped up its diplomatic response to Indonesia #39;s arrest of five executives of the American mining company Newmont for alleged pollution in the province of Sulawesi.


US Airways, unions seek compromise

US Airways Group Inc. met with two unions to try and agree on concessions before an Oct. 7 hearing at which a bankruptcy judge might let the carrier temporarily reduce pay 23 percent to help avoid potential liquidation.


Toyota targets hopes, dreams in new marketing

and often humorous -- side today, as it launches an advertising and marketing push designed to appeal to buyers #39; personal aspirations.


Got \$190,000? Plan a holiday in space

Richard Branson reinforced his reputation as an entrepreneurial showman on Monday by announcing a \$100m plan to send tourists into space.


Virgin enters online music selling business

In spite of the reports in media that selling music online is not as profitable a deal, as it looks like, there is no shortage of the new entrants.


AT amp;T launches text-only wireless

In a bid to hook younger consumers with a penchant for chatting via messaging, AT amp;T Wireless launched a wireless device Monday that can interconnect with the nation #39;s top messaging services.


Hearing to decide if gymnast Hamm will keep gold medal

Paul Hamm traded his warm-up suit for a real suit Monday and shook hands with the man who wants to take away his gold medal. He then settled in for an 11 1/2 -hour hearing that will determine, once and for


Grievance filed over suspension

ARLINGTON, TEX. -- The baseball players #39; association filed a grievance yesterday seeking to overturn the Anaheim Angels #39; suspension of left-fielder Jose Guillen.


US Hails Capture, Killing of Al-Qaeda Suspects By Pak Forces

Washington, Sept. 28 (NNN): The United States on Monday greatly welcomed as an  quot;important development quot; the capture and killing of several al-Qaeda terror network suspects by the Pakistan #39;s security forces


Nikkei Falls to 6-Week Low (Reuters)

Reuters - Tokyo's Nikkei average fell 0.4 percent\to a six-week closing low on Tuesday, marking an eight-day\losing streak, after oil prices topped  #36;50 a barrel, fanning\concern over the business outlook for Japanese companies.


Yen Feels Heat as Oil Prices Hit Record

TOKYO (Reuters) - The yen was feeling the heat on Tuesday  as oil prices scaled new record highs, underlining concerns  about Japan's dependence on imported oil.


Nikkei Falls to 6-Week Low

TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei average fell 0.4 percent  to a six-week closing low on Tuesday, marking an eight-day  losing streak, after oil prices topped \$50 a barrel, fanning  concern over the business outlook for Japanese companies.


13th recipient of artificial heart dies

The 13th patient to receive the world #39;s first fully implantable artificial heart died Sunday night after an unexpected malfunction in the device made by Abiomed Inc.


Billionaire #39;s latest venture said to be out of this world

Sir Richard Branson, airline mogul and adventurer, announced plans yesterday to boldly go where no private transport company has gone before -- into space.


AROUND THE HORN: Bonds tested:  #39;It will clear my name #39;

SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds hopes his random steroid test last week will remove suspicion that he uses performance-enhancing drugs.


Young unties it for Knotts; Tigers win

The Tigers didn #39;t tear the cover off the ball Monday night. But compared to their previous two games -- both shutouts -- it was an offensive explosion.


Meet Palm, the phone operator

PARIS On Tuesday, PalmSource, the maker of the Palm operating system for hand-held devices, is scheduled to announce its first operating system designed specifically for smart phones, mobile phones that allow you to not only make voice calls but also use


Solving a Riddle Written in Silver

Modern imaging techniques have revealed some new information about the earliest biblical passage ever found in ancient artifacts.


Nighttime, and Fevers Are Rising

It is the body's internal chemicals and hormones that send diseases out to strut their stuff at night.


Moist Nose Shows Promise in Tracking Down Cancers

British researchers have trained dogs to detect bladder cancer by sniffing human urine, opening up the possibility that dogs may one day be used to detect the disease.


This Pill Will Make You Feel Better, but We're Not Sure Why

Despite objections from hospitals and the medical profession, doctors are prescribing placebos for all kinds of ailments.


Paleontologists Put Ancient Long-Necked Monster in Its Place

Paleontologists have discovered a species of protorosaur, and they think the fossils hold the solution to the mystery of long-necked dinosaurs.


Southern Rebel Chief Garang Rejects Links to Darfur

LONDON (Reuters) - Southern Sudanese rebel chief John  Garang denied on Tuesday accusations by the Sudanese government  that he backed the uprising in Darfur in the west.


Football: Liverpool v Olympiakos

Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez is wary of Olympiakos duo Giovanni and Rivaldo.


Lubbers set for new Darfur talks

The UN refugee chief is to have what could be stormy talks with Sudan officials after proposing autonomy for Darfur.


Singer being moved to French jail

French rock star Bertrand Cantat, jailed in Lithuania for killing his lover, is going home to serve his sentence.


Pro-hunt demo at Labour gathering

Thousands of angry pro-hunting protesters are to stage a rally at the Labour Party conference in Brighton.


Audit Finds Large FBI Translation Backlog

WASHINGTON - Despite major increases in money and personnel, the FBI is still failing to translate many al-Qaida surveillance recordings in a timely manner and faces a giant backlog of untranslated material from terrorism and espionage investigations, a new Justice Department audit shows.    The report released Monday by Glenn A...


Industry reacts to Tech Pacific buy

Resellers may feel the Ingram Micro acquisition of Tech Pacific in the pocket as their credit lines could be cut in half once the two firms join.


US Airways, two unions meet on proposed \$38 million cost cuts

US Airways met with two unions yesterday to try to agree on concessions before an Oct. 7 hearing at which a bankruptcy judge may let the carrier temporarily reduce pay 23 percent to help avoid potential liquidation.


Joint bid for Adelphia?

Time Warner Inc., the world #39;s largest media company, and Comcast Corp. said they are considering making a joint bid for bankrupt cable-television operator Adelphia Communications Corp.


Fannie Mae makes deal, but more probes due

Fannie Mae, the nation #39;s largest mortgage buyer and a financial juggernaut that affects tens of millions of home buyers, agreed Monday to major changes in its accounting and management


Harrah #39;s will sell E. Chicago riverboat

Harrah #39;s Entertainment Inc. and Caesars Entertainment Inc. will sell an East Chicago riverboat casino and three other gambling resorts for \$1.


Barge deal helped Enron stay afloat

Row, row, row your barge gently up a creek / Merrill Lynch, Merrill Lynch, Merrill Lynch, Merrill Lynch / life is but a dream ... .. especially on Wall Street, where Merrill, the world #39;s largest securities


Biotech industry eager for Finneran #39;s arrival

He is quitting the Legislature for the top post at the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, but that will not mean House speaker Tom Finneran will give up his suits and gavel for a lab coat and test tube.


Athletics Edge Mariners 6-5 (AP)

AP - Bobby Crosby's sacrifice fly with one out in the ninth scored pinch-runner Esteban German with the winning run in the Oakland Athletics' 6-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Monday night.


PREPARE FOR LIFTOFF

Business tycoon Richard Branson said yesterday he #39;s launching the world #39;s first passenger service to space in 2007. It will offer zero-gravity flights, lasting two to three hours, for a mere \$198,600.


Seattle team traces origin of ivory via elephant DNA map

By analyzing elephant DNA, a research team led by Seattle scientists has discovered a way to trace the origins of ivory and help stem the poaching that still threatens the giant beasts across much of their habitat.


Warner secretary of technology to quit

George C. Newstrom is quitting as Virginia #39;s secretary of technology, becoming the first departure from Gov. Mark R. Warner #39;s Cabinet.


How the runs scored

Athletics first: Kotsay singled to right. Byrnes lined out to shortstop J.Lopez. Chavez singled to right, Kotsay to second. Durazo singled to right, Kotsay to third, Chavez to second.


Sox clinch playoff berth

It didnt happen at Fenway Park this year, though it was hard to believe the Red Sox werent the home team on Monday night. The


Notebook: Gannon to miss 8 weeks as injury wave continues

The league #39;s injury epidemic didn #39;t pause last weekend, with Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon breaking a vertebra in his neck Sunday that will sideline him for eight weeks.


AL notebook: Union hopes to get Guillen ruling reversed

The players #39; association filed a grievance yesterday seeking to overturn the Anaheim Angels #39; suspension of left fielder Jose Guillen.


Expos #39; move to DC appears imminent

Signaling for the first time publicly that he might be persuaded to drop his opposition to a team in Washington, DC, Orioles owner Peter Angelos said he could go along if a deal is struck to protect his franchise and Maryland #39;s investment in Oriole Park


BCCI questions Zee #39;s petition

The BCCI today questioned in the Supreme Court the maintainability of the writ petition filed by Zee Telefilms challenging cancellation of the exclusive telecast rights of domestic cricket for the next four years granted by the former to the latter.


Airport wall collapse kills eight workers

A huge wall collapsed at an unfinished terminal at Dubai airport yesterday, killing at least eight workers and injuring more. Workers saw up to 40 casualties being taken away.


Japanese prime minister reshuffles cabinet

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi reshuffled his cabinet yesterday, replacing several top ministers in an effort to boost his popularity, consolidate political support and quicken the pace of reforms in the world #39;s second-largest economy.


Blair prepares crucial party speech

Tony Blair faces one of the trickiest speeches of his career today, seeking to win back his Labour party after rifts over Iraq and spell out new policies to set up next year #39;s re-election bid.


NL Wrap: Cubs Pound Reds to Retain Wild Card Lead (Reuters)

Reuters - Todd Walker homered, had three hits\and drove in four runs to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 12-5 win\over the Cincinnati Reds in National League play at Wrigley\Field on Monday.


German retail giant in shake-up

Loss-making German department store giant Karstadtquelle plans a major shake-up to try to haul itself back into profit, amid rumours of thousands of job cuts.


Challenge over Enron extradition

Three former bankers are due in court to face an extradition hearing in connection with the collapsed energy giant Enron.


Pensions grounded?

First it was the steel industry, now it's the airlines. United Airlines and US Airways Group Inc. , both in bankruptcy protection, have warned they might terminate employee pension plans in a bid to survive. Delta Air Lines Inc. may also file for bankruptcy.


A highflier laid low

Here is the fundamental question investors ask about individual companies and their stocks every day: What's this business really worth?


For Mass. biotech, a boost in stature

The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council's recent track record on Beacon Hill is the envy of most other industry lobbies. On issues from blocking drug price-control efforts to state funding for job training, the council has successfully persuaded the Democrat-controlled Legislature and Republican Governor Mitt Romney to vote its way.


States face Medicare drug price handicap

Some states are paying far higher prices than others for prescription drugs under the Medicaid program, but data that would help them get a better deal are kept confidential by the federal government, a new report says.


13th recipient of artificial heart dies

The 13th patient to receive the world's first fully implantable artificial heart died Sunday night after an unexpected malfunction in the device made by Abiomed Inc. of Danvers, company officials said yesterday.


US probes French bank's role in monitoring program

NEW YORK -- Congressional investigators examining  quot;a semitrailer truck load quot; of subpoenaed documents are trying to determine whether lax monitoring at a French bank that held more than \$60 billion for the UN oil-for-food program facilitated illicit business deals by the former Iraqi government, officials told The Associated Press.


Rates rise on T-bills

Interest rates on short-term Treasury securities rose in yesterday's auction. The Treasury Department sold \$19 billion in three-month bills at a discount rate of 1.710 percent, up from 1.685 percent last week. An additional \$17 billion was sold in six-month bills at a rate of 1.950 percent, up from 1.870 percent.


Antispam effort dealt setback

A row over intellectual property claims from Microsoft Corp. has dealt a fatal blow to an ambitious effort by Internet engineers to create a technical standard for curbing junk e-mail.


Testa Hurwitz names managing partner

The Boston law firm Testa, Hurwitz  amp; Thibeault yesterday named F. George Davitt its managing partner.


Dow closes under 10,000 on oil fears

The blue-chip Dow Jones average closed below 10,000 for the first time in six weeks on Monday as a spike in oil prices to nearly USD50 a barrel renewed concerns about corporate profits.


Gucci earnings surge as YSL cuts losses

Luxury goods maker Gucci saw operating profit more than double in the second quarter thanks to higher sales and lower losses from its Yves Saint Laurent brand, its owner French retailer Pinault Printemps Redoute says.


Patient dies as mechanical heart fails

A man who lived for 147 days on a mechanical heart made by Danvers-based Abiomed Inc. died because of complications related to the device, officials said yesterday.


Bio council hopes prez is good cell

He #39;s a high-profile figure with national contacts and an unrivaled understanding of how to move the Legislature. That #39;s why the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council overlooked his opposition on stem-cell research


Officials: Might Be Time to Lift Ban on Hospital Cell Calls

(Munster) - Some health officials in northwest Indiana say it might be time for hospitals to lift bans on cellphone calls. They say research that shows the phones don #39;t interfere with medical equipment.


Plunkings strike a sour note

They may never be mistaken for the boys from the Bronx as Boston #39;s archrivals. But the Devil Rays picked up last night where the Yankees


** For the latest news, please refresh this page regularly **

Undisputed middleweight king Bernard  quot;The Executioner quot; Hopkins told Boxingtalk.com,  quot;It #39;s Sunday evening and I just got back home, we just finished helping Frank Cappucino.


Yankees, Twins ready to start head games

Its risky to call a series in late September that neither team really has to win a playoff preview. Just the same, the three-game series between the Twins and Yankees that concludes Thursday is as compelling as such series get.


One terabyte optical disk developed

BOFFINS AND boffinettes at Imperial College London are developing a new optical disk that can store a terabyte of data. The Multiplexed Optical Data Storage (Mods)technology is expected to be released towards


Apple offers fix for PowerBook white spots

Apple has announced a programme to repair certain 15in PowerBooks whose screens have been found to show faint white spots. The 15in PowerBook G4 Display Repair Extension Program will provide free repairs for


CNN #39;S MAN KIDNAPPED

An Arab-Israeli television producer for CNN was abducted at gunpoint by a group of Palestinians yesterday after being pulled from a network van in Gaza City.


US envoy criticizes  #39;forces of the past #39;

US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, speaking less than two weeks before historic elections, denounced Afghanistan #39;s warlords yesterday as  quot;forces of the past quot; and said they must either reform or face imprisonment.


Airlines take a hit on fuel

MONTREAL -- Despite a jump of 19 in world air traffic so far this year, airlines are expected to lose as much as \$4 billion US in 2004 due to high fuel costs, says the International Air Transport Association.


Microsoft #39;s Softer Tune with the EC

Microsoft #39;s day in court -- this time, Europe #39;s Court of First Instance in Luxembourg -- doesn #39;t come until Sept. 30. But the software giant is already on the offensive, holding court of its own with a Sept.


Artificial heart recipient dies after 147 days

New Albany -- An Indiana man who lived with an artificial heart for 147 days has died, the heart manufacturer said Monday. Abiomed Inc.


Someone must stop this deal

If ever a global takeover deserves to be shot down by Ottawa, the China Minmetals senseless plan to play games of global Monopoly with Noranda Inc.


P amp;O to axe up to 1,200 jobs

P amp;O says it will cut up to 1,200 jobs and slash services as part of a review to reduce costs at its loss-making ferries business.


St. Helens climbers ordered to lie low

The risk of a volcanic explosion or related landslide on Mount St. Helens has prompted the mountain #39;s managers to keep climbers off the 8,363-foot peak and close some hiking trails while scientists assess the danger.


Secure Flight Takes Flight: Its About Time

D., and Alane Kochems. The Department of Homeland security has announced a new program, Secure Flight, designed to screen flight passenger data and flag possible terrorists before they board an airplane.


Microsoft charges for Hotmail Outlook access

SPAM FIGHTING super hero software behemoth Microsoft has come up with a wizard way of stopping those who send spam from its free Hotmail accounts.


Warner offers sales pitch for state

NORFOLK -- Gov. Mark Warner used his time in front of an audience of high-powered decision-makers at the commonwealth #39;s annual tech conference Monday to pitch Virginia as a technology-savvy state.


I keep seeing spots on my Apple

APPLE IS EXTENDING its warranty for Titanium and Aluminum 15-inch PowerBook G4 screens after users have started seeing spots before their eyes.


Same old song

LANDOVER, Md. -- The past took center stage Monday night at Fed-Ex Field, and the feel of history was almost palpable. But when push came to shove, it wasn #39;t really the kind of history that the Washington


Neck injury sidelines Raiders QB

The 2002 NFL MVP has a broken vertebra in his neck that will sideline him at least eight weeks. Coach Norv Turner didn #39;t believe Gannon was at risk for paralysis and said the quarterback was walking around


Kazmir #39;s a kid with plenty of moxie

ST. PETERSBURG - The fastball was directed at Manny Ramirez #39;s left knee. Make no mistake about it. The pitch didn #39;t get away from Scott Kazmir.


Beltre #39;s slam helps Dodgers open three-game lead

The Los Angeles Dodgers are closing in on their first playoff berth in eight years, and they #39;re not about to leave their chances to fate.


SI.com

ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) -- Chone Figgins gave the Anaheim Angels a huge lift in the tight American League West Division race. Figgins tripled and scored in the eighth inning and Bartolo Colon allowed three


A #39;s maintain one-game lead with ninth-inning win

After Barry Zito gave up a tying three-run homer to Willie Bloomquist, the Oakland Athletics bounced back and maintained their one-game lead over Anaheim in the AL West.


Gill: Bring back old format

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has called for the Champions League second group stage to be restored. Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger were among the


NK Says Fuel Rods Have Been Turned into Weapons

North Korea has made another strong statement about its nuclear capability. At the United Nations on Monday, a North Korean minister said his country had made arms from reprocessed nuclear fuel rods.


Carson man charged with Iraqi #39;s murder

Two US soldiers, including one from Carson, have been charged with murder in the death of an Iraqi civilian, the 1st Cavalry Division announced Monday.


Virgin #39;s Branson to offer commercial space flights

This week, Sir Richard Branson announced his new company, Virgin Galactic, has the rights to the first commercial flights into space.


Volcano puzzles scientists

SEATTLE -- Small earthquakes at the rate of one or two a minute yesterday had seismologists keeping a close watch on Mount St. Helens.


Secure Flight Program Moves To Test Phase

The Transportation Security Administration last week moved forward with plans to test its new Secure Flight passenger-screening system.


Jordan's King: Iraq Elections Impossible (AP)

AP - The Jordanian monarch said in an interview published Tuesday that elections in Iraq are impossible in the current chaos and that he sees no chances of improvement in the short term.


Ichiro draws media crowd

OAKLAND - The Seattle Mariners won #39;t get to the postseason this year, but they #39;re being covered as if they #39;re already there.


American Forces Bomb Site in Fallujah (AP)

AP - American forces bombed a site in the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah early Tuesday where several militants loyal to terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi were believed to be holed up, the U.S. military said.


Israelis and Palestinians seek release of kidnapped journalist

JERUSALEM - Israel and the Palestinian Authority were engaged in intensive efforts Tuesday morning to secure the release of an Israeli Druze employee of CNN who was kidnapped by masked men in Gaza City.


Palestinian killed by Israeli fire in West Bank

JENIN, West Bank - Israeli troops shot dead a mentally-ill Palestinian in the West Bank town of Jenin early on Tuesday, Palestinian security sources said.


Lubbers set for new Darfur talks

UN refugee commissioner Ruud Lubbers is due to meet top Sudanese officials on Tuesday to discuss what the UN calls the world #39;s worst humanitarian crisis.


Flood of New Voters Signing Up (AP)

AP - New voters are flooding local election offices with paperwork, registering in significantly higher numbers than four years ago as attention to the presidential election runs high and an array of activist groups recruit would-be voters who could prove critical come Nov. 2.


Saudi Militants Switch from Suicide to Hit-And-Run

RIYADH (Reuters) - After a series of spectacular suicide  attacks, militants in Saudi Arabia are now launching isolated  hit-and-run shootings of Westerners, posing fresh problems for  security forces in the world's main oil exporter.


Blair Delivers Crucial Party Speech Under Iraq Cloud

BRIGHTON, England (Reuters) - Britain's Tony Blair faces  one of the trickiest speeches of his career on Tuesday, seeking  to win back his Labour Party after rifts over Iraq and spell  out new policies to set up next year's re-election bid.


Jackson's father 'fine' after op

Michael Jackson's father, Joseph, is released from hospital after surgery to fix two bleeding stomach ulcers.


Israeli strikes kill 7 Palestinians

JERUSALEM -- Israelis killed seven Palestinians in attacks yesterday, including a Gaza airstrike that killed one militant and wounded a militia commander, who vowed revenge from his hospital bed.


To have and have not published

ROME -- A bullfight, an act of bravado, a brush with death. A newly discovered story by a young Ernest Hemingway has all the elements to delight fans and scholars -- but it can't be published.


Warloads will hijack Afghan vote, group says

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Elections heralded as the dawn of democracy in war-ravaged Afghanistan will be hijacked by warlords able to intimidate voters and candidates to entrench their own power, a leading rights group warned today.


Pakistan arrests 4 after raid that killed Al Qaeda fugitive

KARACHI -- Security forces following up on a raid that killed a top Al Qaeda fugitive arrested four more suspected extremists yesterday, and Pakistan's president predicted the investigation would lead to more high-profile militants.


Japan's leader shakes up Cabinet

TOKYO -- Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi reshuffled his Cabinet yesterday, replacing several top ministers in an effort to boost his popularity, consolidate political support, and quicken the pace of reforms in the world's second largest economy.


P amp;O to axe routes, 1,200 jobs

LONDON, England -- European shipping giant P amp;O is to close four of its 13 ferry routes with the loss of about 1,200 jobs, the company announced.


EU Court Overturns Bar on Merger

The European Commission was wrong to bar the takeover bid by US telecoms firm WorldCom for rival Sprint, a European Union court said on Tuesday, annulling the action taken four years ago.


Testaverde keeps answering age-old questions

LANDOVER, Md. - Dallas quarterback Vinny Testaverde dropped back to pass and let a deep ball fly down the left sideline. Washington cornerback Fred Smoot stayed with Cowboys wide receiver Antonio Bryant step for step.


Football sites are set

The MIAA Football Committee yesterday announced the sites that will host postseason football contests. There will be six doubleheaders Tuesday, Nov. 30 at Curry College


Defense removing push to seal Bryant case evidence

Kobe Bryant #39;s attorneys abruptly dropped a bid to seal evidence in the NBA star #39;s rape case Monday, saying the details will be leaked anyway and releasing all the documents would reveal


Huge Diamond Heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris

Two diamonds together worth over 11 million euros (\$13.53 million) disappeared from an antique dealers #39; show at the Paris Louvre museum on Monday in an apparent mid-afternoon robbery.


Woods Eyes Fourth Title After Singh's Withdrawal

LONDON (Reuters) - Three-times winner Tiger Woods bids for  a third successive title at this week's WGC-American Express  Championship in Kilkenny, Ireland.


Sharapova Cruises Past Gagliardi in Korea Open

SEOUL (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova  crushed Switzerland's Emmanuelle Gagliardi 6-1, 6-3, in the  first round of the Hansol Korea Open WTA event on Tuesday.


Berth announcement

The wackiest bunch of barnstormers in 21st century baseball, the renegade Red Sox, last night played their way into the postseason promised land amid the adulation of a traveling band of fans, none more striking than a flock of bearded, white-robed disciples.


Win or lose, Red Sox are decisively a draw

Red Sox plus Yankees equals big TV ratings in both Boston and New York. Friday night's series opener at Fenway Park earned a 21.6 rating (35 audience share), the best number a Channel 38 Red Sox telecast has earned during  quot;the modern era quot; of cable.


Angels, A's keep the pace

Chone Figgins and Troy Percival saved the Anaheim Angels, and gave them a little boost in the West race.


Plunkings strike a sour note

They may never be mistaken for the boys from the Bronx as Boston's archrivals. But the Devil Rays picked up last night where the Yankees left off Sunday, squaring off with the Red Sox in an incident that emptied both dugouts and bullpens before Terry Francona's crew celebrated the clinching of a playoff spot.


AL notables

Joe Crede is Chicago's sixth player with 20 homers, a franchise record. The other White Sox with 20 or more homers are Paul Konerko (40), Carlos Lee (29), Jose Valentin (29), Aaron Rowand (22), and Juan Uribe (21).


Bonds takes a steroid test

Barry Bonds hopes his random steroid test last week will remove suspicion that he uses performance-enhancing drugs.


The out pattern persists

The NFL injury epidemic didn't pause this weekend, with Rich Gannon breaking a vertebra in his neck that will sideline him for eight weeks, and Rex Grossman and Charlie Garner out for the season.


Sun stay alive with a win over Mystics

The Connecticut Sun got a wake-up call Saturday when then were defeated by the Washington Mystics in the first game of their best-of-three WNBA Eastern Conference semifinal series.


Taurasi named WNBA's top rookie

Diana Taurasi has another award to add to her trophy case. The Phoenix Mercury guard was the runaway winner yesterday as the WNBA Rookie of the Year. Taurasi, who led the University of Connecticut to three successive NCAA championships, became the second No. 1 overall draft pick to win the award, joining Washington's Chamique Holdsclaw (1999). Taurasi was fourth in ...


BU to induct four into Hall

Hockey star David Sacco, a two-time first-team All-American and a finalist for the 1993 Hobey Baker Award, leads the list of four former Boston University athletes who will be inducted into the school's Hall of Fame Oct. 9.


BC, Maine: Chosen two

The Boston College and University of Maine men's hockey teams made up half of last season's Frozen Four, and at least in the pollsters' eyes, they're good bets to make it back there.


Not looking down at UMass

The game came about because both sides had wants and needs. Boston College wanted a fifth home game; the University of Massachusetts needed to pump revenue into its cash-strapped football program.


Staying on top of things

Acton-Boxboro's girls' soccer team didn't wait long to set the tone. Less than two minutes into its 3-0 upset of No. 2 Lincoln-Sudbury yesterday, sophomore Natalie Crutchfield controlled a cross from Caitlin Berry and found the back of the net.


Mobile graphics look to impress

Graphics card giants ATI and Nvidia are working on new chips to improve the quality of mobile displays.


Claranet signs latest ISP deal

In the latest of a flurry of deals among net providers, Claranet buys the UK wing of US business Via.Net Works.


EU Court Overturns Bar on Merger (Reuters)

Reuters - The European Commission was wrong to\bar the takeover bid by U.S. telecoms firm WorldCom for rival\Sprint, a European Union court said on Tuesday, annulling the\action taken four years ago.


Finance chiefs see brighter world economy, but storm clouds loom (AFP)

AFP - World finance chiefs meeting in Washington this week will express satisfaction with a rebounding global economy, but also highlight risks from surging oil prices, turmoil in Iraq and other factors.


KarstadtQuelle to sell 77 department stores, waive 2004, 2005 dividends (AFP)

AFP - KarstadtQuelle, Europe's leading department store operator, said it planned to sell  quot;as quickly as possible quot; 77 of its 181 department stores around the country as part of a massive restructuring programme aimed at pulling it out of its current financial crisis.


Oil Charges to \$50.47 Record

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices soared to a new record  above \$50 on Tuesday as uncertainties over Nigerian output  heightened worries of a severe supply disruption ahead of  winter.


EU Court Overturns Bar on Merger

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - The European Commission was wrong to  bar the takeover bid by U.S. telecoms firm WorldCom for rival  Sprint, a European Union court said on Tuesday, annulling the  action taken four years ago.


The Human Element: Record and Promote Your Own Music

Skip those large music companies that don't care about your music. Doing it yourself is easier and more affordable than ever.


Toyota Hopes to Continue  #39;Moving Forward #39;

Toyota Motor Corp., which has been telling consumers to  quot;Get the Feeling quot; in its advertising since 2001, will begin urging them to keep  quot;Moving Forward quot; on Tuesday, part of the Japanese automaker #39;s ongoing effort to  quot;reinvent quot; itself.


New boss rules Nortel marketing

Nortel Networks Corp., tarnished by an accounting scandal, has hired a new marketing boss to polish its faded global image. The Brampton-based telecom equipment maker appointed Clent Richardson, 43, as its


Olympus Introduces D-590 Zoom Camera and 1GB XD Picture Card

Company also announces the Evolt E-300 Digital SLR and three new lenses.


Williamson on playoff bubble

The veteran relief pitcher was told by manager Terry Francona and pitching coach Dave Wallace prior to last night #39;s game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays stats, schedule


Tick, tock: Clock #39;s running on Coughlin #39;s methods

I want to understand what it #39;s like to play for Tom Coughlin. So I file this column at 5:30 pm Friday -- 28 hours before deadline -- and the Times Union fines me 63 cents for writing in my home office in boxer


The Nation in Brief

DENVER - Attorneys for Kobe Bryant have dropped their fight to seal investigative files compiled as part of the rape case against the NBA star but insist prosecutors open all records, including those that may clear their client.


Two more US soldiers charged with murder

Staff Sgt. Johnny Horne Jr. and Staff Sgt. Cardenas Alban, both from Company C, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment from Fort Riley, Kan, are being charge with murder.


Crude oil pushes past \$50 a barrel

The price of crude oil surged above \$50 a barrel in after-hours trading yesterday, raising fears of an economic slowdown and higher prices at the gas pump.


P amp;O Cuts Ferry Routes, Scraps 1,200 Jobs

Shipping giant P amp;O said Tuesday it was scrapping four of its 13 routes across the English Channel, with the loss of about 1,200 jobs.


Accounting inquiry raises questions

but now it may need a complete remodeling. Formally known as the Federal National Mortgage Association, the federally chartered company


Video disks ditch binary storage

Why count in binary when you can use hundreds of different digits at once? That #39;s the principle that has allowed British physicists to develop a video disk that stores far more data than has ever been possible before.


NASA: Jeanne Caused Little Damage, but Shuttle Work More Behind

NASA says Hurricane Jeanne caused minimal damage to the Kennedy Space Center. But the storm put space shuttle workers even further behind in their effort to resume.


Sox go wild, clinch date with playoffs: Rout of Devil Rays kicks <b>...</b>

After discovering that the magic number formula had played tricks on them, the Red Sox stats, schedule went out last night and defeated the Tampa Bay Devil Rays stats


Halos did right thing by taking hard line

The Angels are applauded for making a stand, for sending a message, for demonstrating there are consequences when a player refuses to play the game the way it should be played.


Pakistan officials tout victory

Pakistani officials declared an important victory against al-Qaida yesterday after police shot dead Amjad Farooqi, who was suspected of roles in the execution of Wall


WHERE THEY STAND ON The Mideast

Second in a series leading up to this weeks presidential debate, which is to focus on foreign policy. The grinding conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is the foreign policy equivalent of a black hole.


World oil prices hit new highs

Astana - London, September 28. KAZINFORM quotes BBC source. - World oil prices broke fresh records on Monday, with US light crude poised to break through the \$50 a barrel mark, and Brent crude topping \$46 in London.


EU ruling on WorldCom this week

BRUSSELS: A European Union court is set to rule this week on a \$120 billion deal MCI-WorldCom made during the height of the go-go years that still resonates today.


DNA Map to Help Combat Ivory Poaching

The latest weapon to protect dwindling elephant populations from poachers is a genetic map which can trace the origins of ivory, it emerged today.


DVDs  #39;could hold 100 times more #39;

Imperial College London researchers in the UK are developing a new way of storing data that could lead to discs capable of holding 1,000 gigabytes.


IBM in Major RFID Expansion

IBM (Quote, Chart) said it would spend a quarter of a billion dollars over the next year and a half to grow its RFID (define) business.


Major League Baseball News

com. The Chicago Cubs opened a one-game lead in the National League Wild Card standings with a 12-5 victory Monday night over the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.


Falluja takes more US hits

At least four people have been killed in the latest US onslaught on the Iraqi city of Falluja overnight. Ten others were injured on Tuesday as US warplanes again bombed Falluja, targeting the area of al-Askari


Virgin Mobile sees earnings improvement

Richard Branson #39;s mobile phone group, which was listed in July, said first-half margins would be well ahead of last year and it expected capital expenditure, as a percentage of revenue, to be below 4pc in the first half and at a similar level for the full


Fun for one, fun for all

After spending a rotten weekend in the Big Apple, one that left them with frayed nerves and short tempers, the Cubs were in dire need of a laugher upon their return to Wrigley Field.


Virgin Enters Online Music Business (TechWeb)

TechWeb - Virgin Group Ltd. on Monday launched its online music store, pitting the retailer best known for its music  quot;megastores quot; with tech companies such as Apple Computer Inc., which operates the most popular digital music service.


DVDs could hold '100 times more'

Researchers in London are developing DVDs that could hold 100 times more data than current discs.


Palestinians Hunt for Kidnapped CNN Producer (Reuters)

Reuters - Palestinian security forces were on\Tuesday searching for an Israeli Arab producer for CNN\television who was kidnapped by gunmen in the Gaza Strip.


Israeli Soldiers Kill Palestinian in West Bank Raid (Reuters)

Reuters - Israeli troops shot dead an\unarmed mentally handicapped Palestinian during a raid on\Tuesday on a West Bank refugee camp on the fourth anniversary\of a Palestinian uprising.


Moscow Police Hold Chechens for U.S. Reporter Murder (Reuters)

Reuters - Moscow police have arrested two Chechens\they suspect of involvement in the murder of an American\journalist who wrote about Russia's richest people and had also\written a book on war and crime in Chechnya.


U.S. Jets Pound Militant Positions in Iraq (AP)

AP - Two car bombs killed seven Iraqi national guardsmen and a rocket barrage hit a police academy Monday as insurgents kept up their offensive to subdue Iraq's beleaguered security forces. U.S. jets pounded suspected militant positions in a Baghdad slum.


Straw shook hand of Zimbabwe's Mugabe 'by mistake' (AFP)

AFP - Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said he shook hands with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in New York last week  quot;by mistake quot; and because it was  quot;dark quot;.


Boyfriend of slain backpacker relates last conversation (AFP)

AFP - A British backpacker slain in Australia called her boyfriend an hour before her death and sounded happy, a court heard.


Congresswoman demands probe of alleged coercion by US Army recruiters (AFP)

AFP - A member of the US House of Representatives has demanded a full congressional investigation of allegations that the all-volunteer US Army was trying to coerce soldiers at the end of their contracts to re-enlist, threatening them with tours of duty in Iraq if they refused.


Palestinians Hunt for Kidnapped CNN Producer

GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian security forces were on  Tuesday searching for an Israeli Arab producer for CNN  television who was kidnapped by gunmen in the Gaza Strip.


Israeli Soldiers Kill Palestinian in West Bank Raid

JENIN, West Bank (Reuters) - Israeli troops shot dead an  unarmed mentally handicapped Palestinian during a raid on  Tuesday on a West Bank refugee camp on the fourth anniversary  of a Palestinian uprising.


Oil prices breach \$50 US a barrel

TORONTO - Crude oil prices hit an all-time high Tuesday, pushing past the psychological barrier of \$50 US per barrel during Asian trading.


Stormy Economic Waters for Ferry Firm

P amp;Os cutbacks announced today are the result of the waves of troubles that have swamped the ferry industry of late. Some would say the company has done well to weather the storms for as long as it has.


P amp;O to Cut 1,200 Jobs to Stem Losses at Ferry Unit (Update2)

Peninsular  amp; Oriental Steam Navigation Co., the UK #39;s largest ferry and ports operator, will trim its ferries fleet and cut 1,200 jobs, or a fifth of the unit #39;s workforce, to stem losses.


Cements Citi power as CFO

Citigroup named Sallie Krawcheck, currently head of Smith Barney, as chief financial officer and head of strategy - cementing her position as the most powerful woman on Wall Street.


Branson #39;s space dream

Sir Richard Branson may want to send people into space, but first he #39;ll have to grasp how to get his Virgin trains to arrive and leave anywhere on time.


Virgin group to launch US online music service

New York, September 28: British tycoon Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Group has said it was jumping into the market for online music, with a  quot;digital megastore quot; offering US customers song downloads for 99 cents.


Baseball: Boston clinches fourth playoff berth since 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, United States : Manny Ramirez hit a two run home run in the fifth inning and Johnny Damon added a three run homer as the Boston Red Sox clinched their second straight post-season berth with a 7-3 win over Tampa.


Jackson leads Storm #39;s advance

STORM 64, LYNX 54: At Seattle - Lauren Jackson scored 18 points and Seattle advanced to the Western Conference finals with a victory over Minnesota on Monday night.


Ichiro keeps swinging closer to MLB hit record

OAKLANDIchiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners went 1for4 in last night #39;s 6-5 loss to the Oakland Athletics, pulling within five hits of Major League Baseball #39;s single-season record.


D-Backs support Unit #39;s Cy Young cause

Randy Johnson got the support Monday night that has deserted him and Milwaukee #39;s Ben Sheets throughout this season. Johnson made the most of three runs in the first three innings, raising his record above


Two UK troops killed in Iraq ambush

Two British soldiers have been killed following an ambush on a convoy near the southern Iraqi city of Basra on Tuesday morning, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.


N Korea warns on nuclear rods

North Korea has said it has turned plutonium from 8,000 spent fuel rods into nuclear weapons. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Vice Foreign Minister Choe Su-hon said the weapons were needed for  quot;self-defence quot; against  quot;US nuclear threat quot;.


ENGLAND STARS SET FOR REAL STRUGGLE

DAVID BECKHAM and Michael Owen could miss Real Madrid #39;s Champions League clash with Roma tonight as their Bernabeu nightmare goes from bad to worse.


SI.com

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers  #39; hold on the National League West Division lead got a little more secure thanks to Milton Bradley .


AUTO RACING: IRL, Champ raise a lot of questions

Surfers Paradise and Mexico -- remaining on the Champ Car circuit this year, is the former bastion of American open-wheel racing finally out of gas?


Two British troops killed in Iraq

Two British soldiers have been shot dead in an ambush near Basra, southern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has said. They had been trying to rescue the passengers in an armoured Land Rover hit by a rocket propelled grenade.


Israeli troops kill Jenin curfew breaker

Israeli troops have shot dead a mentally-ill Palestinian in the West Bank town of Jenin, Palestinian security sources say. The sources say Saleh Ilalou, 47, was hit in the stomach by troops who saw him outside


UPDATE: BHP Flags Iron Ore Increase After China Deal

PERTH (Dow Jones)--Having secured Chinese iron ore sales worth US\$12.2 billion, Australia-based global miner BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) said Tuesday that a further aggressive


P amp;O to axe up to 1,200 jobs

P amp;O is to cut up to 1,200 jobs and slash services in a plan to salvage its loss-making ferry business, which has been hit by competition from low-cost airlines.


PalmSource unveils smartphone operating system

PalmSource has completed development of Palm Cobalt, the first version of its handheld operating system designed specifically for smartphones.


St. Helens #39; activity grows

Experts say the recent surge of quakes means a steam explosion or eruption is possible. By Lukas Velush. The size and frequency of more than 2,000 tiny earthquakes that have hit Mount St.


Garcia Remon receives Perez #39;s vote of confidence

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said new coach Mariano Garcia Remon will be allowed time to make his presence felt and was under no pressure to obtain instant success.


Parcells wins veteran clash

Bill Parcells #39; Dallas Cowboys beat the Joe Gibbs-coached Washington Redskins 21-18 in a classic encounter on Monday. Terry Glenn scored the winning touchdown early in the fourth quarter.


Turkish delight for Rooney

Manchester - Wayne Rooney, the 18-year-old who broke the Manchester United bank, was set to start repaying Sir Alex Ferguson #39;s 27-million-pound investment against Turkish side Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Tuesday.


Israeli troops shot dead an unarmed mentally handicapped Palestinian during a raid on Tuesday on a West Bank refugee camp on the fourth anniversary of a Palestinian uprising.


Dreamworks Files for IPO with SEC

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Computer animation company Dreamworks  SKG has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission  for a \$650 million initial public offering, applying to list on  the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DWA."


Booming Ireland sees population swell to 130-year high (Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune - Ireland's population has climbed above the 4 million mark for the first time since the 19th Century, when famine and widespread economic hardship triggered a vast wave of immigration to the United States.


August home sales rise

WASHINGTON  #151; Sales of new homes rose by 9.4 percent in August, the Commerce Department said yesterday, as mortgage interest rates remained at low enough levels to continue enticing buyers worried about future rate increases.


Time Warner, Comcast eye joint bid for Adelphia

Time Warner Inc., the world #146;s largest media company, and Comcast Corp. said they are considering making a joint bid for bankrupt cable-television operator Adelphia Communications Corp.


Crude prices set N.Y. record

WASHINGTON  #151; Oil prices charged toward \$50 a barrel yesterday, and gasoline prices surged to \$1.92 a gallon last week, as petroleum output in the Gulf of Mexico returns at a slower-than-expected rate after Hurricane Ivan, and geopolitical unrest keeps traders on edge.


Airline says it may liquidate

ALEXANDRIA, Va.  #151; US Airways Group Inc. warned in a bankruptcy court filing that it may have to liquidate by February if a judge does not impose a temporary 23 percent pay cut on its union workers.


Airlines expected to lose \$4 billion

MONTREAL -- Despite a jump of 19 per cent in world air traffic so far this year, airlines are expected to lose as much as \$4 billion US in 2004 due to high fuel costs, says the International Air Transport Association.


EC  #39;supports special interests of rivals #39; - Microsoft

Microsoft will argue that the market for media players is much more varied than the European Commission claims when the two meet in court at the end of the week.


Tick for special offers/news from GQ.COM and partners

Virgin Airlines has outclassed its counterparts once again by announcing that, by 2006, passengers will be able to travel to space aboard the Virgin Galactic spaceship.


St. Helens Quakes Could Lead To  #39;Hazardous Event #39;

SEATTLE - Seismologists believe there #39;s an increased likelihood of a  quot;hazardous event quot; at Mount St. Helens due to recent changes in the mountain #39;s seismic activity.


GAO Says Offshoring Could Stymie Tech Job Growth

SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - A new government report indicates that offshore outsourcing could hurt IT employment growth over the next decade.


Security leaders get bigger

Consolidation in the security sector continued last week as three firms planned a merger to form a new security giant offering global services.


We are ready for United - Rustu

Fenerbahce are adamant they can blunt Manchester United #39;s attacking threat in the Champions League clash on Tuesday night. Wayne Rooney is likely to link up with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Alan Smith at some


Jordanian King Says Iraqi Elections Impossible Now

28 September 2004 -- Jordanian King Abdullah II said in an interview today that elections in Iraq are  quot;impossible quot; amid the continuing insecurity.


Gene test to track illegal ivory

A genetic test that can determine the origin of ivory could help combat the illegal trade in elephant tusks and their products.


Dolly scientists' human clone bid

The scientists who cloned Dolly the sheep apply to use cloned human embryos to study motor neurone disease.


Bankers fight Enron extradition

Three former NatWest bankers are due in a UK court to face an extradition hearing in connection with the collapsed energy giant Enron.


O'Brien to Take Over for Leno in 5 Years

NEW YORK - Jay Leno's takeover as host of NBC's "Tonight" show in 1992 was fraught with drama and bad feelings, but he's assured the next transition will be as smooth as his nightly sign-off: "Stay tuned for Conan."   The comedian and NBC on Monday chose the 50th anniversary of the first "Tonight" show to set a special date for the 55th - when Leno will step down and Conan O'Brien becomes the fifth host of the television institution.    Announcing a transition in five years is odd for any business, let alone one that frequently plans from day-to-day, but NBC was anxious not to lose O'Brien...


Crude Oil Prices Breaches \$50 Per Barrel

SINGAPORE - Crude oil topped \$50 per barrel during Asian trading on Tuesday, pushing past the psychological milestone for the first time then surging further to new record levels likely to unsettle oil-consuming nations.    Traders bid oil to new highs in after-hours trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange in a reaction to the slow recovery of U.S...


Palestinian Police Search for CNN Producer

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Palestinian police were searching Tuesday for an Israeli Arab producer for the TV network CNN kidnapped at gunpoint on a busy Gaza City street, and the network joined journalists' associations in demanding his immediate release.    In the West Bank, troops shot dead a Palestinian in the Jenin refugee camp overnight, local hospital staff said...


Flood of New Voters Signing Up

New voters are flooding local election offices with paperwork, registering in significantly higher numbers than four years ago as attention to the presidential election runs high and an array of activist groups recruit would-be voters who could prove critical come Nov. 2...


Citigroup Job Changes May Be Dress Rehearsal for Top Post in <b>...</b>

Citigroup said yesterday that Sallie L. Krawcheck, the former equity analyst recruited to the bank to clean up its research department, would become its chief financial officer.


AT amp;T Release Ogo

AT amp;T have finally released their Ogo handset. The US\$130 (106) device is designed to do one thing well - messaging. The Ogo allows subscribers to send emails, instant messages and text messages, and that #39;s


Windows XP: to Russia with Love

Russia is the fourth nation to participate in Microsoft Corp #39;s Windows XP Starter Edition pilot program, for first-time PC users in developing technology markets.


A #39;s rally in ninth to stay on top

Bobby Crosby was confident he could get the job done as he approached the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning on Monday night.


Sharapova wins easily in first round of Korea Open

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova beat Emmanuelle Gagliardi 6-1, 6-3 in the first round of the Hansol Korea Open on Tuesday. In other first-round matches, American Abigail Spears defeated Lenka Nemeckov, 6


Harrington fires back in response to Siragusa #39;s comments

Tony Siragusa is right: Joey Harrington isn #39;t his kind of guy. But being a Siragusa kind of guy was never high on Harrington #39;s priority list anyway.


Thailand Confirms 10th Bird Flu Death

BANGKOK, Thailand Sept. 28, 2004 - A woman who died earlier this month of bird flu probably got the disease from her daughter, a Thai official said Tuesday, increasing concern the case is the first known human-to-human transmission of the disease.


Arafat orders release of kidnapped CNN producer

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has ordered his security services to help secure the release of a CNN producer kidnapped by Palestinian militants in Gaza.


Ten killed in US air strike, bombing in Iraq

MOSUL (Iraq): Two people were killed and five wounded Monday when a car bomb hit an Iraqi national guard patrol in the northern city of Mosul, security and medical sources said.


Beltre Helps Lift Dodgers Past Rockies (AP)

AP - The Los Angeles Dodgers are closing in on their first playoff berth in eight years, and they're not about to leave their chances to fate.


Nero Acquires Tanzer Business (AP)

AP - Alan Nero is acquiring the company of fellow baseball agent Tommy Tanzer in the latest consolidation in the industry.


Hearing held on Hamm medal

Paul Hamm said yesterday that he would give back his Olympic gold medal if sport's highest court ordered him to. But lawyers for the American gymnast and the US Olympic Committee told the sport's highest court that there are no grounds to change the results of last month's men's all-around competition, which Hamm won with the greatest comeback in the ...


Oil Fears to Weigh on Stocks; Dell Eyed

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil's rise to new record highs above \$50  a barrel will put pressure on Wall Street on Tuesday as  investors fret over the impact on corporate profits, while Dell  Inc DELL.O will grab focus after it stuck by its outlook.


Euro Disney Stock Suspended

PARIS (Reuters) - Euro Disney shares were suspended on  Tuesday at the company's request, said pan European bourse  operator Euronext, before the theme park operator is expected  to make a statement on a restructuring plan.


ActBlue Lets Anyone Be PAC Man

Voters who feel disempowered by political fat cats have a new option: a website that allows individuals to create their own political action committee. Now anyone can be a professional Democratic fund-raiser. By Daniel Terdiman.


Law Sends Sharers to Slammer

A new California law will make it illegal to share files online without providing a valid e-mail address. The MPAA says it hopes to get the law on the books in other states, too. By Katie Dean.


All Aboard: Space-Tour Bandwagon

Two business moguls announce plans to capitalize on the current hubbub over private spaceflight. Also: Speculation increases on whether SpaceShipOne will carry passengers on its second prize-attempt flight.... and more. By Dan Brekke.


Engineering God in a Petri Dish

A bevy of scientists is helping Jonathon Keats reverse-engineer God. Observers will witness the experiment's final phase to answer the question: Is God's DNA more like blue-green algae or a fruit fly? Kari Lynn Dean reports from San Francisco.


Origins Traces Our Original Din

From the big bang to the search for ET, a new PBS miniseries seeks the meaning of life, the universe and beyond. The show brings together the latest research on ancient frozen moss, far-flung meteors and organisms that live in boiling water. By Jason Silverman.


Survey Says: Cell Phones Left Out

Telephone surveys are the meat and potatoes of political polling groups. But as more Americans switch from land lines to cell phones, a growing segment of the population may be left out of the equation. By Daniel Terdiman.