Dawson drives Crimson

EASTON, Pa. -- Lafayette's offense excited its homecoming crowd of 5,365 with 399 total yards yesterday, but it was still no match for Harvard.


Boise State streaks on

BOISE, Idaho -- Jared Zabransky threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 23 Boise State past Southern Methodist, 38-20, last night, extending the longest winning streak in the nation to 16 games.


Footnotes

In the highest-scoring regulation game in Division 1-A history, Brian Nunez returned an interception 28 yards with 2:18 left for the last of 19 touchdowns, and San Jose State (2-2, 1-1, WAC) beat Rice, 70-63.


UNH surges with air attack

Ricky Santos broke his own school record by throwing six touchdown passes and set a school mark with 538 passing yards as New Hampshire withstood Villanova's fourth-quarter rally for a 51-40 victory last night at Villanova, Pa.


Moats sinks Fresno St.

RUSTON, La. -- Ryan Moats scored his fourth touchdown with less than four minutes left and finished with 236 yards rushing to lead Louisiana Tech to a 28-21 upset of No. 17 Fresno State last night.


Michigan's Henne heats up

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Chad Henne threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns, and Leon Hart returned a punt 76 yards for a score to help No. 19 Michigan rout Indiana, 35-14, yesterday.


Front-runner Eidmann finishes first

With just 300 meters remaining in the Bob McIntyre Bay State Cross Country Invitational Division 2 race yesterday at Franklin Park, Katharina Eidmann began doubting herself.  quot;I was surprised, quot; said Eidmann, a junior at Winchester.  quot;My plan was to have people pushing me but I kind of pulled away early. When Greta Wicklund came up on me toward the end, ...


Defense holds for Mansfield

ATTLEBORO -- An unrelenting Mansfield defense forced four turnovers as the Hornets won the 2004 season's only scheduled matchup between defending Super Bowl winners, defeating Bishop Feehan, 17-7. Mansfield, last year's Division 3 champion, intercepted three passes and forced a key fumble on a Feehan punt return in the fourth quarter, leading to a game-clinching field goal.


Xaverian flashes show of strength

WESTWOOD -- A quick question: Which team deserves the No. 1 ranking? Acton-Boxboro? Everett? Xaverian? They all have legitimate claims to the throne.


Woburn's win is all Hart

Reading fans knew Middlesex League rival Woburn had a sensational player in Boston College-bound running back Mike McLaughlin. Yesterday, the host Rockets learned Woburn also has Hart.


Bigger Eruption Predicted at Mount St. Helens

Scientists monitoring Mount St. Helens, which erupted with a minor explosion on Friday, said that they were expecting a more powerful explosion within a day or so.


Indian Police Probe Northeast Bombings That Killed 49 People

Indian police said investigations are under way into attacks that left at least 49 people dead yesterday in two northeastern frontier states that have been troubled by insurgencies.


Florida vacation? Fuggeddaboudit!

Area travel agents say forget about taking that fall-break getaway to hurricane-hammered Florida. The situation may not be much better by Thanksgiving, Christmas or even spring break for


U.S. Spy Plane Crashes Near Base in Pakistan (Reuters)

Reuters - A pilotless U.S. spy plane\crashed near its military base in southern Pakistan on Sunday\but there were no casualties or damage, police said.


Bush Raps Kerry, Slips in Newsweek Poll (AP)

AP - President Bush on Saturday ridiculed what he called the "Kerry doctrine" as a dangerous outsourcing of America's security, seeking to poke a hole in Sen. John Kerry's debate performance with what advisers see as his rival's biggest miscue.


Fall offers fine gazing

Early autumn is a fine time for stargazers, with generally clear skies, moderate temperatures and darkness falling earlier and earlier in the evenings.


Open Source Champions Shoot Down Microsoft FAT Patent

At the behest of the open source-loving Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT), the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has rejected all of the claims made in one of the four patents that Microsoft holds on the Windows file system.


Canas seals third title

Guillermo Canas wrapped up the Shanghai Open title with consummate ease on Sunday following a 6-1 6-0 win against Lars Burgsmuller.


Sharon vows to stop rockets

Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Israel #39;s premier warned that his army #39;s largest operation in Gaza in four years would expand, after troops left dozens of dead and rows of houses destroyed, aiming at stopping Palestinian rocket attacks on border towns.


Fight for Aristide continues

Supporters demanding the return of ousted president Jean-Bertrand Aristide hurled stones and fired shots in the air yesterday, the third straight day of violent protests that have killed 12 people so far.


US forces continue Samarra hunt

US forces continued to search door-to-door for any remaining insurgents in Samarra Sunday as citizens arrived at the city #39;s main hospital to claim the bodies of those killed.


Optimism from Bigley negotiator

A Muslim negotiator involved in trying to free British hostage Ken Bigley has expressed guarded optimism he will be freed, it is reported.


Football: Glazer 'eyes Man U bid'

American tycoon Malcolm Glazer is reportedly poised to launch a takeover bid for Manchester United.


NL Wrap: Finley Slams Dodgers to West Title

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Steve Finley hit a grand slam home run  to cap a seven-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning as  the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West title with a 7-3  win over the San Francisco Giants Saturday.


Sharapova Strolls to Korea Open Title

SEOUL (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova  trounced Marta Domachowska 6-1 6-1 to win the Korea Open on  Sunday.


Houston Has No Problem Landing Wild Card Tie

HOUSTON (Reuters) - The red-hot Houston Astros slugged six  home runs on Saturday to beat the Colorado Rockies 9-3 and  clinch at least a tie for the National League wild card playoff  berth.


Flagging a poll: Not so fast on Bull dynasty'

For 12 days in the middle of August, a research firm commissioned by Sports Illustrated polled 1,004 sports fans on a variety of topics for the magazine's 50th anniversary issue.


Easy does it as Els retains WGC lead

Ernie Els held off some early charges under blustery conditions yesterday and shot a 4-under-par 68 to finish where he started -- with a two-stroke lead at the American Express Championship at Thomastown, Ireland, and in great shape to win the World Golf Championship for the first time. Els bounced back from a bogey at No. 9 -- his only ...


Phillies' Bowa is sent packing

NAMES Donald Trump wasn't there giving his trademark hand gesture and uttering those famous words yesterday, but the outcome was the same. Larry Bowa , you're fired. Bowa, the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, was canned a day before the end of yet another disappointing year. The Phillies failed to reach the playoffs for the 11th straight season after coming ...


It just isn't Minutemen's time vs. BC

The cynics will point to the final score of Boston College's 29-7 victory over the University of Massachusetts yesterday before an Alumni Stadium crowd of 43,262 and conclude that the Eagles didn't win convincingly enough against their Division 1-AA opponents.


Bush touts tax relief, Edwards slams Bush record

President Bush, who credits three years of tax relief programs with helping strengthen the slow economy, said Saturday he would sign into law the Working Families Tax Relief Act to preserve tax cuts.


Rio is captaincy material: Ferguson

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson sees Rio Ferdinand as a future captain of his club. Fergusons endorsement of his star defender comes a day after England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson hailed him as a future leader of his country.


Winner Sun thankful to rains for a cool morning

New Delhi, Oct. 3 (PTI): Overnight rains came as a blessing in disguise for Chinese runner Yingjie Sun, who crushed Irish star Sonia O #39;Sullivan #39;s dream of completing a rare triple of world titles by winning


Baseball Notes

Larry Bowa was fired as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday, a day before the end of another disappointing year. The Phillies failed to reach the playoffs for the 11th straight season after coming


New violence hits Gaza

Two Palestinians were killed Sunday when Israeli soldiers fired at a house in the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza, Palestinian hospital and medical sources said.


Choose your own adventure

I got fired from my job last night. To celebrate I threw a party where I flirted with three women and danced with two men. I then trashed my house and, in a fit of angry spite, stole my neighbor #39;s garden gnome.


China #39;s Sun Yingjie wins women #39;s world half-marathon

China #39;s Sun Yingjie clocked 68 minutes and 40 minutes to win the women #39;s individual title of the world half-marathon championships here Sunday.


Blair undergoes heart operation

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has had a successful operation for recurrent heart palpitations and is doing well, Sky TV reported on Friday.


IMF failing to agree on debt plan

The International Monetary Fund appears to be unable to agree on a debt relief plan for the world's poorest nations.


UK #39;s Brown Says No Agreement Reached on Poor Nations #39; Debt

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown said no deal has been reached on how to clear the debts of the world #39;s poorest nations, a debate that has divided the UK and US governments.


Airbus and Boeing Must Avoid WTO Case, France #39;s Sarkozy Says

The European Union and the US must resolve differences over government aid to aircraft makers Airbus SAS and Boeing Co. and avoid taking the dispute to the World Trade Organization, French Finance Minister Nicolas Sarkozy said.


NASA Hopes to Build  #39;Giant Pinhole Camera #39;

Scientists hope to build a giant pinhole camera in space to spot planets orbiting distant stars. The New Worlds Imager would be the size of a football field with a 30ft wide hole in the centre.


Maybe it #39;s too subtle

Please forgive us our nonchalance about nuance. At 228, we #39;re still a toddler nation among great civilizations. We can #39;t help it if we can #39;t make such a big hoo-ha about a mysterious Japanese man slapping singles in the quietest corner of our country.


#39;Caution #39; laps

Of all places to bring NASCAR #39;s new Chase for the Championship, this is the chanciest. Restrictor-plate racing here is more about luck than speed or skill.


Bank leaders fail to reach pact

WASHINGTON - World finance leaders, struggling to find a way to help the world #39;s poorest countries get out from under huge debts, did not reach agreement Saturday, but promised to devise a new plan by year #39;s end.


No space at the station as garbage piles up

THERE #39;S no space in the space station. So a few weeks ago, the two astronauts who live there tossed out some useless junk. Only this stuff floated away in space.


Dreams take flight in Mojave

Mojave, Calif.Years from now, when future historians write about the democratization of space, don #39;t be surprised if this dusty, scrappy little town comes to be known as the 21st-century equivalent of Kitty Hawk.


Two-thirds  #39;unlikely #39; to pay for music downloads

Music downloading and file-sharing are on the increase, and record companies who attempt to regulate illegal downloaders get short shrift from internet users, a survey reveals today.


Canas thrashes Burgsmuller to win Shanghai Open

Argentine Guillermo Canas crushed Germany #39;s Lars Burgsmuller 6-1 6-0 to win the Shanghai Open on Sunday. Canas broke his opponent #39;s serve in the third game of the first set and


Quinn displays progress from  #39;03

Last year Brady Quinn entered Purdue #39;s Ross-Ade Stadium as a tentative freshman embarking on a crash course in college quarterbacking.


Stern action against northeast terror: Indian official

India #39;s Home Minister Shivraj Patil Sunday said stern action would be taken to deal with a spurtin terrorist attacks in the country #39;s northeast, where 53 people were killed


Tough Beat

It was a tough job to fill. Who could possibly be recruited two years ago to take over the Securities and Exchange Commission, and rescue it from several tumultuous years?


Fun and games during Premier League clashes

London - There were tears and jeers during Saturday night #39;s English Premier League matches. Here are the match reports... Champions Arsenal bounced back from a disappointing Champions League performance with


Wasteful Valencia held to draw

Wasteful Valencia had to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Real Betis on Saturday, while Atletico Madrid missed a chance to move into the Spanish leaguie #39;s top three when they were beaten 1-0 away to Real Sociedad.


Montreal bids adieu to Expos

The largest crowd of the season came to see the Expos play in Montreal for the final time Wednesday. There were tears and boos. Some lobbed golf balls and bottles onto the field at Olympic Stadium in protest.


Purdue rumbles past Notre Dame

They are two schools known for their quarterback pedigree. Purdue #39;s Kyle Orton and Notre Dame #39;s Brady Quinn added to that mystique Saturday.


Ransom may save Bigleys life- Report

A Kuwaiti newspaper reported that a new group is trying to secure Bigleys release, which could include the possibility of a ransom.


Gunmen Attack Mauritania Security Chief #39;s Home

Unidentified gunmen opened fire on the house of Mauritania #39;s national security chief early Sunday, police in the coup-prone West African country said.


Beer giants go on spending spree

Two of the world's largest brewers - Belgium's Inbev and Holland's Heineken - announce new takeovers in Germany and Russia respectively.


JAIL GETS MAKEOVER

ALDERSON, W.Va. - The federal lockup Martha Stewart will call home for the next five months is getting a makeover just in time for domestic diva #39;s arrival this week.


Space Ship Prepares to Blast off for  #39;X Prize #39;

A team of aviation pioneers with dreams of one day offering tourist trips into space will tomorrow attempt to clinch a 5.5 million prize by launching a craft beyond the


I wasn #39;t afraid of Joseph, says Kirui

After winning his third Half Marathon title of the year beating last edition #39;s silver medallist Fabiano Joseph, Kenyan Paul Kirui said he was not all afraid of competing against the Tanzanian.


It #39;s simple: Six outs too much to ask of A #39;s bullpen

OAKLAND -- -- The essential difference between the A #39;s and the Anaheim Angels, so narrow yet so pronounced, rang loud and clear Saturday, distilled to a single inning.


25 Terror Suspects Nabbed in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan Oct. 2, 2004 - Afghan intelligence agents backed by international peacekeepers arrested 25 people allegedly linked to the Taliban and al-Qaida in an early morning raid in eastern Kabul Saturday, a spokesman for the peacekeepers said.


Bodies of Two Westerners Found South of Baghdad (Reuters)

Reuters - Iraqi police have found the bodies of a\man and a woman, both believed to be Westerners, south of\Baghdad, the director of the hospital that received the corpses\said on Sunday.


Abuses in Afghan Campaign, But UN Sees Fair Vote (Reuters)

Reuters - The campaign for Afghanistan's landmark\presidential election has been marred by intimidation and\official partiality, the United Nations said on Sunday, but it\expects this week's vote to be relatively free and fair.


Sharon Vows to Expand Gaza Raid, Toll Hits 50

GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli leader Ariel Sharon vowed on  Sunday to widen an offensive into Gaza which has killed at  least 50 Palestinians until militants stop firing rockets that  have fueled criticism of his plan to abandon the occupied  strip.


Tata Consultancy strikes deal with Ferrari:

Business India: New Delhi, Dec 6 : IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Monday announced a  quot;multi-year, multimillion dollar quot; deal with Ferrari to assist in the development of their Formula 1 car for the next racing season.


Bodies of Two Westerners Found South of Baghdad

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi police have found the bodies of a  man and a woman, both believed to be Westerners, south of  Baghdad, the director of the hospital that received the corpses  said on Sunday.


Israel Demands U.N. Probe Gaza Film Incident

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel demanded Sunday the United  Nations investigate whether Palestinians filmed in the Gaza  Strip were militants using a U.N. van to transport rockets for  use against Israel.


Smiths Group to Buy Medex for \$625 Million in Cash (Update3)

Smiths Group Plc, which makes insulin pumps and anthrax-detection systems for the US Postal Service, agreed to buy Medex Inc. for \$625 million in cash to expand its medical-equipment division.


Tired Pope Beatifies Mel Gibon's 'Muse'

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope John Paul, looking tired and  speaking with difficulty, put five Catholics on the road to  sainthood on Sunday, including the 19th century German mystic  nun who inspired Mel Gibson's film on Christ's passion.


In Sudan, No Clear Difference Between Arab and African

The Darfur crisis has laid bare an unspoken Arab-African fault line that runs from Mauritania in the west, to Sudan in the east.


Finance Leaders Can't Resolve Debt Relief

WASHINGTON - Finance officials failed to resolve their differences over debt relief for the world's poorest countries and Iraq while expressing concern about the impact high oil prices would have on a strengthening global economy.    The ministers and central bank governors attended weekend steering committee meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank before heading into a session involving all 184 member nations of the two lending organizations on Sunday, the final day of talks...


Cendant to pay \$1.25 billion for Orbitz

HACKENSACK, NJ - With one deal, Cendant Corp. is moving from an also-ran to one of the top players in the booming online travel business.


Q amp;A: Red Hat #39;s CEO on his company #39;s latest acquisition

OCTOBER 01, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - After his company announced that it #39;s acquiring security and authentication tools from Netscape Security Solutions to bolster its software arsenal (see story), Red Hat Inc.


Kenya #39;s Kirui wins World half-marathon

NEW DELHI -- Kenya #39;s Paul Kirui won the World half-marathon Sunday and China #39;s Sun Ying Jie took the women #39;s race. The 24-year-old Kirui finished in 1 hour, 2 minutes, 15 seconds, beating Tanzania #39;s Fabiano Joseph by 16 seconds.


Growing up with Little E #39;

TALLADEGA -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. begins his last week at age 29 today, and  quot;Little E quot; is laying plans for the future. The most immediate include a strategy for today #39;s EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway


Auburn helps freshman QBs act their age

Auburn #39;s bludgeoning of the Vols was a painful reminder that growing pains are part of the SEC schedule. As talented as Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer may be, neither was prepared for the kind of reality check that Auburn cashed last night.


More bombs in India, 53 now dead

A string of bomb and gun attacks in northeastern India continued for a second day Sunday as blasts in a crowded market, a tea plantation and elsewhere killed three people and wounded another 18.


Calm returns to Haitian

Port-Au-Prince - Calm settled over the Haitian capital early on Sunday after two days of political unrest left 10 dead, as aid continued to arrive in flood-ravaged areas in the north.


Head of UN nuclear watchdog arrives in South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea The head of the UN nuclear watchdog says although the nuclear experiments South Korea performed years ago were small, his agency needs to make sure they don #39;t happen again.


Tired Pope Beatifies Mel Gibon #39;s  #39;Muse #39;

Pope John Paul, looking tired and speaking with difficulty, put five Catholics on the road to sainthood Sunday, including the 19th century German mystic nun who inspired Mel Gibson #39;s film on Christ #39;s passion.


Conference seeks to combat illegal sales of wildlife

Wildlife conservationists are expected to push for new trade restrictions to protect fast-disappearing animals and plants, while lobbyists try to free up commerce in some species at international talks starting yesterday in Bangkok.


Canas Thrashes Burgsmuller to Win Shanghai Open

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Argentine Guillermo Canas crushed  Germany's Lars Burgsmuller 6-1 6-0 to win the Shanghai Open on  Sunday.


IPO Outlook Muted

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. IPO market's first-half  revival from last year's moribund levels turned into a summer  of discontent for many eager companies trying to tap the public  markets.


Clijsters setback

FORMER World No. 1 Kim Clijsters is unlikely to play again this year after aggravating a wrist injury in the semi-finals of the WTA tournament today.


Volunter running game goes gamey again

Tennessee tailback Cedric Houston needed only 61 yards against Auburn to reach the 2,000 yard mark, but he came up six yards short.


A Seismic Shift Under the House of Fannie Mae

FROM a compulsively neat desk inside a company that routinely jousts with powerful critics from the White House, Congress, the Federal Reserve and Wall Street, J. Timothy Howard has been the financial architect of one of the world #39;s most formidable and


Sit back and watch the Earth die

Richard Branson plans to fly the first commercial passengers into space. Let #39;s hope we experience delays. This week Sir Richard Branson announced his plans to fly the first commercial passengers into space.


Sven: Rio captaincy material

Following the end of his eight-month ban for missing a drugs test, the defender is set to return to the England squad on Sunday night ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Azerbaijan.


Astros control destiny as season winds down

HOUSTON - The Houston Astros are one win from completing an amazing late-season playoff push. Roy Oswalt became the NL #39;s first 20-game winner, and Jeff Kent and Craig Biggio each homered twice, giving the


Notre Dame Notebook

In a game with 1,048 yards of total offense, it #39;s hard to believe either Notre Dame or Purdue would come up short in any department.


18 ETA suspects held in raids

A vast police operation in France and Spain netted at least 18 suspected members of the armed Basque separatist group ETA and large stocks of weapons, authorities said.


At least 14 killed in Thailand blast

Bangkok: Fourteen people were killed and five injured Sunday in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Thailand #39;s ancient capital Ayuthaya, officials and witnesses said.


Blair recovering after heart treatment

Tony Blair is recovering at Chequers after undergoing hospital treatment for his recurring heart  quot;flutter quot;. Dressed casually in jeans, blue open-necked shirt and blazer, the Prime Minister grinned broadly and waved at waiting reporters and photographers.


UN nuclear watchdog chief wants SKorea to come clean (AFP)

AFP - UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei said he wants South Korea to come clean about past unauthorized nuclear experiments and not to repeat its mistake.


U.S.-Led Forces Claim Victory in Samarra

SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. and Iraqi forces on Sunday  declared victory in Samarra, the first step of a drive to take  back all of Iraq's rebel-held areas before elections due in  January.


New Bomb Blast Wounds 15 in India

GAUHATI, India - Suspected separatists bombed a power line, a gas pipeline, a tea plantation and a crowded marketplace in northeastern India on Sunday, intensifying a campaign of violence that has killed more than 50 people and wounded at least 100 over the last two days.    The violence, affecting the states of Nagaland and Assam, was among the deadliest to hit the region, where more than three dozen insurgent groups have been active...


IMF failing to agree on debt plan

The world #39;s leading finance officials and ministers appear to be failing to reach agreement on debt relief for the poorest nations.


Lazard Asks Partners to Take Pay Cut, People Say (Update2)

Bruce Wasserstein, head of Lazard LLC, is asking partners to take a one-third pay cut as he readies the world #39;s largest closely held investment bank for a share sale, people familiar with the situation said.


Vivisimo Offers Consumers a New Search Engine Format

Vivisimo #39;s co-founder and chief executive, Raul Valdes-Perez, was a protege of Herbert Simon, a Nobel laureate who was a pioneer in artificial intelligence research.


Shutting up the echoes

It was evident in the Purdue players postgame celebration following the 41-16 victory, the way Uche Nwaneri did his best impression of Touchdown Jesus, arms raised to the heavens.


Howard finds his own pot of old gold

By MARK METHERELL, MATT WADE, TOM ALLARD and COSIMA MARRINER. Australia #39;s prime minister John Howard has proffered \$A1 billion in new handouts to older Australians two days after Labor #39;s \$A2.


Dutch rally against benefit cuts

More than 150,000 people took to the streets to protest planned cuts to social benefits in what police described as the largest anti-government demonstrations in the Netherlands in 20 years.


Slovenia leader in key poll test

The people of Slovenia are voting in the first parliamentary elections since the country joined the European Union and Nato earlier this year.


Lazard chief could opt for sale over IPO-report

Bruce Wasserstein, head of Lazard, could sell the investment bank rather than float it on the stock market, the Observer newspaper has reported.


Bulldogs lie in wait for 10 months, then chew up Tigers from <b>...</b>

The Georgia Bulldogs insisted all week that they didn #39;t circle this game on their calendars after losing twice to LSU last season.


Judge Ready to Start Parmalat Hearings

MILAN (Reuters) - Ten months after the Parmalat scandal  rocked the global finance industry, a judge next week begins  deciding whether to put on trial executives, bankers and  auditors of the dairy group plus three financial institutions.


How mutual funds can be like marriage

Within the past two weeks, we also celebrated our 10th anniversary and 15th anniversary of holding two of our favorite investments.


Trinidad #39;s successful r

Puerto Rican middleweight Felix Trinidad has returned to the ring in spectacular fashion beating Ricardo Mayorga in his comeback fight at Madison Square Garden.


Racing: Brazil #39;s Kanaan set to clinch Indy-car crown

FONTANA, United States : Brazil #39;s Tony Kanaan can clinch the Indy Racing League season championship by finishing in the top four at the Toyota Indy 400 here Sunday.


Sharapova easily wins Korea Open

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova won the Korea Open on Sunday with an easy 6-1, 6-1 victory over Poland #39;s Marta Domachowska.


Federer beats Roddick again

For the third time this year, Roger Federer defeated Andy Roddick to win a tournament - the top seed easily winning 6-4, 6-0 to pick up the \$550,000 Thailand Open.


Gadaffi family vow to help UK hostage

The brother of British hostage Ken Bigley says he has received a pledge from the Gadaffi family that they would help to secure his release.


Blast at fireworks factory

A MASSIVE explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand today killed 14 people, including a 4-year-old boy, and injured two others, a police official said.


Glazer 'eyeing Man Utd bid'

American tycoon Malcolm Glazer is reportedly poised to launch a takeover bid for Manchester United.


Dog with bird flu sparks new fears

An eight-year-old Thai girl and a dog were confirmed to have been infected with Asia #39;s deadly bird flu on Sunday as the country battled a second major outbreak of the virus this year, authorities said.


UPDATE 1-Leading results in Rally of Italy

Leading results in the Rally of Italy on Sunday: 1. Petter Solberg (Norway) Subaru 4:43:47.9 2. Sebastien Loeb (France) Citroen 2:07.


Brother may  #39;buy #39; Bigley

THE brother of Iraq hostage Ken Bigley was yesterday investigating whether it might be possible to buy his sibling #39;s life. Paul Bigley was looking into reports in a Kuwaiti newspaper that a Iraqi militant


14 killed in explosion at fireworks factory

A massive explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand today killed 14 people, including a four-year-old boy, and injured two others, a police official said.


Sermon urges unity for island

quot;BE not dismayed, quot; sang the Pitcairn Islanders, all wearing their best clothes, in a white, wooden church high above Bounty Bay.


US Stocks Rise in Week; S amp;P 500 Gains for 7th Week in Eight

US stocks rose this week after reports showed the economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter and manufacturing expanded in September for a 16th straight month.


Trinidad rocks Mayorga

It seemed like a difficult assignment. Felix Trinidad returned to the ring last night after more than two years of inactivity to fight Ricardo Mayorga, a sturdy former champion who is capable of scoring a knockout with either hand.


UN nuclear watchdog chief wants SKorea to come clean

SEOUL : UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei said he wants South Korea to come clean about past unauthorized nuclear experiments and not to repeat its mistake.


Factory explosion kills 14 people in Thailand

About 14 people were killed and two others were injured Sunday in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Thailand #39;s central Ayuthaya province, said a local official.


Slovenia, Serbia and Abkhazia Hold Elections Sunday

Voters in Slovenia, Serbia and Georgia #39;s breakaway republic of Abkhazia cast ballots Sunday in elections for lawmakers and government leaders.


Bodies of Man and Woman Found Near Iraqi Capital

Hospital officials in Iraq say police have found the bodies of a man and a woman south of Baghdad. Both appeared to be Westerners, but neither had identification.


Senior journalist killed in northern Bangladesh

A senior journalist was killed in northern Sherpur town of Bogra district early Sunday by unknown assailants. Dipamkar Chakraborty, the executive editor of a newspaper The Durjoy


SanDisk flashes new memory cards

SanDisk this week announced a series of CF (CompactFlash) cards that double the read and write speeds of its fastest flash cards available today, as well as an 8GB version of its Ultra II CF Type 1 flash memory card.


Geoffrey Rush #39;s doubts about Sellers

AUSTRALIA As the Oct. 9 election nears, polls show the rivals - the coalition led by Prime Minister John Howard, and Mark Latham #39;s Labor party -eck-and-neck.


IAEA Chief in Seoul for Nuclear Talks

The head of the United Nations nuclear agency is in Seoul, South Korea, to discuss the country #39;s past unauthorized nuclear experiments.


Nationalists Strong in Bosnia Poll Count

Bosnia #39;s main Muslim, Serb and Croat nationalist parties were ahead in local polls, partial results showed on Sunday, but voter turnout fell below 50 percent for the first time.


Billy Joel Marries 23-Year-Old Fiancee (AP)

AP - Singer-songwriter Billy Joel married his fiancee, 23-year-old Kate Lee, in a ceremony Saturday at his Long Island mansion, his record label said. Joel, 55, wed Lee in a sunset wedding at his waterfront home, Newsday reported in its online editions. Columbia Records, Joel's label, announced the marriage Saturday night. A spokeswoman for Joel could not immediately be reached for comment.


-Posted by dan.farber  10:15 am (PDT)

News.com #39;s John Borland lays out the issues with shelving Microsoft #39;s insecure Internet Explorer with a non-MS brower, such as Firefox... The problem is that many Web developers create their sites so they


US space agency shooting for out-of-this-world ideas

ATLANTA - Nasa #39;s Atlanta-based Institute for Advanced Concepts has a new field of futuristic dreams to nurture - from engineering organisms that could live on Mars to swarms of microscopic satellites to map the Earth.


Pope to beatify controversial nun

Pope John Paul II will declare two controversial Roman Catholic figures blessed at a Vatican ceremony on Sunday. Beatification is the last step on the road to sainthood.


French police arrest 17, find heavy weapons in anti-ETA swoop

PARIS (AFP) - French police arrested 17 people and discovered a cache of heavy weapons during raids in southwestern France that targeted suspected members of Spain #39;s armed Basque separatist group ETA, officials said.


Girl and dog in Thailand have bird flu

BANGKOK - Thailand is battling a second major outbreak of the deadly avian influenza, or bird flu, as a nine-year-old girl and a dog have both tested positive for the virus.


Security tight for Afghan inauguration

Afghan and international forces laid a security ring around Kabul on Monday in preparation for the inauguration of Hamid Karzai as Afghanistan #39;s first popularly elected


Turkey Says EU 'Homework Done,' Green Light Ahead (Reuters)

Reuters - Turkey declared that it had fulfilled\all the political criteria for membership talks with the\European Union on Sunday, three days before a recommendation\from the EU's executive that will give Ankara a green light.


Pope Beatifies Emperor, Nun, Three Others (AP)

AP - Pope John Paul II on Sunday moved five Catholics closer to sainthood, including Austria's last reigning emperor and a German nun whose graphic visions of Christ's suffering helped inspire the blockbuster movie "The Passion of the Christ."


Report: Kerry Cured of Prostate Cancer (AP)

AP - Sen. John Kerry's doctors have told him he is cured of the prostate cancer that sidelined him almost two years ago and that there is a slim chance it could recur in the next decade, The New York Times said Sunday in a report based on interviews with the Democratic presidential nominee and several of his physicians.


Serbia Prodded to Face War Crimes Issues (AP)

AP - Chief U.N. war crimes prosecutor Carla Del Ponte, international law experts and human rights activists gathered in Belgrade on Friday to review Serbia's shortcomings in dealing with war crimes committed during the 1990s Balkan conflicts.


U.S.-Led Forces Tighten Grip, Draw Complaints

SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S.-led forces tightened their  grip on a rebel-held city on Sunday in the first step of a  campaign to take back all of Iraq but drew complaints about the  cost in lives and suffering.


Sharon Vows to Expand Gaza Raid, Toll Tops 50

GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli leader Ariel Sharon vowed on  Sunday to widen an offensive into Gaza which has killed over 50  Palestinians until militants stop firing rockets that have  fueled criticism of his plan to quit the occupied strip.


Turkey Says EU 'Homework Done,' Green Light Ahead

BERLIN (Reuters) - Turkey declared that it had fulfilled  all the political criteria for membership talks with the  European Union on Sunday, three days before a recommendation  from the EU's executive that will give Ankara a green light.


India Vows to Flush Out Northeast Rebels

GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Indian troops prepared to flush  out guerrillas from thick jungles of Assam on Sunday after a  fresh wave of bombs ripped through streets and marketplaces  killing four people and wounding 40, officials said.


SARAJEVO (Reuters) - Bosnia's main Muslim, Serb and Croat  nationalist parties were ahead in local polls, partial results  showed on Sunday, but voter turnout fell below 50 percent for  the first time.


Martin #39;s legs carry Jets

They #39;ll remember Chad Pennington for that renegade scramble into harm #39;s way, risking that suspect shoulder on a torrid third-down tear deep into Texans #39; territory.


Blast hits Thai fireworks factory

An explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand kills at least 14 people and injures several others.


2000 troops amass to stop Gaza rockets

A view shows Gaza from an Israeli guard tower at the border area of the Gaza strip and the Jewish settelment of Nissanit. Photo: AFP.


Berdych Wins First ATP Title in Sicily (AP)

AP - Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic captured his first ATP title, defeating Filippo Volandri of Italy 6-3, 6-3 Sunday at the Campionati Internazionali di Sicilia.


Billy Joel Marries 23-Year-Old Fiancee

CENTRE ISLAND, N.Y. - Singer-songwriter Billy Joel married his fiancee, 23-year-old Kate Lee, in a ceremony Saturday at his Long Island mansion, his record label said...


New Separatist Violence Strikes India

GAUHATI, India - Suspected separatists bombed a power line, a gas pipeline, a tea plantation and a crowded marketplace in northeastern India on Sunday, intensifying a campaign of violence that has killed more than 50 people and wounded at least 100 over the last two days.    The violence, affecting the states of Nagaland and Assam, was among the deadliest to hit the region, where more than three dozen insurgent groups have been active...


Prosecutors Ready to Wrap Up Peterson Case

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - As they prepare to wrap up their murder case against Scott Peterson in the death of his pregnant wife Laci, even prosecutors have acknowledged their case has at times left jurors scratching their heads...


Wrapping Up the Genesis Crash Site

Genesis engineers and scientists have wrapped the crash site of the solar-wind collecting probe, with hopes of recovering mission objectives. A few disk fragments have been sent to California researchers, but NASA scientists are still working in Utah to preserve the bulk of the cargo.


Oil, Profit Reports to Weigh on Stocks

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A new reporting period for company  earnings kicks into gear this week, giving investors a bit of  hard data to chew on, and markets could be volatile if the  price of crude oil stays north of \$50 a barrel.


China in G7 talks

CHINA sat down with the world #39;s top financial powers for the first time at the weekend as officials grappled for ways to keep global economic momentum on track in the face of ominously rising oil prices.


Multiplex weighs bid in billions

CONSTRUCTION giant Multiplex was assessing at the weekend whether to top Westfield #39;s 585 million (\$1.5 billion) bid for the British property group Chelsfield.


US OKs Emergency Oil Loan to 4th Refinery

WASHINGTON - The Energy Department said last week it has approved another emergency oil loan to a refining company to make up for crude supplies disrupted by Hurricane Ivan.


Why put this drug on the market?

Merck Labs has pulled Vioxx, their arthritis drug, off the market after discovering during trials the possibility of a link to stroke or heart attack.


Dementieva hits back to win

Elena Dementieva fought back from an atrocious start against fellow Russian Elena Bovina to win the Gaz de France Stars tournament in Belgium.


Sven: Beckham stays in charge

London - David Beckham will remain as England skipper despite his poor recent form, national coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said on Sunday.


No words can explain outcome

Purdue receiver Taylor Stubblefield found inspiration in some comments he read from Notre Dame cornerback Dwight Ellick before Saturday #39;s football game.


Angels shine under huge spotlight

The Oakland A #39;s have been problematic for the Anaheim Angels for so many years (think the early  #39;70s, late  #39;80s, and the last few seasons) that you #39;d have thought this was a bigger deal than it was.


Navy officers on porn counts

Two Sydney-based Royal Australian Navy officers have been charged by police with possession of child pornography allegedly downloaded from the internet on to a computer on board their ship.


Yahoo #39;s Home Page Gets Functional Facelift

Yahoo #39;s Spartan home page will look even less flashy soon, thanks to an upcoming makeover. The Web media giant offered a preview of its redesigned front page Tuesday (www.


Vivisimo Search Engine Clusty Offers More Targeted Search

Vivisimo this week unveiled Clusty.com, the first full-service search engine site powered completely by Vivismios breakthrough clustering technology.


Watch this space

What are the qualities required of an astronaut? In his marvellous book about the space pioneers, The Right Stuff, Tom Wolfe makes it clear that high on the list are a certain doggedness, combined with a complete lack of imagination.


Hot Gunners shoot clear

ENGLISH Premier League champion Arsenal opened a five-point lead at the top of the table after a 4-0 thrashing of Charlton Athletic at Highbury yesterday.


Fahrenhorst elbow an accident, insists Ballack

Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack has apologised to Werder Bremen defender Frank Fahrenhorst for breaking his nose with a stray elbow in Bayern #39;s 2-1 win on Saturday, but stressed there was no intent.


Solberg maintains late title rally

Petter Solberg of Norway drove his Subaru to victory in the Rally of Italy in Sardinia on Sunday to keep alive his slim chances of retaining the world title.


Toseland Wins WSB Crown

Fila Ducatis James Toseland won the 2004 World Superbike Championship by finishing second, one place ahead of teammate Regis Laconi in the final round at Magny-Cours.


Violence sweeps northeastern India

GUWAHATI, India: At least 46 people died and 118 were wounded in India #39;s northeast in one of the deadliest waves of violence in the insurgency-infested region in years.


Afghan forces arrest 15 Taliban fighters

Afghan security forces backed by US helicopter gunships stormed a Taliban safe house, killing one man and capturing 15 others, in an attempt to curb attacks ahead of this weeks presidential election, officials said on Sunday.


ETA Suspects Held in France, Spain

Police detained 21 suspects, including an ETA leader, and seized a large arms cache on Sunday in a sweep against the Basque guerrilla group in France and Spain, officials said.


IRA Would Disarm if N.Irish Deal Is Struck - Adams

Gerry Adams, leader of the Irish Republican Army #39;s (IRA) political ally Sinn Fein, signaled on Sunday that the guerrilla group was ready to give up its arms, but only if a new Northern Ireland peace deal can be struck.


Arthritis sufferers at a loss

Arthritis sufferers across South Africa have been inundating call centres and pharmacists in the wake of the shock withdrawal of their medication by the manufacturers of the most widely used drug treating the disease.


Ex-Air Force buyer sentenced in scam

Darleen Druyun, who was leaving to join Boeing, gets nine months for sweetening tanker deal. ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Reuters) - The former No.


IRA Would Disarm if N.Irish Deal Is Struck - Adams (Reuters)

Reuters - Gerry Adams, leader of the Irish\Republican Army's (IRA) political ally Sinn Fein, signaled on\Sunday that the guerrilla group was ready to give up its arms,\but only if a new Northern Ireland peace deal can be struck.


US Court to Decide Sentencing, Death Penalty Cases (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. Supreme Court begins a new\term on Monday that will decide important cases on federal\sentencing rules, the death penalty for juveniles and the\medical use of marijuana.


Israel to expand deadly offensive

PRIME Minister Ariel Sharon said yesterday Israel would expand its deadliest Gaza offensive in four years, keeping troops in the area indefinitely.


Pope declares controversial figures blessed

Pope John Paul has declared two controversial figures blessed - the last stage of beatification before sainthood. One of them is Emperor Karl of Austria, a devout Catholic, who has been criticised for authorising


US Firms Look Ahead To Emissions Cuts Overseas

On Thursday, as news was leaking out that Russia was likely to ratify the Kyoto global warming treaty, a group of US business executives was discussing climate policy as they lunched on chicken and avocado sandwiches in Washington #39;s St.


BELFAST (Reuters) - Gerry Adams, leader of the Irish  Republican Army's (IRA) political ally Sinn Fein, signaled on  Sunday that the guerrilla group was ready to give up its arms,  but only if a new Northern Ireland peace deal can be struck.


Cal angry, frustrated after Texas takes Rose Bowl spot

BERKELEY, Calif. California refused to run up the score or beg for poll votes. Maybe the Bears should have. Cal was left out of the Bowl Championship Series.


Iran to attend Iraq poll meeting

Iran says it will take part in a US-sponsored conference on election plans for Iraq due to be held in Cairo next month.


Pope Beatifies Emperor, Nun, Three Others

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II on Sunday moved five Catholics closer to sainthood, including Austria's last reigning emperor and a German nun whose graphic visions of Christ's suffering helped inspire the blockbuster movie "The Passion of the Christ."   Cheers went up in St. Peter's Square from a crowd of about 30,000 people when the pontiff finished reading the Latin words with which he beatified the five candidates, and banners with their images were unfurled on the facade of St...


In Sadr City, Stalking the Enemy Lair

American soldiers venture out of their bases into dangerous streets, confronting myriad of  unseen risks.


SpaceShipOne Set for Historic 2nd Flight Monday

LOS ANGELES (AFP) -- The world's first private manned spacecraft will make its second space flight in five days Monday in the final stage of its attempt to win a 10 million USD prize, organisers said.       SpaceShipOne is scheduled to take off at around 7:00 am (1400 GMT) and blast out of the earth's atmosphere just over an hour later in its quest for the Ansari X Prize purse, aimed at spurring a new era of commercial space travel...


Fresh Blasts Rock Northeast India

Suspected separatists bombed a crowded market, a tea plantation and other sites Sunday, killing seven people in a second day of explosions and gun attacks that have left at least 57 dead and more than 100 wounded in northeast India.


After Long Hiatus, Iraqi Airways Back in Skies

The Boeing 737 banked sharply to the left as it roared into the sky from Baghdad International Airport. The pilot, Adel Aldoori, cupped his hand to block the sun and scanned the ground from the tiny cockpit window.


Oil Prices Generate Winners and Losers

With crude oil prices pushing to above \$50 per barrel, the world is dividing into camps of winners and losers.


Fujimori Accounts Hold Millions of Dollars -- Peru

LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - Former Peruvian President AlbertoFujimori's bank accounts contain millions of dollars, much morethan he could earn and potential proof that he stole large sumsof state money during his 10-year rule, a Supreme Court judgesaid on Saturday.


Vioxx Withdrawal Raises Concern About FDA

By DIEDTRA HENDERSON     WASHINGTON (AP) -- Americans should feel reasonably safe taking government-approved prescription drugs - with a few caveats - even after a popular arthritis medication was pulled from the market, medical experts say. But the problems with Vioxx raise questions about the Food and Drug Administration's safety review process and the length of time it took Merck to pull the drug, observers say...


Some Scientists are Looking to Fat for Stem Cells

Fat is a little-discussed source of stem cells, those versatile biological building blocks that can morph into a variety of tissues. However, fat-derived stem cells, researchers say, might someday provide replacement tissue for treating such conditions as Parkinson's disease, heart attacks, heart failure and bone defects.


Els Sweats Out American Express Victory (AP)

AP - The majors over, Ernie Els got a consolation prize Sunday by capturing his first World Golf Championship. Els outlasted Thomas Bjorn in a brilliantly played duel at Mount Juliet, making a 6-foot birdie on the 17th hole for a cushion he desperately needed and closing with a 3-under 69 to win the American Express Championship by one shot.


Dementieva Beats Bovina in France (AP)

AP - Top-seeded Elena Dementieva won the last five games to come back and beat Elena Bovina 0-6, 6-0, 6-4 Sunday in the WTA Tour's latest all-Russian final to win the Gaz de France Stars tournament.


Kovalainen surprises at Race of Champions

In the off season, it is for most F1 and racing fans, a long time with no racing action. The Race of Champions gives the fans a little breath.


IMF, World Bank Warn of Imbalances

Although the economy as a whole is in its best shape in three decades, improved growth is threatened by disparities between wealthy nations and the developing world as well as rising oil prices.


Bjorn challenges but falls shorts

THOMASTOWN, Ireland -- Ernie Els held off a strong challenge from playing partner Thomas Bjorn to win the American Express Championship by one shot Sunday.


Blast hits Thai fireworks factory

An explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand has killed at least 14 people and injured several others. It completely destroyed the factory in the city of Ayutthaya, about 70km (44 miles) north of Bangkok, and damaged nearby houses.


Two bodies found in Iraq

THE unidentified bodies of a decapitated man and a woman who died of bullet wounds have been found south of the Iraqi capital, hospital officials said today.


Snow: U.S. Backs Sweeping Debt Relief

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow  repeated on Sunday the Bush administration would support  complete debt relief for the poorest countries and said details  of how to implement a plan could be worked out.


Vivisimo Search Engine Clusty Offers More Targeted Search\\Vivisimo this week unveiled Clusty.com, the first full-service search engine site powered completely by Vivismio's breakthrough clustering technology. Instead of simply presenting long lists of results, Clusty.com groups search results into folder topics, giving users a quick overview of the main themes in ...


Cisco Names CRS-1 Users

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSCO - News), today announced that several global carriers and research networks are now deploying and trialing the Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System as a key


ArtinSoft tackles database migration

Application migration specialist ArtinSoft is planning tools to smooth customers #39; transition from Oracle to Microsoft Corp #39;s SQL Server.


IBM Says Blue Gene Breaks Speed Record

IBM Corp. claimed unofficial bragging rights Tuesday as owner of the world #39;s fastest supercomputer. For three years running, the fastest supercomputer has been NEC #39;s Earth Simulator in Japan.


Arsenal expose England #39;s soft underbelly

ARE Arsenal truly the Invincibles or are we merely witnessing the breakdown of what is laughably called the best football league in Europe?


Latham behind on security but making up ground

WHEN it comes to national security as an election issue, John Howard still leads Mark Latham by a wide margin as preferred prime minister.


14 dead in Thailand fireworks fire

A massive explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand has killed 14 people, including a 4-year-old boy, and injured two others, a police official said.


Tourists Await Mount St. Helens Eruption (AP)

AP - Thousands of tourists spent hours gazing at Mount St. Helens, packing buildings, crowding parking lots and watching from roadsides to see what the rumbling mountain would do next.


Electronic Data Reaches Pact With Navy

Information technology company Electronic Data Systems Corp. on Friday said it reached a modified agreement for a Navy Marine Corps intranet contract, effective immediately.


Israeli airstrike kills militant in Jabalya

A Palestinian militant was killed Sunday afternoon by an Israeli army missile in eastern Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza, Palestinian medics and witnesses reported.


Al-Baradai in S Korea

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog has said he is aware nuclear experiments South Korea has conducted were small, but noted his agency needs to make sure they will not be repeated.


Ahold Sells Spanish Business to Permira for 685 Million Euros

Royal Ahold NV, the food retailer that owns the US Giant chain, agreed to sell its Spanish business to Permira funds for 685 million euros (\$851 million).


Manhunt game banned

THE federal Office of Film and Literature Classification has refused to classify controversial game Manhunt, banning it from sale in Australia.


Valencia Held But Stay on Top

Valencia maintained their place at the top of the Primera Liga as they had to settle for a share of the spoils against Real Betis but by the end of the weekend they may be toppled from the summit.


UEFA threatens Austria-Switzerland over Euro 2008

European soccer #39;s governing body threatened to remove the 2008 European Championships from hosts Austria and Switzerland, citing the Swiss for failing to build a new stadium in Zurich.


18 Terror Suspects Nabbed in France Sting

Two of Spain #39;s most wanted alleged terrorists and at least 16 other suspected members of the armed Basque separatist group ETA were captured Sunday in a vast French-Spanish police operation, authorities said.


9.3 economic growth for China in 2004 expected

A World Bank expert said the year 2004 is going to be a good year for China as the country #39;s economy will grow rapidly with higher-than


Kerry, Bush move focus to economy, jobs, taxes

As the presidential campaign enters its final month, Sen. John Kerry and President Bush on Saturday offered starkly different views of the economy in a deliberate shift from Iraq.


Parents should censor games - expert

Otago University computer science lecturer and games expert Simon McCallum is urging parents to pay more attention to the ratings classifications on computer games, many of which, he says, are aimed at adults.


Enter the ultimate ego trip

BACK in 1959, the seven men chosen to be the first Americans in space were trained on what Nasa called airborne microgravity missions.


Embassy bombing girl to go home to Italy

A 5-year-old girl who was taken to Singapore for treatment after being critically wounded in the Australian Embassy bombing in Indonesia will be flown home to Italy.


CANAS TRIUMPHS IN SHANGHAI

Argentina #39;s Guillermo Canas had an easy time winning the final of the Heineken Open in Shanghai. Canas, the No. 3 seed, rolled to his third ATP tournament win this season with a 6-1 6-0 straight-sets victory over Lars Burgsmuller of Germany.


Kirui, Sun win world half-marathon titles

Kenya #39;s Paul Kirui won the world half-marathon title Sunday, capping a year in which he also captured 13.1-mile races in Rome and Berlin.


Smith saves United blushes

Alan Smith netted his sixth goal of the season to earn Manchester United a precious point against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford. Boro looked certain to record a Premiership win against the Red Devils for the


Kerry sharpens economic rhetoric Buoyed by postdebate polls <b>...</b>

ORLANDO, Fla. - Bolstered by evidence the presidential race is turning his way, John Kerry yesterday outlined a new campaign phase - casting President Bush as a pal of the rich, himself as the friend of the middle class.


Eriksson tips Ferdinand as potential captain

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson tipped Rio Ferdinand as a future captain on Saturday ahead of the Manchester United defender #39;s return to the national squad.


Blair  #39;feeling fine #39; as he goes for heart op

Tony Blair was today admitted to Hammersmith Hospital for treatment on a recurring heart condition. The Prime Minister said he felt  quot;fine quot; as he left Downing Street for the London hospital.


Gaddafi asked to help save hostage

THE family of British engineer Kenneth Bigley, held hostage in Iraq for more than two weeks, has asked Libyan leader Muammar Gadaffi to help secure his release, they said today.


Jakarta blast: Manny #39;s amazing recovery

THREE weeks ago, photographs of an unconscious Elisabeth Musu bleeding from her wounds were flashed around the world. Yesterday afternoon, the survivor of last month #39;s Jakarta bomb blast smiled for the camera


Cal takes no prisoners, wins 49-7

Saturdays 49-7 loss to No. 10 California evoked memories of an era that Beavers fans would like to forget - a 28-year span of futility from 1971-98 when OSU failed to have a winning season.


Smiths in talks to buy US medical device co Medex for nearly \$1B

LONDON (AFX) - Smiths Group PLC, the UK aerospace-to-medical-products maker, is in advanced talks to buy US healthcare group Medex for close to 1 bln usd (517 mln stg) the Sunday Telegraph reported without citing its source.


Stocks Seen Flat at Open; Oil Edging Up

US stocks look to open flat on Monday as investors pause after a busy week on Wall Street, with oil prices ticking higher and the dollar still hovering near record lows.


Nigerian rebel leader reaches out to rival in troubled oil region (AFP)

AFP - Nigerian rebel leader Mujahid Dokubo Asari assured his arch rival in the battle for the control of oil resources in the Niger Delta, Ateke Tom that he was ready to make peace.


Nuclear sanctions jar improving U.S.-India ties (Reuters)

Reuters - A decision by the Bush administration to sanction two top Indian scientists for nuclear cooperation with Iran highlighted the risks of improving U.S. relations with the South Asian power.


Drought Aid Colors S.D. Senate Race (AP)

AP - How political can it be for Congress to help farmers and ranchers suffering from a drought? Judge by the television viewing habits of Sen. George Allen of Virginia, who heads the Senate's Republican campaign operation.


UN transfers war crimes case to Serbian court: Del Ponte (AFP)

AFP - Chief UN war crimes prosecutor Carla Del Ponte said that the UN court investigating atrocities in the former Yugoslavia had transferred a case to Serbian prosecutors for the first time.


Iraqis Flee Fighting in Samarra by River Boats

SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - Waving white flags, Iraqis fled  the city of Samarra on river boats on Sunday as U.S. forces  claimed victory over insurgents in the first step of an  offensive aimed at taking control of rebel-held cities.


Sharon Vows to Expand Gaza Raid, Toll Hits 55

GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli leader Ariel Sharon vowed on  Sunday to widen an offensive into Gaza which has killed 55  Palestinians until militants stop firing rockets that have  fueled criticism of his plan to quit the occupied strip.


At HSBC, Eldon plans departure

HSBC Holdings, Europe #39;s biggest bank by market value, said Monday that David Eldon would retire as chairman of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp.


UK Terror Suspects Were Building Dirty Bomb - Time

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - British terror suspects arrested in  August were trying to construct a dirty bomb and planned to  attack targets in London, including the Heathrow Express  airport rail line, Time magazine reported.


Rebels Launch New Attacks in India's Northeast

GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Suspected separatist rebels set  off a string of fresh bomb blasts in northeastern India on  Sunday, bringing the death toll in a weekend of violence to 56.


Brazil Ruling Party Seeks Stronger Hand from Poll

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazil's ruling Worker's  Party (PT) was looking to strengthen its hand in its fight to  transform this huge Latin American country with a good  performance in nationwide municipal elections on Sunday.


Iran's parliament sacks minister

Iran's conservative-dominated parliament votes to sack Transport Minister Ahmad Khorram.


U.S. and Iraqi Forces Scour Samarra for Holdouts

U.S. and Iraqi forces scoured Samarra for holdouts today after reclaiming control of the city from Sunni militants in fierce fighting that won praise for Iraqi troops.


Els Sweats Out American Express Victory

THOMASTOWN, Ireland - The majors over, Ernie Els got a consolation prize Sunday by capturing his first World Golf Championship. Els outlasted Thomas Bjorn in a brilliantly played duel at Mount Juliet, making a 6-foot birdie on the 17th hole for a cushion he desperately needed and closing with a 3-under 69 to win the American Express Championship by one shot...


Karzai Accepts Award Ahead of Election

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan President Hamid Karzai left for Germany Sunday to receive an award, his office said, just six days before his war-plagued nation will hold its first-ever direct presidential election.    The one-day trip had been previously announced, but the timing couldn't help but raise eyebrows as thousands of Afghan and international workers feverishly struggle to prepare for the Oct...


Sharon: Israel Will Expand Gaza Offensive

JEBALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon vowed Sunday to expand Israel's deadliest offensive in Gaza in four years and to stay as long as needed to stop Palestinian rocket fire as renewed attacks from the air and on the ground killed seven more Palestinians.    The latest killings brought the Palestinian death toll to 59 since Thursday...


Rice Defends Characterization of Saddam

WASHINGTON - National security adviser Condoleezza Rice on Sunday defended her characterization of Saddam Hussein's nuclear capabilities in the months before the Iraq invasion, even as a published report said government experts had cast doubt at the time.    In the run-up to the March 2003 war, Rice said in a television interview in 2002 that the Iraqi president was trying to obtain high-strength aluminum tubes to rebuild his nuclear weapons program...


 By Angus MacSwan

 SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazil's ruling Worker'sParty (PT) was looking to strengthen its hand in its fight totransform this huge Latin American country with a goodperformance in nationwide municipal elections on Sunday.


Women #39;s Tennis: Dementieva Defeats Bovina at Gaz de France Stars <b>...</b>

Top-seeded Elena Dementieva rallied from 4-1 down in the third set to defeat number-three Elena Bovina 0-6, 6-0, 6-4 in an all-Russian final at the Gaz de France Stars tennis tournament in Hasselt, Belgium.


Swiss Chided for Lack of Euro 2008 Stadium (AP)

AP - European soccer's governing body threatened to remove the 2008 European Championships from hosts Austria and Switzerland, citing the Swiss for failing to build a new stadium in Zurich.


Verplank Will Play in World Cup (AP)

AP - Scott Verplank had to wait six years, but he finally gets to play in the World Cup. At No. 21 in the world, Verplank is the highest-ranked American who accepted a chance to represent the United States in the two-man team competition involving 24 countries. Nine other players, from Tiger Woods to Todd Hamilton, declined to play.


Els Enjoys New Lease of Life with Mount Juliet Win

THOMASTOWN, Ireland (Reuters) - A maiden World Golf  Championship victory at the WGC-American Express Championship  on Sunday proved to Ernie Els that he is firmly on track after  a disappointing year.


Frustrated Woods Leaves Ireland as World No. 3

THOMASTOWN, Ireland (Reuters) - Tiger Woods ended a  frustrating week at the WGC-American Express Championship on  Sunday without a strokeplay title to defend for the first time  since turning professional in 1996.


Redskins Tied, 3-3

The Redskins and Browns have traded field goals and are tied, 3-3, in the first quarter in Cleveland.


Nationalists Leading Bosnian Elections

3 October 2004 -- Election officials in Bosnia say the country #39;s main Muslim, Serb, and Croat nationalist parties were leading as results for yesterday #39;s local elections came in.


Fund looks at debt relief plan

The International Monetary Fund agreed to keep studying the possibility of revaluing its gold reserves as a way to raise money for debt-relief programs, Britain #39;s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, said.


Vivisimo Launches Clusty to Provide Efficient Search Services to <b>...</b>

No doubt, Google and Yahoo! are great search engines. Google is great in speed and straightforward search results, while Yahoo! excels in integration of services.


Solar dust salvaged from fallen capsule

The United States space agency Nasa has salvaged precious solar dust from the \$260-million Genesis capsule that crashed to Earth three weeks ago.


Soccer: Saviour Smith upstages Rooney

MANCHESTER, England : Alan Smith climbed off the bench to upstage Wayne Rooney and snatch another late goal to spare the blushes of Manchester United at Old Trafford in a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough.


Racing: Bago nails the Arc

PARIS : Bago handed the Niarchos Family their first ever Prix de l #39;Arc de Triomphe here at Longchamp racecourse in stunning style.


France #39;s Trezeguet may need shoulder operation

Juventus striker David Trezeguet may have to undergo an operation on a troublesome shoulder injury and could face a four month layoff, his coach Fabio Capello said on Sunday.


Pope Beatifies Emperor, Nun, Three Others

VATICAN CITY Oct. 3, 2004 - Pope John Paul II on Sunday honored two figures linked to controversy, beatifying a German mystic whose violent visions of Christ #39;s suffering helped inspire Mel Gibson #39;s  quot;The


Iran Rejects Kerry #39;s Nuclear Proposal

Iran has dismissed a proposal by US presidential candidate John Kerry, that Tehran be provided nuclear fuel if it agrees to give up its fuel-making capabilities.


Iraq Parties Join Forces to Avert Defeat (AP)

AP - In the months before the invasion of Iraq, the United States groomed exiled opposition groups as the nucleus of a future government to replace Saddam Hussein. Now with elections approaching, the parties still enjoy little support among ordinary Iraqis who view them as corrupt puppets of Washington.


Bigley: Gaddafi to help

London - Members of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi #39;s family have pledged to support efforts to free British hostage Kenneth Bigley, his brother claims.


Missile defence, just a hiccup in U.S., takes on political life in Canada (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Ballistic missile defence, a mere political hiccup south of the border even in an American presidential year, is showing surprising strength as a topic of public debate in Canada.


Bush, Kerry on Issue of Minimum Wage (AP)

AP - Three times a week, The Associated Press picks an issue and asks President Bush and Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry a question about it. Today's question and responses:


Turkey Says EU 'Homework Done,' Green Light Ahead

BERLIN (Reuters) - Turkey declared it had fulfilled all the  political criteria for membership talks with the European Union  on Sunday, three days before a recommendation from the EU's  executive that will give Ankara a green light.


Tennis: Spain grinds US into the clay

SEVILLE, Spain It was not quite what Carlos Moy missed the first time. The setting was not his former home city of Barcelona but the capital of the Spanish region of Andalusia.


U.S. and Iraqi Forces Complete Takeover of Samarra

U.S. forces said they are beginning the second phase of the operation, turning the city over to Iraqi police and military forces.


Clemens to Miss Start With Virus

HOUSTON - Roger Clemens was scratched from Houston's critical regular-season finale against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday after coming down with a stomach virus, missing a chance to help the Astros clinch the NL's wild-card spot.    With a victory over the Rockies or a San Francisco loss at Los Angeles, Houston would clinch the final playoff spot...


Southwest Considers DFW Move

Low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines on Friday said it was examining a move into Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, the main base for American Airlines, which would be dealt a blow if the move happened.


Penalties unlikely to rein in Microsoft

Penalties imposed on Microsoft by the European Union are unlikely to rein in the software giant and could result in higher costs for other software developers, regulators said on Friday.


Clemens to Miss Start With Virus (AP)

AP - Roger Clemens was scratched from Houston's critical regular-season finale against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday after coming down with a stomach virus, missing a chance to help the Astros clinch the NL's wild-card spot.


Trinidad Is Back, and Looking for Hopkins (AP)

AP - Felix Trinidad doesn't believe in tuneup fights. His comeback after more than two years of retirement was a doozy, and now he wants the biggest name out there, Bernard Hopkins. After Trinidad knocked out Ricardo Mayorga in the eighth round Saturday night, completing a scintillating performance before a raucous crowd, he turned his attention to the only man who has beaten him.


Season over for Clijsters

Belgian Kim Clijsters will spend the rest of the season on the sidelines because of a new injury to her wrist. The 21-year-old injured her left wrist at the Belgian Open but doctors said it is not as serious


Maria Zambrano top Canadian at half-marathon worlds

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Calgary #39;s Maria Zambrano posted the best Canadian result at the 2004 world half-marathon championships Sunday in New Dehli with a 40th-place showing.


Schwarzer heroics could spark Old Trafford move

Australian international goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer increased his chances of a move to Manchester United with an inspired display to earn Middlesbrough a deserved 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.


Clijsters Sidelined Until 2005

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Kim Clijsters will be out of action  for the rest of the season but does not need more surgery on  her wrist after suffering an injury in the Belgian Open.


Clemens to Miss Start With Virus

Roger Clemens was scratched from Houston's critical regular-season finale against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday after coming down with a stomach virus, missing a chance to help the Astros clinch the NL's wild-card spot.


Westfield battles for control property giant

The battle for the British-based Chelsfield plc hotted up at the weekend, with reports from London that the property giant #39;s management was working on its own bid to thwart the 585 million (\$A1.


IMF Group Fails to Reach Concensus on Debt Relief Program

The 24 member policy making group of the International Monetary Fund met Saturday in Washington and failed to reach consensus on implementing a more generous debt relief program for the world #39;s poorest countries.


Coming to a PC Near You

I love movies, but I #39;d rather eat stale popcorn than wait in line at Blockbuster. So I joined Movielink and Starz Ticket on Real Movies.


Funk seizes lead in Mississippi

Fred Funk shot an eight-under par 64 to seize a one-stroke lead after the third round of the US PGA Tour Southern Farm Bureau Classic in Madison, Mississippi.


BAGO BLASTS BACK FOR ARC GLORY

Bago restored the lustre to his reputation with a sensational return to form in the Prix de l #39;Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere at Longchamp today.


Canas wins Shanghai title

Argentina #39;s Guillermo Canas won his third title of the year Sunday with a 6-1, 6-0 rout of Germany #39;s Lars Burgsmuller at the Shanghai Open.


Europe should understand the mood in Iran: FM spokesman

TEHRAN (MNA) -- The Europeans should understand the mood in Iran and move in the direction of recognizing Irans legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy through mutual respect and understanding, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi


Nigeria: Rebel talks continue

Lagos - Nigeria #39;s President Olusegun Obasanjo will continue talks with rebels of the oil-rich Niger Delta in order to restore peace in the region, the presidential office said Sunday.


Rights groups protest terror detentions

Hundreds of human rights campaigners have held a vigil outside a prison to protest against Britain #39;s detention without trial of 11 foreign terror suspects.


Search Engine News This Week - Clusty, Yahoo, and MSN

Search Engine News Weekly Report - Clusty, Yahoo, and MSN\\The end of September and beginning of October has seen some changes in search engine news and the addition of a new search engine into the second tier search mix - Clusty. Additionally, MSN is planning on including search in their ...


Space Station Oxygen Supply Fails

The main oxygen generator for the international space station has failed, and the two astronauts on board may have to tap into an attached cargo ship #39;s air supply next week, NASA said Thursday.


Tennis: Dementieva clinches first title of season

HASSELT, Belgium : Russian top seed Elena Dementieva won her first title of 2004 with a 0-6, 6-0, 6-4 victory against compatriot Elena Bovina in the final of the 170,000-dollar tournament.


Solberg wins first WRC event in Sardinia.

Subaru team leader Petter Solberg has won the Rally Italia Sardinia today Sunday, dominating the event from the outset, and eventually taking the honours by 2 minutes 7.9 seconds.


Sharon says troops will stay in Gaza until rocket attacks on <b>...</b>

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon pledged Sunday to escalate a broad Israeli offensive into northern Gaza, saying troops will remain in the area until Palestinian rocket attacks are halted.


Microsoft Entering the Anti-Spyware Market\\Microsoft decided to enter the Anti-Virus market sometime back when they bought Romanian antivirus firm GeCad in 2003. And they have been testing the application privately since sometime. No details are out on when and how they will release it. And now, they are contemplating entering ...


Kerry rolls out tax-cut plan for middle class

After two weeks of focusing on Iraq, Democratic presidential challenger John Kerry turned his emphasis to the economy Saturday, delivering what he called a plan for  quot;middle-class families.


NASA delays shuttle #39;s spring 2005 launch date

HOUSTON NASA has put off the first shuttle flight since the Columbia disaster because hurricanes postponed work on new safety measures.


Observing the Moon in Shadow

On the evening of Oct. 27, North America will enjoy a total lunar eclipse, according to Fred Espenak, an astronomer at NASA #39;s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt.


Twins win suspended game quickly

com. Michael Cuddyer #39;s RBI double in the bottom of the 12th scored Jason Bartlett to give Minnesota a 6-5 victory Sunday over the Indians during the completion of Saturday #39;s suspended game.


UPDATE 2-Ferdinand, Rooney and Campbell back for England

Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Sol Campbell returned to the England fold as coach Sven-Goran Eriksson named his squad on Sunday for World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Azerbaijan.


Northwestern ends 33 years of frustration with victory over <b>...</b>

It was bad enough when Northwestern receiver Mark Philmore said Ohio State was no better than the Wildcats, conveniently overlooking all that tradition and those four national titles.


Qualcomm Buys Spike

To help meet demand for 3G CDMA devices, Qualcomm has snapped up Spike Technologies, a chip design company. Qualcomm will pay \$19 million in cash for the entity and its affiliated companies.


Livewire: Craigslist Thrives on Service, Profits (Reuters)

Reuters - It began about a decade ago as an\e-mail newsletter from Craig telling friends about upcoming\events in San Francisco, and grew so popular it is now a\full-fledged online community with information on jobs,\apartments, even dating.


PluggedIn: DVD Lagging TV in Recorders Race (Reuters)

Reuters - DVD recorders are getting cheaper and\easier to use, but that may not be enough to spark demand for\the sluggish selling devices.


Petter Solberg Claims Victory at Rally of Italy

Petter Solberg of Norway won his third straight rally as he drove his Subaru to victory at the Rally of Italy in Sardinia. The win kept alive his fading chances of retaining the world title.


PluggedIn: DVD Lagging TV in Recorders Race

NEW YORK (Reuters) - DVD recorders are getting cheaper and  easier to use, but that may not be enough to spark demand for  the sluggish selling devices.


IPO Outlook Muted (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. IPO market's first-half\revival from last year's moribund levels turned into a summer\of discontent for many eager companies trying to tap the public\markets.


Snow: U.S. Backs Sweeping Debt Relief (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow\repeated on Sunday the Bush administration would support\complete debt relief for the poorest countries and said details\of how to implement a plan could be worked out.


PeopleSoft cans CEO Conway, appoints founder Duffield

On Friday, PeopleSoft announced the Board of Directors #39; decision to terminate Craig Conway as President and CEO of the Company, effective immediately.


More petrol price rises feared

Another round of petrol price rises could be looming after crude oil prices hit the \$US50 a barrel mark over the weekend. Oil prices are at their highest in more than 20 years due to supply concerns in Nigeria


New EU Research Chief Open to Stem Cell Research (Reuters)

Reuters - The harvesting of stem cells from\human embryos will continue to be funded by the EU, the\incoming European Union research chief said on Friday, vowing\to keep an open mind while taking ethical views into account.


Sudan ready to sign peace deal with south: Beshir (AFP)

AFP - Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir said he was ready to sign a peace deal with southern rebels and that he did not want to govern the country alone.


Federal briefing note says Ottawa, not Winnipeg, best place for health agency (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Canada's new public health agency should have been headquartered in Ottawa to avoid the problems the United States experienced when it located its own agency away from Washington, D.C., says a Health Canada briefing note.


Bush campaign on defensive amid new questions on prewar Iraq intelligence (AFP)

AFP - Already scrambling to make up ground lost after last week's debate, US President George W. Bush's campaign was forced further on the defensive by a report that the White House knew before invading Iraq that key intelligence on the country's alleged nuclear weapons program was questionable.


Italy deports island immigrants

Italy begins deporting immigrants directly from the island of Lampedusa, the first port of call for boats from North Africa.


Afghanistan Death Toll in 2004 Up to 957

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - The killing in Afghanistan spirals onward, undermining U.S. claims of success in pacifying the country with less than a week to go before an historic experiment with democracy - direct presidential elections...


'Shark Tale' Hooks Movie-Goers With \$49.1M

LOS ANGELES - The animated fish story "Shark Tale" swamped the competition, opening as the top weekend movie with \$49.1 million and potentially breaking the record for best October debut. John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix's firefighting adventure "Ladder 49" premiered in second place with \$22.8 million, according to studio estimates Sunday...


Sun Edge Liberty to Reach WNBA Finals

UNCASVILLE, Conn. - The Connecticut Sun reached the WNBA Finals for the first time by beating the New York Liberty 60-57 Sunday behind Taj McWilliams-Franklin's 18 points to complete a two-game sweep of the Eastern Conference finals...


Militant Attacks in India Claim 57 Lives

GAUHATI, India - Militants bombed utilities, a tea plantation and a crowded marketplace in northeastern India on Sunday, intensifying violence that has killed 57 people in two days and snarling efforts to bring cease-fires in a region where dozens of ethnic rebel groups are fighting for separate homelands.    At least 17 bombings and shootings were carried out over the weekend in Nagaland and Assam states...


Fastow may appear in barge trial

HOUSTON Former Enron finance chief Andrew Fastow isn #39;ta defendant or a prosecution witness in the first criminal trial to emerge from the energy company #39;s crash -- but he could be called to testify.


Next hit: double-digit insurance hikes

As owner of a beachfront home in Hernando County, Cheryl Labbe has gotten used to rising rates for her homeowners #39; insurance. During Florida #39;s four-hurricane barrage, letters


Big Upsets Shake Up AP Football Poll (AP)

AP - For the first time this season, The Associated Press poll received a serious shake-up  #151; just not at the top. Big wins by Auburn, Georgia, California and Purdue, combined with surprising losses by West Virginia, Ohio State and Fresno State helped to overhaul the media poll released Sunday.


Livewire: Craigslist Thrives on Service, Profits

It began about a decade ago as an e-mail newsletter from Craig telling friends about upcoming events in San Francisco, and grew so popular it is now a full-fledged


Total Lunar Eclipse on October 27

October #39;s lunar eclipse is well-placed for North and South America as well as western Europe and Africa. From the United States, the eastern two-thirds of the country will see the entire eclipse (weather permitting).


IBMs Blue Gene/L: Current world topper among computers

NEW YORK, OCT 3: Computer major IBM claims it has developed the Blue Gene/L to be the worlds most powerful computer, pushing the current ranker Japans Earth Simulator to the second slot.


Eagles Easily Best Struggling Bears (AP)

AP - It's going to take a really good team to stop the red-hot Philadelphia Eagles. Right now, mediocre is a reach for the Chicago Bears.


More Glory for Russia #39;s Tennis Queens

Maria Sharapova and Yelena Dementyeva both lifted titles Sunday to underline Russia #39;s domination of the women #39;s game. In Seoul, South Korea, Wimbledon champion Sharapova trounced Marta Domachowska 6-1, 6-1 to win the Korea Open.


Federer thumps Roddick in Thailand Open final

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Swiss star Roger Federer captured his 10th tennis title of the year by defeating Andy Roddick in the Thailand Open final Sunday in Bangkok.


Angels Win 1st Division Title in 18 Years (AP)

AP - Sometime during the last several weeks, pitcher Jarrod Washburn began to sense a change in the mood surrounding the Anaheim Angels. Losing was no longer an option.


Oz election: Howards expensive battlers

John Howards official election campaign launch in Brisbane - after heavily campaigning for the previous month and arguably all year -as a monstrous bonanza for Howards battlers.


Late Goal Salvages Tie for Man United (AP)

AP - Manchester United salvaged a 1-1 tie with Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Sunday on an 81st-minute goal by substitute Alan Smith.


Federer Ties Mark for Consecutive Finals (AP)

AP - Top-ranked Roger Federer routed an injured Andy Roddick 6-4, 6-0 Sunday to capture the Thailand Open, joining John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg as the only players to win 12 straight ATP Tour finals in the last 25 years.


Sun Edge Liberty to Reach WNBA Finals

The Connecticut Sun reached the WNBA Finals for the first time by beating the New York Liberty 60-57 Sunday behind Taj McWilliams-Franklin's 18 points to complete a two-game sweep of the Eastern Conference finals. McWilliams-Franklin went 1-of-2 at the line with 48 seconds left to give the Sun a 55-54 edge and help deny New York a fifth trip to the championship series.


Devil Rays Top Wins Mark in Beating Tigers

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays set a franchise record with their 70th victory, beating the Detroit Tigers 7-4 Sunday behind Matt Diaz and John Halama.


Els Sweats Out American Express Victory

Emotionally spent from a Grand Slam season of heartache, Ernie Els reasserted himself as a major force Sunday by outlasting Thomas Bjorn in a brilliantly played duel in the cold rain in the American Express Championship. He closed with a 3-under 69 for a one-shot victory and his first World Golf Championship.


Spain's Freire Wins World Cycling Title

Spain's Oscar Freire won the road race at the cycling world championships for the third time Sunday in a sprint finish. He joined Belgium's Eddy Merckx and Rik Van Steenbergen and Italy's Alfredo Binda as the only three-time winners.


Tigers Bringing Back Trammell, Staff

Alan Trammell will manage the Detroit Tigers next season. Along with Trammell, the Tigers said Sunday they retained Kirk Gibson (bench), Bob Cluck (pitching), Bruce Fields (hitting), Lance Parrish (bullpen), Juan Samuel (third base) and Mick Kelleher (first base).


No Time Frame for Yuan Move -China

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - There is no time frame for a shift  away from Beijing's tight currency peg and the United States is  mistaken if it thinks it will reap big benefits from a move, a  top Chinese central bank official said on Sunday.


Update 3: Enron Barge Dealmaker Regrets Deal

A former in-house Enron Corp. accountant said he was convinced that the energy giant #39;s unofficial promise to buy back several barges sold to Merrill Lynch  amp; Co.


Nomar will consider returning to Cubs

Nomar Garciaparra can become a free agent after the World Series and will consider returning to the Chicago Cubs, his team for the final two months this season.


Vatican Set to Beatify Gibson #39;s Passionate Muse

Pope John Paul II on Sunday will beatify Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich, a sickly 19th century nun who claimed to have visions that gave her courtside seats at Jesus #39; execution.


Blow to poor states as donors defer debt plan

Finance officials failed to resolve their differences over debt relief for the worlds poorest countries and Iraq while expressing concern about the impact high oil prices would have on a strengthening global economy.


Lukoil deal flies in the face of Russia #39;s lost opportunities for <b>...</b>

A successful bid by ConocoPhillips of the US for 7.96 per cent in Lukoil this week belies a broader sense of disappointment at the size of Russia-bound foreign direct investment (FDI).


SpaceShipOne Bid Seen Opening Space for Business

A private space plane is set to shoot beyond Earth #39;s atmosphere for the second time in a week on Monday in a pioneering bid to win a \$10 million prize and prove that space is open for business.


NFL: Philadelphia 19, Chicago 9

Donovan McNabb passed for 237 yards and a touchdown Sunday as the Philadelphia Eagles posted a 19-9 victory over the Chicago Bears.


Seven Killed in New Blasts

Suspected separatists bombed a crowded market, a tea plantation and other sites today, killing seven people in a second day of explosions and gun attacks that have left at least 57 dead and more than 100 wounded in northeast India.


Turkish, German leaders confident of EU green light for Ankara

Turkey #39;s prime minister expressed confidence that the European Union #39;s executive will recommend opening talks for his Muslim-majority country #39;s membership this week, saying Sunday that admitting Turkey to the union would contribute to  quot;reconciliation


France, Spain swoop on ETA suspects, arrest separatist group <b>...</b>

BORDEAUX, France : Anti-terrorist police arrested the political leader of Spain #39;s armed Basque separatist group ETA in raids in France and Spain that resulted in arms caches and other suspected members being seized, officials said.


Mount St. Helens Dates Back 40,000 Years (AP)

AP - There has been a volcano on this site for 40,000 years  #151; the youngest and most active peak in a 1,000-mile Cascade Range chain that extends from Mount Garibaldi in Canada to Mount Lassen in Northern California.


Rebel Region Votes in Defiance of Georgia (Reuters)

Reuters - The breakaway Georgian region\of Abkhazia defiantly voted for a new president on Sunday,\injecting further tension into relations between Georgia and\its former colonial master Russia.


Els maintains two-shot lead at WGC-American Express

Ernie Els was up to the challenge against one European Ryder Cup hero Saturday but will have to fend off three more of them in the final round of the WGC-American Express Championship.


Eriksson recalls Red Devils trio

Sven-Goran Eriksson tonight handed Phil Neville an England lifeline as the Manchester United defender joined club team-mates Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney in returning to the England squad.


Blue Jays announcer Cerutti found dead in hotel room

John Cerutti, a former Toronto pitcher and current Blue Jays television announcer, was found dead in his hotel room Sunday morning, the team said.


Barber, Shockey score TDs to lead Giants past Packers 14-7

Tiki Barber ran for a 52-yard touchdown and Kurt Warner threw a touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey to lead the New York Giants past the Green Bay Packers 14-7 on Sunday.


Rice Defends Comments on Iraq Nuke Threat (AP)

AP - National security adviser Condoleezza Rice on Sunday defended her characterization of Saddam Hussein's nuclear capabilities in the months before the Iraq invasion, even as a published report said government experts had cast doubt at the time.


Fox New Channel admits reporter posted fake story about Kerry (AFP)

AFP - An official at Fox News Channel said that one of its political reporters has been disciplined for posting a fake news item on its website about Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.


Gaza clash tests withdrawal plan

Responding to rocket fire, Israel has escalated strikes on Gaza, killing at least 50 Palestinians.


After squeezing rebels, India's northeast ignites

Over the weekend, a series of attacks killed more than 50 people in the states of Nagaland and Assam.


US volcano eruption 'imminent'

A tremor at Mount St Helens volcano in the US state of Washington prompts fresh warnings of an eruption.


Manning Leads Colts Past Jaguars, 24-17

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Peyton Manning was 13-for-13 for 162 yards on three touchdown drives to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a 24-17 victory Sunday against the previously unbeaten Jacksonville Jaguars...


Astros Top Rockies to Claim NL Wild Card (AP)

AP - The Houston Astros charged into the playoffs with their 18th consecutive home victory, capping an incredible turnaround by beating Colorado 5-3 Sunday to win the NL wild card.


Patriots Down Bills for 18th Win in Row (AP)

AP - With Tom Brady as their quarterback and a stingy, opportunistic defense, it's difficult to imagine when the New England Patriots might lose again. Brady and defensive end Richard Seymour combined to secure the Patriots' record-tying 18th straight victory, 31-17 over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.


Panthers' Smart Injured on Kickoff Return (AP)

AP - Carolina kickoff returner Rod Smart, aka "He Hate Me," injured his left knee on a kickoff return in the second quarter of the Panthers' game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.


Expos Fans Say Farewell at Shea Stadium (AP)

AP - Joe Palau had an advantage over most Montreal Expos fans who wanted to say goodbye at the team's last game.


Astros Beat Rockies to Win NL Playoff Spot

HOUSTON (Reuters) - The Houston Astros capped a remarkable  late-season turnaround by capturing the National League wild  card playoff berth on Sunday with a 5-3 win over the Colorado  Rockies.


Houston Earns N.L. Wild-Card Spot

The Astros charged into the playoffs with their 18th consecutive home victory, capping an incredible turnaround by beating Colorado on Sunday.


Finance Leaders Tackle Terror Financing

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - World finance ministers gathered  under heavy guard on Sunday to discuss efforts to fight terror  financing while warning the world must stay focused on the  economic recovery and fight against poverty.


IMF projects 3.6, 3.5 growth in 2004 and 2005

The International Monetary Fund expects Israel #39;s economy to grow 3.6 percent by the end of this year, and 3.5 in 2005, according to the World Economic Outlook review released last week during Succoth.


Briefly: Sarkozy focuses on aircraft aid

Economic recovery in the euro zone is firmly established and inflation poses no threat, Otmar Issing, a European Central Bank executive board member, said Sunday.


Mutual Funds Quarterly

Everywhere they look, uncertainty looms - from the Iraq war to the choice of president to the nation #39;s slow-motion recovery. The cautious outlook has led to cautious action, which could be seen in the fairly


A break for investors: lower fees on index offerings

By Thomas Watterson  Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor. Today #39;s sideways stock market is hard on mutual-fund companies.


Wall Street Not Troubled by Oil Rise--Yet

This oil thing is just temporary, Wall Street has been figuring, and figuring and figuring. The surge in prices is a temporary phenomenon that #39;s lasted for two years now.


Private spaceship is set to take a second trip

LOS ANGELES A private spaceship is to blast off for the second time in a week on Monday in the final stage of an attempt to win a \$10 million prize.


Microsoft patent is rejected, but company vows to fight back

The US Patent and Trademark Office has preliminarily rejected a Microsoft patent on a system for recognizing computer files, a victory for  quot;open source quot; advocates


Baseball: Dodgers and Angels have California dreaming

The Anaheim Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers both beat rivals from Northern California to capture division titles, making this the first time the two Southern California rivals will be in the postseason playoffs in the same year.


US need not fear India and China: Bill Gates

BERKELEY: The US has nothing to fear from rapidly growing technology markets in India and China, Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft said.


Westfield battles for control of property giant

The battle for the United Kingdom developer Chelsfield intensified over the weekend, with reports from London that executives of the property giant are considering a management buyout to


Genesis samples  #39;looking very, very good #39;

The Genesis team is preparing to ship its samples of the Sun from the mission #39;s temporary cleanroom at the US Army Proving Ground, Dugway, Utah, to NASA #39;s Johnson Space Center, Houston.


Els fends off rejuvenated Bjorn to shoot down Tiger

Having missed out at all four of the majors this season, Ernie Els rewarded himself with the next best thing by winning a World Championship.


Patriots 31 Bills 17

ORCHARD Park, NY The New England Patriots posted their record-tying 18th consecutive victory by scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a 31-to-17 win at Buffalo.


The Houston Astros capped a remarkable late-season turnaround by capturing the National League wild card playoff berth on Sunday with a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies.


West Virginia out of national title race

His team #39;s national title hopes dashed, West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez searched for a positive to take out of the Mountaineers #39; loss to middling Virginia Tech.


Sharon vows to expand offensive

Jerusalem, Oct. 4. (PTI): At least nine Palestinians were killed Sunday by Israeli forces as Prime Minister Ariel Sharon rejected a ceasefire offer from Hamas and vowed to  quot;expand quot; the military offensive in


Pak. scribes on visit to J amp;K

Wagah (Amritsar), Oct. 4. (PTI): A 15-member delegation of Pakistani journalists on Sunday crossed over to India on their way to perhaps a first ever visit to Jammu and Kashmir by a team of scribes from that country.


Mount St. Helens Packs Natural Arsenal (AP)

AP - The boiling magma rumbling and rising within Mount St. Helens isn't the only thing scientists fear. When large volcanoes erupt they can unleash an awesome arsenal of natural weapons, devastating communities and landscapes even hundreds of miles from the blast.


Nobel Prize Winners Set to Be Announced (AP)

AP - In a tradition that has become as venerable as the 103-year-old Nobel Prizes themselves, the guessing game over who will take home the world's most coveted awards this week has entered full swing.


Oil Price Spike Had Chilling Effect -Fed (Reuters)

Reuters - The recent spike in oil prices has had\some negative impact on the U.S. economy, but the futures\markets suggest that this will be a temporary phenomenon, a top\Fed official said on Sunday.


Finance Leaders Tackle Terror Financing (Reuters)

Reuters - World finance ministers gathered\under heavy guard on Sunday to discuss efforts to fight terror\financing while warning the world must stay focused on the\economic recovery and fight against poverty.


IMF head sees no consensus on demand by poor countries for a greater voice (AFP)

AFP - Developing countries are agitating for greater decision-making power in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, but the head of the IMF acknowledged that political consensus on the question was lacking.


China: Efforts to Cool Economy Working

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The head of China's central bank  said on Sunday Beijing's efforts to curb excessive credit  growth were bearing fruit, increasing chances the country's  booming economy would achieve a "soft landing."


PeopleSoft Fires CEO

Attempts by PeopleSoft to fend off a hostile takeover by Oracle took a surprising turn Friday. PeopleSoft #39;s board of directors fired Chief Executive Officer Craig Conway.


Klitschko-Williamson: A Well-Educated Battle

precious  quot;few quot; brain cells - Wladimir Klitschko and DaVarryl Williamson have so much cerebral firepower between the two of them that some casual observers of the sport may ask themselves,  quot;Why are they doing this quot; for a living?


Federer thumps Roddick for Bangkok title

World number one Roger Federer thumped Andy Roddick 6-4 6-0 for his tenth title of the season at the Thailand Open in Bangkok on Sunday.


SportsNetwork Game Preview

(Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians will close out the regular season with a doubleheader of sorts, as the teams battle at the Metrodome today.


Clashes in Haitian capital kill at least 14

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Three politicians allied with former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide were led away in handcuffs after a six-hour standoff at a radio station, and gunfire erupted today in Haiti #39;s capital where political clashes have left 14 dead


Iran may halt snap nuclear inspection if parliament approves <b>...</b>

Iran said on Sunday that it might halt snap UN inspections on its nuclear sites if its parliament approved it, the official IRNA news agency reported.


Chip sales slow in August

Global semiconductor sales growth slowed to 1 percent in August as electronics makers reacted to growing inventories in Asia by limiting orders of chips, an industry trade group said on Thursday.


Wladimir wins comeback bout

Las Vegas: Wladimir Klitschko was knocked down and ended up bleeding on his stool, but scorecards said he beat Davarryl Williamson after the heavyweight fight was stopped at the end of the fifth round because of a head butt.


Iran refuses to surrender nuclear fuel technology

Iran said Sunday it has already acquired the sensitive technology to produce its own nuclear fuel and that it would be  quot;irrational quot; to agree to surrender such a capability in exchange for supplies from overseas.


At IMF, US bows to pressure to forgive debt

WASHINGTON With public pledges and in private conversations, Britain managed to smoke out the United States and win its commitment to the full forgiveness of the debts of the poorest countries during the annual meetings of the World Bank and the


BlackBerry, Bluetooth Miss a Shot to Move Into More Hands

these two uses of wireless technology have remained stubbornly irrelevant to many mainstream users, despite the benefits they might offer and the hype they often get in the press.