Biomira stock jumps as lung cancer vaccine gets US fast-track <b>...</b>

EDMONTON (CP) - Shares in Biomira Inc. shot up as much as 48 per cent Wednesday after the drug developer said one of its cancer vaccines has won fast-track investigation status from the US Food and Drug Administration.


Calgary crows over Imperial

CALGARY - Calgary #39;s already sizzling business community has scooped its biggest prize yet with the move from Toronto of Imperial Oil Ltd.


Global economy to slide in 2005: IMF

Washington, Sept. 30.(UNI): The expansion of the global economy could hit a 30-year record in 2004 but will likely slide in 2005 as a result of higher oil prices and other factors, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) sources said.


With Oil Near \$50 a Barrel, Gas Prices Start to Inch Up

As the price of crude oil flirts with \$50 a barrel, gasoline prices are heading up again, ending an unusual period in which gasoline prices were falling even as oil prices rose.


SpaceShipOne survives a scare

MOJAVE, Calif. -- SpaceShipOne corkscrewed its way into space yesterday, succeeding in its first of two runs for the \$10 million X Prize, but not before prompting the event #39;s otherwise effusive commentator to drop an octave and utter,  quot;Uh-oh.


Founder of Web envisions a new era

The inventor of the World Wide Web told a technology conference yesterday that making the Web more useful hinges on a familiar challenge: getting the players


One flight down, one to go

In a blistering, heart-pounding flight that briefly appeared to be in jeopardy, a privately built spacecraft safely returned to Earth after soaring to the edge of space over the Mojave desert in California yesterday.


Schilling gets call for Game 1

Weary of fielding questions about his role in the postseason, Pedro Martinez asked the Red Sox before Tuesday #39;s game against the Devil Rays to reveal their plans.


Shoulder injury casts doubts over Tiger

KILKENNY - Tiger Woods will decide today if he will be able to play in a multi-million dollar championship after injuring his shoulder.


Ichiro a step closer

Even when he gets only one hit and his only impact on the game is an out, Ichiro winds up the focus of a well-pitched game by Bobby Madritsch.


Mayor among accused in Pitcairn rape trial

The mayor of Pitcairn Island was the first of seven men accused of sex abuse to stand trial yesterday as the historic case got under way in the Pacific outpost.


Latham calls on PM to admit to WMD mistake

Federal Labor leader Mark Latham says the Prime Minister needs to face up to the reality that there were no stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.


IBM in \$320m pension settlement

US computer giant IBM agrees a \$320m deal with older staff, who had argued that changes to its pension scheme left them worse off.


Asian Shares Higher on Oil Dip (Reuters)

Reuters - Asian investors took advantage of a\pause in climbing oil prices on Thursday to buy beaten-down\technology stocks, autos and other exporters, snapping a\nine-session losing streak by Japan's key stock index.


Japan industrial output rise marginally in August (AFP)

AFP - Japanese industrial output rose only 0.3 percent in August, suggesting after a series of recent weak data that the recovery in the world's second-largest economy is slowing, economists said.


US volcano rumbles back to life

Scientists in the US fear a volcano in Washington state, near Seattle and Portland, could soon erupt after a surge in seismic activity.


Crude oil inventory increases

WASHINGTON -- Oil prices fell sharply yesterday after the US government reported US inventories of crude rose 3.4 million barrels last week, surprising many traders and analysts who had expected to see supplies shrink due to lingering output problems in


Business Glance

NEW YORK - Computer Associates International Inc. announced a restructuring plan Wednesday that would reduce its work force by 800 people worldwide, saving the business software maker \$70 million annually once the plan is fully implemented.


House prices rise again

House prices rose 0.2 percent in September compared with the month before to stand up 17.8 percent on a year ago, the Nationwide Building Society says.


Private rocket #39;s wild ride lands it closer to big prize

The first privately funded manned rocket to reach space completed the first half of a \$10 million flight competition yesterday by soaring to an altitude of


Graphic Content: Is It Time to Take the PCI Express?

If you #39;re planning a PC purchase, you have to decide whether the time has come to let your graphics ride the PCI Express. The new standard replaces the PCI and AGP slots that connect graphics cards and other components to your PC.


What #39;s in a nickname?

It #39;s never too soon to lobby for anything in this city, and Laura Meissner didn #39;t wait for Wednesday #39;s confirmation that the Montreal Expos are moving to the nation #39;s


Chelsea 3, FC Porto 1

Jose Mourinho may have removed himself, his backroom staff and two key defenders from Porto this summer but he also took one priceless commodity with him to Stamford Bridge - a winning mentality.


Glaus #39; HR lifts Angels back into first place

Then he hit a mistake out of the park in the top of the 11th inning and put Anaheim back in sole possession of first place in the American League West.


Navy football shipshape again

The doubters were in Paul Johnson #39;s ear three years ago when the ultra-successful coach at Georgia Southern decided to accept the head coaching job at Navy.


Braves give Cox his 2,000th victory

The Braves #39; sense of timing is impeccable. Whenever the Mets are down, along comes their tomahawk-chopping nemesis to show them up.


Gunmen Kill Kashmiri Separatist Alliance Leader

SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) - Two gunmen shot dead a member  of the moderate faction of Kashmir's main separatist alliance  on Thursday, police said, days after New Delhi said it will try  to resume a stalled dialogue with the separatists.


IMF Raises Outlook on Russia Economy

International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday, September 29, that it raised its outlook for Russias economy, forecasting 6.6 percent GDP growth in 2005.


House prices show modest rise

House prices rose only modestly on the month in September, the Nationwide Building Society says, backing expectations that the Bank of England may have nearly finished raising interest rates.


Insurgency grows against unbridled global textile trade due in <b>...</b>

GENEVA : A movement to counter the abolition of textile and clothing import quotas at the end of the year is gaining momentum, driven by fears that an unbridled China could wipe out competition because of its sheer production capacity, diplomats said.


UPDATE 1-British Energy, Polygon end legal dispute

British Energy Plc (BGY.L: Quote, Profile, Research) , the UK #39;s biggest electricity producer, said on Thursday it had ended a dispute with investment firm Polygon regarding British Energy #39;s plans to delist its shares.


One down, one to go

MOJAVE, California -- The first private manned rocket to reach space soared toward the edge of the atmosphere again yesterday in the first half of a bid to earn a \$10-million US prize.


Angels move 1 game ahead in AL West

Anaheim moved a game ahead of Oakland in the American League West race Wednesday night while New York moved within a victory of the AL East title.


Fiedler given opportunity to spark winless Dolphins

By all accounts, Jay Fiedler is a good guy. He signs autographs, performs charity work and always speaks well of others, even the New York Jets.


Britain wants contact with kidnappers

The government has appealed to kidnappers holding hostage Kenneth Bigley in Iraq to make contact -- but still ruled out negotiations or ransom payment.


Refugees scale fence at embassy

OTTAWA -- In a dramatic breach of security, 44 asylum-seekers scaled home-made ladders and leaped over a spiked fence at Canada #39;s embassy in Beijing yesterday.


Axe-wielding man attacks pilots

OSLO (dpa) - Two pilots and a passenger on a Kato Air flight to Bodo airport in northern Norway were attacked and injured by an axe-wielding passenger Wednesday, reports said.


Blair faces Labour wrath over Iraq

Prime Minister Tony Blair was set to face the anger of rank and file members of his Labour Party over the Iraq war on Thursday, as party officials tried to head off a motion calling for British troops to quit the country.


China 'may intervene more' in HK

Analysts in Hong Kong say China is signalling its intention to take a more active role in the territory's affairs.


Gurkhas win UK citizenship rights

The prime minister announces that Gurkhas who have served in the Army are now entitled to citizenship.


Poison porn pics show up online

The first images that hide a virus inside them have been found in a pornographic newsgroup on the net.


Zeta Jones 'stalker' denies guilt

A woman denies charges of stalking and making threats against film star Catherine Zeta Jones.


2 sentenced to death in Cole blast

SAN'A, Yemen -- A Saudi suspected of being an associate of Osama bin Laden and a Yemeni militant were sentenced to death by firing squad yesterday for the bombing of the USS Cole four years ago, the first convictions in the Al Qaeda terrorism attack that killed 17 American sailors.


Yen Holds Gains as Oil Remains Below \$50

LONDON (Reuters) - The yen steadied on Thursday after  bouncing back from recent lows against the dollar and the euro  as oil prices stepped down from this week's record highs, while  investors awaited key economic data from Japan.


Powell calls for Palestinian intifadah to end

WASHINGTON -- In a telecast to the Arab world, Secretary of State Colin Powell called yesterday for an end to the intifadah, the four-year violent Palestinian uprising against Israel.


6 suspected of aiding terrorism indicted

ROME -- An Italian judge indicted six men suspected of involvement in a group to recruit militants for suicide attacks on US-led forces in Iraq, news reports said yesterday. Abderrazak Mahdjoub, an Algerian, and five others will stand trial on Feb. 22 in Milan, the ANSA news agency said. They are accused of association with the aim of international terrorism, ...


Microsoft Asks Judge to Suspend Penalties

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp told a judge on  Thursday that the European Commission must be stopped from  ordering it to give up secret technology to competitors.


Iran aide cites worse relations

NEW YORK -- Iran's foreign minister said yesterday his country's relations with the United States are about the worst ever, but he believes the upcoming US presidential election could open avenues for renewed dialogue, even if President Bush is reelected.


Rwandans hope Darfur presence will halt violence

EL FASHER, Sudan -- As the sun set over this desert camp, Private Lambert Sendegeya, an African Union soldier from Rwanda, popped in a tape of music from his country and launched into a series of leg bends. Lieutenant Eugene Ruzianda peered from his canvas tent and, removing his green beret, joined the evening exercises.


Suicide bombings defended

OSLO -- A leader of one of Norway's most respected Islamic groups defended the use of suicide bombings in certain cases and stirred a debate yesterday in this Nordic country that sees itself as a beacon of peace and nonviolence.


U.S. Forces Strike Targets in Iraq

U.S. military attacked a suspected safe house in Fallujah on Thursday. Intelligence reports indicated the site was being used Zarqawi loyalists to plan attacks against U.S. troops and Iraqis.


U.S. Effort Aims to Improve Opinions About Iraq Conflict

The Bush administration, battling negative perceptions of the Iraq war, is sending Iraqi Americans to deliver what the Pentagon calls "good news" about Iraq to U.S. military bases.


Microsoft launches appeal against EU ruling

US software giant Microsoft on Thursday launched its legal appeal against a stinging EU anti-trust ruling, six months after it was fined nearly half a billion euros for abusing its market dominance.


Looming peril of poison porn pics

The first images crafted to contain a malicious program that can take control of a PC have been found on the net. Security experts have been expecting such images to turn up after Microsoft revealed a weakness


Mohr injures knee on final play

The Giants lost a crucial ballgame to the Padres on Wednesday night but also may have lost Dustan Mohr for the final four games of the season.


Britain's Cable and Wireless to exit Japan (AFP)

AFP - Britain's Cable and Wireless is in talks to quit Japan by selling its money-losing Japanese unit to Softbank or an investment firm in Tokyo.


Sweden to Return Remains of Aborigines (AP)

AP - The skeletal remains of 15 Aborigines are being returned home for reburial, nearly 90 years after a Swedish zoologist smuggled them out of Australia for display in a Stockholm museum.


Russia Sets New Date for Launch to Space Station (Reuters)

Reuters - Russia hopes to launch three astronauts\to the International Space Station next month, setting a new\date after two postponements for technical reasons, space\officials said on Wednesday. Technical difficulties, including\problems with the docking system of the Soyuz craft, have twice\delayed blast-off from Russia's Baikonur cosmodrome in\Kazakhstan.


BT mulls u-turn on broadband cost

BT is looking again at price rises on wholesale broadband which have angered small net providers.


MMO2 lifts revenue target for UK

Mobile phone operator MMO2 raises its UK revenue growth target for this year as it gets more customers and existing users spend more.


Yen Holds Gains as Oil Remains Below  #36;50 (Reuters)

Reuters - The yen steadied on Thursday after\bouncing back from recent lows against the dollar and the euro\as oil prices stepped down from this week's record highs, while\investors awaited key economic data from Japan.


BT mulls u-turn on broadband cost

Telecoms giant BT is looking again at price rises on wholesale broadband which have angered small net providers.


Microsoft asks judge to suspend penalties

Microsoft has told a judge that the European Commission must be stopped from ordering it to give up secret technology to competitors.


Tough Negotiations Ahead for EU, Mercosur

Efforts to forge the world #39;s largest free trade zone, uniting the European Union with the Mercosur South American economic bloc, face tough negotiations after a new EU offer received a frosty reception from across the Atlantic.


2-Way Internet Phone Scheduled for This Month

Within this year, tech-savvy Koreans will be able to make and receive calls through Internet-enabled phones as you would do on regular phones, at a lower cost.


Duff starts as Chelsea maintain momentum

Damien Duff started his second successive game - and his first in this seasons Champions League -s Jose Mourinhos Chelsea slammed defending champions FC Porto on a 3-1 scoreline at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.


Car Bomb West of Baghdad Kills One, Wounds 60

A suicide bomber killed one person and wounded 60 on Thursday when he blew up his car in Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad, doctors and officials said.


Israeli Tanks Surge Into Gaza Refugee Camp -Witnesses (Reuters)

Reuters - A column of Israeli tanks surged into the\heart of the Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip on\Thursday as the army broadened its sweep for militants behind a\deadly rocket attack on an Israeli town.


IBM Wins \$1 Billion Contract from Lloyds

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - IBM has signed a 7-year, \$969 million  contract with British bank Lloyds TSB to supply it with  Internet telephony and data services, The U.S.-based computer  giant said on Monday.


TUI to cut eight percent of its British workforce (AFP)

AFP - TUI -- Europe's leading tourism and travel group -- said it is planning to cut eight percent of its workforce in Britain by the end of the year in order to boost efficiency.


China Asks Canada to Hand Over Intruders (AP)

AP - China urged the Canadian Embassy on Thursday to hand over 44 possible North Korean asylum-seekers, while officials said nine North Koreans who entered an American school in Shanghai had been handed over to Chinese police.


Australia's Westfield, Multiplex in battle over Chelsfield (AFP)

AFP - Australian property giant Westfield Group announced a 585 million pound bid to acquire British shopping center operator Chelsfield, a move seen as likely to spark a bidding war with rival Multiplex.


Israeli Soldier, Woman Jogger Killed in Gaza Ambushes

GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian gunmen killed an Israeli  soldier and a woman jogger in Gaza on Thursday as the army  intensified an offensive to root out militants behind a rocket  attack that killed two Israeli children in a border town.


Car Bomb in Iraq Kills Two, Wounds 60

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A suicide attacker exploded a car bomb Thursday outside the mayor's office in the Abu Ghraib area west of Baghdad, killing at least two people and wounding 60, including at four U.S. soldiers, Iraqi and coalition officials said...


Grows UK customer base while seeing more churn

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Mobile operator Mmo2 on Thursday said it was lifting its service revenue forecast in Britain after a strong first half.


Steelers' Polamalu Repects Carson Palmer (AP)

AP - Steelers safety Troy Polamalu won't say if Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer owes him money from some unpaid dinner bill of long ago. Or if he left his unwashed socks in the middle of the floor, or snored so loudly it kept others awake.


Bryant say O'Neal paid women hush money to keep silent (AFP)

AFP - Shaquille O'Neal paid various women hush money to keep quiet about sexual encounters, Kobe Bryant told law enforcement officers in Eagle, Colorado.


French Soldier Surrenders After Threat (AP)

AP - A French soldier who locked himself in an explosives depot and threatened to blow it up surrendered Monday, ending a three-day standoff, the Interior Ministry said.


Woods goes for three straight _ if he gets to the first tee

THOMASTOWN, Ireland -- Tiger Woods realizes the only way he can reclaim the No. 1 ranking from Vijay Singh is to win golf tournaments.


Vols Impressed With Freshman Quarterback (AP)

AP - There is no quarterback controversy at Tennessee. The Volunteers have a competition. No. 10 Tennessee has been touting its rotation of two freshmen as a way to keep defenses off balance and busy preparing for quarterbacks with different styles.


Tiger's Back an Issue at American Express (AP)

AP - Tiger Woods felt stiffness in his back after seven holes Wednesday and decided to call it a day, not wanting to aggravate the week-old injury and not entirely certain he would be able to defend his title in the American Express Championship. The way his year has gone, that's just his luck.


Bad case of shakes

As long as the last ember flickered in their fading bonfire of opportunity, the Red Sox planned to keep hope alive. As long as they clung to a faint chance of catching the Yankees for the American League East title, they vowed to play as if they could achieve the unfathomable.


Rockies' rally slows LA's drive

Jeromy Burnitz's RBI single with one out in the ninth inning sparked a three-run rally, and the Colorado Rockies beat host Los Angeles, 4-1, last night to slow the Dodgers' drive to their first playoff berth in eight years.


NL notables

Houston's Roger Clemens (18-4) isn't scheduled to make another start before the end of the regular season, but has suggested he'd like to pitch in the regular-season finale against Colorado Sunday.


McNair sits, but hope stands

The Tennessee Titans have a simple rule: If Steve McNair feels he can play injured, discussion over.


Watson placed on IR

Tight end Benjamin Watson's season was doomed from the outset. Not only did Watson hold out of training camp and part ways with agent Tom Condon , who wanted him to hold firm on his wish for a five-year rookie contract rather than the six-year deal he ultimately signed, but now Watson's season is over after the team ...


Sales, Sun surge ahead

The Connecticut Sun had an off game last Saturday, when they dropped the opener of their WNBA Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Washington Mystics. But the Sun came back to even the series Monday, and it was the Mystics who had the off game.


Waltham grad takes Bentley by storm

Mackenzy Bernadeau, last season's football captain and team MVP at Waltham High School, is now a freshman at Bentley College, in his hometown.


Callaghan back on Tufts soccer field

After missing the first four games of the season with a hamstring injury, Northborough's Sarah Callaghan has returned to the Tufts University women's soccer team.


Tonight on TV

PITTSBURGH (2-1) VS. UCONN (3-1) When and where: Tonight, 7 p.m., East Hartford. TV: ESPN2. Last season: Did not meet. Comments: Walt Harris and his Pittsburgh Panthers will be looking to win their third straight Big East opener. Pittsburgh needed to rally to get past Division 1-AA Furman last week in overtime, 41-38. Tonight, the Panthers will have to contend ...


They really do drive for show

Theirs is a golfing world without bunkers and hazards, sloping greens and Sunday pins. Only one thing matters to the professional long driver, and it's measured in yards, not strokes.


Stars won't leave home for it

Purses overflowing with cash, exotic locales, manicured golf courses. The World Golf Championships have it all. Except for totally committed players, that is.


Numbers point to NY

NEW YORK - The New York Yankees can achieve two milestones with one more victory: clinching their seventh straight AL East title and reaching 100 wins in three straight seasons for the first time.


Transactions

BASEBALL MLB: Announced Washington as its choice for the relocation of the Montreal Expos. Arizona (NL): Signed LHP Jeff Fassero. Baltimore (AL): Will not renew contract of director of minor league operations Doc Rodgers.


The post-race analysis: Chinese Grand Prix

Overall results in China last weekend were disappointing, but Fernandos fourth place finish was an extremely impressive drive in a tricky car.


Justice Dept. Opens Fannie Criminal Probe (Reuters)

Reuters - The Justice Department has opened an\investigation of possible accounting fraud at Fannie Mae, the\Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, after a federal\regulator said the mortgage giant may have manipulated its\earnings targets.


Wall Street to Edge Up as Oil Price Slips (Reuters)

Reuters - Wall Street was expected to edge higher\at Thursday's opening as oil prices receded from record highs,\easing fears spiraling costs will crimp firms' profits.


Justice Dept. Opens Fannie Criminal Probe

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Justice Department has opened an  investigation of possible accounting fraud at Fannie Mae, the  Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, after a federal  regulator said the mortgage giant may have manipulated its  earnings targets.


Wall Street to Edge Up as Oil Price Slips

LONDON (Reuters) - Wall Street was expected to edge higher  at Thursday's opening as oil prices receded from record highs,  easing fears spiraling costs will crimp firms' profits.


Conoco Launches Tender to Up LUKOIL Stake

MOSCOW (Reuters) - U.S. oil major ConocoPhillips launched a  \$628 million two-day tender to boost its stake in new Russian  strategic partner LUKOIL to 10 percent, the U.S. firm said on  Thursday.


Giant insurer under investigation

AIG, the world's largest insurer,  is the target of a criminal investigation, accused of helping a client commit fraud.


Bandwidth Glut Lives On

Nearly four years have passed since the peak of the fiber-optic boom, but overcapacity continues to plague carriers, and prices for bandwidth continue to fall. By Joanna Glasner.


ConocoPhillips Annoucnes Tender to Buy 2.4 of Lukoil Shares

US oil company ConocoPhillips announced on Thursday, September 30, a tender for the purchase of 20.418 million shares of Russian oil major Lukoil , which amounts to 2.4 percent of the Russian companys charter capital.


Update 14: Martha Stewart Assigned to W.Va. Prison

There are no gates or fences, and most days anyone can drive straight to the warden #39;s home at the Federal Correctional Institute here.


Philippines to weather high oil prices, volatile peso, but not <b>...</b>

MANILA : Economic growth prospects in the Philippines this year remain on track despite rising oil prices and a volatile peso as long as the government fixes its fiscal woes, President Gloria Arroyo has said.


Update 3: Tokyo Stocks Close Higher, Dollar Up

Tokyo stocks rebounded on Thursday from a nine-day drop on receding concerns about high oil prices. The dollar was lower against the Japanese yen.


Giant insurer under investigation

The world #39;s largest insurer by market value is the target of a criminal investigation by the US Justice Department. American International (AIG) is accused of helping a banking client commit fraud and keep


UPDATE: Australia #39;s Westfield Bids For UK #39;s Chelsfield

SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--The world #39;s largest owner of shopping malls, Australia #39;s Westfield Group (WDC.AU), bid GBP585 million for Chelsfield PLC (CLF.


In a national park, the call of the wild: Is it cellular?

As he hiked up a steep trail winding into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a few days ago, Don Barger reached into his pack, pulled out his cell phone - and turned it off.


DVD Forum finalises HD DVD-RW disc spec

The DVD Forum moved a step further toward the advent of HD DVD media and drives with the approval of key physical specifications at a meeting of the organisations steering committee last week.


Microsoft Adds More Intelligence To SQL Server

Microsoft has added new business intelligence (BI) capabilities to SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005; according to an announcement today at the 2004 Professional Association for SQL Server community summit in Orlando, USA.


Soccer: Chelsea United the key for Mourinho

LONDON : Jose Mourinho is amazed by the team spirit amongst his Chelsea stars and insists it is making them unbeatable. The Portuguese boss guided Porto to Champions League glory last season with a team that


Wenger frustrated with Arsenal

Trondheim, Norway - Arsene Wenger made his frustration clear after a hesitant display against Norwegian champions Rosenborg left Arsenal with everything still to play for in their Champions League group.


Zimbabwe hearing on alleged racism scrapped

The International Cricket Council (ICC) hearing on alleged racism in Zimbabwean cricket was scrapped in Harare on Thursday after the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) and the players who accuse its officials of racist behaviour


Basketball: Bryant says O #39;Neal paid women hush money to keep <b>...</b>

LOS ANGELES : Shaquille O #39;Neal paid various women hush money to keep quiet about sexual encounters, Kobe Bryant told law enforcement officers in Eagle, Colorado.


Perfect Barca anxious to keep feet on the ground

Barcelona were keeping their feet on the ground after continuing their perfect start in Champions League Group F with a stylish 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.


New strike in Fallujah kills four, car bomb outside Baghdad kills <b>...</b>

A suicide attacker exploded a car bomb Thursday west of Baghdad, killing at least one US soldier and two Iraqi policemen and wounding 60 people, Iraqi and coalition officials said.


Baghdad hit by several bomb blasts

A suicide bomber has killed two Iraqi police and a US soldier after he blew up his car west of Baghdad, the US military says. An Iraqi doctor said on Thursday around 60 people were wounded.


Group says holding 10 new hostages in Iraq

An Iraqi militant group says it has kidnapped 10 hostages, including two Indonesian women, who work for an electronics firm, Al Jazeera television says.


It #39;s Too Late to Sway Microsoft in EU

Opinion: Microsoft #39;s global battles, such as its appeals hearing that #39;s about to start in Luxembourg, should teach regulators that they need to address the company #39;s behavior before it creates problems.


MMO2 lifts revenue target for UK

Strong growth in UK customer numbers at MMO2 has enabled the mobile operator to raise its UK revenue growth forecast. In a trading update, MMO2 said it now expected UK revenue to grow by 9-12 in the year


House Price Rises Slowing Down - Survey

House prices rose by just 0.2 in September as the market continued to show signs of slowing down. It follows a rise of just 0.1 during August, said the Nationwide Building Society.


Asian Shares End Mostly Lower On Worries Over Oil Prices

Asian stock markets closed mostly lower Tuesday on continued worries about the surge in global oil prices. Tokyo #39;s benchmark Nikkei Stock Average of 225 issues slipped 43.


Low-cost  #39;Hindi Windows #39; to hit Indian desktops next year

Indian PC users can expect to see a localized, stripped-down version of Microsoft #39;s XP operating system early next year. Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft plans to ship the low cost version of its PC operating


Alternative fuel buses arrive in Smokies

After months of planning, two alternative-fueled shuttle buses were added Tuesday to this Great Smoky Mountain tourist town #39;s transit fleet for a six-month demonstration.


Chinese students jailed for running porn sites

Beijing, Sept 30. (PTI): A 22-year-old university information technology student and another college student in east China #39;s Zhejiang province have been sentenced by Chinese courts for operating pornographic


Lethal algae discovered off coast

SEATTLE -- A toxic algae bloom almost 50 km wide has been detected off the northwest coast of Washington state, the largest and most potentially lethal yet found by scientists in the region.


Stiff Back Worries Woods on Eve of American Express Championship

Tiger Woods felt stiffness in his back after seven holes yesterday in Thomastown, Ireland, and decided to call it a day, not wanting to aggravate the week-old injury and not entirely certain he would be able to defend his title beginning today in the


Wednesday #39;s Baseball Roundup

(CP) - Troy Glaus provided the Anaheim Angels with the type of clutch hitting Oakland could have used on Wednesday night. Glaus hit a two-run homer in the 11th inning as the Angels beat the Texas Rangers 8


Doing All For Release Of Hostage: Blair

London, Sept. 30 (NNN) : Britain says it is doing everything it can to secure the release in Iraq of British hostage, Kenneth Bigley.


China Asks Canada to Hand Over Intruders

China urged the Canadian Embassy on Thursday to hand over 44 possible North Korean asylum-seekers, while officials said nine North Koreans who entered an American school in Shanghai had been handed over to Chinese police.


Asylum Bid Koreans Handed over to Chinese Police

A group of nine North Koreans who entered the Shanghai American School in China earlier this week in an apparent bid for asylum were handed over to police, it was revealed today.


GPs get new anti-depressant rules

Doctors have been issued with new guidance on the prescribing of antidepressants.


Two killed in Naples 'turf war'

Two more people are killed in Italy in what officials say is a turf war between rivals within the Naples mafia.


House price growth continues to slow down

House price growth continued to show signs of slowing down during September the latest figures have shown. The average cost of a home increased by 0.2 per cent during the month, following growth of only 0.1


Stocks higher on latest GDP reading, lower oil prices

By George Chamberlin , Daily Transcript Financial Correspondent. Investors continued to balance their portfolios on Wednesday in advance of the end of the third quarter.


EU, Mercosur Divided at Trade Talks

The European Union and Mercosur were wide apart on Wednesday in negotiations to form the world #39;s biggest free trade area despite a new EU offer to settle their differences, diplomats said.


CL: Werder Bremen beat Valencia, Inter outclass Anderlecht

BREMEN/BRUSSELS, Sep 29 (SW) - Werder Bremen came back from behind to beat Spanish champions Valencia, while Internazionale were too strong for RSC Anderlecht in the Belgian capital.


UN urges quick start for Darfur force

The UN special envoy to Sudan has urged African states to speed up moves to send a large force to Darfur and called on the West to back their efforts with generous logistical support.


China hints at Hong Kong involvement

Reports from Hong Kong say China has indicated its intention to take a more active role in the political affairs of the territory.


Microsoft Battle With EU Moved to Court (AP)

AP - Microsoft Corp.'s five-year legal battle in Europe moved into a public courtroom for the first time Thursday as the software giant tried to get the European Union's landmark antitrust ruling against it lifted.


Women May Run Faster Than Men in 2156 Games -Study (Reuters)

Reuters - Women could be faster 100-meter\sprinters than men by the 2156 Olympics, according to a study\on Wednesday.


Apple to open 'borderless' Euro music store

Questions company's 'one country, one store' restriction


Computers 'do not boost learning'

Internet access does not make adults more likely to take part in formal education, research suggests.


Russian Government Approves Kyoto, Sends to Parliament (Reuters)

Reuters - Russia's government approved the Kyoto\Protocol on Thursday and sent the climate change pact to the\State Duma, the lower house of parliament, for ratification.


Gov't will listen to hostage-takers, but not negotiate: Straw (AFP)

AFP - Britain is ready to listen to the Islamic extremists who are holding Kenneth Bigley hostage in Iraq, but not to negotiate with them, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said in a television interview.


Ukraine Leader Rejects Election Reform Demands

KIEV, Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukraine's outgoing President  Leonid Kuchma Monday rejected reform of the country's election  laws on terms set by the opposition ahead of a re-run of the  ex-Soviet state's rigged vote later this month.


Witness says he did not see accused at Stuttle murder scene (AFP)

AFP - A key witness in the trial over the murder of British backpacker Caroline Stuttle said he saw a man running from the bridge after the victim fell to her death but that man was not the accused.


Russian Government Approves Kyoto, Sends to Parliament

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's government approved the Kyoto  Protocol on Thursday and sent the climate change pact to the  State Duma, the lower house of parliament, for ratification.


Bomb Blasts in Baghdad Kill at Least 16 -Police

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Insurgents detonated at least two bombs  near a U.S. military convoy in southern Baghdad on Thursday,  killing at least 16 people, while a suicide bomber killed two  Iraqi police and a U.S. soldier west of the capital.


Taiwan Military Warns of China Missile Threat

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan Defense Minister Lee Jye said on  Thursday that China could have as many as 800 ballistic  missiles poised to strike the island in an intensive  bombardment by 2006, but said Taipei had no intention of  starting a war.


At Least 3 Killed in Car Bombing Near Baghdad

A car bomb exploded today west of Baghdad, killing at least one U.S. soldier and two Iraqi policemen and wounding 60 people, Iraqi and coalition officials said.


Footage Shows 10 New Hostages in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The Arab news network Al-Jazeera showed footage Thursday of 10 new hostages seized in Iraq by militants.    Al-Jazeera said the 10 - six Iraqis, two Lebanese and two Indonesian women - were taken by The Islamic Army in Iraq...


Religious Forum in Indonesia Aims to Blunt Radicals

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuters) - President Susilo Bambang  Yudhoyono of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim  nation, called on all religions Monday to rise up against  terrorism and show that faith could be a force for peace.


Positions staked out in Microsoft antitrust hearing

A key subplot in Microsoft Corp. #39;s European antitrust hearing will be a showdown between two Seattle-area companies staking out conflicting positions in the evolving digital-media market.


IBM Agrees to Settle Part of Giant Pension Case

IBM said yesterday that it had agreed to pay \$320 million to current and former employees to settle in part a class-action lawsuit over its pension plan in a case that may affect millions


Arroyo cheers on Philippine economy outlook

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday expressed confidence in the country #39;s economy outlook and called all sectors not to be off the track in the major economic reforms.


Indians Pitcher Kyle Denney Shot (AP)

AP - A Cleveland Indians pitcher was shot in the right calf when a bullet pierced the team's bus and grazed another player late Wednesday night.


Gunners misfire in Norway

Arsenal could only manage a 1-1 draw away to Norwegian champions Rosenborg in the Champions League. While the Gunners have been unbeatable in the Premiership, they have struggled to make their mark in Europe and last night was another worrying evening.


RANIERI: MISSED CHANCES COST US

Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri conceded his side had not been ruthless enough after seeing them slip to a 2-1 defeat to Werder Bremen in the Champions League.


PATRIOTS IN RECORD BID

The New England Patriots will attempt to tie the NFL record of 18 straight wins - including play-offs - when they meet former hero Drew Bledsoe and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.


China urges Canada to hand over North Korean asylum seekers

China on Thursday urged Canada to hand over 44 North Korean men, women and children, who stormed into the Canadian Embassy in Beijing on Wednesday to seek political asylum.


Thailand to Change Farming Ways to End Bird Flu

Hard-hit Thailand plans a campaign to change poultry farming methods as it seeks to stamp out the deadly bird flu virus before migrating wildfowl return during the


Taiwan #39;s Formula Three

If Vice President Annette Lu is the Margaret Thatcher of the feisty island of Taiwan _ unyielding, immensely quotable and never taking any intellectual prisoners _ then easygoing Chen


Russia Moves On Global Warming

The Russian Cabinet on Thursday approved the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on combating global warming, clearing the way for parliament #39;s vote on the pact, which needs Russia #39;s support to take effect, the Interfax news agency reported.


Oil Prices Waver, Eye on Nigeria Supply

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil's rally wavered on Thursday, but  worries over the security of Nigerian supply supported prices  despite an easier U.S. crude inventory picture and news that  Russia's YUKOS would resume full supply to China.


Lehman in Talks to Buy UK Hedge Fund-WSJ

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Investment bank Lehman Brothers  Holdings Inc. is negotiating to buy GLG Partners, a leading  British hedge fund, the Wall Street Journal reported on  Thursday, citing unnamed sources.


Bush Team Prepares Net Assault

The Bush campaign is setting up an extensive war room to monitor Thursday's debate with John Kerry. The plan? Pounce on Kerry misstatements or exaggerations and send responses to thousands of partisan websites through a live feed. By Louise Witt.


Diebold Rep Now Runs Elections

A former sales rep for Diebold Election Systems becomes a county election official in California. She sold the state millions of dollars worth of untested machines, which led to a scandal. Critics are asking, 'What's wrong with this picture?' By Kim Zetter.


Music Videos Tap Video Games

MTV -- whose videos killed the radio star -- knows a threat when it sees one. To keep people from abandoning TV for video games, it's making music videos with popular game characters strutting their stuff to the latest tracks. By Daniel Terdiman.


Stem Cell Debate Hits Senate

A committee hears testimony on the possible usefulness of stem cells and current research restrictions, but it's an argument that boils down to when human life begins. By Kristen Philipkoski.


We Know You Like Michael Bolton

A proud nerd puts her prefrontal cortex on the line to discover whether she's really a closet cool cat. By Jennifer Kahn from Wired magazine.


SpaceShipOne Rolls Toward Victory

Despite a spectacular series of unplanned barrel rolls, SpaceShipOne completes the first of two compulsory flights that could net its developers the \$10 million Ansari X Prize. Dan Brekke reports from Mojave, California.


MP3 Creator Warns on Format Wars

The dizzying array of file formats and anti-piracy options will hobble the burgeoning digital music business, says one of the developers behind the format that sparked the download revolution.


House prices continue to slow

House price growth remained subdued in September, offering further proof of a slowdown in the property market, figures showed today.


Lehman in Talks to Buy UK Hedge Fund -WSJ

Investment bank Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. is negotiating to buy GLG Partners, a large British hedge fund, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.


Hello Ogo : IM a-go-go

In the week when rumours of the Oqo launch have been buzzing, it #39;s a bit confusing to have AT amp;T announce something called Ogo.


Apple to open  #39;borderless #39; Euro music store

Apple yesterday confirmed that it will open the promised pan-European version of its iTunes Music Store in October 2004. Speaking at the Popkomm show in Germany, Apple #39;s online and apps chief, Eddie Cue, said


Linksys inks Verizon VoIP deal, intros products

Cisco Systems Inc #39;s Linksys home networking division yesterday said it has made a deal with Verizon Communications to have Linksys kit used in Verizon #39;s VoiceWing voice over IP service.


Former Sun, BEA execs forge grid venture (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Former executives from companies such as Sun Microsystems, BEA Systems, and Oracle this week are formally launching a venture called Cassatt, which is endeavoring to automate IT operations, leverage commodity hardware and software, and govern network compute cycles in a grid-like manner.


Russias LUKoil and ConocoPhillips plan joint work in Iraq

Moscow, 29 September: LUKoil and ConocoPhillips are to carry out joint work in Iraq, LUKoil vice-president Leonid Fedun told journalists today immediately after the sale at auction of the state package of shares in LUKoil.


IBM claims most powerful supercomputer crown

IBM has claimed that its Blue Gene/L supercomputer has edged out rival NEC #39;s Earth Simulator to become the world #39;s most powerful supercomputer.


Kmarts to be converted into some kind of Sears

Sears Roebuck and Co. probably will put a new spin on the Sears name for the 56 stores it is taking over from Kmart and Wal-Mart.  quot;Sears will be in the name, but we #39;re reviewing whether the name will be something


Pickets plan to walk 2 weeks

About 1,400 San Francisco hotel workers are on strike at four of the city #39;s biggest hotels after their contract negotiations stalled over differences regarding wages, health care coverage, pensions and the length of a contract.


Investment bank Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. is negotiating to buy GLG Partners, a leading British hedge fund, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.


Disney and Pixar break off engagement

The Walt Disney president, Robert Iger, has said it is  quot;unlikely quot; his studio will renew its distribution deal with the Pixar animation studio.


Former software officer indicted

The former chief operating officer of a San Carlos software company has been indicted on charges of securities fraud for an alleged scheme to inflate the company #39;s revenue, authorities said Wednesday.


Skoll urges valley to create local endowment (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - Former eBay President Jeff Skoll is challenging Silicon Valley to create an endowment to address local needs.


In a national park, the call of the wild: Is it cellular? (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - At least 30 national parks now sport cell phone towers or other antennas, according to a newly released partial inventory by the National Park Service. This list, the first of its kind, is evidence that phone companies are targeting America's national parks for business.


IT firm Softbank aims to enter Japan's mobile sector as 3G grows (AFP)

AFP - Japanese Internet firm Softbank said it aims to enter the mobile phone industry supplying third-generation (3G) services as more customers embrace the advanced technology.


Microsoft compromises, prepares to offer player-free OS (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Microsoft was expected to show up at a closed-door hearing before Europe's Court of First Instance in Luxembourg today to push for suspension of an order requiring the software giant to alter its flagship product.


337,500 FEET: Space ship takes victory roll

After an unplanned  quot;victory roll quot; as SpaceShipOne climbed to more than 63 miles above Earth, civilian astronaut Mike Melvill glided the rocket plane to a safe landing Wednesday, putting his team in the lead to capture the \$10 million Ansari X Prize


Price at Issue With PlayStation Portable

Sony Corp. #39;s PlayStation Portable, which goes on sale in Japan later this year and overseas next spring, boasts the superb image quality of its home-console counterpart.


Van Nistelrooy, Ferguson, Daum, Giggs lead the praise for hat <b>...</b>

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Alex Ferguson led the praise for Wayne Rooney #39;s three-goal debut performance for Manchester United. Van Nistelrooy, who set up the first of Rooney #39;s goals in Tuesday night #39;s


Ponting ruled out of second Test as well

SYDNEY, Sep 30: Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was also ruled out of the second Test against India, Cricket Australia said Thursday after receiving medical advice on his injured thumb.


RedHawks fumble chance for fast start toward title

Miami University head coach Terry Hoeppner hyped Wednesday night #39;s game against Marshall as a college football playoff. He had good reason, in five of the last six


Nigerian oil flows, for now

The threat of violence in petroleum-rich Nigeria this week, followed by a spike in oil prices, underscored yet again that country #39;s importance and danger to companies that work there.


Blair ready to respond but not negotiate

British Prime Minister Tony Blair says his Government is making every effort to secure the release of Ken Bigley, who is being held in Iraq.


PepsiCo Profit Rises on Tax Benefits (Reuters)

Reuters - PepsiCo Inc. , the world's No.\2 soft drink company, said on Thursday quarterly profit rose\due to tax benefits.


Offshoring Forces Tech-Job Seekers To Shift Strategy

The frenzied rhetoric about technology jobs going overseas has quieted in recent months. While doomsday predictions for the domestic tech industry have subsided, there's clearly a trend toward exporting some jobs.
-Leslie Walker


Key Part of Patriot Act Ruled Unconstitutional

A federal judge in New York ruled that a key component of the USA Patriot Act is unconstitutional because it allows the FBI to demand information from Internet service providers without judicial oversight or public review.


A Caution on Kids, Technology

Today's young people do not need the technology education they are receiving to be successful in the 21st century, and there are growing indications that the high-tech lifestyle promoted by government and business may be harmful to them, a new report scheduled for release today  concludes.


PepsiCo Profit Rises on Tax Benefits

NEW YORK (Reuters) - PepsiCo Inc. PEP.N, the world's No.  2 soft drink company, said on Thursday quarterly profit rose  due to tax benefits.


Justice Dept. Opens Fannie Criminal Probe

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Justice Department has opened an  investigation of possible accounting fraud at Fannie Mae, The  Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, after a federal  regulator said the mortgage giant may have manipulated its  earnings targets.


Lehman in Talks to Buy UK Hedge Fund

LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Investment bank Lehman Brothers  Holdings Inc. is negotiating to buy GLG Partners, a leading  British hedge fund, according to a source familiar with the  matter.


Yen Gains Reprieve as Oil Backs Off Highs

LONDON (Reuters) - The yen won respite from its recent  beating on Thursday as oil prices eased off record highs and  investors awaited data from the United States and Japan for  clues on the health of the global economy.


UK travel firms to shed 800 jobs

TUI, Europe's largest travel firm, is cutting 800 jobs at its UK businesses - Thomson Holidays, Lunn Poly and Brittania Airways.


Stocks to Watch Thursday

The world's No. 2 soft drink company said on Thursday  quarterly profit rose due to tax benefits.


Fresh Del Monte Cuts 2004 Profit Forecast

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Fresh Del Monte Inc. FDP.N on  Thursday cut its 2004 earnings forecast because of weak banana  prices, high fuel costs and bad weather, among other factors.


General Mills Cereals Going Whole Grain

NEW YORK (Reuters) - General Mills Inc. GIS.N, the No. 2  U.S. cereal maker behind Kellogg Co. K.N, on Thursday said  all its breakfast cereals would now be made with whole grain as  it seeks to promote healthy eating habits.


Microsoft Asks EU Court to Suspend Antitrust Ruling (Update1)

Microsoft Corp., the world #39;s largest software maker, asked a European Union court to suspend an order by antitrust regulators forcing it to disclose information on the inner workings of its Windows product to competitors.


Sears to double store sites here

Sears, Roebuck  amp; Co. said yesterday it will double the number of stores it operates in San Diego County by acquiring five Kmart locations and converting them to Sears units over the next 15 months.


brewing giant InBev takes control of Lion Group #39;s beer activities <b>...</b>

InBev, the world #39;s largest brewer by volume, said Thursday it had acquired total control of the Chinese beer business of Malaysia Lion Group.


H amp;M turnover climbs 16

The UK was today on course to become the second largest market for clothing retailer Hennes  amp; Mauritz after turnover climbed 16 over the summer.


Planning to dump IE? Think again

For many people, using a non-Microsoft browser such as Firefox is now a must for secure Web surfing--but most still keep a copy of Internet Explorer around just in case.


Killer hamster ices owner

A Japanese man died after a bite from his pet hamster caused anaphylactic shock, Mainichi Shimbun reports. Ther nameless forty-something succumbed after repeated bites from the animal sensitised his immune


NASA boss reaches for stars during San Diego appearance

America #39;s new vision to regain a foothold on the moon and launch humans to Mars will require revolutionary technologies and a national tolerance for risk, danger and failure, NASA #39;s chief administrator said yesterday.


Bomb Blasts in Baghdad Kill at Least 35, Wound 120

Insurgents detonated three car bombs near a US military convoy in southern Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 35 people and wounding around 120, many of them children, officials and doctors said.


Astros pass Cubs in wild-card race

The Houston Astros pushed closer to a playoff berth, winning their club-record 15th straight home game by beating the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-4, last night.


As Burdens Mount, There Is Little Joy in Yankeeland

N between Scott Brosius and Alex Rodriguez, the hallowed Yankee pinstripes morphed into hollowed worry lines. These days, the pensive Yankees stir inside a clubhouse with the unsettled quiet of a waiting room.


China asks Canada to hand over asylum seekers

China wants Canada to hand over the 44 people, believed to be North Korean asylum seekers, who scaled the spiked fence to break into the Canadian embassy in Beijing.


Car bombings shake Baghdad

A spate of car bombings rocked Baghdad on Thursday, killing more than 20 people, including a US soldier and two Iraqi police officers, according to Iraqi and US officials.


Pilots land safely despite ax attack

A man with an ax injured the two pilots on a Norwegian domestic flight Wednesday before being dragged screaming from the cockpit by fellow passengers.


Thai PM declares one-month deadline for ending bird flu

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra declared a war on bird flu, saying the disease must be eliminated by the end of next month, the state-run Thai News Agency reported on Thursday.


Turning over a new leaf in New York

Before Pakistan #39;s President General Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met last Friday in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly


Arab network says ten new hostages seized in Iraq

The Arab TV network Al-Jazeera is showing footage of six Iraqis, two Lebanese and two Indonesian women. The Islamic Army in Iraq is claiming responsibility.


Gurkha Soldiers Win Right to British Citizenship

LONDON (Reuters) - Gurkhas, who have served with British  army for nearly 200 years, won a landmark battle on Thursday to  be able to settle in the UK and gain British citizenship.


Pitcairn Mayor 'Led Rape' on Island - Prosecutor

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The trial of seven Pitcairn Island men,  descendants of the 18th century Bounty mutineers, began  Wednesday with the mayor the first to face charges of rape and  underage sex, pool reports said.


Vietnam official's son detained

The son of a high-ranking trade official in Vietnam is arrested on fraud allegations.


Russian Cabinet Approves Kyoto Protocol

MOSCOW - Russia's Cabinet approved the Kyoto Protocol on global warming Thursday, clearing the way for the worldwide adoption of the document once the Russian parliament ratifies it as widely expected.    The protocol must be ratified by no fewer than 55 countries that accounted for at least 55 percent of global emissions in 1990, and Russia's participation would tip the scale...


Tribute Concert Held for Ray Charles

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - An eclectic lineup of musicians honored Ray Charles in a tribute concert, praising the late singer's rich life and his ability to transcend race and musical genres...


Dozens Killed as Violence Escalates in Iraq

Insurgents escalated the violence in Iraq Thursday morning as separate bombing incidents killed dozens of people, including three American soldiers.


Universal McCann Ups Ad Spending Forecast

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Media buyer Universal McCann on Monday  raised its forecast for global advertising spending in 2005,  citing growing marketing battles in industries such as autos  and drugs, but slightly cut its outlook for U.S. ad spending.


Boots shares dip on lacklustre outlook

The health and beauty retailer Boots today warned of a difficult outlook for the crucial Christmas period, sending its shares down almost 5 in early trade.


Imperial Oil moving HQ to Calgary from Toronto

TORONTO - Imperial Oil is moving its corporate headquarters to Calgary from Toronto, a shift that could see up to 500 people relocated.


Alternative fuel buses arrive in Smokies

GATLINBURG, Tenn. - After months of planning, two alternative-fueled shuttle buses were added Tuesday to this Great Smoky Mountain tourist town #39;s transit fleet for a six-month demonstration.


Massive Asteroid to Pass Earth

Earth is about to gets its closest brush this century with a massive asteroid, a hurtling space rock astronomers say is big enough to cause global devastation if it were to collide with the planet.


HP and Hitachi offer 300GB disk drives

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies and Hewlett Packard yesterday announced availability of what they claim are the industry #39;s first storage and server systems offering 300GB Fibre Channel and small computer system interface (SCSI) disk drive capacity.


Man dies after pet hamster bites him

A man died from asthma after being bitten several times by his pet hamster in a city north of Tokyo, the Mainichi Shimbun reported Tuesday.


Rooney just one of Ferguson #39;s reasons to be cheerful

While Wayne Rooney #39;s debut hat-trick against Fenerbahce made all the headlines, it was not the only reason for Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson to be cheerful.


Baghdad blasts kills at least 16

Insurgents have detonated two bombs near a convoy of US military vehicles in southern Baghdad, killing at least 16 people, Iraqi police say.


Bomb Blasts in Baghdad Kill at Least 16 -Police

Insurgents detonated at least two bombs near a US military convoy in southern Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 16 people, while a suicide bomber killed two Iraqi police and a US soldier west of the capital.


Pitcairn Mayor  #39;Led Rape #39; on Island - Prosecutor

The trial of seven Pitcairn Island men, descendants of the 18th century Bounty mutineers, began Wednesday with the mayor the first to face charges of rape and underage sex, pool reports said.


Syria Agrees to Tighten Iraq Border

US officials say Syria has agreed to tighten its border with Iraq to prevent insurgents from entering the country. The State Department says Syria agreed to coordinate with Iraqi and multinational forces.


UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women visits Sudan

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women, Yakin Erturk, is visiting Sudan to examine the situation of women in the conflict-ridden African country.


Attack on US convoy kills 37 in Baghdad

BAGHDAD - Multiple explosions rocked a western neighbourhood of the capital as a US convoy was passing today, killing at least 37 people and wounding more than 50, hospital and military officials said.


#39;Ten hostages #39; captured in Iraq

The Arabic television channel al-Jazeera has broadcast footage of what it says is a militant group claiming to have seized 10 new hostages in Iraq.


House Bill HR 10 permits sending certain suspects abroad for torture?

Tucked away in Section 3032 and 3033 of H.R. 10, the 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act of 2004, is an "anti-terrorist" provision that was never recommended by the 9/11 Commission. Indeed, it is the very opposite of a Commission recommendation - as noted in a critical press release about the bill from Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), quoted here. The bill was introduced by House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL).    This provision retroactively establishes a loophole legitimising the practice of extraditing "suspected terrorists" to another country where torture is legal or unprosecuted, for the purpose of having them tortured there.


Microsoft starts EU legal defence

Microsoft begins a legal bid to have a European Commission anti-monopoly ruling temporarily suspended.


Britain becomes top data swapper

More data now passes through the UK's key net hub in London than any other on the planet.


Chip Sales Rise; Inventories Seen Down

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Global semiconductor sales rose 1.1  percent to \$18.2 billion in August from the previous month and  it appears as though chip inventories are declining, an  industry trade group said on Thursday.


Chip Sales Rise; Inventories Seen Down (Reuters)

Reuters - Global semiconductor sales rose 1.1\percent to  #36;18.2 billion in August from the previous month and\it appears as though chip inventories are declining, an\industry trade group said on Thursday.


French unemployment rises in August (AFP)

AFP - France's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate rose to 9.9 percent of the workforce in August from 9.8 percent in July, data from the Labour Ministry showed several.


H M Posts Improved 3Q Profits, Sales (AP)

AP - Europe's largest fashion retailer, Hennes  amp; Mauritz AB, on Thursday posted better than expected third-quarter profits and said sales were up despite lowered prices and competition from rival companies, thanks in part to sales in the United States.


PepsiCo Says Profit Rises on Tax Benefits

NEW YORK (Reuters) - PepsiCo Inc. PEP.N, the world's No.  2 soft drink company, said on Thursday quarterly profit rose  due to \$221 million in tax benefits and strong performances  from its key Frito-Lay snack and North American beverage  businesses.


Microsoft Asks Judge to Suspend Penalties

Microsoft Corp told a judge on Thursday that the European Commission must be stopped from\ordering it to give up secret technology to competitors. -Reuters


Government IT

Tom Jarrett, the new president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers will discuss challenges facing state government information technology officials. Filter columnist Cynthia L. Webb will moderate the discussion.


Satan's little helper drinks Diet Coke

Former MP3 impresario Michael Robertson tells CNET News.com's Michael Kanellos why "free" need not be a dirty word.


A glimpse of SpaceShipOne's historic flight

Despite a literally screwy launch, the spacecraft pulls off a successful flight, leaving one more between it and \$10 million.


Global lessons in e-voting

India reports success, while Venezuela fears fraud. What can the United States learn?


Will historic flight launch space tourism?

Regardless, space competitions are poised to become big business.


Microsoft asks EU court to suspend remedies

Microsoft Corp. asked a judge to suspend the European Commission's antitrust ruling against it on Thursday, arguing that secrets revealed now cannot be retracted.


Update: Linksys goes dual-band on Wi-Fi

With its eyes on the future of home entertainment and a relatively uncluttered band of radio spectrum, Cisco Systems Inc.'s Linksys division on Wednesday unveiled a line of IEEE 802.11g/a wireless LAN products.


Russian Oil Giant Hopes ConocoPhillips Deal Will Help Iraq Project

Russia #39;s top oil company, Lukoil, hopes that a US oil company #39;s acquisition of a 7.6 percent stake could boost its chances to retain a Saddam-era production-sharing


Stewart to serve time in West Virginia

NEW YORKMartha Stewart will do her time for lying about a stock sale at a remote West Virginia prison camp where inmates sleep in bunk beds and rise at 6 am to do menial labour for pennies an hour.


More cold cash for gas heating

US demand for natural gas this winter is expected to increase 4.4 percent from last year, and prices should be higher even though inventories will be near record levels at the start of the heating season, a industry trade group said


Boots feels the pinch from price cuts

Bad weather hit sales at Boots in the first half, while margins felt the pressure from price cuts made to combat stiffening competition, Britain #39;s biggest health and beauty retailer says.


Whole-grain Lucky Charms? They #39;re for real

Early morning in Otsego, Minn., is  quot;crunch time quot; at the Simonsons #39; house. Cereal starts the day for 49 percent of all Americans, and 7-year-olds Kyle and Kali Simonson and their 6-year-old sister, Kara, are no exception.


HP, Hitachi Offer 300-Gbyte Storage Platform

The Hitachi Ultrastar 10K300 Fibre Channel drive will be offered in the HP StorageWorks Enterprise Virtual Array (EVA), and the Ultrastar 10K300 SCSI drive will go in HP #39;s ProLiant servers and StorageWorks Modular Smart Array (MSA) family, the vendors said


Open Source gets veteran support

A group of industry veterans are aiming to become the  quot;Dell of the software industry quot; by creating a company dedicated to supporting Open Source software.


Bon voyage: Expos take their leave

The circle is complete. As the Expos prepare to face their uncertain future, as major league owners wrangle over the carcass, broadcaster Dave Van Horne is on hand to bear witness.


Australia #39;s Ponting Will Miss First Two Tests of India Series

Australia captain Ricky Ponting was ruled out of the first two cricket Tests against India next month because of a fractured left thumb.


Cubs #39; wild-card hopes take a hit

The Chicago Cubs were one strike from a key victory, but wound up with another agonizing defeat that damaged their drive to the playoffs.


Botham: Zimbabwe tour should be scrapped

Ian Botham has urged the Government to step in and instruct the England cricket team to stay away from Zimbabwe this winter. The former England skipper believes the oneday series arranged for late November and early December should be scrapped.


HIPC has not lived up to expectation - UNCTAD

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 2004 report on economic development in Africa has criticised the eligibility and debt sustainability criteria of the HIPC initiative, saying they are arbitrary and lacks objectivity.


Car Rams Entrance of Japanese Parliament

A car rammed into the entrance gate of Japan #39;s lower house of Parliament on Thursday and burst into flames. There were no immediate reports of injuries.


Save me, Mr. Blair

Chained and shackled and caged like an animal, British hostage Ken Bigley sobbed into a terrorist #39;s camera and moved America #39;s staunchest ally to say he is willing to  quot;respond quot; to the men who beheaded the captive #39;s two US colleagues.


Ten Palestinians, 3 Israelis Killed in Gaza Violence (Reuters)

Reuters - Ten Palestinians and three Israelis were\killed in Gaza on Thursday as Israeli forces thrust deep into\the largest Palestinian refugee camp after a rocket attack\killed two Israeli children in a border town.


Chinese Premier Pledges Reunification with Taiwan (Reuters)

Reuters - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged to\reunify the mainland with the island of Taiwan, vowing to\contain forces intent on independence for the island to ensure\the sacred goal of national unity.


Gurkha Soldiers Win Right to British Citizenship (Reuters)

Reuters - Gurkhas, who have served with British\army for nearly 200 years, won a landmark battle on Thursday to\be able to settle in the UK and gain British citizenship.


Israel Plans Large-Scale Gaza Operation (AP)

AP - Israel's defense minister decided Thursday to launch a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip to stop Palestinian rocket fire on Israeli border towns, an Israeli radio station reported.


BCCI says Sony to telecast Australia test series (Reuters)

Reuters - India's home test series against Australia next month will be telecast on Sony television, and live pictures produced by TEN Sports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Thursday.


Microsoft: Suspend Windows Penalties

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - Microsoft asked a European Union  judge Thursday to freeze a European Commission order forcing it  to share technology with competitors, but a rival said the  software giant used to provide such information freely.


Al Qaeda Suspect Breaks Legs Fleeing in Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Reuters) - A suspected Arab member of  al Qaeda was arrested by Pakistani security forces on Thursday  after breaking his legs trying to escape a raid on his house  near the northwestern city of Peshawar.


'Tomato treatment' slows cancer

An artificial version of the pigment that gives tomatoes their colouring could help treat prostate cancer, say researchers.


Coming Soon: "Good" Jupiters

Most of the extrasolar planets discovered to date are gas giants like Jupiter, but their orbits are either much closer to their parent stars or are highly eccentric. Planet hunters are on the verge of confirming the discovery of Jupiter-size planets with Jupiter-like orbits. Solar systems that contain these "good" Jupiters may harbor habitable Earth-like planets as well.


Tax benefit lifts Pepsi profit 35 percent

PURCHASE, NY -- PepsiCo Inc. #39;s net income rose 35 percent in its latest quarter from a year ago, helped by growth in beverage and snack volume, as well as a tax benefit.


H amp;M posts improved 3Q profits, sales

Europe #39;s largest fashion retailer, Hennes  amp; Mauritz AB, on Thursday posted better than expected third-quarter profits and said sales were up despite lowered prices and competition


Stock market indicators turn positive as world oil prices retreat

TORONTO (CP) - With oil prices receding, North American stock markets seem poised to advance Thursday, the last day of the financial third quarter for many corporations.


Slight Rise in Prices

House prices rose by 0.2 per cent in September but the market remains subdued, says the Nationwide... September #39;s rise follows August #39;s modest 0.1 per cent increase, but annual house price inflation over the


Nigeria concerns support oil prices

Oil prices held steady Thursday, with worries over the security of Nigerian supplies lending support despite an unexpected expansion in US crude inventories.


KU grad #39;s team nears \$10 million rocket prize

Mojave, Calif. - A team of pilots and aerospace engineers on Wednesday took the first step toward a \$10 million prize by sending its rocket plane 64 miles above the Mojave Desert.


Integration champion enters open-source lists

A new start-up offering certification, testing and distribution of existing open-source software could become the Dell of the software industry.


Henin-Hardenne Pulls Out of Tournament (AP)

AP - Olympic champion Justine Henin-Hardenne pulled out of next week's Porsche Grand Prix in Germany because she is still ill from a virus which sidelined her earlier this year.


Indians Pitcher Shot

_ A pitcher for the Cleveland Indians is hospitalized in Kansas City after being shot in the leg on the team bus after last night #39;s game.


NL Wrap: Astros Take Lead in Wild Card Race

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Mark Loretta hit a bases-loaded  sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th to lift the San Diego  Padres a 4-3 win over the San Francisco Giants in National  League action on Wednesday.


Wounded Pilots Land Norway Plane After Axe Attack

An Algerian-born man attacked two pilots and a passenger with an axe on a domestic Norwegian flight on Wednesday in an unexplained assault that police said could be linked to his asylum status.


Typhoon Meari leaves 16 dead, 12 missing

Typhoon Meari swept across Japan Thursday, leaving 16 people dead and 12 missing in the country #39;s worst storm of the year. Casualties were especially high in four prefectures


EU welcomes Russian approval of Kyoto treaty

The European Commission welcomed Thursday the approval by Russia #39;s cabinet of the Kyoto Protocol Thursday, saying it is confident that it will be ratifed  quot;in the coming weeks.


EDITORIAL: Military talks on Siachen

The Indian defence minister, Pranab Mukherjee, has revealed that Indian and Pakistani military experts may soon discuss the Siachen issue.


Consumption Flat, Durable Spending Sinks (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. consumer spending was\unexpectedly flat in August, government data showed on\Thursday, as shoppers exercised restraint after splashing out\even more than previously thought during the previous month.


Merck Withdraws Arthritis Drug Vioxx (Reuters)

Reuters - Merck   Co.  said on Thursday\withdrew its arthritis drug Vioxx globally after a colon cancer\trial confirmed long-standing concerns the drug raises the risk\of heart attack and stroke.


Jobless Claims Rise on Hurricanes (Reuters)

Reuters - The number of Americans seeking\initial jobless benefits jumped by 18,000 last week, the\government said on Thursday, but it attributed the entire rise\to the effects of hurricanes that have battered the southern\United States.


Consumption Flat, Durable Spending Sinks

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. consumer spending was  unexpectedly flat in August, government data showed on  Thursday, as shoppers exercised restraint after splashing out  even more than previously thought during the previous month.


Chargers on top

Tucked away in the bottom left corner of the United States, the San Diego Chargers were easy to either forget or dismiss as the blueprint for NFL ineptitude.


Jobless Claims Rise on Hurricanes

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans seeking  initial jobless benefits jumped by 18,000 last week, the  government said on Thursday, but it attributed the entire rise  to the effects of hurricanes that have battered the southern  United States.


Ahold Settles with Dutch Prosecutors

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Retailer Ahold reached an 8 million  euros (\$9.85 million) settlement with Dutch public prosecutors  over charges of publishing false accounts.


Network Must Take Shape

The promise of a regional sports network that would televise Expos and Orioles games and funnel revenue to Peter Angelos enabled Washington to get the Expos.


Iraq to get \$436m emergency loan

The International Monetary Fund approves a \$436m emergency reconstruction loan for Iraq, the first loan from an international body.


Tax Benefits Lift PepsiCo Profit

PepsiCo, the world's No. 2 soft drink company, said quarterly profit rose due to tax benefits and a strong performance from its Frito-Lay snack business.


Stock Futures Drop After Merck News

US stocks futures tumbled on Thursday after drug company Merck  amp; Co. (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) announced it was recalling a key drug, indicating the market would open lower.


Iraq to get \$436m emergency loan

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved an emergency loan of \$436m (232m) to Iraq, the first from an international organisation.


PepsiCo Profit Up, Cuts Jobs, Shares Rise

PepsiCo Inc. , the world #39;s No. 2 soft drink company, said on Thursday quarterly profit rose due to \$221 million in tax benefits and strong performances from its key Frito


Tokyo, Hong Kong show gains

Oil price easing helps Nikkei snap nine-session slide; Hang Seng advances in pre-holiday trade. TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo #39;s Nikkei average rose 0.4 percent Thursday, snapping a nine-day slide on a technical


Cudicini on Wenger #39;s hit list

Chelsea reserve keeper Carlo Cudicini has emerged as a possible transfer window target for Arsenal next month. The Italian has fallen behind Petr Cech in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after the Czech stopper arrived at the club this summer.


NASA Salutes SpaceShipOne Team

quot;Burt Rutan and Paul Allen and the rest of the team are great examples of the kind of determination and creativity that is helping America achieve its exploration goals, quot; Administrator O #39;Keefe said.


Cheap flash drives, cheapest 1GB CF

IF YOU know of any good value IT sales (auctions, rebates, one-off, clearance, surplus, classified ads) going around in the United Kingdom, France, USA or Singapore, don #39;t hesitate to contact me, at least 24 hours before the sales end.


DEL NERI KEEN TO LIFT CASSANO

New Roma boss Luigi Del Neri is confident he can get the best out of temperamental striker Antonio Cassano. The ex-Chievo tactician is keen to open a successful chapter with the Roman club and expects the


Expos Lose to Marlins 9-1 in Team #39;s Final Home Game in Montreal

The Montreal Expos, the first Major League Baseball team based outside of the US, lost to the Florida Marlins 9-1 in the their final home game in Canada.


Film shows 10 new Iraq hostages

Video footage of 10 more hostages kidnapped in Iraq was today broadcast on the al-Jazeera television channel as the British government again said it would not negotiate to free Kenneth Bigley.


Blair faces wrath of Labour Party faithful over Iraq

BRIGHTON : Prime Minister Tony Blair was set to face the anger of rank and file members of his Labour Party over the Iraq war, as party officials tried to head off a motion calling for British troops to quit the country.


Car Bombs in Iraq Kill at Least 42, Wound 140

Insurgents detonated three car bombs near a US military convoy in southern Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 35 people and wounding around 140, many of them children, officials and doctors said.


Gurkha Soldiers Win Right to British Citizenship

Gurkhas, who have served with British army for nearly 200 years, won a landmark battle on Thursday to be able to settle in the UK and gain British citizenship.


Bills, Patriots have old, new scores to settle

TORONTO -- He surely thought of it dozens of times and apparently said it at least once. Given the chance yesterday, though, Bill Belichick wasn #39;t going to repeat out loud his opinion of Drew Bledsoe.


MCLEISH WILL STAMP OUT SLIP-UPS - HUGHES

Rangers midfielder Stephen Hughes insists manager Alex McLeish will lose no time in stamping out his sides unfortunate new habit of conceding early goals.


EUROPEAN TOUR GOLF LATEST BETTING ODDS UPDATE

Retief Goosen showed great class to take the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Sunday, when a closing 69 gave him victory by six clear shots.


Wealth in America

In what has become an annual ritual, Forbes Magazine has released its "400 Richest in America", a list of the wealthiest in a land which is simultaneously revered and reviled for its wealth. Between the lines are some suprisingly revealing truths about what it takes to be rich in America.


Merck withraws arthritis drug Vioxx

Merck (MRK) said Thursday that it is withdrawing its arthritis drug Vioxx globally following indications that the drug raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.


Tax Benefits Lift PepsiCo Profit

PepsiCo Inc. (PEP.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s No. 2 soft drink company, said on Thursday quarterly profit rose due to tax benefits and a strong performance from its key


Forstmann to Buy IMG, Talent Agency for Kate Moss, James Brown

Forstmann Little  amp; Co., the New York buyout form led by Theodore Forstmann, agreed to buy IMG, the talent agency representing fashion model Kate Moss and soul singer James Brown among


MS #39;s XPSE Due Here Next Year

Microsoft announced that Windows XP Starter Edition would be made available here early next year and at the same time Gartner has sent out a warning about XPSE.


How to reach space - on a pair of junkyard shocks

WINSLOW, ARIZ. - By 6:45 on a chilly desert evening, a deep indigo sky has squeezed what remains of the day into thin lines of pink and turquoise twilight along the horizon.


Sony begins sampling Blu-ray components

With the next-generation DVD race hotting up, Sony says that it will begin sampling optical pick-ups featuring blue laser diodes in December this year.


Digital music  #39;niche #39; market for foreseeable future, won #39;t replace <b>...</b>

While digital music revenues will grow to be eight per cent of the total European music market by 2009, the CD will remain the bedrock of music sales, according to a new report by market analysts Jupiter Research.


Nortel Will Cut 3,250 Jobs, 250 Fewer Than Expected (Update1)

Nortel Networks Corp., North America #39;s biggest maker of phone equipment, said it will pare 3,250 jobs, 250 fewer than it had predicted last month.


Expos off to Washington

WASHINGTON -- Canada #39;s loss is a capital gain. After three years of uncertainty, the Montreal Expos will have a new home in Washington.


Israel Plans Large-Scale Gaza Operation

Israel #39;s defense minister decided Thursday to launch a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip to stop Palestinian rocket fire on Israeli border towns, an Israeli radio station reported.


Blair faces anger of Labour Party delegates over Iraq

Prime Minister Tony Blair faced calls on Thursday for British troops to quit Iraq as delegates to his Labour Party #39;s annual conference vented their anger over last year #39;s US-led war.


British mobile phone firm mmO2 hikes revenue forecast (AFP)

AFP - Mobile telephone operator mmO2 raised its forecasts for British revenue growth but would not be drawn on an exact date for the launch of third-generation services in its domestic market.


Is Piracy Pushing Linux Sales? (PC World)

PC World - More PCs run the alternative OS, but many will end up with a pirated version of Windows, report says.


Merck Vioxx recall: analyst, investor reaction

Merck  amp; Co. (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday withdrew its arthritis drug Vioxx globally after a colon cancer trial confirmed long-standing concerns the drug raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.


Hennes  amp; Mauritz Net Rises 18 on European Expansion (Update4)

Hennes  amp; Mauritz AB, Europe #39;s largest clothing retailer, said fiscal third-quarter profit rose 18 percent, the fastest rate in five quarters, as a cooler summer spurred demand for jackets


Private rocket ship has wild ride in quest for \$10 million prize

MOJAVE, Calif. The builders of SpaceShipOne are trying to decide whether to proceed with another flight into space next week to win the 10 (m) million dollar X Prize.


Apple to launch Western Europe iTunes in October

Apple has announced it is to open a multi-nation European iTunes shop sometime in October. The computer manufacturer #39;s vice-president of applications, Eddie Cue, made the announcement yesterday at the Popkomm conference in Berlin.


HD-DVDs Closer to Mass Production

The Forum also approved the format #39;s logotype, which will now read as  #39;High Density #39; DVD rather than  #39;High Definition #39;.


AS Roma needs success against Inter after disastrous start to <b>...</b>

After sliding out of contention in the Champions League and opening its Serie A campaign with two defeats in four games, AS Roma and its new coach, Luigi Del Neri, desperately need points against archrival Inter Milan at Stadio Olimpico Sunday


MLB: Angels Take One Game Lead in American West Division

In Major League Baseball action Wednesday, the Anaheim Angels took a one-game lead in the American League West Division by beating the Texas Rangers, 8-7.


For Yanks, sweeping beauty

A division winner faced a division leader when the Twins played a doubleheader Wednesday in Yankee Stadium. However, it wasn #39;t exactly a playoff preview.


Syria to tighten security on Iraq border

Syria has agreed to tighten security along its borders with Iraq to block rebels from crossing into its neighbor country, a US Embassy official said Thursday.


UN Report On African Economies Calls for Boost to Manufacturing <b>...</b>

Africa is starting to enjoy economic growth again after years of dismal statistics, but to cut poverty and be more competitive its countries must invest more in manufacturing and improve their export performance, a major United Nations report on the


Mars Express Sees Chaos in the Canyon

The adage in space science is that one person's noise is another's signal. When the sun temporarily blocked Earth-Mars links, the orbital and surface science went into a deep sleep to protect from noise becoming a errant signal...


Calculating the Precise Distance to Doomsday

Today's close passage of the relatively large asteroid, Toutatis, has presented astronomers with a new ruler to measure solar system distances. By using two telescopes separated by hundreds of miles, the classic parallax method validates the asteroid's orbital path...


CFHT Unveils Stunning Image of the Cosmos

CFHT -- Twenty-five years ago, on September 28, 1979, the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) was inaugurated on top of Mauna-Kea, a 4,200-meter high dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii.     From the photographic emulsion of the first light to today's 340 Mega-Pixel digital camera, CHFT's instruments are cutting edge; its camera is the largest ever built in operation on a telescope...


Mars Drill Will Seek Knowledge and Resources

Johnson Space Center -- It will be drilling for information first, then for resources, though oil is not likely to be among exploration targets.     The futuristic drilling rig, under development at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston, is designed for use on the moon or on Mars...


Study Suggests Spaceflight May Decrease Human Immunity

NASA -- A NASA-funded study has found the human body's ability to fight off disease may be decreased by spaceflight. The effect may even linger after an astronaut's return to Earth following long flights...


New Implant Device Appears to Block Strokes

By LAURAN NEERGAARD    WASHINGTON (AP) -- A tiny tent-like device implanted into the heart appears to block strokes caused by a common irregular heartbeat, sealing off a spot where dangerous blood clots form, German and U.S. researchers reported Wednesday...


FDA to Study Adult Antidepressant Effects

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Food and Drug Administration will examine clinical trial data for thousands of depressed adults to see if they, like children, suffered increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors while taking antidepressants.    Dr...


Researchers Find Allergy-Free Soybean

By JIM PAUL    URBANA, Ill. (AP) -- Plant geneticist Ted Hymowitz knew that finding an allergy-free soybean would take a painstaking search through thousands of varieties...


Scientists Predict Eruption at Mount St. Helens

Scientists warn that a small or moderate blast could spew ash and rock as far as three miles from the crater around Mount St. Helens in the next few days. The volcano began rumbling more intensely Wednesday.


Will the US election matter to the IT sector?

Analysis Only slightly if at all


Car Bombs in Iraq Kill at Least 44 and Wound 200

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Insurgents killed at least 44 people,  most of them children, and wounded 200 with a series of car  bombs across Iraq Thursday.


Key debate ahead in US election

US President George W Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry are preparing for a key TV debate.


BA flight in emergency landing

A British Airways flight has made an unscheduled landing at Amsterdam's Schipol Airport.


Cricket: Zim race probe halted

A hearing into allegations of racism against the Zimbabwe Cricket Union is scrapped after a row over procedure.


Charges over Sudan 'coup plot'

Some 28 people are charged with trying to overthrow Sudan's President Bashir, reports say.


First space tug deal 'on cards'

The UK firm behind a space tug designed to extend the lifetimes of satellites, says it is confident of closing a deal on a commercial flight.


Dozens Killed in Multiple Bombings in Baghdad

Three car bombs were set off near an American military convoy in western Baghdad today, killing at least 35 people and wounding dozens.


Merck Announces Withdrawal of Vioxx Painkiller

Merck said it voluntarily pulled the drug after new data from a clinical trial found an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.


Israel Plans Large-Scale Gaza Operation

JERUSALEM - Israel's defense minister decided Thursday to launch a large-scale, open-ended military operation in the Gaza Strip to stop Palestinian rocket fire on Israeli border towns, an Israeli radio station reported.    Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz made the decision after consultations with army commanders and the Shin Bet security service, Israel Army Radio reported...


Is Piracy Pushing Linux Sales?

More PCs run the alternative OS, but many will end up with a pirated version of Windows, report says.


SanDisk Flashes New Memory Cards

Company also unveils a device that allows digital photographers to bypass the PC.


IM Worm Crawls Through JPEG Hole

Attack largely unsuccessful, but security experts warn of more to come.


Indians Pitcher Shot on Team Bus

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Sports Network) - Cleveland Indians  pitcher Kyle Denney was shot in the right calf late Wednesday  night after a bullet was fired at the team bus and grazed  another player.


Inventor of the World Wide Web Promotes Future Cooperation

The inventor of the World Wide Web told a technology conference on Wednesday that making the Web more useful hinges on a familiar challenge: Getting the players behind the technology to agree on standards governing how computers communicate with one another.


US Jobless Claims Up, Consumption Flat (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. claims for jobless benefits\jumped last week, while consumer spending was unexpectedly flat\in August as shoppers closed their wallets after splashing out\the previous month, the government said on Thursday.


US Jobless Claims Up, Consumption Flat

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. claims for jobless benefits  jumped last week, while consumer spending was unexpectedly flat  in August as shoppers closed their wallets after splashing out  the previous month, the government said on Thursday.


Oil Nears \$50 as Nigeria Worries Persist

LONDON (Reuters) - High-flying oil climbed back toward \$50  a barrel on Thursday, with worries over the security of  Nigerian supply supporting prices despite a surprise build in  U.S. crude inventories.


Nortel Cuts Fewer Jobs, Exits Real Estate

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Nortel Networks Corp. NT.TO said on  Thursday its cost-cutting plan will save \$500 million in 2005,  and even more in future years, as it eliminates fewer jobs than  forecast, but plans to exit real estate.


August Consumer Spending Flat

Hit with soaring gasoline prices, consumers shut their wallets in August, keeping overall spending flat after a revised 1.1 percent jump in the previous month.


Merck to Withdraw Vioxx Because of Heart Risks (Update1)

Merck  amp; Co. said it #39;s withdrawing its Vioxx painkiller, which generated \$2.5 billion in worldwide sales last year, because of data showing an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.


PepsiCo Net Rises 35; Frito-Lay Job Cuts Planned (Update1)

PepsiCo Inc., the world #39;s No. 2 soft- drink maker, said third-quarter earnings increased 35 percent, spurred by surging demand overseas.


SpaceShipOne ready for more

California - The pilot and designer of a private rocket plane say they are confident it could return to the sky next week in a quest to claim a multimillion-dollar prize.


IBM develops world #39;s fastest supercomputer: reports

NEW YORK, Sep 30, 2004 (Kyodo via COMTEX) -- International Business Machines Corp. has developed the world #39;s fastest supercomputer, US media reported Wednesday.


What #39;s missing in Microsoft IE?

com September 30, 2004, 4:00 AM PT. There #39;s no doubt the Internet will continue to make its mark in the world of business and technology.


Is Vieri #39;s Inter career over?

The chemistry between Adriano and Obafemi Martins raises questions further marks about Christian Vieri #39;s future at Inter Milan.


US hosts Croatia in next year #39;s Davis Cup 1st round

Top-seeded Spain plays at Slovakia, while No. 2 United States hosts Croatia in the opening round of next year #39;s Davis Cup World Group.


Twice as Nice: Rogers Wins World Championship Time Trial

This morning, Michael Rogers (Australia) received his 2003 World Championship Time Trial gold medal and rainbow jersey from UCI chief Hein Verbruggen.


Arthritis Drug Vioxx Being Pulled

The arthritis drug Vioxx, used by millions of people around the world, is being pulled off the market after a study confirmed long-standing concerns that it raises


Nortel Networks Corp. (NT.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Thursday its cost-cutting plan will save \$500 million in 2005, and even more in future years, as it eliminates fewer jobs than forecast, but plans to exit real estate.


US Jobless Claims Up, Consumption Flat

US claims for jobless benefits jumped last week, while consumer spending was unexpectedly flat in August as shoppers closed their wallets after splashing out the previous month, the government said on Thursday.


Consumer Spending Remains Flat in August

WASHINGTON Sept. 30, 2004 - Consumers were tight-fisted with their money amid soaring gasoline costs last month while hurricane-related disruptions sent applications for jobless benefits to their highest level in seven months.


US: PepsiCo Q3 figures on the rise

PepsiCo has posted a rise in Q3 revenue and operating profit. The drinks and snack company today (30 September) reported earnings for the three months to 4 September of US\$1.


Justice Department joins probe of AIG services to PNC

The US Department of Justice launched an investigation of accounting services the American International Group Inc. provided to PNC that may have violated securities laws, the company said.


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.


BA plane forced to land at Amsterdam airport

A British Airways flight from Berlin to London has made an unscheduled landing at Amsterdam #39;s Schiphol airport as a security precaution, the airline says.


Russia Backs Kyoto, Treaty May Enter Force Next Year (Update1)

The Russian government agreed to sign the Kyoto treaty, meaning the global climate accord probably will enter into force next year, irrespective of opposition from the US, the world #39;s biggest polluter.


Car bombs kill 34 children in Baghdad

Insurgents have detonated three car bombs near a US military convoy in Baghdad, killing 41 people, 34 of them children, and wounding scores.


34 children among 37 killed in Baghdad bombing; new hostages <b>...</b>

At least three bombs exploded near a US convoy in western Baghdad on Thursday, killing 34 children and three adults, a hospital official said.


PepsiCo Profit Up, Cuts Jobs; Shares Rise

NEW YORK (Reuters) - PepsiCo Inc. PEP.N, the world's No.  2 soft drink company, on Thursday said quarterly profit rose  due to tax benefits and strong performances from its key  Frito-Lay snack and North American beverage businesses and  raised its full-year profit forecast.


Jobless claims jump by 18,000

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The number of Americans filing for unemployment assistance rose by 18,000 last week, the government reported Thursday, as the figures that have fluctuated with the series of hurricanes on the East Coast came in above estimates.


Spacecraft reaches its goal on white-knuckle first leg

Kern County -- The first privately funded rocket to reach space completed the first half of a \$10 million flight competition Wednesday by soaring to an altitude of 64 miles -- but only after enduring a white-knuckle series of barrel rolls.


IBM prototype overtakes Earth Simulator as world #39;s most powerful <b>...</b>

IBM yesterday announced that a prototype supercomputer had surpassed the computing power of the NEC Earth Simulator in Japan, currently the world #39;s most powerful machine.


Staying alive

Petco Park turned a few Padres hitters into head cases early this season. On the flip side, the Padres have became one-run monsters in their \$474 million home.


There is no crying in baseball

Murphy, who went to the San Francisco Giants game when Barry Bonds hit his 700th homer Sept. 17, is suing Steve Williams. According to a story on ESPN.


Deadliest attacks in Iraq insurgency

BAGHDAD, Sept 30 (AFP) - At least 41 people were killed, most of them children, and scores wounded after three car bombs exploded in western Baghdad on Thursday, the latest in a string of bloody bombings in Iraq.


EDITORIALSMore defectors are on the way

On Wednesday, 44 North Korean defectors entered the Canadian Embassy in Beijing. There are points worth noting regarding the timing and size of this incident.


Beshir accuses US of supporting Darfur rebels

CAIRO - Sudanese President Omar el-Beshir has accused the United States of backing rebels  quot;to the hilt quot; in the country #39;s war-torn Darfur region and said the crisis there has been blown out of all proportion.


Dow gets Merck #39;d

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Merck #39;s withdrawal of its arthritis treatment sent the stock tumbling more than 25 percent and pushed the Dow into deeply negative territory at the open Thursday.


Nortel Details Previously Announced Cuts

TORONTO Sept. 30, 2004 - Nortel Networks Corp. gave details of a previously announced job cut program Thursday, saying it is cutting 1,400 in the United States by next June.


Fresh Del Monte Cuts 2004 Profit Forecast

Fresh Del Monte Inc. (FDP.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday cut its 2004 earnings forecast because of weak banana prices, high fuel costs and bad weather, among other factors.


British house price rises slightly for second month in September

British housing market grew slightly for the second month in succession in September, showing further evidence of checking effects by five interest rates hikes since last November


Sony Plans European Ad Blitz to Stifle iTunes

Sony Corp. next week will launch a marketing blitz in Europe for its new Connect music download store, its latest effort to derail the


500 million dollars lost in Internet 'phishing' scams in US (AFP)

AFP - US consumers and businesses have lost an estimated 500 million dollars to a relatively new Internet scam known as  quot;phishing, quot; according to a survey released this week.


Macs help Sky Captain save the day, win converts (MacCentral)

MacCentral - When Sky Captain -- hero of Paramount Pictures' hit film "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" -- swooped out of the sky in his P-40 Warhawk and protected New York City from an army of giant robots, he wasn't just convincing moviegoers to suspend their disbelief. He also helped convince visual effects supervisor Darin Hollings that Macs could carry the load just as easily as, or better than, the UNIX-based SGI and Linux-based PC workstations he previously used.


Microsoft Asks Judge to Suspend Penalties (Reuters)

Reuters - Microsoft asked a European Union\judge Thursday to freeze a European Commission order forcing it\to share technology with competitors, but a rival said the\software giant used to provide such information freely.


Edward C. Baig: Personal Tech - New iMac even more exquisite than last one (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - A softball tech question: Can you name the innovator whose gorgeously distinctive products earn praise from reviewers and almost cultish devotion from customers? The answer: Apple Computer.


Toxic Algae Bloom Seen Off Washington State Coast (Reuters)

Reuters - An unusually large toxic bloom of\algae, which could poison humans and taint shellfish, has been\detected in the ocean off the northwest coast of Washington\state, oceanographers said on Wednesday.


Recommendations to Combat Obesity in Kids (AP)

AP - The Institute of Medicine had recommendations for several groups to help stem childhood obesity:


From soup to nuts with Microsoft #8217;s collaboration chief

Interview Anoop Gupta


Iraqi PM: Elections to Go Ahead as Planned (Reuters)

Reuters - Elections will go ahead in Iraq next\January as planned, despite the violence ravaging the country,\interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said Thursday.


Natfoods  #39;worth more #39;

NATIONAL Foods hauled up the auction flag yesterday signalling that the Australian dairy giant could change hands for \$1.81 billion.


24 Dead in Gaza Strip Fighting (AP)

AP - Israeli troops pushed deep into the largest Palestinian refugee camp Thursday, a first in four years of fighting, after a Palestinian rocket killed two preschoolers in an Israeli border town.


BERLIN (Reuters) - Sony Corp. next week will launch a  marketing blitz in Europe for its new Connect music download  store, its latest effort to derail the runaway momentum of  Apple Computer's iTunes service.


Russian Move Clears Way to Bring Kyoto Into Force

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Russian government approved the  Kyoto Protocol Thursday, giving decisive support to the  long-delayed climate change treaty that should allow it to come  into force worldwide.